bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic plant surfaces: an inspiration for biomimetic materials
Authors: Koch Kerstin , Barthlott Wilhelm
Published: March 2009

The diversity of plant surface structures, evolved over 460 million years, has led to a large variety of highly adapted functional structures. The plant cuticle provides structural and chemical modifications for surface wetting, ranging from superhydrophilic to superhydrophobic. In this paper, the structural basics of superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic plant surfaces and their biological functions are introduced. Wetting in plants is influenced by the sculptures of the cells and by the fine structure of the surfaces, such as folding of the cuticle, or by epicuticular waxes. Hierarchical structures in plant surfaces are shown and further types of plant surface structuring leading to superhydrophobicity and superhydrophilicity are presented. The existing and potential uses of superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic surfaces for self-cleaning, drag reduction during moving in water, capillary liquid transport and other biomimetic materials are shown.
Seroepidemiological study of norovirus infection in Aichi Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Kobayashi Shinichi , Fujiwara Noriko , Takeda Naokazu , Minagawa Hiroko
Published: March 2009

The serological prevalence of IgG antibody to seven NoV strains (GI.1, GI.4, GII.3, GII.4, GII.10, GII.12 and GII.15) among inhabitants aged 1–62 years of Aichi Prefecture, Japan was studied. Age‐related seroprevalence was measured by ELISA using baculovirus‐expressed recombinant VLP antigens. Seropositive rates for all seven VLP antigens gradually increased with age. Among the tested antigens, the highest seropositive rate was for the GII.4 strain. This result is consistent with the recent epidemic of NoV infection due to GII.4 strain in Japan.
Fault architecture, basin structure and evolution of the Gulf of Corinth Rift, central Greece
Authors: Bell R. E. , McNeill L. C. , Bull J. M. , Henstock T. J. , Collier R. E. L. , Leeder M. R.
Published: March 2009

The style of extension and strain distribution during the early stages of intra‐continental rifting is important for understanding rift‐margin development and can provide constraints for lithospheric deformation mechanisms. The Corinth rift in central Greece is one of the few rifts to have experienced a short extensional history without subsequent overprinting. We synthesise existing seismic reflection data throughout the active offshore Gulf of Corinth Basin to investigate fault activity history and the spatio‐temporal evolution of the basin, producing for the first time basement depth and syn‐rift sediment isopachs throughout the offshore rift. A major basin‐wide unconformity surface with an age estimated from sea‐level cycles at ca. 0.4 Ma separates distinct seismic stratigraphic units. Assuming that sedimentation rates are on average consistent, the present rift formed at 1–2 Ma, with no clear evidence for along‐strike propagation of the rift axis. The rift has undergone major changes in relative fault activity and basin geometry during its short history. The basement depth is greatest in the central rift (maximum ∼3 km) and decreases to the east and west. In detail however, two separated depocentres 20–50 km long were created controlled by N‐ and S‐dipping faults before 0.4 Ma, while since ca. 0.4 Ma a single depocentre (80 km long) has been controlled by several connected N‐dipping faults, with maximum subsidence focused between the two older depocentres. Thus isolated but nearby faults can persist for timescales ca. 1 Ma and form major basins before becoming linked. There is a general evolution towards a dominance of N‐dipping faults; however, in the western Gulf strain is distributed across several active N‐ and S‐dipping faults throughout rift history, producing a more complex basin geometry.
Gut content analyses of three dominant Antarctic copepod species during an induced phytoplankton bloom EIFEX (European iron fertilization experiment)
Authors: Kruse Svenja , Jansen Sandra , Krägefsky Sören , Bathmann Ulrich
Published: March 2009

The diet of three Antarctic copepods, Calanus simillimus, Rhincalanus gigas and Pleuromamma robusta, was studied from samples collected during the European iron fertilization experiment (EIFEX) in austral fall 2004. The diet was investigated using microscopical gut content analysis. The food spectra of the three copepod species showed a clear overlap. The pennate diatom Fragilariopsis kerguelensis was commonly found in all guts. Large numbers of cells were fractured, but some were found complete when arranged as chains. The same was true for the genus Chaetoceros, a centric diatom, of which even their long and complete setae could be observed. In general the ingested food particles extended over a wide size range up to a few 100 μm. The copepod C. simillimus, for example, fed on large foraminifera and swallowed them whole. Compared to C. simillimus and R. gigas, P. robusta guts contained a higher percentage and larger diversity of hard‐shelled protozoa including tintinnids, Radiolaria and Acantharia.
Anomalies and stock returns: Australian evidence
Authors: Gharghori Philip , Lee Ronald , Veeraraghavan Madhu
Published: March 2009

Prior research has identified the existence of several cross‐sectional patterns in equity returns, commonly referred to as effects. This paper tests for the existence of a number of well‐known effects using data from the Australian equities market. Specifically, we investigate the size effect, book‐to‐market effect, earnings‐to‐price effect, cashflow‐to‐price effect, leverage effect and the liquidity effect. An additional aim of this paper is to investigate the capability of the Fama–French model in explaining any observed effects. We document a size, book‐to‐market, earnings‐to‐price and cashflow‐to‐price effect but fail to find evidence of a leverage or liquidity effect. Although our findings indicate that the Fama–French model can partially explain some of the observed effects, we conclude that its performance is less than satisfactory in Australia.
Transparency and Regional Integration in the Asia Pacific
Authors: Helble Matthias , Shepherd Ben , Wilson John S.
Published: March 2009

We show in this paper that increasing the transparency of the trading environment can be an important complement to traditional liberalisation of tariff and non‐tariff barriers. Our definition of transparency is grounded in a transaction cost analysis. We focus on two dimensions of transparency: predictability (reducing the cost of uncertainty) and simplification (reducing information costs). Using the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies as a case study, we construct indices of importer and exporter transparency for the region from a wide range of sources. Our results from a gravity model suggest that improving trade‐related transparency in APEC could hold significant benefits by raising intra‐APEC trade by approximately US$148 billion or 7.5 per cent of baseline trade in the region. Action to improve transparency measures examined could be undertaken in many forms, including within the current APEC framework or future talks on a Free Trade Area in the Asia Pacific.
Competition and coexistence in sympatric bobcats and pumas
Authors: Hass C. C.
Published: March 2009

Space use and diets of sympatric bobcats Lynx rufus and pumas Puma concolor were compared using sign surveys and scat analysis during 1997–2002 in south‐eastern Arizona, USA. Bobcats appeared to use grassland, scrub, riparian and woodland habitats equally, but pumas had higher activity in riparian and woodland habitats. There was little evidence that bobcats avoided pumas in space use. Bobcats ate primarily rodents (33% of items in scats), lagomorphs (32%) and ungulates (16%), whereas pumas ate primarily ungulates (69%) and carnivores (21%). Pumas had a narrower dietary niche breadth than bobcats, and puma diet overlapped bobcat diet by 56%, suggesting that pumas may be more vulnerable to changes in prey density than bobcats. Pumas also killed and consumed bobcats, indicating that interference competition may be manifesting through intraguild predation.
Emphatic ne in informal spoken French and implications for foreign language pedagogy
Authors: Van Compernolle Rémi A.
Published: March 2009

This paper investigates the variable retention vs deletion of the negative particle ne in a corpus of informal spoken French, and compares the results with previous studies in which a variationist approach was used. A qualitative analysis of ne use revealed that the negative particle co‐occurs most often with a number of prosodic features of discourse used for emphasis. The final part of this paper provides a number of recommendations for teaching and learning the sociolinguistics and pragmatics of verbal negation in conversational French, and discusses broader implications for the treatment of variation in foreign language education.
Investigating task difficulty: learners’ and teachers’ perceptions
Authors: Tavakoli Parvaneh
Published: March 2009

This paper presents an investigation into learners’ and teachers’ perceptions of and criteria for task difficulty. Ten second language learners performed four oral narrative tasks and were retrospectively interviewed about which tasks they perceived as difficult, what factors affected this difficulty and how they identified and defined this task difficulty. Ten EFL/ESOL teachers were given the same tasks and asked to consider the difficulty of the tasks for their learners, and were invited to discuss the factors they believed contributed to this difficulty. Qualitative analysis of the data revealed that, although there were some differences between the two groups’ perceptions of task difficulty, there was substantial similarity between them in terms of the criteria they considered in identifying and defining task difficulty. The findings of this study lend support to the tenets of a cognitive approach to task‐based language learning, and demonstrate which aspects of two models of task difficulty reflect the teachers’ and learners’ perceptions and perspectives.
Role of 20‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid in altering vascular reactivity in diabetes
Authors: Yousif M. H. M. , Benter I. F. , Dunn K. M. J. , Dahly‐Vernon A. J. , Akhtar S. , Roman R. J.
Published: March 2009

1 This study examined the role of 20‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic (20‐HETE) in altering vascular function in streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rats.

2 The expression of CYP4A protein and the formation of 20‐HETE were elevated in the kidney, but not in the renal or mesenteric vasculature, of diabetic animals. The vasoconstrictor responses to norepinephrine (NE), endothelin‐1 (ET‐1), and angiotensin II (Ang II) were significantly enhanced in the isolated perfused mesenteric vascular bed and renal artery segments of diabetic rats. Chronic treatment of the diabetic rats with 1‐aminobenzotriazole (ABT, 50 mg kg−1 alt−1 diem) or N‐hydroxy‐N’‐(4‐butyl‐2‐methylphenyl) formamidine (HET0016, 2.5 mg kg−1 day−1) attenuated the responses to these vasoconstrictors in both vascular beds.

3 The synthesis of 20‐HETE in renal microsomes was reduced by >80% confirming that the doses of ABT and HET0016 were sufficient to achieve system blockade. Addition of HET0016 (1 μM) in vitro also normalized the enhanced vascular responsiveness of renal and mesenteric vessels obtained from diabetic animals to NE and inhibited the formation of 20‐HETE by >90% while having no effect on the formation of epoxides. Vasodilator responses to carbachol and histamine were reduced in the mesenteric vasculature, but not in renal arteries, of diabetic rats. Treatment of the diabetic animals with HET0016 improved vasodilator responses in both vascular beds. Vascular sensitivity to exogenous 20‐HETE was elevated in the mesenteric bed of diabetic animals compared to controls.

4 These results suggest that 20‐HETE contributes to the elevation in vascular reactivity in diabetic animals. This effect is not due to increased vascular expression of CYP4A but may be related to either enhanced agonist‐induced release of substrate (arachidonic acid) by the CaMKII/Ras‐GTPase system and/or elevated vascular responsiveness to 20‐HETE.
Conserving Connectivity: Some Lessons from Mountain Lions in Southern California
Authors: MORRISON SCOTT A. , BOYCE WALTER M.
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  Habitat corridors can be essential for persistence of wildlife populations in fragmented landscapes. Although much research has focused on identifying species and places critical for conservation action, the conservation literature contains surprisingly few examples of corridors that actually have been protected and so provides little guidance for moving from planning through implementation. We examined a case study from southern California that combines monitoring of radio‐collared mountain lions (Puma concolor) with an assessment of land‐protection efforts to illustrate lessons learned while attempting to maintain ecological connectivity in a rapidly urbanizing landscape. As in many places, conservation scientists have provided science‐based maps of where conservation efforts should focus. But implementing corridors is a business decision based not solely on ecological information but also on cost, opportunity cost, investment risk, and other feasibility considerations. Here, the type and pattern of development is such that key connections will be lost unless they are explicitly protected. Keeping pace with conversion, however, has been difficult, especially because conservation efforts have been limited to traditional parcel‐by‐parcel land‐protection techniques. The challenges of and trade‐offs in implementation make it clear that in southern California, connectivity cannot be bought one parcel at a time. Effective land‐use plans and policies that incorporate conservation principles, such as California's Natural Communities Conservation Planning program, are needed to support the retention of landscape permeability. Lessons from this study have broad application, especially as a precautionary tale for places where such extensive and intensive development has not yet occurred. Given how limiting resources are for biodiversity conservation, conservationists must be disciplined about where and how they attempt corridor protection: in rapidly fragmenting landscapes, the opportunity for success can be surprisingly fleeting.
Effect of the Starting Microstructure on the Thermal Properties of As‐Sprayed and Thermally Exposed Plasma‐Sprayed YSZ Coatings
Authors: Tan Yang , Longtin Jon P. , Sampath Sanjay , Wang Hsin
Published: March 2009

Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) experience thermal gradients, excessive temperature, and high heat flux from hot gases in turbines during service. These extended thermal effects induce sintering and significant microstructure changes, which alter the resulting thermal conductivity of the TBCs. To study the effects of different starting microstructures on the sintering behavior, plasma‐sprayed yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) TBCs produced from different starting powders and process parameters were subjected to thermal aging at several temperatures and time intervals, after which their thermal conductivity was measured at room temperature. The thermal conductivity results were analyzed by introducing the Larson–Miller parameter, that describes the creep‐like behavior of thermal conductivity increase with annealing temperature and time. One set of coatings was also annealed under the same conditions and the thermal conductivities were measured at elevated temperatures. The temperature‐dependent thermal conductivity data were analyzed and used to predict the long‐term thermal property behavior for a general YSZ coating design.
Identification of Prostate‐Specific Antigen and Spermatozoa from a Mixture of Semen and Simulated Gastric Juice
Authors: McWilliams Scott , Gartside Bill
Published: March 2009

Abstract: The detection of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) and visualization of spermatozoa from forensic‐type samples containing semen exposed to simulated gastric juice was investigated as a support for forensic practice. Samples of simulated gastric juice mixed with semen were prepared and incubated for up to 4 h at 37°C. Samples were deposited on cotton cloth and on ceramic plates and allowed to dry. The samples were examined for the presence of PSA using the Seratec®PSA Semiquant immunochromatographic membrane test. Microscope slides were prepared, stained, and analyzed for spermatozoa. Spermatozoa were detected in all samples, and PSA was detected on neat samples and on samples from the ceramic plate after incubation for up to 4 h. PSA was not detected in the samples deposited on cotton cloth at incubation times greater than 15 min. This may serve as a support for examinations performed when vomit or vomit‐stained evidence is submitted for analysis.
Evaluation of the Reliability of DNA Typing in the Process of Identification of War Victims in Croatia
Authors: Džijan Snježana , Ćurić Goran , Pavlinić Dinko , Marcikić Mladen , Primorac Dragan , Lauc Gordan
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  Aiming to estimate the frequency of various types of errors that can occur in the large‐scale process of identification, we identified and compared genotypes of 911 parent–child pairs in the database of 3498 relatives of people that disappeared during the 1991/1992 war in Croatia. Genotypes of 891 pairs (97.8%) were matching, while 20 pairs did not match in one or more loci. Reanalysis of these samples revealed that out of 1822 analyzed genotypes, one genotype was completely wrong, and two genotypes had one wrong allele because of human errors. Five genotypes had a single wrong allele due to either polymerase chain reaction or electrophoresis errors. In five genotypes mutations were the cause of mismatch. Genetic inconsistencies with parentage were found in four “fathers” (4.2%) and three “mothers” (0.36%). As the majority of observed single‐locus errors were caused by nonhuman errors, all databases produced with similar technology would probably have comparable level of errors.
Apolipoprotein E and Alzheimer's disease: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Cedazo‐Mínguez Angel
Published: March 2009

Introduction

ApoE function

ApoE role in AD pathology

ApoE as a therapeutic target for AD

Conclusions

Multiple genetic and environmental factors are likely to contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The most important known risk factor for AD is presence of the E4 isoform of apolipoprotein E (apoE). Epidemiological studies demonstrated that apoE4 carriers have a higher risk and develop the disease and an early onset. Moreover, apoE4 is the only molecule that has been associated with all the biochemical disturbances characteristic of the disease: amyloid‐beta (Aβ) deposition, tangle formation, oxidative stress, lipid homeostasis deregulation, synaptic plasticity loss and cholinergic dysfunction. This large body of evidence suggest that apoE is a key player in the pathogenesis of AD. This short review examines the current facts and hypotheses of the association between apoE4 and AD, as well as the therapeutic possibilities that apoE might offer for the treatment of this disease.
Cell death in health and disease
Authors: Lockshin Richard A , Zakeri Zahra
Published: March 2009

Cell death is important in medicine

Why do we not have a medicine based on apoptosis?

The machinery of cell death

Cells have many options other than apoptosis

The response of a cell depends heavily on its history, lineage, and current status

Proteins now assumed to be cell death proteins may in fact have “day jobs” or multiple functions not appreciated by the researcher or physician

Some promise for the future?

Cell death is clearly an important factor in development, homeostasis, pathology and in aging, but medical efforts based on controlling cell death have not become major aspects of medicine. There are several reasons why hopes have been slow to be fulfilled, and they present indications for new directions in research. Most effort has focused on the machinery of cell death, or the proximate effectors of apoptosis and their closely associated and interacting proteins. But cells have many options other than apoptosis. These include autophagy, necrosis, atrophy and stepwise or other alternate means of self‐disassembly. The response of a cell to a noxious or otherwise intimidating signal will depend heavily on the history, lineage and current status of the cell. Many metabolic and other processes adjust the sensitivity of cells to signals, and viruses aggressively attempt to regulate the death of their host cells. Another complicating factor is that many deathassociated proteins may have functions totally unrelated to their role in cell death, generating the possibility of undesirable side effects if one interferes with them. In the future, the challenge will be more to understand the challenge to the cell from a more global standpoint, including many more aspects of metabolism, and work toward alleviating or provoking the challenge in a targeted fashion.
Diagnosing dental caries in populations with different levels of dental fluorosis
Authors: Nyvad Bente , Machiulskiene Vita , Fejerskov Ole , Baelum Vibeke
Published: March 2009

The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of the Nyvad visual–tactile caries‐diagnostic criteria when used among children who have been lifelong residents in areas with ‘optimal’ or low concentrations of fluoride in the drinking water. In each of two areas with drinking water fluoride concentrations of 0.3 and 1.1 ppm (0.3 and 1.1 mg/l) fluoride, respectively, 150 children were clinically examined twice, 2 wk apart, for dental fluorosis, using the Thylstrup‐Fejerskov index (TF index), and for dental caries using the Nyvad visual–tactile caries criteria. The prevalence of dental fluorosis was 45% in the 1.1 ppm fluoride area and 21% in the 0.3 ppm fluoride area. When the results of the duplicate caries recordings were compared at the surface level, only minute differences were observed in the percentage agreement (91.7 and 90.7%, respectively) and in the kappa values (0.73 and 0.72, respectively). When individual DFS counts were compared across examinations using Bland–Altman plots and estimation of prediction intervals for the differences, we observed a greater variability of the differences between recordings among children from the low‐fluoride area. Contrary to our expectations, a pronounced dental fluorosis background did not reduce the reliability of the caries recordings, which appeared to be slightly less reliable at very low levels of dental fluorosis.
Double microtensile bond strength test: an alternative methodology for sample preparation
Authors: Giachetti Luca , Bambi Claudia , Nieri Michele , Scaminaci Russo Daniele
Published: March 2009

The aim of the present study was to compare the technique currently used for carrying out the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) test with an alternative method. Six human molars were sectioned transversally to obtain two specimens from each tooth: a 0.75‐mm‐thick slab of mid‐coronal dentin, which presented an occlusal and a cervical surface (DS specimen); and the remaining section of the tooth with an exposed dentin surface (SS specimen). A self‐etch adhesive system and four layers (2 mm each) of resin composite were applied to the sectioned surfaces by means of a custom‐made special device, in order to obtain a cylindrical build‐up. Each specimen was sectioned lengthwise to obtain multiple sticks. The end sections of sticks obtained from DS specimens were resin composite, whereas the middle section was dentin. The sticks obtained from SS specimens were half resin composite and half dentin. The specimens were fractured under tension. Data were subjected to a multilevel statistical model. The maximum load at break of SS specimens was higher than that of DS specimens. This modified methodology offers two main advantages over the traditional procedure: easier manipulation of the sticks; and the possibility of testing deep dentin.
Effect of framework design on crown failure
Authors: Bonfante Estevam A. , Da Silva Nelson R. F. A. , Coelho Paulo G. , Bayardo‐González Daniel E. , Thompson Van P. , Bonfante Gerson
Published: March 2009

This study evaluated the effect of core‐design modification on the characteristic strength and failure modes of glass‐infiltrated alumina (In‐Ceram) (ICA) compared with porcelain fused to metal (PFM). Premolar crowns of a standard design (PFMs and ICAs) or with a modified framework design (PFMm and ICAm) were fabricated, cemented on dies, and loaded until failure. The crowns were loaded at 0.5 mm min−1 using a 6.25 mm tungsten‐carbide ball at the central fossa. Fracture load values were recorded and fracture analysis of representative samples were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. Probability Weibull curves with two‐sided 90% confidence limits were calculated for each group and a contour plot of the characteristic strength was obtained. Design modification showed an increase in the characteristic strength of the PFMm and ICAm groups, with PFM groups showing higher characteristic strength than ICA groups. The PFMm group showed the highest characteristic strength among all groups. Fracture modes of PFMs and of PFMm frequently reached the core interface at the lingual cusp, whereas ICA exhibited bulk fracture through the alumina core. Core‐design modification significantly improved the characteristic strength for PFM and for ICA. The PFM groups demonstrated higher characteristic strength than both ICA groups combined.
Reaction mechanisms of thiamin diphosphate enzymes: defining states of ionization and tautomerization of the cofactor at individual steps
Authors: Nemeria Natalia S. , Chakraborty Sumit , Balakrishnan Anand , Jordan Frank
Published: March 2009

We summarize the currently available information regarding the state of ionization and tautomerization of the 4′‐aminopyrimidine ring of the thiamine diphosphate on enzymes requiring this coenzyme. This coenzyme forms a series of covalent intermediates with its substrates as an electrophilic catalyst, and the coenzyme itself also carries out intramolecular proton transfers, which is virtually unprecedented in coenzyme chemistry. An understanding of the state of ionization and tautomerization of the 4′‐aminopyrimidine ring in each of these intermediates provides important details about proton movements during catalysis. CD spectroscopy, both steady‐state and time‐resolved, has proved crucial for obtaining this information because no other experimental method has provided such atomic detail so far.
A novel electron transport system for thermostable CYP175A1 from Thermus thermophilus HB27
Authors: Mandai Takao , Fujiwara Shinsuke , Imaoka Susumu
Published: March 2009

CYP175A1 from Thermus thermophilus is a thermophilic cytochrome P450 and has great potential for industrial applications. However, a native electron transport system for CYP175A1 has not been identified. Here, an electron transport system for CYP175A1 was isolated from T. thermophilus HB27 by multistep chromatography, and identified as comprising ferredoxin (Fdx; locus in the genome, TTC1809) and ferredoxin–NAD(P)+ reductase (FNR; locus in the genome, TTC0096) by N‐terminal amino acid sequence analysis and MALDI‐TOF‐MS, respectively. Although TTC0096, which encodes the FNR, is annotated as a thioredoxin reductase in the T. thermophilus HB27 genome database, TTC0096 lacks an active‐site dithiol/disulfide group, which is required to exchange reducing equivalents with thioredoxin. The FNR reduced ferricyanide, an artificial electron donor, in the presence of NADH and NADPH, but preferred NADPH as a cofactor (Km for NADH = 2440 ± 546 μm; Km for NADPH = 4.1 ± 0.2 μm). Furthermore, the FNR reduced cytochrome c in the presence of NADPH and Fdx. The Tm value of the FNR was 99 °C at pH 7.4. With an electron transport system consisting of Fdx and FNR, CYP175A1 efficiently catalyzed the hydroxylation of β‐carotene at the 3‐position and 3′‐position at 65 °C, and the Km and Vmax values for β‐carotene hydroxylation were 14.3 ± 1.6 μm and 18.3 ± 0.6 nmol β‐cryptoxanthin·min−1·nmol−1 CYP175A1, respectively. This is the first report of a native electron transport system for CYP175A1.
Effects of Intrathecal Injection of Nicotine on the Analgesic Effects of Isoflurane in a Model of Inflammatory Pain
Authors: Cheng Wei , Yin Qin , Zeng Yin‐Ming , Wang Shu , Chen Hong‐Sheng , Feng Tao
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  The present study was designed to investigate the role of spinal neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the analgesic effects of isoflurane. After having established the mice model of analgesia by intraperitoneally injecting (i.p.) appropriate doses of isoflurane, nicotine, a neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist was intrathecally injected. The effects of isoflurane and nicotine on paw licking times and formalin‐induced c‐fos expression in the spinal cord dorsal horn were examined. Our correlative studies have shown that isoflurane can decrease the paw licking times and simultaneously suppress c‐fos expression after injection of formalin in the mice. Nicotine can partially antagonize the effects induced by isoflurane above. Spinal neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors may be important targets for the analgesic effects of isoflurane in formalin pain.
Spatial Variability of Soil‐Gas Concentrations near and beneath a Building Overlying Shallow Petroleum Hydrocarbon–Impacted Soils
Authors: Luo Hong , Dahlen Paul , Johnson Paul C. , Peargin Tom , Creamer Todd
Published: March 2009

Data requirements for assessing the significance of the soil vapor intrusion pathway are evolving, and the collection and interpretation of subslab and near‐slab soil‐gas samples are under discussion. The potential for different assessment paradigms for aerobically biodegradable and recalcitrant chemicals is also frequently debated. In this work, the soil‐gas distribution beneath and around a slab‐on‐grade building overlying shallow (0.5 to >1.5 m below ground surface) petroleum hydrocarbon–impacted coarse alluvial soils was studied. The study spanned about 12 months, including the sampling of soil‐gas hydrocarbon and oxygen concentrations, subslab soil vs. building pressure differentials and included weather conditions. Three‐dimensional soil‐gas concentration “snapshots” using samples from 79 soil‐gas sampling points are presented here. Significant spatial variability was observed with hydrocarbon and oxygen concentrations ranging from about <0.01 to 200 mg/L and 0 to 21% v/v, respectively. The presence of oxygen and the depth to petroleum‐impacted soils appeared to be the dominant factors in controlling the soil‐gas distribution; the depletion of hydrocarbons over short lateral and vertical distances (<2 m) was observed in the well‐oxygenated regions. Composition data suggest preferential biodegradation of lighter compounds at some points, as reflected in the ratio of the masses of chemicals eluting on the gas chromatography between methane and pentane (C1 and C5) and all others after pentane (>C5).
Evidence for Instantaneous Oxygen‐Limited Biodegradation of Petroleum Hydrocarbon Vapors in the Subsurface
Authors: Davis G.B. , Patterson B.M. , Trefry M.G.
Published: March 2009

Petroleum hydrocarbon vapors biodegrade aerobically in the subsurface. Depth profiles of petroleum hydrocarbon vapor and oxygen concentrations from seven locations in sandy and clay soils across four states of Australia are summarized. The data are evaluated to support a simple model of biodegradation that can be used to assess hydrocarbon vapors migrating toward built environments. Multilevel samplers and probes that allow near‐continuous monitoring of oxygen and total volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were used to determine concentration depth profiles and changes over time. Collation of all data across all sites showed distinct separation of oxygen from hydrocarbon vapors, and that most oxygen and hydrocarbon concentration profiles were linear or near linear with depth. The low detection limit on the oxygen probe data and because it is an in situ measurement strengthened the case that little or no overlapping of oxygen and hydrocarbon vapor concentration profiles occurred, and that indeed oxygen and hydrocarbon vapors were largely only coincident near the location where they both decreased to zero. First‐order biodegradation rates determined from all depth profiles were generally lower than other published rates. With lower biodegradation rates, the overlapping of depth profiles might be expected, and yet such overlapping was not observed. A model of rapid (instantaneous) reaction of oxygen and hydrocarbon vapors compared to diffusive transport processes is shown to explain the important aspects of the 13 depth profiles. The model is simply based on the ratio of diffusion coefficients of oxygen and hydrocarbon vapors, the ratio of the maximum concentrations of oxygen and hydrocarbon vapors, the depth to the maximum hydrocarbon source concentration, and the stoichiometry coefficient. Whilst simple, the model offers the potential to incorporate aerobic biodegradation into an oxygen‐limited flux‐reduction approach for vapor intrusion assessments of petroleum hydrocarbon compounds.
Prevalence and distribution of meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus within the environment and staff of a university veterinary clinic
Authors: Heller J. , Armstrong S. K. , Girvan E. K. , Reid S. W. J. , Moodley A. , Mellor D. J.
Published: March 2009

Objectives: To characterise the distribution of meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus within the environment of a university small animal hospital and compare this with the distribution among staff.

Methods: Samples were collected from 140 environmental sites and the anterior nares of 64 staff members at the University of Glasgow Small Animal Hospital on a single day (d1). Sixty of the environmental sites were resampled 14 days later (d14).

Results: Meticillin‐resistant S aureus was isolated from two of 140 (1·4 per cent; 95 per cent confidence interval: 1·7 to 5·1) environmental sites on d1 and one of 60 (1·7 per cent; 95 per cent confidence interval: 0·4 to 8·9) on d14. Two of the 64 staff sampled were positive for meticillin‐resistant S aureus (3·1 per cent; 95 per cent confidence interval: 0·4 to 8·4).

Clinical Significance: A lower prevalence of meticillin‐resistant S aureus was observed in the environment than previously reported. The location, relatedness between isolates and the presence of Panton‐Valentine leucocidin indicates that the source of the environmental meticillin‐resistant S aureus was most likely to have been human rather than animal in these cases. This study presents important information regarding the potential source and distribution of meticillin‐resistant S aureus within veterinary hospital environments and highlights potential variability of prevalence of meticillin‐resistant S aureus within and between veterinary institutions.
Prevalence of diagnostic characteristics indicating canine autoimmune lymphocytic thyroiditis in giant schnauzer and hovawart dogs
Authors: Ferm K. , Björnerfeldt S. , Karlsson Å. , Andersson G. , Nachreiner R. , Hedhammar Å.
Published: March 2009

Objectives:To investigate prevalence of autoantibodies to thyroglobulin (TgAA) and/or elevated levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), indicating canine autoimmune lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT) and/or hypothyroidism, in two high‐risk dog breeds.

Methods:A cohort study was conducted in two birth cohorts of giant schnauzer and hovawart dogs. The cohorts were three to four and six to seven years of age at the time of blood sampling and screening for TgAA and TSH levels. Blood sampling was accompanied by one initial and one follow‐up questionnaire to the dog owners. A total number of 236 giant schnauzers and 95 hovawarts were included in the study.

Results:Seventeen (7.2 per cent) giant schnauzers and three (3·2 per cent) hovawarts had been diagnosed as hypothyroid at the time of sampling. Out of the remaining dogs, 22 giant schnauzers (10·0 per cent) and nine hovawarts (10·1 per cent) had elevated TgAA and/or TSH levels. Prevalence of elevated TgAA and TSH levels varied with age.

ClinicalSignificance:The high prevalence of diagnostic characteristics indicating CLT/hypothyroidism in these two breeds suggests a strong genetic predisposition. It would be advisable to screen potential breeding stock for TSH and TgAA as a basis for genetic health programmes to reduce prevalence of CLT in these breeds.
U2 snRNA variants are differentially incorporated into spliceosomes
Authors: SOMARELLI Jason A. , MESA Annia , SMAIL Shamayra S. , ARES Angel L. , HERRERA Rene J.
Published: March 2009

In this study, five U2 small nuclear (sn)RNA variants were detected in the posterior silk gland of the Bombyx mori Nistari strain, one of which represents a novel U2 isoform not previously identified in other strains of this species. Following glycerol gradient ultracentrifugation of B. mori silk gland whole cell lysate, the newly isolated variant, U2α, was detected at a greater frequency in total cell lysate than in a high density glycerol gradient fraction rich in spliceosomal complexes. Conversely, previously identified isoforms U2A, U2B, U2D and U2N are abundant in the fraction containing high molecular weight spliceosomal complexes, possibly indicating their greater involvement in splicing. As expected, western blot and semi‐quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction experiments indicate high levels of specific serine and arginine rich (SR) proteins and total U2 snRNA (all variants included) in the fraction enriched in spliceosomes. Free energy values for each U2 isoform, as well as their individual stem‐loops, were estimated to determine their structural stability. Due to the essential role of U2 in the transesterification reactions, it is possible that these isoforms may modulate splicing through differential incorporation into the spliceosome.
Peptide‐based polyclonal antibody against mosquito 14‐3‐3ζ recognizes 14‐3‐3 homolog from dipteran and lepidopteran insects
Authors: KIM Sun Am , NOH Mi Young , JO Yong Hun , OH Seung Han , KIM Iksoo , LEE Yong Seok , KIM Heung Cheol , SEO Sook Jae , BANG In Seok , HAN Yeon Soo
Published: March 2009

The 14‐3‐3 proteins are known to play an important regulatory role in apoptosis, and various cell signaling cascades. However, no investigation on mosquito 14‐3‐3 has been reported. To investigate the role of 14‐3‐3 proteins in mosquito midgut cells undergoing apoptosis, we decided to take advantage of Anopheles gambiae genome data, and were able to find Ag14‐3‐3ζ cDNA and protein sequences from Ensembl (http://www.ensembl.org). Further in silico analysis using BLAST search revealed that Ag14‐3‐3ζ protein is a polypeptide of 248 amino acids, and shares high identity with 14‐3‐3ζ homologues from Aedes aegypti (100%), Drosophila melanogaster (96%) and Bombyx mori (93%). Due to the perfect match and high homology, we hypothesized that Ag14‐3‐3ζ peptide antibody may recognize 14‐3‐3ζ homologs from other anopheline mosquitoes and insects. We thus generated 14‐3‐3ζ polyclonal antibody against a unique region located in the C‐terminal end of Ag14‐3‐3ζ after in silico epitope analysis. As expected, zoo‐western blot analysis of 14‐3‐3 proteins revealed that a polyclonal antibody against Ag14‐3‐3ζ peptide recognizes 14‐3‐3 homologs from dipteran and lepidopteran insects. To our knowledge, this is the first report on polyclonal antibody production against mosquito 14‐3‐3ζ. The mosquito‐based 14‐3‐3ζ antibody will be very useful for studying the functional characterization of 14‐3‐3ζ in the context of host–pathogen interactions in midgut and other immune cells.
Precise measurements of the refractive indices for dielectrics using an improved Brewster angle method
Authors: Bahrim Cristian , Hsu Wei-Tai
Published: March 2009

We propose a simple and accurate experimental method for finding the refractive index of solid and liquid dielectrics using the polarization of light reflected by a dielectric surface near the Brewster angle. This experiment can be implemented in an optics laboratory at the undergraduate or graduate level. The method improves the precision of the determination of the Brewster angle by more than two orders of magnitude compared with recent measurements, but uses similar optical components. An angular resolution of 0.01° can be easily achieved using a parabolic fit of the parallel component of the reflectance normalized to the total reflectance in a region close to the Brewster angle, which leads to values of the refractive index for solid and liquid dielectrics with a precision of 10−4. Care is taken to eliminate the instabilities in the laser beam and the time dependence from our measurements. We report results for two glasses and for isopropyl alcohol for several wavelengths in the visible range. The latter is used as a test of our procedure due to its shallow dispersion in the visible.
Pedagogical applications of the one-dimensional Schrödinger’s equation to proximity effect systems: Comparison of Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions
Authors: Broussard P. R.
Published: March 2009

Proximity effect systems in superconducting films can be modeled by a one-dimensional Schrödinger equation. Several systems are studied using Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions. It is observed that the two boundary conditions have a dramatic effect on the lowest eigenstate allowed in these systems, and this points to unusual behavior for solutions of Schrödinger’s equation in certain potential wells and proximity effect systems.
Beginning Introductory Physics with Two-Dimensional Motion
Authors: Huggins Elisha
Published: March 2009

During the session on “Introductory College Physics Textbooks” at the 2007 Summer Meeting of the AAPT, there was a brief discussion about whether introductory physics should begin with one-dimensional motion or two-dimensional motion. Here we present the case that by starting with two-dimensional motion, we are able to introduce a considerable amount of physics even before discussing the constant acceleration formulas or Newton's laws.
ACQUISITION AND EXPLOITATION OF QUALITATIVE ASPECTS IN 3D SCENE SYNTHESIS
Authors: MAKRIS DIMITRIOS , BARDIS GEORGIOS , MIAOULIS GEORGIOS , PLEMENOS DIMITRI
Published: March 2009

The aim of this paper is to tackle the problem of combinatorial explosion which is inherent in declarative three-dimensional scene synthesis. This is achieved by encoding desired qualitative aspects, not originally supported by the Declarative Modeling methodology, and applying them to the Solution Generation and/or Scene Understanding phase(s), in order to provide the designer with a subset of solutions, which are most representative of the aforementioned aspects. For this reason, we have adapted and applied a machine learning technique, as well as an evolutionary search method, to the current context. The former refers to the gradual construction of a preference model, comprising an incrementally learning mechanism based on actual designer solution evaluation during regular system use. The latter approach models qualitative aspects through a multi-objective genetic algorithm variation based on weighted sums. The algorithm is applied during the generation and understanding phases of Declarative Modeling. The experimental results provide evidence of successful acquisition and exploitation of the desired qualitative characteristics in the paradigm of declarative three-dimensional scene synthesis.
The Effect of Residual Stress on the Electromechanical Behavior of Electrostatic Microactuators
Authors: Hsu Ming-Hung
Published: March 2009

This work simulates the nonlinear electromechanical behavior of different electrostatic microactuators. It applies the differential quadrature method, Hamilton's principle, and Wilson-θintegration method to derive the equations of motion of electrostatic microactuators and find a solution to these equations. Nonlinear equation difficulties are overcome by using the differential quadrature method. The stresses of electrostatic actuators are determined, and the residual stress effects of electrostatic microactuators are simulated.
Topical Treatments with Pimecrolimus, Tacrolimus and Medium- to High-Potency Corticosteroids, and Risk of Lymphoma
Authors: Schneeweiss Sebastian , Doherty Mike , Zhu Shao , Funch Donnie , Schlienger Raymond G. , Fernandez-Vidaurre Carlos , Seeger John D.
Published: March 2009

Background/Aims: A potential risk of lymphoma associated with the use of topical calcineurin inhibitors is debated. We assessed the risk of lymphoma among patients treated with topical pimecrolimus, tacrolimus or corticosteroids. Methods: We conducted a cohort study using health insurance claims data. Cohorts of initiators of topical pimecrolimus, tacrolimus and corticosteroids, along with cohorts of persons with untreated dermatitis and randomly sampled enrollees were identified from January 2002 to June 2006. Lymphomas were identified using insurance claims and adjudicated by medical records review. We adjusted for confounders by propensity score matching. Results: Among 92,585 pimecrolimus initiators contributing 121,289 person-years of follow-up, we identified 26 lymphomas yielding an incidence of 21/100,000 person-years. This incidence of lymphoma was similar to that among tacrolimus users (rate ratio, RR = 1.16; 95% confidence interval, CI = 0.74–1.82) as well as corticosteroid users (RR = 1.15; 95% CI = 0.49–2.72). All three topical treatments were associated with an increased risk of lymphoma compared with the general population (RRPim = 2.89; RRTac = 2.82; RRCort = 2.10) suggesting increased detection of preexisting lymphomas. Conclusion: This study did not find an increased risk of lymphoma among initiators of topical pimecrolimus relative to other topical agents during an average follow-up of 1.3 years. Longer-term studies may be needed.
Coagulation assessment by rotation thrombelastometry in normal pregnancy
Authors: Carrabin Nicolas , Benchaib Mehdi , Fontaine Oriane , Levrat Albrice , Massignon Denis , Touzet Sandrine , Rudigoz René-Charles , Berland Michel , Huissoud Cyril
Published: March 2009

We analysed changes in coagulation during normal pregnancy with a novel point-of-care device based on thrombelastometry (ROTEM®). We compared the results obtained with those of standard coagulation tests in 104 patients: 20 non-pregnant women (controls) and 84 women in the first (T1, n=17), second (T2, n=9) and third (T3, n=58) trimesters of pregnancy. We measured the clotting time (CT), the maximum clot firmness (MCF), the early clot amplitude at 5 and 15 minutes (CA5, CA15) and the clot lysis index (CLI30) with four tests containing specific reagents. (a) The INTEM® test involving ellagic acid activated the intrinsic pathway and (b) the EXTEM® test using tissue factor triggered the extrinsic pathway; (c) The FIBTEM® test based on a platelet inhibitor (cytochalasin D) evaluated the contribution of fibrinogen to clot formation and (d) the APTEM® test was similar to the EXTEM but was based on inhibition in vitro of fibrinolysis by aprotinin. CT and CLI30 were not significantly modified during pregnancy whereas MCF, CA5 and CA15 (INTEM, EXTEM, FIBTEM) increased significantly between the second and third trimesters (e.g. median [interquartile range]: MCF-FIBTEM, 13 [11–16] mm vs. 19 [17–23] mm, respectively, in controls and T3, p< 0.001). EXTEM values were not significantly different from those measured with APTEM. There were significant correlations between the results obtained with ROTEM and those from standard coagulation tests. ROTEM analysis showed a marked increase in coagulability during normal pregnancy. ROTEM values may serve as the basis for future studies in pregnant women.