bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A probabilistic assessment of climate change impacts on yield and nitrogen leaching from winter wheat in Denmark
Authors: Børgesen C. D. , Olesen J. E.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. Climate change will impact agricultural production both directly and indirectly, but uncertainties related to likely impacts constrain current political decision making on adaptation. This analysis focuses on a methodology for applying probabilistic climate change projections to assess modelled wheat yields and nitrate leaching from arable land in Denmark. The probabilistic projections describe a range of possible changes in temperature and precipitation. Two methodologies to apply climate projections in impact models were tested. Method A was a straightforward correction of temperature and precipitation, where the same correction was applied to the baseline weather data for all days in the year, and method B used seasonal changes in precipitation and temperature to correct the baseline weather data. Based on climate change projections for the time span 2000 to 2100 and two soil types, the mean impact and the uncertainty of the climate change projections were analysed. Combining probability density functions of climate change projections with crop model simulations, the uncertainty and trends in nitrogen (N) leaching and grain yields with climate change were quantified. The uncertainty of climate change projections was the dominating source of uncertainty in the projections of yield and N leaching, whereas the methodology to seasonally apply climate change projections had a minor effect. For most conditions, the probability of large yield reductions and large N leaching losses tracked trends in mean yields and mean N leaching. The impacts of the uncertainty in climate change were higher for loamy sandy soil than for sandy soils due to generally higher yield levels for loamy sandy soils. There were large differences between soil types in response to climate change, illustrating the importance of including soil information for regional studies of climate change impacts on cropping systems.
Conservative Endoscopic Retrograde Treatment of Upper Urinary Tract Tumors: Retrospective Analysis of the Last 105 Cases
Authors: Fanari Massimiliano , Serra Simona , De Lisa Antonello
Published: September 2011

Introduction

Modern flexible ureterorenoscopy allows a retrograde approach to urothelial tumors in the upper urinary tract (UUTT) of small dimensions (<1.5 cm), of low grade and non-invasive. The percutaneous renal approach, although more invasive, provides an alternative treatment in case of larger dimension neoplasia or difficult retrograde access. The key to the success of endoscopic treatment of UUTT is an accurate patient selection. We will bring our experience in the treatment of UUTT by conservative endoscopic retrograde treatment.

Materials and Methods

Treatment through endoscopic retrograde approach with rigid or flexible ureterorenoscopy has been applied to 105 patients; lesions were treated with electrocution or lasers using thin laser fibers type Ho:YAG. We evaluated the recurrence rate and the intra- and perioperative complications.

Results

The recurrence rate was equal to 30.4%. In no case was it necessary to recur to blood transfusion; 15% of wall perforations treated in a conservative manner occurred without following complications.

Discussion

Technological innovations, miniaturization and the increase of energy sources, such as fiber laser Holmium, have improved the management of endoscopic instruments for upper urinary tract tumors. The endoscopic retrograde conservative treatment is considered a valid alternative approach in the case of low-stage tumors, low-grading and small in dimensions.
Fixação de enfermeiras e médicos na Estratégia de Saúde da Família, município de Praia Grande, São Paulo, Brasil
Authors: Lopes Eliana Zulianni , Bousquat Aylene
Published: September 2011

A captação, formação e fixação de profissionais são condições necessárias para a consolidação da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) como modalidade estruturante da Atenção Primária à Saúde no País. O presente artigo teve como objetivo traçar o perfil de médicos e enfermeiras da ESF, identificando os profissionais que se fixaram à ESF no município de Praia Grande, São Paulo. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com todos os profissionais de nível superior em 2004-2005, e em 2007 foi verificada a permanência na ESF desses profissionais. Todas as enfermeiras e 66% dos médicos anteriormente entrevistados permaneceram atuando após 2-3 anos. Não foi observada associação estatística entre tempo de formado, possuir residência médica/especialização, morar no município com a não permanência na ESF. No entanto, é clara a associação entre o motivo de entrada na Estratégia e a saída: aqueles profissionais que entraram na ESF motivados pelo salário e oportunidade de emprego foram os que mais deixaram o serviço.
Sintomas depressivos e déficit cognitivo na população de 60 anos e mais em um município de médio porte do interior paulista*
Authors: Gomes José Evandro Marques , Ruiz Tânia , Corrente José Eduardo
Published: September 2011

Introdução: a população mundial está envelhecendo e o Brasil segue essa tendência, o que demanda uma reorganização da sociedade para o cuidado desses idosos. Observa-se, nesta tendência, um aumento do número de casos de depressão e demência, além da vinculação destas com outras doenças crônico-degenerativas. Objetivo: estimar a prevalência dos sintomas depressivos e déficits cognitivos em uma população de 60 anos e mais, moradora de um município de médio porte do interior do estado de São Paulo, e sua associação com outras doenças crônico-degenerativas mais prevalentes. Métodos: estudo transversal, com 364 idosos, utilizando: instrumentos sociodemográficos e de morbidade; o Mini Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM), a Escala de Yesavage, a Escala de Atividades de Vida Diária e a Escala de Atividades Instrumentais de Vida Diária (AIVD). Foram realizadas: análises estatísticas de frequências dos escores dos instrumentos; apresentação da sumarização das variáveis e as possíveis associações entre depressão/demência, aplicando-se o teste do X2 seguido do ajuste de um modelo de regressão logística para dados ordinais. Resultados: a suspeita de depressão foi encontrada em 44% (160) e o déficit cognitivo foi identificado em 38,7% (141) dos idosos. Aproximadamente 75% dos idosos, com suspeita de depressão ou déficit cognitivo, eram portadores de pelo menos mais uma patologia crônica. Foi possível estabelecer associações estatisticamente significativas entre: suspeita de depressão e AIVD (p<0,0001; OR=7,59; IC=3,361-7,139) e déficit cognitivo e AIVD (p=0,0007; OR=3,967; IC=1,788-8,799). Não foram encontradas associações entre idade, situação conjugal, escolaridade, inserção no mercado de trabalho, aposentadoria ou renda. Conclusão: idosos de ambos os sexos estão vulneráveis a doenças como depressão e demência. Por outro lado, sintomas depressivos e déficit cognitivo foram associados ao escore dos idosos comprometidos, segundo as AIVD.*Parte da Dissertação de Mestrado apresentada à Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu para a obtenção do Título de Mestre em Saúde Pública.
Evaluation of host inflammatory responses of β‐tricalcium phosphate bioceramics caused by calcium pyrophosphate impurity using a subcutaneous model
Authors: Lin Kaili , Yuan Wei , Wang Lu , Lu Jianxi , Chen Lei , Wang Zhen , Chang Jiang
Published: September 2011

Implantation of synthetic materials into body elicits inflammatory host responses that limit medical device integration and biological performance. Since the effective use of biomaterials in vivo requires good biocompatibility and bio‐functionality, it is vital that we assess the inflammatory reactions provoked by various implanted biomaterials. In chemical precipitation of β‐tricalcium phosphate [β‐Ca3(PO4)2, β‐TCP], the impurity of calcium pyrophosphate (Ca2P2O7, CPP) will easily appear if the preparation conditions are not well controlled. To test the influences of CCP‐impurity on the biocompatibility of the material, four groups of β‐TCP ceramic samples doped with 0.5–10 wt % of CCP impurity, and pure β‐TCP and CCP samples were fabricated and implanted in rat subcutaneous site for one, two, and four weeks. The host tissue responses to the ceramics were evaluated by histomorphometric analysis, and the results were compared with pure β‐TCPbioceramics. The results show that the CPP impurity can elicit and stimulate the inflammatory responses at the tissue/implant interface. Moreover, with the increase of CPP doping amount, the inflammation increases apparently. However, the pure β‐TCP bioceramics only present slight post‐implantation inflammatory responses. The influence of the CPP doping on the inflammatory responses is mainly related to a microparticles release because of an insufficient sintering of β‐TCP by CPP doping. The microparticle release could be at the origin of local inflammation and cell/tissue damages. Therefore, to obtain perfect biocompatibility and high quality β‐TCP bioceramics, it is important to avoid and control the CPP impurity in the preparation of β‐TCP powders and bioceramics. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2011.
The effect of porosity on drug release kinetics from vancomycin microsphere/calcium phosphate cement composites
Authors: Schnieders Julia , Gbureck Uwe , Vorndran Elke , Schossig Michael , Kissel Thomas
Published: September 2011

The influence of porosity on release profiles of antibiotics from calcium phosphate composites was investigated to optimize the duration of treatment. We hypothesized, that by the encapsulation of vancomycin‐HCl into biodegradable microspheres prior admixing to calcium phosphate bone cement, the influence of porosity of the cement matrix on vancomycin release could be reduced. Encapsulation of vancomycin into a biodegradable poly(lactic co‐glycolic acid) copolymer (PLGA) was performed by spray drying; drug‐loaded microparticles were added to calcium phosphate cement (CPC) at different powder to liquid ratios (P/L), resulting in different porosities of the cement composites. The effect of differences in P/L ratio on drug release kinetics was compared for both the direct addition of vancomycin‐HCl to the cement liquid and for cement composites modified with vancomycin‐HCl‐loaded microspheres. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to visualize surface and cross section morphology of the different composites. Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller‐plots (BET) was used to determine the specific surface area and pore size distribution of these matrices. It could be clearly shown, that variations in P/L ratio influenced both the porosity of cement and vancomycin release profiles. Antibiotic activity during release study was successfully measured using an agar diffusion assay. However, vancomycin‐HCl encapsulation into PLGA polymer microspheres decreased porosity influence of cement on drug release while maintaining antibiotic activity of the embedded substance. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2011.
Isorhamnetin inhibits H2O2‐induced activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway in H9c2 cardiomyocytes through scavenging reactive oxygen species and ERK inactivation
Authors: Sun Bing , Sun Gui‐Bo , Xiao Jing , Chen Rong‐Chang , Wang Xin , Wu Ying , Cao Li , Yang Zhi‐Hong , Sun Xiao‐Bo
Published: September 2011

As a traditional Chinese medicine, the sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) has a long history in the treatment of ischemic heart disease and circulatory disorders. However, the active compounds responsible for and the underlying mechanisms of these effects are not fully understood. In this article, isorhamnetin pretreatment counteracted H2O2‐induced apoptotic damage in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Isorhamnetin did not inhibit the death receptor‐dependent or extrinsic apoptotic pathways, as characterized by its absence in both caspase‐8 inactivation and tBid downregulation along with unchanged Fas and TNFR1 mRNA levels. Instead, isorhamnetin specifically suppressed the mitochondria‐dependent or intrinsic apoptotic pathways, as characterized by inactivation of caspase‐9 and ‐3, maintenance of the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and regulation of a series of Bcl‐2 family genes upstream of ΔΨm. The anti‐apoptotic effects of isorhamnetin were linked to decreased ROS generation. H2O2 activated ERK and p53, whereas isorhamnetin inhibited their activation. ERK overexpression overrode the isorhamnetin‐induced inhibition of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway in H9c2 cardiomyocytes, which indicated that an ERK‐dependent pathway was involved. Furthermore, N‐acetyl cysteine (a potent ROS scavenger) could attenuate the H2O2‐induced apoptosis. However, PD98059 (an ERK‐specific inhibitor) could not effectively antagonize ROS generation, which indicates that ROS may be an upstream inducer of ERK. In conclusion, isorhamnetin inhibits the H2O2‐induced activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway via ROS scavenging and ERK inactivation. Therefore, isorhamnetin is a promising reagent for the treatment of ROS‐induced cardiomyopathy. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 473–485, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Broadband compact planar monopole
Authors: Monti Giuseppina , Corchia Laura , Tarricone Luciano , Idda Tonio , Coccetti Fabio , Plana Robert
Published: September 2011

A planar antenna with compact dimensions and broadband performance is presented here. It consists of a proximity fed monopole with a coplanar ground plane. By using a low‐cost FR4 substrate with a thickness of 1.6 mm, a realization for 2.4‐GHz WLAN systems is proposed and investigated both numerically and experimentally. Results demonstrate that a bandwidth up to 76% and a very compact area (46.5 × 75 mm2) can be obtained. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2838–2842, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26378
A CPW‐fed antenna with the circular shaped form with the slots for UWB application
Authors: Moosazadeh M. , Esmati Z.
Published: September 2011

A novel ultra wideband (UWB) antenna with coplanar waveguide (CPW) feed, consisting of a circular patch and a ground plane truncated with two mirror T–shaped notches is designed for UWB applications. The design has been used as a circular patch with circular slots which produces a semi fractal hexagonal shaped patch. Proposed antenna operates in the adopted bandwidth (3.1–10.6 GHz) with S11 < −10 dB, and covers it very well. Experimental and simulated antenna results show that the proposed antenna has a desirable S11 level and radiation pattern characteristics for the UWB frequency band range. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2945–2949, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26390
Compact, harmonic suppressed power divider using open complementary split‐ring resonator
Authors: Karthikeyan S. S. , Kshetrimayum R.S.
Published: September 2011

An open complementary split‐ring resonator (OCSRR) based T‐junction power divider working at 900 MHz frequency is proposed in this paper. By embedding the OCSRR in the microstrip transmission line, slow wave effect is introduced to achieve size reduction. The proposed power divider size is 47% smaller than the conventional power divider. Besides, the proposed power divider provides better third harmonic suppression. The simulated results are verified with the experimental results. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2897–2899, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26393
Microstrip antenna array for multiband dedicated short range communication systems
Authors: Varum Tiago , Matos João , Pinho Pedro , Abreu Ricardo , Oliveira Arnaldo , Lopes Jorge
Published: September 2011

Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) is the key enabling technology for the present and future vehicular communication for various applications, such as safety improvement and traffic jam mitigation.This paper describes the development of a microstrip antenna array for the roadside equipment of a DSRC system, whose characteristics are according with the vehicular communications standards. The proposed antenna, with circular polarization, has a wide bandwidth, enough to cover the current European DSRC 5.8 GHz band and the future 5.9 GHz band for next generation DSRC communications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2794–2796, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26394
A Retrospective Multicenter Study of the Artelon® Carpometacarpal Joint Implant
Authors: Bell Robert , Desai Sanjay , House Hugh , O'Donovan Terrence , Palmer Andrew K.
Published: September 2011

Background

This study aims to evaluate patient outcomes associated with use of the Artelon® Spacer for the treatment of arthritis of the carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) of the thumb.

Methods

Patients with Eaton stage I, II, or III carpometacarpal (CMC) joint arthritis and disabling pain that had failed conservative treatment were evaluated at 12, 36, and 48 months postsurgery for changes in pinch, patient satisfaction, pain, range of motion, grip strength, grind test, operative time, and X-ray evidence of subsidence.

Results

Complete data was available for 46 subjects and 49 thumbs. A statistically significant improvement in pain when subjected to a first CMC joint grind test, CMCJ stability and patient perception of hand and wrist function following implant insertion was seen. Patient-oriented outcomes showed statistically significant improvement in the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; pain; pinch and grip strength; and range of motion. X-ray analysis revealed that none of the distributions of measures of osteophytes, subluxation, and joint space narrowing showed statistically significant change. Bone erosion/remodeling changes of the first metacarpal were statistically significant.

Conclusions

At a follow-up period of 4 years, patients had measured improvement as well as positive self-reported functional improvements following Artelon® implant insertion for the treatment of arthritis of the thumb CMCJ.
The role of adolescents’ morality and identity in volunteering. Age and gender differences in a process model
Authors: van Goethem Anne A.J. , van Hoof Anne , van Aken Marcel A.G. , Raaijmakers Quinten A.W. , Boom Jan , de Castro Bram Orobio
Published: September 2011

The aim of this study was to explain adolescents’ volunteering in terms of their morality and identity and to examine the moderation effect of gender and age in this process. Data were collected among 698 Dutch adolescents aged 12 to 20 (M = 15.19;SD = 1.43). Adolescents’ moral reasoning was positively associated with understanding moral issues and thinking about public responsibility towards these issues. In turn, moral understanding, along with being personally committed to act upon moral issues, were positively associated with identity. Extending the number of identity contexts tended to be related to being more likely to volunteer and to more volunteering involvement. Adolescents’ identity integration was not related to how likely they were to volunteer, and was negatively related to their volunteering involvement. Clearer effects were found when differentiating between adolescent gender and age groups. Future research could examine this process over time, along with additional factors that may further explain adolescents’ volunteering, and examine their age and gender specific effects.
Automated Digital Microfluidic Sample Preparation for Next-Generation DNA Sequencing
Authors: Kim Hanyoup , Bartsch Michael S. , Renzi Ronald F. , He Jim , Van de Vreugde James L. , Claudnic Mark R. , Patel Kamlesh D.
Published: September 2011

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology is a promising tool for identifying and characterizing unknown pathogens, but its usefulness in time-critical biodefense and public health applications is currently limited by the lack of fast, efficient, and reliable automated DNA sample preparation methods. To address this limitation, we are developing a digital microfluidic (DMF) platform to function as a fluid distribution hub, enabling the integration of multiple subsystem modules into an automated NGS library sample preparation system. A novel capillary interface enables highly repeatable transfer of liquid between the DMF device and the external fluidic modules, allowing both continuous-flow and droplet-based sample manipulations to be performed in one integrated system. Here, we highlight the utility of the DMF hub platform and capillary interface for automating two key operations in the NGS sample preparation workflow. Using an in-line contactless conductivity detector in conjunction with the capillary interface, we demonstrate closed-loop automated fraction collection of target analytes from a continuous-flow sample stream into droplets on the DMF device. Buffer exchange and sample cleanup, the most repeated steps in NGS library preparation, are also demonstrated on the DMF platform using a magnetic bead assay and achieving an average DNA recovery efficiency of 80% ± 4.8%.
The rheology and microstructure of concentrated non-colloidal suspensions of deformable capsules
Authors: Clausen Jonathan R. , Reasor Daniel A. , Aidun Cyrus K.
Published: September 2011

A detailed study into the rheology and microstructure of dense suspensions of initially spherical capsules is presented, where capsules are composed of a fluid-filled interior surrounded by an elastic membrane. This study couples a lattice-Boltzmann fluid solver to a finite-element membrane model creating a robust and scalable method for the simulation of these suspensions. A Lees–Edwards boundary condition is used to simulate periodic simple shear to obtain bulk rheological properties, and three-dimensional results are presented for capsules in the regime of negligible inertia, Brownian motion and colloidal interparticle forces. The simulation results focus on describing the suspension rheology as a function of the particle concentration and deformability, and relating these macroscopic rheological findings to changes at the particle level, i.e. the suspension microstructure. Several important findings are made: suspensions of deformable capsules are found to be shear thinning, and the initially compressive normal stresses associated with rigid spherical suspensions undergo rapid changes with moderate levels of particle deformation. These normal stress changes are particularly evident in the first normal stress difference, which undergoes a sign change at fairly minor levels of deformation, and the particle pressure, which decreases rapidly with increasing particle deformability. Changes in the microstructure as quantified by the single-body microstructure and the pair distribution function are reported. Also, results calculating particle self-diffusion are presented and related to changes in the normal stresses.
Quasi-steady capillarity-driven flows in slender containers with interior edges
Authors: Weislogel Mark M. , Baker J. Alex , Jenson Ryan M.
Published: September 2011

In the absence of significant body forces the passive manipulation of fluid interfacial flows is naturally achieved by control of the specific geometry and wetting properties of the system. Numerous ‘microfluidic’ systems on Earth and ‘macrofluidic’ systems aboard spacecraft routinely exploit such methods and the term ‘capillary fluidics’ is used to describe both length-scale limits. In this work a collection of analytic solutions is offered for passive and weakly forced flows where a bulk capillary liquid is slowly drained or supplied by a faster capillary flow along at least one interior edge of the container. The solutions are enabled by an assumed known pressure (or known height) dynamical boundary condition. Following a series of assumptions this boundary condition can be in part determined a priori from the container dimensions and further quantitative experimental evidence, but not proof, is provided in support of its expanded use herein. In general, a small parameter arises in the scaling of the problems permitting a decoupling of the edge flow from the global bulk meniscus flow. The quasi-steady asymptotic system of equations that results may then be easily solved in closed form for a useful variety of geometries including uniform and tapered sections possessing at least one critically wetted interior edge. Draining, filling, bubble displacement and other imbibing flows are studied. Cursory terrestrial and drop tower experiments agree well with the solutions. The solutions are valued for the facility they provide in computing designs for selected capillary fluidics problems by way of passive transport rates and meniscus displacement. Because geometric permutations of any given design are myriad, such analytic tools are capable of efficiently identifying and comparing critical design criteria (i.e. shape and size) and the impact of various wetting conditions resulting from the fluid properties and surface conditions. Sample optimizations are performed to demonstrate the utility of the method.
Optimizing the fluorometric β-glucuronidase assay in ruminant milk for a more precise determination of mastitis
Authors: Larsen Torben , Aulrich Karen
Published: September 2011

Activity of the enzyme β-glucuronidase (EC 3.2.1.31) is found in milk from ruminants with mastitis. However, the use of this enzymic activity as an indicator of mastitis has gained little attention possibly because of its low activity when compared with other mastitis indicators. The determination may therefore be less precise and the analytical procedure very time consuming and labour intensive. The present study optimized the fluorometric determination of the β-glucuronidase activity with respect to substrate concentration, pH, incubation time etc., validated the assay, and developed it into large scale analyses. The assay performance is satisfactory regarding precision, linearity etc., and it appears comparable to analogous fluorometric assays for mastitis indicators in milk. From a local dairy herd, 825 milk samples were analysed for potential mastitis indicators, i.e. β-glucuronidase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (AP), and N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAGase) activity, and for somatic cell counts (SCC) and the variables were compared. Activity of β-glucuronidase was moderately but significantly correlated to SCC (r=0·21;n=768) as well as the other mentioned variables (r=0·25–0·43;n=825). Simple indices based on β-glucuronidase and LDH or NAGase activity were tested as indicators of mastitis (SCC), but were not found to improve the diagnostic value. Future studies may further verify whether β-glucuronidase can compete with well-established indicators of mastitis in cows such as LDH or NAGase as well as determine whether β-glucuronidase activity, in combination with other indicators of mastitis, has an advantage. Nineteen milk samples from subclinical and latent cases of mastitis (individual quarters) were identified for specific pathogens (PCR method) and measured for β-glucuronidase activity. The activity was tested at four different pH levels (5·5, 6·0, 6·5 and 7·0) in order to investigate the possibility of discrimination between pathogens. However, all milk samples (strains of pathogens) had the same pH optimum for β-glucuronidase activity; this may indicate that enzymic activity from mammary tissue and leucocytes dominates over enzyme activity from bacterial cells.
The regional recovery of Nucella lapillus populations from marine pollution, facilitated by man-made structures
Authors: Bray Simon , McVean Emily C. , Nelson Andrew , Herbert Roger J.H. , Hawkins Stephen J , Hudson Malcolm D.
Published: September 2011

The dogwhelk Nucella lapillus experienced localized extinction in the 1980s and 1990s due to the use of tributyltin (TBT) antifoulants, causing imposex in females. The aim of this study was to establish the extent of the return of the species across the mainland coast of central southern England as TBT use has been progressively restricted, and to quantify the extent of imposex impact on the populations present. We surveyed from Poole to Selsey where isolated populations had become extinct, and the Isle of Wight where some populations had persisted. We found evidence that since TBT restrictions, recolonization and colonization by N. lapillus has been rapid. By 2007–2008, of the eleven surveyed mainland sites, seven were colonized, although indications of reduced imposex impacts were mixed. Distribution had also extended on the Isle of Wight and populations were larger with less imposex impact in sites with long term populations. The lack of continuous suitable habitat blocks and the hydrodynamic complexity of the region, leads us to hypothesize that recovery has been facilitated by man-made structures which may be acting as ‘stepping stones’. Populations that have become established on engineered structures such as sea walls, breakwaters and rock groynes demonstrate accelerated recovery in the region as TBT in the environment has generally declined. Sites with suitable substrates and food sources near to ports were either not recolonized or had small populations with imposex evident. For species with a short pelagic larval stage or with direct development, population connectivity between patches of harder substrata along hydrodynamically complex coastlines may be greater than previously thought.
Association between covariates and disease occurrence in the presence of diagnostic error
Authors: LEWIS F. , SANCHEZ-VAZQUEZ M. J. , TORGERSON P. R.
Published: September 2011

Identification of covariates associated with disease is a key part of epidemiological research. Yet, while adjustment for imperfect diagnostic accuracy is well established when estimating disease prevalence, similar adjustment when estimating covariate effects is far less common, although of important practical relevance due to the sensitivity of such analyses to misclassification error. Case-study data exploring evidence for seasonal differences in Salmonella prevalence using serological testing is presented, in addition simulated data with known properties are analysed. It is demonstrated that: (i) adjusting for misclassification error in models comprising continuous covariates can have a very substantial impact on the resulting conclusions which can then be drawn from any analyses; and (ii) incorporating prior knowledge through Bayesian estimation can provide potentially more informative assessments of covariates while removing the assumption of perfect diagnostic accuracy. The method presented is widely applicable and easily generalized to many types of epidemiological studies.
Chemical limnology in coastal East Antarctic lakes: monitoring future climate change in centres of endemism and biodiversity
Authors: Verleyen Elie , Hodgson Dominic A. , Gibson John , Imura Satoshi , Kaup Enn , Kudoh Sakae , De Wever Aaike , Hoshino Tamotsu , McMinn Andrew , Obbels Dagmar , Roberts Donna , Roberts Steve , Sabbe Koen , Souffreau Caroline , Tavernier Ines , van Nieuwenhuyze Wim , van Ranst Eric , Vindevogel Nicole , Vyverman Wim
Published: September 2011

Polar lakes respond quickly to climate-induced environmental changes. We studied the chemical limnological variability in 127 lakes and ponds from eight ice-free regions along the East Antarctic coastline, and compared repeat specific conductance measurements from lakes in the Larsemann Hills and Skarvsnes covering the periods 1987–2009 and 1997–2008, respectively. Specific conductance, the concentration of the major ions, pH and the concentration of the major nutrients underlie the variation in limnology between and within the regions. This limnological variability is probably related to differences in the time of deglaciation, lake origin and evolution, geology and geomorphology of the lake basins and their catchment areas, sub-regional climate patterns, the distance of the lakes and the lake districts to the ice sheet and the Southern Ocean, and the presence of particular biota in the lakes and their catchment areas. In regions where repeat surveys were available, inter-annual and inter-decadal variability in specific conductance was relatively large and most pronounced in the non-dilute lakes with a low lake depth to surface area ratio. We conclude that long-term specific conductance measurements in these lakes are complementary to snow accumulation data from ice cores, inexpensive, easy to obtain, and should thus be part of long-term limnological and biological monitoring programmes.
PXRF, μ-XRF, Vacuum μ-XRF, and EPMA Analysis of Email Champlevé Objects Present in Belgian Museums
Authors: Van der Linden Veerle , Meesdom Eva , Devos Annemie , Van Dooren Rita , Nieuwdorp Hans , Janssen Elsje , Balace Sophie , Vekemans Bart , Vincze Laszlo , Janssens Koen
Published: September 2011

The enamel of 20 Email Champlevé objects dating between the 12th and 19th centuries was investigated by means of microscopic and portable X-ray fluorescence analysis (μ-XRF and PXRF). Seven of these objects were microsampled and the fragments were analyzed with electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and vacuum μ-XRF to obtain quantitative data about the composition of the glass used to produce these enameled objects. As a result of the evolution of the raw materials employed to produce the base glass, three different compositional groups could be discriminated. The first group consisted of soda-lime-silica glass with a sodium source of mineral origin (with low K content) that was opacified by addition of calcium antimonate crystals. This type of glass was only used in objects made in the 12th century. Email Champlevé objects from the beginning of the 13th century onward were enameled with soda-lime-silica glass with a sodium source of vegetal origin. This type of glass, which has a higher potassium content, was opacified with SnO2 crystals. The glass used for 19th century Email Champlevé artifacts was produced with synthetic and purified components resulting in a different chemical composition compared to the other groups. Although the four analytical techniques employed in this study have their own specific characteristics, they were all found to be suitable for classifying the objects into the different chronological categories.
A LOGIC FOR ‘BECAUSE’
Authors: SCHNIEDER BENJAMIN
Published: September 2011

In spite of its significance for everyday and philosophical discourse, the explanatory connective ‘because’ has not received much treatment in the philosophy of logic. The present paper develops a logic for ‘because’ based on systematic connections between ‘because’ and the truth-functional connectives.
Probing the connectivity of neural circuits at single-neuron resolution using high-throughput DNA sequencing
Authors: Zador Anthony , Oyibo Hassana , Cao Gang , Zhan Huiqing , Koulakov Alex , Enquist Lynn , Dubnau Joshua
Published: September 2011

There is growing excitement in determining the complete connectivity diagram of the brain—the "connectome". So far, the complete connectome has been established for only one organism, C. elegans, with 302 neurons connected by about 7000 synapses—and even this was a heroic task, requiring over 50 person-years of labor. Like all current approaches, this reconstruction was based on microscopy. Unfortunately, microscopy is poorly suited to the study of neural connectivity because brains are macroscopic structures, whereas synapses are microscopic. Nevertheless, there are several large-scale projects underway to scale up high-throughput microscopic approaches to the connectome.Here we present a completely novel method for determining the brain's wiring diagram based on high-throughput DNA sequencing technology, which has not previously been applied in the context of neural connectivity. The appeal of using sequencing is that it is getting faster and cheaper exponentially: it will soon be routine to sequence an entire human genome (~3B nucleotides) within one day for $1000.Our approach has three main components. First, we express a unique sequence of nucleotides—a DNA "barcode"—in individual neurons. A barcode consisting of a random string of even 30 nucleotides can uniquely label 10^{18} neurons, far more than the number of neurons in a mouse brain (fewer than 100 million). Second, we use a specially engineered transsynaptic virus to transport “host” barcodes from one neuron to synaptically coupled partners; after transsynaptic spread, each neuron contains copies of "invader" barcodes from other synaptically coupled neurons, as well its own "host" barcode. Third, we join pairs of host and invader barcodes into single pieces of DNA suitable for high-throughput sequencing.Modern sequencing technology could in principle yield the connectivity diagram of the entire mouse brain. Similar approaches can be applied to Drosophila and C. elegans.
Production of canine mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue and their application in dogs with chronic osteoarthritis of the humeroradial joints
Authors: Guercio Annalisa , Di Marco Patrizia , Casella Stefania , Cannella Vincenza , Russotto Laura , Purpari Giuseppa , Di Bella Santina , Piccione Giuseppe
Published: September 2011

Autologous AD‐MSC [adipose‐derived MSC (mesenchymal stem cell)] therapy involves harvesting fat from the patient by isolating the stem and regenerative cells and administering the cells back to the patient. This study evaluated the production of canine AD‐MSCs and their possible application in cellular therapy for dogs. To assess whether cellular therapy can replace drug therapy, the clinical effect of a single intra‐articular injection of AD‐MSCs was evaluated on 4 dogs with lameness associated with OA (osteoarthritis) of the humeroradial joints. MSCs were readily isolated from adult dog adipose tissue, and their ability to form colony and differentiate into various phenotypes was confirmed. AD‐MSCs expressedOCT4,NANOGandSOX2at the mRNA level, pluripotency markers usually ascribed to embryonic stem cells. The results suggest the stemness of the cells isolated from canine fat, and good quality control made them available for both experimental and clinical use. Follow‐up studies to evaluate the effects of AD‐MSC therapy showed that OA of the elbow joints improved with time, indicating significant potential for clinical use in the treatment of lameness, particularly when administered before the injury becomes severe.
Non-positional cell microarray prepared by shape-coded polymeric microboards: A new microarray format for multiplex and high throughput cell-based assays
Authors: Nam Seung Hee , Lee Hyun Jong , Son Kyung Jin , Koh Won-Gun
Published: September 2011

A non-positional (or suspension) cell microarray was developed using shape-coded SU-8 photoresist microboards for potential application in multiplex and high-throughput cell-based assays. A conventional photolithography process on glass slides produced various shapes of SU-8 micropatterns that had a lateral dimension of 200 μm and a thickness of 40 μm. The resultant micropatterns were detached from the slides by sonication and named “microboards” due to the fact that had a much larger lateral dimension than thickness. The surfaces of the SU-8 microboards were modified with collagen to promote cell adhesion, and it was confirmed that collagen-coated SU-8 microboards supported cell adhesion and proliferation. Seeding of cells into poly(ethylene glycol)(PEG) hydrogel-coated well plates containing collagen-modified microboards resulted in selective cell adhesion onto the microboards due to the non-adhesiveness of PEG hydrogel toward cells, thereby creating non-positional arrays of microboards carrying cells. Finally, two different cell types (fibroblasts and HeLa cells) were separately cultured on different shapes of microboards and subsequently mixed together to create a non-positional cell microarray consisting of multiple cell types where each cell could be easily identified by the shape of the microboard to which they had adhered. Because numerous unique shapes of microboards can be fabricated using this method by simply changing the photomask designs, high throughput and multiplex cell-based assays would be easily achieved with this system in the future.
Electrochemical biosensors for on-chip detection of oxidative stress from immune cells
Authors: Yan Jun , Pedrosa Valber A. , Enomoto James , Simonian Aleksandr L. , Revzin Alexander
Published: September 2011

Seamless integration of biological components with electrochemical sensors is critical in the development of microdevices for cell analysis. The present paper describes the integration miniature Au electrodes next to immune cells (macrophages) in order to detect cell-secreted hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Photopatterning of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels was used to both immobilize horseradish peroxidase molecules onto electrodes and to define regions for cell attachment in the vicinity of sensing electrodes. Electrodes micropatterned in such a manner were enclosed inside poly(dimethylsiloxane) fluid conduits and incubated with macrophages. The cells attached onto the exposed glass regions in the vicinity of the electrodes and nowhere else on the non-fouling PEG hydrogel surface. A microfluidic device was converted into an electrochemical cell by placing flow-through Ag/AgCl reference and Pt wire counter electrodes at the outlet and inlet, respectively. This microdevice with integrated H2O2-sensing electrodes had sensitivity of 27 μA/cm2 mM with a limit of detection of 2 μM. Importantly, this microdevice allowed controllable seeding of macrophages next to electrodes, activation of these cells and on-chip monitoring of H2O2 release in real time. In the future, this biosensor platform may be utilized for monitoring of macrophage responses to pathogens or for the study of inflammatory signaling in micropatterned cell cultures.
Dynamics of breakup of multiple vortices in Gross-Pitaevskii equations of superfluids
Authors: Jonsson B. L. G. , Ovchinnikov Yu. N. , Sigal I. M. , Ting F. S. T.
Published: September 2011

In this paper we study the Gross-Pitaevskii equation of the theory of superfluidity, i.e., the nonlinear Schrödinger equation of the Ginzburg-Landau type. We investigate the dynamics of the breakup of the double vortex. More specifically, we prove instability of the double vortex, compute the complex eigenvalue responsible for this instability, and derive the dynamical equation of motion of (centers of) single vortices resulting from splitting of the double vortex. We expect that our analysis can be extended to vortices of higher degree and to magnetic and Chern-Simmons vortices.
Carrier localization and related photoluminescence in cubic AlGaN epilayers
Authors: Powell R. E. L. , Novikov S. V. , Luckert F. , Edwards P. R. , Akimov A. V. , Foxon C. T. , Martin R. W. , Kent A. J.
Published: September 2011

The steady state and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) spectra of cubic AlxGa1-xN have been measured for 0 < x < 1. The intensity of the room temperature PL increases by an order of magnitude when the AlN content increases from x = 0 to x = 0.95. Additionally, the PL decay slows down with the decrease of temperature and increase of x. These results show that strong localization of carriers on alloy composition fluctuations plays a large role in determining the intensity and temporal evolution of the PL. The activation energy for the localized carriers increases with the increase of x and reaches the value of 55 meV at x = 0.95.
Failure tolerance of spike phase synchronization in coupled neural networks
Authors: Jalili Mahdi
Published: September 2011

Neuronal synchronization plays an important role in the various functionality of nervous system such as binding, cognition, information processing, and computation. In this paper, we investigated how random and intentional failures in the nodes of a network influence its phase synchronization properties. We considered both artificially constructed networks using models such as preferential attachment, Watts-Strogatz, and Erdős-Rényi as well as a number of real neuronal networks. The failure strategy was either random or intentional based on properties of the nodes such as degree, clustering coefficient, betweenness centrality, and vulnerability. Hindmarsh-Rose model was considered as the mathematical model for the individual neurons, and the phase synchronization of the spike trains was monitored as a function of the percentage/number of removed nodes. The numerical simulations were supplemented by considering coupled non-identical Kuramoto oscillators. Failures based on the clustering coefficient, i.e., removing the nodes with high values of the clustering coefficient, had the least effect on the spike synchrony in all of the networks. This was followed by errors where the nodes were removed randomly. However, the behavior of the other three attack strategies was not uniform across the networks, and different strategies were the most influential in different network structure.
Tribochemical wear of single crystal aluminum in NaCl solution studied by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Cai M. , Langford S. C. , Dickinson J. T.
Published: September 2011

We report a systematic study of chemically enhanced wear of single crystal aluminum surfaces in aqueous solutions using an environmentally equipped atomic force microscope (AFM). The experiments were conducted by using a standard Si3N4 AFM tip to apply a localized force on a polished, single crystal aluminum (110) surface. Most measurements were performed in 0.5 M NaCl solution. We show the effect of applied force, number of scans, chemical solution, and temperature on the chemical−mechanical wear of aluminum on the nanometer scale. Aggressive chemical environments significantly enhance the wear of aluminum relative to scanning in dry air. Quantitative measurements show that the wear volume increases in proportion to the square root of force and the number of scans (or time). Arrhenius plots of wear volume versus temperature are consistent with an activation energy of 31 kJ/mol for scanning in 0.5 M NaCl. The wear of the AFM tip and the aluminum substrate is explained in terms of the synergistic surface chemical reactions and mechanical action of the tip. We compare these results to previous studies of AFM wear of silicate glass.
Dual efficiency enhancement by delayed fluorescence and dipole orientation in high-efficiency fluorescent organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Yokoyama Daisuke , Park Youngil , Kim Beomjin , Kim Sookang , Pu Yong-Jin , Kido Junji , Park Jongwook
Published: September 2011

To explain the origin of extremely high efficiencies of deep-blue fluorescent organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) with anisotropic-shaped anthracene derivatives, the enhancements of singlet-exciton generation efficiency and outcoupling efficiency were investigated by transient electroluminescence measurement and variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry, respectively. Both the delayed fluorescence from singlet excitons generated via triplet-triplet annihilation and the outcoupling enhancement by dipole orientation of emitters were found to contribute to the high external quantum efficiencies of the devices. This dual efficiency enhancement is important for understanding and further improving high-performance fluorescent OLEDs.