bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new flow cytometry method enabling rapid purification of fossil pollen from terrestrial sediments for AMS radiocarbon dating
Authors: TENNANT RICHARD K. , JONES RICHARD T. , BROCK FIONA , COOK CHARLOTTE , TURNEY CHRIS S. M. , LOVE JOHN , LEE ROB
Published: March 2013

Radiocarbon (14C) accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dating has played a significant role towards improving our understanding of the timing of events and rates of change in archaeological and environmental records over the last 50 000 years. Although it is not always possible to find suitable macrofossils for 14C dating, microfossils, notably plant pollen, are a viable alternative. Obtaining preserved pollen samples of known provenance and of sufficient quantity for dating by 14C AMS is, however, challenging because of time‐consuming methods of extraction and purification and possible contamination from other organic material. Here we report a new, rapid and straightforward method using flow cytometry (FCM) to distinguish, sort and collect sufficient quantities of fossil pollen with minimal contamination from lake sediments for radiocarbon dating. Using this approach, we demonstrate 14C AMS ages that date back to at least 40 ka BP. While future work may be required to refine purification methodologies for different sample types and to precisely quantify the dating limit of this approach, FCM dating of microfossils shows considerable promise in generating robust geochronological frameworks for sequences that have previously proved problematic. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrogen bonds and polymerization in acrylamide under pressure
Authors: Sharma Bharat Bhooshan , Murli Chitra , Sharma Surinder M.
Published: March 2013

Acrylamide (C3H5NO), a hydrogen‐bonded amide, is an important compound from the point of view of basic and material research. It can be used as a model system for studying hydrogen bonding interactions in amides under pressure. As it is a monomer of polyacrylamide, an important polymer, high pressure investigation of polymerization in this material is also of interest. Ourin‐situhigh pressure Raman spectroscopic investigations of acrylamide carried out up to 17 GPa under quasi‐hydrostatic conditions indicate possible structural variations through the reconstruction of the N‐H‐‐‐O hydrogen bonds at pressures above 2.6 GPa. Emergence of several new spectral features at higher pressures indicate onset of polymerization. The characteristic polymer band becomes discernible at ~17 GPa. The increase in the relative intensity of the polymer peaks with respect to the monomer peaks on release to ambient conditions suggests that higher fraction of polymer is obtained on decompression. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A first principles lattice dynamics and Raman spectra of the ferroelastic rutile to CaCl2 phase transition in SnO2 at high pressure
Authors: Gupta Sanjay D. , Gupta Sanjeev K. , Jha Prafulla K. , Ovsyuk N. N.
Published: March 2013

A first principles calculation of the lattice dynamical properties of rutile SnO2 has been performed using density functional perturbation theory at ambient and high‐pressure conditions to understand the pressure‐induced phase transition. The calculated zone centre phonon modes at ambient and high pressures have been compared with Raman scattering and infrared measurements. Full phonon dispersion curves and phonon densities of states and Raman intensities at high pressures are calculated and given for the first time in literature. The ferroelastic transition from the rutile to the CaCl2‐type structure was confirmed. It is clearly illustrated that the first transition is associated with macroscopic shear instability which arises from the strong coupling between elastic constants and softening of Raman active B1g mode. The observed pressure of phase transition in experimental measurements was reproduced more accurately than in previous calculations, and the difference between observed and calculated transition pressure is only of the order of 2%. The mode Grüneisen parameter is quantitatively as well as qualitatively different from the earlier reported values. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetic resonance imaging: A biomarker for cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease?
Authors: Duncan Gordon W. , Firbank Michael J. , O'Brien John T. , Burn David J.
Published: March 2013

Dementia is a frequent and disabling complication of Parkinson's disease (PD). Clinicians and researchers lack a biomarker capable of tracking the structural and functional changes that underlie the evolution of cognitive dysfunction in PD. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been adopted as a biomarker in natural history and interventional studies of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI), but its utility as a biomarker for PD and Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) is unclear. In this review, the authors summarize the studies that have used MRI to investigate cognitive decline in PD, outline limitations of those studies, and suggest directions for future research. PD dementia is associated with extensive cortical atrophy, which may be quantified with structural MRI. More promisingly, patterns of atrophy may be present in those who have PD with MCI (PD‐MCI). Subcortical white matter tract degeneration is detectable early in the disease with diffusion tensor imaging and may precede changes observed on conventional structural MRI. Although less well studied, other MR techniques, such as functional MRI, MR perfusion imaging with arterial spin labeling, and MR spectroscopy, have demonstrated differences in activation and metabolism between PD and PDD. In this review, the ability to compare studies was limited by the heterogeneity of study populations, cognitive testing methods, and imaging protocols. Future work should adopt agreed scan protocols, should be adequately powered, and should use carefully phenotyped patients to fully maximize the contribution of MRI as a biomarker for PDD. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Short latency afferent inhibition: A biomarker for mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease?
Authors: Yarnall Alison J. , Rochester Lynn , Baker Mark R. , David Rachel , Khoo Tien K. , Duncan Gordan W. , Galna Brook , Burn David J.
Published: March 2013

Background

Mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD) is common and predicts those at risk of dementia. Cholinergic dysfunction may contribute to its pathophysiology and can be assessed using short latency afferent inhibition.

Methods

Twenty‐two patients with PD (11 cognitively normal; 11 with mild cognitive impairment) and 22 controls participated. Short latency afferent inhibition was measured by conditioning motor evoked potentials, which were elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation of the motor cortex with electrical stimuli delivered to the contralateral median nerve at varying interstimulus intervals.

Results

There was no significant difference between cognitively normal PD and controls for short latency afferent inhibition (62.8±30.3% vs. 55.7±21.7%; P=0.447). The PD‐mild cognitive impairment group had significantly less inhibition (88.4±25.8%) than both cognitively normal PD (P=0.021) and controls (P=0.01).

Conclusions

Cholinergic dysfunction occurs early in those with PD‐mild cognitive impairment. Short latency afferent inhibition may be a useful biomarker of increased risk of dementia in PD patients. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Three simple clinical tests to accurately predict falls in people with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Paul Serene S. , Canning Colleen G. , Sherrington Catherine , Lord Stephen R. , Close Jacqueline C. T. , Fung Victor S. C.
Published: March 2013

Falls are a major cause of morbidity in Parkinson's disease (PD). The objective of this study was to identify predictors of falls in PD and develop a simple prediction tool that would be useful in routine patient care. Potential predictor variables (falls history, disease severity, cognition, leg muscle strength, balance, mobility, freezing of gait [FOG], and fear of falling) were collected for 205 community‐dwelling people with PD. Falls were monitored prospectively for 6 months using monthly falls diaries. In total, 125 participants (59%) fell during follow‐up. A model that included a history of falls, FOG, impaired postural sway, gait speed, sit‐to‐stand, standing balance with narrow base of support, and coordinated stability had high discrimination in identifying fallers (area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve [AUC], 0.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77–0.88). A clinical tool that incorporated 3 predictors easily determined in a clinical setting (falling in the previous year: odds ratio [OR], 5.80; 95% CI, 3.00–11.22; FOG in the past month: OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.19–4.80; and self‐selected gait speed < 1.1 meters per second: OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 0.96–3.58) had similar discrimination (AUC, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.73–0.86) to the more complex model (P = 0.14 for comparison of AUCs). The absolute probability of falling in the next 6 months for people with low, medium, and high risk using the simple, 3‐test tool was 17%, 51%, and 85%, respectively. In people who have PD without significant cognitive impairment, falls can be predicted with a high degree of accuracy using a simple, 3‐test clinical tool. This tool enables individualized quantification of the risk of falling. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Alpha‐synuclein p.H50Q, a novel pathogenic mutation for Parkinson's disease
Authors: Appel‐Cresswell Silke , Vilarino‐Guell Carles , Encarnacion Mary , Sherman Holly , Yu Irene , Shah Brinda , Weir David , Thompson Christina , Szu‐Tu Chelsea , Trinh Joanne , Aasly Jan O. , Rajput Alex , Rajput Ali H. , Jon Stoessl A. , Farrer Matthew J.
Published: March 2013

Background

Alpha‐synuclein plays a central role in the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease. Three missense mutations in SNCA, the gene encoding alpha‐synuclein, as well as genomic multiplications have been identified as causes for autosomal‐dominantly inherited Parkinsonism.

Methods

Here, we describe a novel missense mutation in exon 4 of SNCA encoding a H50Q substitution in a patient with dopa‐responsive Parkinson's disease with a family history of parkinsonism and dementia.

Results

The variant was not observed in public databases or identified in unrelated subjects.

Conclusions

The substitution's evolutionary conservation and protein modeling provide additional support for pathogenicity as the amino acid perturbs the same amphipathic alpha helical structure as the previously described pathogenic mutations. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
The internal circadian clock increases hunger and appetite in the evening independent of food intake and other behaviors
Authors: Scheer Frank A.J.L. , Morris Christopher J. , Shea Steven A.
Published: March 2013

Objective:

Despite the extended overnight fast, paradoxically, people are typically not ravenous in the morning and breakfast is typically the smallest meal of the day. We assessed whether this paradox could be explained by an endogenous circadian influence on appetite with a morning trough, while controlling for sleep/wake and fasting/feeding effects.

Design and Methods:

Twelve healthy non‐obese adults (six males; age, 20‐42 years) were studied throughout a 13‐day laboratory protocol that balanced all behaviors, including eucaloric meals and sleep periods, evenly across the endogenous circadian cycle. Participants rated their appetite and food preferences by visual analog scales.

Results:

There was a large endogenous circadian rhythm in hunger, with the trough in the biological morning (8 AM) and peak in the biological evening (8 PM; peak‐to‐trough amplitude = 17%; P = 0.004). Similarly‐phased significant endogenous circadian rhythms were present in appetites for sweet, salty and starchy foods, fruits, meats/poultry, food overall, and for estimates of how much food participants could eat (amplitudes 14‐25%; all P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

In people who sleep at night, the intrinsic circadian evening peak in appetite may promote larger meals before the fasting period necessitated by sleep, whereas the circadian morning trough would theoretically facilitate the extended overnight fast. Furthermore, the circadian decline in hunger across the night would theoretically counteract the fasting‐induced hunger increase that could otherwise disrupt sleep.
Augmentation with Atypical Antipsychotics for Depression: A Review of Evidence‐Based Support from the Medical Literature
Authors: Wright Bradley M. , Eiland Edward H. , Lorenz Raymond
Published: March 2013

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a chronic mental illness that affects an estimated 5–26% of adults at some time in their lives. Treatment is often started as pharmacotherapy using a single drug such as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. If a patient fails to respond adequately to the initial antidepressant, typically three pharmacotherapy options are available to the practitioner. The dose of the current therapy can be maximized, a change can be made to a different drug, or the current regimen can be augmented with another drug. Atypical antipsychotics have recently become a major focus for augmentation of traditional antidepressant therapy.

This review summarizes the evidence for efficacy and safety of augmenting treatment‐refractory or treatment‐resistant depression with atypical antipsychotics.

The National Library of Medicine's MEDLINE database was searched for all English‐language articles published from January 1966–December 2011 describing the use of atypical antipsychotics in treatment‐resistant depression. The literature retrieved was limited to case series, open‐label trials, and randomized controlled trials (RCT). Studies of bipolar depression, psychotic depression, or studies conducted in children and adolescents were excluded.

Thirty‐five studies using atypical antipsychotics for augmentation treatment of depression were included in this analysis. Trials were identified for aripiprazole (six open‐label; three RCT), clozapine (one case series), olanzapine (three open‐label, including two case series; four RCT), quetiapine (four open‐label; five RCT), risperidone (two open‐label; five RCT), and ziprasidone (two open‐label).

The atypical antipsychotics may be effective as adjunctive therapy in MDD; however, their adverse effect profile may be unfavorable to some patients. Trying at least one alternative treatment strategy after an initial antidepressant is indicated before augmentation is implemented with these agents. If atypical antipsychotics are used, safety and efficacy should be frequently reassessed and dosage should be individualized.
Angular behavior of the absorption limit in thin film silicon solar cells
Authors: Naqavi Ali , Haug Franz‐Josef , Söderström Karin , Battaglia Corsin , Paeder Vincent , Scharf Toralf , Herzig Hans Peter , Ballif Christophe
Published: March 2013

We investigate the angular behavior of the upper bound of absorption provided by the guided modes in thin film solar cells. We show that the 4n2 limit can be potentially exceeded in a wide angular and wavelength range using two‐dimensional periodic thin film structures. Two models are used to estimate the absorption enhancement; in the first one, we apply the periodicity condition along the thickness of the thin film structure, but in the second one, we consider imperfect confinement of the wave to the device. To extract the guided modes, we use an automatized procedure that is established in this work. Through examples, we show that from the optical point of view, thin film structures have a high potential to be improved by changing their shape. Also, we discuss the nature of different optical resonances that can be potentially used to enhance light trapping in the solar cell. We investigate the two different polarization directions for one‐dimensional gratings, and we show that the transverse magnetic polarization can provide higher values of absorption enhancement. We also propose a way to reduce the angular dependence of the solar cell efficiency by the appropriate choice of periodic pattern. Finally, to obtain more practical values for the absorption enhancement, we consider the effect of parasitic loss that can significantly reduce the enhancement factor. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PSPICE model for silicon nanowire field‐effect transistor biosensors in impedimetric measurement mode
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Chien , Vu Xuan Thang , Freyler Miriam , Ingebrandt Sven
Published: March 2013

In this work, we demonstrate a behavioral PSPICE model for silicon nanowire (SiNW) field‐effect transistor (FET) biosensors, which is suitable to simulate frequency domain electrical measurements. The model is divided into two separated components: an electrochemical part for the liquid/solid interface at the gate input and an FET part simulating the SiNW characteristics. In our study, the parameters of the FET model are obtained from characterization measurements of real devices, which are fabricated in our research group. Measurements were performed with a self‐developed readout system. The model can be used to investigate the effects of solution conductivity and the drain and source capacitances of the SiNW sensor. We observed that the impedance spectra consist of a low‐pass filter domain at low frequencies and a resonance domain at higher frequencies. The former is mainly influenced by the source capacitance and the oxide/liquid interface of the devices, whereas the latter is mainly dominated by the drain capacitance, in case that the solution conductivity is kept constant. In addition, based on the relationship of the solution conductivity and the experimental data, we suggest a value called representative resistance of the solution. In this study, the model was compared to real spectra and we achieved good agreement between simulation and experiments. Our model provides a clearer view for frequency domain measurements with SiNW sensors, offers the possibility to optimize our SiNW design and forms the basis to include and explain sensing events in future biomedical assays.
Magnetic critical behavior of Mn5Ge3 ribbons
Authors: Zheng T. F. , Shi Y. G. , Li J. B. , Fan J. Y. , Shi D. N. , Lv L. Y. , Tang S. L.
Published: March 2013

Magnetic critical behavior of Mn5Ge3 ribbons was investigated by dc magnetization measurements. The critical exponents were obtained by a modified Arrott plot technique and the Kouvel–Fisher method. Finally, β = 0.372 ± 0.003 and γ = 1.05 ± 0.01 were determined. The exponent δ = 3.88 ± 0.02 obtained from the magnetization isotherm of TC fulfills the Widom scaling relation δ = 1 + γ/β. Moreover, with these exponents, the magnetization curves collapse into two independent curves following a single equation around TC. These results confirm the reliability of the obtained critical exponents. However, this set of exponents belongs to none of the classical theoretical models. This phenomenon is probably caused by the anisotropy of the Mn ions.
Laser Raman spectroscopy of phase transformation in GaAs induced by radiation defects
Authors: Gotoshia Sergo V. , Gotoshia Lamara V.
Published: March 2013

When implanting (111) GaAs with boron and heavier argon ions, severe distortion of crystal structure occurs. The Raman scattering has shown that with implanted ion dose change the crystal structure gradually transforms into disordered state, in which coexistence of crystalline, microcrystalline, nanocrystalline and amorphous phases is possible. At the certain stage of implantation the formation of continuous amorphous layer of GaAs takes place. The critical doses of disorder and amorphization of GaAs at implantation with B and Ar ions accordingly have been defined. The graphs of dependence of LO and TO phonon halfwidths upon implantation doses are also the characteristics of amorphization. The possibility of estimation of quantitative portions of the amorphous and nano phases from the Raman‐spectra is emphasized. It is shown experimentally that using light ions to synthesize nano GaAs most likely is more advantageous: the nano phase synthesizes in the wide range of fluencies (at high fluencies too). (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Evaluation of the Effect of Beetroot Juice on DMBA‐induced Damage in Liver and Mammary Gland of Female Sprague–Dawley Rats
Authors: Szaefer Hanna , Krajka‐Kuźniak Violetta , Ignatowicz Ewa , Adamska Teresa , Baer‐Dubowska Wanda
Published: March 2013

Red beetroot contains a specific class of antioxidants collectively named betalains, which have been shown to have anticarcinogenic and anti‐inflamatory potential. We investigated the effect of beetroot juice on the hepatic and mammary gland carcinogen metabolizing enzymes, DNA damage and liver injury, altered by 7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA). In the liver, pretreatment with beetroot juice significantly decreased levels and activities of the majority of tested biochemical parameters, elevated by DMBA. Feeding with beetroot juice decreased the activities of CYP1A1 and 1A2 and increased phase II enzymes. The activities of all enzymes tested were enhanced in the animals treated with DMBA alone and in combination with beetroot juice. The most significant changes in the level of the enzymes tested were observed for NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase‐1. In mammary gland, beetroot juice induced the level of glutathione S‐transferase pi, enzyme involved in active metabolites of DMBA detoxification. The final effects of beetroot juice are tissue specific and depend on the class of carcinogen. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comprehension at the Core
Authors: Harvey Stephanie , Goudvis Anne
Published: March 2013

As teachers, we have both the power and the responsibility to create classrooms full of eager, curious, and active readers and learners. Teaching students to become strategic readers and thinkers and to actively use the knowledge they glean from reading are the focus of the comprehension practices discussed in this article. A longstanding research tradition suggests that comprehension strategies are best taught as tools for reading and learning, so that students acquire and use a repertoire of thinking strategies that further engagement and understanding. To become literate in the broadest sense of the term, students must learn to read, write and think across disciplines, evaluating information, asking questions and engaging in dialogue. The authors suggest principles and practices that keep comprehension at the core of 21st century teaching and learning.
Factors affecting visualization of postmenopausal ovaries: descriptive study from the multicenter United Kingdom Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS)
Authors: Sharma A. , Burnell M. , Gentry‐Maharaj A. , Campbell S. , Amso N. N. , Seif M. W. , Fletcher G. , Brunel C. , Turner G. , Rangar R. , Ryan A. , Jacobs I. , Menon U. ,   for the United Kingdom Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS)
Published: March 2013

Objective

Transvaginal sonography (TVS) is core to any ovarian cancer screening strategy. General‐population screening involves older postmenopausal women in whom ovarian visualization is difficult because of decreasing ovarian size and lack of follicular activity. We report on factors affecting the visualization of postmenopausal ovaries in the multicenter United Kingdom Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS).

Methods

The UKCTOCS is a randomized controlled trial of 202 638 postmenopausal women with 50 639 women in the ultrasound scan arm. TVS is the primary screening modality in the ultrasound scan arm. Age, education, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), previous pelvic surgery, lifestyle and reproductive factors, and a personal/family history of cancer were assessed for their effects on ovarian visualization at the initial TVS.

Results

Between 11 June 2001 and 18 August 2007, 43 867 women underwent TVS. The median age and BMI of the women were 60.6 (interquartile range (IQR), 9.9) years and 25.7 (IQR, 5.8), respectively. The right ovary was visualized in 29 297 (66.8%) and the left ovary was visualized in 28 726 (65.5%). Visualization of ovaries decreased with previous hysterectomy (odds ratio (OR) = 0.534; 95% CI, 0.504–0.567), previous tubal ligation (OR = 0.895; 95% CI, 0.852–0.940), increasing age (OR = 0.953; 95% CI, 0.950–0.956), unilateral oophorectomy (OR = 0.224; 95% CI, 0.186–0.269) and being overweight (OR = 0.918; 95% CI, 0.876–0.962) or obese (OR = 0.715; 95% CI, 0.677–0.755). Increased visualization was observed with a history of infertility (OR = 1.134; 95% CI, 1.005–1.279) and increasing age (in years) at menopause (OR = 1.005; 95% CI, 1.001–1.009).

Conclusions

Several factors affect the visualization of postmenopausal ovaries. Their impact needs to be taken into consideration when developing quality assurance for ovarian ultrasound scanning or comparing study results as their prevalence may differ between populations. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Heavy vector-like quark with charge 5/3 at the LHC
Authors: Cacciapaglia Giacomo , Deandrea Aldo , Panizzi Luca , Perries Stéphane , Sordini Viola
Published: March 2013

Abstract

We study the phenomenology at the Large Hadron Collider of an exotic vector-like quark with charge +5/3. We relax the assumption of a 100% branching into Wt and allow for an arbitrary rate into W plus light quarks, thus covering all possible scenarios. Sizeable decays into light quarks can be achieved, for instance, in a model where the X
5/3 quark is embedded in a doublet with hypercharge 7/6, which also contains a t′ quark. We study the bounds on the parameter space of this model, and perform a detailed simulation of the X
5/3 pair production and decays. We show that the final state with WtWq, where q = u or c, contributes to the same sign dilepton searches, and that the reach can be improved with alternative cuts optimised on such final state.
Response surface methodology for optimising the culture conditions for eicosapentaenoic acid production by marine bacteria
Authors: Abd Elrazak Ahmed , Ward Alan C , Glassey Jarka
Published: March 2013

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are increasingly attracting scientific attention owing to their significant health-promoting role in the human body. However, the human body lacks the ability to produce them in vivo. The limitations associated with the current sources of ω-3 fatty acids from animal and plant sources have led to increased interest in microbial production. Bacterial isolate 717 was identified as a potential high EPA producer. As an important step in the process development of the microbial PUFA production, the culture conditions at the bioreactor scale were optimised for the isolate 717 using a response surface methodology exploring the significant effect of temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen and the interaction between them on the EPA production. This optimisation strategy led to a significant increase in the amount of EPA produced by the isolate under investigation, where the amount of EPA increased from 9 mg/g biomass (33 mg/l representing 7.6 % of the total fatty acids) to 45 mg/g (350 mg/l representing 25 % of the total fatty acids). To avoid additional costs associated with extreme cooling at large scale, a temperature shock experiment was carried out reducing the overall cooling time from the whole cultivation process to 4 h only prior to harvest. The ability of the organism to produce EPA under the complete absence of oxygen was tested revealing that oxygen is not critically required for the biosynthesis of EPA but the production improved in the presence of oxygen. The stability of the produced oil and the complete absence of heavy metals in the bacterial biomass are considered as an additional benefit of bacterial EPA compared to other sources of PUFA. To our knowledge this is the first report of a bacterial isolate producing EPA with such high yields making the large-scale manufacture much more economically viable.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Role of CC-chemokine receptor 5 on myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury in rats
Authors: Shen Bo , Li Jun , Gao Ling , Zhang Jieyu , Yang Bo
Published: March 2013

The expression level of CC-chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) is enhanced post inflammatory stimulations and might play a crucial role on inflammatory cells infiltration post myocardial ischemia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of CCR5 on myocardial ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. Adult male rats were randomized to sham group, I/R group (I/R, 30 min coronary artery occlusion followed by 2-h reperfusion), ischemic preconditioning (I/R + Pre), CCR5 antibody group [I/R + CCR5Ab (0.2 mg/kg)], and CCR5 agonist group [I/R + CCR5Ago, RNATES (0.1 mg/kg)], n = 12 each group. The serum level of creatine kinase (CK) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were measured by ELISA. Myocardial infarction size and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were determined. Myocardial protein expression of CCR5 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) were evaluated by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry staining, respectively. Myocardial nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activity was assayed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Myocardial CCR5 protein expression was significantly reduced in I/R + Pre group (P < 0.05 vs. I/R) and further reduced in I/R + CCR5Ab group (P < 0.05 vs. I/R + Pre). LVSP and ±dP/dtmax were significantly lower while serum CK and TNF-α as well as myocardial MPO activity, ICAM-1 expression, and NF-κB activity were significantly higher in I/R group than in sham group (all P < 0.05), which were significantly reversed by I/R + Pre (all P < 0.05 vs. I/R) and I/R + CCR5Ab (all P < 0.05 vs. I/R + Pre) while aggravated by I/R + CCR5Ago (all P < 0.05 vs. I/R). Our results suggest that blocking CCR5 attenuates while enhancing CCR5 aggravates myocardial I/R injury through modulating inflammatory responses in rat heart.
Synthesis and Properties of Dodecyldiethoxylamine Oxide
Authors: Wang Ruitao , Li Yunling , Li Qiuxiao
Published: March 2013

Dodecyldiethoxylamine oxide (DDEAO) was synthesized by the reaction of dodecyldiethoxylamine with hydrogen peroxide in water as the solvent. Surface activity, wetting ability and emulsifying capacity were investigated and compared with that of dodecyldimethylamine oxide (DDMAO). Results indicate that the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of DDEAO is lower than that of DDMAO, while its surface tension at CMC (γCMC) is slightly higher. The wetting ability of DDEAO is similar to that of DDMAO. For its capacity of emulsifying liquid paraffin, DDEAO is found to be better than DDMAO, but it is the opposite for emulsifying soybean oil. The foaming properties and thickening function of DDEAO in mixtures with alcohol ether sulfate and alkylbenzene sulfonate were also studied. As expected, complex surfactant systems exhibit good foaming ability and DDEAO exhibits a good thickening function.
Vinculin and metavinculin: Oligomerization and interactions with F‐actin
Authors: Thompson Peter M. , Tolbert Caitlin E. , Campbell Sharon L.
Published: March 2013

Vinculin, and its splice variant metavinculin, are scaffolding proteins that localize to cellular adhesions. Vinculin is a key player in mediating cell adhesion, motility, and cellular response to force. In the past decade, a number of new studies have evaluated the importance of vinculin oligomers, especially in their role of bundling F‐actin. Emerging evidence also suggests that vinculin oligomerization is important for vinculin's scaffolding function. Here we describe the latest findings on vinculin's interaction with F‐actin and we clarify the different known vinculin oligomers. Differences in these functions between vinculin and metavinculin provide key insights to the structure and function of these oligomers, and should guide further studies.
Effect of prenatal loud music and noise on total number of neurons and glia, neuronal nuclear area and volume of chick brainstem auditory nuclei, field L and hippocampus: A stereological investigation
Authors: Sanyal Tania , Palanisamy Pradeep , Nag T.C. , Roy T.S. , Wadhwa Shashi
Published: March 2013

The present study explores whether prenatal patterned and unpatterned sound of high sound pressure level (110 dB) has any differential effect on the morphology of brainstem auditory nuclei, field L (auditory cortex analog) and hippocampus in chicks (Gallus domesticus). The total number of neurons and glia, mean neuronal nuclear area and total volume of the brainstem auditory nuclei, field L and hippocampus of post‐hatch day 1 chicks were determined in serial, cresyl violet‐stained sections, using stereology software. All regions studied showed a significantly increased total volume with increase in total neuron number and mean neuronal nuclear area in the patterned music stimulated group as compared to control. Contrastingly the unpatterned noise stimulated group showed an attenuated volume with reduction in the total neuron number. The mean neuronal nuclear area was significantly reduced in the auditory nuclei and hippocampus but increased in the field L. Glial cell number was significantly increased in both experimental groups, being highest in the noise group. The brainstem auditory nuclei and field L showed an increase in glia to neuron ratio in the experimental groups as compared to control. In the hippocampus the ratio remained unaltered between control and music groups, but was higher in the noise group. It is thus evident that though the sound pressure level in both experimental groups was the same there were differential changes in the morphological parameters of the brain regions studied, indicating that the characteristics of the sound had a role in mediating these effects.
Molecular identification ofEpitrixpotato flea beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Europe and North America
Authors: Germain Jean-François , Chatot Catherine , Meusnier Isabelle , Artige Emmanuelle , Rasplus Jean-Yves , Cruaud Astrid
Published: March 2013

Epitrixspecies (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) feed mostly on plants from the family Solanaceae and some of them are major pests of potato crops. AllEpitrixspecies are morphologically highly similar, which makes them difficult to identify and limits their study and management. Identification of species is mostly based on the observation of the genitalia and requires a high level of expertise. Here, we propose a tool to reliably identify all developmental stages of the most economically importantEpitrixspecies feeding on potato in Europe and North America (Epitrix cucumeris, Epitrix similaris, Epitrix tuberis, Epitrix subcrinitaandEpitrix hirtipennis). We first sequenced two DNA markers (mitochondrial cytochromecoxidase I (COI) and nuclear internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2)) to test their effectiveness in differentiating among sixEpitrixspecies (126 specimens). Morphospecies ofEpitrixwere well-differentiated by both DNA barcodes and no mitochondrial introgression was detected. Then, we developed an RFLP-based diagnostic method and showed that unambiguous species discrimination can be achieved by using the sole restriction enzymeTaqI onCOIpolymerase chain reaction products. The tool proposed here should improve our knowledge aboutEpitrixspecies biology, distribution and host range, three capacities that are particularly important in the detection and management of these pest species. Specifically, this tool should help prevent the introduction ofE. tuberisandE. subcrinitain Europe and limit the spread of the recently introducedE. cucumerisandE. similaris, with minimal disruption to Solanaceae trade.
Impact of pest control strategies on the arthropodofauna living in bird nests built in nestboxes in pear and apple orchards
Authors: Roy Lise , Bouvier Jean-Charles , Lavigne Claire , Galès Mathieu , Buronfosse Thierry
Published: March 2013

Pesticide applications have a strong impact on biodiversity in agroecosystems. The present study aimed to assess the impact of pest control strategies on the arthropodofauna ofParus majornests built within nestboxes installed in orchards. Unlike many studied groups, these arthropod communities are not in direct contact with pesticide sprays (on account of their being sheltered by nestboxes) and are also unable to move away from the treated area. In this pilot study, we estimated the prevalence and the taxonomic and ecological diversities of arthropodofauna sampled in the nests and assessed the extent to which the whole and nest-specific arthropodofauna were affected by pest control strategies. Sixteen different insect and arachnid Primary Taxonomic Groups (PTGs, order level or below) were found in nests. The best represented PTGs (⩾10% occurrence in years 2007 and 2008) were Psocoptera (Insecta, detritivorous/saprophagous), detritivorous/saprophagous Astigmata (Acari) and hematophagous Mesostigmata (Acari). Pest control strategies had a large impact on the prevalence of arthropods in nests, with higher proportions of nests hosting arthropods in organic orchards than in conventional orchards and with intermediate proportions in nests in Integrated Pest Management orchards. In contrast, pest control strategies had no significant effect on the composition of the arthropod communities when only nests hosting nidicolous arthropods were considered.
Inferring the population structure ofMyzus persicaein diverse agroecosystems using microsatellite markers
Authors: Sanchez Juan Antonio , La-Spina Michelangelo , Guirao Pedro , Cánovas Fernando
Published: March 2013

Diverse agroecosystems offer phytophagous insects a wide choice of host plants.Myzus persicaeis a polyphagous aphid common in moderate climates. During its life cycle it alternates between primary and secondary hosts. A spatial genetic population structure may arise due to environmental factors and reproduction modes. The aim of this work was to determine the spatial and temporal genetic population structure ofM. persicaein relation to host plants and climatic conditions. For this, 923 individuals ofM. persicaecollected from six plant families between 2005 and 2008 in south-eastern Spain were genotyped for eight microsatellite loci. The population structure was inferred by neighbour-joining, analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and Bayesian analyses. Moderate polymorphism was observed for the eight loci in almost all the samples. No differences in the number of alleles were observed between primary and secondary hosts or between geographical areas. The proportion of unique genotypes found in the primary host was similar in the north (0.961 ± 0.036) and the south (0.987 ± 0.013), while in the secondary host it was higher in the north (0.801 ± 0.159) than in the south (0.318 ± 0.063). Heterozygosity excess and linkage disequilibrium suggest a high representation of obligate parthenogens in areas with warmer climate and in the secondary hosts. TheFST-values pointed to no genetic differentiation ofM. persicaeon the different plant families.FST-values, AMOVA and Bayesian model-based cluster analyses pointed to a significant population structure that was related to primary and secondary hosts. Differences between primary and secondary hosts could be due to the overrepresentation of parthenogens on herbaceous plants.
PHOTOSYNTHETIC CHARACTERISTICS AND FIBRE PRODUCTION FOLLOWING DEFOLIATION INATTALEA FUNIFERAMART., ARECACEAE, GROWING UNDER FULL SUN AND FOREST UNDERSTOREY
Authors: PAMPONET THEDE CAIRES , GOMES FÁBIO PINTO , DE ALMEIDA ALEX-ALAN FURTADO , MIELKE MARCELO SCHRAMM , GOMES LUANA MAHÉ COSTA , PEDROSA ANDRESA MUNIZ
Published: March 2013

The effects of leaves cut during fibre harvesting ofAttalea funiferaunder contrasting irradiance availability were evaluated, studying defoliation-induced changes in photosynthetic and growth characteristics and fibre production in adult individuals ofA. funiferagrowing under full sun and forest understorey. Fibre harvesting was performed with or without (control plants) leaf removal twice in a 12-month interval. Maximum measured values of net photosynthesis (A), stomatal conductance and transpiration were higher in full sun defoliated palms than in non-defoliated palms in the same environment or in understorey palms of the two treatments. Non-defoliated palms from the two environments emitted more leaves than defoliated palms in the same evaluation period. The increment in the leaf-level rate of carbon assimilation following defoliation did not lead to high production of fibre, suggesting that the photosynthetic compensation for leaf removal was not effective, at least during the period of evaluation. The results indicate that leaf removal during harvesting did not represent an advantage for fibre production and may even lead to decreases in leaf and fibre production.
PRODUCTIVITY AND PROFITABILITY OF THE TRANSGENIC COTTON–WHEAT PRODUCTION SYSTEM THROUGH PEANUT INTERCROPPING AND FYM ADDITION
Authors: SINGH RAMAN JEET , AHLAWAT I. P. S. , KUMAR KULDEEP
Published: March 2013

The cotton–wheat production system (CWPS) occupies an important place in the agricultural economy of several South Asian countries. The instability of the CWPS has increased particularly during the post-transgenic hybrids phase mainly because of these hybrids calling for intensive crop management being cultivated under all situations, especially in resource-poor conditions leading to violent fluctuations during adverse years and thereby affecting the socio-economic status of these developing countries. A study was conducted to evaluate and quantify the effect of the two-tier intercropping of cotton and peanut with the substitution of a 25–50% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) of cotton by farmyard manure (FYM) on productivity, profitability and nitrogen economy in the CWPS at New Delhi during 2006–08. To quantify the residual effects of previous crops and their fertility levels, a succeeding crop of wheat was grown with varying rates of nitrogen, viz. 0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha−1. Wheat equivalent productivity was significantly more with the inclusion of peanut in the CWPS (21–26%) with a high net return (US$288) than a pure stand of cotton in the CWPS. The substitution of 25% RDN of cotton by FYM being on par with no substitution recorded a higher wheat equivalent yield, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake, net return and nitrogen use efficiencies. Nitrogen economy in wheat was 22 kg ha−1due to inclusion of peanut in the CWPS and 13 kg ha−1due to substitution of the 25% RDN of cotton by FYM. The study suggested that for the success of the CWPS in South Asian countries, escalating prices of N fertilizers with environmental issues and the instability of transgenic hybrids can be overcome by using wider rows of cotton by peanut intercrop with the integrated use of both organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen.
Inheritance of leaf and stem resistance toSclerotinia sclerotiorumin a cross betweenBrassica incanaandBrassica oleraceavar.alboglabra
Authors: DISI J. O. , MEI J. , WEI D. , DING Y. , QIAN W.
Published: March 2013

Deploying resistant cultivars can reduce the prohibitive cost associated with managingSclerotinia sclerotiorumin rapeseed production worldwide. The present paper reports the results of an analysis of inheritance of leaf and stem resistance involving a single inter-specific cross betweenBrassica incanaandBrassica oleraceavar.alboglabra. Detached leaves and stems of parental lines, F1, F2and the backcrosses were obtained from Southwest University, Chongqing Field Station, Chongqing China in the 2009/10 and 2010/11 field seasons and inoculated withS. sclerotiorumto determine resistance. Significant differences were detected across the two growing seasons between parents and some of the progeny for measures of both leaf and stem resistance. Continuous variation patterns among the segregating generations suggest the quantitative nature of resistance in both leaf and stem. Dominant and additive × additive epistatic interactions controlled the genetic effects for both traits. Broad- and narrow-sense heritability estimates were moderately high for leaf resistance, but were intermediate to high for stem resistance in the two field seasons. Low estimates of the minimum number of genes for leaf and stem resistance were recorded in the two field seasons. The results indicate that selection gains and the identification of quantitative trait loci can be maximized in marker-assisted-selection through differential selection (tissue-based selection) on a replicated plot basis.
Assessment of sulphur deficiency in commercial oilseed rape crops from plant analysis
Authors: SARDA X. , DIQUELOU S. , ABDALLAH M. , NESI N. , CANTAT O. , LE GOUEE P. , AVICE J. C. , OURRY A.
Published: March 2013

Sulphur (S) is one of the six main macroelements required to sustain the growth of plants. Sources include soil, fertilizer and atmospheric deposition, which has been reduced by 85% over the last three decades. Risks of S deficiencies are now recognized in high S-demanding species such as Brassica napus L. With the aims of evaluating the risk of excessive or insufficient fertilization and identifying robust relationships that may be used as plant S status indicators, 57 commercial crops of oilseed rape were selected among contrasting soils and along a rainfall gradient that may affect soil S availability. Cultivation practices were investigated and the S and nitrogen (N) concentrations of soil, senescing leaves, stems and seeds were analysed. Despite an excessive organic N supply and large variation in S supply (from 0 to 112 kg S/ha), principal component analysis using 43 parameters indicated that seed yield was poorly related to N and S fertilization rates. While the N and protein-N concentrations in seeds were inversely related to oil and glucosinolate concentrations, they were linked to S and sulphate (SO42−) accumulation in the seeds. Sulphate concentrations in senescing leaves, stems or seeds could be deduced from total S concentrations, as they were positively and highly correlated. Sulphate accounted for on average 0·69 of total S in senescing leaves with minimum and maximum values of 0·007 and 0·94, which revealed conditions of limited and excess supply of S, respectively. This high variation of SO42− concentration in leaves can be interpreted as the result of its mobilization triggered by S deficiency, but cannot be used alone as an indicator of plant S status. A comparison with plants grown in controlled conditions under different S supplies suggests that the intensity of S starvation affects N metabolism, leading to NO3− (nitrate) accumulation. It is further suggested that dual evaluation of SO42− and NO3− concentrations in senescing leaves could be used at the vegetative stage as a field indicator to adjust S fertilization.
Analysis of the radial and poloidal turbulent transport in the edge tokamak plasma
Authors: MESHKANI S. , GHORANNEVISS M. , LAFOUTI M. , SALAR ELAHI A.
Published: March 2013

In this paper, turbulent transport in the edge plasma of the IR-T1 tokamak (r/a = 0.9) in the presence of a resonant helical magnetic field (RHF) and a biased limiter has been investigated and analyzed. The time evolution of potential fluctuation, and electric field and turbulent transport have been measured by using two arrays of the Langmuir probes in both the radial and poloidal directions. The experiments have been done in different regimes such as limiter biasing and RHF, and both of them. The analyses have been done by the fast Fourier transport method and their spectral features are obtained with the help of the standard autocorrelation technique. The results show that radial turbulent transport decreases about 60% after positive biasing application, while it increases about 40% after negative biasing. The effect of positive biasing on poloidal turbulent transport displays an increase of about 55%, while the negative bias voltage decreases the poloidal turbulent transport about 30%. Consequently, confinement is improved and plasma density rises significantly due to the applied positive biasing in IR-T1. However, the results are reversed when negative biasing is applied. Also, in this work, the results of the applied RHF (L = 3) are compared with biasing results and analyzed.