bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the planar extensional motion of an inertially driven liquid sheet
Authors: Smolka Linda B. , Witelski Thomas P.
Published: April 2009

We derive a time-dependent exact solution of the free surface problem for the Navier–Stokes equations that describes the planar extensional motion of a viscous sheet driven by inertia. The linear stability of the exact solution to one- and two-dimensional symmetric perturbations is examined in the inviscid and viscous limits within the framework of the long-wave or slender body approximation. Both transient growth and long-time asymptotic stability are considered. For one-dimensional perturbations in the axial direction, viscous and inviscid sheets are asymptotically marginally stable, though depending on the Reynolds and Weber numbers transient growth can have an important effect. For one-dimensional perturbations in the transverse direction, inviscid sheets are asymptotically unstable to perturbations of all wavelengths. For two-dimensional perturbations, inviscid sheets are unstable to perturbations of all wavelengths with the transient dynamics controlled by axial perturbations and the long-time dynamics controlled by transverse perturbations. The asymptotic stability of viscous sheets to one-dimensional transverse perturbations and to two-dimensional perturbations depends on the capillary number (Ca); in both cases, the sheet is unstable to long-wave transverse perturbations for any finite Ca.
Twist grain boundaries in cubic surfactant phases
Authors: Belushkin Maxim , Gompper Gerhard
Published: April 2009

Twist grain boundaries in bicontinuous cubic surfactant phases are studied by employing a Ginzburg–Landau model of ternary amphiphilic systems. Calculations are performed on a discrete real-space lattice with periodic boundary conditions for the lamellar Lα, gyroid G, diamond D, and the Schwarz P phases for various twist angles. An isosurface analysis of the scalar order parameter reveals the structure of the surfactant monolayer at the interfaces between the oil-rich and water-rich regions. The curvature distributions show that the grain boundaries are minimal surfaces. The interfacial free energy per unit area is determined as a function of the twist angle for the G, D, P, and lamellar phases using two complementary approaches: the Ginzburg–Landau free-energy functional and a geometrical approach based on the curvature energy of a monolayer. For the Lα, G, and D phases the interfacial free energy per unit area is very small, has the same order of magnitude, and exhibits a nonmonotonic dependence on the twist angle. The P phase is found to be unstable with respect to the nucleation of grain boundaries.
Density functional theory, molecular dynamics, and differential scanning calorimetry study of the RbF–CsF phase diagram
Authors: Beneš O. , Zeller Ph. , Salanne M. , Konings R. J. M.
Published: April 2009

A multiscale modeling approach is developed to compute the phase diagram of the RbF–CsF binary system. The mixing enthalpies of the (Rb,Cs)F solid and liquid solutions are evaluated using density functional theory and classical molecular dynamics calculations, respectively. For the solid solution, 18 different configurations are studied with density functional theory and the surrounded atom model is applied in order to compute the configurational partition function. We also measure the solidus and liquidus equilibria using differential scanning calorimetry. Finally the RbF–CsF phase diagram is constructed using the calculated excess free enthalpies of the solid and liquid solutions and a very good agreement with our experimental data is found.
Simulated x-ray scattering of protein solutions using explicit-solvent models
Authors: Park Sanghyun , Bardhan Jaydeep P. , Roux Benoît , Makowski Lee
Published: April 2009

X-ray solution scattering shows new promise for the study of protein structures, complementing crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance. In order to realize the full potential of solution scattering, it is necessary to not only improve experimental techniques but also develop accurate and efficient computational schemes to relate atomistic models to measurements. Previous computational methods, based on continuum models of water, have been unable to calculate scattering patterns accurately, especially in the wide-angle regime which contains most of the information on the secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures. Here we present a novel formulation based on the atomistic description of water, in which scattering patterns are calculated from atomic coordinates of protein and water. Without any empirical adjustments, this method produces scattering patterns of unprecedented accuracy in the length scale between 5 and 100 Å, as we demonstrate by comparing simulated and observed scattering patterns for myoglobin and lysozyme.
Small angle x-ray scattering with a beryllium compound refractive lens as focusing optic
Authors: Timmann Andreas , Döhrmann Ralph , Schubert Tom , Schulte-Schrepping Horst , Hahn Ulrich , Kuhlmann Marion , Gehrke Rainer , Roth Stephan Volkher , Schropp Andreas , Schroer Christian , Lengeler Bruno
Published: April 2009

At BW4 at HASYLAB a beryllium compound refractive lens (Be-CRL) is used for the focusing in small-angle x-ray scattering experiments. Using it provides the advantages of higher long-term stability and a much easier alignment compared to a setup with focusing mirrors. In our investigations presented here, we show the advantages of using a Be-CRL in small-angle and also ultra small-angle x-ray scattering. We investigated the beam characteristics at the sample position with respect to spot size and photon flux. The spot size is comparable to that of a setup with focusing mirrors but with a gain in flux and better long-term stability. It is also shown that plane mirrors are still necessary to suppress higher order energies passing the monochromator.
Electrostatic interaction schemes for evaluating the polarizability of silicon clusters
Authors: Guillaume Maxime , Champagne Benoît , Bégué Didier , Pouchan Claude
Published: April 2009

Electrostatic interaction schemes have been applied to predict the evolution of the polarizability in Sin clusters of increasing size (n=3–19). Both on-site polarization and charge transfer effects have been included in the interaction scheme, of which the values have been compared to B3LYP/6-311G∗ and other first principles results. To reproduce the pattern of the variation of the B3LYP average polarizability per Si atom as a function of the cluster size, the atomic polarizability employed in the interaction scheme should amount to roughly 80% of the bulk atomic polarizability. However, this results in a systematic underestimation of the polarizability per Si atom by about 25%, whereas increasing the atomic polarizability value leads to excessive variations of the polarizability per Si with the cluster size. An improved agreement is obtained when incorporating a charge transfer contribution, at least for sufficiently large clusters, substantiating the fact that in large clusters electrostatic effects are dominant over quantum effects. This charge transfer atomic polarizability term has been modeled by a simple function, which evolves linearly with the difference of Cartesian coordinates between the atom and the center of mass and that has been verified using B3LYP/6-311G∗ calculations. In the case of the prediction of the polarizability anisotropy, a similar atomic polarizability corresponding to 80% of the bulk atomic polarizability has been shown suitable to reproduce the B3LYP results, whereas inclusion of charge transfer effects can slightly improve the agreement, provided the amount of charge transfer increases with the size of the cluster.
Photoluminescence properties of SiOx thin films prepared by reactive electron beam evaporation from SiO and silica nanoparticles
Authors: Gautam Devendraprakash , Koyanagi Emi , Uchino Takashi
Published: April 2009

A simple reactive evaporation technique is proposed to obtain highly efficient light emitting Si nanostructures. It is shown that structurally homogeneous SiOx thin films are synthesized by a reactive electron beam evaporation from a mixture of SiO and silica nanoparticles. These SiOx thin films result in the formation of Si nanocrystals on annealing under Ar atmosphere, exhibiting efficient photoluminescence (PL) emission. The composition of SiOx thin films is varied by changing the molar concentration of silica in the mixture. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared measurements demonstrate that a chemical reaction between SiO and silica nanoparticles occurs during electron beam irradiation, creating evaporated species in the form of SiOy, (1<y<2). The pivotal role of the homogeneous microscopic structure of as-deposited thin films on the resulting PL yield after annealing is proposed.
Coherent states in noncommutative quantum mechanics
Authors: Ben Geloun J. , Scholtz F. G.
Published: April 2009

Gazeau–Klauder coherent states in noncommutative quantum mechanics are considered. We find that these states share similar properties to those of ordinary canonical coherent states in the sense that they saturate the related position uncertainty relation, obey a Poisson distribution, and possess a flat geometry. Using the natural isometry between the quantum Hilbert space of Hilbert-Schmidt operators and the tensor product of the classical configuration space and its dual, we reveal the inherent vector feature of these states.
The effective magnetoelectric coefficients of polycrystalline Cr2O3 annealed in perpendicular electric and magnetic fields
Authors: Liu Y. Y. , Xie S. H. , Jin G. , Li J. Y.
Published: April 2009

Magnetoelectric annealing is necessary to remove antiferromagnetic domains and induce macroscopic magnetoelectric effect in polycrystalline magnetoelectric materials, and in this paper, we study the effective magnetoelectric properties of perpendicularly annealed polycrystalline Cr2O3 using effective medium approximation. The effect of temperatures, grain aspect ratios, and two different types of orientation distribution function have been analyzed, and unusual material symmetry is observed when the orientation distribution function only depends on Euler angle ψ. Optimal grain aspect ratio and texture coefficient are also identified. The approach can be applied to analyze the microstructural field distribution and macroscopic properties of a wide range of magnetoelectric polycrystals.
The influence of nanoscale atomic-layer-deposited alumina coating on the fatigue behavior of polycrystalline silicon thin films
Authors: Budnitzki M. , Pierron O.
Published: April 2009

The influence of atomic-layer-deposited alumina surface coatings on the fatigue of polycrystalline silicon thin films was investigated. Tests were performed on 2-μm-thick notched cantilever-beam structures actuated at resonance (∼40 kHz) that were coated with ∼20 nm of alumina deposited at 100 °C. The coated devices show a drastically different frequency evolution behavior as compared to uncoated specimens, while no surface oxide thickening during cycling is observed in bright-field transmission electron microscopy. Both results are consistent with a surface degradation mechanism for polycrystalline silicon fatigue such as the reaction-layer mechanism. The improved frequency evolution has the potential of increasing the performance of resonator-based microelectromechanical system sensors.
Resistive hysteresis and interface charge coupling in BaTiO3-ZnO heterostructures
Authors: Voora V. M. , Hofmann T. , Schubert M. , Brandt M. , Lorenz M. , Grundmann M. , Ashkenov N. , Schubert M.
Published: April 2009

We report on temperature, time, and voltage dependent resistive hysteresis measurements of BaTiO3-ZnO heterostructures grown on (001) Si substrates by pulsed laser deposition. We observe a diodelike behavior and cycling-voltage dependent hysteresis formation under forward bias. We explain these effects with depletion layer formation between the ZnO and BaTiO3 layers, an additional barrier due to the spontaneous polarization of ZnO and the ferroelectric nature of BaTiO3. The disappearance of the resistive hysteresis above the ferroelectric-paraelectric phase transition temperature of BaTiO3 conformed that the hysteresis is related to the ferroelectricity of BaTiO3. Time dependent resistance measurements reveal memory effects.
Innate immune-induced depletion of bone marrow neutrophils aggravates systemic bacterial infections
Authors: Navarini Alexander A. , Lang Karl S. , Verschoor Admar , Recher Mike , Zinkernagel Annelies S. , Nizet Victor , Odermatt Bernhard , Hengartner Hans , Zinkernagel Rolf M.
Published: April 2009

Neutrophils are the most abundant leukocytes in circulation and provide a primary innate immune defense function against bacterial pathogens before development of a specific immune response. These specialized phagocytes are short lived (12–24 hours) and continuously replenished from bone marrow. We found that if the host is overwhelmed by a high inoculum ofListeria monocytogenes,neutrophils are depleted despite high granulocyte-colony stimulating factor induction. In contrast to a low-dose innocuousL. monocytogenesinfection, high-dose Listeria challenge blocks neutrophil recruitment to infectious abscesses and bacterial proliferation is not controlled, resulting in lethal outcomes. Administering synthetic TLR2-ligand or heat-killed bacteria during the innocuousL. monocytogenesinfection reproduced these effects, once again leading to overwhelming bacterial propagation. The same stimuli also severely aggravatedSalmonella typhimurium,Staphylococcus aureus,andStreptococcus pyogenessystemic infection. These data implicate systemic innate immune stimulation as a mechanism of bone marrow neutrophil exhaustion which negatively influences the outcome of bacterial infections.
Alternatively activated macrophage-derived RELM-α is a negative regulator of type 2 inflammation in the lung
Authors: Nair Meera G. , Du Yurong , Perrigoue Jacqueline G. , Zaph Colby , Taylor Justin J. , Goldschmidt Michael , Swain Gary P. , Yancopoulos George D. , Valenzuela David M. , Murphy Andrew , Karow Margaret , Stevens Sean , Pearce Edward J. , Artis David
Published: April 2009

Differentiation and recruitment of alternatively activated macrophages (AAMacs) are hallmarks of several inflammatory conditions associated with infection, allergy, diabetes, and cancer. AAMacs are defined by the expression of Arginase 1, chitinase-like molecules, and resistin-like molecule (RELM) α/FIZZ1; however, the influence of these molecules on the development, progression, or resolution of inflammatory diseases is unknown. We describe the generation of RELM-α–deficient (Retnla−/−) mice and use a model of T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokine-dependent lung inflammation to identify an immunoregulatory role for RELM-α. After challenge with Schistosoma mansoni (Sm) eggs, Retnla−/− mice developed exacerbated lung inflammation compared with their wild-type counterparts, characterized by excessive pulmonary vascularization, increased size of egg-induced granulomas, and elevated fibrosis. Associated with increased disease severity, Sm egg–challenged Retnla−/− mice exhibited elevated expression of pathogen-specific CD4+ T cell–derived Th2 cytokines. Consistent with immunoregulatory properties, recombinant RELM-α could bind to macrophages and effector CD4+ Th2 cells and inhibited Th2 cytokine production in a Bruton's tyrosine kinase–dependent manner. Additionally, Retnla−/− AAMacs promoted exaggerated antigen-specific Th2 cell differentiation. Collectively, these data identify a previously unrecognized role for AAMac-derived RELM-α in limiting the pathogenesis of Th2 cytokine-mediated pulmonary inflammation, in part through the regulation of CD4+ T cell responses.
Drug inhibition of HDAC3 and epigenetic control of differentiation in Apicomplexa parasites
Authors: Bougdour Alexandre , Maubon Danièle , Baldacci Patricia , Ortet Philippe , Bastien Olivier , Bouillon Anthony , Barale Jean-Christophe , Pelloux Hervé , Ménard Robert , Hakimi Mohamed-Ali
Published: April 2009

Plasmodium and Toxoplasma are parasites of major medical importance that belong to the Apicomplexa phylum of protozoa. These parasites transform into various stages during their life cycle and express a specific set of proteins at each stage. Although little is yet known of how gene expression is controlled in Apicomplexa, histone modifications, particularly acetylation, are emerging as key regulators of parasite differentiation and stage conversion. We investigated the anti-Apicomplexa effect of FR235222, a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi). We show that FR235222 is active against a variety of Apicomplexa genera, including Plasmodium and Toxoplasma, and is more potent than other HDACi's such as trichostatin A and the clinically relevant compound pyrimethamine. We identify T. gondii HDAC3 (TgHDAC3) as the target of FR235222 in Toxoplasma tachyzoites and demonstrate the crucial role of the conserved and Apicomplexa HDAC-specific residue TgHDAC3 T99 in the inhibitory activity of the drug. We also show that FR235222 induces differentiation of the tachyzoite (replicative) into the bradyzoite (nonreplicative) stage. Additionally, via its anti-TgHDAC3 activity, FR235222 influences the expression of ∼370 genes, a third of which are stage-specifically expressed. These results identify FR235222 as a potent HDACi of Apicomplexa, and establish HDAC3 as a central regulator of gene expression and stage conversion in Toxoplasma and, likely, other Apicomplexa.
ProbeMatch: rapid alignment of oligonucleotides to genome allowing both gaps and mismatches
Authors: Jung Kim You , Teletia Nikhil , Ruotti Victor , Maher Christopher A. , Chinnaiyan Arul M. , Stewart Ron , Thomson James A. , Patel Jignesh M.
Published: April 2009

Summary: We have developed a tool, called ProbeMatch, for matching a large set of oligonucleotide sequences against a genome database using gapped alignments. Unlike most of the existing tools such as ELAND which only perform ungapped alignments allowing at most two mismatches, ProbeMatch generates both ungapped and gapped alignments allowing up to three errors including insertion, deletion and mismatch. To speedup sequence alignment, ProbeMatch uses gapped q-grams and q-grams of various patterns to identify target hits to a query sequence. This approach results in fewer initial sequences to examine with no loss in sensitivity. ProbeMatch has been used to align 169 095 Illumina GAII reads against the human genome, which could not be mapped by ELAND, and found alignments for 28 625 reads of the 169 095 reads in less than 3 h.

Availability: Source code is freely available at http://www.cs.wisc.edu/∼jignesh/probematch/

Contact:  jignesh@cs.wisc.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Quality of Reporting of Randomized Clinical Trials in Tai Chi Interventions—A Systematic Review
Authors: Li Jing-Yi , Zhang Yuan-Fen , Smith Gordon S. , Xue Chuan-Jiang , Luo Yan-Nan , Chen Wei-Heng , Skinner Craig J. , Finkelstein Joseph
Published: April 2009

Objectives. To evaluate the reporting quality of published randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in the Tai Chi literature following the publication of the CONSORT guidelines in 2001. Data Sources. The OVID MEDLINE and PUBMED databases. Review Methods. To survey the general characteristics of Tai Chi RCTs in the literature, we included any report if (i) it was an original report of the trial; (ii) its design was RCT; (iii) one of the treatments being tested was Tai Chi; and (iv) it was in English. In addition, we assessed the reporting quality of RCTs that were published between 2002 and 2007, using a modified CONSORT checklist of 40 items. The adequate description of Tai Chi interventions in these trials was examined against a 10‐item checklist adapted from previous reviews. Results. The search yielded 31 Tai Chi RCTs published from 2002 to 2007 and only 11 for 1992–2001. Among trials published during 2002–2007, the most adequately reported criteria were related to background, participant eligibility and interpretation of the study results. Nonetheless, the most poorly reported items were associated with randomization allocation concealment, implementation of randomization and the definitions of period of recruitment and follow‐up. In addition, only 23% of RCTs provided adequate details of Tai Chi intervention used in the trials. Conclusion. The findings in this review indicated that the reporting quality of Tai Chi intervention trials is sub‐optimal. Substantial improvement is required to meet the CONSORT guidelines and allow assessment of the quality of evidence. We believe that not only investigators, but also journal editors, reviewers and funding agencies need to follow the CONSORT guidelines to improve the standards of research and strengthen the evidence base for Tai Chi and for complementary and alternative medicine.
Target-strength, length, and tilt-angle measurements of Pacific saury (Cololabis saira) and Japanese anchovy (Engraulis japonicus) using an acoustic-optical system
Authors: Sawada Kouichi , Takahashi Hideyuki , Abe Koki , Ichii Taro , Watanabe Kazutoshi , Takao Yoshimi
Published: April 2009

Sawada, K., Takahashi, H., Abe, K., Ichii, T., Watanabe, K., and Takao, Y. 2009. Target-strength, length, and tilt-angle measurements of Pacific saury (Cololabis saira) and Japanese anchovy (Engraulis japonicus) using an acoustic-optical system. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 1212–1218. Pacific saury and Japanese anchovy generally congregate in dense groups or schools. An acoustic-optical system (the Japanese Quantitative Echosounder and Stereo-video Camera System or J-QUEST) has been developed to measure accurately the target strength (TS) of fish in a dense school. J-QUEST comprises a quantitative, 70 kHz, split-beam echosounder and a stereo-video camera. It was deployed from a research vessel to collect concomitant measures of TS and stereo images of in situ Pacific saury and Japanese anchovy. The stereo-video camera provides estimates of the fish lengths (L) and tilt-angles corrected for J-QUEST motion. In this way, empirical models of TS vs. log(L) were derived for Pacific saury and Japanese anchovy and compared with theory.
Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization vs. chemoinfusion for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with major portal vein thrombosis
Authors: KIM J. H. , YOON H.‐K. , KIM S. Y. , KIM K. M. , KO G.‐Y. , GWON D. I. , SUNG K.‐B.
Published: April 2009

Background  Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been limited in palliative treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with major portal vein (PV) invasion due to the possibility of liver failure following embolization. Transcatheter arterial chemoinfusion (TACI) has been an option in such cases.

Aim  To compare clinical outcomes after TACE vs. TACI in HCC patients with major PV occlusion.

Methods  We compared clinical outcomes after TACE vs. TACI in HCC patients with major PV occlusion. From 2005 to 2007, 110 HCC patients with major PV thrombosis were treated with TACE (n = 49) or TACI (n = 61).

Results  The morbidity rate was similar for both TACE (6.1%) and TACI (6.5%) patients, and complications were adequately managed using medical treatment. The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that the survival period was significantly longer for the TACE group (median: 14.9 months) than for the TACI (median: 4.4 months) group (P < 0.001). There was a higher probability of death in the TACI group than in the TACE group in both our multivariate Cox‐proportional hazards (OR 3.09, P < 0.001) and the propensity score‐matched (27 pairs) cohort analyses (OR 2.27, P = 0.024).

Conclusions  Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization can be safely performed in HCC patients with main PV occlusion. Compared with TACI, TACE may result in longer survival of HCC patients with major PV occlusion.
Periductal interleukin-17 production in association with biliary innate immunity contributes to the pathogenesis of cholangiopathy in primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Harada K , Shimoda S , Sato Y , Isse K , Ikeda H , Nakanuma Y
Published: April 2009

An innate immune response to bacterial components is speculated to be involved in the pathogenesis of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Recently, CD4-positive T helper type 17 (Th17) cells, characterized by the secretion of interleukin (IL)-17, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Human Th17 cells are generated from Th0 cells by IL-6 and IL-1β and maintained by IL-23. In this study, the role of IL-17 in PBC and its association with biliary innate immunity were examined. Using cultured human biliary epithelial cells (BECs), the expression of Th17-related cytokines and chemokines and changes therein on treatment with pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and IL-17 were examined. Immunohistochemistry for IL-17 and Th17-related cytokines was performed using tissue samples of human liver. Consequently, the expression of IL-6, IL-1β, IL-23p19 and IL-23/IL-12p40 mRNAs, and their up-regulation by PAMPs, were found in BECs. Moreover, BECs possessed IL-17-receptors and stimulation with IL-17 induced production of IL-6, IL-1β, IL-23p19 and chemokines. Several IL-17-positive cells had infiltrated damaged bile ducts and the expression of IL-6 and IL-1β was enhanced in the bile ducts of PBC patients. In conclusion, IL-17-positive cells are associated with the chronic inflammation of bile ducts in PBC which is associated causally with the biliary innate immune responses to PAMPs.
Modelling the respiration rate of fresh‐cut Annurca apples to develop modified atmosphere packaging
Authors: Torrieri Elena , Cavella Silvana , Masi Paolo
Published: April 2009

In this work, the effect of temperature, oxygen, red coloration process and post‐harvest storage time on the respiration rate of fresh‐cut Annurca apples was studied to properly develop modified atmosphere packaging. Our results showed that the red coloration process and the post‐harvest storage time did not affect the respiration rate or the respiratory quotient of fresh‐cut Annurca apples in the range of temperature studied (5–20 °C). A Michaelis–Menten‐type equation, with the model constants described by means of an Arrhenius‐type relationship, was used for predicting respiration rate on varying the temperature and O2 concentration in the head space. The maximal respiration rate (mL kg h−1) (RRmax) and the O2% corresponding to values estimated at the reference temperature (12.5 °C), i.e. the average of the experimental temperature ranges, were, respectively, 6.77 ± 0.1 mL kg−1 h−1 and 0.68 ± 0.07% v/v, and the activation energy of the aerobic respiration rate of fresh‐cut Annurca apples was estimated at 51 ± 1 kJ mol−1. The model works well to develop a modified atmosphere for fresh‐cut Annurca apples.
Negative synergism of rainfall patterns and predators affects frog egg survival
Authors: Touchon Justin Charles , Warkentin Karen Michelle
Published: April 2009

The importance of rainfall is recognized in arid habitats, but has rarely been explored in ecosystems not viewed as rainfall limited. In addition, most attempts to study how rainfall affects organismal survival have focused on long‐term rainfall metrics (e.g. monthly or seasonal patterns) instead of short‐term measures. For organisms that are short lived or are sensitive to desiccation, short‐term patterns of rainfall may provide insight to understanding what determines survival in particular habitats.

We monitored daily rainfall and survival of arboreal eggs of the treefrog Dendropsophus ebraccatus at two ponds during the rainy season in central Panama. Desiccation and predation were the primary sources of egg mortality and their effects were not independent. Rainfall directly reduced desiccation mortality by hydrating and thickening the jelly surrounding eggs. In addition, rainfall reduced predation on egg clutches.

To elucidate the mechanism by which rainfall alters predation, we exposed experimentally hydrated and dehydrated egg clutches to the two D. ebraccatus egg predators most common at our site, ants and social wasps. Ants and wasps preferentially preyed on dehydrated clutches and ants consumed dehydrated eggs three times faster than hydrated eggs.

Rainfall patterns are expected to change and the responses of organisms that use rainfall as a reliable cue to reproduce may prove maladaptive. If rainfall becomes more sporadic, as is predicted to happen during this century, it may have negative consequences for desiccation‐sensitive organisms.
Quantifying the effects of prey abundance on killer whale reproduction
Authors: Ward Eric J. , Holmes Elizabeth E. , Balcomb Ken C.
Published: April 2009

Management decisions for threatened and endangered species require risks to be identified and prioritized, based on the degree to which they influence population dynamics. The potential for recovery of small populations at risk may be determined by multiple factors, including intrinsic population characteristics (inbreeding, sex ratios) and extrinsic variables (prey availability, disease, human disturbance). Using Bayesian statistical methods, the impact of each of these risk factors on demographic rates can be quantified and assigned probabilities to express uncertainty.

We assessed the impact of a wide range of factors on the fecundity of two threatened populations of killer whales Orcinus orca, specifically whether killer whale production is limited by availability of Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha. Additional variables included anthropogenic factors, climate variables, temporal effects, and population variables (population size, number of males, female age).

Our results indicate that killer whale fecundity is highly correlated with the abundance of Chinook salmon. For example, the probability of a female calving differed by 50% between years of low salmon abundance and high salmon abundance. Weak evidence exists for linking fecundity to other variables, such as sea surface temperature.

There was strong data support for reproductive senescence in female killer whales. This pattern of rapid maturity and gradual decline of fecundity with age commonly seen in terrestrial mammals has been documented in few marine mammal species. Maximum production for this species occurs between ages 20–22, and reproductive performance declines gradually to menopause over a period of 25 years.

Synthesis and applications. Our results provide strong evidence for reproductive senescence in killer whales, and more importantly, that killer whale fecundity is strongly tied to the abundance of Chinook salmon, a species that is susceptible to environmental variation and has high commercial value to fisheries. This strong predator–prey relationship highlights the importance of understanding which salmon populations overlap with killer whales seasonally and spatially, so that those salmon populations important as prey for killer whales can be identified and targeted for conservation efforts.
Functionally Active Toll‐Like Receptor 3 on Human Primary and Metastatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Matijevic T. , Marjanovic M. , Pavelic J.
Published: April 2009

Toll‐like receptor 3 (TLR3) is a member of Toll‐like receptors who recognize structurally conserved molecules derived from pathogens and trigger the immune response. To clarify if TLR3, is expressed in certain tumour cell lines and whether it is functional and what is the response of these cell lines to different concentrations of poly I:C treatment, we have screened SW480, SW620, FaDu and Detroit 562 cell lines using real‐time PCR, flow cytometry and ELISA. We have shown that all these cell lines express TLR3 on mRNA and protein level but it is only functional in Detroit 562 cell line since only in these cells poly I:C treatment triggered the IL‐6 secretion. In addition, poly I:C treatment inhibited cell growth and triggered up‐regulation of IL‐12p40, IL‐8 and Il‐1α in Detroit 562 cell line. By using annexin‐V apoptosis detection kit, we have found that poly I:C triggers apoptosis in Detroit 562 cell line. We have found here that based on the results of TLR3 functionality there is a huge difference between FaDu and Detroit 562 cell lines which are of the same origin (pharynx) but FaDu is primary and Detroit 562 metastatic carcinoma. Our study also shows that Detroit 562 cell line could be a good model for cancer therapy research and development as it is responsive to TLR3 agonists which consequently drives it to apoptosis.
Immunological Determinants in a Mouse Model of Chemical‐Induced Asthma After Multiple Exposures
Authors: Vanoirbeek J. A. J. , Tarkowski M. , De Vooght V. , Nemery B. , Hoet P. H. M.
Published: April 2009

In a mouse model of chemical‐induced asthma, we investigated the effects of multiple challenges, using toluene diisocyanate (TDI), a known cause of occupational asthma. On days 1 and 7, BALB/c mice received TDI or vehicle (acetone/olive oil). On days 10, 13 and 16 the mice received an intranasal instillation of TDI. Ventilatory function (Penh) was monitored by whole body plethysmography for 40 min after each challenge. Reactivity to methacholine was measured 22 h later. Pulmonary inflammation, TNF‐α and MIP‐2 levels were assessed 24 h after the last challenge by broncho‐alveolar lavage (BAL). Other immunological parameters included total IgE, lymphocyte sub‐populations in auricular and cervical lymph nodes, and IL‐4, IFN‐γ and IL‐13 levels in supernatants of lymph node cells, cultured with or without concanavalin A. Early ventilatory function and airway reactivity increased in all groups that received a dermal application and one or multiple intranasal challenges of TDI. After multiple challenges, lung inflammation was characterized by neutrophils (∼15%), and eosinophils (∼4%), along with an increase in BAL MIP‐2 and TNF‐α levels. The auricular and cervical lymph node cells of all sensitized mice showed an increase in B cells, Th cells and an increased concentration of in vitro release of IL‐4, IFN‐γ and IL‐13 after stimulation with concanavalin A. Total serum IgE was elevated in dermally TDI‐sensitized mice. This protocol including multiple challenges results in a model that resembles human asthma, indicating that responses found in the model using a single challenge could be a good first indication for the development of asthma.
Effects of hydrology on the growth and physiology of an invasive exotic, Lygodium microphyllum (Old World climbing fern)
Authors: GANDIAGA S , VOLIN J C , KRUGER E L , KITAJIMA K
Published: April 2009

We conducted a glasshouse study to examine effects of hydrology on the growth and physiology of Lygodium microphyllum (Old World climbing fern), an invasive exotic that is rapidly colonising forested wetlands in Florida, USA. We assessed the fern’s growth and physiological responses to three hydrological treatments – flood, drought and field capacity. To further explore the physiology of the treatment responses of L. microphyllum, we also sprayed each plant with gibberellic acid, paclobutrazol (gibberellin inhibitor) or a water control solution (at a rate of 5 mL three times per week) using a 3 × 3 factorial design. Flooding reduced relative growth rate by 55%, whereas periodic exposure of ferns to a soil water potential of −1 MPa did not affect growth or physiology. Flooding led to substantial decreases in specific leaf area and area‐based rates of pinna photosynthesis, resulting in a 64% lower rate of photosynthesis per unit pinna mass. Application of growth regulators had no effect on fern growth, morphology or physiology. Even though flooding substantially reduced growth, L. microphyllum still showed a positive relative growth rate after >2 months of inundated soils. This apparent hydrological plasticity is likely a contributing factor to the introduced fern’s widespread establishment across a range of plant communities within the Florida Everglades ecosystem. Short‐term manipulation of site hydrology does not appear to be an effective management option. Consequently, this has considerable implications for the Everglades, which is undergoing a 30‐year system‐wide hydrological restoration.
Cholinergic optimization of cue‐evoked parietal activity during challenged attentional performance
Authors: Broussard John I. , Karelina Kate , Sarter Martin , Givens Ben
Published: April 2009

The detection of salient or instrumental stimuli and the selection of cue‐evoked responses are mediated by a fronto‐parietal network that is modulated by cholinergic inputs originating from the basal forebrain. Visual cues that guide behavior are more strongly represented in the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) than are similar cues that are missed or task‐irrelevant. Although the crucial role of cholinergic inputs in cue detection has been demonstrated by lesion studies, the role of PPC neurons in the cholinergic modulation of cue detection is unclear. We recorded extracellular spikes from PPC neurons of rats performing a sustained attention task, before and after selective removal of cholinergic inputs to the recording site. Visual cues that were subsequently detected evoked significant increases in the PPC firing rate. In the absence of cholinergic input, the activation of PPC neurons by detected cues was greatly diminished. When a visual distractor was introduced during task performance, a population of PPC neurons selectively responded to the distractor. As a result of cholinergic deafferentation, distractor‐related neuronal activity was enhanced, and the detection‐related activity was further suppressed. Thus, in deafferented subjects, the distractor lowered the signal‐to‐noise ratio of cue‐evoked responses. This impairment in cue‐evoked neuronal activity may have mediated the increased response latencies observed for detected cues in the presence of the distractor. Additional experiments demonstrated that the effects of cholinergic deafferentation were not confounded by extended practice or electrode depth. Collectively, these findings indicate that cholinergic inputs to PPC neurons amplify cue detection, and may also act to suppress irrelevant distractors.
Postnatal lesion evidence against a primary role for the corpus callosum in mouse sociability
Authors: Yang Mu , Clarke Andrew M. , Crawley Jacqueline N.
Published: April 2009

The BTBR T+tf/J (BTBR) strain is an inbred strain of mice that displays prominent social deficits and repetitive behaviors analogous to the defining symptoms of autism, along with complete congenital agenesis of the corpus callosum (CC). The BTBR strain is genetically distant from the widely used C57BL/6J (B6) strain, which exhibits high levels of sociability, a low level of repetitive behaviors, and an intact CC. Emerging evidence implicates compromised interhemispherical connectivity in some cases of autism. We investigated the hypothesis that the disconnection of CC fiber tracts contributes to behavioral traits in mice that are relevant to the behavioral symptoms of autism. Surgical lesion of the CC in B6 mice at postnatal day 7 had no effect on juvenile play and adult social approaches, and did not elevate repetitive self‐grooming. In addition, LP/J, the strain that is genetically closest to the BTBR strain but has an intact CC, displayed juvenile play deficits and repetitive self‐grooming similar to those seen in BTBR mice. These corroborative results offer evidence against the hypothesis that the CC disconnection is a primary cause of low sociability and a high level of repetitive behaviors in inbred mice. Our findings indicate that genes mediating other aspects of neurodevelopment, including those whose mutations underlie more subtle disruptions in white matter pathways and connectivity, are more likely to contribute to the aberrant behavioral phenotypes in the BTBR mouse model of autism.
Improvement of psoriatic onychodystrophy by a water‐soluble nail lacquer
Authors: Cantoresi F , Sorgi P , Arcese A , Bidoli A , Bruni F , Carnevale C , Calvieri S
Published: April 2009

Background  There is a strong need for effective products, simple to use and safe for a chronic use in the management of nail psoriasis. Recently, a non‐drug, water‐soluble nail lacquer became available, containing hydroxypropyl chitosan (HPCH), horsetail extract (Equisetum arvense) and methylsulphonyl‐methane (DMSO2). This product was effective in strengthening the nails and reducing fragility and roughness in brittle nails. A clinical trial was performed to verify whether this product was able to improve nail psoriatic signs and appearance.

Patients and methods  Thirty adult patients affected by mild to moderate symmetric psoriasis of the matrix and/or of the nail bed in at least one fingernail diagnosed more than 6 months before screening and with negative mycology findings were recruited. The nail lacquer was applied once daily on the affected fingernails of the left hand for 24 consecutive weeks. The right hand was used as control. The extent and severity of nail psoriasis was assessed on a target fingernail by means of the recently proposed Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) score. The value at baseline was 2.83 (± 0.99). At the end of treatment, the patients judged the treatment effect and their willing to continue product application. Adverse events were carefully recorded.

Results  Overall, 28 patients were included in the efficacy analysis. At the end of treatment, results showed a 72% reduction in pitting, 66% reduction in leukonychia, 63% reduction in onycholysis and a reduction of 65% in NAPSI score compared to baseline, respectively. No changes were observed in the untreated nails.

Patients’ treatment evaluation was classified as very satisfying or good by 78.6% of patients.

The acceptability of the treatment was excellent in all patients both for the easiness and for the organoleptic characteristics of the product and 75% of them decided to continue the application after the end of the study.

No adverse reactions were reported.

Conclusion  In our experience, the new water‐soluble nail lacquer proved to be effective in decreasing signs and symptoms of nail dystrophy in psoriatic patients. The effect was particularly evident on NAPSI and on pitting. The product was very well accepted by the patients.

Conflict of Interest

None declared.
Circumference reduction and cellulite treatment with a TriPollar radiofrequency device: a pilot study
Authors: Manuskiatti W , Wachirakaphan C , Lektrakul N , Varothai S
Published: April 2009

Background  A wide variety of treatments for circumference reduction and cellulite are available, but most procedures offer suboptimal clinical effect and/or delayed therapeutic outcome.

Objective  To determine the safety and efficacy of the TriPollar radiofrequency device for cellulite treatment and circumference reduction.

Methods  Thirty‐nine females with cellulite received eight weekly TriPollar treatments. Treatment areas included the abdomen, thighs, buttocks and arms. Subjects were evaluated using standardized photographs and measurements of body weight, circumference, subcutaneous thickness, and skin elasticity of the treatment sites at baseline, immediately after and 4 weeks after the final treatment. Physicians’ evaluation of clinical improvement scores using a quartile grading scale was recorded.

Results  Thirty‐seven patients (95%) completed the treatment protocol. There was significant circumference reduction of 3.5 and 1.7 cm at the abdomen (P = 0.002) and thigh (P = 0.002) regions, respectively. At 4 weeks after the last treatment, the average circumferential reductions of the abdomen and thighs were sustained. No significant circumferential reductions of the buttocks and arms at the last treatment visit compared to baseline were demonstrated (P = 0.138 and 0.152, respectively). Quartile grading scores correlating to approximately 50% improvement in cellulite appearance were noted.

Conclusions  Tripollar radiofrequency provided beneficial effects on the reduction of abdomen and thigh circumference and cellulite appearance.

Conflict of Interest

The authors have no financial interest in this article.
Carer Knowledge and Perceptions of Healthy Lifestyles for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Melville Craig A. , Hamilton Sarah , Miller Susan , Boyle Susan , Robinson Nicola , Pert Carol , Hankey Catherine R.
Published: April 2009

Background  Carers can have a significant impact supporting people with intellectual disabilities to make healthy lifestyle choices. This study examines carers’ training needs on diet and physical activity.

Methods  A cross‐sectional survey was undertaken of the knowledge and perceptions of carers supporting adults with intellectual disabilities. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to examine carer knowledge of public health recommendations on diet and physical activity; perceptions of the benefits of healthy diets and physical activity levels; and the carer views on the barriers to change experienced by individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Results  Sixty‐three carers took part in the study. They generally had a low level of knowledge around public health recommendations on diet and physical activity. Greater importance was attributed to the health benefits of diet than physical activity. Carers rated intrapersonal barriers to change within the person with intellectual disabilities as more important, than interpersonal or external barriers to change, with significant differences in perceived barriers relevant to diet and physical activity.

Conclusions  Carers supporting adults with intellectual disabilities have significant training needs relevant to promoting healthy lifestyles. This highlights the opportunity to promote health improvement via the development, and provision, of effective training initiatives.
Impact and Dynamics of Disease in Species Threatened by the Amphibian Chytrid Fungus,Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
Authors: MURRAY KRIS A. , SKERRATT LEE F. , SPEARE RICK , McCALLUM HAMISH
Published: April 2009

Abstract: Estimating disease‐associated mortality and transmission processes is difficult in free‐ranging wildlife but important for understanding disease impacts and dynamics and for informing management decisions. In a capture–mark–recapture study, we used a PCR‐based diagnostic test in combination with multistate models to provide the first estimates of disease‐associated mortality and detection, infection, and recovery rates for frogs endemically infected with the chytrid fungusBatrachochytrium dendrobatidis(Bd), which causes the pandemic amphibian disease chytridiomycosis. We found that endemic chytridiomycosis was associated with a substantial reduction (approximately 38%) in apparent monthly survival of the threatened rainforest treefrogLitoria pearsonianadespite a long period of coexistence (approximately 30 years); detection rate was not influenced by disease status; improved recovery and reduced infection rates correlated with decreased prevalence, which occurred when temperatures increased; and incorporating changes in individuals' infection status through time with multistate models increased effect size and support (98.6% vs. 71% of total support) for the presence of disease‐associated mortality when compared with a Cormack–Jolly–Seber model in which infection status was restricted to the time of first capture. Our results indicate that amphibian populations can face significant ongoing pressure from chytridiomycosis long after epidemics associated with initial Bd invasions subside, an important consideration for the long‐term conservation of many amphibian species worldwide. Our findings also improve confidence in estimates of disease prevalence in wild amphibians and provide a general framework for estimating parameters in epidemiological models for chytridiomycosis, an important step toward better understanding and management of this disease.