bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fitness Cost and Interference of Arm/Rmt Aminoglycoside Resistance with the RsmF Housekeeping Methyltransferases
Authors: Gutierrez Belen , Escudero Jose A. , San Millan Alvaro , Hidalgo Laura , Carrilero Laura , Ovejero Cristina M. , Santos-Lopez Alfonso , Thomas-Lopez Daniel , Gonzalez-Zorn Bruno
Published: February 2012

Arm/Rmt methyltransferases have emerged recently in pathogenic bacteria as enzymes that confer high-level resistance to 4,6-disubstituted aminoglycosides through methylation of the G1405 residue in the 16S rRNA (like ArmA and RmtA to -E). In prokaryotes, nucleotide methylations are the most common type of rRNA modification, and they are introduced posttranscriptionally by a variety of site-specific housekeeping enzymes to optimize ribosomal function. Here we show that while the aminoglycoside resistance methyltransferase RmtC methylates G1405, it impedes methylation of the housekeeping methyltransferase RsmF at position C1407, a nucleotide that, like G1405, forms part of the aminoglycoside binding pocket of the 16S rRNA. To understand the origin and consequences of this phenomenon, we constructed a series of in-frame knockout and knock-in mutants of
Escherichia coli
, corresponding to the genotypes
rsmF
+
, Δ
rsmF
,
rsmF
+
rmtC
+
, and Δ
rsmF rmtC
+
. When analyzed for the antimicrobial resistance pattern, the Δ
rsmF
bacteria had a decreased susceptibility to aminoglycosides, including 4,6- and 4,5-deoxystreptamine aminoglycosides, showing that the housekeeping methylation at C1407 is involved in intrinsic aminoglycoside susceptibility in
E. coli
. Competition experiments between the isogenic
E. coli
strains showed that, contrary to expectation, acquisition of
rmtC
does not entail a fitness cost for the bacterium. Finally, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry allowed us to determine that RmtC methylates the G1405 residue not only in presence but also in the absence of aminoglycoside antibiotics. Thus, the coupling between housekeeping and acquired methyltransferases subverts the methylation architecture of the 16S rRNA but elicits Arm/Rmt methyltransferases to be selected and retained, posing an important threat to the usefulness of aminoglycosides worldwide.
Artemisinin-Naphthoquine Combination Therapy for Uncomplicated Pediatric Malaria: a Pharmacokinetic Study
Authors: Batty Kevin T. , Salman Sam , Moore Brioni R. , Benjamin John , Lee Sook Ting , Page-Sharp Madhu , Pitus Nolene , Ilett Kenneth F. , Mueller Ivo , Hombhanje Francis W. , Siba Peter , Davis Timothy M. E.
Published: February 2012

Artemisinin-naphthoquine (ART-NQ) is a coformulated antimalarial therapy marketed as a single-dose treatment in Papua New Guinea and other tropical countries. To build on limited knowledge of the pharmacokinetic properties of the components, especially the tetra-aminoquinoline NQ, we studied ART-NQ disposition in Papua New Guinea children aged 5 to 12 years with uncomplicated malaria, comparing a single dose (15 and 6 mg/kg of body weight) administered with water (group 1;
n
= 13), a single dose (22 and 9 mg/kg) with milk (group 2) (
n
= 17), and two daily doses of 22 and 9 mg/kg with water (group 3;
n
= 16). The plasma NQ concentration was assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the plasma ART concentration was assayed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Population-based multicompartment pharmacokinetic models for NQ and ART were developed. NQ disposition was best characterized by a three-compartment model with a mean absorption half-life (
t
1/2
) of 1.0 h and predicted median maximum plasma concentrations that ranged as high as 57 μg/liter after the second dose in group 3. The mean NQ elimination
t
1/2
was 22.8 days; clearance relative to bioavailability (CL/
F
) was 1.1 liters/h/kg; and volume at steady state relative to bioavailability (
V
ss
/
F
) was 710 liters/kg. Administration of NQ with fat (8.5 g; 615 kJ) versus water was associated with 25% increased bioavailability. ART disposition was best characterized by a two-compartment model with a mean CL/
F
(4.1 liters/h/kg) and
V
/
F
(21 liters/kg) similar to those of previous studies. There was a 77% reduction in the bioavailability of the second ART dose (group 3). NQ has pharmacokinetic properties that confirm its potential as an artemisinin partner drug for treatment of uncomplicated pediatric malaria.
DegP Is Involved in Cpx-Mediated Posttranscriptional Regulation of the Type III Secretion Apparatus in Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: MacRitchie Dawn M. , Acosta Nicole , Raivio Tracy L.
Published: February 2012

The Cpx envelope stress response facilitates adaptation to envelope stresses that lead to the misfolding of periplasmic proteins. Cpx-mediated adaptation involves elevated expression of periplasmic proteases and chaperones. Previously, we demonstrated that induction of the Cpx envelope stress response in enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(EPEC) also results in inhibition of type III secretion (T3S) and that this is correlated with downregulated transcription of the relevant genes. Here, we investigated whether the Cpx stress response might also exert posttranscriptional effects on the T3S apparatus. We show that DsbA is required for T3S, while removal of transcription factor CpxR or the Cpx-regulated folding factor CpxP or PpiA has minimal effects. Conversely, the entire T3S complex is removed from the envelope when the Cpx response is activated. Overexpression of the chaperone/protease DegP mimics the Cpx-dependent inhibition of the T3S complex at a posttranscriptional level, and mutation of
degP
partly abrogates the ability of the Cpx response to inhibit the T3S complex and motility. We present data that suggest that both the protease and chaperone activities of DegP are likely important for the impact on T3S. Altogether, our data indicate that DegP is normally a part of the Cpx-mediated inhibition of virulence determinant expression in EPEC and that additional factors are involved.
HIV incidence and prevalence among cohorts of women with higher risk behaviour in Bloemfontein and Rustenburg, South Africa: a prospective study
Authors: Feldblum Paul J , Latka Mary H , Lombaard Johann , Chetty Candice , Chen Pai-Lien , Sexton Connie , Fischer Shelly
Published: February 2012

Objectives

The primary objective was to measure HIV incidence in two prospective cohorts of HIV-negative women. Secondary objectives included measuring pregnancy rates and participant retention rates.

Design

Cross-sectional HIV screening of women selected for higher risk behaviours, with a subsequent prospective study of uninfected women, followed monthly for up to 6 months.

Setting

Clinics established for research purposes in Bloemfontein and Rustenburg, South Africa.

Participants

The authors enrolled women 18–35 years old and presumed at higher risk of sexual acquisition of HIV as indicated by self-reported sexual behaviour or recent sexually transmitted infection symptoms. In Bloemfontein, 1364 women were screened, 1154 were eligible for HIV testing and 1145 agreed to be tested. The prospective study enrolled 401 HIV-negative women. In Rustenburg, 946 women were screened, 540 were eligible and underwent HIV testing and 223 HIV-negative women entered the prospective study.

Primary and secondary outcomes

Baseline prevalences of HIV infection and HIV incidence rates in the prospective cohorts, according to a double rapid test algorithm with a third rapid test for discrepant or indeterminate results. Pregnancy prevalences and pregnancy incidence rate in Bloemfontein. Participant retention rates in the prospective cohort until the study end.

Results

In Bloemfontein, 1145 women were tested, 391 entered follow-up and 92.3% of participants completed six study visits. In Rustenburg, 540 women were tested, 194 entered follow-up and retention up to the point of early study termination was 88.6%. Overall HIV prevalence was 21.2% (95% CI 18.9% to 23.6%) in Bloemfontein and 23.5% (95% CI 19.9% to 27.1%) in Rustenburg. Overall HIV incidence was 5.5/100 person-years (95% CI 2.5 to 10.4) in Bloemfontein and 3.0/100 person-years (95% CI 0.4 to 10.8) in Rustenburg. Cross-sectional pregnancy prevalences were 6.5% in Bloemfontein and 8.6% in Rustenburg.

Conclusions

The authors observed substantial HIV incidence rates in both cohorts. Vigorous prevention efforts are needed in these smaller cities.
Adherence to HIV post-exposure prophylaxis in victims of sexual assault: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chacko Liza , Ford Nathan , Sbaiti Mariam , Siddiqui Ruby
Published: February 2012

Objective

To assess adherence to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for the prevention of HIV infection in victims of sexual assault.

Methods

The authors carried out a systematic review, random effects meta-analysis and meta-regression of studies reporting adherence to PEP among victims of sexual violence. Seven electronic databases were searched. Our primary outcome was adherence; secondary outcomes included defaulting, refusal and side effects.

Results

2159 titles were screened, and 24 studies matching the inclusion criteria were taken through to analysis. The overall proportion of patients adhering to PEP (23 cohort studies, 2166 patients) was 40.3% (95% CI 32.5% to 48.1%), and the overall proportion of patients defaulting from care (18 cohorts, 1972 patients) was 41.2% (95% CI 31.1% to 51.4%). Adherence appeared to be higher in developing countries compared with developed countries.

Conclusions

Adherence to PEP is poor in all settings. Interventions are needed to support adherence.
Geographical association between the genotype of bovine tuberculosis in found dead badgers and in cattle herds
Authors: Goodchild A. V. , Watkins G. H. , Sayers A. R. , Jones J. R. , Clifton‐Hadley R. S.
Published: February 2012

In a survey, 457 badgers that had been found dead in Wales were postmortem‐examined, and samples were examined by histology and by extended culture (for up to 12 weeks). Mycobacterium bovis was cultured from 55 badgers (12.0 per cent), and the histology typical of M bovis infection was seen in a further six (1.3 per cent). The prevalence in badgers in each of 10 geographical areas varied between 0 and 26 per cent (P<0.001), and was associated with the incidence of confirmed M bovis infection in cattle herds in the same areas (P<0.01). In northern Wales, bTB was rare in both hosts. An infected badger was 12.3 times more likely to be within 5 km of a confirmed cattle bTB breakdown than an uninfected badger. The M bovis isolates from badgers belonged to one of four genotypes defined by spoligotype and variable number tandem repeat type. These genotypes were also found in 290 concurrent confirmed herd breakdowns, and tended to be similar to the genotypes in badgers in the same geographical areas. When badgers and cattle no more than 30 km apart were compared, the genotype diversity was greater in cattle than in badgers (P=0.016), suggesting that the movement of cattle plays a greater part in the spatial distribution of M bovis than the movement of badgers.
Genome size differences inHyalellacryptic species
Authors: Vergilino Roland , Dionne Kaven , Nozais Christian , Dufresne France , Belzile Claude
Published: February 2012

The Hyalella azteca (Saussure) complex includes numerous amphipod cryptic species in freshwater habitats in America as revealed by DNA barcoding surveys. Two ecomorphs (small and large) have evolved numerous times in this complex. Few phenotypic criteria have been found to differentiate between the numerous species of this complex. The present study aims to explore genome size differences between some species of the H. azteca complex co-occurring in a Canadian boreal lake using flow cytometry. Nuclear DNA content was estimated for 50 individuals belonging to six COI haplotypes corresponding to four provisional species of the H. azteca complex. Species from the large ecomorph had C-values significantly larger than species from the small ecomorph, whereas slight differences were found among species of the small ecomorph. These differences in genome sizes might be linked to ecological and physiological differences among species of the H. azteca complex.
Bronchial inflammation induced PKCζ over-expression: involvement in mechanical properties of airway smooth muscle
Authors: Morin Caroline , Fortin Samuel , Rousseau Eric
Published: February 2012

Protein kinase C variants (PKCs) have been involved in the control of airway smooth muscle (ASM) tone, and abnormalities in PKC-dependent signaling have been associated with respiratory diseases such as asthma. In this study, the role of atypical PKCζ in airway hyperresponsiveness was investigated, using an in-vitro model of TNFα-treated human bronchi and an in vivo guinea pig model of chronic asthma. Our results demonstrated that PKCζ-specific inhibition produced a significant increase in isoproterenol sensitivity in TNFα-treated bronchi and ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized guinea pig bronchi. The role of epoxy-eicosanoids, known to exert anti-inflammatory effects in lung, on PKCζ expression and activity in these models was evaluated. An enhanced PKCζ protein expression was delineated in TNFα-treated bronchi when compared with control (untreated) and epoxy-eicosanoid-treated bronchi. Measurements of Ca2+ sensitivity, performed in TNFα-treated bronchi, demonstrated that treatment with myristoylated (Myr) PKCζ peptide inhibitor resulted in significant reductions of pCa-induced tension. Epoxy-eicosanoid treatments had similar effects on Ca2+ sensitivity in TNFα-treated bronchi. In control and epoxy-eicosanoid-treated bronchi, the phosphorylated forms of p38MAPK and CPI-17 were significantly decreased compared with the TNFα-treated bronchi. An enhanced expression of PKCζ was ascertained in our in-vivo model of allergic asthma. Hence an increased Ca2+ sensitivity could be explained by the phosphorylation of p38-MAPK, which in turn leads to phosphorylation and activation of the CPI-17 regulatory protein. This process was reversed upon treatment with the Myr-PKCζ-peptide inhibitor. The present data provide relevant evidence regarding the role of PKCζ in human and rodent models of airways inflammation.
Influence of atorvastatin and carboxymethylated glucan on the serum lipoprotein profile and MMP activity of mice with lipemia induced by poloxamer 407
Authors: Korolenko Tatyana A. , Tuzikov Fedor V. , Cherkanova Marina S. , Johnston Thomas P. , Tuzikova Natalia A. , Loginova Viktoriya M. , Filjushina Elena E. , Kaledin Vassilij I.
Published: February 2012

The effects of atorvastatin and carboxymethylated β-glucan (CMG) on the lipoprotein-cholesterol (LP-C) and lipoprotein-triglyceride (LP-TG) fractions and subfractions at the early stage of murine hyperlipidemia, and its pleiotropic anti-inflammatory effects, were studied. Atorvastatin and CMG were administered in ICR male mice with acute lipemia induced with a single injection of poloxamer 407 (P-407). A novel small-angle X-ray scattering method for the determination of fractional and subfractional composition of LP-C and LP-TG was used. In P-407-treated animals, there was a drastic increase of total cholesterol and especially TG. Atorvastatin decreased both the total cholesterol and TG, but not to control levels. CMG primarily decreased TG and was not as potent as atorvastatin. P-407 increased atherogenic LDL-C (IDL-C and LDL1–3-C subfractions) and very low-density lipoprotein-C (VLDL-C) (VLDL1–2-C and VLDL3–5-C subfractions) fractions, with an increase of the total anti-atherogenic HDL-C fraction (HDL2-C subfraction). Atorvastatin treatment of lipemia was followed by a decrease in the total LP-C, total LDL-C (LDL1–3-C subfraction), and the LDL1–3-TG subfraction. Additionally, atorvastatin treatment resulted in an increase in the serum matrix metalloproteases activity both in control and P-407-treated mice. In general, high-dose atorvastatin therapy exerts its lipid-lowering and pleiotropic effects in the early stages of acute lipemia induced in mice by treatment with P-407.
AN APPROXIMATION ALGORITHM FOR LOCATING MAXIMAL DISKS WITHIN CONVEX POLYGONS
Authors: AOTA HIROFUMI , FUKUNAGA TAKURO , NAGAMOCHI HIROSHI
Published: February 2012

This paper considers a problem of locating the given number of disks into a container so that the area covered by the disks is maximized. In the problem, the radii of the disks can be changed arbitrarily unless they overlap outside of the container, and the disks are allowed to overlap with each other. We present an approximation algorithm for this problem assuming that the container is a convex polygon. Our algorithm achieves approximation ratio (0.78 - ϵ) for any small ϵ > 0. Since the computation time of our algorithm depends on the number of corners of the convex polygon exponentially, we also give a heuristic to reduce the number of corners.
AQUEOUS SYNTHESIS OF HIGH QUANTUM YIELD AND MONODISPERSED THIOL-CAPPED CdxZn1-xTe QUANTUM DOTS BASED ON ELECTROCHEMICAL METHOD
Authors: LI JUNWEI , JIANG YANG , ZHANG YUGANG , WU DI , LUO ANQI , ZHANG ZHONGPING
Published: February 2012

A facile green approach has been developed to control the growth regime in the aqueous synthesis of CdxZn1-xTe semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) based on the electrochemistry method. The Low growth temperature and slow injection of Te precursor are used to prolong the diffusion controlled stage and thus suppress Ostwald ripening during the nanocrystal growth. The experimental results showed that a low concentration of Te precursor will definitely influence the growth procedure. The UV–visible absorption spectra, as well as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) shows the QDs a good monodispersity at any interval of the reaction procedure. The high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern suggested that the as-prepared QDs have high crystallinity and cubic structure. The size and composition-dependent fluorescent emission wavelength of the resultant CdxZn1-xTe alloyed QDs can be tuned from 460 to 610 nm, and their photoluminescent quantum yield can reach up to 70%. Especially in the wavelength range of 510–578 nm, the overall PL QYs of the as-prepared CdxZn1-xTe QDs were above 50%. The current work suggests that electrochemical method is an attractive approach to the synthesis of high-quality II-VI ternary alloyed semiconductor QDs at large-scale with a prominent cost advantage.
Complementary Circuit with Self-Alignment Organic/Oxide Thin-Film Transistors
Authors: Takeda Fumio , Sato Ryuichi , Naka Shigeki , Okada Hiroyuki
Published: February 2012

Complementary logic circuits with self-alignment organic/oxide thin-film transistors (TFTs) were investigated. The layout and process steps of a self-alignment bottom-contact-type organic TFT and a top-contact type oxide TFT with a common layout pattern of the gate, source, and drain electrodes were proposed, and an integrated circuit was realized. The estimated field-effect mobilities, threshold voltages, and on-off ratios of the organic and oxide TFTs were 0.16 and 2.2 cm2 V-1 s-1, 2.2 and 2 V, and 3×103 and 5.2×106, respectively. From the complementary inverter characteristics, the voltage gain was 13 and the logic swing was 9.8 V at an applied voltage of 10 V. From the switching characteristics of the inverter, the rise and fall times were 18 and 46 µs, respectively. The operations of the NAND and NOR logic circuit configurations were confirmed, and the maximum operational frequency of NAND logic was estimated to be over 100 kHz.
Non-Harmonic Analysis Applied to Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging
Authors: Cao Xu , Uchida Tetsuya , Hirobayashi Shigeki , Chong Changho , Morosawa Atsushi , Totsuka Koki , Suzuki Takuya
Published: February 2012

A new processing technique called non-harmonic analysis (NHA) is proposed for optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. Conventional Fourier-domain OCT employs the discrete Fourier transform (DFT), which depends on the window function and length. The axial resolution of the OCT image, calculated by using DFT, is inversely proportional to the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the wavelength range. The FWHM of wavelength range is limited by the sweeping range of the source in swept-source OCT and it is limited by the number of CCD pixels in spectral-domain OCT. However, the NHA process does not have such constraints; NHA can resolve high frequencies irrespective of the window function and the frame length of the sampled data. In this study, the NHA process is described and it is applied to OCT imaging. It is compared with OCT images based on the DFT. To demonstrate the benefits of using NHA for OCT, we perform OCT imaging with NHA of an onion skin. The results reveal that NHA can achieve an image resolution equivalent that of a 100-nm sweep range using a significantly reduced wavelength range. They also reveal the potential of using this technique to achieve high-resolution imaging without using a broadband source. However, the long calculation times required for NHA must be addressed if it is to be used in clinical applications.
Mechanism of Surface Morphology Development of Tin Oxide Transparent Conductive Films
Authors: Matsui Yuji , Matsuishi Kiyoto , Kojima Seiji
Published: February 2012

The surface morphology of tin oxide transparent conductive films deposited by chemical vapor deposition was studied. The development of surface crystallites was observed, and the change in the crystalline orientations was evaluated at several stages of film growth. The prismatic and triangular pyramidal-shaped crystallites on the surface were characterized as (200) and (110) oriented, respectively, based on the knowledge of crystal habit appearing on cassiterite mineral crystals and periodic bond chain theory. The prismatic shape consisted of flat 110, while the triangular pyramidal shape consisted of two 101 and one rough surface, which is brought about by the imperfectness of the kinked 111. Although these two orientations exist in films from the initial growth stage, switching of the most dominant crystalline orientation from (110) to (200) occurs as the morphology of the film changes from an isolated island to competitive growths.
Kinematics of regional salt flow in the northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Fort Xavier , Brun Jean-Pierre
Published: February 2012

The kinematics of regional-scale salt flow in the northern Gulf of Mexico is analysed using: (i) a map of shelf-break contours at the termination of successive depositional episodes; (ii) the location and geometry of large-scale structures of the slope domain as imaged by seismics; and (iii) digital slope bathymetry. In the north margin, salt has flowed towards the SW since the Cretaceous with three main stages of development prior to, during and after a massive salt extrusion in the Early Miocene time. The corresponding sequence of structural development is discussed using a laboratory model. Contrary to all previous interpretations that invoked sedimentary loading as the main driving force, the analysis of regional-scale salt flow implies that the salt tectonics of the northern Gulf of Mexico is predominantly controlled by gliding above the margin dip. The SW-directed salt flow indicates that the north margin of the northern Gulf of Mexico trends NW–SE, in agreement with plate kinematic models in which the Yucatan continental block has undergone a 45–60° dextral rotation relative to its present orientation.
Basin-scale salt tectonic processes of the Laurentian Basin, Eastern Canada: insights from integrated regional 2D seismic interpretation and 4D physical experiments
Authors: Adam J. , Krezsek C.
Published: February 2012

This study integrates seismic interpretation and 3D analogue experiments monitored by digital image correlation techniques to investigate the evolution of the salt structures and the related depositional systems in the Laurentian Basin offshore Atlantic Canada. During the late Triassic, a layer of more than 3 km thick salt was deposited locally in a set of interconnected rift half-grabens forming a 50–70 km wide evaporite basin in the northern part of the Scotian Basin salt provinces. High sediment input in the Jurassic and early Cretaceous mobilized the salt into complex salt tectonic features, which suggest four kinematic domains with: (1) salt welds and pillows; (2) extensional diapirs and canopies; (3) contractional diapirs and folds; and (4) allochthonous salt nappe. The landward grabens trapped most of the Early Jurassic sediments by passive downbuilding into the salt with local extension. The expelled salt has been evacuated basinwards into a large contractional salt massif. The rapid advance of the allochthonous nappe was coeval with the Late Jurassic extensional collapse of the inflated salt massif due to seaward sediment progradation. Late Cretaceous and Tertiary progradation over the salt nappe caused extensional deformation with growth faulting and formation of minibasins on the secondary salt detachment level.
Evolution of salt structures during extension and inversion of the Offshore Parentis Basin (Eastern Bay of Biscay)
Authors: Ferrer O. , Jackson M. P. A. , Roca E. , Rubinat M.
Published: February 2012

The Late Jurassic–Cretaceous Parentis Basin (Eastern Bay of Biscay) illustrates a complex geological interplay between crustal tectonics and salt tectonics. Salt structures are mainly near the edges of the basin, where Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous overburden is thinner than in the basin centre and allowed salt anticlines and diapirs to form. Salt diapirs and walls began to rise reactively during the Late Jurassic as the North Atlantic Ocean and the Bay of Biscay opened. Some salt-cored drape folds formed above basement faults from the Upper Jurassic to Albian. During Albian–Late Cretaceous times, passive salt diapirs rose in chains of massive salt walls. Many salt diapirs stopped growing in the Mid-Cretaceous when their source layer depleted. During the Pyrenean orogeny (Late Cretaceous–Cenozoic), the basin was mildly shortened. Salt structures absorbed almost all the shortening and were rejuvenated to form squeezed diapirs, salt glaciers and probably subvertical welds, some of which were later reactivated as reverse faults. No new diapirs formed during the Pyrenean compression, and salt tectonics ended with the close of the Pyrenean orogeny in the Middle Miocene. Using reprocessed industrial seismic surveys, we document how salt tectonics affected the structural evolution of this offshore basin largely unknown to the international audience.
Concepts in halokinetic-sequence deformation and stratigraphy
Authors: Giles Katherine A. , Rowan Mark G.
Published: February 2012

Halokinetic sequences are unconformity-bound packages of thinned and folded strata adjacent to passive diapirs. Hook halokinetic sequences have narrow zones of deformation (50–200 m), >70° angular discordance, common mass-wasting deposits and abrupt facies changes. Wedge halokinetic sequences have broad zones of folding (300–1000 m), low-angle truncation and gradual facies changes. Halokinetic sequences have thicknesses and timescales equivalent to parasequence sets and stack into composite halokinetic sequences (CHS) scale-equivalent to third-order depositional cycles. Hook sequences stack into tabular CHS with sub-parallel boundaries, thin roofs and local deformation. Wedge sequences stack into tapered CHS with folded, convergent boundaries, thicker roofs and broad zones of deformation. The style is determined by the ratio of sediment-accumulation rate to diapir-rise rate: low ratios lead to tabular CHS and high ratios result in tapered CHS. Diapir-rise rate is controlled by the net differential load on deep salt and by shortening or extension. Similar styles of CHS are found in different depositional environments but the depositional response varies. CHS boundaries (unconformities) develop after prolonged periods of slow sediment accumulation and so typically fall within transgressive systems tracts in shelf settings and within highstand systems tracts in deepwater settings. Sub-aerial settings may lead to erosional unroofing of diapirs and consequent upward narrowing of halokinetic deformation zones.
Wedges and buffers: some new structural observations from the Dnieper–Donets Basin, onshore Ukraine
Authors: Brown Jonathan , Bowyer M. , Zolotarenko V.
Published: February 2012

The onshore Ukraine Dnieper–Donets Basin (DDB) is a large partially inverted late Palaeozoic intracratonic basin. Rifting began in the late Devonian when two evaporite sequences were deposited, and Carboniferous post-rift thermal sag was accompanied in some areas by some extension. Although important quantities of Devonian salt are calibrated by wells and diapirs have been documented, classic salt diapirs are probably not as common as suggested by the literature. Indeed, in several parts of the basin salt movement was stopped and buried by up to 5 km of overburden. Four important tectonic events related to salt movement have been documented over the DDB: Tournaisian–Early Visean extension, Middle Serpukhovian extension, Late Carboniferous–Early Permian movements mostly documented recently as extension and uplift and Alpine compression. Seismic imaging of the basin has not traditionally been of the highest quality, but the reprocessed seismic data made available over several parts of the DDB as part of a Ferrexpo/RDS multi-licence project has enabled three new structural observations of the basin to be made. Firstly, it is proposed that basin margin extension, facilitated by listric faulting with thin-skinned décollement on Devonian salt and exemplified by well-imaged Tournaisian syntectonic wedges, is linked to thick-skinned partial inversion of some basement rift faults. Secondly, it is proposed that these thick-skinned faults acted as obstacles or buffers, where monoclines began to develop. These folds were exaggerated by the later tectonic movements. Thirdly, we propose that these linked tectonic events may have been caused by pulses of sag which punctuated the Lower Carboniferous post-rift thermal sag process. These three observations fit neatly with published interpretations of Tournaisian–Lower Visean and Middle Serpukhovian extension. Finally, however, a literature review and new seismic interpretation also clearly show that Late Carboniferous–Early Permian movements inverted marginal listric faults and their Tournaisian wedges, and also inverted the downdip thick-skinned faults causing the monoclines to further develop prior to the Alpine overprint. This, contrary to many published papers over the last 15 years or so, suggests that this Late Carboniferous–Early Permian event brought shortening rather than extension to the DDB.
Numerical modelling of the displacement and deformation of embedded rock bodies during salt tectonics: A case study from the South Oman Salt Basin
Authors: Li Shiyuan , Abe Steffen , Reuning Lars , Becker Stephan , Urai Janos L. , Kukla Peter A.
Published: February 2012

Large rock inclusions are embedded in many salt bodies and these respond to the movements of the salt in a variety of ways including displacement, folding and fracturing. One mode of salt tectonics is downbuilding, whereby the top of a developing diapir remains in the same vertical position while the surrounding overburden sediments subside. We investigate how the differential displacement of the top salt surface caused by downbuilding induces ductile salt flow and the associated deformation of brittle stringers by an iterative procedure to detect and simulate conditions for the onset of localization of deformation in a finite element model, in combination with adaptive remeshing. The model set-up is constrained by observations from the South Oman Salt Basin, where large carbonate bodies encased in salt form substantial hydrocarbon plays. The model shows that, depending on the displacement of the top salt, the stringers can break very soon after the onset of salt tectonics and can deform in different ways. If extension along the inclusion dominates, stringers are broken by tensile fractures and boudinage at relatively shallow depth. Spacing of the boudin–bounding faults can be as close as 3–4 times the thickness of the stringer. In contrast, salt shortening along the inclusion may lead to folding or thrusting of stringers.
Fracture pattern analysis as a tool for constraining the interaction between regional and diapir-related stress fields: Poza de la Sal Diapir (Basque Pyrenees, Spain)
Authors: Quintà A. , Tavani S. , Roca E.
Published: February 2012

During diapir evolution the local stress field results from the interaction between diapir-related and remote ‘regional’ stress fields. The fracture pattern hosted in the overburden can register this evolving interaction, providing significant insights for the unravelling of the diapir kinematics. In this work we present the example of the Poza de la Sal Diapir, which is a salt diapir that pierces the synorogenic deposits of the Basque Pyrenees. The integrated analysis of mesostructural data, which includes field-collected faults, joints and fracture traces digitalized on high-resolution orthophotos, allowed us to establish an evolutionary model for the stress field around diapirs. The presented data support the idea that, during diapir evolution, stress fields evolve from mostly regional-related to mostly diapir-related. Contrasting with other geological data (seismic data, geological map and cross-section), we observe that different methods provide complementary information, coherent with the proposed evolutionary model of the Poza de la Sal Diapir.
Role of halokinesis in controlling structural styles and sediment dispersal in the Santos Basin, offshore Brazil
Authors: Guerra Marta C. M. , Underhill John R.
Published: February 2012

Salt–sediment interplay in the Santos Basin is investigated integrating seismic interpretation, kinematic restoration and analogue modelling. Deformation within the post-salt sequence results from thin-skinned gravitational gliding and spreading, driven primarily by halokinesis, greatly affected by massive sediment inflows. The impressive landward-dipping listric Cabo Frio Fault controls the major depocentres updip, whereas salt-cored folds accommodate downdip shortening. Sediment supply from confluent directions creates a complex interference pattern of superposed folds with intervening polygonal minibasins. A new structure is identified (termed the ‘Ilha Grande Gravitational Cell’), a linked system of updip extension and downdip contraction detached on salt, comprising the Cabo Frio Fault and minibasins. It moves to the SE, with eastern and western borders suggesting lateral gradients of slippage. This thin-skinned feature results from the differential load imposed by a thick prograding wedge over the ductile salt and is independent of pre-salt structures. The post-salt sequence moves basinwards due to halokinesis, thereby changing position relative to the pre-salt sequence, which implies that any present-day correspondence between pre- and post-salt structures may not attest to linkage in the past. Application of kinematic restoration techniques allows the true position and geometry of the key elements through time, improving petroleum systems assessment.
Architecting in global software engineering
Authors: Tekinerdogan Bedir , Cetin Semih , Babar Muhammad Ali , Lago Patricia , Mäkiö Juho
Published: February 2012

This paper summarizes the results of the First Workshop on Arc-hitecting in Global Software Engineering (GSE), which was or-ganized in conjunction with the 6th International Conference on Global Software Engineering (ICGSE 2011). The workshop aimed to bring together researchers and practitioners for defining and advancing the state-of-the-art and state-of-the practice in architecture design of global software development systems.
Expectations of Privacy
Authors: Neal Lisa
Published: February 2012

In the educational realm, privacy policies, trust models, and improved practices would benefit students, instructors, and institutions.
The e-Learning Rules of Engagement
Authors: Notess Mark
Published: February 2012

The word "engagement" is often used in connection with e-learning so often, in fact, that it has come to represent a general, warm fuzziness that everyone wants but which proves elusive. But what does engagement really mean?
A knowledge mining framework for business analysts
Authors: Palpanas Themis
Published: February 2012

Several studies have focused on problems related to data mining techniques, including several applications of these techniques in the e-commerce setting. In this work, we describe how data mining technology can be effectively applied in an e-commerce environment, delivering significant benefits to the business analyst. We propose a framework that takes the results of the data mining process as input, and converts these results into actionable knowledge, by enriching them with information that can be readily interpreted by the business analyst. The framework can accommodate various data mining algorithms, and provides a customizable user interface.

We experimentally evaluate the proposed approach by using a real-world case study that demonstrates the added benefit of the proposed method. The same study validates the claim that the produced results represent actionable knowledge that can help the business analyst improve the business performance, since it significantly reduces the time needed for data analysis, which results in substantial financial savings.
Multimodal display integration for in-vehicle assistive technology (IVAT)
Authors: Olsheski Julia DeBlasio
Published: February 2012

While it is well documented that multimodal integration has facilitatory capabilities at the neural, cognitive, and behavioral levels, the extent to which these enhancements could aid those with traumatically induced impairment is not well understood. IVAT (in-vehicle assistive technology) is an in-dash multimodal interface borne out from a collaborative effort between the Shepherd Center assistive technology team, the Georgia Tech Sonification Laboratory, and Centrafuse™. The aim of this technology is to increase driver safety by taking individual cognitive abilities and limitations into account by tailoring support to meet specific individual needs. While the potential applications of IVAT are widespread, the initial population of interest for the current research is survivors of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Persons who have survived a TBI can experience a variety of impairments that may limit their ability to drive. IVAT is aimed at enabling the individual to overcome these limitations in order to regain some independence by driving after injury.
Improving access to mobile technologies using tactile feedback
Authors: Qian Huimin
Published: February 2012

While mobile technologies, such as smart phones offer the benefits of portability and ubiquity, the small visual display can introduce a variety of challenges for users. Tactile feedback provides one solution to reduce the burden on the visual channel. However, the vibro-tactile signals presented by existing commercial mobile devices are relatively simple in nature and limited in number and hence cannot communicate broad set of semantic meanings or commands used in mobile applications and technologies. The research proposed in this paper, focuses on investigating how tactile feedback can be designed specifically for mobile interfaces, with the aim of improving and enriching user interactions when the visual channel is blocked or restricted (e.g. for blind or situationally-impaired users). More specifically, the aim is to investigate ways to widen the tactile bandwidth, through the manipulation of the parameters of touch. The resulting effects will be integrated within a range of mobile applications, and evaluated under a variety of common scenarios where distracters exist, to address the efficacy of the tactile icons developed. A framework of assistive tactile icons will be developed for mobile interface designers for reference, when aiming to improve non-visual access to mobile applications.
Aging-Shifted Prostaglandin Profile in Endothelium as a Factor in Cardiovascular Disorders
Authors: Qian Hao , Luo Na , Chi Yuling
Published: February 2012

Age-associated endothelium dysfunction is a major risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Endothelium-synthesized prostaglandins and thromboxane are local hormones, which mediate vasodilation and vasoconstriction and critically maintain vascular homeostasis. Accumulating evidence indicates that the age-related changes in endothelial eicosanoids contribute to decline in endothelium function and are associated with pathological dysfunction. In this review we summarize currently available information on aging-shifted prostaglandin profiles in endothelium and how these shifts are associated with cardiovascular disorders, providing one molecular mechanism of age-associated endothelium dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases.
Pain Management in the Elderly: An FDA Safe Use Initiative Expert Panel’s View on Preventable Harm Associated with NSAID Therapy
Authors: Taylor Robert , Lemtouni Salma , Weiss Karen , Pergolizzi Joseph V.
Published: February 2012

Optimization of current pain management strategies is necessary in order to reduce medication risks. Promoting patient and healthcare provider education on pain and pain medications is an essential step in reducing inadequate prescribing behaviors and adverse events. In an effort to raise awareness on medication safety, the FDA has launched the Safe Use Initiative program. The program seeks to identify areas with the greatest amount of preventable harm and help promote new methods and practices to reduce medication risks. Since the establishment of the program, FDA’s Safe Use initiative staff convened a panel of key opinion leaders throughout the medical community to address pain management in older adults (≥65 years of age). The aim of the expert panel was to focus on areas where significant risk occurs and where potential interventions will be feasible, implementable, and lead to substantial impact. The panel suggested one focus could be the use of NSAIDs for pain management in the elderly.
Synthesis and Characterization of ZnTe Hierarchical Nanostructures
Authors: Zhang Baohua , Guo Fuqiang , Wang Wei
Published: February 2012

Single‐crystalline ZnTe hierarchical nanostructures have been successfully synthesized by a simple thermal evaporation technology. The as‐prepared products were characterized with X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microcopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and photoluminescence spectrum (PL). These results showed that the ZnTe hierarchical nanostructures consisted of nanowires and nanolumps. The room temperature PL spectrum exhibited a pure green luminescence centered at 545nm. The growth mechanism of hierarchical nanostructure was also discussed.
The Key Role of Epigenetics in the Persistence of Asexual Lineages
Authors: Castonguay Emilie , Angers Bernard
Published: February 2012

Asexual organisms, often perceived as evolutionary dead ends, can be long-lived and geographically widespread. We propose that epigenetic mechanisms could play a crucial role in the evolutionary persistence of these lineages. Genetically identical organisms could rely on phenotypic plasticity to face environmental variation. Epigenetic modifications could be the molecular mechanism enabling such phenotypic plasticity; they can be influenced by the environment and act at shorter timescales than mutation. Recent work on the asexual vertebrateChrosomus eos-neogaeus(Pisces: Cyprinidae) provides broad insights into the contribution of epigenetics in genetically identical individuals. We discuss the extension of these results to other asexual organisms, in particular those resulting from interspecific hybridizations. We finally develop on the evolutionary relevance of epigenetic variation in the context of heritability.
Commelina diffusaPopulation Dynamics in Banana and Ruderal Habitats under Mechanical and Herbicide Management Regimes
Authors: Isaac Wendy-Ann P. , Brathwaite Richard A. I. , Khan Ayub
Published: February 2012

Commelina diffusais a colonising species of banana orchard habitats in St. Vincent in the Windward Islands of the Caribbean. In the present study, the population dynamics ofC. diffusawere investigated in response to mechanical weed management with either a rotary string trimmer or glufosinate in ruderal and banana habitats. The study focused on density and size distribution of the weed over time and their response to two weed management strategies. The population dynamics ofC. diffusadiffered between the two habitats. Seedling establishment appeared to be an important factor influencing the dynamics ofC. diffusain banana orchards as there was little recruitment of seeds with less flower production compared with ruderal habitats where plants produced more flowers. Plants ofC. diffusain the banana orchard habitat had a longer growth cycle. In the banana orchard habitat, theC. diffusapopulation was greater and the plants were shorter with mechanical management than in areas treated with glufosinate. The results suggest that it is possible to manipulate the dynamics ofC. diffusain banana orchards as there is less chance of seed recruitment. Further research is necessary to refine an IPM approach for the management ofC. diffusa.
Correlates of Dual-Method Contraceptive Use: An Analysis of the National Survey of Family Growth (2006–2008)
Authors: Eisenberg David L. , Allsworth Jenifer E. , Zhao Qiuhong , Peipert Jeffrey F.
Published: February 2012

Objective. To analyze a nationally representative sample of women for correlates of dual-contraceptive-method use.Materials and Methods. We conducted an analysis of the National Survey of Family Growth, 2006–2008, a cross-sectional survey of reproductive-aged women in the United States.Results. Dual method use was reported by 7.3% of the 5,178 women in the sample. Correlates of higher rates of dual-contraceptive-method use included age younger than 36 years and nonmarried marital status. Lower rates of dual method use were observed for women with less than a high-school education and women without consistent health insurance in the past year. Compared to women using oral contraceptives, use of the contraceptive injection or long-acting reversible contraception was associated with lower dual-method use.Conclusions. The overall rate of dual-method use in the USA is low. Future interventions to promote dual method use should target high-risk groups with modifiable risk factors.
Inertial Effects on Finite Length Pipe Seismic Response
Authors: Corrado Virginia , D′Acunto Berardino , Fontana Nicola , Giugni Maurizio
Published: February 2012

A seismic analysis for soil‐pipe interaction which accounts for length and constraining conditions at the ends of a continuous pipe is developed. The Winkler model is used to schematize the soil‐structure interaction. The approach is focused on axial strains, since bending strains in a buried pipe due to the wave propagation are typically a second‐order effect. Unlike many works, the inertial terms are considered in solving equations. Accurate numerical simulations are carried out to show the influence of pipe length and constraint conditions on the pipe seismic strain. The obtained results are compared with results inferred from other models present in the literature. For free‐end pipelines, inertial effects have significant influence only for short length. On the contrary, their influence is always important for pinned pipes. Numerical simulations show that a simple rigid model can be used for free‐end pipes, whereas pinned pipes need more accurate models.