bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ac breakdown in near-atmospheric pressure noble gases: II. Simulations
Authors: Sobota A , van Dijk J , Haverlag M
Published: May 2011

The effect of frequency on the characteristics of ac-driven breakdown processes in 0.7 bar argon is investigated by means of a two-dimensional fluid model. The geometry represents the high intensity discharge lamp burner with a pin–pin electrode system forming a 7 mm electrode gap. The breakdown process is considered in the frequency range between 60 kHz and 1 MHz. The appearance of the discharge and the influence of the voltage frequency on its characteristics obtained in the simulations is in good agreement with the experimental data (accompanying paper—Sobota et al
2011 J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys.
44 224002, special issue on LS12/WLED3 symposium). The role of the secondary electron emission from the electrode surfaces is demonstrated and linked to the lowering of the threshold voltage with the increase in frequency observed both in experiment and model.
A calibrated integrating sphere setup to determine the infrared spectral radiant flux of high-intensity discharge lamps
Authors: Rijke A J , Nijdam S , Haverlag M , Janssen J F J , van der Mullen J J A M , Kroesen G M W
Published: May 2011

A setup that aims to determine the infrared radiation fraction of the energy balance of high intensity discharge (HID) lamps has been designed, constructed and calibrated. It consists of a high-resolution integrating sphere that can cover a wide spectral range. New in this work is that the integrating sphere measurements can be used in the infrared part of the spectrum up to 10 µm and that we have calibrated the absolute intensity in that range. No calibration standards for spectral radiant flux are readily available in the infrared. Therefore, we have used a resistive heated platinum ribbon as absolute intensity reference. As a first test case, this new setup was used to determine the energy balance of a Philips CDM-T 70W/830 lamp, which is a type of metal halide HID lamp.
The effect of the etching process on the morphology and photoluminescence of porous amorphous SiC
Authors: Nguyen Hoai Anh , Miyajima Kensuke , Itoh Tadashi , Dao Tran Cao , Cao Tuan Anh , Luong Truc Quynh Ngan , Ashida Masaaki
Published: May 2011

Porous amorphous silicon carbide (P-aSiC) was prepared by an electrochemical etching method. The surface morphology of the samples was measured by an atomic force microscope (AFM). Photoluminescence (PL) and PL excitation spectra of the samples were measured at room temperature. We observed clear dependence of PL spectra and morphology on fabrication conditions. Based on these results, we propose the emitting mechanism of the PL from the samples.
The detection of pesticides in water using ZnCdSe quantum dot films
Authors: Bakar N A , Salleh M M , Umar A A , Yahaya M
Published: May 2011

This paper reports an attempt to develop a sensor system for detecting pesticides based on the effect of an analyte on the photoluminescence (PL) intensity of ZnCdSe quantum dot (QD) films. The ZnCdSe QDs were synthesized using a wet-chemical process. The sensor system comprises an excitation light source made of a laser diode, a dual arm fibre optic probe, a spectrometer and a sensor chamber. The QD films were deposited by dropping QD solution onto the probe surface and drying them at ambient temperature. The pesticides used in this study were Dipel, Siven 85% WP and Water-Dispersible Granules WG insecticides. The detection of pesticides was done by comparing the photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the films dipped in the deionized water and in pesticide solutions by varying the concentration of the pesticide solutions from 2.5 to 2500 μg 
l
−1. It was observed that the PL intensity of the films was quenched by the presence of the pesticide molecules. The quenching degree increased with the concentration of the pesticide solutions. There is a linear relationship between the pesticide solution concentrations and the QD film sensor sensitivities. The sensitivity of the sensor system depended on the type of pesticides successively from the highest to lowest sensitivity in the order Siven 85% WP, Dipel and Water-Dispersible Granules WG. The QD films could be used as fluorescence sensors to detect water that is contaminated by pesticides.
On the Weak Reflection Principle
Authors: Krueger John
Published: May 2011

The Weak Reflection Principle for

ω
2

\omega _2

, or

WRP

(

ω
2

)

\textrm {WRP}(\omega _2)

, is the statement that every stationary subset of

P

ω
1

(

ω
2

)

P_{ \omega _1}(\omega _2)

reflects to an uncountable ordinal in

ω
2

\omega _2

. The Reflection Principle for

ω
2

\omega _2

, or

RP

(

ω
2

)

\textrm {RP}(\omega _2)

, is the statement that every stationary subset of

P

ω
1

(

ω
2

)

P_{ \omega _1 } ( \omega _2 )

reflects to an ordinal in

ω
2

\omega _2

with cofinality

ω
1

\omega _1

. Let

κ
\kappa

be a

κ
+

\kappa ^+

-supercompact cardinal and assume

2

κ

=

κ
+

2^{\kappa } = \kappa ^+

. Then there exists a forcing poset

P

\mathbb {P}

which collapses

κ
\kappa

to become

ω
2

\omega _2

, and

⊩

P

WRP

(

ω
2

)
∧
¬

RP

(

ω
2

)

\Vdash _{\mathbb {P}} \textrm {WRP}(\omega _2) \land \neg \textrm {RP}(\omega _2)

.
Re-theorizing feminist community development: towards a radical democratic citizenship
Authors: Emejulu Akwugo
Published: May 2011

In this paper, I analyse and critique the different ways in which identity is constructed within the dominant feminist community development discourses in the United Kingdom. Using a post-structuralist discourse analysis framework, I examine how essentialist claims of homogeneity in ‘women's’ identities and experiences misrecognize and oftentimes exclude some women's interests – especially those women who seek to mobilize intersectional social justice claim-making by drawing on their ‘race’, ethnicity, religion, sexuality and/or disability. In order to recognize difference between and within different kinds of women, I argue that feminist community development needs to reconstruct the identity of the feminist political agent. Rather than constituting the agent as an unproblematic and stable ‘woman’, I contend that this identity must be decentred in favour of ‘radical democratic citizen’ who is not constituted by essentialized gender claims but by claims to radical democracy, equality and justice.
Human dimensions of climate change and fisheries in a coupled system: the Atlantic surfclam case
Authors: McCay Bonnie J. , Brandt Sylvia , Creed Carolyn F.
Published: May 2011

McCay, B. J., Brandt, S., and Creed, C. F. 2011. Human dimensions of climate change and fisheries in a coupled system: the Atlantic surfclam case. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 1354–1367. Research on changes in a coupled marine system of the Mid-Atlantic Bight, focusing on Atlantic surfclams and the associated fishery and management system, is reviewed for how the human dimensions of this coupled socio-ecological system are addressed by the researchers. Our foci are on economic modelling of spatial choices, using dynamic optimization with adjustments that reflect better the natural and socio-economic realities of the fishery and on ethnographic observations of decision processes, particularly those of the regional fishery management council, with particular emphasis on cognitive frames and management communities. These are designed to be integrated with and to complement biophysical modelling of the complex coupled socio-ecological system.
Assessing the adequacy of current fisheries management under changing climate: a southern synopsis
Authors: Plagányi Éva E. , Weeks Scarla J. , Skewes Tim D. , Gibbs Mark T. , Poloczanska Elvira S. , Norman-López Ana , Blamey Laura K. , Soares Muri , Robinson William M. L.
Published: May 2011

Plagányi, É. E., Weeks, J. S., Skewes, T. D., Gibbs, M. T., Poloczanska, E. S., Norman-López, A., Blamey, L. K., Soares, M., and Robinson, W. M. L. 2011. Assessing the adequacy of current fisheries management under changing climate: a southern synopsis. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 1305–1317. Climate change is likely to have a significant impact on both target and non-target marine stocks worldwide, with the concomitant need for management strategies capable of sustaining fishing in future. We use several southern hemisphere fisheries to highlight the likely impacts of climate change at a range of levels, from individual to population responses, as well as ecosystem ramifications. Examples span polar (Antarctic krill fishery), temperate (west coast pelagic fishery, abalone and rock lobster), and tropical (Torres Strait rock lobster) commercially important fisheries. Responses of these fisheries to either past observed environmental changes or projected future changes are used to deduce some anticipated implications of climate change for fisheries management, including economic impacts and governance considerations. We evaluate the effectiveness of current single-species assessment models, management strategy evaluation approaches and multispecies assessment models as future management tools to cope with likely climate-related changes. Non-spatial stock assessment models will have limited ability to separate fishery effects from the impacts of climate change. Anthropogenic climate change is occurring at a time-scale relevant to current fisheries management strategic planning and testing. Adaptive management frameworks (with their feedback loops) are ideal for detecting and adapting to changes in target stocks.
The trophic-level-based ecosystem modelling approach: theoretical overview and practical uses
Authors: Gascuel Didier , Guénette Sylvie , Pauly Daniel
Published: May 2011

Gascuel, D., Guénette, S., and Pauly, D. 2011. The trophic-level-based ecosystem modelling approach: theoretical overview and practical uses. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 1403–1416. A trophic-level (TL)-based ecosystem modelling approach is presented, where ecosystem functioning is modelled as a flow of biomass up the foodweb through predation and ontogenetic processes. The approach, based on simple equations derived from fluid dynamics, provides insights into ecosystem functioning and the impact of fishing. A virtual ecosystem is simulated and the model shown to be capable of mimicking the effects of various exploitation patterns on ecosystem biomass expected from the theory. It provides the theoretical basis to explain complex patterns, such as cascading effects, maximum sustainable ecosystem yield, and fishing down the foodweb. The utility of the TL-based approach as a practical tool for determining fishing impacts in specific ecosystems is illustrated using the Guinean ecosystem as a case study, showing how current fishing effort levels led to full exploitation of higher TLs, confirming and generalizing previous single-species assessment results. Finally, catch trophic spectrum analysis is presented to show that it provides reliable biomass estimates when catches per TL and primary production are known.
Performance of the Pediatric-sized i-gel Compared with the Ambu AuraOnce Laryngeal Mask in Anesthetized and Ventilated Children
Authors: Theiler Lorenz G. , Kleine-Brueggeney Maren , Luepold Barbara , Stucki Franziska , Seiler Stefan , Urwyler Natalie , Greif Robert
Published: May 2011

Background

This prospective, randomized, controlled trial compares the performance of the pediatric i-gel (Intersurgical Ltd., Wokingham, United Kingdom) with the Ambu AuraOnce laryngeal mask (Ambu A/S, Ballerup, Denmark) in anesthetized and ventilated children.

Methods

With ethics committee approval and written informed consent, the authors included 208 children, aged 0-17 yr, scheduled for elective day-surgery under general anesthesia. The primary outcome variable was oropharyngeal leak pressure. Other outcome variables were first-attempt and overall success, time to sufficient ventilation, and adverse events.

Results

Demographic data did not differ between groups. The leak pressure of the i-gel was significantly higher than the leak pressure of the Ambu (mean ± SD: 22 ± 5 cm H₂O vs. 19 ± 3, P < 0.01). First-attempt success was 91% for the i-gel and 93% for the Ambu (P = 0.50). Overall success was 93% for the i-gel versus 98% for the Ambu (P = 0.10). Successfully inserted i-gels needed to be secured by taping in place to ensure the seal in 44% (0% with the Ambu, P < 0.01). Insertion was faster with the Ambu (24 ± 8 s vs. 27 ± 11, P = 0.02). There were no major side effects with either device.

Conclusions

The leak pressure of the i-gel was statistically but not clinically significantly higher than the leak pressure of the Ambu. Time to insertion was longer with the i-gel. Both airway devices are suitable for positive pressure ventilation with high success rates in infants and children. Because the i-gel is prone to sliding out, it must be taped in place to avoid loss of the airway.
Effectiveness of Breathing through Nasal and Oral Routes in Unconscious Apneic Adult Human Subjects
Authors: Jiang Yandong , Bao Fang Ping , Liang Yafen , Kimball William R. , Liu Yanhong , Zapol Warren M. , Kacmarek Robert M.
Published: May 2011

Background

The authors hypothesized that mouth ventilation by a resuscitator via the nasal route ensures a more patent airway and more effective ventilation than does ventilation via the oral route and therefore would be the optimal manner to ventilate adult patients in emergencies, such as during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. They tested the hypothesis by comparing the effectiveness of mouth-to-nose breathing (MNB) and mouth-to-mouth breathing (MMB) in anesthetized, apneic, adult subjects without muscle paralysis.

Methods

Twenty subjects under general anesthesia randomly received MMB and MNB with their heads placed first in a neutral position and then an extended position. A single operator performed MNB and MMB at the target breathing rate of 10 breaths/min, inspiratory:expiratory ratio 1:2 and peak inspiratory airway pressure 24 cm H₂O. A plethysmograph was used to measure the amplitude change during MMB and MNB. The inspiratory and expiratory tidal volumes during MMB and MNB were calculated retrospectively using the calibration curve.

Results

All data are presented as medians (interquartile ranges). The rates of effective ventilation (expired volume > estimated anatomic dead space) during MNB and MMB were 91.1% (42.4-100%) and 43.1% (42.5-100%) (P < 0.001), and expired tidal volume with MMB 130.5 ml (44.0-372.8 ml) was significantly lower than with MNB 324.5 ml (140.8-509.0 ml), regardless of the head position (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Direct mouth ventilation delivered exclusively via the nose is significantly more effective than that delivered via the mouth in anesthetized, apneic adult subjects without muscle paralysis. Additional studies are needed to establish whether using this breathing technique during emergency situations will improve patient outcomes.
Differential response of Streptococcus mutans towards friend and foe in mixed-species cultures
Authors: Liu Jinman , Wu Chenggang , Huang I-Hsiu , Merritt Justin , Qi Fengxia
Published: May 2011

In the oral biofilm, the ‘mitis’ streptococci are among the first group of organisms to colonize the tooth surface. Their proliferation is thought to be an important factor required for antagonizing the growth of cariogenic species such asStreptococcus mutans. In this study, we used a three-species mixed culture to demonstrate that another ubiquitous early colonizing species,Veillonella parvula,can greatly affect the outcome of the competition between a pair of antagonists such asS. mutansandStreptococcus gordonii. Transcriptome analysis further revealed thatS. mutansresponds differentially to its friend (V. parvula) and foe (S. gordonii). In the mixed culture withS. gordonii, all but one of theS. mutanssugar uptake and metabolic genes were downregulated, while genes for alternative energy source utilization and H2O2tolerance were upregulated, resulting in a slower but persistent growth. In contrast, when cultured withV. parvula,S. mutansgrew equally well or better than in monoculture and exhibited relatively few changes within its transcriptome. WhenV. parvulawas introduced into the mixed culture ofS. mutansandS. gordonii, it rescued the growth inhibition ofS. mutans. In this three-species environment,S. mutansincreased the expression of genes required for the uptake and metabolism of minor sugars, while genes required for oxidative stress tolerance were downregulated. We conclude that the major factors that affect the competition betweenS. mutansandS. gordoniiare carbohydrate utilization and H2O2resistance. The presence ofV. parvulain the tri-species culture mitigates these two major factors and allowsS. mutansto proliferate, despite the presence ofS. gordonii.
Evolution of the IncP-7 carbazole-degradative plasmid pCAR1 improves survival of its host Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf0-1 in artificial water microcosms
Authors: Shintani Masaki , Horisaki Tadafumi , Yamane Hisakazu , Ohkuma Moriya , Nojiri Hideaki
Published: May 2011

In our previous study, Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf0-1L, harbouring the IncP-7 carbazole-degradative plasmid pCAR1 : : rfp, was shown to be undetectable within 5 days post-inoculation in carbazole-contaminated artificial freshwater microcosms containing several plasmid-free bacteria in addition to Pf0-1L(pCAR1 : : rfp). Fourteen days after the inoculation, carbazole degraders become detectable. Here, we revealed that these isolates were not pCAR1 transconjugants, but Pf0-1L(pCAR1 : : rfp) mutants, based on RFLP and BOX-A1R-based repetitive extragenic palindromic-PCR (BOX-PCR) analysis. Notably, the mutants displayed more rapid initiation of carbazole degradation than the parent strain Pf0-1L(pCAR1 : : rfp). The mutants were unable to degrade anthranilate due to a 163 bp deletion in the antA gene, which was overcome by their transformation with a wild-type antABC-expressing plasmid. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis indicated that the transcriptional induction of carbazole-, anthranilate- and catechol-degradative genes was comparable in both parent and mutant strains. The deletion mutants became dominant in the artificial water microcosm. The mutation caused anthranilate to accumulate instead of catechol, a toxic compound for the parent strain, and may be beneficial to host survival in artificial microcosms.
Instructive simulation of the bacterial cell division cycle
Authors: Zaritsky Arieh , Wang Ping , Vischer Norbert O. E.
Published: May 2011

The coupling between chromosome replication and cell division includes temporal and spatial elements. In bacteria, these have globally been resolved during the last 40 years, but their full details and action mechanisms are still under intensive study. The physiology of growth and the cell cycle are reviewed in the light of an established dogma that has formed a framework for development of new ideas, as exemplified here, using the Cell Cycle Simulation (CCSim) program. CCSim, described here in detail for the first time, employs four parameters related to time (replication, division and inter-division) and size (cell mass at replication initiation) that together are sufficient to describe bacterial cells under various conditions and states, which can be manipulated environmentally and genetically. Testing the predictions of CCSim by analysis of time-lapse micrographs ofEscherichia coliduring designed manipulations of the rate of DNA replication identified aspects of both coupling elements. Enhanced frequencies of cell division were observed following an interval of reduced DNA replication rate, consistent with the prediction of a minimum possible distance between successive replisomes (an eclipse). As a corollary, the notion that cell poles are not always inert was confirmed by observed placement of division planes at perpendicular planes in monstrous and cuboidal cells containing multiple, segregating nucleoids.
NsaRS is a cell-envelope-stress-sensing two-component system of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kolar Stacey L. , Nagarajan Vijayaraj , Oszmiana Anna , Rivera Frances E. , Miller Halie K. , Davenport Jessica E. , Riordan James T. , Potempa Jan , Barber David S. , Koziel Joanna , Elasri Mohamed O. , Shaw Lindsey N.
Published: May 2011

Staphylococcus aureus possesses 16 two-component systems (TCSs), two of which (GraRS and NsaRS) belong to the intramembrane-sensing histidine kinase (IM-HK) family, which is conserved within the firmicutes. NsaRS has recently been documented as being important for nisin resistance in S. aureus. In this study, we present a characterization of NsaRS and reveal that, as with other IM-HK TCSs, it responds to disruptions in the cell envelope. Analysis using a lacZ reporter–gene fusion demonstrated that nsaRS expression is upregulated by a variety of cell-envelope-damaging antibiotics, including phosphomycin, ampicillin, nisin, gramicidin, carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone and penicillin G. Additionally, we reveal that NsaRS regulates a downstream transporter NsaAB during nisin-induced stress. NsaS mutants also display a 200-fold decreased ability to develop resistance to the cell-wall-targeting antibiotic bacitracin. Microarray analysis reveals that the transcription of 245 genes is altered in an nsaS mutant, with the vast majority being downregulated. Included within this list are genes involved in transport, drug resistance, cell envelope synthesis, transcriptional regulation, amino acid metabolism and virulence. Using inductively coupled plasma-MS we observed a decrease in intracellular divalent metal ions in an nsaS mutant when grown under low abundance conditions. Characterization of cells using electron microscopy reveals that nsaS mutants have alterations in cell envelope structure. Finally, a variety of virulence-related phenotypes are impaired in nsaS mutants, including biofilm formation, resistance to killing by human macrophages and survival in whole human blood. Thus, NsaRS is important in sensing cell damage in S. aureus and functions to reprogram gene expression to modify cell envelope architecture, facilitating adaptation and survival.
The vapA co-expressed virulence plasmid gene vcgB (orf10) of the intracellular actinomycete Rhodococcus equi
Authors: Miranda-CasoLuengo Raúl , Miranda-CasoLuengo Aleksandra A. , O’Connell Enda P. , Fahey Ruth J. , Boland Clara A. , Vázquez-Boland Jose A. , Meijer Wim G.
Published: May 2011

The virulence plasmid of the pathogenic actinomycete Rhodococcus equi is essential for proliferation of this pathogen in macrophages and the development of disease. The pathogenicity island of this plasmid encodes a family of virulence-associated proteins (Vap), one of which (VapA) is a virulence factor. This paper describes the vcgAB operon (
vapA
co-expressed gene), located upstream of the vapA operon. Transcription of the vcgAB operon gave rise to transcripts with a half-life similar to those determined for other virulence plasmid genes (1.8 min). Transcription started at a promoter similar to the vapA promoter, and proceeded through an inefficient terminator into the downstream vcgC gene. In addition, vcgC is also transcribed from a promoter downstream of vcgB. The vcgAB and vapA operons were coordinately regulated by temperature and pH in a synergistic manner. The latter parameter only affected transcription at higher growth temperatures, indicating that temperature is the dominant regulatory signal. Transcription of the vcgAB operon increased 10-fold during the late exponential and stationary growth phases. Transcription was also upregulated during the initial hours following phagocytosis by phagocytic cells. In contrast to vcgA and vcgC, the vcgB gene is conserved in the porcine VapB-encoding plasmid, as well as in pathogenic mycobacteria. The coordinated regulation of vcgB and vapA, transcription of vcgB following phagocytosis and conservation of vcgB in pathogenic mycobacteria indicate a role for vcgB and the vcg genes in the virulence of R. equi.
Structure analysis of titanate nanorods by automated electron diffraction tomography
Authors: Andrusenko Iryna , Mugnaioli Enrico , Gorelik Tatiana E. , Koll Dominik , Panthöfer Martin , Tremel Wolfgang , Kolb Ute
Published: May 2011

A hitherto unknown phase of sodium titanate, NaTi3O6(OH)·2H2O, was identified as the intermediate species in the synthesis of TiO2 nanorods. This new phase, prepared as nanorods, was investigated by electron diffraction, X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The structure was determined ab initio using electron diffraction data collected by the recently developed automated diffraction tomography technique. NaTi3O6(OH)·2H2O crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/m. Corrugated layers of corner- and edge-sharing distorted TiO6 octahedra are intercalated with Na+ and water of crystallization. The nanorods are typically affected by pervasive defects, such as mutual layer shifts, that produce diffraction streaks along c*. In addition, edge dislocations were observed in HRTEM images.
Intermolecular interactions and charge transfer in the 2:1 tetrathiafulvalene bromanil complex, (TTF)2-BA
Authors: García-Orduña Pilar , Dahaoui Slimane , Lecomte Claude
Published: May 2011

The crystal structure of the 2:1 charge-transfer complex of tetrathiafulvalene [2,2′-bis(1,3-dithiolylidene)] and bromanil (tetrabromo-1,4-benzoquinone) [(TTF)2-BA, (C6H4S4)2–C6Br4O2] has been determined by X-ray diffraction at room temperature, 100 and 25 K. No structural phase transition occurs in the temperature range studied. The crystal is made of TTF–BA–TTF sandwich trimers. A charge-transfer estimation between donor and acceptor (0.2 e) molecules is proposed in comparison to the molecular geometries of TTF–BA and TTF and BA isolated molecules. Displacement parameters of the molecules have been modeled with the TLS formalism.
Estimating High-Resolution Atmospheric Phase Screens From Radar Interferometry Data
Authors: Yang Dochul , Buckley Sean M.
Published: May 2011

Radar interferometry (InSAR) deformation measurements are afflicted by artifacts associated with the atmosphere and errors in removing the topographic phase contribution. We present a new time series algorithm that eliminates high-spatial-frequency atmospheric effects (bubbles) not removed with existing advanced InSAR approaches applied to measurements of smoothly varying deformation through time. Our High-Resolution Atmospheric Phase Screen (APS) (HiRAPS) algorithm initially uses a connected set of short-period interferograms, each spanning no more than three satellite-orbit repeat cycles. We estimate height error differences between a pixel and its neighbors within a radius chosen to be significantly smaller than a bubble. The height errors are unwrapped and removed from those pixels with high values of a newly defined multi-interferogram phase correlation. We then create a deformation time series for the pixels using singular value decomposition. The high-resolution APS are estimated from a dense set of pixels using spatiotemporal filtering. We evaluate the HiRAPS algorithm on simulated data consisting of realistic time-linear and nonlinear deformation, height errors, and bubbles. The root mean square error between all simulated and estimated APS pixels is 0.26 rad with the HiRAPS algorithm and 0.39 rad with a persistent scatterer (PS) algorithm. We also apply the HiRAPS algorithm to 66 Radarsat-1 images of Phoenix, AZ. Our HiRAPS approach results in an 18-fold increase in APS pixel density over PS processing. After removing the HiRAPS and PS APS from PS interferograms, we find that HiRAPS provides an 18% increase in the number of final PS detected.
Evaluation of intraorbital injection of rituximab for treatment of primary ocular adnexal lymphoma: A pilot study
Authors: Savino Gustavo , Battendieri Remo , Balia Laura , Colucci Daniela , Larocca Luigi M. , Laurenti Luca , De Padua Laura , Blasi Maria A. , Balestrazzi Emilio
Published: May 2011

An interventional pilot study to assess the tolerability and activity of the intralesional injection of rituximab, a chimeric mAb that targets the CD20 antigen, in patients with orbital B‐cell lymphoma. Five patients received four intralesional injections (one injection a week) of rituximab together with ropivicaine 2%. Side‐effects and tumor response were assessed after each injection and during the follow‐up (20 months). Two patients obtained complete remission of the intraorbital lesion. Two patients showed incomplete response after induction therapy and received planned escalating rituximab doses, obtaining regression of subjective symptoms. One patient did not achieve tumor regression after the first injection and underwent systemic treatment. This small exploratory study suggests that intralesional rituximab is a well‐tolerated treatment for patients with primary ocular adnexal lymphoma. These preliminary findings suggest that intralesional rituximab is a well‐tolerated strategy in anterior intraorbital lesion localization of lymphoma. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 1565–1567)
Estrogen and antiestrogens alter breast cancer invasiveness by modulating the transforming growth factor‐β signaling pathway
Authors: Goto Natsuka , Hiyoshi Hiromi , Ito Ichiaki , Tsuchiya Mai , Nakajima Yuka , Yanagisawa Junn
Published: May 2011

In the later stages of breast cancer, estrogen receptor (ER)α‐negative cancers typically have higher histological grades than ERα‐positive cancers, and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β promotes invasion and metastasis. Our previous study indicated that ERα inhibited TGF‐β signaling by inducing the degradation of Smad in an estrogen‐dependent manner. In the present study, we report that the suppressive effects of ERα and estrogen on tumor progression are mediated by inhibiting TGF‐β signaling. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of antiestrogens such as ICI182,780 (ICI) or tamoxifen (TAM) on TGF‐β signaling and breast cancer invasiveness. The levels of total Smad and pSmad were reduced by estrogen, whereas ICI slightly increased them, and TAM had no effect. To investigate the effect of antiestrogens on breast cancer invasiveness, we generated highly migratory and invasive MCF‐7‐M5 cells. The migration and invasion of these cells were suppressed by the inhibitor of TGF‐β receptor kinase, SB‐505124, and estrogen. However, antiestrogens did not suppress the migration and invasion of these cells. In addition, we screened TGF‐β target genes whose expression was reduced by estrogen treatment and identified four genes associated with breast cancer invasiveness and poor prognosis. The expression of these genes was not decreased by antiestrogens. These observations provide a new insight into estrogen function and the mechanisms underlying estrogen‐mediated suppression of tumor progression. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 1501–1508)
Transcriptomic profiling of citrus fruit peel tissues reveals fundamental effects of phenylpropanoids and ethylene on induced resistance
Authors: BALLESTER ANA‐ROSA , LAFUENTE M. TERESA , FORMENT JAVIER , GADEA JOSÉ , DE VOS RIC C. H. , BOVY ARNAUD G. , GONZÁLEZ‐CANDELAS LUIS
Published: May 2011

Penicillium spp. are the major postharvest pathogens of citrus fruit in Mediterranean climatic regions. The induction of natural resistance constitutes one of the most promising alternatives to avoid the environmental contamination and health problems caused by chemical fungicides. To understand the bases of the induction of resistance in citrus fruit against Penicillium digitatum, we have used a 12k citrus cDNA microarray to study transcriptional changes in the outer and inner parts of the peel (flavedo and albedo, respectively) of elicited fruits. The elicitor treatment led to an over‐representation of biological processes associated with secondary metabolism, mainly phenylpropanoids and cellular amino acid biosynthesis and methionine metabolism, and the down‐regulation of genes related to biotic and abiotic stresses. Among phenylpropanoids, we detected the over‐expression of a large subset of genes important for the synthesis of flavonoids, coumarins and lignin, especially in the internal tissue. Furthermore, these genes and those of ethylene biosynthesis showed the highest induction. The involvement of both phenylpropanoid and ethylene pathways was confirmed by examining changes in gene expression and ethylene production in elicited citrus fruit. Therefore, global results indicate that secondary metabolism, mainly phenylpropanoids, and ethylene play important roles in the induction of resistance in citrus fruit.
A randomised controlled trial comparing the McGrath® videolaryngoscope with the straight blade laryngoscope when used in adult patients with potential difficult airways*
Authors: Ng I. , Sim X. L. J. , Williams D. , Segal R.
Published: May 2011

Studies show that both straight blade laryngoscopy and videolaryngoscopy can improve the view of the larynx when compared with the Macintosh blade laryngoscopy. However, no study has compared these two devices. A total of 80 patients with Mallampati grade ≥ 3 were randomly assigned to either have orotracheal intubation with the McGrath® videolaryngoscope or the Henderson straight blade. The primary outcome was laryngoscopic view. Time to intubation, number of attempts, ease of intubation and complications were also recorded. Thirty‐nine out of 40 patients had grade‐1 views in the McGrath group, compared with 29 out of 40 cases in the Henderson group (p = 0.003). There were no statistically significant differences in the secondary outcomes. Two patients suffered from minor oropharyngeal injuries in the Henderson group. Apart from offering significantly more grade‐1 laryngoscopic views, the McGrath videolaryngoscope did not improve other clinical outcomes compared with the straight blade, when used in patients with poor Mallampati scores.
Somatostatin receptors are strongly expresssed in palmoplantar sweat glands and ducts: studies of normal and palmoplantar pustulosis skin
Authors: Hagforsen E. , Michaëlsson G. , Stridsberg M.
Published: May 2011

Background. The acrosyringium is the target for inflammation in the chronic and intensely inflammatory skin disease palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP). The sweat-gland apparatus seems to be an immunocompetent structure that probably contributes to skin defence. Furthermore, the sweat gland and duct may be a hitherto unrecognized neuroendocrine organ.

Aim. To obtain further information about the neuroendocrine properties of the sweat-gland apparatus by examining expression of the somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) 1–5 in healthy palmar skin and in PPP skin.

Methods. Biopsy specimens were taken from 25 patients with PPP and 25 healthy controls. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to investigate expression of SSTRs 1–5.

Results. SSTRs 1–5 were expressed in both epidermal and endothelial structures. The staining intensity of the sweat-gland apparatus was more pronounced than that of the epidermis. Expression differed significantly between lesional PPP and normal plantar skin, with increased expression of SSTRs 3 and 4 in ducts in epidermis, and decreased expression of SSTR 1 in ducts in both papillary and reticular dermis. In specimens with pronounced inflammation, numerous dendritic cells with strong expression of SSTRs 1, 2 and 4 were seen, especially in the papillary dermis.

Conclusions. The presence of SSTRs in palmoplantar skin, and specifically at high density in the sweat glands and ducts, might be of particular importance in skin neuroimmunoendocrinology. Although the relevance of the changes in SSTR expression in PPP skin compared with normal skin is unclear, our hypothesis is that these differences might influence the function of both the neuroendocrine and neuroimmunological properties of palmoplantar skin, especially in the sweat-gland apparatus.
An in vitro experimental model of neuroinflammation: the induction of interleukin‐6 in murine astrocytes infected with Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus, and its inhibition by oestrogenic receptor modulators
Authors: Rubio Nazario , Cerciat Marie , Unkila Mikko , Garcia‐Segura Luis M. , Arevalo Maria‐Angeles
Published: May 2011

This paper describes an experimental model of neuroinflammation based on the production of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) by neural glial cells infected with Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV). Production of IL‐6 mRNA in mock‐infected and TMEV‐infected SJL/J murine astrocytes was examined using the Affymetrix murine genome U74v2 DNA microarray. The IL‐6 mRNA from infected cells showed an eightfold increase in hybridization to a sequence encoding IL‐6 located on chromosome number 5. Quantitative real‐time reverse transcription PCR (qPCR) was used to study the regulation of IL‐6 expression. The presence of IL‐6 in the supernatants of TMEV‐infected astrocyte cultures was quantified by ELISA and found to be weaker than in cultures of infected macrophages. The IL‐6 was induced by whole TMEV virions, but not by Ad.βGal adenovirus, purified TMEV capsid proteins, or UV‐inactivated virus. Two recombinant inflammatory cytokines, IL‐1α and tumour necrosis factor‐α were also found to be potent inducers of IL‐6. The secreted IL‐6 was biologically active because it fully supported B9 hybridoma proliferation in a [3H]thymidine incorporation bioassay. The cerebrospinal fluid of infected mice contained IL‐6 during the acute encephalitis phase, peaking at days 2–4 post‐infection. Finally, this in vitro neuroinflammation model was fully inhibited, as demonstrated by ELISA and qPCR, by five selective oestrogen receptor modulators.
A stratified genetic risk assessment for testicular cancer
Authors: Kratz C. P. , Greene M. H. , Bratslavsky G. , Shi J.
Published: May 2011

Three genome‐wide association studies of testicular cancer have uncovered predisposition alleles in or near KITLG, BAK1, SPRY4, TERT, ATF7IP and DMRT1. We investigated whether testicular cancer‐risk alleles can be utilized in the clinical setting. We employed the receiver operating characteristic curves for genetic risk models to measure the discriminatory power of a risk variant‐based risk model, and found that the newly discovered variants provided a discriminatory power of 69.2%. This suggested that about 69.2% of the time, a randomly selected patient with testicular cancer had a higher estimated risk than the risk for a randomly selected control subject. Using a multiplicative model, we estimated that white men in the top 1% of genetic risk as defined by eight risk variants had a relative risk that was 10.5‐fold greater than that for the general white male population. This risk differential does not appear to be clinically useful, given the relative rarity and highly curable nature of testicular germ cell tumour (TGCT). In the authors’ view, a stratified genetic risk assessment strategy might be useful, theoretically, for men who also have independent clinical risk factors for testicular cancer. Several established TGCT risk factors, such as cryptorchidism (RR = 4.8) and male infertility (SIR = 2.8) might prove useful in that context, but we currently do not know whether these testicular cancer‐risk loci are associated with, or independent of, such clinical risk factors. More research is required before we can utilize testicular cancer‐risk loci for clinically meaningful risk prediction.
The influence of breakfast and dairy products on dietary calcium and vitamin D intake in postpubertal adolescents and young adults
Authors: Peters B. S. E. , Verly Jr E. , Marchioni D. M. L. , Fisberg M. , Martini L. A.
Published: May 2011

Background:  Given the importance of both calcium and vitamin D for bone health and the high prevalence of vitamin D from around the world, the present study aimed to evaluate calcium and vitamin D intake in a group of healthy Brazilian adolescents and young adults and to examine the influence of breakfast and dairy products in the total intake of these nutrients.

Methods:  One hundred and sixty adolescents and young adults, aged 16–20 years old, from a public school, participated in the present study. Three‐day dietary records were used to assess calcium and vitamin D intakes. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured using a radioimmunoassay kit. The results were expressed as the mean (SD).

Results:  Only 3.8% of the subjects met the daily adequate intake recommendation for calcium, and none for vitamin D [682.2 (132.2) mg day−1 and 124.0 (28.0) IU day−1, respectively]. 25(OH)D serum levels were insufficient in 51.5% and deficient in 9.7% of the individuals [72.5 (22.3) nmol L−1]. There was a significant positive correlation between dairy product intake with both calcium and vitamin D (r = 0.597 and r = 0.561, respectively; P = 0.000). Adolescents who ate breakfast had a significant higher mean calcium, vitamin D and dairy product intake than adolescents who did not report this meal.

Conclusions:  The majority of adolescents and young adults did not consume recommended intakes of calcium and vitamin D and also presented 25(OH)D insufficiency. The results indicate that a regular breakfast and the consumption of dairy products represent important strategies in improving calcium and vitamin D intake in the diet.
Characterization of monilia disease caused by Monilinia linhartiana on quince in southern Spain
Authors: Moral J. , Muñoz‐Díez C. , Cabello D. , Arquero O. , Lovera M. , Benítez M. J. , Trapero A.
Published: May 2011

This study elucidates the aetiology and epidemiology of monilia disease of quince caused by the fungus Monilinia linhartiana in Spain. Disease incidence and the dynamics of apothecial development and ascospore discharge were quantified and the pathogen was characterized using morphological and molecular methods. The pathogen did not produce conidia or apothecia on agar media but produced conidia on leaves showing symptoms and apothecia on mummified young quince fruit. Monilinia linhartiana was not pathogenic on ripe quince fruit but was readily isolated from developing, mummified fruit (pseudosclerotia). Phylogenetic analysis based on 5·8S‐ITS region sequences placed M. linhartiana in the Disjuntoriae section of Monilinia species infecting rosaceous hosts. Studies during 2004–2008 in four commercial orchards in southern Spain determined two major infection periods for the disease. The first coincided with the unfolding of the first leaves and resulted in leaf blotch and shoot blight. The second coincided with flowering and led to mummification of developing young fruit. Foliar infection was apparently initiated by airborne ascospores produced on pseudosclerotia that overwintered on the soil surface, while flower infection was probably initiated by conidia produced on leaf lesions. Incidence of diseased shoots ranged from 1 to 91% and was correlated with calculated inoculum potential, based on the density and maturity of apothecia formed on pseudosclerotia. This epidemiological study has made it possible to characterize the life cycle of monilia disease on quince in southern Spain, which will help the development of new control strategies.
Phosphite primed defence responses and enhanced expression of defence genes in Arabidopsis thaliana infected with Phytophthora cinnamomi
Authors: Eshraghi L. , Anderson J. , Aryamanesh N. , Shearer B. , McComb J. , Hardy G. E. StJ. , O’Brien P. A.
Published: May 2011

This paper describes the effect of phosphite (Phi), a systemic chemical, on the induction of defence responses in Phytophthora cinnamomi‐infected Arabidopsis thaliana accessions Ler and Col‐0. Application of Phi to non‐inoculated A. thaliana seedlings of accession Ler elevated transcription of defence genes in the salicylic acid (PR1 and PR5) and jasmonic acid/ethylene (THI2.1 and PDF1.2) pathways. Furthermore, a systemic increase in the expression of the PR1 gene was demonstrated in Phi‐treated seedlings using the transgenic line PR1::GUS in the presence/absence of the pathogen by 72 h after inoculation. The cells of Phi‐treated A. thaliana Ler leaves responded to P. cinnamomi zoospore inoculation with a rapid increase in callose deposition and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production. Phi treatment resulted in the production of callose papillae 6 h earlier than in non‐Phi‐treated inoculated seedlings and enhanced the production of H2O2 in the leaves of A. thaliana at the site of hyphal penetration and in cells away from the inoculation point. By 24 h after infection, clear differences in the amount of H2O2 production were observed between the Phi‐treated and non‐Phi‐treated plants. These rapid host responses did not occur in non‐Phi‐treated inoculated seedlings. There was also a significant (P < 0·001) decrease in lesion size in Phi‐treated plants. These results indicate that Phi primes the plant for a rapid and intense response to infection involving heightened activation of a range of defence responses.
Impact of tobacco recessive resistance gene va on biological properties of Brazilian Potato virus Y (PVY) isolates
Authors: Lacroix C. , Glais L. , Verrier J.‐L. , Charlier C. , Lorencetti C. , Jacquot E.
Published: May 2011

To investigate the role of environmental conditions on the selection of virulent Potato virus Y (PVY) isolates subject to pressure from the recessive resistance gene va in tobacco, a field survey was performed in Brazil where va‐derived genotypes have been recently introduced and now represent less than one‐third of cultivated tobacco genotypes. A serological analysis of 397 leaves collected from different Brazilian tobacco‐growing areas and mainly from plants with symptoms indicated that 52·4% of samples were infected by at least one of the viral species tested. PVY was present in 72·1% of infected samples. The probability of a plant being infected with PVY was reduced in va hosts. However, the biological characterization of PVY isolates on indicator hosts showed that 20 of the 29 tested isolates were able to overcome the alleles of the va gene. Moreover, the observed biological diversity of isolates was higher in susceptible tobacco genotypes than in va‐resistant ones. Comparison of these data with the PVY diversity in French tobacco fields shows that the use of va‐derived genotypes in two environments with contrasting climatic conditions, local hosts and cultural contexts, leads to a similar outcome: the prevalence of virulent isolates. These results strongly suggest an important role of the va gene in the modification of PVY populations.
Detection of botryosphaeriaceous species in environmental samples using a multi‐species primer pair
Authors: Ridgway H. J. , Amponsah N. T. , Brown D. S. , Baskarathevan J. , Jones E. E. , Jaspers M. V.
Published: May 2011

Botryosphaeriaceous species are significant grapevine trunk pathogens worldwide, which can be difficult to identify to species level using conventional morphological methods. This study developed and optimized a quick, reliable molecular identification method that could facilitate investigations into the epidemiology of these diseases in vineyards. The multi‐species primers, BOT100F and BOT472R, amplified a 371–372 bp portion of the rRNA gene region from the six botryosphaeriaceous species commonly found in New Zealand vineyards. In silico analysis indicated that they would amplify DNA from six of the 12 lineages of the Botryosphaeriaceae, including all of the main species pathogenic to grapevines. A detection sensitivity of 1 and 0·1 pg DNA in standard and nested PCR, respectively, was achieved and this was calculated as equivalent to 2·5 conidia. Validation of the primers for environmental samples showed that their specificity was not compromized by the presence of competing DNA templates extracted from wood and soil. Single stranded conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of the amplicons could resolve Neofusicoccum australe, N. luteum, Diplodia mutila and D. seriata, but did not differentiate between N. parvum and N. ribis. The optimized PCR‐SSCP was used to identify botryosphaeriaceous species present in rainwater traps collected over 1 year in a vineyard known to contain infected vines. It could detect multiple species in individual samples and demonstrated differences in the dispersal patterns of conidia from different species. Given the specificity and sensitivity of this method it could prove useful in epidemiology studies involving the numerous botryosphaeriaceous species that infect a wide range of host species.