bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grain Size Effects on the Ferroelectric and Piezoelectric Properties of Na0.5K0.5NbO3 Ceramics Prepared by Pechini Method
Authors: Huo Shaoxin , Yuan Songliu , Tian Zhaoming , Wang Chuanhui , Qiu Yang
Published: December 2011

A series of lead‐free ceramics of Na0.5K0.5NbO3 with different grain sizes (800–2000 nm) were synthesized by Pechini method, and the effects of grain size on the microstructure, dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties were investigated. It was found that all the ceramics are of single phase with orthorhombic crystal structure at room temperature. The Curie temperature, dielectric constant, ferroelectric polarization, and piezoelectric constant were all strongly dependent on the grain sizes. It was observed that all the samples exhibited two‐phase transitions above room temperature: the paraelectric cubic to ferroelectric tetragonal phase transition (TC) and the ferroelectric tetragonal to orthorhombic transition (TO‐T). As the grain size increased, the TC increased from 357°C to a maximum value of 402°C, and then it decreased slightly with the further increase in grain size. However, the TO‐T exhibited an opposite variation. Moreover, the nature of the grain size effects on the electrical properties has been discussed.
Microscopic Investigation of Nanocrystalline Zeolite L Synthesized from Rice Husk Ash
Authors: Wong Jia‐Tian , Ng Eng‐Poh , Adam Farook
Published: December 2011

An investigation of aluminosilicate zeolite L (structure code LTL) nanocrystals converted from rice husk ash in template‐free system is reported. Crystallization evolution of the zeolite L was monitored and followed by X‐ray diffraction, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy techniques. It was found that fully crystalline zeolite L (Si/Al = 3.0) with square tablet morphology was nucleated at 4 h, and the crystals with a mean particle size of 210 nm was completely transformed from amorphous silica after 24 h of hydrothermal treatment.
Guidelines for dental radiography immediately after a dento‐alveolar trauma, a systematic literature review
Authors: Kullman Leif , Al Sane Mona
Published: December 2011

Abstract –  The objective with this study was to search for and to analyze the presence of scientific papers, guidelines, and recommendations in dental literature regarding which radiographs should be prescribed after a dento‐alveolar trauma. We know from earlier that guidelines and recommendations are available in general in dental traumatology. The International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) has earlier developed guidelines for the management of dental trauma cases in general. There are also recommendations about useful intraoral radiographic methods when caries and periodontal disease are studied. An additional objective was to provide some guidelines for general practitioners about the most accurate radiographic examination immediately after a dento‐alveolar trauma using intraoral radiographs or a common extraoral imaging method. Because radiographs are an important diagnostic tool for establishing a correct differential diagnosis after a trauma, radiographic guidelines and recommendations are of importance to be able to start the correct treatment. PubMed Central, Cochrane and World Wide Web were searched and the identified existing guidelines for different intraoral radiographic methods in dentistry were analyzed and found to be very few. Those that were identified were in general not so detailed and specific. In conclusion, we found an explicit need for more detailed guidelines regarding which intraoral and other dental radiographs should be prescribed initially in dental traumatology.
COMPOSITION, ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY AND MAIN FUNGITOXIC COMPONENTS OF THE ESSENTIAL OIL OF MENTHA PIPERITA L.
Authors: FREIRE MARCELO MOREIRA , JHAM GULAB NEWANDRAM , DHINGRA ONKAR DEV , JARDIM CAROLINA MARANGON , BARCELOS ROSIMEIRE COURA , VALENTE VÂNIA MARIA MOREIRA
Published: December 2011

Twenty‐one components (93.9% of the total chromatographic peak area) were tentatively identified in the essential oil (EO) of Mentha piperita L., based on Kováts retention indices (RIs), a mass spectral database (gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry, GC‐MS) and visual comparison of the mass spectra of the sample peaks with those of the database. The presence of 15 compounds (corresponding to 90.7% of the total chromatographic peak area) was confirmed by authentic standards. The EO presented a good activity against the following important postharvest deteriorating fungi: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus glaucus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceous, Colletotrichum gloesporioides, Colletotrichum musae, Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium semitectum. At a concentration of 0.2% of the EO, all the fungi were completely inhibited, except for A. glaucus and C. musae which were inhibited 90 and 98%, respectively. TLC‐bioautography yielded three subfractions that prevented fungal growth, suggesting the presence of antifungals. Bioassay data of the crude EO were compared with those of the three subfractions. Based on these tests, it was concluded that several fungitoxics were responsible for the antifungal activity of M. piperita, with the principal ones being menthone, neomenthol, menthol and carvone. However, participation of other compounds cannot be ruled out. This is the first study in the literature that presents data on the activity of the crude EO against eight important postharvest deteriorating fungi, characterizing the amounts and types of comounds. In addition, also for the first time, the active fractions of the crude EO were isolated, identified and the components quantified. More detailed fungal tests are being conducted to confirm the tentative preliminary antifungal data.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Deterioration of agricultural products provoked by fungi accounts for considerable loss of crops of economic importance. Presently, these fungi are controlled by toxic synthetic chemicals. The food industry has significantly reduced the use of chemical preservatives. EOs have been known for their biological activities for many decades and they should, in principle, not be toxic to man and could replace toxic synthetic fungicides. This study demonstrates the potential of M. piperita EO as antifungal against C. gloeosporoides, C. musae, F. oxysporum, F. semitectum, A. niger, A. flavus and A. glaucus. Further studies are underway to evaluate M. piperita EO as a feed preservative. In addition, its principal active compounds were isolated and characterized. Identification of such components also helps to understand the mode of action of the extract, which can lead to the discovery of new antifungal compounds.
COMPARISON OF EXCISION, SWABBING AND RINSING SAMPLING METHODS TO DETERMINE THE MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF BROILER CARCASSES
Authors: ZHANG QIU QIN , YE KE PING , XU XING LIAN , ZHOU GUANG HONG , CAO JIN XUAN
Published: December 2011

Skin excision, swabbing with cotton wool and whole carcass rinse are three common sampling methods of poultry carcasses. The objective of this study was to compare the three different sampling methods for enumeration and monitoring of bacteria on broiler carcasses. Total viable counts, Pseudomonas spp., lactic acid bacteria, Brochothrix thermosphacta and Enterobacteriaceae recovered by each sampling method were enumerated using the pour plate technique. Rinsing and excision recovered a similar level (P > 0.05) of the total viable counts, whereas swabbing yielded a lower level (P < 0.05). For Pseudomonas spp., lactic acid bacteria and B. thermosphacta, rinsing recovered the highest counts, followed by excision and finally the swabbing. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) to detect Enterobacteriaceae by the three methods. Polymerase chain reaction–denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR‐DGGE) was used to monitor bacterial constituents. Compared with rinsing, the dice coefficient was 69.2% for excision and 32.3% for swabbing. The results revealed that great differences existed among the sensitivity of microorganism detection by the three methods, rinsing > excision > swabbing. Considering the bacterial recovery and DGGE profile, rinsing seems to be the preferable sampling method for enumeration and monitoring of bacteria on broiler carcasses whereas swabbing is poor.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This work compared the efficiency of three sampling methods (excision, swabbing and rinsing) to evaluate bacteria on broilers using culture‐dependent and culture‐independent methods. The results indicate that whole carcass rinse would be a preferable sampling method to monitor the bacteria on broiler carcasses, especially using the culture‐independent method.
Letting the Counties Decide: Voter Turnout and the All‐Mail Option in the State of Washington
Authors: SOUTHWELL PRISCILLA L.
Published: December 2011

This research examines county‐level voter turnout in the state of Washington—a state where a majority of its counties have chosen to adopt an all‐mail electoral format over the past decade. Using the nearest neighbor match method to control for demographic and partisan variation among counties, this analysis of turnout in eight general and primary elections from 2004 to 2008 suggests that vote‐by‐mail has resulted in a modest boost in voter turnout during presidential election years and for special elections, but has little or no effect in congressional off‐year elections.

Este estudio examina la concurrencia de votantes a nivel condado en el estado de Washington—un estado donde la mayoría de sus condados han elegido adoptar un formato electoral por correspondencia durante la última década. Usando el método estadístico NNS para controlar por variaciones demográficas y partidistas entre los condados, este análisis de concurrencia electoral en ocho elecciones generales y primarias de 2004 a 2008 sugiere que el voto por correo ha resultado en un incremento modesto en el número de votantes durante los años de elecciones presidenciales y en elecciones extraordinarias, pero ha tenido poco o nulo efecto en elecciones congresionales.
Administrative Policy Initiatives and the Limits of Change: Lessons from the Implementation of the Bush Faith‐Based and Community Initiative
Authors: PERSONS GEORGIA A.
Published: December 2011

The Faith‐Based and Community Initiative (FBCI) was one of the most high profile domestic policy initiatives of the G. W. Bush administration and a unique exercise in administrative policy making. This analysis of federal‐level implementation examines the actions taken to operationalize the FBCI and to realize its goals of enabling faith‐based and community organizations (FBCOs) to provide social services with federal funding. Despite being labeled as social welfare policy, the FBCI was more a special‐purpose procurement policy. As an administrative policy initiative, the FBCI succeeded in those areas subject to the greatest level of executive branch influence: administrative rule changes and federal agency spending. These actions made for a legacy of success in establishing a reformed federal procurement environment for FBCOs. However, the FBCI was less successful in substantially altering the position of small, new‐entrant FBCOs in the competitive federal funding process relative to larger secular nonprofits.

La iniciativa con base en la fe y la comunidad (FBCI por sus siglas en inglés) fue una de las iniciativas de ley con mayor prominencia pública en la administración de G. W. Bush y un ejercicio único en la elaboración de políticas. Este análisis de una implementación a nivel federal examina las acciones tomadas para llevar a cabo el FBCI y cumplir sus objetivos de permitir que organizaciones comunitarias y religiosas (FBCOs por sus siglas en inglés) fueran capaces de brindar servicios sociales con el financiamiento del estado. A pesar de ser catalogada como una política de bienestar social, la FBCI fue una iniciativa con el propósito de obtener algo en específico. Debido al estatus de iniciativa política administrativa, la FBCI tenía influencia sobre las áreas de mayor autoridad ejecutiva: el cambio de reglas administrativas y el gasto de agencias federales. Estas acciones culminaron en el establecimiento de un sistema federal reformado pasa las FBCOs. Sin embargo, la FBCI tuvo menos éxito para alterar de manera sustancial la posición de nuevas y pequeñas FBCOs en el competitivo proceso de financiamiento federal en relación a organizaciones sin ánimo de lucro seculares.
Reintroduction of a neonatal Woolly monkey Lagothrix lagotricha at Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre, UK, following separation from mother by dominant male at birth
Authors: Barnes H. A.
Published: December 2011

In May 2010, a newborn ♂ Woolly monkey Lagothrix lagotricha at Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre, UK, was found being carried by the dominant ♂ (its father). Attempts were made to encourage the ♂ to return the infant to the mother but these were unsuccessful. Both parents were anaesthetized, and the infant was returned to the ♀ who went on to rear it successfully.
The impact of obesity in systemic lupus erythematosus on disease parameters, quality of life, functional capacity and the risk of atherosclerosis
Authors: RIZK Amal , GHEITA Tamer A. , NASSEF Sahar , ABDALLAH Abeer
Published: December 2011

Objective:  To study the effect of obesity on the quality of life (QoL), functional capacity and the risk of carotid atherosclerotic plaque formation in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and to correlate the findings with disease parameters, activity and damage.

Patients and methods:  Sixty SLE patients were clinically examined, investigated and their carotid intima media thickness (IMT) measured by ultrasonography. Assessment of the QoL, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ‐II), fatigue severity scale (FSS), the disease activity using Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and the damage by Systemic Lupus International Collaboration Clinics (SLICC)/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) damage index were performed on all patients. Patients were grouped according to their body mass index (BMI).

Results:  The mean age of the patients was 28.55 ± 8.08 years, disease duration 6.49 ± 5.18 years with a female : male ratio of 5.67 : 1. There was a significant association of increased BMI with lupus nephritis and hypertension. In obese SLE patients, there was a significant decrease in QoL and functional capacity and obvious dyslipidemia. The IMT was increased and significantly correlated with waist circumference.

Conclusion:  In SLE patients, there is an association of BMI with dyslipidemia and decreased QoL. Its role in disease activity is not clear and obesity was associated with SLE damage accrual, especially lupus nephritis among other risk factors, including age, disease duration and increased steroid use. Increased waist circumference increases the risk of atherosclerosis.
Individual variation in response to intraspecific competition: problems with inference from growth variation measures
Authors: Einum Sigurd , Forseth Torbjørn , Finstad Anders G.
Published: December 2011

1. The intensity of intraspecific competition may influence the growth of differently sized individuals to different extents. Measures of among‐individual variation in growth and body size are commonly applied to assess such effects. The measure chosen is then supposed to control for the effect of mean (also influenced by competition) on variance [e.g. coefficient of variation (CV)].

2. Although there is an appealing simplicity to this approach, interpretations of such data have some apparently unrecognised underlying complexities. Here we combine empirical data from salmonid fishes and simulations to illustrate this.

3. Simulations show that even if all individuals are equally affected by competition, CV of body mass will not be constant. In fact, the CV of body mass may either decrease or increase with increasing competition.

4. Using empirical data from growth experiments, where differences among replicates in mean growth was controlled by temperature rather than competitive intensity, we show that two salmonid fish species differ with respect to how SD growth scales with mean growth. Because this slope represents a possible null‐hypothesis, and will rarely be known, observed relations between competitive intensity and SD or CV growth are unlikely to yield information regarding size‐specific effects of competition.

5. Based on the empirical data, simulation results with respect to body mass variation showed that the relation between mean and CV final mass varied from positive to negative across species and scenarios.

6. Insights regarding size‐specific competitive effects appear unlikely to be obtained from measures of variation in either growth or body size. If attempts to do so are made, a positive correlation between SD body size and measures of competitive intensity (e.g. population density) does suggest that smaller individuals are more influenced by increased competition. However, this will be an extremely conservative test, because the appropriate null‐hypothesis is a negative correlation of unknown strength.

7. Future attempts to quantify relationships between body size and impacts of competitive intensity should employ more traditional analyses of variance on individual data (i.e. interactions between body size and competition on growth rates).
Clinical presentation, treatment and possible causes of persistent endometrial cups illustrated by two cases
Authors: Crabtree J. R. , Chang Y. , de Mestre A. M.
Published: December 2011

Persistent endometrial cups are relatively rare in the mare and the occurrence in 2 successive pregnancies, as described in this issue, is an intriguing finding. This article describes an additional 2 cases of endometrial cups persisting in excess of 12 months in mares that had experienced pregnancy loss. Both mares demonstrated irregular ovarian activity in the form of repeated formation of haemorrhagic anovulatory follicles. A definitive diagnosis was made by visualisation of cup tissue by hysteroscopy and demonstration of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) in the mares' serum. Biopsy of endometrial cups was made under visual direction and the mares were treated by chemical curettage with kerosene. The clinical presentation, treatment and possible causes of persistent endometrial cups are reviewed and discussed.
Post operative infection, pyrexia and perioperative antimicrobial drug use in surgical colic patients
Authors: FREEMAN K. D. , SOUTHWOOD L. L. , LANE J. , LINDBORG S. , ACETO H. W.
Published: December 2011

Reasons for performing study: Infections are common complications in post operative colic patients. It is the impression of some surgeons that pyrexia in the early post operative period is a sign of infection and appropriate timing of perioperative antimicrobials will decrease the incidence of post operative infection.

Objective: To determine the association between 1) post operative pyrexia and development of infection and 2) perioperative antimicrobial drug use and infection rate in post operative colic patients.

Methods: Medical records of patients undergoing surgical treatment for colic were reviewed. Horses recovering from surgery and surviving >48 h were included. Data relating to case details, duration of surgery, post operative infection, peri‐ and post operative antimicrobial administration, presence, intensity and duration of pyrexia, were recorded. Data were analysed using standard statistical methods for simple comparisons between groups and by logistic regression for more complex comparisons.

Results: One‐hundred‐and‐thirteen horses were included in the final analyses, 48 (43%) of which were diagnosed with a post operative infection. Duration of surgery and anaesthesia were associated with post operative infection. Eighty‐five percent of horses (n = 96) exhibited pyrexia (rectal temperature >38.3°C) post operatively. Peak temperature >39.2°C, time post surgery to peak temperature >48 h and duration of pyrexia >48 h were significantly associated with infection. In a combined model, time to first pyrexic >48 h post surgery, peak temperature and time to peak >48 h were equally weighted and the model's positive predictive value for post operative infection was 72%. Timing and dose rate of preoperative antimicrobials were not associated with infection but duration of post operative antimicrobial drug use was.

Conclusion and clinical relevance: Slight to mild pyrexia (38–39.4°C) in the early post operative period is not necessarily associated with impending bacterial infection in colic patients and the use of antimicrobials in these patients may be costly and unnecessary.
An investigation of adult attachment and the nature of relationships with voices
Authors: Berry Katherine , Wearden Alison , Barrowclough Christine , Oakland Lauren , Bradley Jonathan
Published: December 2011

Objectives. The study investigated associations between adult attachment and voice hearing. We hypothesized associations between insecure attachment, severity of voice hearing, and distress in relation to voices. We also hypothesized associations between attachment and the nature of relationships with voices.

Method. Seventy‐three participants with a diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum disorders completed measures of anxiety and avoidance in attachment relationships and we coded experiences of voice hearing from interviews.

Results. There were modest but significant positive associations between attachment anxiety and both severity and distress in relation to voice hearing, but no associations between attachment avoidance and these dimensions. We found evidence of predicted associations between attachment avoidance and themes of rejection, criticism, and threat in relationships with voices. Contrary to predictions, there were no significant associations between anxious attachment and the theme of control in relationships with voices and no association between anxious attachment and the theme of threat.

Conclusions. The study is promising in demonstrating some associations between attachment and the nature of relationships with voices. This suggests that the assessment of attachment styles may be a useful contribution in developing formulations of voice hearing.
Qualitative Equivalence Between Electrical Percolation Threshold and Effective Thermal Conductivity in Polymer/Carbon Nanocomposites
Authors: Baniassadi Majid , Ghazavizadeh Akbar , Rémond Yves , Ahzi Said , Ruch David , Garmestani Hamid
Published: December 2011

In this study, a qualitative equivalence between the electrical percolation threshold and the effective thermal conductivity of composites filled with cylindrical nanofillers has been recognized. The two properties are qualitatively compared on a wide range of aspect ratios, from thin nanoplatelets to long nanotubes. Statistical continuum theory of strong-contrast is utilized to estimate the thermal conductivity of this type of heterogeneous medium, while the percolation threshold is simultaneously evaluated using the Monte Carlo simulations. Statistical two-point probability distribution functions are used as microstructure descriptors for implementing the statistical continuum approach. Monte Carlo simulations are carried out for calculating the two-point correlation functions of computer generated microstructures. Finally, the similarities between the effective conductivity properties and percolation threshold are discussed.
Effect of Coated Rutile TiO2 and Disazopyrazolone Dye Additives on Unvulcanized Styrene Butadiene Rubber During Photo-Ageing
Authors: Mertz Grégory , Hassouna Fatima , Toniazzo Valérie , Dahoun Abdesselam , Ruch David
Published: December 2011

The effect of coated rutile titanium dioxide (TiO2) and a disazopyrazolone dye (azo dye) on the mechanism and the kinetic of photo-oxidation of unvulcanized styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) composites under accelerated UV-visible irradiation (λ > 290 nm at 35 °C) has been investigated using several techniques such as infrared spectroscopy, UV-visible spectrophotometry, and gel fraction measurements. Different photo-products resulting from the photo-ageing such as alcohol, ketone, or acids as well as cross-linked network were identified. The incorporation of TiO2 rutile and an azo dye into the matrix did not modify the mechanism of photo-oxidation. However, they have a significant effect on the kinetic of photoproducts accumulation. Both fillers protect the matrix from photo-oxidation. TiO2 rutile, thanks to its inorganic coating at the surface, dissipates part of the UV-visible radiation received by the polymer. The activity mechanism of azo dye consisting of a combination of its function as an antioxidant and light absorber, presents a better stabilizing effect compared with TiO2 rutile.
Atomistic-Continuum Modeling of the Mechanical Properties of Silica/Epoxy Nanocomposite
Authors: Mortazavi Bohayra , Bardon Julien , Ahzi Said , Ghazavizadeh Akbar , Rémond Yves , Ruch David
Published: December 2011

In this study, a hierarchical multiscale homogenization procedure aimed at predicting the effective mechanical properties of silica/epoxy nanocomposites is presented. First, the mechanical properties of the amorphous silica nanoparticles are investigated by means of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. At this stage, the MD modeling of three-axial tensile loading of amorphous silica is carried out to estimate the elastic properties. Second, the conventional twp phase homogenization techniques such as finite elements (FE), Mori-Tanaka (M-T), Voigt and Reuss methods are implemented to evaluate the overall mechanical properties of the silica/epoxy nanocomposite at different temperatures and at constant weight ratio of 5%. At this point, the mechanical properties of silica obtained in the first stage are used as the inputs of the reinforcing phase. Comparison of the FE and M-T results with the experimental results in a wide range of temperatures reveals fine agreement; however, the FE results are in better agreement with the experiments than those obtained by M-T approach. Additionally, the results predicted by FE and M-T methods are closer to the lower bound (Reuss), which is due to lowest surface to volume ratio of spherical particles.
COMPUTATIONS OF HEEGAARD-FLOER KNOT HOMOLOGY
Authors: BALDWIN JOHN A. , GILLAM WILLIAM D.
Published: December 2011

We compute the knot Floer homology of knots with at most 12 crossings, as well as the τ invariant for knots with at most 11 crossings, using the combinatorial approach described by Manolescu, Ozsváth and Sarkar. We review their construction, giving two examples that can be workout out by hand, and we explain some ideas we used to simplify the computation. We conclude with a discussion of knot Floer homology for small knots, and we formulate a conjecture about the behavior of knot Floer homology under mutation, paying especially close attention to the Kinoshita–Terasaka knot and its Conway mutant. Finally, we discuss a conjecture of Rasmussen on relationship between Khovanov homology and knot Floer homology, and observe that it is consistent with our calculations.
PRICE DISCRIMINATION AND PRIVACY: A NOTE
Authors: JOSHI SUMIT , SUN YU-AN , VORA POORVI L.
Published: December 2011

In many instances of price discrimination, a seller of an item is in possession of signals from competing buyers regarding their private valuation for the item. If the seller uses this information to price discriminate against the buyer, buyers would correspondingly modify their signalling strategy. Our paper shows that the seller can gain by sometimes strategically ignoring the information contained in the signals and pricing the item in a non-discriminatory way. This "mixed" strategy induces buyers to send more informative signals in equilibrium than if the seller were to always price discriminate. Thus the seller can offset any revenue loss in states where he ignores information by the gains made in states where he can price discriminate more effectively due to the larger amount of information now communicated in the signals.
A NOTE ON BAGWELL'S PARADOX AND FORWARD INDUCTION IN THREE CLASSIC GAMES
Authors: FERREIRA JOSÉ LUIS
Published: December 2011

Stackelberg-like games show a situation where there is a clear advantage in moving first. In a thought provoking article, Bagwell [1995] shows that this advantage may not be robust against imperfect observations of the first move. We explore these ideas in the context of forward induction in three classic games, namely, the outside option game, the game of burning a dollar before the battle of the sexes and the beer-quiche game.
A METHODOLOGY FOR PHYSICAL INTERCONNECTION DECISIONS OF NEXT GENERATION TRANSPORT NETWORKS
Authors: GUTIERREZ JOSE M. , RIAZ M. TAHIR , MADSEN OLE B. , DAVID MATHIEU , PEDERSEN JENS M.
Published: December 2011

The physical interconnection for optical transport networks has critical relevance in the overall network performance and deployment costs. As telecommunication services and technologies evolve, the provisioning of higher capacity and reliability levels is becoming essential for the proper development of Next Generation Networks. Currently, there is a lack of specific procedures that describe the basic guidelines to design such networks better than "best possible performance for the lowest investment". Therefore, the research from different points of view will allow a broader space of possibilities when designing the physical network interconnection. This paper develops and presents a methodology in order to deal with aspects related to the interconnection problem of optical transport networks. This methodology is presented as independent puzzle pieces, covering diverse topics going from novel design criteria to well-known organized topologies. These can be used to investigate the influence of the physical interconnection of networks over their performance properties, and draw conclusions to improve the current decision support techniques related to this theme. In addition, several examples of the use of this methodology are presented.
POWERS OF THE ETA-FUNCTION AND HECKE OPERATORS
Authors: CARNEY ALEXANDER , ETROPOLSKI ANASTASSIA , PITMAN SARAH
Published: December 2011

Half-integer weight Hecke operators and their distinct properties play a major role in the theory surrounding partition numbers and Dedekind's eta-function. Generalizing the work of Ono in [K. Ono, The partition function and Hecke operators, Adv. Math.228 (2011) 527–534], here we obtain closed formulas for the Hecke images of all negative powers of the eta-function. These formulas are generated through the use of Faber polynomials. In addition, congruences for a large class of powers of Ramanujan's Delta-function are obtained in a corollary. We further exhibit a fast calculation for many large values of vector partition functions.
A NEW BOUND FOR THE LARGE SIEVE INEQUALITY WITH POWER MODULI
Authors: HALUPCZOK KARIN
Published: December 2011

We give a new bound for the large sieve inequality with power moduli qk that is uniform in k. The proof uses a new theorem due to Wooley from his work [Vinogradov's mean value theorem via efficient congruencing, to appear in Ann. of Math.] on efficient congruencing.
A NOTE ON DENSITY AND THE DIRICHLET CONDITION
Authors: MARKO FRANTIŠEK , PORUBSKÝ ŠTEFAN
Published: December 2011

Motivated by topological approaches to Euclid and Dirichlet's theorems on infinitude of primes, we introduce and study [Formula: see text]-coprime topologies on a commutative ring R with an identity and without zero divisors. For infinite semiprimitive commutative domain R of finite character (i.e. every nonzero element of R is contained in at most finitely many maximal ideals of R), we characterize its subsets A for which the Dirichlet condition, requiring the existence of infinitely many pairwise nonassociated elements from A in every open set in the invertible topology, is satisfied.
PPARγPromotes Growth and Invasion of Thyroid Cancer Cells
Authors: Wood William M. , Sharma Vibha , Bauerle Kevin T. , Pike Laura A. , Zhou Qiong , Fretwell Deborah L. , Schweppe Rebecca E. , Haugen Bryan R.
Published: December 2011

Undifferentiated (anaplastic) thyroid cancer (ATC) is one of the most aggressive human malignancies and no effective therapy is currently available. We show here that PPARγlevels are elevated in cells derived from ATC. Depletion of PPARγin HTh74 ATC cells resulted in decreased cell growth, cell cycle arrest and a reduction in pRb and cyclin A and B1 levels. We further showed that both flank and orthotopic thyroid tumors derived from PPARγ-depleted cells grew more slowly than PPARγ-expressing cells. When PPARγwas overexpressed in more differentiated thyroid cancer BCPAP cells which lack PPARγ, there was increased growth and raised pRb and cyclin A and B1 levels. Finally, PPARγdepletion in ATC cells decreased their invasive capacity whereas overexpression in PTC cells increased invasiveness. These data suggest that PPARγmay play a detrimental role in thyroid cancer and that targeting it therapeutically may lead to improved treatment of advanced thyroid cancer.
Sample Preparation Techniques for the Untargeted LC‐MS‐Based Discovery of Peptides in Complex Biological Matrices
Authors: Finoulst Inez , Pinkse Martijn , Van Dongen William , Verhaert Peter
Published: December 2011

Although big progress has been made in sample pretreatment over the last years, there are still considerable limitations when it comes to overcoming complexity and dynamic range problems associated with peptide analyses from biological matrices. Being the little brother of proteomics, peptidomics is a relatively new field of research aiming at the direct analysis of the small proteins, called peptides, many of which are not amenable for typical trypsin‐based analytics. In this paper, we present an overview of different techniques and methods currently used for reducing a sample′s complexity and for concentrating low abundant compounds to enable successful peptidome analysis. We focus on techniques which can be employed prior to liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry for peptide detection and identification and indicate their advantages as well as their shortcomings when it comes to the untargeted analysis of native peptides from complex biological matrices.
The Fur Transcription Regulator and Fur‐Regulated Genes in Clostridium botulinum A ATCC 3502
Authors: Zhang Weibin , Ma Junhua , Zang Chengyuan , Song Yingying , Liu Peipei
Published: December 2011

Clostridium botulinum is a spore‐forming bacterium that can produce a very powerful neurotoxin that causes botulism. In this study, we have investigated the Fur transcription regulators in Clostridium botulinum and Fur‐regulated genes in Clostridium botulinum A ATCC 3502. We found that gene loss may be the main cause leading to the different numbers of Fur transcription regulators in different Clostridium botulinum strains. Meanwhile, 46 operons were found to be regulated by the Fur transcription regulator in Clostridium botulinum A ATCC 3502, involved in several functional classifications, including iron acquisition, iron utilization, iron transport, and transcription regulator. Under an iron‐restricted medium, we experimentally found that a Fur transcription regulator (CBO1372) and two operons (DedA, CBO2610–CBO2614 and ABC transporter, CBO0845–CBO0847) are shown to be differentially expressed in Clostridium botulinum A ATCC 3502. This study has provided‐us novel insights into the diversity of Fur transcription regulators in different Clostridium botulinum strains and diversity of Fur‐targeted genes, as well as a better understanding of the dynamic changes in iron restriction occurring in response to this stress.
Clinical and Laboratorial Features That May Differentiate 46,XY DSD due to Partial Androgen Insensitivity and 5α-Reductase Type 2 Deficiency
Authors: Veiga-Junior Nélio Neves , Medaets Pedro Augusto Rodrigues , Petroli Reginaldo José , Calais Flávia Leme , de Mello Maricilda Palandi , Castro Carla Cristina Telles de Sousa , Guaragna-Filho Guilherme , Sewaybricker Letícia Espósito , Marques-de-Faria Antonia Paula , Maciel-Guerra Andréa Trevas , Guerra-Junior Gil
Published: December 2011

The aim of this study was to search for clinical and laboratorial data in 46,XY patients with ambiguous genitalia (AG) and normal testosterone (T) synthesis that could help to distinguish partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (PAIS) from 5α-reductase type 2 deficiency (5α-RD2) and from cases without molecular defects in theARandSRD5A2genes. Fifty-eight patients (51 families) were included. Age at first evaluation, weight and height at birth, consanguinity, familial recurrence, severity of AG, penile length, LH, FSH, T, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), Δ4-androstenedione (Δ4), and T/DHT and T/Δ4 ratios were evaluated. TheARandSRD5A2genes were sequenced in all cases. There were 9 cases (7 families) of 5α-RD2, 10 cases (5 families) of PAIS, and 39 patients had normal molecular analysis ofSRD5A2andARgenes. Age at first evaluation, birth weight and height, and T/DHT ratio were lower in the undetermined group, while penile length was higher in this group. Consanguinity was more frequent and severity of AG was higher in 5α-RD2 patients. Familial recurrence was more frequent in PAIS patients. Birth weight and height, consanguinity, familial recurrence, severity of AG, penile length, and T/DHT ratio may help the investigation of 46,XY patients with AG and normal T synthesis.
Circulation
Editors' Picks
Authors:   The Editors
Published: December 2011

The following articles are being highlighted as part of
Circulation's
Topic Review series. This series will summarize the most important manuscripts, as selected by the editors, published in
Circulation
and the
Circulation
subspecialty journals. The studies included in this article represent the most read manuscripts published on the topic of imaging in 2009 and 2010.
Fathers have higher motivation for parenting than mothers in common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Saito Atsuko , Izumi Akihiro , Nakamura Katsuki
Published: December 2011

Parental care is necessary for infant mammals to survive because they are
born immaturely. In rodents, the retrieval of pups has been used to evaluate
the motivation for maternal behaviour. Common marmosets are cooperative
breeders and their parental or alloparental behaviour has been evaluated on
the basis of the frequency of carrying infants in a family group. However,
under such a situation, the amount of time spent on carrying did not
directly reflect the level of motivation for parental or alloparental
behaviour because of interference by other family members. To directly
evaluate the motivation for such behaviour in common marmosets, animals
should be tested where each subject is separated from other family members.
Although some groups have applied an infant-retrieval test in which an
infant is presented to the subject to evaluate the motivation of each
marmoset, there are no studies in which retrieval behaviour is compared
among family members. We adopted the infant-retrieval test to compare the
motivation for parental or alloparental behaviour among family members: 8
fathers, 8 mothers, 14 older brothers and 9 older sisters. We measured the
time from the infant presentation to the retrieval of the infant by each
subject as the index of the motivation. We conducted the test when the
infant age was 1–8 days old. All the fathers invariably retrieved their
infants promptly, but some mothers did not. This variation of responsiveness
of mothers was partially explained by the amount of their experience of
having their own infants. There was a tendency that inexperienced mothers
took a longer time to retrieve infants than experienced ones. Older siblings
took a significantly longer time to retrieve infants than fathers during the
first few days, but their latency became the same as that of parents in the
8-day test period. Our present findings indicate that the motivation for
retrieving infants differs between mothers and fathers. Fathers' motivation
is invariably high whereas mothers' is more variable, and that parental and
alloparental behaviour may change depending on experience.
Zebra finch nestlings beg more under better nutritional conditions
Authors: Krause E. Tobias , Honarmand Mariam , Naguib Marc
Published: December 2011

Providing parental care involves costs for the parents when investing
resources such as food and time to raise their offspring. In many species,
offspring communicate their need by begging signals which often are linked
to their physiological condition but also may be affected by the expectation
they may develop depending on previous parental behaviour. To test whether
or not offspring begging is affected by the food quality to which parents
have access, we experimentally manipulated the early nutritional conditions
of zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) nestlings by providing
the parents with either a low or a high quality diet. We expected that lower
early nutritional conditions increase begging behaviour resulting from a
presumed higher nestling need. Yet, the experiments revealed that broods of
nestlings begged more intensely when they were raised on a high compared to
a low quality diet. Nestlings raised under high quality food conditions may
have a higher begging intensity due to their higher need associated with a
fast growth trajectory. Likewise, lower begging intensity by nestlings
raised on low quality food might result from a general delay in development,
or nestlings adjusted their begging to behavioural adjustments made by
parents as a response to the different diets. These findings highlight that
begging signals can be affected by a complex set of factors and expands the
classical view of signalling need. Begging call rates can increase with
offspring condition and with their expectations about the quality of food
that can be provided by the parents.
A comparison of prairie vole audible and ultrasonic pup calls and attraction to them by adults of each sex
Authors: Terleph Thomas A.
Published: December 2011

Rodent pups of many species emit both ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) and calls spanning into a lower frequency range, audible to humans (AUDs), yet there has been little systematic comparison of these different call types, or analyses of how they might differ in signal function. Here the spectral and temporal characteristics of USV and AUD pup calls are described for the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster), a model used in studies of monogamous mating and biparental care, and a species with an unusually large functional and anatomical representation of auditory cortex. Findings provide a detailed description of each call type, including changes to a number of USV characteristics over pup development. Adult attraction to the playback of these two call types was tested in groups that differed in regards to sex and reproductive status. Separate groups included virgins as well as paired animals of each sex, tested at time points either prior to the birth of pups (associated with either mid or late gestation), or at postpartum time points (parents of 2–3 day olds and parents of 8–9 day olds). Adults were attracted to both USVs and AUDs, but group differences were found only in the attraction to USVs. Males were more attracted to USVs than females, and there were interactions of sex and reproductive status. Results suggest that pup vocal communication is quite sophisticated, and that USVs and AUDs may have different communicative functions.
Can male white-faced saki monkeys (Pithecia pithecia) detect female reproductive state?
Authors: Thompson C.L. , Whitten P.L. , Norconk M.A.
Published: December 2011

For mammalian males, copulating with females during ovulation is critical to
reproductive success. However male knowledge of ovulation may not always be
advantageous for females, as it could hinder mate choice or promote
harassment. White-faced saki monkeys live in variably monogamous and
polygamous social groups and hence females may have multiple motivations to
conceal ovulatory timing. White-faced sakis further show no obvious physical
or behavioral signs of ovulation, although they do use scent in a variety of
contexts, including sexual behavior. We collected data on three wild groups
of white-faced sakis at Brownsberg Naturepark, Suriname in order to assess
whether male copulations are coordinated with female ovulatory timing. We
recorded all occurrences of copulations and genital inspections, and
collected fecal samples from females which were radioimmunoassayed to obtain
estradiol and progesterone levels. We found that males copulated throughout
the female reproductive cycle, although the association between copulation
and reproductive state varied between dyads. Only one male–female dyad
showed significantly more copulations than expected during ovulation.
However four of five dyads copulated less than expected with pregnant
females, suggesting that males may be able to differentiate cycling from
non-cycling females. While genital inspections were distributed randomly
with regard to female reproductive state, the decision to copulate was not:
males were more likely to mate with both ovulating and cycling females than
with non-cycling females after genital inspection. Regardless, males were
not more likely to copulate with an ovulating vs. a cycling (non-ovulating)
female. These data indicate that while males may receive olfactory
information on female hormonal status, they do not make entirely accurate
decisions with regard to copulation timing. This inaccuracy may be due to
males' inability to detect ovulation, or alternately a lack of motivation to
limit copulations solely to conceptive periods. Pair familiarity and sexual
experience may also play a role in copulation accuracy.
Carotenoid-based plumage colouration in red bishops (Euplectes orix) — signalling presence rather than quality?
Authors: Edler Alice U. , Friedl Thomas W.P.
Published: December 2011

The role of bright plumage colouration for female choice has been the focus of research in sexual selection for many years, with several studies showing that females prefer the most elaborately ornamented males, which are often also the highest quality individuals. Here, we analysed the associations between reproductive performance and plumage, body condition and blood parasite load in the red bishop (Euplectes orix), a sexually dimorphic and polygynous weaverbird species, where males in a carotenoid-based orange-to-red breeding plumage defend territories and build many nests to which they try to attract females. Male reproductive success in terms of number of nests accepted was mainly determined by the number of nests built, but was also positively related to blood parasite load, while we found no influence of plumage characteristics. Together with previously obtained data, our results indicate that plumage characteristics in the red bishop do not affect male reproductive success and are generally not suitable to reliably indicate male quality. We suggest that the primary function of the brilliant orange-scarlet breeding plumage might be presence signalling in terms of increasing conspicuousness of breeding males to females searching for mates.