bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of light and fluorescence microscopy for xylem analysis in tomato pedicels during fruit development
Authors: RANČIĆ D. , QUARRIE S.PEKIĆ , TERZIĆ M. , SAVIĆ S. , STIKIĆ R.
Published: November 2008

The xylem hydraulic connection between shoot and fruits has previously been investigated, but contradictory conclusions were drawn about the presence of a flow resistance barrier in the pedicel. In this paper we were studying effect of the drought on the functional xylem vessels in the pedicels of tomato fruit. Commercial tomato genotype was grown in cabinet conditions under two watering regimes (full and deficit irrigation). An aqueous solution of eosin Y were used to visualize the path of water movement through tomato fruit pedicel and fluorescence microscopy observations were done on transversal and longitudinal sections. Dye uptake studies suggested that in well watered plants and in plants exposed to drought, a large majority of xylem vessels are not functional in water transport. Reduced‐irrigation treatment significantly altered number and width of functional xylem elements in the fruit pedicel, especially in the abscission zone. This indicates that drought modifies xylem architecture and, thus, environmentally produced change in the hydraulic property of pedicel may affect fruit development.
Structure and morphology of Mg–Al–Fe‐mixed oxides derivedfrom layered double hydroxides
Authors: VULIĆ T. , HADNADJEV M. , MARINKOVIĆ‐NEDUČIN R.
Published: November 2008

The influences of the nature and the extent of M(III) ion substitution on the structure, morphology and surface properties of layered double hydroxides, LDHs [Mg1−x M(III)x(OH)2](CO3)x/n·mH2O, M(III) being Al or/and Fe and x= M(III)/[(Mg+M(III)], and derived mixed oxides were investigated. Three series: Mg−Al, Mg−Al−Fe and Mg−Fe were synthesized using low supersaturation co‐precipitation method at constant pH, with different Mg : Al : Fe ratio and x in the wide range from 0.15 to 0.7 in order to obtain complex, multi‐phase systems with disordered structure, developed surface area, acid–base and redox properties favourable for catalytic application. The morphology of LDHs and their derived mixed oxides did not change considerably although pronounced changes in structural and surface properties occur by thermal decomposition. The increase in Al amount, as well as the deviation of M(III) content from the optimal range for the single LDH phase synthesis, causes the formation of smaller particles and decrease of mixed oxide crystallite size. The nature and amount of M(III) influence the development of surface area, after thermal treatment, depending mainly on the presence of smaller mesopores, not visible by scanning electron microscope. Although the particle size has no considerable influence on the value of the surface area, it was observed that the samples with smaller particles (Mg–Al and Mg–Al–Fe series) have also higher surface area compared with the samples with larger particles (Mg–Fe series).
Effects of the Ar ions pre‐amorphization of Si substrateon interface mixing of Fe/Si bilayers
Authors: BIBIĆ N. , MILINOVIĆ V. , MILOSAVLJEVIĆ M. , SCHREMPEL F. , ŠILJEGOVIĆ M. , LIEB K.P.
Published: November 2008

Ion beam mixing of Fe/Si bilayers, induced by 100 keV 40Arions at room temperature was investigated. Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were applied for structural characterization. The main focus of this study was on the influence of the substrate structure on interface mixing. The influence of the substrate structure is due to the two classes of irradiated bilayers, Fe thin films deposited on crystalline or pre‐amorphized Si substrates. An about 76% higher efficiency of atomic transport across the pre‐amorphized Fe/a‐Si interface as compared to that of Fe/c‐Si bilayers was observed.
Effect of plant growth regulators on leaf anatomyof the has mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: JANOŠEVIĆ D. , UZELAC B. , BUDIMIR S.
Published: November 2008

In this study, the effect of plant growth regulators on leaf morphogenesis of the recessive T‐DNA insertion mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana was analyzed. The morpho‐anatomical analysis revealed that leaves of the has mutant are small and narrow, with lobed blades and disrupted tissue organization. When has plants were grown on the medium supplied with plant growth regulators: benzylaminopurine (BAP) or ethylene precursor, 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC), the leaf anatomy was partially restored to the wild type, although plants still exhibited morphological abnormalities.
Glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide–producing K cells in dexamethasone‐treated rats
Authors: KOKO V. , GLISIC R. , TODOROVIC V. , DRNDAREVIC N. , MITROVIC O.
Published: November 2008

Some studies indicate that diabetes mellitus exerts an influence on the gastrointestinal tract and its diffuse neuroendocrine system (DNES) in regard to cellular density and neuroendocrine content. Since there is no data about relationship between experimentally induced non–insulin‐dependent (type 2) diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) on the gut K cells, the aim of our study was to investigate immunohistochemical, stereological and ultrastructural changes of rat K cells after 12 days of dexamethasone treatment. Twenty male Wistar rats aged 30 days were given daily intraperitoneally 2 mg kg–1 dexamethasone (group DEX, 10 rats) or saline (group C, 10 rats) for 12 days. Tissue specimens were obtained from each antrum with corpus and different parts of the small (SI) and large intestine (LI) of all animals. Immunohistochemistry was carried out using antisera against the GIP and insulin. Transmission electron microscopy was also used. Although, according to the literature data, rat K cells are present in the duodenum and jejunum and, to a lesser extent, in the ileum, in the present study we observed that those cells were abundant also in all parts of the LI. We observed generally that GIP‐producing K cells were augmented in all parts of SI and decreased in the LI of DEX rats. Insulin immunoreactivity (ir) coexpressed with GIP‐ir in K cells and was stronger in the SI of DEX rats as compared with C rats. We also found by electron microscopy that small intestinal K cells have features not only of GIP‐secreted but also of insulin‐secreted cells. We concluded that dexamethasone treatment caused proliferation of K cells in the rat SI, and simultaneously transformation of GIP‐producing K cells to insulin‐synthesizing cells.
A multiplex RT‐PCR for the detection of Potato yellow vein virus, Tobacco rattle virus and Tomato infectious chlorosis virus in potato with a plant internal amplification control
Authors: Wei T. , Lu G. , Clover G. R. G.
Published: November 2008

A multiplex reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assay was developed using published primers to simultaneously detect three viruses infecting potato (Potato yellow vein virus, Tomato infectious chlorosis virus and Tobacco rattle virus), including an internal amplification control. The characteristics of the published primers were analysed to see if they could be used for multiplex RT‐PCR. Amplification of the three target viruses and a plant internal control was then optimized by adding bovine serum albumin during cDNA synthesis, increasing the PCR extension time, reducing the PCR extension temperature and optimizing the concentration of each pair of primers. This optimization produced a multiplex assay with a detection sensitivity of the same order as simplex RT‐PCR. This approach provides a simple and convenient way to develop multiplex assays using published primers directly rather than designing new primers. The multiplex RT‐PCR is a sensitive and cost‐effective method for detecting multiple viruses in potato and can be used for quarantine and certification programmes.
Two differentially regulated phosphate transporters from the symbiotic fungus Hebeloma cylindrosporum and phosphorus acquisition by ectomycorrhizal Pinus pinaster
Authors: Tatry Marie‐Violaine , El Kassis Elie , Lambilliotte Raphaël , Corratgé Claire , Van Aarle Ingrid , Amenc Laurie K. , Alary Rémi , Zimmermann Sabine , Sentenac Hervé , Plassard Claude
Published: November 2008

Ectomycorrhizal symbiosis markedly improves plant phosphate uptake, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this benefit are still poorly understood. We identified two ESTs in a cDNA library prepared from the ectomycorrhizal basidiomycete Hebeloma cylindrosporum with significant similarities to phosphate transporters from the endomycorrhizal fungus Glomus versiforme and from non‐mycorrhizal fungi. The full‐length cDNAs corresponding to these two ESTs complemented a yeast phosphate transport mutant (Δpho84). Measurements of 33P‐phosphate influx into yeast expressing either cDNA demonstrated that the encoded proteins, named HcPT1 and HcPT2, were able to mediate Pi:H+ symport with different affinities for Pi (Km values of 55 and 4 μm, respectively). Real‐time RT‐PCR showed that Pi starvation increased the levels of HcPT1 transcripts in H. cylindrosporum hyphae grown in pure culture. Transcript levels of HcPT2 were less dependent on Pi availability. The two transporters were expressed in H. cylindrosporum associated with its natural host plant, Pinus pinaster, grown under low or high P conditions. The presence of ectomycorrhizae increased net Pi uptake rates into intact Pinus pinaster roots at low or high soil P levels. The expression patterns of HcPT1 and HcPT2 indicate that the two fungal phosphate transporters may be involved in uptake of phosphate from the soil solution under the two soil P availability conditions used.
QTL mapping of maize (Zea mays) stay‐green traits and their relationship to yield
Authors: Zheng H. J. , Wu A. Z. , Zheng C. C. , Wang Y. F. , Cai R. , Shen X. F. , Xu R. R. , Liu P. , Kong L. J. , Dong S. T.
Published: November 2008

A maize genetic linkage map derived from 115 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers was constructed from an F2 population. The F2 was generated from a cross between a stay‐green inbred line (Q319) and a normal inbred line (Mo17). The map resolved 10 linkage groups and spanned 1431.0 cM in length with an average genetic distance of 12.44 cM between two neighbouring loci. A total of 14 quantitative trait loci (QTL) were detected for stay‐green traits at different postflowering time intervals and identified by composite interval mapping. The respective QTL contribution to phenotypic variance ranged from 5.40% to 11.49%, with trait synergistic action from Q319. Moreover, maize stay‐green traits were closely correlated to grain yield. Additional QTL analyses indicated that multiple intervals of stay‐green QTL overlapped with yield QTL.
Endoscopic management of bile leaks after blunt abdominal trauma
Authors: Sharma BC , Mishra SR , Kumar Rakesh , Sarin SK
Published: November 2008

Background and Study Aims:  Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) has been found to be useful for the diagnosis and treatment of post‐traumatic bile leaks, but data on outcome after therapeutic ERCP is limited. We performed a prospective study on evaluation of ERCP for diagnosis and treatment of bile leaks following blunt abdominal trauma.

Patients and Methods:  Ten patients of bile leaks following blunt abdominal trauma were evaluated for modes of injury, clinical presentations, investigations, ERCP findings, modes of therapy and outcome. The time interval between trauma and ERCP, ERCP and healing of bile leak and complications of ERCP were also recorded.

Results:  Ten patients (age 21.9 ± 14.5 years, 6 males) presented 24.6 ± 17.1 days following trauma. The modes of injury were motor vehicle accident (n = 6), and fall from height (n = 4). The ERCP revealed bile leak from the right hepatic duct (n = 7), both right and left hepatic ducts (n = 1), mid‐common bile duct (n = 1), and peripheral branches of right hepatic duct (n = 1). Procedures for ERCP included endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) with stenting in nine patients and ES with nasobiliary drainage in one patient. Bile leak resolved in all the patients in 8.5 ± 8.2 days. Biliary stents and the nasobiliary drain were removed after 36.4 ± 16.2 days of their insertion and all the patients remain asymptomatic for follow up of 33 ± 20.8 months.

Conclusions:  Therapeutic ERCP procedures like endoscopic sphincterotomy with stenting or nasobiliary drainage are effective in management of bile leaks following blunt abdominal trauma.
Discrepancies between cytology, cystoscopy and biopsy in bladder cancer detection after Bacille Calmette‐Guerin intravesical therapy
Authors: Hara Tomohiko , Takahashi Mutsuo , Gondo Toshikazu , Nagao Kazuhiro , Ohmi Chietaka , Sakano Shigeru , Naito Katsusuke , Matsuyama Hideyasu
Published: November 2008

Objectives:  To evaluate discrepancies in the detection of Bacille Calmette‐Guerin (BCG)‐resistant bladder cancer by cystoscopy, bladder biopsy and urinary cytology.

Methods:  Between January 1992 and August 2006, 127 bladder cancer patients underwent a cycle of eight weekly BCG instillations. Four weeks after the last BCG instillation, urinary cytological analysis and cystoscopy with targeted biopsy in addition to eight–nine selected‐site biopsies were performed.

Results:  Biopsy‐proven cancer was found in 11/27 (40.7%), 5/42 (11.9%), and 11/58 (19.0%) of positive, suspicious, and negative cytology cases, respectively. Abnormal and normal cystoscopic findings correlated with a biopsy‐proven cancer in 13/53 (24.5%) and 14/74 (18.9%) cases, respectively. The combination of a macroscopic cystoscopic suspicion and a positive cytology missed malignant cases in 15.9% of the cases. In 100 cases without biopsy‐proven cancer, the rates of denuded urothelium at biopsy in the cases with positive and non‐positive cytology were 7/16 (43.8%) and 16/84 (19.0%), respectively

Conclusions:  According to our study, routine biopsy is recommended in the evaluation of BCG treatment, even if the timing, limitations and disadvantages of the procedure should be taken into account.
Clinical effectiveness of a brief educational intervention in Type 1 diabetes: results from the BITES (Brief Intervention in Type 1 diabetes, Education for Self‐efficacy) trial
Authors: George J. T. , Valdovinos A. P. , Russell I. , Dromgoole P. , Lomax S. , Torgerson D. J. , Wells T. , Thow J. C.
Published: November 2008

Aims  Intensive 5‐day educational interventions for people with Type 1 diabetes have shown improved outcomes in a number of European studies. The aim was to assess the effectiveness of a brief (2.5 days) psycho‐educational intervention.

Methods  Our randomized trial in a secondary‐care setting had 54 and 60 participants allocated to intervention and control groups, respectively. Primary outcomes were HbA1c and severe hypoglycaemia. Secondary outcomes were blood pressure, weight, height, lipids and psychometric profile.

Results  HbA1c showed no statistically significant change at 3 months [difference = 0.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) –0.23, 0.26, P = 0.92], 6 months (difference = –0.06, 95% CI –0.32, 0.20, P = 0.67) and 12 months (difference = 0.01, 95% CI –0.30, 0.32, P = 0.94). Incidence of severe hypoglycaemia (per patient per year) in the intervention group (0.41) and control group (0.48) was not statistically different. Treatment satisfaction improved at 3 months (difference = 9.4, 95% CI 5.2, 13.6, P = 0.0005), 6 months (difference = 10.4, 95% CI 6.0, 14.8, P = 0.0005) and 12 months (difference = 7.1, 95% CI 2.1, 12.1, P = 0.006). The ‘Managing psychological aspects’ and ‘Setting and achieving goals’ dimensions of the Diabetes Empowerment Scale also showed significant improvement at 3, 6 and 12 months. Diabetes Knowledge Test, Illness Perception Questionnaire, Hypoglycaemia Fear Scale and Short Form 36 showed no significant change.

Conclusions  This brief intervention had no significant impact on HbA1c or severe hypoglycaemia, but improved diabetes treatment satisfaction and patient empowerment. Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN75807800.
Heterotrophy in Tropical Scleractinian Corals
Authors: Houlbrèque Fanny , Ferrier‐Pagès Christine
Published: November 2008

The dual character of corals, that they are both auto‐ and heterotrophs, was recognized early in the twentieth Century. It is generally accepted that the symbiotic association between corals and their endosymbiotic algae (called zooxanthellae) is fundamental to the development of coral reefs in oligotrophic tropical oceans because zooxanthellae transfer the major part of their photosynthates to the coral host (autotrophic nutrition). However, numerous studies have confirmed that many species of corals are also active heterotrophs, ingesting organisms ranging from bacteria to mesozooplankton. Heterotrophy accounts for between 0 and 66% of the fixed carbon incorporated into coral skeletons and can meet from 15 to 35% of daily metabolic requirements in healthy corals and up to 100% in bleached corals. Apart from this carbon input, feeding is likely to be important to most scleractinian corals, since nitrogen, phosphorus, and other nutrients that cannot be supplied from photosynthesis by the coral’s symbiotic algae must come from zooplankton capture, particulate matter or dissolved compounds. A recent study showed that during bleaching events some coral species, by increasing their feeding rates, are able to maintain and restore energy reserves.

This review assesses the importance and effects of heterotrophy in tropical scleractinian corals. We first provide background information on the different food sources (from dissolved organic matter to meso‐ and macrozooplankton). We then consider the nutritional inputs of feeding. Finally, we review feeding effects on the different physiological parameters of corals (tissue composition, photosynthesis and skeletal growth).
Simple Preimplant Identification of Optimum VV Timing before Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: Tissue Doppler Imaging versus Conventional 2D Echocardiography
Authors: Albertsen Andi Eie , Poulsen Steen Hvitfeldt , Andersen Kirsten , Mortensen Peter Thomas , Egeblad Henrik
Published: November 2008

Aims: Optimum interventricular (VV) timing may potentially reduce the number of nonresponders to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). We investigated whether optimum VV‐timing interval could be determined before CRT implantation by means of tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) analysis and from visual assessment of conventional 2D echocardiography. Methods and Results: Thirty consecutive patients prospectively underwent 2D, 3D, and TDI echocardiographic evaluation before and 1 month after CRT. By using 3D echocardiography, LVEF was found to be increased from 23.8 ± 6% to 35.7 ± 9% 1 month after CRT (P < 0.001). NYHA class improved from 3.0 ± 0.6 to 1.8 ± 0.6 (P < 0.001). In 93% (77–99% with 95% confidence limits) of the patients optimum VV timing was correctly predicted based on preimplant TDI identification of the region with delayed myocardial contraction. A similar result could be obtained in 83% (65–94%) of the patients simply by visual assessment of conventional black and white 2D echocardiography (ns). Conclusion: Preimplant TDI evaluation seems to be convenient for the determination of optimum VV timing. Further postimplant adjustment guided by TDI is hardly necessary unless patients do not experience clinical benefit. TDI may seem superior to visual assessment of dyssynchrony by means of conventional 2D echocardiography. However, this simple technique indicated optimum VV timing in the majority of cases in this study.
The small‐island effect: fact or artefact?
Authors: Burns Kevin C. , Paul McHardy R. , Pledger Shirley
Published: November 2008

Positive relationships between species richness and sampling area are perhaps the most pervasive patterns in nature. However, the shape of species–area relationships is often highly variable, for reasons that are poorly understood. One such source of variability is the “small‐island effect”, which refers to a decrease in the capacity of sampling area to predict species richness on small islands. Small‐island effects have been attributed to a variety of processes, including spatial subsidies, habitat characteristics and ocean‐born disturbances. Here, we show that small‐island effects can be generated by logarithmic data transformations, which are commonly applied to both axes of species–area relationships. To overcome this problem, we derive several null models to test for non‐random variability in the capacity of island area to predict species richness and apply them to data sets on island plant communities in Canada and New Zealand. Both archipelagos showed evidence for small‐island effects using traditional breakpoint regression techniques on log‐log axes. However, null model analyses revealed different results. The capacity of sampling area to predict species richness in the Canadian archipelago was actually lowest at intermediate island size classes. In the New Zealand archipelago, island area was similarly capable of predicting species richness across the full range of island sizes, indicating the small‐island effect detected by breakpoint regression is an artifact of logarithm data transformation. Overall results show that commonly used regression techniques can generate spurious small‐island effects and that alternative analytic procedures are needed to detect non‐random patterns in species richness on small islands.
Human bocavirus infection in hospitalized children in Italy
Authors: Pierangeli Alessandra , Scagnolari Carolina , Trombetti Simona , Grossi Rosanna , Battaglia Massimo , Moretti Corrado , Midulla Fabio , Antonelli Guido
Published: November 2008

Background  Human bocavirus (HBoV) was first discovered in Sweden in 2005 and has now been found worldwide; however its role in clinically relevant diseases has not yet been clearly defined.

Objectives  To gain new insight into HBoV infection among children hospitalized with acute respiratory infections in Rome.

Methods  Between November 2004 and May 2007, 415 nasal washings were tested for the presence of an extensive range of respiratory viruses using molecular methods.

Results  Viral pathogens were detected in 214 children (51·6%), 28·9% being respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and 9·6% being rhinovirus positive. Of the 34 children (8·2%) who tested positive for HBoV, 21 (61·8%) were co‐infected with another respiratory virus, mainly RSV. Human bocavirus was the only pathogen identified in four pneumonia and six bronchiolitis cases in March 2005 and January 2007, respectively. Human bocavirus was also detected in one child hospitalized with gastroenteritis and in another with erythema.

Conclusions  In the examined population, HBoV was the third most common virus detected but with a high rate of co‐infection with other respiratory viruses. Human bocavirus appeared to be the etiological agent in some pneumonia and bronchiolitis cases in which tests for all likely respiratory pathogens were negative.
Toxicity in Doberman Pinchers with Ventricular Arrhythmias Treated with Amiodarone (1996–2005)
Authors: Kraus M.S. , Thomason J.D. , Fallaw T.L. , Calvert C.A.
Published: November 2008

Background:Asymptomatic Doberman Pinschers with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) often die suddenly owing to ventricular tachycardia that degenerates into ventricular fibrillation. A safe and effective antiarrhythmic drug treatment is needed. This will require a large, well‐controlled, prospective study.

Hypothesis:Amiodarone toxicity is common in Dobermans with occult DCM and ventricular tachyarrhythmias refractory to antiarrhythmia therapy. Infrequent monitoring of hepatic function is inadequate. Frequent monitoring may be useful to determine dogs in which the dosage should be decreased or the drug withdrawn.

Methods:Medical records from the University of Georgia and Cornell University were searched for Doberman Pinschers diagnosed with preclinical DCM that received amiodarone for severe ventricular arrhythmias refractory to other antiarrhythmic agents. Echocardiographic data, Holter recording data, hepatic enzyme serum activity, and serum amiodarone concentrations were recorded. The presence of clinical signs of toxicity was recorded. Serum amiodarone concentrations were obtained in some dogs.

Results:Reversible toxicity was identified in 10 of 22 (45%) dogs.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance:Adverse effects from amiodarone were common and were, in part, dosage related. Patients should be monitored for signs of toxicity and liver enzyme activity should be measured at least monthly.
A Simple Law for Ice-Shelf Calving
Authors: Alley Richard B. , Horgan Huw J. , Joughin Ian , Cuffey Kurt M. , Dupont Todd K. , Parizek Byron R. , Anandakrishnan Sridhar , Bassis Jeremy
Published: November 2008

A major problem for ice-sheet models is that no physically based law for the calving process has been established. Comparison across a diverse set of ice shelves demonstrates that iceberg calving increases with the along-flow spreading rate of a shelf. This relation suggests that frictional buttressing loss, which increases spreading, also leads to shelf retreat, a process known to accelerate ice-sheet flow and contribute to sea-level rise.
Response to Comment on "Climate-Driven Ecosystem Succession in the Sahara: The Past 6000 Years"
Authors: Kröpelin S. , Verschuren D. , Lézine A.-M.
Published: November 2008

The Lake Yoa record and archaeological data provide adequate evidence that mid-Holocene aridification did not occur abruptly across all of North Africa. Modeling results on the issue of abrupt versus gradual desiccation of the Sahara are sufficiently diverse that paleoecological data from a continuous natural archive can usefully guide the evaluation of model parameters responsible for this diversity.
Genomics-Based Molecular Epidemiology of
Campylobacter jejuni
Isolates from Feedlot Cattle and from People in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Hannon Sherry J. , Taboada Eduardo N. , Russell Margaret L. , Allan Brenda , Waldner Cheryl , Wilson Heather L. , Potter Andrew , Babiuk Lorne , Townsend Hugh G. G.
Published: November 2008

Feedlot cattle in Alberta, Canada, have been identified as reservoirs for
Campylobacter jejuni
, an important human pathogen. Oligonucleotide DNA microarrays were used as a platform to compare
C. jejuni
isolates from feedlot cattle and human clinical cases from Alberta. Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) analysis was performed on 87 isolates (46 bovine, 41 human) obtained within the same geographical regions and time frame. Thirteen CGH clusters were obtained based on overall comparative genomic profile similarity. Nine CGH clusters contained human and cattle isolates, three contained only human isolates, and one contained only cattle isolates. The study isolates clustered regardless of temporal or geographical frameworks. In addition, array genes (
n
= 1,399) were investigated on a gene-by-gene basis to see if any were unequally distributed between human and cattle sources or between clusters dominated by either human or cattle isolates (“human enriched” versus “cattle enriched”). Using Fisher's exact test with the Westfall and Young correction for these comparisons, a small number of differentially distributed genes were identified. Our findings suggest that feedlot cattle and human
C. jejuni
strains are very similar and may be endemic within Alberta. Further, the common distribution of human clinical and bovine
C. jejuni
isolates within the same genetically based clusters suggests that dynamic and important transmission routes between cattle and human populations may exist.
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Envelope Spike of Primary Viruses Can Suppress Antibody Access to Variable Regions
Authors: Pantophlet Ralph , Wang Meng , Aguilar-Sino Rowena O. , Burton Dennis R.
Published: November 2008

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope spike is a heavily glycosylated trimeric structure in which protein surfaces conserved between different HIV-1 isolates are particularly well hidden from antibody recognition. However, even variable regions on the spike tend to be less antigenic and immunogenic than one might have anticipated for external structures. Here we show that the envelope spike of primary viruses has an ability to restrict antibody recognition of variable regions. We show that access to an artificial epitope, introduced at multiple positions across the spike, is frequently limited, even though the epitope has been inserted at surface-exposed regions on the spike. Based on the data, we posit that restricted antibody access may be the result, at least in part, of a rigidification of the epitope sequence in the context of the spike and/or a highly effective flexible arrangement of the glycan shield on primary viruses. Evolution of the HIV envelope structure to incorporate extra polypeptide sequences into nominally accessible regions with limited antibody recognition may contribute to reducing the magnitude of antibody responses during infection and allow the virus to replicate unhindered by antibody pressure for longer periods.
OPTIMIZATION OF DYNAMIC OUTPUT FEEDBACK CONTROLLER FOR PIECEWISE AFFINE SYSTEMS: AN LMI APPROACH
Authors: MOLAEI BEHROOZ
Published: November 2008

This note proposes a systematic method to optimizing dynamic output feedback controller for continuous-time hybrid systems in the Piecewise Affine (PWA) form. In this note, design of the dynamic output feedback controller is shown in the frame of L2 gain synthesis for PWA systems. Matrix inequalities derived from dynamic output feedback controller is not usually linear. Using a congruence transformation, the nonlinear matrix inequalities are mapped into linear matrix inequalities, whose solutions are quite feasible using commercially available software. The proposed techniques satisfy features such as: globally quadratic stability, continuity of control signal, and tracking a reference input. A numerical example is included to demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed technique.
ANISOTROPIC PRESSURES IN VERY DENSE MAGNETIZED MATTER
Authors: PÉREZ MARTÍNEZ A. , PÉREZ ROJAS H. , MOSQUERA CUESTA H. J.
Published: November 2008

The problem of anisotropic pressures arising from the spatial symmetry breaking introduced by an external magnetic field in quantum systems is discussed. The role of the conservation of energy and momentum of external fields as well as of systems providing boundary conditions in quantum statistics is considered. The vanishing of the average transverse momentum for an electron–positron system in its Landau ground state, i.e. the vanishing of its transverse pressure, is shown. The situation for the neutron case and strange quark matter (SQM) in β equilibrium is briefly discussed. Thermodynamical relations in external fields as well as the form of the stress tensor in a quantum relativistic medium are obtained. The ferromagnetic symmetry breaking is briefly discussed for very dense matter. It is concluded that stable matter cannot exist for fields greater than B = 1018 G.
AUTOMATIC GENERATION OF 3D RADAR DISPLAY VIEWS
Authors: KÄMPKE THOMAS
Published: November 2008

Formal criteria for the algorithmic generation of viewing planes and viewing windows are presented as well as corresponding algorithms that apply to graphic snapshots of dynamic 3D scenes. These may stem from either artificial or real object motion. All viewing projections adhere to motion and position information and are intended to let a viewer grasp the essentials of the 3D motions just from 2D projections. All optical projections are parallel or perspective and transformations between viewing planes are affine. Views are understood as proposals that may be overruled by the user.
MULTIFRACTALITY AND LONG-RANGE DEPENDENCE OF ASSET RETURNS: THE SCALING BEHAVIOR OF THE MARKOV-SWITCHING MULTIFRACTAL MODEL WITH LOGNORMAL VOLATILITY COMPONENTS
Authors: LIU RUIPENG , DI MATTEO T. , LUX THOMAS
Published: November 2008

In this paper, we consider daily financial data from various sources (stock market indices, foreign exchange rates and bonds) and analyze their multiscaling properties by estimating the parameters of a Markov-switching multifractal (MSM) model with Lognormal volatility components. In order to see how well estimated models capture the temporal dependency of the empirical data, we estimate and compare (generalized) Hurst exponents for both empirical data and simulated MSM models. In general, the Lognormal MSM models generate "apparent" long memory in good agreement with empirical scaling provided that one uses sufficiently many volatility components. In comparison with a Binomial MSM specification [11], results are almost identical. This suggests that a parsimonious discrete specification is flexible enough and the gain from adopting the continuous Lognormal distribution is very limited.
DISTANCE IN ZIGZAG POLYHEX NANOTORUS
Authors: ELIASI MEHDI , TAERI BIJAN
Published: November 2008

Graph theory was successfully applied in developing a relationship between chemical structure and biological activity. The concept of distance in graphs is basic in the definition of various topological indices for chemical compounds, which determines some of the physicochemical properties of them. In this paper, we explain a method, using the concept of distance in the graph of zigzag polyhex nanotorus, which enables us to compute different topological indices simultaneously.
Toward an animal model of childhood-onset obesity: follow-up of OLETF rats during pregnancy and lactation
Authors: Schroeder Mariana , Shbiro Liat , Zagoory-Sharon Orna , Moran Timothy H. , Weller Aron
Published: November 2008

The Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rat model of obesity (a spontaneous CCK1receptor knockout) has been extensively studied as model of hyperphagia-induced obesity. In previous studies, young OLETF rats presented abnormal eating patterns [compared with Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) controls] in a variety of independent ingestion and nursing tests during the suckling period. The aim of the present study was to characterize the early emergence of abnormal adiposity in the pups. Moreover, because both the dams and the pups present the genetic mutation, a close follow-up of the dams' body weight and intake during pregnancy and lactation was performed to examine the circumstances that contribute to build up the pups' early adiposity. Compared with controls, OLETF pups presented higher fat levels, larger adipocytes, and increased waist circumference as early as postnatal day 7 and this profile persisted to the age of weaning. While LETO dams gained weight throughout pregnancy and lactation, OLETF dams were obese and hyperphagic during pregnancy but lost weight during lactation, probably as a result of rearing hyperphagic pups. Current and previous results suggest a possible influence of the dams' obesity during gestation and a high investment in nursing time during lactation on the pups' obesity levels during childhood. This, combined with the innate hyperphagia repeatedly observed in the pups at these early ages, makes the OLETF strain a useful tool in the research of childhood-onset obesity.
Sexual health services for young people in a rural area of Northern Ireland: A study of the key issues for those who provide them
Authors: McCann Lyndsey , Donnelly Lyn , Quinn Phelim , McAnerney Rosemary
Published: November 2008

Objective To identify the key issues for service providers in delivering high quality sexual health services, responsive to the needs of young people, in a rural area of Northern Ireland.

Design A triangulation survey approach using questionnaires, in-depth interviews and focus groups was undertaken with a range of organizations and professionals currently providing sexual health services within the area.

Setting The southern area of Northern Ireland, which is rural in nature and has a higher percentage of young people under 20 years old compared to the rest of the region and a rising rate of sexually transmitted infections.

Method 48 organizations known or perceived to provide sexual health services to young people in the area were surveyed. In-depth interviews were held with 22 key informants who worked within social services and the youth sector, and four focus groups were held with nursing professionals who directly supported young people in relation to their sexual health.

Results The results highlighted specific training and development needs at a range of levels. These included basic sexual health skills training which was identified as a need for a wide variety of staff across all sectors. In addition, specific/specialist training in sexual health was identified as a need for key professionals who work with vulnerable groups of young people.
Impact of an extra-curricular school sport programme on determinants of objectively measured physical activity among adolescents
Authors: Lubans David , Morgan Philip
Published: November 2008

Objective The purpose of this study was to identify potential determinants of objectively measured physical activity in the Learning to Enjoy Activity with Friends (LEAF) study.

Design This study involved a quasi-experimental design and students ( N = 116) were assigned to an intervention group ( n = 50) or a comparison group ( n = 66) for a period of eight weeks.

Setting Three secondary schools (grades 7—12) in New South Wales (NSW), Australia were involved in the study.

Method At baseline and immediately following the intervention, students wore pedometers for four consecutive days and completed questionnaires assessing potential determinants of physical activity. At baseline, participants were classified using existing step recommendations, as low-active (girls < 11,000, boys < 13,000) or active (girls ≥ 11,000, boys ≥ 13,000) and the effects of the intervention on potential determinants were assessed using these subgroups. Subgroups were compared at baseline using independent samples t-tests and intervention effects were compared at post-test using linear regression (controlling for baseline measures).

Results Although the intervention had a statistically significant effect on physical activity among individuals classified as low-active at baseline, the intervention did not impact upon potential determinants of physical activity.

Conclusion Short-term changes in physical activity identified in the LEAF intervention were not mediated by changes in hypothesized determinants.
Unit pricing of household garbage in Melbourne: improving welfare, reducing garbage, or neither?
Authors: Pickin Joe
Published: November 2008

Charging for household garbage collection per unit of waste is becoming more popular. Discussions in the practical literature focus on unit pricing as a way to encourage diversion to recycling and reduction in waste, but the economics literature emphasizes welfare maximization through charging at the marginal social cost. In the present study unit pricing was examined from both perspectives through a case study on unit pricing by volume in Melbourne, Australia, using longitudinal data. The marginal social cost per unit weight was estimated using a custom costing model and a valuation of environmental externalities. This cost was applied to a derived regression equation for change in waste quantities with unit price. The results suggest a very weak link between marginal pricing and change in garbage quantities, with an arc elasticity of demand at the margin of —0.02. Small reductions in garbage may have been achieved by local governments that overtly used pricing systems to this end. Enforced reduction of standard bin sizes had much more impact on waste quantities and did not lead to any significant management or political problems.
The influence of methylmercury on the nitric oxide production of alveolar macrophages
Authors: Kuo TC
Published: November 2008

Mercury is a global pollutant considered to be a persistent bioaccumulative and toxic chemical. Humans may be exposed to organic forms of mercury by either inhalation, oral, or dermal routes. Methylmercury is more toxic to living organisms than the inorganic forms. In this study, we attempted to elucidate the altered functions of alveolar macrophage including nitric oxide production after methylmercury exposure. Treatment of 7 μM methylmercury for 24 h inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide and nitric oxide synthase production of alveolar macrophages. The addition of H-89 (PKA inhibitor) significantly decreased the methylmercury inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-mediated nitric oxide production. We found the cell had a calcium-dependent adenylate cyclase, and MeHg could inhibit the phosphorylation of extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK). Because methylmercury could increase the intracellular calcium ion concentration, it might activate the adenylate cyclase by increasing [Ca2+]i. Though the interaction of methylmercury with the immune system has been studied by several investigators, the actual mechanisms underlying these interactions are still poorly understood. We discovered that methylmercury could activate protein kinase A, which in turn would inhibit the activation of Raf-1-ERK and so inhibit the release of nitric oxide.
The relationships of modern pollen spectra to vegetation and climate along a steppe–forest–tundra transition in southern Siberia, explored by decision trees
Authors: Pelánková Barbora , Kuneš Petr , Chytrý Milan , Jankovská Vlasta , Ermakov Nikolai , Svobodová-Svitavská Helena
Published: November 2008

We studied the relationships between surface pollen spectra, vegetation and selected climate characteristics along a strong gradient of climate continentality across the Western Sayan Mountains, southern Siberia. Representation of 111 pollen taxa in 81 surface samples from steppe, forest and tundra was related to the vegetation composition at various distances from the sampling point and to mean annual precipitation and mean July and January temperatures. These relationships were assessed by the decision tree models. The results show (1) which vegetation types are well distinguished by their pollen spectra; (2) which vegetation types are strongly similar in their pollen spectra and therefore their interpretation from fossil pollen spectra should be carefully considered; (3) tight relationship between surface pollen spectra and selected climate characteristics, which suggests that the past climatic conditions can be reasonably predicted from pollen spectra; and (4) an important role of weak pollen producers for assignment of pollen spectra to vegetation types or particular values of temperature and precipitation. We found the decision trees suitable for analysis of pollen/vegetation relationship because they (1) formally and precisely assign the pollen spectra to vegetation/landscape types or climatic variables by means of easy-to-interpret graphs; (2) identify pollen taxa that are best indicators of a particular vegetation type, landscape or climate characteristics; and (3) utilize the pollen signal of both strong and weak pollen producers. We compare the decision tree models with ordination and cluster analysis and suggest further applications.
Optimal Designs for Empirical Bayes Estimators of Individual Linear and Quadratic Growth Curves in Linear Mixed Models
Authors: Candel Math JJM
Published: November 2008

Many studies on optimal designs for linear mixed model analysis of repeated measures data have focussed on estimating the fixed effects. The present study investigates the optimal number of time points and subjects in case random effects have to be estimated. Linear mixed models with a linear or quadratic trend across equidistant time points are studied. Given a particular cost function, we examine which designs minimise the expected average squared prediction error. Robustness of the optimal design, important when one does not know the underlying model, is also treated.
Numerical Investigation of Vibration Reduction of Ballast Track with Asphalt Trackbed over Soft Subgrade
Authors: Lei X. , Rose J.G.
Published: November 2008

A methodology of analyzing track vibration by Fourier transform technique is presented. It offers a means of establishing the four layer continuous elastic beam model for vibration analysis of ballast track with asphalt trackbed. The random irregularity of the vertical railway surface is considered and the asphalt trackbed is simulated as Euler beam with resistant bending modulus. First, the vibration equations of the ballast track are transformed by Fourier transform. The vibration displacements in Fourier transform domain are solved with this transformed equation. Then, the vibration responses of the track are obtained by performing inverse Fast Fourier Transform. As an application example, analysis of vibration reduction of ballast track with asphalt trackbed over soft subgrade is presented. Influences of different asphalt thicknesses and different rubber contents as well as different soft subgrade moduli on track vibration are investigated. The studies show that the use of asphalt trackbeds as a substitute for sub-ballast in conventional ballast track with soft subgrade can significantly reduce the deflections and accelerations of the rail, tie, ballast and asphalt and the pressures on the subgrade. For deflections and accelerations of the rail, tie, ballast and asphalt the maximum reduction can be up to 14.1% and 18.6% respectively compared with the conventional ballast track with soft subgrade. The maximum reductions of pressures on the subgrade can be up to 14%.
A feasibility study to assess the integration of a pharmacist into neurooncology clinic
Authors: Delaney Louise , Chambers Carole , Roldán Gloria , De Robles Paula , Cairncross Greg , Forsyth Peter , Easaw Jacob
Published: November 2008

Objective. A multidisciplinary approach is increasingly used in NeuroOncology clinics. Although this model has several advantages, patients report feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of their treatment protocol and staff feel rushed because each provider must evaluate the patient within the limited clinic hours. We hypothesized that the presence of a pharmacist in clinic could address these concerns by (1) reviewing all treatment protocols and side-effect management with patients, (2) being available to address questions outside of clinic and (3) answering staff related medication questions.

Methods. The pharmacist met with consenting patients at the initial clinic visit and followed up by telephone two additional times. The pharmacist was available to answer questions outside of clinic hours. Surveys were developed and given to patient and staff to evaluate their experience.

Results. Over 4 months, 13 patients were enrolled. The pharmacist interacted with each patient an average of 9 times with 55% of interactions occurring outside scheduled visits and two-thirds of pharmacist interventions directly involving patient care. A total of 85% of patients and staff responded to the evaluation survey and 90% of respondents indicated that the pharmacist should remain part of the NeuroOncology team. Patients reported less stress related to their treatment and clinical staff experienced improved clinical efficiency directly as a result of the presence of the pharmacist.

Conclusion. Based on these results, a clinical pharmacist should become a permanent member of the outpatient NeuroOncology clinic. J Oncol Pharm Practice (2009) 15: 79—85.
The Hostess Project
Authors: Robbins Kathleen
Published: November 2008

In an effort to further inhabit my grandmother's memories as a young wife, I began an autobiographical, photographic record of my experiences with her recipe journal. The Hostess Project is as much a social experiment as a nostalgic experience. I dress in her clothing, prepare meals based on her hand-written recipes, serve invited guests, and perform the role of hostess. I prepare dishes based on her hand-written instruction: her recipes. Aspics, croquettes, meatloaf with pickle and egg garnish . . . And I photograph the results. This article describes the origins of The Hostess Project and explores the relationship between time and memory, photography and memory, and food and memory.