bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of wild rodents in spread and transmission of Coxiella burnetii needs further elucidation
Authors: Meerburg Bastiaan G. , Reusken Chantal B. E. M.
Published: December 2011

Rodents are known to cause massive food losses, but are also implicated as reservoirs for a wide variety of zoonotic pathogens. This review discusses the contribution of rodents in the spread and transmission of Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q-fever. We found that rodents have been implicated as reservoirs for Q-fever, but their role in pathogen maintenance, geographic spread and transmission still remains to be clarified. As there are indications for a role of rodents in Q-fever epidemiology, including during the 2007–10 outbreak in the Netherlands, the overall lack of knowledge on the role of rodents warrants studies into their contribution in transmission of C. burnetii from the sylvatic cycle to the domestic cycle, in within-herd transmission, in transmission to surrounding farms and in direct transmission to humans. Although the basic sylvatic and domestic cycles of C. burnetii infection can operate independently, they will overlap in many instances as many areas in the world are occupied by both domestic and wild animals. This area of Q-fever ecology is of interest and research should focus on this aspect of Q-fever epidemiology and, in particular, on the role of rodents therein. More studies are needed that elicit the exact role of rodents in epidemiology of C. burnetii to further optimise disease control.
Dietary differences of the multimammate mouse, Mastomys natalensis (Smith, 1834), across different habitats and seasons in Tanzania and Swaziland
Authors: Mulungu Loth S. , Mahlaba Themb'alilahlwa A. , Massawe Apia W. , Kennis Jan , Crauwels Dieter , Eiseb Seth , Monadjem Ara , Makundi Rhodes H. , Katakweba Abdul A. S. , Leirs Herwig , Belmain Steven R.
Published: December 2011

Context The multimammate mouse, Mastomys natalensis (Smith, 1834), is an important agricultural pest in southern and eastern Africa where it can cause significant crop losses. Mastomys natalensis is known to consume a variety of food in response to the availability of food items. However, it is currently unknown whether maize crop growth stages affect the spatio-temporal diet of this species. Aims We examined the foods consumed by M. natalensis in different habitats and seasons in central Tanzania and Swaziland. Methods Diet was investigated in Tanzania in four different habitats (woodland, vegetable gardens, maize fields and fallow land) during different maize crop growth stages between March 2008 and February 2009. In Swaziland, this was conducted in three habitats (fallow land, cultivated fields and pristine land) during three crop growth stages (pre-planting, vegetative stage and post-harvest) between March 2008 and April 2009. Micro-histological examination of undigested fragments from the stomachs of trapped animals was made whereby the preserved stomach content was placed in a Petri dish and sorted using a 25× or 50× magnification binocular stereoscope. Stomach contents were identified as: grain and/or seeds (both grasses and maize), plant material (roots, stems and leaves), invertebrates, pods of seeds, fruits (vegetable fruit such as tomato), animal hairs and unidentified matter. If necessary, a lugol solution was used to determine the presence of starch for maize and grass seeds or grains. Key results In both countries, grain predominated in the diet of M. natalensis. Statistical analyses showed that there were no differences due to seasons or habitats. Therefore, the percentage volume and relative importance were the same across habitats and seasons in both countries. Conclusions Our findings highlight clearly that M. natalensis is a generalist species feeding on available resources depending on the season and the habitat. Its preference for grain may account for its abundance in maize plantations and confirms it as one of the major pests in crop plantations, especially grain. Implications This information offers a useful tool for determining the pest status in different habitats and/or seasons. The findings of this study have implications for agriculture and conservation.
The lifespan of lexical traces for novel morphologically complex words
Authors: de Vaan Laura , Ernestus Mirjam , Schreuder Robert
Published: December 2011

This study investigates the lifespans of lexical traces for novel morphologically complex words. In two visual lexical decision experiments, a neologism was either primed by itself or by its stem. The target occurred 40 trials after the prime (Experiments 1 & 2), after a 12 hour delay (Experiment 1), or after a one week delay (Experiment 2). Participants recognized neologisms more quickly if they had seen them before in the experiment. These results show that memory traces for novel morphologically complex words already come into existence after a very first exposure and that they last for at least a week. We did not find evidence for a role of sleep in the formation of memory traces. Interestingly, Base Frequency appeared to play a role in the processing of the neologisms also when they were presented a second time and had their own memory traces.
Processing light verb constructions
Authors: Wittenberg Eva , Piñango Maria Mercedes
Published: December 2011

Henry gave Elsa a kiss
give
kiss
give
a kiss

We test two approaches to light verb constructions: (1) joint predication in light verb constructions is stored as pre-specified, and their high frequency predicts less processing cost. (2) Joint predication in light verb constructions is built in real-time. The entailed extra-syntactic composition predicts greater cost.

Results from a cross-modal lexical decision task show delayed, higher reaction times for light verb constructions, supporting (2), which is consistent with a linguistic architecture that has partly autonomous lexico-semantic storage and processing.
Embryonic communication in the nest: metabolic responses of reptilian embryos to developmental rates of siblings
Authors: McGlashan Jessica K. , Spencer Ricky-John , Old Julie M.
Published: December 2011

Incubation temperature affects developmental rates and defines many phenotypes and fitness characteristics of reptilian embryos. In turtles, eggs are deposited in layers within the nest, such that thermal gradients create independent developmental conditions for each egg. Despite differences in developmental rate, several studies have revealed unexpected synchronicity in hatching, however, the mechanisms through which synchrony are achieved may be different between species. Here, we examine the phenomenon of synchronous hatching in turtles by assessing proximate mechanisms in an Australian freshwater turtle (
Emydura macquarii
). We tested whether embryos hatch prematurely or developmentally compensate in response to more advanced embryos in a clutch. We established developmental asynchrony within a clutch of turtle eggs and assessed both metabolic and heart rates throughout incubation in constant and fluctuating temperatures. Turtles appeared to hatch at similar developmental stages, with less-developed embryos in experimental groups responding to the presence of more developed eggs in a clutch by increasing both metabolic and heart rates. Early hatching did not appear to reduce neuromuscular ability at hatching. These results support developmental adjustment mechanisms of the ‘catch-up hypothesis’ for synchronous hatching in
E. macquarii
and implies some level of embryo–embryo communication. The group environment of a nest strongly supports the development of adaptive communication mechanisms between siblings and the evolution of environmentally cued hatching.
Is the SF‐12 version 2 Health Survey a valid and equivalent substitute for the SF‐36 version 2 Health Survey for the Chinese?
Authors: Lam Elegance T. P. , Lam Cindy L. K. , Fong Daniel Y. T. , Huang Wen Wei
Published: December 2011

Rationale and objectives  The scoring algorithm of the 12‐item Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐12) was revised in the second version (SF‐12v2), but information on its psychometric properties is lacking. This study determined whether the SF‐12v2 was a valid and equivalent substitute for the SF‐36v2 Health Survey (version 2) for the Chinese.

Methods  A total of 2410 Chinese adults in Hong Kong completed the SF‐36 Health Survey by telephone. The SF‐12v2 data were extracted from the SF‐36 data. Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's alpha, and test–retest reliabilities were evaluated by intraclass correlation. Criterion validity and equivalence were assessed using the SF‐36v2 scores as a gold standard. Construct validity and sensitivity were assessed by known‐group comparison.

Results  Internal consistency and test–retest reliabilities were good (range 0.67–0.82) for all except three scales. The SF‐12v2 summary scores explained >80% of the total variances of the SF‐36v2 summary scores. Construct validity and sensitivity were confirmed by significantly lower SF‐12v2 scores in people with chronic diseases than those without. Effect size differences were less than 0.3 and relative validities were greater than 0.7 between SF‐12v2 and SF‐36v2 scores for different groups.

Conclusion  The SF‐12v2 was valid, reliable and sensitive for the Chinese. It is an equivalent substitute for the SF‐36v2 for the summary scales.
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic testing of marbofloxacin administered as a single injection for the treatment of bovine respiratory disease
Authors: VALLÉ M. , SCHNEIDER M. , GALLAND D. , GIBOIN H. , WOEHRLÉ F.
Published: December 2011

Vallé, M., Schneider, M., Galland, D., Giboin, H., Woehrlé, F. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic testing of marbofloxacin administered as a single injection for the treatment of bovine respiratory disease. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 35, 519–528.

New approaches in Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) integration suggested that marbofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone already licensed for the treatment of bovine respiratory disease at a daily dosage of 2 mg/kg for 3–5 days, would be equally clinically effective at 10 mg/kg once (Forcyl®), whilst also reducing the risk of resistance. This marbofloxacin dosage regimen was studied using mutant prevention concentration (MPC), PK simulation, PK/PD integration and an in vitro dynamic system. This system simulated the concentration–time profile of marbofloxacin in bovine plasma established in vivo after a single 10 mg/kg intramuscular dose and killing curves of field isolated Pasteurellaceae strains of high (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) MIC ≤0.03 μg/mL), average (MIC of 0.12–0.25 μg/mL) and low (MIC of 1 μg/mL) susceptibility to marbofloxacin. The marbofloxacin MPC values were 2‐ to 4‐fold the MIC values for all Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida tested. Marbofloxacin demonstrated a concentration‐dependant killing profile with bactericidal activity observed within 1 h for most strains. No resistance development (MIC ≥4 μg/mL) was detected in the dynamic tests. Target values for risk of resistance PK/PD surrogates (area under the curve (AUC) AUC24 h/MPC and T>MPC/TMSW ratio) were achieved for all clinically susceptible pathogens. The new proposed dosing regimen was validated in vitro and by PK/PD integration confirming the single‐injection short‐acting antibiotic concept.
Association of KIR Genotypes and Haplotypes with Syphilis in a Chinese Han Population
Authors: Zhuang Y. L. , Song Y. , Zhu C. , Zhang Y. , Wang D. , Nie X. , Liu Y. , Ren G. J.
Published: December 2011

Killer immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIRs) can regulate the activation of NK and T cells in response to infection. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum spirochete bacterium. The objective of this study was to explore whether KIR genotypes and haplotypes were associated with syphilis in a Chinese Han population. Polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific primers (PCR–SSP) was used to identify the KIR genotypes in 190 patients with syphilis and 192 healthy controls. The frequency of genotype P was higher in healthy controls than that in patients with syphilis (P = 0.002), and its OR was 0.304, while the frequencies of genotypes AE and AG were higher in patients with syphilis than those in healthy controls. The frequency of haplotype 17 was lower, and its OR was 0.321, whereas the frequencies of haplotype 1 and 6 were higher in patients with syphilis than those in healthy controls. KIR haplotypes A and B have distinctive centromeric (Cen) and telomeric (Tel) gene content motifs. The frequency of Tel‐B/B was higher in patients with syphilis than that in healthy controls (P = 0.024). Based on these findings, it seems that individuals with the genotype AE, AG or Tel‐B/B, or haplotypes 1 and 6 are susceptible to syphilis, whereas individuals with genotype P or haplotype 17 are protective from syphilis in the Chinese Han population.
Respiratory health effects of diesel particulate matter
Authors: RISTOVSKI ZORAN D. , MILJEVIC BRANKA , SURAWSKI NICHOLAS C. , MORAWSKA LIDIA , FONG KWUN M. , GOH FELICIA , YANG IAN A.
Published: December 2011

Particulate matter (PM) emissions involve a complex mixture of solid and liquid particles suspended in a gas, where it is noted that PM emissions from diesel engines are a major contributor to the ambient air pollution problem. While epidemiological studies have shown a link between increased ambient PM emissions and respiratory morbidity and mortality, studies of this design are not able to identify the PM constituents responsible for driving adverse respiratory health effects. This review explores in detail the physico‐chemical properties of diesel PM (DPM) and identifies the constituents of this pollution source that are responsible for the development of respiratory disease. In particular, this review shows that the DPM surface area and adsorbed organic compounds play a significant role in manifesting chemical and cellular processes that if sustained can lead to the development of adverse respiratory health effects. The mechanisms of injury involved included inflammation, innate and acquired immunity, and oxidative stress. Understanding the mechanisms of lung injury from DPM will enhance efforts to protect at‐risk individuals from the harmful respiratory effects of air pollutants.
Additive effect of zoledronic acid on serum prostate‐specific antigen changes for hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer patients with bone metastasis treated by combined androgen blockade
Authors: Kamiya Naoto , Suzuki Hiroyoshi , Endo Takumi , Takano Makoto , Yano Masashi , Naoi Makito , Nishimi Daisuke , Kawamura Koji , Imamoto Takashi , Ichikawa Tomohiko
Published: December 2011

Combined androgen blockade is widely used to treat patients with advanced prostate cancer. Recently, zoledronic acid was proven to be effective in preventing skeletal‐related events for prostate cancer patients with bone metastases. Aim of the present study was to assess the effect of adding zoledronic acid to combined androgen blockade in the treatment of hormone‐naïve metastatic prostate cancer patients by analyzing the changes of biomarker levels. Patients were treated with either a combination of combined androgen blockade and zoledronic acid (n = 23) or combined androgen blockade alone (historical control combined androgen blockade group, n = 42). Zoledronic acid was injected intravenously at 4 mg every 4 weeks for 2 years. Prostate‐specific antigen and bone turnover markers (alkaline phosphatase and pyridinoline cross‐linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen) were examined before treatment and at 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. Sequential changes of prostate‐specific antigen, alkaline phosphatase and pyridinoline cross‐linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen for the two groups versus pretreatment levels were compared. Prostate‐specific antigen values in both groups significantly declined at 3, 6 and 12 months compared with pretreatment levels. However, the decline of the prostate‐specific antigen was lower in the combined androgen blockade group. Alkaline phosphatase significantly declined at 6 and 12 months in the combination of combined androgen blockade and zoledronic acid group, with no significant changes seen in the combined androgen blockade group. The addition of zoledronic acid to combined androgen blockade showed prostate‐specific antigen and bone turnover markers response compared with combined androgen blockade therapy only, suggesting a potential antitumor effect of zoledronic acid in the management of metastatic prostate cancer patients.
Testosterone in prostate cancer: the Bethesda consensus
Authors: Djavan Bob , Eastham James , Gomella Leonard , Tombal Bertrand , Taneja Samir , Dianat Seyed Saeid , Kazzazi Amir , Shore Neal , Abrahamsson Per‐Anders , Cheetham Philippa , Moul Judd , Lepor Herbert , Crawford E. David
Published: December 2011

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Androgen stimulation of prostate cancer (PCa) cells has been the basis for extensive studies evaluating the role of androgen in PCa but the diagnostic measurement of androgen as well as androgen values that potentially influence prognosis are unclear in patients with PCa.

The 50 ng/dL threshold has been questioned as a result of reports indicating worse outcomes for levels between 20 and 50 ng/dL. Instead, a 20 ng/dL threshold for serum testosterone after androgren deprivation therapy in patients with advanced PCa was recommended.

OBJECTIVE

Androgen stimulation of prostate cancer (PCa) cells has been extensively studied. The increasing trend of using serum testosterone as an absolute surrogate for castration state means that the diagnostic measurement of testosterone and the values potentially influencing prognosis must be better understood. This is especially important when PCa progresses from an endocrine to an intracrine status.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a literature review using the MEDLINE database for publications on: (i) hormonal changes with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT); (ii) monitoring hormonal therapy with testosterone measurement; (iii) the efficacy of intermittent androgen deprivation (IAD) compared with continuous androgen deprivation; (iv) the underlying mechanisms of castration‐resistance; and (v) novel treatments for castration‐resistant PCa (CRPCa).

RESULTS

The optimum serum castration levels to be achieved with ADT are still debated. Recently, the 50 ng/dL threshold has been questioned because of reports indicating worse outcomes when levels between 20 and 50 ng/dL were studied. Instead, a 20 ng/dL threshold for serum testosterone after ADT in patients with advanced prostate cancer was recommended.

CONCLUSION

Understanding the mechanisms of androgen biosynthesis relating to PCa as well as prognostic implications might achieve a consensus regarding the role of ADT for both the androgen‐sensitive and ‐insensitive disease state.
Exploring Variations in Intra-party Democracy: A Comparative Study of the British Labour Party and the Danish Centre-Left
Authors: Pettitt Robin T.
Published: December 2011

When it comes to the prospects for intra-party democracy, the view of the academic literature and many practitioners is generally very bleak. Intra-party democracy is either declining or was never there in the first place. This article will argue that this is not an accurate reflection of what is going on in political parties. Rather than being in either universal long-term decline or permanently and unavoidably absent, intra-party democracy varies between parties. Some parties are indeed more or less permanent oligarchies, just as some have seen a decline in the strength of their internal democracy. However, others have seen an increase in the level of membership influence and yet others have managed to maintain a fairly high level of internal democracy. This article will argue that a combination of five factors (age, origin, ideology, style of democracy in a given country and government ambition) are important in understanding this variation.
INEQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY IN EARNINGS AND CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE: THE CASE OF INDIAN MEN
Authors: SINGH ASHISH
Published: December 2011

The paper associates inequality of opportunities with outcome differences that can be accounted by predetermined circumstances which lie beyond the control of an individual, such as parental education, parental occupation, caste, religion, and place of birth. The non‐parametric estimates using parental education as a measure of circumstances reveal that the opportunity share of earnings inequality in 2004–05 was 11–19 percent for urban India and 5–8 percent for rural India. The same figures for consumption expenditure inequality are 10–19 percent for urban India and 5–9 percent for rural India. The overall opportunity share estimates (parametric) of earnings inequality due to circumstances, including caste, religion, region, parental education, and parental occupation, vary from 18 to 26 percent for urban India, and from 16 to 21 percent for rural India. The overall opportunity share estimates for consumption expenditure inequality are close to the earnings inequality figures for both urban and rural areas. The analysis further finds evidence that the parental education specific opportunity share of overall earnings (and consumption expenditure) inequality is largest in urban India, but caste and geographical region also play an equally important role when rural India is considered.
Increased risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy in females using lamotrigine: A nested, case‐control study
Authors: Aurlien Dag , Larsen Jan Petter , Gjerstad Leif , Taubøll Erik
Published: December 2011

Purpose:  To estimate the incidence of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) in Rogaland County, Norway, in the period August 1 1995–July 31 2005, and to investigate whether use of lamotrigine (LTG) was associated with increased risk in female patients or other subgroups.

Methods:  SUDEP victims were identified from autopsy reports and data from the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry. In all cases where SUDEP was considered as a possible cause of death, the hospital records were also reviewed. For each deceased, at least three living patients with epilepsy were randomly selected as controls. The market share in defined daily doses was collected for each year to estimate the number of patient‐years at risk on each antiepileptic drug.

Key Findings:  We identified 26 cases of SUDEP: 16 definite, 3 probable, and 7 possible; 15 patients were female and 11 were male. Of these, 10 patients (38.5%) were treated with LTG: 9 of these patients were female. The incidence of SUDEP was estimated as 1.0 per 1,000 patient‐years when all cases were included, and 0.7 per 1,000 patient‐years for definite and probable SUDEP. Seven of 12 (58.3%) of female patients with definite and probable SUDEP and 10 of 41 (24.4%) of controls matched on age and gender were on LTG (p = 0.038). The incidence of definite and probable SUDEP in women on LTG, was estimated as 2.5 per 1,000 patient‐years and 0.5 per 1,000 patient‐years in female who were not taking LTG (p = 0.007).

Significance:  The incidence of SUDEP was significantly higher among female patients with epilepsy who were being treated with LTG than among female patients with epilepsy who were not taking LTG, and a significantly higher proportion of female SUDEP cases than controls were taking LTG. Our findings may have implications for treatment of epilepsy in female patients.
Mild hypoxia‐induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy via up‐regulation of HIF‐1α‐mediated TRPC signalling
Authors: Chu Wenfeng , Wan Lin , Zhao Dan , Qu Xuefeng , Cai Fulai , Huo Rong , Wang Ning , Zhu Jiuxin , Zhang Chun , Zheng Fangfang , Cai Ruijun , Dong Deli , Lu Yanjie , Yang Baofeng
Published: December 2011

Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 alpha (HIF‐1α) is a central transcriptional regulator of hypoxic response. The present study was designed to investigate the role of HIF‐1α in mild hypoxia‐induced cardiomyocytes hypertrophy and its underlying mechanism. Mild hypoxia (MH, 10% O2) caused hypertrophy in cultured neonatal rat cardiac myocytes, which was accompanied with increase of HIF‐1α mRNA and accumulation of HIF‐1α protein in nuclei. Transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels including TRPC3 and TRPC6, except for TRPC1, were increased, and Ca2+‐calcineurin signals were also enhanced in a time‐dependent manner under MH condition. MH‐induced cardiomyocytes hypertrophy, TRPC up‐regulation and enhanced Ca2+‐calcineurin signals were inhibited by an HIF‐1α specific blocker, SC205346 (30 μM), whereas promoted by HIF‐1α overexpression. Electrophysiological voltage‐clamp demonstrated that DAG analogue, OAG (30 μM), induced TRPC current by as much as 170% in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes overexpressing HIF‐1α compared to negative control. These results implicate that HIF‐1α plays a key role in development of cardiac hypertrophy in responses to hypoxic stress. Its mechanism is associated with up‐regulating TRPC3, TRPC6 expression, activating TRPC current and subsequently leading to enhanced Ca2+‐calcineurin signals.
Prognostic value of PINI index in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Dupire Sophie , Wemeau Mathieu , Debarri Houria , Pascal Laurent , Hivert Benedicte , Willekens Christophe , Boyle Eileen , Manier Salomon , Béatrice Thielemans , Onraed Brigitte , Faucompré Jean‐Luc , Hennache Bernadette , Dumontet Charles , Facon Thierry , Leleu Xavier
Published: December 2011

Background:  The Prognostic Inflammatory and Nutritional Index (PINI) is a simple scoring system that aggregates two blood markers of inflammatory [C‐reactive protein (CRP) and orosomucoid] and of nutritional (albumin and prealbumin) states. It is used in routine practice in geriatric medicine, especially in hospitalized elderly patients. This study was undertaken to evaluate the usefulness of PINI index in multiple myeloma (MM), a malignancy of the elderly.

Method:  The PINI score was determined in 231 previously untreated patients with MM, of whom 112 were ≥65 yrs old. The serum albumin, prealbumin, orosomucoid (human α1‐acid glycoprotein), and hsCRP are measured routinely by immunonephelometry.

Results:  In the overall population and the elderly subset, PINI ≥ 4 (‘high PINI’) was correlated with a shorter median survival, 26 vs. 65 months in the high and low PINI groups, respectively. The prognostic impact of PINI index was dramatic in the elderly MM subgroup, 6 and 45 months, respectively. The high PINI index also predicted for shorter survival in various groups with good prognostic, such as low International Staging System (ISS) stages, low b2m, and absence of del17p and t(4;14), further demonstrating its prognostic impact on overall survival. In multivariate analysis, PINI index provided additional survival prognostic information to b2m in a b2m/PINI model.

Conclusion:  PINI index appears to be a useful and easy‐to‐perform marker in routine to determine the prognosis of patients with MM, especially in the elderly population. PINI might represent an alternative to ISS score, especially in elderly patients, in the future.
Interactive effects of global warming and ‘global worming’ on the initial establishment of native and exotic herbaceous plant species
Authors: Eisenhauer Nico , Fisichelli Nicholas A. , Frelich Lee E. , Reich Peter B.
Published: December 2011

The spread of exotic earthworms (‘worming’) and rising temperatures are expected to alter the biological, chemical and physical properties of many ecosystems, yet little is known about their potential interactive effects. We performed a laboratory microcosm experiment to investigate the effects of earthworms (anecic, endogeic, epigeic, or all three together) and 4°C warming on soil water content, litter turnover and seedling establishment of four native and four exotic herbaceous plant species.

Warming and worming exerted independent as well as interactive effects on soil processes and plant dynamics. Warming reduced the water content of the upper soil layer, but only in the presence of earthworms. Litter removal increased in the presence of earthworms, the effect being most pronounced in the presence of anecic earthworms at ambient temperature. Exotic plant species were most influenced by earthworms (lower seedling number but higher biomass), whereas natives were most sensitive to warming (higher seedling number). This differential response resulted in significant interaction effects of earthworms and warming on abundance and richness of native relative to exotic plants as well as related shifts in plant species composition. Structural equation modeling allowed us to address possible mechanisms: direct effects of earthworms primarily affected exotic plants, whereas earthworms and warming indirectly and differentially affected native and exotic plants through changes in soil water content and surface litter.

Invasive earthworms and warming are likely to interactively impact abiotic and biotic ecosystem properties. The invasion of epigeic and anecic species could select for plant species able to germinate on bare soil and tolerate drought, with the latter becoming more important in a warmer world. Thus earthworm invasion may result in simplified plant communities of increased susceptibility to the invasion of exotic plants.
Quantifying trait selection driving community assembly: a test in herbaceous plant communities under contrasted land use regimes
Authors: Sonnier Grégory , Navas Marie‐Laure , Fayolle Adeline , Shipley Bill
Published: December 2011

Plant traits are particularly important in determining plant community structure. However, how can one identify which traits are the most important in driving community assembly? Here we propose a method 1) to quantify the direction and strength of trait selection during community assembly and 2) to obtain parsimonious lists of traits that can predict species relative abundances in plant communities. We tested our method using floristic data from 32 plots experiencing different treatments (fertilisation and grazing) in southern France. Twelve functional traits were measured on 68 species. We determined the direction and strength of selection on these 12 traits using a metric derived from a maximum entropy model (i.e. lambda). We then determined our parsimonious list of traits using a backward selection of traits based on these lambda values (for all treatments and in each treatment separately). We finally compared our method to two other methods: one based on iterative RLQ and the other based on an entropy‐based forward selection of traits. We found major differences in the direction and strength of selection across the 12 traits and treatments. From the 12 traits, plant vegetative and reproductive heights, leaf dry matter content leaf nitrogen content, specific leaf area, and leaf phosphorus content were particularly important for predicting species relative abundances when considering all treatments together. Our method yielded results similar to those produced by the entropy‐based approach but differed from those produced by the iterative RLQ, whose selected traits could not significantly predict species relative abundances. Together these results suggest that the assembly of these communities is primarily driven by a small number of key functional traits. We argue that our method provides an objective way of determining a parsimonious list of traits that together accurately predict community structure and which, despite its complementarities with entropy‐based method, offers significant advantages.
Serum cytokine levels and periodontal parameters in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Sezer U. , Erciyas K. , Pehlivan Y. , Üstün K. , Tarakçıoğlu M. , Şenyurt S. Z. , Onat A. M.
Published: December 2011

Sezer U, Erciyas K, Pehlivan Y, Üstün K, Tarakçıoğlu M, Şenyurt SZ, Onat AM. Serum cytokine levels and periodontal parameters in ankylosing spondylitis. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 396–401. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Background and Objective:  Multiple studies support the role of periodontal disease in contributing to the chronic systemic inflammatory burden in a variety of diseases, including ankylosing spondylitis (AS), in the progression which the inflammatory process plays an important role. We assume that patients with AS are more likely to have periodontal disease than healthy individuals. The aim of this study was to determine the possible relationship between inflammatory periodontal diseases and AS by evaluating clinical periodontal parameters and serum cytokine levels.

Material and Methods:  Forty‐eight adults with AS (35 women and 13 men; age range 18–56 years; mean age 34.27 years) and 48 age‐ and sex‐matched systemically healthy control subjects participated in the study. The clinical periodontal parameters, venous blood and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score were obtained, and serum C‐reactive protein, tumour necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) levels were evaluated.

Results:  There was statistically no significant difference in the frequency of periodontitis between AS patients and the control group. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in probing depth, clinical attachment level and plaque index, and the only significant clinical difference between groups was in levels of bleeding on probing (p < 0.001). Serum concentrations of IL‐6, tumour necrosis factor‐α and C‐reactive protein in the AS group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.001). In the AS group, there was a correlation between serum IL‐6 levels and clinical attachment level (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:  The results of present study suggest that bleeding on probing was the only different periodontal parameter between the AS and the control group, and the periodontal status of patients with AS may be affected by IL‐6 levels.
Duodenal Brunner's gland adenoma causing chronic small intestinal obstruction in a dog
Authors: Bowen E. J. , Mundy P. , Tivers M. S. , Syme H. M. , Mantis P. , Smyth B. , Baines S. J.
Published: December 2011

An eight‐year‐old, neutered, female English springer spaniel was presented with a 14‐month history of vomiting, marked weight loss and lethargy, all of which were non‐responsive to medical therapy. Abdominal radiographs and ultrasonography showed an intraluminal soft tissue mass extending from the pyloric antrum to the proximal duodenum. Two spherical masses both approximately 8 cm in diameter were removed via a duodenotomy. Histopathological examination showed the first mass to be a trichobezoar and the aboral mass to be a Brunner's gland adenoma. Surgery resulted in a complete resolution of the clinical signs.
Sulfide‐ and nitrite‐dependent nitric oxide production in the intestinal tract
Authors: Vermeiren Joan , Van de Wiele Tom , Van Nieuwenhuyse Glynn , Boeckx Pascal , Verstraete Willy , Boon Nico
Published: December 2011

In the gut ecosystem, nitric oxide (NO) has been described to have damaging effects on the energy metabolism of colonocytes. Described mechanisms of NO production are microbial reduction of nitrate via nitrite to NO and conversion of l‐arginine by NO synthase. The aim of this study was to investigate whether dietary compounds can stimulate the production of NO by representative cultures of the human intestinal microbiota and whether this correlates to other processes in the intestinal tract. We have found that the addition of a reduced sulfur compound, i.e. cysteine, contributed to NO formation. This increase was ascribed to higher sulfide concentrations generated from cysteine that in turn promoted the chemical conversion of nitrite to NO. The NO release from nitrite was of the order of 4‰ at most. Overall, it was shown that two independent biological processes contribute to the chemical formation of NO in the intestinal tract: (i) the production of sulfide by fermentation of sulfur containing amino acids or reduction of sulfate by sulfate reducing bacteria, and (ii) the reduction of nitrate to nitrite. Our results indicate that dietary thiol compounds in combination with nitrate may contribute to colonocytes damaging processes by promoting NO formation.
Behcet’s disease: is there a gender influence on clinical manifestations?
Authors: DAVATCHI Fereydoun , SHAHRAM Farhad , CHAMS‐DAVATCHI Cheyda , SADEGHI ABDOLLAHI Bahar , SHAMS Hormoz , NADJI Abdolhadi , FAEZI Tahereh , AKHLAGHI Massoomeh , GHODSI Zahra , LARIMI Roghieh , ASHOFTEH Farima
Published: December 2011

Aim:  In Behcet’s disease (BD), it is customary to believe that men are more affected than women, major organs are more involved in men, and they have worse outcomes. The male‐to‐female ratio is reported from 5.37 to 1 (Egypt), to 0.38 to 1 (US). If in the majority of reports BD was seen more frequently in men, in some others it was more frequent in women. The aim of this study was to examine a large cohort of patients, in whom manifestations were gender related, and to examine the strength of associations and their clinical relevance.

Patients and Methods:  All patients of the BD registry, Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, entered the study (6702 patients). The percentage of 95 items was calculated in both genders (with their 95% confidence intervals), and were compared together by the chi‐squared test. Odds ratio (OR) and relative risk (RR) were also calculated.

Results:  Forty‐three out of 95 items were gender‐related (29 for males, 14 for females) with a statistically significant difference by chi‐squared. Significant OR (confidence interval not reaching 1) was found for 79 items. However, clinically significant OR (2 or more for men and 0.5 or less for women) showed an association only with 16 items; five with females and 11 with males. The most important was vascular involvement.

Conclusion:  No strong association (OR of 2 or more) was found between the male gender and major organ involvement, except for vascular lesions.
Clinical evaluation of non‐carious cervical lesion restorations using a HEMA‐free adhesive: three‐year results
Authors: Burrow MF
Published: December 2011

Background:  The use of all‐in‐one resin‐based adhesives in clinical practice has continued to increase. The aim of this study was to evaluate retention and marginal staining of a HEMA‐free all‐in‐one adhesive Go! (SDI, Australia) and Ice resin composite in non‐carious cervical lesions (NCCLs).

Methods:  Forty‐one restorations were placed in 13 patients (age range 44–72 years). Human Ethics Committee approval from the University of Melbourne and Dental Health Services Victoria was obtained. Restorations were bonded and placed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Enamel etching was performed on NCCL margins after cleaning with pumice and water. Patients were recalled at six months and one, two and three years. Restorations were evaluated for retention and marginal staining, and photographic records of restorations were obtained.

Results:  At three years, six patients were available for recall with 23 restoration sites reviewed. At the six‐month recall, three restorations had been lost, with a further two lost at two years. At three years, an overall cumulative retention rate of 85% was calculated using survival analysis. Fifteen of the 23 restorations showed slight marginal staining.

Conclusions:  At three years, the overall retention rate of 85% indicates a satisfactory result for this new adhesive. Marginal staining was regarded as minimal.
Experimental Study of High-Frequency Vibration Assisted Micro/Mesoscale Forming of Metallic Materials
Authors: Yao Zhehe , Kim Gap-Yong , Faidley LeAnn , Zou Qingze , Mei Deqing , Chen Zichen
Published: December 2011

Micro/mesoscale forming is a promising technology for mass production of miniature metallic parts. However, fabrication of micro/mesoscale features leads to challenges due to the friction increase at the interface and tool wear from highly localized stress. In this study, the use of high-frequency vibration for potential application in micro/mesoscale forming has been investigated. A versatile experimental setup based on a magnetostrictive (Terfenol-D) actuator was built. Vibration assisted micro/mesoscale upsetting, pin extrusion and cup extrusion were conducted to understand the effects of workpiece size, excitation frequency, and the contact condition. Results showed a change in load reduction behavior that was dependent on the excitation frequency and the contact condition. The load reduction exhibited in this study can be explained by a combination of stress superposition and friction reduction. It was found that a higher excitation frequency and a less complicated die-specimen interface were more likely to result in a friction reduction by high-frequency vibration.
A Numerical Simulation Study on the Effects of Crucible Rotation and Magnetic Fields in Growth of SiGe by the Traveling Heater Method
Authors: Takagi Youhei , Okano Yasunori , Dost Sadik
Published: December 2011

A numerical simulation study was carried out to shed light on the effects of applied crucible rotation and static magnetic field during the traveling heater method growth of bulk SiGe single crystals. The simulation results show that the application of crucible rotation weakens the radial silicon concentration gradient due to the effect of centrifugal force. The effects of applied static magnetic field direction and strength on the concentration field in the melt were also studied. It was found that the simultaneous application of crucible rotation and static magnetic field is best to grow large crystals with uniform composition. An optimum combination of crucible rotation rates and applied magnetic field strengths is determined.
Influence of Phase-Shift and Overlap Ratio on Savonius Wind Turbine’s Performance
Authors: Jian Chen , Kumbernuss Jan , Linhua Zhang , Lin Lu , Hongxing Yang
Published: December 2011

This paper presents the experimental results of the vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT), especially the Savonius rotors, which are developed for application on top of buildings due to lower wind speed compared with remote areas. The VAWT is regarded as the most suitable elegant candidate to be integrated with buildings for its relatively low operating noise, easy maintenance, and easy access. This study explored the interaction effect of the overlap ratio, phase-shift, and stage on the performance of the Savonius rotors in details. The results show that appropriate choice of the phase-shift angle according to the overlap ratio can not only increase the power coefficient of the Savonius rotors but also eliminate the negative static torque and smooth the variation of the static torque coefficient. Moreover, the performance of the two-stage rotors indicates that the two-stage rotor is the best candidate for this type of wind turbines or as a starting assistant for the Darrieus rotors.
Probability, geometry, and dynamics in the toss of a thick coin
Authors: Yong Ee Hou , Mahadevan L.
Published: December 2011

When a thick cylindrical coin is tossed in the air and lands without bouncing on an inelastic substrate, it ends up on its face or its side. We account for the rigid body dynamics of spin and precession and calculate the probability distribution of heads, tails, and sides for a thick coin as a function of its dimensions and the distribution of its initial conditions. Our theory yields a simple expression for the aspect ratio of homogeneous coins with a prescribed frequency of heads or tails compared to sides, which we validate using data from the results of tossing coins of different aspect ratios.
Teaching solar cell I-V characteristics using SPICE
Authors: Devasia Archana , Kurinec Santosh K.
Published: December 2011

The basic equivalent circuit of a p-n junction solar cell is most commonly represented as consisting of a current source in parallel with two diodes and two parasitic resistances. The output of a solar cell is measured by obtaining the current-voltage (I–V) characteristics for different illumination intensities, and various parameters are extracted from these characteristics. Because the nature of the information derived from these characteristics is not obvious to the beginning students in photovoltaics, a simulation using SPICE was utilized to explain three solar cell I–V characteristics—dark I–V, illuminated I–V, and open circuit voltage versus the short circuit current (illumination intensity). Students can construct a solar cell and study the effect of the diode and parasitic parameters on the three output I–V characteristics. Series and parallel combinations of solar cells for arrays and modules using bypass diodes are demonstrated using SPICE as educational tools for understanding the role of bypass diodes.
Science Signaling
Podcast: 29 November 2011
Authors: Breitwieser Gerda E. , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: December 2011

Activation of the calcium-sensing receptor promotes its trafficking to the cell surface and enhances signaling.
Molten Salt Corrosion Evaluation of Alloy T22 Applying Electrochemical Techniques and the Conventional Weight Loss Method
Authors: Cuevas-Arteaga Cecilia , Escalada Victor , Trujillo Miguel A.
Published: December 2011

High temperature corrosion tests were made to study the alloy T22 exposed to 80 V2O5-20Na2SO4 (wt. %) at 550 and 650°C, applying the electrochemical noise technique (EN) during 5 days, potentiodynamic polarization curves (PC), and the conventional weight loss method (WL). From the current and potential time series, it was stated that the type of corrosion suffered by the alloy T22 was mixed corrosion (uniform-localized). Through EN results, a statistical analysis was made to determine the localization index LI, and the resistance noise Rn, which was used to calculated the corrosion kinetics. A comparison of the corrosion rates obtained from EN and WL is presented. This comparison showed the same qualitative results with a difference of one order of magnitude. Visual characterization of alloy T22 was in agreement with the noise pattern and the localization index (LI). Polarization curves demonstrated that the corrosion potential was more active with the temperature.
Self - Organization Phenomena During Electrodeposition of Co - In Alloys
Authors: Estrella Gutiérrez Manuel A. , Dobrovolska Tsvetina , López Sauri Daniel A. , Veleva Lucien , Krastev Ivan
Published: December 2011

Self-organization is the spontaneous formation of spatial, temporal, spatio-temporal structures in systems composed by several components. Self-organization in the case of electrodeposition of alloys can be considered as concentration fluctuation of the metal ions on the electrode surface and this is spontaneously amplified by the coupling between the nature of the electrodeposited ions and the flow of the electrolyte solution. The electrodeposition of Co-In alloys obtained from citrate electrolyte offers the possibility to investigate the process of formation and development of spatio-temporal structures like waves, spirals and target patterns on the electrode surface. Cyclic voltammetry investigations were performed onto a Pt electrode in order to investigate the electrode procesess. Co-In alloy coatings with a thickness between 5-7 μm were deposited onto Cu substrates, with an area of 2x1 cm, using Pt anodes. It was established that the structures can be observed at current densities of about 0.8-1.5 A dm-2.
Adaptation of DPPH Method for Antioxidant Determination
Authors: Rodríguez Cid de León Gisela I. , Gómez Hernández Martin , Domínguez y Ramírez Adriana M. , Medina López Jose R. , Alarcón-Ángeles Georgina , Morales Pérez Adriana
Published: December 2011

Antioxidants are indispensable molecules that help prevent biomolecule oxidation. By fighting the production of free radicals, antioxidants prevent different ageing-associated diseases. In this work, the method of 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrilhydracil (DPPH) is adapted to determine antioxidants in different cosmetic, nutritional, and biological samples using spectrophotometric and electrochemical techniques. Antioxidant molecules of Trolox (Tx) and gallic acid are used as a standard, whereas spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of DPPH free radical are used to determine total antioxidant capacity (meq Tx/mL) in different commercial products and biological samples. Oxidation-reduction properties of DPPH at a carbon glass electrode allow applying cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry to construct amperometric calibration curves