bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond second-order convergence in simulations of binary neutron stars in full general relativity
Authors: Radice David , Rezzolla Luciano , Galeazzi Filippo
Published: October 2013

Despite the recent rapid progress in numerical relativity, a convergence order less than the second has so far plagued codes solving the Einstein–Euler system of equations. We report simulations of the inspiral of binary neutron stars in quasi-circular orbits computed with a new code employing high-order, high-resolution shock-capturing, finite-differencing schemes that, for the first time, go beyond the second-order barrier. In particular, without any tuning or alignment, we measure a convergence order above three both in the phase and in the amplitude of the gravitational waves. Because the new code is already able to calculate waveforms with very small phase errors at modest resolutions, we are able to obtain accurate estimates of tidal effects in the inspiral that are essentially free from the large numerical viscosity typical of lower order methods, and even for the challenging large compactness and small-deformability binary considered here. We find a remarkable agreement between our Richardson-extrapolated waveform and the one from the tidally corrected post-Newtonian (PN) Taylor-T4 model, with a de-phasing smaller than 0.4 rad during the seven orbits of the inspiral and up to the contact point. Because our results can be used reliably to assess the validity of the PN or other approximations at frequencies significantly larger than those considered so far in the literature, at these compactnesses, they seem to exclude significant tidal amplifications from next to next-to-leading-order terms in the PN expansion.
First Report of the Root-Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne hispanica, Infecting Sunflower in Greece
Authors: Tzortzakakis E. A. , Anastasiadis A. I. , Simoglou K. B. , Cantalapiedra-Navarrete C. , Palomares-Rius J. E. , Castillo P.
Published: October 2013

Severe plant stunting, chlorosis, and extensive root galling were observed on sunflower (Helianthus annus Pioneer Hi-bred PR64LE19, Dupont) in a commercial field at Agios Athanasios, Drama Province, northeastern Greece at the end of May 2013. Disease symptoms were observed about 1.5 months after planting, and were distributed in patches that covered approximately 2% of the whole cultivated area. Examination of the soil and root samples from selected infected plants revealed the presence of abundant root-knot nematodes. Juveniles, males, and females were extracted by sieving, decanting, and root dissection for identification using morphological traits. Nematode population densities ranging from 100 to 150 J2s per 100 cm3 of soil, and 150 to 3,000 eggs per g of fresh sunflower roots were observed. Identification was confirmed by perineal patterns of females and by sequencing of the D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S ribosomal RNA gene (1,3,4). All identification methods were consistent with typical Meloidogyne hispanica. Morphology of perineal patterns of females and measurements of the second-stage juveniles (J2s) matched those of the original description of M. hispanica (3). Alignment indicated that the D2-D3 sequence (GenBank Accession No. KF501128) was 99% homologous to other sequences of M. hispanica deposited in GenBank from Brazil, Portugal, and Spain (EU443606, EU443608, and GQ375158, respectively), differing in only one nucleotide. Phylogenetic analyses using maximum likelihood of this sequence placed the Meloidogyne sp. in a highly supported (100%) clade that included all M. hispanica sequences available from the GenBank database (4). Root-knot nematodes in general have been reported to cause economic losses in sunflower in Europe (2), but there are no reports of M. hispanica. M. hispanica was first found in Seville Province, southern Spain, infecting rootstocks of Prunus spp. (3). Its distribution has been confirmed worldwide on different agricultural crops. However, to our knowledge, this is the first report of M. hispanica infecting sunflower in Europe and the first report of this species on any crop for Greece. The identification of M. hispanica in sunflower is relevant because it may represent a threat for sunflower production in Greece. Research to develop sunflower varieties resistant to root-knot nematodes should now also consider M. hispanica along with other species of Meloidogyne.

References: (1) K. R. Barker. Page 19 in: An Advanced Treatise on Meloidogyne. Vol. II, Methodology. K. R. Barker et al., eds. North Carolina State University Graphics, Raleigh, NC, 1985. (2) M. Di Vito et al. Nematol. Mediterr. 24:109, 1996. (3) H. Hirschmann. J. Nematol. 18:520, 1986. (4) B. B. Landa et al. Plant Dis. 92:1104, 2008.
Do human females use indirect aggression as an intrasexual competition strategy?
Authors: Vaillancourt Tracy
Published: October 2013

Indirect aggression includes behaviours such as criticizing a competitor's appearance, spreading rumours about a person's sexual behaviour and social exclusion. Human females have a particular proclivity for using indirect aggression, which is typically directed at other females, especially attractive and sexually available females, in the context of intrasexual competition for mates. Indirect aggression is an effective intrasexual competition strategy. It is associated with a diminished willingness to compete on the part of victims and with greater dating and sexual behaviour among those who perpetrate the aggression.
Maternal aggression in rodents: brain oxytocin and vasopressin mediate pup defence
Authors: Bosch Oliver J.
Published: October 2013

The most significant social behaviour of the lactating mother is maternal behaviour, which comprises maternal care and maternal aggression (MA). The latter is a protective behaviour of the mother serving to defend the offspring against a potentially dangerous intruder. The extent to which the mother shows aggressive behaviour depends on extrinsic and intrinsic factors, as we have learned from studies in laboratory rodents. Among the extrinsic factors are the pups’ presence and age, as well as the intruders’ sex and age. With respect to intrinsic factors, the mothers’ innate anxiety and the prosocial brain neuropeptides oxytocin (OXT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) play important roles. While OXT is well known as a maternal neuropeptide, AVP has only recently been described in this context. The increased activities of these neuropeptides in lactation are the result of remarkable brain adaptations peripartum and are a prerequisite for the mother to become maternal. Consequently, OXT and AVP are significantly involved in mediating the fine-tuned regulation of MA depending on the brain regions. Importantly, both neuropeptides are also modulators of anxiety, which determines the extent of MA. This review provides a detailed overview of the role of OXT and AVP in MA and the link to anxiety.
An experimental test of host specialization in a ubiquitous polar ectoparasite: a role for adaptation?
Authors: Dietrich Muriel , Lobato Elisa , Boulinier Thierry , McCoy Karen D.
Published: October 2013

The evolution of host specificity is considered to be an essential mechanism driving parasite diversity. It may be governed by adaptive constraints that lead to host‐dependent fitness trade‐offs. Alternatively, specificity may arise via transmission constraints that isolate parasite populations, without necessarily involving adaptation per se.

Here, we ask whether the repeated observation of host‐associated genetic races across the worldwide distribution of the seabird ectoparasite Ixodes uriae is associated with host adaptation.

We conducted a field‐based experiment to test for adaptive specialisation in host races of I. uriae. We transferred unengorged ticks of two life stages (nymphs and adults) originating from three host species (black‐legged kittiwake, common guillemot and Atlantic puffin) onto young kittiwake nestlings and followed attraction and attachment rates, engorgement times and feeding success of the transplanted ticks. All ticks were also typed genetically to match exploitation patterns with genetic differences among races.

Ticks from atypical hosts were significantly less attracted to nestlings than ticks from the typical host, and showed lower feeding success and higher mortality. The degree of host specificity matched patterns of neutral genetic variation among races, with puffin ticks being more specific than guillemot ticks. Differences in specificity were also apparent among tick life stages, suggesting that nymphal ticks may be less discriminating of host type than adult ticks.

Our results indicate that the genetic divergence previously observed among sympatric I. uriae host races is at least partially linked to adaptive specialisation to the host species and not simply to host‐mediated transmission. They also suggest that the adaptation process may evolve differently in different life stages based on trade‐offs with physiological constraints. The identification of the selective forces acting in host specialization will now be necessary to better characterize these patterns and to understand how transmission interacts with the adaptation process to generate parasite biodiversity.
In situ gene expression profiling of the thermoacidophilic alga Cyanidioschyzon in relation to visible and ultraviolet irradiance
Authors: Skorupa Dana J. , Castenholz Richard W. , Mazurie Aurélien , Carey Charles , Rosenzweig Frank , McDermott Timothy R.
Published: October 2013

Ultraviolet and high‐intensity visible radiation generate reactive intermediates that damage phototrophic microorganisms. In Yellowstone National Park, the thermoacidophilic alga Cyanidioschyzon exhibits an annual seasonal biomass fluctuation referred to as ‘mat decline’, where algal viability decreases as ultraviolet and visible irradiances increase during summer. We examined the role irradiance might play in mat decline using irradiance filters that uncouple ultraviolet and visible effects along with custom microarrays to study gene expression in situ. Of the 6507 genes, 88% showed no response to ultraviolet or visible, implying that at the biomolecular level, these algae inhabit a chemostat‐like environment and is consistent with the near constant aqueous chemistry measured. The remaining genes exhibited expression changes linked to ultraviolet exposure, to increased visible radiation, or to the apparent combined effects of ultraviolet and visible. Expression of DNA repetitive elements was synchronized, being repressed by visible but also influenced by ultraviolet. At highest irradiance levels, these algae reduced transcription of genes encoding functions involved with DNA replication, photosynthesis and cell cycle progression but exhibited an uptick in activities related to repairing DNA damage. This corroborates known physiological responses to ultraviolet and visible radiation, and leads us to provisionally conclude that mat decline is linked to photoinhibition.
A 21‐Locus Autosomal SNP Multiplex and its Application in Forensic Science
Authors: Hou Guangwei , Jiang Xianhua , Yang Yanyan , Jia Fei , Li Qiang , Zhao Jinling , Guo Fei , Liu Limin
Published: October 2013

To develop a cost‐effective technique for single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping and improve the efficiency to analyze degraded DNA, we have established a novel multiplex system including 21‐locus autosomal SNPs and amelogenin locus, which was based on allele‐specific amplification (ASA) and universal reporter primers (URP). The target amplicons for each of the 21 SNPs arranged from 63 base pair (bp) to 192 bp. The system was tested in 539 samples from three ethnic groups (Han, Mongolian, and Zhuang population) in China, and the total power of discrimination (TPD) and cumulative probability of exclusion (CPE) were more than 0.99999999 and 0.98, respectively. The system was further validated with forensic samples and full profiles could be achieved from degraded DNA and 63 case‐type samples. In summary, the multiplex system offers an effective technique for individual identification of forensic samples and is much more efficient in the analysis of degraded DNA compared with standard STR typing.
Relative Potency of Varenicline or Fluvoxamine to Reduce Responding for Ethanol Versus Food Depends on the Presence or Absence of Concurrently Earned Food
Authors: Ginsburg Brett C. , Lamb Richard J.
Published: October 2013

Background

Varenicline, a nicotinic partial agonist, selectively reduces ethanol (EtOH)‐ versus sucrose‐maintained behavior when tested in separate groups, yet like the indirect agonist fluvoxamine, this selectivity inverts when EtOH and food are concurrently available.

Methods

Here, we extend these findings by examining varenicline and fluvoxamine effects under a multiple concurrent schedule where food and EtOH are concurrently available in different components: Component 1 where the food fixed‐ratio was 25 and Component 2 where the food fixed‐ratio was 75. The EtOH fixed‐ratio was always 5. Food‐maintained responding predominated in Component 1, while EtOH‐maintained responding predominated in Component 2. In a second experiment, varenicline effects were assessed under a multiple schedule where food, then EtOH, then again food were available in separate 5‐minute components with fixed‐ratios of 5 for each reinforcement.

Results

In the multiple concurrent schedule, varenicline was more potent at reducing food‐ versus EtOH‐maintained responding in both components and reduced EtOH‐maintained responding more potently during Component 1 (when food was almost never earned) than in Component 2 (where food was often earned). Fluvoxamine was similarly potent at reducing food‐ and EtOH‐maintained responding. Under the multiple schedule, varenicline, like fluvoxamine, more potently decreases EtOH‐ versus food‐maintained responding when only food or EtOH is available in separate components.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that selective effects on drug‐ versus alternative‐maintained behavior depend on the schedule arrangement, and assays in which EtOH or an alternative is the only programmed reinforcement may overestimate the selectivity of treatments to decrease EtOH self‐administration. Thus selective effects obtained under one assay may not generalize to another. Better understanding the behavioral mechanisms responsible for these results may help to guide pharmacotherapeutic development for substance use disorders.
Skin and Plasma Autofluorescence During Hemodialysis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Graaff Reindert , Arsov Stefan , Ramsauer Bernd , Koetsier Marten , Sundvall Nils , Engels Gerwin E. , Sikole Aleksandar , Lundberg Lennart , Rakhorst Gerhard , Stegmayr Bernd
Published: October 2013

Skin autofluorescence (AF) is related to the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and is one of the strongest prognostic markers of mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate whether changes in skin AF appear after a single HD session and if they might be related to changes in plasma AF.

Skin and plasma AF were measured before and after HD in 35 patients on maintenance HD therapy (nine women and 26 men, median age 68 years, range 33–83). Median dialysis time was 4 h (range 3–5.5). Skin AF was measured noninvasively with an AGE Reader, and plasma AF was measured before and after HD at 460 nm after excitation at 370 nm.

The HD patients had on average a 65% higher skin AF value than age‐matched healthy persons (P < 0.001). Plasma AF was reduced by 14% (P < 0.001), whereas skin AF was not changed after a single HD treatment.

No significant influence of the reduced plasma AF on skin AF levels was found. This suggests that the measurement of skin AF can be performed during the whole dialysis period and is not directly influenced by the changes in plasma AF during HD.
Inhibitory effect of co‐administration of atorvastatin and endothelin‐1 receptor antagonist on the progression of atherosclerosis in rabbit
Authors: Sun Yu , Liu Jinwen , Yang Bo , Sai Xiaoyong , Li Tiande , Wang Dong , Zhou Rongbin
Published: October 2013

Atorvastatin, a hydroxymethylglutaryl‐CoA reductase inhibitor, and endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) receptor antagonist have been separately indicated to ameliorate disease progression in atherosclerosis. However, no study has evaluated the effect of their combination on atherosclerosis. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the direct in vivo effects of a combination regimen of atorvastatin and ET‐1 receptor antagonist on male New Zealand white rabbit models of atherosclerosis (injury‐induced). Thirty‐two atherosclerotic rabbits were divided into four experimental groups: (a) injury group – fed high‐fat diet; (b) ET‐1 receptor antagonist preventive group – fed high‐fat diet, but with intragastric administration of the ET‐1 receptor antagonist, darusentan; (c) combined preventive group – fed high‐fat diet, but with intragastric administration of both darusentan and atorvastatin; and (d) treatment group – fed high‐fat diet for the first 8 weeks, followed by normal diet and intragastric administration of both darusentan and atorvastatin up to 16 weeks. A further eight non‐atherosclerotic rabbits were fed normal diet and classified as the control group. At the end of 8 and 16 weeks, compared with the injury group, the combined preventive group had significant reduction in both the concentration of serum lipids and inflammatory factors and atherosclerosis formation, indicative of a multifaceted anti‐atherosclerotic impact. The relative area of atherosclerotic lesions in the injury group (30.84%) was significantly higher than the control group (4.62%; p < 0.05). The combined preventive group showed a significantly robust effect on lowering serum lipid, inflammatory cytokines, and maintained homeostatic balance of free radicals, and important downstream effectors like ET‐1 and matrixmetalloproteinase‐9. Our data show that atorvastatin and ET‐1 receptor antagonist co‐administration may decrease lipid levels, stabilize plaques and relieve vascular inflammation. By reducing the plaque burden, this regimen may minimize the risk of atherosclerotic plaque rupture or arterial occlusion.
In‐patient discharge rates for the irritable bowel syndrome – an analysis of national trends in the United States from 1997 to 2010
Authors: Sethi S. , Wadhwa V. , LeClair J. , Mikami S. , Park R. , Jones M. , Sethi N. , Brown A. , Lembo A.
Published: October 2013

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common out‐patient diagnoses in primary care and gastroenterology. There are limited data on the rate and costs associated with in‐patient discharges for IBS.

Aim

To estimate the incidence and costs of hospital discharges for IBS in the United States.

Methods

We analysed the National Inpatient Sample database for all subjects in which IBS (ICD‐9 code: 564.1) was the principal discharge diagnosis from 1997 to 2010. The National Inpatient Sample contains data from approximately 8 million hospital stays each year. Our findings reflected patient and hospital characteristics like geographical region and bed size.

Results

In 1997, there were 11 433 patients with a principal discharge diagnosis of IBS as compared to 12 842 in 2010 (P > 0.9, GoF test). The mean length of stay for IBS also remained the same between 1997 and 2010 at 3.7 ± 0.1 days. However, during this period, the mean hospital charges per hospitalization increased by 207.8% from $6873 ± 198 in 1997 to $21 153 ± 598 in 2010 (P < 0.01). The aggregate charges (i.e., ‘national bill’) for IBS increased by 245.5% from $78 524 129 ± 3 781 316 in 1997 to $271 311 405 ± 14 023 289 in 2010 (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

The number of in‐patient discharges and length of stay for IBS have remained relatively stable between 1997 and 2010, whereas the cost associated with these discharges has increased significantly. In‐patient costs associated with IBS contribute significantly to the total healthcare bill. Further research on the cost‐effectiveness of diagnostic procedures and therapies in IBS is required.
Omeprazole increased small intestinal mucosal injury in two of six disease‐free cases evaluated by capsule endoscopy
Authors: Fujimori Shunji , Takahashi Yoko , Tatsuguchi Atsushi , Sakamoto Choitsu
Published: October 2013

Recently, a report showed that proton‐pump inhibitors (PPI) exacerbate non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug‐induced small intestinal injury in the rat. In the present report of two human cases, small intestinal injuries were probably induced and/or exacerbated after PPI treatment. Case 1 was a 30‐year‐old healthy man in whom no small intestinal mucosal break was detected at baseline capsule endoscopy. After 2 weeks of omeprazole given 20 mg once daily, he was found to have two small intestinal mucosal breaks. Case 2 was a 40‐year‐old healthy man in whom six small intestinal mucosal breaks were detected at baseline capsule endoscopy. After 2 weeks of omeprazole given 20 mg once daily, 12 small intestinal mucosal breaks were detected. Follow‐up capsule endoscopy carried out 3 weeks after stopping omeprazole in case 2 showed seven small intestinal mucosal breaks were detected, showing restitution of the small intestinalmucosal injury. These two cases were obtained from a pilot study evaluating the effect of single administration of PPI on small intestinal mucosa in humans. In the pilot study, six healthy male volunteers were given omeprazole 20 mg for a period of 2 weeks. Small intestinal injury was evaluated before and after PPI treatment using capsule endoscopy. In four subjects other than the two above‐mentioned cases, no small intestinal mucosal breaks were found at both baseline and post‐treatment capsule endoscopy. Considering the two cases with increased or newly detected small intestinal mucosal breaks, omeprazole may exacerbate/induce small intestinal injury.
Genetic Analysis of GRIA2 and GRIA4 Genes in Migraine
Authors: Gasparini Claudia F. , Sutherland Heidi G. , Haupt Larisa M. , Griffiths Lyn R.
Published: October 2013

Background

Migraine is a brain disorder affecting ∼12% of the Caucasian population. Genes involved in neurological, vascular, and hormonal pathways have all been implicated in predisposing individuals to developing migraine. The migraineur presents with disabling head pain and varying symptoms of nausea, emesis, photophobia, phonophobia, and occasionally visual sensory disturbances. Biochemical and genetic studies have demonstrated dysfunction of neurotransmitters: serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate in migraine susceptibility. Glutamate mediates the transmission of excitatory signals in the mammalian central nervous system that affect normal brain function including cognition, memory and learning. The aim of this study was to investigate polymorphisms in the GRIA2 and GRIA4 genes, which encode subunits of the ionotropic AMPA receptor for association in an Australian Caucasian population.

Methods

Genotypes for each polymorphism were determined using high resolution melt analysis and the RFLP method.

Results

Statistical analysis showed no association between migraine and the GRIA2 and GRIA4 polymorphisms investigated.

Conclusions

Although the results of this study showed no significant association between the tested GRIA gene variants and migraine in our Australian Caucasian population further investigation of other components of the glutamatergic system may help to elucidate if there is a relationship between glutamatergic dysfunction and migraine.
Paracetamol induced Stevens‐Johnson syndrome – toxic epidermal necrolysis overlap syndrome
Authors: Biswal Sasmita , Sahoo Swayam Sourav
Published: October 2013

Background

Though any drug can be a potential cause of such hypersensitivity reactions, paracetamol, an over‐the‐counter drug used extensively as an analgesic and antipyretic agent, is considered to be relatively safe, with hepatotoxicity as a major adverse effect only in large doses.

Materials and methods

We report an instance of a severe case of SJS‐TEN overlap syndrome in a 12‐year‐old girl, induced by three over‐the‐counter doses of 500 mg of paracetamol taken at 8‐hour intervals for fever.

Results and discussion

Stevens‐Johnson Syndrome and its severe variant toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are idiosyncratic, delayed hypersensitivity inflammatory adverse drug reactions that are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However, treatment with antibiotics and intravenous corticosteroids along with supportive therapy improved the course of the disorder.

Conclusion

This case report addresses the fact that severe hypersensitivity reactions can occur with paracetamol, which can be potentially dangerous and life threatening. It is hence important for the clinicians to be alert to such severe hypersensitivity reactions even with drugs which are considered to be potentially safe such as paracetamol.
Interspecific patterns of phenotypic selection do not predict intraspecific patterns
Authors: Ott J. R. , Egan S. P.
Published: October 2013

We estimated linear (β) and nonlinear (γ) selection gradients to quantify host plant‐mediated selection on the trait gall size in each of 22 unequally sampled subpopulations of the cynipid gall wasp Belonocnema treatae. We characterized the relationship between variation in subpopulation sample size and the magnitude of and the variance among selection gradients. We then tested the hypothesis that the intraspecific patterns we observed would follow two patterns that have emerged from published estimates of linear and nonlinear selection gradients compiled across species, namely that the average magnitude of β and γ and the variance among estimated β and γ decrease with increasing sample size. For both β and γ, intraspecific patterns of phenotypic selection in relation to sample size were not predicted by interspecific patterns. Thus, our results suggest that when selection is heterogeneous among subpopulations, variation in the biological basis for selection is more important in influencing estimates of selection than is variation in study size. Our study highlights the value of inspecting selection in relation to sampling effort at the level at which understanding the sources of variation in selection is most important, among populations within species.
A Note on Instrumental Measures of Adhesiveness and Their Correlation with Sensory Perception
Authors: Brenner Tom , Nishinari Katsuyoshi
Published: October 2013

In this discussion paper, we shortly review the reasons that the instrumental texture profile analysis parameter adhesiveness and other instrumental adhesiveness measures generally fail to predict the textural perception of food adhesiveness. We refer to the literature to demonstrate the varying degree of correlation between instrumental and sensory measures of adhesiveness for different foods and different experimental procedures. We conclude that the measurement of sensory adhesiveness is in general difficult to imitate instrumentally, and is further complicated when large differences in texture attributes other than adhesiveness are present.

Practical Applications

The instrumental texture profile analysis and other instrumental methods are often used to estimate the adhesiveness of foods. Different measures of adhesiveness are appropriate for different stages of production or consumption. This discussion paper highlights the ambivalence inherent to instrumental estimation of adhesiveness as a predictive tool of textural adhesiveness, and explains factors that can compromise or invalidate the correlation between instrumental and textural adhesiveness parameters.
HAMP domain structural determinants for signalling and sensory adaptation in Tsr, the Escherichia coli serine chemoreceptor
Authors: Ames Peter , Zhou Qin , Parkinson John S.
Published: October 2013

HAMP domains mediate input–output transactions in many bacterial signalling proteins. To clarify the mechanistic logic of HAMP signalling, we constructed Tsr‐HAMP deletion derivatives and characterized their steady‐state signal outputs and sensory adaptation properties with flagellar rotation and receptor methylation assays. Tsr molecules lacking the entire HAMP domain or just the HAMP‐AS2 helix generated clockwise output signals, confirming that kinase activation is the default output state of the chemoreceptor signalling domain and that attractant stimuli shift HAMP to an overriding kinase‐off signalling state to elicit counter‐clockwise flagellar responses. Receptors with deletions of the AS1 helices, which free the AS2 helices from bundle‐packing constraints, exhibited kinase‐off signalling behaviour that depended on three C‐terminal hydrophobic residues of AS2. We conclude that AS2/AS2′ packing interactions alone can play an important role in controlling output kinase activity. Neither kinase‐on nor kinase‐off HAMP deletion outputs responded to sensory adaptation control, implying that out‐of‐range conformations or bundle‐packing stabilities of their methylation helices prevent substrate recognition by the adaptation enzymes. These observations support the previously proposed biphasic, dynamic‐bundle mechanism of HAMP signalling and additionally show that the structural interplay of helix‐packing interactions between HAMP and the adjoining methylation helices is critical for sensory adaptation control of receptor output.
Neither insects nor wind: ambophily in dioeciousChamaedoreapalms (Arecaceae)
Authors: Ríos L. D. , Fuchs E. J. , Hodel D. R. , Cascante‐Marín A.
Published: October 2013

Pollination of Neotropical dioecious trees is commonly related to generalist insects. Similar data for non‐tree species with separated genders are inconclusive. Recent studies on pollination of dioeciousChamaedoreapalms (Arecaceae) suggest that species are either insect‐ or wind‐pollinated. However, the wide variety of inflorescence and floral attributes within the genus suggests mixed pollination mode involving entomophily and anemophily. To evaluate this hypothesis, we studied the pollination ofChamaedorea costaricana,C. macrospadix,C. pinnatifronsandC. tepejilotein two montane forests inCostaRica. A complementary morphological analysis of floral traits was carried out to distinguish species groups within the genus according to their most probable pollination mechanism. We conducted pollinator exclusion experiments, field observations on visitors to pistillate and staminate inflorescences, and trapped airborne pollen. A cluster analysis using 18 floral traits selected for their association with wind and insect pollination syndromes was carried out using 52Chamaedoreaspecies. Exclusion experiments showed that both wind and insects, mostly thrips (Thysanoptera), pollinated the studied species. Thrips used staminate inflorescences as brood sites and pollinated pistillate flowers by deception. Insects caught on pistillate inflorescences transported pollen, while traps proved that pollen is wind‐borne. Our empirical findings clearly suggest that pollination of dioeciousChamaedoreapalms is likely to involve both insects and wind. A cluster analysis showed that the majority of studied species have a combination of floral traits that allow for both pollination modes. Our pollination experiments and morphological analysis both suggest that while some species may be completely entomophilous or anemophilous, ambophily might be a common condition withinChamaedorea. Our results propose a higher diversity of pollination mechanisms ofNeotropical dioecious species than previously suggested.
Non-Parametric and Adaptive Modelling of Dynamic Periodicity and Trend with Heteroscedastic and Dependent Errors
Authors: Chen Yu-Chun , Cheng Ming-Yen , Wu Hau-Tieng
Published: October 2013

Periodicity and trend are features describing an observed sequence, and extracting these features is an important issue in many scientific fields. However, it is not an easy task for existing methods to analyse simultaneously the trend and dynamics of the periodicity such as time varying frequency and amplitude, and the adaptivity of the analysis to such dynamics and robustness to heteroscedastic dependent errors are not guaranteed. These tasks become even more challenging when there are multiple periodic components. We propose a non-parametric model to describe the dynamics of multicomponent periodicity and investigate the recently developed synchro-squeezing transform in extracting these features in the presence of a trend and heteroscedastic dependent errors. The identifiability problem of the non-parametric periodicity model is studied, and the adaptivity and robustness properties of the synchro-squeezing transform are theoretically justified in both discrete and continuous time settings. Consequently we have a new technique for decoupling the trend, periodicity and heteroscedastic, dependent error process in a general non-parametric set-up. Results of a series of simulations are provided, and the incidence time series of varicella and herpes zoster in Taiwan and respiratory signals observed from a sleep study are analysed.
EGFR and IL-6R Cooperate
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: October 2013

The epidermal growth factor receptor sustains signaling by the cytokine interleukin-6.
Science Signaling
Podcast: 29 October 2013
Authors: Koch Walter J. , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: October 2013

Cardioprotection by
S
-nitrosothiols is mediated by inhibition of G protein–coupled receptor kinase 2.
Bite Me!
Authors: Vignieri Sacha N.
Published: October 2013

Grasshopper mice use the scorpion’s strength against it—instead of inducing pain, scorpion venom blocks pain.
Characteristic Age Distribution of Plasmodium vivax Infections after Malaria Elimination on Aneityum Island, Vanuatu
Authors: Kaneko Akira , Chaves Luis F. , Taleo George , Kalkoa Morris , Isozumi Rie , Wickremasinghe Renu , Perlmann Hedvig , Takeo Satoru , Tsuboi Takafumi , Tachibana Shin-Ichiro , Kimura Masatsugu , Björkman Anders , Troye-Blomberg Marita , Tanabe Kazuyuki , Drakeley Chris
Published: October 2013

Resurgence is a major concern after malaria elimination. After the initiation of the elimination program on Aneityum Island in 1991, microscopy showed thatPlasmodium falciparumdisappeared immediately, whereasP. vivaxdisappeared from 1996 onward, untilP. vivaxcases were reported in January 2002. By conducting malariometric surveys of the entire population of Aneityum, we investigated the age distribution of individuals with parasites during this epidemic in the context of antimalarial antibody levels and parasite antigen diversity. In July 2002,P. vivaxinfections were detected by microscopy in 22/759 individuals: 20/298 born after the beginning of the elimination program in 1991, 2/126 born between 1982 and 1991, and none of 335 born before 1982. PCR increased the number of infections detected to 77, distributed among all age groups. Prevalences were 12.1%, 16.7%, and 6.0%, respectively (P< 0.001). In November, a similar age pattern was found, but with fewer infections: 6/746 and 39/741 individuals were found to be infected by microscopy and PCR, respectively. The frequencies of antibody responses toP. vivaxwere significantly higher in individuals born before 1991 than in younger age groups and were similar to those on Malakula Island, an area of endemicity. Remarkably low antigen diversity (h, 0.15) ofP. vivaxinfections was observed on Aneityum compared with the other islands (h, 0.89 to 1.0). AP. vivaxresurgence was observed among children and teenagers on Aneityum, an age distribution similar to those before elimination and on islands whereP. vivaxis endemic, suggesting that in the absence of significant exposure, immunity may persist, limiting infection levels in adults. The limited parasite gene pool on islands may contribute to this protection.
Sleep well—be well study: improving school transition by improving child sleep: a translational randomised trial
Authors: Quach Jon , Gold Lisa , Arnup Sarah , Sia Kah-Ling , Wake Melissa , Hiscock Harriet
Published: October 2013

Introduction

The transition to primary school appears crucial for a child's future academic and psychological well-being. Addressing conditions which negatively affect children during this period, such as poor sleep, may improve these outcomes. Sleep problems are common and in a previous efficacy randomised controlled trial, we demonstrated that sleep problems can be identified and improved using school-based screening followed by a brief behavioural intervention. This trial will determine whether the same intervention is beneficial and cost-effective when delivered by an existing school-based health workforce.

Methods/design

We will recruit 334 children with sleep problems from approximately 40 schools after screening for behavioural sleep problems in the first year of formal education (Grade Prep). Schools in Melbourne, Australia will be invited to participate from a randomly ordered list of eligible schools and we will approach all caregivers of Grade Prep children. Children who have a parent-reported moderate or severe sleep problem will be randomised into either ‘usual care’ or ‘intervention’ groups. Trained nurses from the Primary School Nursing programme will deliver the sleep intervention programme.Intervention:Two to three contacts between the nurse and the parent; initial 45 min face-to-face meeting or phone call, 15 min phone call 2 weeks later and an optional second 30 min face-to-face meeting.Follow-up: 6 and 12 months postrandomisation using parent and teacher surveys and child face-to-face assessments.Primary outcome: child psychosocial functioning at 6 months.Secondary outcomes: child psychosocial functioning at 12 months and child sleep, behaviour, working memory, academic achievement and parent mental health at 6 and 12 months. Cost-effectiveness analysis will compare incremental costs to difference in child psychosocial functioning at 6 months.

Registration

International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number Register (ISRCTN92448857).
Development of pre-deployment primary healthcare training for Combat Medical Technicians
Authors: Parsons Iain T , Rawden M P , Wheatley R J
Published: October 2013

Introduction

To develop and run a primary healthcare (PHC) refresher package to address the range of clinical presentations to Combat Medical Technicians (CMTs) on deployment and improve their confidence and capability in providing PHC for Op Herrick 18, with particular regard to the first month of deployment.

Methods

A regimental level, two-and-a-half day refresher package was developed following analysis of PHC conditions most likely to be seen on Op HERRICK 18. It consisted of lectures and skill stations with written and case-based assessment phases to demonstrate effective and safe use of CMT clinical protocols on simulated patients. Internal feedback assessed the CMT's subjective understanding of each individual section. A qualitative questionnaire was used to retrospectively evaluate the package after 1 month of deployment.

Results

Immediate feedback showed that the refresher training was well received. Following the first month of deployment, CMTs who had attended the PHC refresher package felt more confident in managing PHC patients and felt they had received training for the majority of PHC conditions witnessed during their deployment in comparison with CMTs who had not.

Discussion

By delivering a training package acceptable to the majority of medics, we have increased the confidence and capability of CMTs in delivering PHC within the context of their protocols and prepared them for their first month of deployment. It suggests that PHC delivery can be improved by such a package and consideration should be given to formalising this into a military training qualification.
A RING-SCROLL CHUA SYSTEM
Authors: LI CHUNLAI , YU SIMIN , LUO XIAOSHU
Published: October 2013

In this paper, we propose a ring-scroll Chua system by introducing a generalized ring transformation. Some basic dynamical properties of this generalized ring transformation are discussed. The parameter regions and the periodic orbits, which are embedded in Chua chaotic attractor mapping to those in ring-scroll Chua chaotic attractor, are investigated, too. Moreover, the topological horseshoe of this system is investigated. Finally, the ring-scroll Chua chaotic attractor is physically implemented by using digital signal processors.
MODELING AND VERIFYING COMPOSITE DYNAMIC EVOLUTION OF SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURES USING HYPERGRAPH GRAMMARS
Authors: XU HONGZHEN , ZENG GUOSUN
Published: October 2013

As software systems become more and more complex, there is need to consider not only data structures and algorithms but also the general structure or architecture of the system. Many researchers have presently focused on dynamic evolution of software architectures. Most of them usually emphasized on describing and analyzing the dynamic evolution process of software architectures, while lacking formally modeling and verifying composite dynamic evolution of software architectures. In this paper, we propose a formal method of modeling and verifying composite dynamic evolution of software architectures using hypergraph grammars. We represent software architectures with hypergraphs, give out corresponding composite evolution rules of software architectures, and then model composite dynamic evolution of software architectures according to those rules. At last we verify the liveness property of composite dynamic evolution of software architectures using model checking, and give out corresponding verification algorithms. Our approach provides a graphical representation for composite dynamic evolution of software architectures, and displays a formal theoretical basis on grammars.
VORTICES IN BIOLOGICAL FLOWS
Authors: HUNG TIN-KAN
Published: October 2013

Vortices in flow past a heart valve, in streams and behind an arrow were realized, sketched and discussed by Leonardo da Vinci. The forced resonance and collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge under 64 km/h. wind in 1940 and the Kármán vortex street are classic examples of dynamic interaction between fluid flow and solid motion. There are similar and dissimilar characteristics of vortices between biological and physical flow processes. They can be analyzed by numerical solutions of the Navier–Stokes equations with moving boundaries. One approach is to transform the time-dependent domain to a fixed domain with the geometric, kinematic and dynamic parameters as forcing functions in the Navier–Stokes equations.
CONTROLLED ASYMMETRICAL DIFFERENTIATION OF MOUSE EMBRYOID BODIES IN MICROWELLS WITH DESIGNED HETEROGENEOUS BIOCHEMICAL FEATURES
Authors: QI HAO , XU FENG
Published: October 2013

We report a novel engineered microwells to spatially control differentiation of mouse embryoid bodies. With integrating multiple functionally distinct biomaterials by soft-photolithography technology, this method enables simple and reliable manufacture of biochemically heterogeneous microwells that are capable of regulating differentiation of stem cell in a spatial-specific manner. This simple technology offers a new dimension of spatial control over embryoid bodies development and has great potential in tissue engineering and biomedical applications.
HYDROTHERMAL SYNTHESIS AND ENHANCED VISIBLE-LIGHT PHOTOCATALYTIC ACTIVITY OF CdS QUANTUM DOTS SENSITIZED CARBON NANOTUBES (CNTs) NANOCOMPOSITE
Authors: LIU XINLIN , TANG YANFENG , MA CHANGCHANG , YAN YAN , LV PENG , YAO GUANXIN , WANG QIAN , YAN YONGSHENG
Published: October 2013

A new-type photocatalyst of cadmium sulfide carbon nanotubes ( CdS /CNTs) was prepared by the hydrothermal method. This as-prepared CdS /CNTs composite photocatalyst was proved to exhibit an excellent photocatalytic activity for degradation of tetracycline (TC). Specially, the 95%- CdS –5%-CNTs composite photocatalyst played the best degradation rate (81.2%) in 60 min under the visible light irradiation. Moreover, this 95%- CdS –5%-CNTs composite photocatalyst possessed great stability and could be used at least four cycles with almost no loss of photocatalytic efficiency. Furthermore, the as-synthesized CdS /CNTs composite photocatalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-Vis diffused reflectance spectra (UV-Vis), Raman and thermal gravimetry (TG). In addition, the possible mechanism and kinetics of photodegradation of TC with CdS /CNTs photocatalyst was also discussed.
DUAL SURFACE-FUNCTIONALIZED SUPERPARAMAGNETIC JANUS NANOCOMPOSITES OF POLYSTYRENE/Fe3O4@SiO2 VIA A ONE-POT MINIEMULSION METHOD
Authors: WANG FENG , WANG YILONG , SHI DONGLU
Published: October 2013

We report a straightforward synthesis of superparamagnetic Janus Polystyrene/ Fe 3 O 4@Silica ternary nanocomposites via a one-pot miniemulsion approach. The nanocomposites are dual functionalized simultaneously on the same physical carrier, with the carboxyl groups on the polystyrene surface while the silica region is functionalized with silano. With such a unique dual surface structure, it is possible to selectively functionalize multiple surfaces of a single carrier nanoparticle. Multifunctionality can be more readily achieved by this approach for biomedical applications. In this experiment, Doxorubicin is loaded on the silica region, as the model drug, for controlled release via a pH-responsive triggering mechanism. Meanwhile, the polystyrene surface is available for conjugating cancer-specific markers, which is needed for cell targeting. Also discussed are the reaction mechanisms and the key processing parameters in the synthesis of Polystyrene/ Fe 3 O 4@Silica nanocomposites.
Supercontinent integrity between 0.8 and 0.6 Ga: the nemesis of Rodinia?
Authors: Piper J. D. A.
Published: October 2013

The view that the pre-Phanerozoic continental crust records transient supercontinent cycles separated by intervals of diverse shield motion has dominated interpretation of the Precambrian aeon. Of two separated supercontinent intervals, the latter, ‘Rodinia’, is considered to result from Meso-Neoproterozoic accretion and progressive dismemberment by fragmentation after
c.
0.9 Ga. Although the present palaeomagnetic database does not permit this premise to be reliably tested by diverse relative movements, the alternative proposition that the crust comprised a quasi-integral lid during pre-Phanerozoic history is eminently testable because it demands conformity of poles to a single position or otherwise to a single apparent polar wander path (APWP). In the event, palaeomagnetic poles assigned to 0.8–0.6 Ga conform to a single (‘Franklin–Adelaide’) APW Track merging into a long interval (
c.
0.75–0.6 Ga) of near-static polar behaviour employing reconstruction parameters derived from pre-0.8 Ga data. This is supported by a robust independent indicator, namely the history of rifting to drifting at
c.
0.6 Ga as predicted from the subsidence histories of early Palaeozoic passive margins. Multiple environmental changes near the Precambrian–Cambrian boundary correlate with this transition. Evidence demonstrating that continental crust comprised a quasi-integral lid at 0.8–0.6 Ga with break-up confined to the Ediacaran Period is summarized. The Rodinia hypothesis postulating prolonged break-up from a contrasting reconstruction is shown to be fundamentally flawed and should now be discarded.
The Existence of Fixed Point Theorems via -Distance and -Admissible Mappings and Applications
Authors: Kutbi Marwan Amin , Sintunavarat Wutiphol
Published: October 2013

We introduce the concept of the generalized -contraction mappings and establish the existence of fixed point theorem for such mappings by using the properties of -distance and -admissible mappings. We also apply our result to coincidence point and common fixed point theorems in metric spaces. Further, the fixed point theorems endowed with an arbitrary binary relation are also derived from our results. Our results generalize the result of Kutbi, 2013, and several results in the literature.