bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Red Queen and the seed bank: pathogen resistance of ex situ and in situ conserved barley
Authors: Jensen Helen R. , Dreiseitl Antonín , Sadiki Mohammed , Schoen Daniel J.
Published: December 2011

Plant geneticists have proposed that the dynamic conservation of crop plants in farm environments (in situ conservation) is complementary to static conservation in seed banks (ex situ conservation) because it may help to ensure adaptation to changing conditions. Here, we test whether collections of a traditional variety of Moroccan barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp. vulgare) conserved ex situ showed differences in qualitative and quantitative resistance to the endemic fungal pathogen, Blumeria graminis f.sp. hordei, compared to collections that were continuously cultivated in situ. In detached‐leaf assays for qualitative resistance, there were some significant differences between in situ and ex situ conserved collections from the same localities. Some ex situ conserved collections showed lower resistance levels, while others showed higher resistance levels than their in situ conserved counterparts. In field trials for quantitative resistance, similar results were observed, with the highest resistance observed in situ. Overall, this study identifies some cases where the Red Queen appears to drive the evolution of increased resistance in situ. However, in situ conservation does not always result in improved adaptation to pathogen virulence, suggesting a more complex evolutionary scenario, consistent with several published examples of plant–pathogen co‐evolution in wild systems.
Spatiotemporal land use modelling to assess land availability for energy crops – illustrated for Mozambique
Authors: van der Hilst Floor , Verstegen Judith A. , Karssenberg Derek , Faaij André P. C.
Published: December 2011

A method and tool have been developed to assess future developments in land availability for bioenergy crops in a spatially explicit way, while taking into account both the developments in other land use functions, such as land for food, livestock and material production, and the uncertainties in the key determinant factors of land use change (LUC). This spatiotemporal LUC model is demonstrated with a case study on the developments in the land availability for bioenergy crops in Mozambique in the timeframe 2005–2030. The developments in the main drivers for agricultural land use, demand for food, animal products and materials were assessed, based on the projected developments in population, diet, GDP and self‐sufficiency ratio. Two scenarios were developed: a business‐as‐usual (BAU) scenario and a progressive scenario. Land allocation was based on land use class‐specific sets of suitability factors. The LUC dynamics were mapped on a 1 km2 grid level for each individual year up to 2030. In the BAU scenario, 7.7 Mha and in the progressive scenario 16.4 Mha could become available for bioenergy crop production in 2030. Based on the Monte Carlo analysis, a 95% confidence interval of the amount of land available and the spatially explicit probability of available land was found. The bottom‐up approach, the number of dynamic land uses, the diverse portfolio of LUC drivers and suitability factors, and the possibility to model uncertainty mean that this model is a step forward in modelling land availability for bioenergy potentials.
ASSESSING COMPONENTS OF UNCERTAINTY IN VPA ABUNDANCE AND MORTALITY ESTIMATES USING AN ALTERNATIVE EXPLOITATION RATE‐BASED ALGORITHM
Authors: HILLARY R. M.
Published: December 2011

AbstractUsing an exploitation rate (not fishing mortality) based virtual population analysis (VPA) algorithm, which is itself a generalization of the Pope approximation to the original VPA equations, I show how to derive variance estimates for the key VPA outputs (recruitment, SSB, exploitation rates) given variance information on the key inputs (catch‐at‐age/terminal exploitation rates). Given the alternative VPA algorithm permits closed‐form solutions for the outputs in terms of the inputs, the delta method is employed to obtain the variance estimates, removing the need for complex simulation techniques. Using North Sea herring data as an example, the method’s utility is demonstrated by exploring the impact of aging error in the catch data and tuning error on the precision of estimates of SSB, recruitment and exploitation rates, and the parameters of the stock‐recruit relationship.
ECONOMIC MODELING OF THE PERSISTENCE OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE
Authors: KAIER KLAUS
Published: December 2011

Abstract According to the dynamic relationship between antibiotic use and the incidence of multidrug‐resistant bacteria, the effectiveness of antibiotics is characterized as a natural resource exploited by antibiotic use. A major question is whether antibiotic effectiveness should be considered a renewable or an exhaustible resource. This paper presents a model combining epidemiological aspects of the decrease of resistance over time with an economic approach, modeling antimicrobial resistance as a negative externality of antibiotic use. The article concludes that the relative fitness of resistant bacteria is one driving factor for an estimation of the externality. If we, for instance, assume a low degree of relative fitness of resistant bacteria it is shown that resistance decreases fastest directly after antibiotic treatment. Accordingly, cycling of nonidentical drugs improves antibiotic effectiveness because cycling lowers the frequency of use of the individual antibiotic. In this case, antibiotic effectiveness must be characterized as a renewable resource in much the same way as a stock of fish in a lake. In contrast, if we assume a high degree of relative fitness of resistant bacteria, antibiotic effectiveness must be treated as an exhaustible resource because it is declined by every use of antibiotics.
Workplace mavericks: How personality and risk‐taking propensity predicts maverickism
Authors: Gardiner Elliroma , Jackson Chris J.
Published: December 2011

We examine the relationship between lateral preference, the Five‐Factor Model of personality, risk‐taking propensity, and maverickism. We take an original approach by narrowing our research focus to only functional aspects of maverickism. Results with 458 full‐time workers identify lateral preference as a moderator of the neuroticism–maverickism relationship. Extraversion, openness to experience, and low agreeableness were also each found to predict maverickism. The propensity of individuals high in maverickism to take risks was also found to be unaffected by task feedback. Our results highlight the multifaceted nature of maverickism, identifying both personality and task conditions as determinants of this construct.
Residual Stress Measurements of Explosively Clad Cylindrical Pressure Vessels
Authors: Taylor D. J. , Watkins T. R. , Hubbard C. R. , Hill M. R. , Meith W. A.
Published: December 2011

Tantalum refractory liners were explosively clad into cylindrical pressure vessels, some of which had been previously autofrettaged. Using explosive cladding, the refractory liner formed a metallurgical bond with the steel of the pressure vessel at a cost of induced strain. Two techniques were employed to determine the residual stress state of the clad steel cylinders: neutron diffraction and mechanical slitting. Neutron diffraction is typically nondestructive; however, due to attenuation along the beam path, the cylinders had to be sectioned into rings that were nominally 25 mm thick. Slitting is a destructive method, requiring the sectioning of the cylindrical samples. Both techniques provided triaxial stress data and useful information on the effects of explosive cladding. The stress profiles in the hoop and radial directions were similar for an autofrettaged, nonclad vessel and a clad, nonautofrettaged vessel. The stress profiles in the axial direction appeared to be different. Further, the data suggested that residual stresses from the autofrettage and explosive cladding processes were not additive, in part due to evidence of reverse yielding. The residual stress data are presented, compared and discussed.
Quadratic Mode Shape Components From Linear Finite Element Analysis
Authors: van Zyl L. H. , Mathews E. H.
Published: December 2011

Points on a vibrating structure move along curved paths rather than straight lines; however, this is largely ignored in modal analysis. Applications where the curved path of motion cannot be ignored include beamlike structures in rotating systems, e.g., helicopter rotor blades, compressor and turbine blades, and even robot arms. In most aeroelastic applications the curvature of the motion is of no consequence. The flutter analysis of T-tails is one notable exception due to the steady-state trim load on the horizontal stabilizer. Modal basis buckling analyses can also be performed when taking the curved path of motion into account. The effective application of quadratic mode shape components to capture the essential kinematics has been shown by several researchers. The usual method of computing the quadratic mode shape components for general structures employs multiple nonlinear static analyses for each component. It is shown here how the quadratic mode shape components for general structures can be obtained using linear static analysis. The derivation is based on energy principles. Only one linear static load case is required for each quadratic component. The method is illustrated for truss structures and applied to nonlinear static analyses of a linear and a geometrically nonlinear structure. The modal method results are compared to finite element nonlinear static analysis results. The proposed method for calculating quadratic mode shape components produces credible results and offers several advantages over the earlier method, viz., the use of linear analysis instead of nonlinear analysis, fewer load cases per quadratic mode shape component, and user-independence.
Dynamic Modeling of a Compact Heat Exchange Reformer for High Temperature Fuel Cell Systems
Authors: Ki Jeongpill , Kim Daejong , Honavara-Prasad Srikanth
Published: December 2011

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) are the most advanced energy system with the highest thermal efficiency. Current trend of research is on less than 10 kW scale, which requires compact fuel processing systems. Even if internal reforming in the stack is also a possible option, it causes significant temperature gradients and thermal stress. As an alternative, a compact heat exchange reformer (CHER) with a plate-fin co-flow or counter-flow configuration is proposed. Such a system integrates the heat management and reforming in one compact unit. This paper focuses on simulation of transient characteristics of CHER during the initial phase of start-up of small SOFC systems. Steam reforming (SR) and water-gas shift (WGS) reactions are chosen as the most appropriate reforming model. CHER is modeled as two-dimensional array of finite control volumes, and they are modeled with transient energy equations and dynamic molar balance equations. In addition, both reaction enthalpy and convection heat transfer between the catalyst-coated fins and fuel-steam mixture channels are considered. Several parametric simulations are performed as methane steam as a primary fuel mixture as a function of different operating temperature, steam-to-carbon ratio at the inlet, pressure gradient across the CHER, channel length, and flow configuration (co-flow and counter-flow).
Analytical Predication of Complex Motion of a Ball in a Periodically Shaken Horizontal Impact Pair
Authors: Guo Yu , Luo Albert C. J.
Published: December 2011

In this paper, complex motions of a ball in the horizontal impact pair with a periodic excitation are studied analytically using the theory of discontinuous dynamical system. Analytical conditions for motion switching caused by impacts are developed, and generic mapping structures are introduced to describe different periodic and chaotic motions. Analytical prediction of complex periodic motion of the ball in the periodically shaken impact pair is completed, and the corresponding stability and bifurcation analysis are also carried out. Numerical illustrations of periodic and chaotic motions are given.
Advanced Study of Non-Uniform Cell Voltage Distribution for a PEMFC Stack
Authors: Zhai Shuang , Zhou Su , Chen Fengxiang , Sun Pengtao , Sundmacher Kai
Published: December 2011

In this paper, a fully coupled non-isothermal, electrochemical, and transport 3D model for a 10-cell PEMFC stack with coolant channels is constructed and implemented to examine and compare the influence factors to the stack performance. The first case to be considered is under different thermal operation conditions, including thermostatic, adiabatic, and heat exchange operation. The corresponding results show that a better uniformity and the largest stack output power density can be obtained under heat exchange operation. The other case is to compare the effects of heat transfer coefficients for different materials (ranging from 5 W/(m2·K) to 50 W/(m2·K)) on the spatial non-homogeneity of stack voltage and output power density. Numerical results indicate that the degree of the non-uniformity of individual cell voltage can be minimized, and the output power density can be elevated to a certain degree when the heat transfer coefficient is set as 25 W/(m2·K). In addition, an attempt is carried out to investigate the changes of some important variables due to the tolerance stacking or performance degradation, where we assume some cells’ contact resistance increases. We observe that a large jump of cell voltage and temperature occurs, which can be used as a detection signal for stack safety operation.
Vibration Modeling of a Rigid Rotor Supported on the Lubricated Angular Contact Ball Bearings Considering Six Degrees of Freedom and Waviness on Balls and Races
Authors: Babu C. K. , Tandon N. , Pandey R. K.
Published: December 2011

Nonlinear vibration analysis of angular contact ball bearings supporting a rigid rotor is presented herein considering the frictional moments (load dependent and load independent components of frictional moments) in the bearings. Six degrees of freedom (DOF) of rigid rotor is considered in the dynamic modeling of the rotor-bearings system. Moreover, waviness on surfaces of inner race, outer race, and ball are considered in the model by representing it as sinusoidal functions with waviness orders of 6, 15, and 25. Two amplitudes of waviness, 0.05 and 0.2 μm, are considered in the investigation looking for the practical aspects. The proposed model is validated with the experimental results by performing the experiments. Moreover, the present model has also been validated with published results of researchers by incorporating needful changes in the DOF in the proposed model. Based on the computed results, it is observed that load dependent frictional moment (LDFM) significantly enhances the amplitudes of vibrations in comparison to load independent frictional moment (LIFM) irrespective to values of waviness amplitude and waviness order. The influence of inner race waviness is relatively more on the vibrations in comparison to waviness of outer race and ball. Moreover, vibrations of system enhance considerably at high amplitude of waviness, increase in the order of waviness, and at elevated operating parameters.
A Two-Dimensional Model for CO2/Fuel Multiphase Flow on the Anode Side of a DMFC
Authors: Zheng Wukui , Suominen Arho , Lagercrantz Henrik , Tuominen Aulis
Published: December 2011

Increasing the efficiency of passive fuel cells is a significant hurdle in commercializing small fuel cells. By understanding the interactions within a single cell, possibilities for further performance increases in fuel cell structures overall are uncovered. To investigate the multiphase flows and the interactions between the layers on the anode side of a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC), a single cell was studied using a two-dimensional model. This multiphase model focuses on the flow mechanism of a single CO2 gas bubble. The model describes the mass transfer in a single cell by using the physical properties of a single bubble and by tracing its movement. The simulation results indicate that the thickness of a gas diffusion layer (GDL) has an effect on the CO2 bubble size at a low power output level. When the power output is increased, the porosity and the GDL’s contact angle with CO2 play a significant role in determining the size of the CO2 bubbles. The final bubble size and the time it takes for the bubbles to penetrate the layers of the DMFC are controlled by the physical properties of the GDL and by the power output. The model suggests that, to achieve optimal performance, the GDL in passive DMFCs should be thick enough to allow bubbles grow to their maximum size. The thickness of the GDL can be calculated by estimating the maximum size of the bubble.
Modeling, Control, and Integration of a Portable Solid Oxide Fuel Cell System
Authors: Adhikari Puran , Abdelrahman Mohamed
Published: December 2011

A novel method for the control and integration of a portable hybrid solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system, based on hydrocarbon fuel, is presented in this paper. The balance of plant (BOP) and power electronics systems are treated as separate local units, and local controllers are designed for each unit using established linear techniques. For the control of the integration of these two systems, a higher level supervisory controller is developed. The supervisory controller is an intelligent controller that decides how each of the local controllers should perform based on the status of the respective local units. Two energy buffer units (battery and super-capacitor) have been used for the mitigation of load transients. The supervisory controller is developed using state-flow and fuzzy logic toolbox of Matlab. All the modeling and control is implemented in a Matlab/Simulink environment.
PEMFC Flow Channel Geometry Optimization: A Review
Authors: Aiyejina Ararimeh , Sastry M. K. S.
Published: December 2011

The proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is a particularly promising energy conversion device for use in stationary or vehicular applications. PEMFCs provide high efficiency and power density, with zero emissions, low operating temperatures, quick start-up, and long lifetime. While the usage of PEMFCs has been on the increase, their commercialization has been hindered by technical issues such as water flooding in their cathodes. Flow field optimization is one approach to mitigating these issues, as the geometry of the flow channels within a PEMFC influences reactant transport, water management, and reactant utilization efficiency, and thus the final performance of a PEMFC system. This paper looks at some of the recent research that has been focused on modeling PEMFCs, exploring phenomena in them, and improving their performance, especially through flow field optimization. This paper shows how such modeling can provide useful information for PEMFC optimization, and, based on the research reviewed, presents recommendations that can be implemented in optimizing the design of a PEMFC bipolar for maximum performance. Among more traditional designs, the reviewed research shows that a serpentine flow field with small channel and rib size would perform the best at low operating voltages, and could be further improved by utilizing diverging channels with varying heights. Furthermore, additions such as baffles have been shown to improve the performance of various flow channel designs.
Amorphous and Semicrystalline Blends of Poly(vinylidene fluoride) and Poly(methyl methacrylate): Characterization and Modeling of the Mechanical Behavior
Authors: Halary J. L. , Jarray J. , Fatnassi M. , Ben Cheikh Larbi F.
Published: December 2011

After extensive studies starting in the 1970s in relation to miscibility and piezoelectric properties, the blends of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) have been revisited with the aim of assessing their mechanical behavior. Depending on the amount of PVDF, either amorphous or semicrystalline blends are produced. Typically, the blends remain amorphous when their PVDF content does not exceed 40 wt. %. Blend composition influence on the values of the glass transition temperature, Tg, and on its mechanical expression, Tα, is extensively discussed. Then, emphasis is put on the stress-strain behavior in tension and compression over the low deformation range covering the elastic, anelastic, and viscoplastic response. The reported data depend, as expected, on temperature and strain rate and also, markedly, on blend composition and degree of crystallinity. Molecular arguments, based on the contribution of the glass transition motions are proposed to account for the observed behavior. Thanks to the understanding of phenomena at the molecular level, accurate models can be selected in the view of mechanical modeling.
Evidence from Numerical Experiments for a Feedback Dynamo Generating Mercury’s Magnetic Field
Authors: Heyner Daniel , Wicht Johannes , Gómez-Pérez Natalia , Schmitt Dieter , Auster Hans-Ulrich , Glassmeier Karl-Heinz
Published: December 2011

Feedback between the external magnetospheric field and the internal magnetic field explains Mercury’s weak magnetic field.
To Group or Not to Group?
Authors: Szathmáry Eörs
Published: December 2011

The benefits of cooperation can drive the evolution of a population structure that supports cooperative behavior.
Mismatch Repair, But Not Heteroduplex Rejection, Is Temporally Coupled to DNA Replication
Authors: Hombauer Hans , Srivatsan Anjana , Putnam Christopher D. , Kolodner Richard D.
Published: December 2011

Repair of base-pair mismatches is coordinated with DNA replication to ensure correction of the newly synthesized DNA strand.
ARVs as HIV Prevention: A Tough Road to Wide Impact
Authors: Shelton James D.
Published: December 2011

Antiretrovirals face formidable obstacles for wide-scale prevention of HIV infection.
Graphitic Tribological Layers in Metal-on-Metal Hip Replacements
Authors: Liao Y. , Pourzal R. , Wimmer M. A. , Jacobs J. J. , Fischer A. , Marks L. D.
Published: December 2011

A graphitic layer is found to be the cause of low friction in metal-on-metal hip implants.
Asymmetric Electrophilic Fluorination Using an Anionic Chiral Phase-Transfer Catalyst
Authors: Rauniyar Vivek , Lackner Aaron D. , Hamilton Gregory L. , Toste F. Dean
Published: December 2011

A chiral phosphate ion plays a dual role, coaxing a fluorinating agent into solution and then catalyzing its reaction there.
Efficient Fluorination of Organic Molecules with Chiral Anions
Authors: Sodeoka Mikiko
Published: December 2011

An efficient and flexible method for adding rings bearing fluorine atoms can help improve the biological activity and materials properties of organic molecules.
Ingredients for a Perfect Storm

The Origins of AIDS
by Jacques Pepin

Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2011. 309 pp. $85, £45. ISBN 9781107006638. Paper, $28.99, £17.99. ISBN 9780521186377.
Authors: Piot Peter
Published: December 2011

Marshaling historical and scientific evidence, Pepin identifies the factors that triggered the emergence of HIV/AIDS.
Science Breakthroughs
Authors: Alberts Bruce
Published: December 2011

As announced in this issue,
Science
's choice for Breakthrough of the Year for 2011 is based on the paper
Prevention of HIV-1 Infection with Early Antiretroviral Therapy
*
(see p. 1628). This provocative choice was made after much deliberation involving our News and Editorial staff, plus our Board of Reviewing Editors. The study involved more than 1700 heterosexual couples, of whom one partner was infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the other was not at the start of the trial. All those infected still had relatively intact immune systems. The study gave antiretroviral drugs to half of the infected people and delayed giving treatment to the other half until their immune systems declined to a dangerous degree. The results of this early treatment with a cocktail of antiviral drugs were dramatic, lowering the rate at which the HIV-free partner became infected 20-fold, while also improving outcomes for the infected partner. In combination with other promising clinical trials, the results have galvanized efforts to end the world's AIDS epidemic in a way that would have been inconceivable even a year ago. “The goal of an AIDS-free generation is ambitious, but it is possible,” U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told scientists last month.
Tissue Says Blood Is Misleading, Confusing HIV Cure Efforts
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: December 2011

A recent meeting provided fresh insights into why HIV is so difficult to eliminate from the body: Even when antiretroviral drugs knock down HIV to undetectable levels in blood, the virus remains active in tissues.
America's Lost City
Authors: Lawler Andrew
Published: December 2011

New excavations reveal surprising dimensions to North America's oldest city and its great earthen monuments.
Preserving History, One Hill at a Time
Authors: Lawler Andrew
Published: December 2011

A handful of scientists are scrambling to preserve what they can of pre-Columbian North American mounds and prevent further destruction of structures that hold vital clues to ancient Native American society.
A Disaster and a Warning—But of What?
Authors: Normile Dennis , Kerr Richard A.
Published: December 2011

The great Tohoku earthquake has everyone, seismologists included, wondering where the next blow will come from.
Molecular and Cellular Characterization of a Salmonella enterica Serovar Paratyphi A Outbreak Strain and the Human Immune Response to Infection
Authors: Gal-Mor Ohad , Suez Jotham , Elhadad Dana , Porwollik Steffen , Leshem Eyal , Valinsky Lea , McClelland Michael , Schwartz Eliezer , Rahav Galia
Published: December 2011

Enteric fever is an invasive life-threatening systemic disease caused by the
Salmonella enterica
human-adapted serovars Typhi and Paratyphi. Increasing incidence of infections with
Salmonella enterica
serovar Paratyphi A and the spreading of its antibiotic-resistant derivates pose a significant health concern in some areas of the world. Herein, we describe a molecular and phenotypic characterization of an
S
. Paratyphi A strain accounted for a recent paratyphoid outbreak in Nepal that affected at least 37 travelers. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis of the outbreak isolates revealed one genetic clone (pulsotype), confirming a single infecting source. Genetic profiling of the outbreak strain demonstrated the contribution of specific bacteriophages as a prime source of genetic diversity among clinical isolates of
S
. Paratyphi A. Phenotypic characterization in comparison with the
S
. Paratyphi A ATCC 9150 reference sequenced strain showed differences in flagellar morphology and increased abilities of the outbreak strain with respect to its motility, invasion into nonphagocytic cells, intracellular multiplication, survival within macrophages, and higher induction of interleukin-8 (IL-8) secreted by host cells. Collectively, these differences suggest an enhanced virulence potential of this strain and demonstrate an interesting phenotypic variation among
S
. Paratyphi A isolates.
In vivo
profiling of 16 inflammatory cytokines in patients infected with the outbreak strain revealed a common profile of a remarkable gamma interferon (IFN-γ) induction together with elevated concentrations of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-15, but not IL-12, which was previously demonstrated as elevated in nontyphoidal
Salmonella
infections. This apparent profile implies a distinct immune response to paratyphoid infections.
Antibody Breadth and Protective Efficacy Are Increased by Vaccination with Computationally Optimized Hemagglutinin but Not with Polyvalent Hemagglutinin-Based H5N1 Virus-Like Particle Vaccines
Authors: Giles Brendan M. , Bissel Stephanie J. , DeAlmeida Dilhari R. , Wiley Clayton A. , Ross Ted M.
Published: December 2011

One of the challenges for developing an H5N1 influenza vaccine is the diversity of antigenically distinct isolates within this subtype. Previously, our group described a novel hemagglutinin (HA) derived from a methodology termed computationally optimized broadly reactive antigen (COBRA). This COBRA HA, when used as an immunogen, elicits a broad antibody response against H5N1 isolates from different clades. In this report, the immune responses elicited by the COBRA HA virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine were compared to responses elicited by a mixture of VLPs expressing representative HA molecules from clade 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 primary H5N1 isolates (polyvalent). The COBRA HA VLP vaccine elicited higher-titer antibodies to a panel of H5N1 HA proteins than did the other VLPs. Both COBRA and polyvalent vaccines protected vaccinated mice and ferrets from experimental infection with highly lethal H5N1 influenza viruses, but COBRA-vaccinated animals had decreased viral replication, less inflammation in the lungs of mice, and reduced virus recovery in ferret nasal washes. Both vaccines had similar cellular responses postchallenge, indicating that higher-titer serum antibodies likely restrict the duration of viral replication. Furthermore, passively transferred immune serum from the COBRA HA VLP-vaccinated mice protected recipient animals more efficiently than immune serum from polyvalent-vaccinated mice. This is the first report comparing these two vaccine strategies. The single COBRA HA antigen elicited a broader antibody response and reduced morbidity and viral titers more effectively than a polyvalent mixture of primary H5N1 HA antigens.
Enteric Disease in Dogs Naturally Infected by a Novel Canine Astrovirus
Authors: Martella V. , Moschidou P. , Catella C. , Larocca V. , Pinto P. , Losurdo M. , Corrente M. , Lorusso E. , Bànyai K. , Decaro N. , Lavazza A. , Buonavoglia C.
Published: December 2011

Infection by a novel canine astrovirus was associated with gastroenteritis in two dogs. The virus displayed 70.3 to 73.9% amino acid identity to other canine astroviruses in the full-length capsid. Specific antibodies were detected in the convalescent-phase sera of the dogs, indicating seroconversion. Also, the virus appeared weakly related antigenically to the prototype canine astrovirus isolate ITA/2008/Bari.
Oral Streptococcal Bacteremia in Hospitalized Patients: Taxonomic Identification and Clinical Characterization
Authors: Kitten Todd , Munro Cindy L. , Zollar Nicai Q. , Lee Sehmi P. , Patel Resham D.
Published: December 2011

Oral streptococci have been associated with systemic diseases, including infective endocarditis and neutropenic bacteremia. We analyzed 58 recent oral streptococcal bloodstream isolates, and we obtained clinical and demographic data for source patients. The
sodA
gene was found to be a better target than the 16S-23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer for DNA sequence-based species identification. Together,
Streptococcus mitis
and
Streptococcus oralis
were significantly more likely than the 12 combined remaining species to be isolated from neutropenic patients.
Is sports safety policy being translated into practice: what can be learnt from the Australian rugby union Mayday procedure?
Authors: Poulos Roslyn G , Donaldson Alex
Published: December 2011

Aim

To investigate the level of translation of the Australian Rugby Union ‘Mayday’ safety procedure into practice among community rugby union coaches in New South Wales (Australia).

Methods

All registered coaches of senior community rugby union teams in five zones/associations in the north-eastern region of the state were invited to complete a short online questionnaire at the end of the 2010 rugby season. The questionnaire was designed around the five RE-AIMdimensions and assessed: Reach, perceived Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance of the Mayday procedure.

Results

Seventy (39%) coaches participated. There was a high level of awareness of the Mayday procedure, and most coaches believed it was effective in preventing injuries. The majority reported training their players in the procedure, although training was generally infrequent. Coaches were confident that their own players could implement the procedure appropriately if required to do so, but less confident that other teams or referees could do so. Barriers to providing training included not enough players at training, players not taking training seriously and technical difficulties (eg, verbalisation of instructions for physical tasks).

Conclusion

The findings suggest that the translation of the Mayday ‘policy’ could be improved by building individual coach, and club or zone organisational capacity by ensuring that coaches have the resources and skills in ‘how’ to train their players to complement their existing knowledge on ‘what’ to train them; setting expectations that encourage coaches to provide regular training for players; and regular monitoring of player competency to perform the procedure appropriately.
Bis- and trisporphyrin bio-inspired models for bacterial antennas and photosystems
Authors: Harvey Pierre D. , Filatov Mikhail A. , Guilard Roger
Published: December 2011

This review presents the synthetic aspects and photophysical properties of trimeric systems constructed with a first unit consisting of a cofacial porphyrin and then of another porphyrin attached as a side arm. Two scenarios are dealt with. The first one is the case where the three chromophores are different, called donor 1–donor 2–acceptor, specifically where the cofacial fragment is composed of donor 1 and donor 2, and the side arm is the acceptor. They are considered as models for the apo-proteins used in the LH II (light harvesting device) in the purple photosynthetic bacteria. The second one is the case where the chromophores of the cofacial bisporphyrin residue are identical and are closely placed to each other for inter-ring π-interactions. The side arm is simply a mono-porphyrin, and therefore it is different. The cofacial bisporphyrin unit exhibits then similar characteristics to the special pairs located within the reaction center protein, and are designated as artificial special pairs. On the synthetic standpoint, the various pathways to access such models are presented fully exploiting the Suzuki methodology. On the photophysical side, a large emphasis will be placed on the singlet energy transfers. Cascade processes in the trimers donor 1–donor 2–acceptor are presented and each individual contributions donor 1 → donor 2; donor 2 → acceptor; donor → acceptor are addressed qualitatively and quantitatively. For the artificial special pairs flanked with an antenna, the effect of the spacer between the artificial special pair and the antenna will be discussed as well as the choice of substituents and metal demonstrating that one can reverse the orientation of the singlet energy transfer: artificial special pair → side arm or side arm → artificial special pair. Finally, the antenna effect are presented for one example of artificial special pair equipped with 6 semi-flexible dendritic antennas.
Effect of visuomotor-map uncertainty on visuomotor adaptation
Authors: Saijo Naoki , Gomi Hiroaki
Published: December 2011

Vision and proprioception contribute to generating hand movement. If a conflict between the visual and proprioceptive feedback of hand position is given, reaching movement is disturbed initially but recovers after training. Although previous studies have predominantly investigated the adaptive change in the motor output, it is unclear whether the contributions of visual and proprioceptive feedback controls to the reaching movement are modified by visuomotor adaptation. To investigate this, we focused on the change in proprioceptive feedback control associated with visuomotor adaptation. After the adaptation to gradually introduce visuomotor rotation, the hand reached the shifted position of the visual target to move the cursor to the visual target correctly. When the cursor feedback was occasionally eliminated (probe trial), the end point of the hand movement was biased in the visual-target direction, while the movement was initiated in the adapted direction, suggesting the incomplete adaptation of proprioceptive feedback control. Moreover, after the learning of uncertain visuomotor rotation, in which the rotation angle was randomly fluctuated on a trial-by-trial basis, the end-point bias in the probe trial increased, but the initial movement direction was not affected, suggesting a reduction in the adaptation level of proprioceptive feedback control. These results suggest that the change in the relative contribution of visual and proprioceptive feedback controls to the reaching movement in response to the visuomotor-map uncertainty is involved in visuomotor adaptation, whereas feedforward control might adapt in a manner different from that of the feedback control.
Precision measurement of electric organ discharge timing from freely moving weakly electric fish
Authors: Jun James J. , Longtin André , Maler Leonard
Published: December 2011

Physiological measurements from an unrestrained, untethered, and freely moving animal permit analyses of neural states correlated to naturalistic behaviors of interest. Precise and reliable remote measurements remain technically challenging due to animal movement, which perturbs the relative geometries between the animal and sensors. Pulse-type electric fish generate a train of discrete and stereotyped electric organ discharges (EOD) to sense their surroundings actively, and rapid modulation of the discharge rate occurs while free swimming in Gymnotus sp. The modulation of EOD rates is a useful indicator of the fish's central state such as resting, alertness, and learning associated with exploration. However, the EOD pulse waveforms remotely observed at a pair of dipole electrodes continuously vary as the fish swims relative to the electrodes, which biases the judgment of the actual pulse timing. To measure the EOD pulse timing more accurately, reliably, and noninvasively from a free-swimming fish, we propose a novel method based on the principles of waveform reshaping and spatial averaging. Our method is implemented using envelope extraction and multichannel summation, which is more precise and reliable compared with other widely used threshold- or peak-based methods according to the tests performed under various source-detector geometries. Using the same method, we constructed a real-time electronic pulse detector performing an additional online pulse discrimination routine to enhance further the detection reliability. Our stand-alone pulse detector performed with high temporal precision (<10 μs) and reliability (error <1 per 106pulses) and permits longer recording duration by storing only event time stamps (4 bytes/pulse).
Clinical Impact of Infection with Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 2009 Virus in Naïve Nucleus and Multiplier Pig Herds in Norway
Authors: Grøntvedt Carl Andreas , Er Chiek , Gjerset Britt , Germundsson Anna , Framstad Tore , Brun Edgar , Jørgensen Anne , Lium Bjørn
Published: December 2011

The Norwegian pig population has been free from influenza viruses until 2009. The pandemic influenza outbreak during the autumn 2009 provided an opportunity to study the clinical impact of this infection in an entirely naïve pig population. This paper describes the results of a case-control study on the clinical impact of pandemic influenza (H1N1) 2009 infection in the nucleus and multiplier herds in Norway. The infection spread readily and led to seroconversion of 42% of the Norwegian nucleus and multiplier herds within a year. Positive and negative herds were identified based on surveillance data from the Norwegian Veterinary Institute. Telephone interviews were conducted with pig herd owners or managers between November 2010 and January 2011. Pigs with clinical signs were reported from 40% of the case herds with varying morbidity and duration of respiratory disease and reduced reproductive performance. Clinical signs were reported in all age groups.
Effects of Fiber Finish on the Performance of Asphalt Binders and Mastics
Authors: Putman Bradley J.
Published: December 2011

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of finishes applied to polyester fibers on the properties of asphalt binders and mastics. Asphalt binders were mixed with finishes that were extracted from the fibers, and mastics were also made with binder and fibers (with and without finish) to isolate the effects of the finish. The results indicated that crude source plays a significant role in how the fiber finish affects the binders and mastics. Additionally different finishes had different effects on binder properties. The major finding of this study is that different polyester fibers, even from the same manufacturer, may not necessarily perform the same in an asphalt mixture. It is important to use fibers that are compatible with the particular asphalt binder that is being used because of the significance of the binder source on the interaction between the finish and the binder.
On Integral Transforms and Matrix Functions
Authors: Eltayeb Hassan , Kılıçman Adem , Agarwal Ravi P.
Published: December 2011

The Sumudu transform of certain elementary matrix
functions is obtained. These transforms are then used to solve the differential
equation of a general linear conservative vibration system, a vibrating system
with a special type of viscous damping.
Holography at Work for Nuclear and Hadron Physics
Authors: Kim Youngman , Yi Deokhyun
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this review is to provide basic ingredients of holographic QCD to nonexperts in string theory and to summarize its interesting achievements in nuclear and hadron physics. We focus on results from a less stringy bottom-up approach and review a stringy top-down model with some calculational details.
Uptake of18FDG by a Hepatic Adenoma on Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Stephenson J. A. , Kapasi T. , Al-Taan O. , Dennison A. R.
Published: December 2011

Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18FDG-PET) is currently the best noninvasive test to confirm hepatic metastases when diagnostic uncertainty exists after initial imaging with first-line modalities. However, we report the second case of “false-positive” uptake of18FDG on PET scanning from a histopathologically confirmed hepatic adenoma.
Unusual CT and MR Imaging Characteristics of Splenic Lymphoma
Authors: Kaushik Chhavi , Relia Nitin , Jambhekar Kedar , Pandey Tarun
Published: December 2011

Lymphoma is the most common malignancy of the spleen. The imaging features of splenic lymphoma are nonspecific and mostly lymphomas present as a diffusely enlarged spleen. Focal lesions are described but remain of low density or intensity on CT or MRI, respectively. We describe a histologically proven case of splenic lymphoma that showed an atypical hyperdense/hyperenhancing appearance on imaging suspicious for a vascular pathology. To the best of our knowledge and based on review of English literature, such an appearance of splenic lymphoma is extremely unusual and rare.
Fuzzy Similarity in Multicriteria Decision-Making Problem Applied to Supplier Evaluation and Selection in Supply Chain Management
Authors: Luukka Pasi
Published: December 2011

It is proposed to use fuzzy similarity in fuzzy decision-making approach to deal with the supplier selection problem in supply chain system. According to the concept of fuzzy TOPSIS earlier methods use closeness coefficient which is defined to determine the ranking order of all suppliers by calculating the distances to both fuzzy positive-ideal solution (FPIS) and fuzzy negative-ideal solution (FNIS) simultaneously. In this paper we propose a new method by doing the ranking using similarity. New proposed method can do ranking with less computations than original fuzzy TOPSIS. We also propose three different cases for selection of FPIS and FNIS and compare closeness coefficient criteria and fuzzy similarity criteria. Numerical example is used to demonstrate the process. Results show that the proposed model is well suited for multiple criteria decision-making for supplier selection. In this paper we also show that the evaluation of the supplier using traditional fuzzy TOPSIS depends highly on FPIS and FNIS, and one needs to select suitable fuzzy ideal solution to get reasonable evaluation.
Relatively Low Prevalence of Peripheral and PlacentalPlasmodiumInfection at Delivery in Bangui, Central African Republic
Authors: Manirakiza Alexandre , Serdouma Eugène , Djalle Djibrine , Soula Georges , Laganier Remi , Madji Nestor , Moyen Methode , Le Faou Alain , Delmont Jean
Published: December 2011

Introduction. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of malaria among women giving birth in Bangui. Association between sociodemographic characteristics of those women and malaria, as well as prevention compliance (use of intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTsp) and insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs)), was analyzed.Methods. During September 2009, a survey was conducted on 328 women who gave birth at two main maternities of Bangui. Information was obtained by standardized questionnaire about sociodemographic criteria, IPTsp, other antimalarial treatment, and use of bet nets. Smears prepared from peripheral and placental blood were analysed for malaria parasites.Findings and Discussion. Positive results were found in 2.8% of thick peripheral blood smears and in 4.0% of placental slides. A proportion of 30.5% of the women had received at least two doses of IPTsp during the current pregnancy. Only a proportion of 42.4% of this study population had ITNs. Multigravid women were less likely to use IPTsp and ITNs. However, use of IPTsp was associated with personal income and secondary or university educational status. Hence, although this relatively prevalence was observed, more efforts are needed to implement IPTsp and ITNs, taking into account sociodemographic criteria.
Some Identities on the Twisted (h, q)‐Genocchi Numbers and Polynomials Associated with q‐Bernstein Polynomials
Authors: Rim Seog-Hoon , Lee Sun-Jung
Published: December 2011

We give some interesting identities on the
twisted (h,q)‐Genocchi numbers and polynomials associated with q‐Bernstein polynomials.
Reactive Arthritis Secondary to Cauda Equina Injury following Spine Fracture: A Case Report
Authors: Li Xiao , Wu Shaoling , Ma Chao
Published: December 2011

A 38-year-old man presented with a one-month history of muscle weakness and dysesthesia in the lower extremities, urinary retention, and urinary tract infection after lumbar burst fracture resulted from high fall. During the rehabilitation in our hospital, he had arthritis in both the ankle and knee. However, the patient was treated as gouty arthropathy initially. The arthritis was completely remitted in a few days after the patient was diagnosed as reactive arthritis and started with sulfasalazine therapy and there was no recurrence during 4 months of follow-up. Based on this case, early recognition of reactive arthritis is of major importance to avoid delayed initiation of appropriate treatment in the patients with polyarthritis secondary to neurogenic bladder following cauda equina injury after spine fracture.
Anesthetic Evaluation and Perioperative Management in a Patient with New Onset Mediastinal Mass Syndrome Presenting for Emergency Surgery
Authors: Shi David , Webb Christopher A. J. , Wagner Meredith , Dizdarevic Anis
Published: December 2011

Mediastinal mass syndrome (MMS) is a complex case that poses many challenges to the anesthesiologist. The cornerstone of management focuses on the potential hemodynamic changes associated with this syndrome. We describe the anesthetic management of a patient with a previously undiagnosed mediastinal mass presenting for emergency neurosurgical surgery.