bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dissipative electromagnetic solitary waves in collisional plasmas
Authors: Borhanian Jafar
Published: August 2012

The propagation of linearly polarized electromagnetic (EM) waves in a collisional plasma is studied using multiple scale perturbation technique in a weakly nonlinear regime. A complex linear dispersion relation and a complex group velocity are obtained for EM waves propagating in a plasma and their dependence on system parameters is investigated. It is shown that the amplitude of EM pulse is governed by an envelope equation similar to a cubic complex Ginzburg-Landau equation. A traveling bright solitary wave solution for envelope equation is found, its existence condition in parameter space is explored and variation of its profile with system parameters is manipulated. Monitoring temporal evolution of traveling solitary wave solution provides more insight into the nature of this solution and ensures that depending on the parameters of the system, solitary wave solution may behave like a stationary soliton or may exhibit the behavior of a breathing soliton.
Cavity mode gain alignment in GaAsSb-based near-infrared vertical cavity lasers studied by spectroscopy and device measurements
Authors: Blume G. , Hild K. , Marko I. P. , Hosea T. J. C. , Yu S.-Q. , Chaparro S. A. , Samal N. , Johnson S. R. , Zhang Y.-H. , Sweeney S. J.
Published: August 2012

We present a combination of spectroscopy and device measurements on GaAsSb/GaAs vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) structures to determine the temperature at which the wavelength of the VCSEL cavity mode (CM) aligns with that of the quantum well (QW) ground-state transition (GST), and therefore the gain peak. We find that, despite the achievement of room temperature (RT) continuous wave lasing in VCSEL devices, the QW transition and the CM are actually slightly misaligned at this temperature; room temperature electroluminescence measurements from a cleaved edge of the VCSEL wafer indicate that the 300 K QW GST energy is at 0.975 ± 0.005 eV, while the CM measured in the VCSEL surface reflectivity spectra is at 0.9805 ± 0.0002 eV. When the wafer sample is cooled, the CM and QW GST can be brought into alignment at 270 ± 10 K, as confirmed by temperature-dependent electro-modulated reflectance (ER) and edge-electroluminescence spectroscopic studies. This alignment temperature is further confirmed by comparing the temperature dependence of the emission energy of a fabricated VCSEL device with that of an edge-emitting laser structure with a nominally identical active region. The study suggests that for further device improvement, the room temperature CM and QW GST energies should be more closely matched and both designed to a smaller energy of about 0.95 eV, somewhat closer to the 1.31 μm target. The study amply demonstrates the usefulness of non-destructive ER characterisation techniques in VCSEL manufacturing with GaAsSb-based QWs.
Electrical transport behavior of n-ZnO nanorods/p-diamond heterojunction device at higher temperatures
Authors: Sang D. D. , Li H. D. , Cheng S. H. , Wang Q. L. , Yu Q. , Yang Y. Z.
Published: August 2012

The n-ZnO nanorods (NRs)/p-diamond heterojunction structures are fabricated by thermal vapor growing ZnO NRs on chemical vapor deposited boron-doped diamond film. Temperature dependent current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of the p-n heterojunction are examined from 25 °C to 220 °C. The turn-on voltage and ideality factor of the devices decrease with increasing temperature, whereas the reverse saturation current increases at higher temperatures. The carrier injection efficiency is effectively enhanced at high temperatures. The electrical transport behaviors are investigated at various temperatures and bias voltages.
Investigation of coherent acoustic phonons in terahertz quantum cascade laser structures using femtosecond pump-probe spectroscopy
Authors: Bruchhausen Axel , Lloyd-Hughes James , Hettich Mike , Gebs Raphael , Grossmann Martin , Ristow Oliver , Bartels Albrecht , Fischer Milan , Beck Mattias , Scalari Giacomo , Faist Jérôme , Rudra Alok , Gallo Pascal , Kapon Eli , Dekorsy Thomas
Published: August 2012

The dynamics of acoustic vibrations in terahertz quantum cascade laser structures (THz-QCLs) is studied by means of femtosecond pump-probe spectroscopy. The phonon modes are characterized by the folding of the acoustic dispersion into an effective reduced Brillouin zone. An accurate identification of this dispersion allows the sample structure and periodicity to be determined with high precision on the order of 0.1%. By temperature tuning the energy of the electronic levels of the system and performing wavelength dependent measurements, we are able to study the impulsive resonant generation and detection of coherent acoustic phonon modes. These results are supported by simulations of the electronic system that well explain the experimental observations. The effects of interface (IF) roughness on coherent acoustic phonon spectra are clearly observed for equal nominal THz-QCL structures but with different interface qualities.
Broadband InGaAs-capped InAs/GaAs quantum-dot infrared photodetector with Bi-modal dot height distributions
Authors: Lin Wei-Hsun , Lin Shih-Yen
Published: August 2012

The influence of quantum-dot (QD) height distribution on the detection wavelengths of InGaAs-capped quantum-dot infrared photodetectors (QDIPs) is investigated. For devices with 2.8 and 2.0 mono-layer (ML) InAs coverage, 7.6 and 10.4 μm detection wavelengths are observed. The results suggest that reduced dot height would result in a longer detection wavelength. By using 2.4 ML InAs QDs with bi-modal dot height distributions, a 6–12 μm broadband QDIP is achieved with the combination of ∼8 and ∼10 μm peak detection wavelengths contributed by the larger and smaller InAs QDs.
Small signal stability analysis of photovoltaic array based on averaged switch modeling technique
Authors: Golshani Amir , Bathaee S. M. T. , Moghaddas-Tafreshi S. M.
Published: August 2012

Grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) generation is becoming more attractive and finding increased use due to the many advantages of using renewable energy sources in the future grid. As the penetration of the PV array in today’s grid increases, the impact of this new clean source on the stability of power system needs to be well-understood. This work presents a general configuration of grid-connected PV array including boost converter and voltage source inverter. For the sake of power system study, averaged switching models of power electronic devices are replaced by exact model. Then, the behaviors of both models are compared under the same control strategy against the changes in ambient conditions. Furthermore, a set of non-linear state space equations based on average switching technique are derived and implemented as matlab scripts. Assuming small variation in input signals, the nonlinear model is linearized around the equilibrium point and the linearized state matrix is presented. Then, the modal analysis is conducted which revealed the participation of controllers’ parameters in system modes. Ultimately, based on some valid assumptions, the simplified model is introduced and its behavior was compared with non-linear and linearized model.
Heritability of embryonic mortalities in ostrich eggs and factors affecting hatching failure of fertile eggs during artificial incubation
Authors: Brand Z. , Cloete S. W. P. , Malecki I. A. , Brown C. R.
Published: August 2012

The high rate of embryonic mortality during artificial incubation of ostrich eggs is a major concern in the ostrich industry. Data from 48 126 individual egg records were available to derive genetic parameters for embryonic mortalities, modelled as a trait of the individual egg. Embryonic mortality was classified according to stage of death, i.e. early embryonic mortality that occurred before 21 days of incubation (EEM), late embryonic mortality that occurred after 21 days of incubation (LEM) and overall embryonic mortalities (OEM). LEM increased significantly for eggs laid by females >10 years old. Transfer of eggs between incubators during incubation also impaired hatchability. An increase in OEM occurred for eggs freshly set (43%) as well as for eggs stored for more than 6 days (50%). Medium heritability (h2) estimates were derived for all the embryonic death traits and ranged between 0.16 ± 0.02 for LEM and 0.22 ± 0.03 for EEM. The dam permanent environmental effect was low ranging between 0.021 ± 0.005 for LEM and 0.046 ± 0.008 for EEM. Hatchability of fertile ostrich eggs may consequently be improved by removing older females from breeding flocks, setting of eggs between 2 and 6 days after collection, and by refraining to transfer of eggs between incubators during incubation. Moderate h2 estimates indicate that breeding may be used as a tool to enhance chick production in ostriches. This contention is supported by the fact that selected breeding for chick production and liveweight appeared to result in genetic changes in embryonic mortality rates.
Effects of polymorphism in the 5′-flanking region of the IGF-I gene on milk-production traits in Chinese Holstein cattle
Authors: Alim M. A. , Xie Yan , Fan Yipeng , Wu Xiaoping , Zhang Yi , Sun Dongxiao , Zhang Shengli , Zhang Yuan , Zhang Qin , Liu Lin
Published: August 2012

Milk and milk products are major components of human dietary intake and have a potential influence on health. In our experiment, associations between insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I) gene polymorphism and milk-production traits were analysed in Chinese Holstein cattle. A polymorphism, transition at position g.1407 T > C, was identified in the 5′-flanking region of the IGF-I gene by pooled DNA sequencing. The identified single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was genotyped by matrix-assisted laser desorption–ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI–TOF MS) methods from 752 individuals. Significant associations between IGF-I genotypes and 305-day milk yield, fat yield and protein yield were found. Homozygous cows with TT genotype showed the highest milk, fat and protein yields, with increases of 532.75 kg, 23.57 kg and 14.69 kg, respectively, as compared with homozygous CC cows. Heterozygous CT cows had intermediate yields. Allele substitution showed that the C allele decreased milk yield (255.23 kg), fat yield (11.37 kg) and protein yield (7.05 kg), whereas it increased protein percentage (0.01%). The results suggest that IGF-I is a candidate gene that influences milk-production traits, and provides useful information to be implemented in breeding programs to improve the performance of the Chinese Holstein.
Hardsetting soils: a review
Authors: Daniells Ian G.
Published: August 2012

Hardsetting soils have been defined as soils that set to a hard, structureless mass during drying and are thereafter difficult or impossible to cultivate until the profile is rewetted. Soil strength increases rapidly as the soil dries, and so seedlings must grow quickly before soil strength becomes too high for root growth or shoot emergence. Recent work on the mechanisms of hardsetting confirms that aggregate disruption through slaking and dispersion on wetting leads to coalescence. Bridging by dispersed particles under matric potential makes a soil hardset. Failure to recover from a coalesced state as the soil dries leaves it with a massive structure. This paper reviews the worldwide occurrence of hardsetting soils, the evolution of definitions of hardsetting, and the use of those definitions in soil classification with particular emphasis on Australia. Measurement of hardsetting includes methods such as visual score of slaking and dispersion, penetration resistance, fall-cone penetration, dispersion, fractions of soil organic matter, friability index, modulus of rupture, and a particular use of the soil water retention curve. Overcoming problems associated with hardsetting soils and their ongoing management is difficult. Further work is needed on the reasons for variable responses to tillage, no tillage, and pasture. Modifying soil texture has limited application, and increasing soil organic matter under cropping is difficult in low-rainfall areas. Polymers have been shown to be beneficial. Mulching maintains higher soil moisture and therefore a softer surface, while biochar shows inconsistent effects. Controlled traffic is a key to reducing recompaction. Management of a hardsetting soil must include the whole rotation, including when to till, when to crop, and when to graze or not.
Soil series and land use impacts on major soil properties: A quantitative comparison
Authors: Zhang Wentai , Weindorf David C. , Zhu Yuanda , Haggard Beatrix J. , Bakr Noura
Published: August 2012

Human-induced soil change is attracting increasing attention, yet how to quantitatively measure anthropogenic impact on changes in soil properties remains unclear. Eight selected soil properties—bulk density (BD), sand, silt, and clay content, pH, soil organic matter (SOM), total carbon (TC), and total nitrogen (TN)—at four soil depths (0–10, 10–20, 20–30, and 30–40 cm) were measured across three soil series (Gallion, Latanier and Sharkey) in south-central Louisiana, USA, to quantify changes in soil properties as a function of three contrasting land use types, i.e. forest, cropland, and Wetlands Reserve Program. Partial eta-squared values (η2) derived from two-way analysis of variance were used to quantitatively compare natural factors (soil series) and anthropogenic impact (land use) on these soil properties. Results showed that properties such as BD, pH, SOM, TC, and TN could be easily changed by anthropogenic disturbance, especially at 0–10 cm, while soil texture was mainly a natural factor. The anthropogenic factor accounted for 55.2%, 39.5%, 33.2%, and 36.0% of changes in the soil properties at 0–10, 10–20, 20–30, and 30–40 cm depth, respectively. These findings highlight the anthropogenic impact on selected soil properties.
Laminar analysis of visually evoked activity in the primary visual cortex
Authors: Xing Dajun , Yeh Chun-I , Burns Samuel , Shapley Robert M.
Published: August 2012

Studying the laminar pattern of neural activity is crucial for understanding the processing of neural signals in the cerebral cortex. We measured neural population activity [multiunit spike activity (MUA) and local field potential, LFP] in Macaque primary visual cortex (V1) in response to drifting grating stimuli. Sustained visually driven MUA was at an approximately constant level across cortical depth in V1. However, sustained, visually driven, local field potential power, which was concentrated in the γ-band (20–60 Hz), was greatest at the cortical depth corresponding to cortico-cortical output layers 2, 3, and 4B. γ-band power also tends to be more sustained in the output layers. Overall, cortico-cortical output layers accounted for 67% of total γ-band activity in V1, whereas 56% of total spikes evoked by drifting gratings were from layers 2, 3, and 4B. The high-resolution layer specificity of γ-band power, the laminar distribution of MUA and γ-band activity, and their dynamics imply that neural activity in V1 is generated by laminar-specific mechanisms. In particular, visual responses of MUA and γ-band activity in cortico-cortical output layers 2, 3, and 4B seem to be strongly influenced by laminar-specific recurrent circuitry and/or feedback.
RETRACTED: Ethanol Enhances Tumor Angiogenesis In Vitro Induced by Low-Dose Arsenic in Colon Cancer Cells Through Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 Alpha Pathway
Authors: Wang Lei , Son Young-Ok , Ding Songze , Wang Xin , Hitron John Andrew , Budhraja Amit , Lee Jeong-Chae , Lin Qinchen , Poyil Pratheeshkumar , Zhang Zhuo , Luo Jia , Shi Xianglin
Published: August 2012

Health effects due to environmental exposure to arsenic are a major global health concern. Arsenic has been known to induce carcinogenesis and enhance tumor development via complex and unclear mechanism. Ethanol is also a well-established risk factor for many malignancies. However, little is known about the effects of coexposure to arsenic and ethanol in tumor development. In this study, we investigate the signaling and angiogenic effect of coexposure of arsenic and ethanol on different colon cancer cell lines. Results show that ethanol markedly enhanced arsenic-induced tumor angiogenesis in vitro. These responses are related to intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, NADPH oxidase activation, and upregulation of PI3K/Akt and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) signaling. We have also found that ethanol increases the arsenic-induced expression and secretion of angiogenic signaling molecules such as vascular endothelial growth factor, which further confirmed the above observation. Antioxidant enzymes inhibited arsenic/ethanol-induced tumor angiogenesis, demonstrating that the responsive signaling pathways of coexposure to arsenic and ethanol are related to ROS generation. We conclude that ethanol is able to enhance arsenic-induced tumor angiogenesis in colorectal cancer cells via the HIF-1α pathway. These results indicate that alcohol consumption should be taken into consideration in the investigation of arsenic-induced carcinogenesis in arsenic-exposed populations.
Temperature, stress and spontaneous mutation in
Caenorhabditis briggsae
and
Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Matsuba Chikako , Ostrow Dejerianne G. , Salomon Matthew P. , Tolani Amit , Baer Charles F.
Published: August 2012

Mutation rate often increases with environmental temperature, but establishing causality is complicated. Asymmetry between physiological stress and deviation from the optimal temperature means that temperature and stress are often confounded. We allowed mutations to accumulate in two species of
Caenorhabditis
for approximately 100 generations at 18°C and for approximately 165 generations at 26°C; 26°C is stressful for
Caenorhabditis elegans
but not for
Caenorhabditis briggsae
. We report mutation rates at a set of microsatellite loci and estimates of the per-generation decay of fitness (Δ

M
w

), the genomic mutation rate for fitness (
U
) and the average effect of a new mutation (
E
[
a
]), assayed at both temperatures. In
C. elegans
, the microsatellite mutation rate is significantly greater at 26°C than at 18°C whereas in
C. briggsae
there is only a slight, non-significant increase in mutation rate at 26°C, consistent with stress-dependent mutation in
C. elegans
. The fitness data from both species qualitatively reinforce the microsatellite results. The fitness results of
C. elegans
are potentially complicated by selection but also suggest temperature-dependent mutation; the difference between the two species suggests that physiological stress plays a significant role in the mutational process.
Correction for Clifford Hiley Mortimer. 27 February 1911 — 11 May 2010
Authors: Brooks A. S. , Lund J. W. G. , Talling J. F.
Published: August 2012

Biogr. Mems Fell. R. Soc.
57
, 291–314 (2011; Published online 15 June 2011) (
http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbm.2011.0006
)

We regret the following errors in the memoir:

Mortimer’s unpublished notes (2006), cited on page 298, correctly state that the proper title for ‘Admiralty Mine Department’ was ‘Admiralty Mine Design Department’, or MDD.

Of the scientists named in the top paragraph of page 299, only Deacon, Longuet-Higgins and Mortimer were in fact members of ‘Group W’ of the Admiralty Research Laboratory at Teddington; Crick and Penman remained for a time in the MDD at Havant, and Laughton joined the National Institute of Oceanography much later, in 1955.

The last three words of the Laughton et al. (2010) reference on page 312 should be ‘Cambridge: Lutterworth Press’.
The island–mainland species turnover relationship
Authors: Stuart Yoel E. , Losos Jonathan B. , Algar Adam C.
Published: August 2012

Many oceanic islands are notable for their high endemism, suggesting that islands may promote unique assembly processes. However, mainland assemblages sometimes harbour comparable levels of endemism, suggesting that island biotas may not be as unique as is often assumed. Here, we test the uniqueness of island biotic assembly by comparing the rate of species turnover among islands and the mainland, after accounting for distance decay and environmental gradients. We modelled species turnover as a function of geographical and environmental distance for mainland (M–M) communities ofAnolislizards and Terrarana frogs, two clades that have diversified extensively on Caribbean islands and the mainland Neotropics. We compared mainland–island (M–I) and island–island (I–I) species turnover with predictions of the M–M model. If island assembly is not unique, then the M–M model should successfully predict M–I and I–I turnover, given geographical and environmental distance. We found that M–I turnover and, to a lesser extent, I–I turnover were significantly higher than predicted for both clades. Thus, in the first quantitative comparison of mainland–island species turnover, we confirm the long-held but untested assumption that island assemblages accumulate biodiversity differently than their mainland counterparts.
Underwater locomotion in a terrestrial beetle: combination of surface de-wetting and capillary forces
Authors: Hosoda Naoe , Gorb Stanislav N.
Published: August 2012

For the first time, we report the remarkable ability of the terrestrial leaf beetle
Gastrophysa viridula
to walk on solid substrates under water. These beetles have adhesive setae on their feet that produce a secretory fluid having a crucial role in adhesion on land. In air, adhesion is produced by capillary forces between the fluid-covered setae and the substrate. In general, capillary forces do not contribute to adhesion under water. However, our observations showed that these beetles may use air bubbles trapped between their adhesive setae to walk on flooded, inclined substrata or even under water. Beetle adhesion to hydrophilic surfaces under water was lower than that in air, whereas adhesion to hydrophobic surfaces under water was comparable to that in air. Oil-covered hairy pads had a pinning effect, retaining the air bubbles on their feet. Bubbles in contact with the hydrophobic substrate de-wetted the substrate and produced capillary adhesion. Additional capillary forces are generated by the pad's liquid bridges between the foot and the substrate. Inspired by this idea, we designed an artificial silicone polymer structure with underwater adhesive properties.
Precise RNAi-mediated silencing of metabolically active proteins in the defence secretions of juvenile leaf beetles
Authors: Bodemann René Roberto , Rahfeld Peter , Stock Magdalena , Kunert Maritta , Wielsch Natalie , Groth Marco , Frick Sindy , Boland Wilhelm , Burse Antje
Published: August 2012

Allomones are widely used by insects to impede predation. Frequently these chemical stimuli are released from specialized glands. The larvae of Chrysomelina leaf beetles produce allomones in gland reservoirs into which the required precursors and also the enzymes are secreted from attached gland cells. Hence, the reservoirs can be considered as closed bio-reactors for producing defensive secretions. We used RNA interference (RNAi) to analyse
in vivo
functions of proteins in biosynthetic pathways occurring in insect secretions. After a salicyl alcohol oxidase was silenced in juveniles of the poplar leaf beetles,
Chrysomela populi
, the precursor salicyl alcohol increased to 98 per cent, while salicyl aldehyde was reduced to 2 per cent within 5 days. By analogy, we have silenced a novel protein annotated as a member of the juvenile hormone-binding protein superfamily in the juvenile defensive glands of the related mustard leaf beetle,
Phaedon cochleariae
. The protein is associated with the cyclization of 8-oxogeranial to iridoids (methylcyclopentanoid monoterpenes) in the larval exudates made clear by the accumulation of the acylic precursor 5 days after RNAi triggering. A similar cyclization reaction produces the secologanin part of indole alkaloids in plants.
Visual accommodation and active pursuit of prey underwater in a plunge-diving bird: the Australasian gannet
Authors: Machovsky-Capuska Gabriel E. , Howland Howard C. , Raubenheimer David , Vaughn-Hirshorn Robin , Würsig Bernd , Hauber Mark E. , Katzir Gadi
Published: August 2012

Australasian gannets (
Morus serrator
), like many other seabird species, locate pelagic prey from the air and perform rapid plunge dives for their capture. Prey are captured underwater either in the momentum (M) phase of the dive while descending through the water column, or the wing flapping (WF) phase while moving, using the wings for propulsion. Detection of prey from the air is clearly visually guided, but it remains unknown whether plunge diving birds also use vision in the underwater phase of the dive. Here we address the question of whether gannets are capable of visually accommodating in the transition from aerial to aquatic vision, and analyse underwater video footage for evidence that gannets use vision in the aquatic phases of hunting. Photokeratometry and infrared video photorefraction revealed that, immediately upon submergence of the head, gannet eyes accommodate and overcome the loss of greater than 45 D (dioptres) of corneal refractive power which occurs in the transition between air and water. Analyses of underwater video showed the highest prey capture rates during WF phase when gannets actively pursue individual fish, a behaviour that very likely involves visual guidance, following the transition after the plunge dive's M phase. This is to our knowledge the first demonstration of the capacity for visual accommodation underwater in a plunge diving bird while capturing submerged prey detected from the air.
Effect of 3‐Alkylpyridine Marine Alkaloid Analogues in Leishmania Species Related to American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Authors: Machado Patrícia A. , Hilário Flaviane F. , Carvalho Lidiane O. , Silveira Mariana L. T. , Alves Rosemeire B. , Freitas Rossimiriam P. , Coimbra Elaine S.
Published: August 2012

A series of oxygenated analogues of marine 3‐alkylpyridine alkaloids were synthesized, and their leishmanicidal activity was assayed. All compounds were prepared from 3‐pyridinepropanol in few steps and in good yields. The key step for the synthesis of these compounds was a classic Williamson etherification under phase‐transfer conditions. Besides toxicity in peritoneal macrophages, the compounds exhibited a significant leishmanicidal activity. Of twelve compounds tested, five showed a strong leishmanicidal activity against promastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis and L. braziliensis with IC50 below 10 μm. Compounds 11, 14, 15, and 16 showed a strong leishmanicidal activity on intracellular amastigotes (IC50 values of 2.78; 0.27; 1.03, and 1.33 μm, respectively), which is unlikely to be owing to the activation of nitric oxide production by macrophages.
The 5‐lipoxygenase‐activating protein inhibitor, GSK2190915, attenuates the early and late responses to inhaled allergen in mild asthma
Authors: Kent S. E. , Boyce M. , Diamant Z. , Singh D. , O'Connor B. J. , Saggu P. S. , Norris V.
Published: August 2012

Background

GSK2190915, a potent 5‐lipoxygenase‐activating protein inhibitor, prevents the synthesis of leukotrienes and 5‐oxo‐6,8,11,14‐eicosatetraenoic acid (5‐oxo‐ETE).

Objective

To assess the effect of GSK2190915 on the allergen‐induced asthmatic responses.

Methods

Nineteen eligible male subjects with mild asthma were enrolled in and completed this four‐centre, double‐blind, two‐way crossover study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00748306). Subjects took GSK2190915 100 mg and placebo orally once daily for 5 days in randomized order. On Day 1 and 4 they had a methacholine challenge, on Day 3 they had an inhaled allergen challenge, and on Days 4 and 6 they had sputum induction.

Results

GSK2190915 attenuated the early (0–2 h) and late (4–10 h) asthmatic responses to inhaled allergen compared with placebo. There was a statistically significant attenuation of the early asthmatic response (EAR) by GSK2190915; treatment difference of GSK2190915 vs. placebo for the minimum FEV1 EAR was 0.408 L (0.205, 0.611). There was a statistically significant attenuation of the late asthmatic response (LAR) by GSK2190915; the treatment difference of GSK2190915 vs. placebo for the minimum FEV1 LAR was 0.229 L (0.041, 0.417).

There was a statistically significant attenuation of allergen‐induced sputum eosinophil count on Day 4 following GSK2190915: mean treatment difference (95% CI) between GSK2190915 and placebo was −9.95% (−18.15%, −1.77%). Compared with placebo, GSK2190915 100 mg reduced median sputum LTB4 by > 90% on Days 4 and 6. There was no effect on methacholine PC20 post allergen. GSK2190915 was generally well tolerated.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

GSK2190915 shows potential as a treatment for patients with asthma.
Visual attention to health warnings on plain tobacco packaging in adolescent smokers and non‐smokers
Authors: Maynard Olivia M. , Munafò Marcus R. , Leonards Ute
Published: August 2012

Aims

Previous research with adults indicates that plain packaging increases visual attention to health warnings in adult non‐smokers and weekly smokers, but not daily smokers. The present research extends this study to adolescents aged 14–19 years.

Design

Mixed‐model experimental design, with smoking status as a between‐subjects factor and pack type (branded or plain pack) and eye gaze location (health warning or branding) as within‐subjects factors.

Setting

Three secondary schools in Bristol, UK.

Participants

A convenience sample of adolescents comprising never‐smokers (n = 26), experimenters (n = 34), weekly smokers (n = 13) and daily smokers (n = 14).

Measurements

Number of eye movements to health warnings and branding on plain and branded packs.

Findings

Analysis of variance, irrespective of smoking status revealed more eye movements to health warnings than branding on plain packs, but an equal number of eye movements to both regions on branded packs (P = 0.033). This was observed among experimenters (P < 0.001) and weekly smokers (P = 0.047), but not among never‐smokers or daily smokers.

Conclusion

Among experimenters and weekly smokers, plain packaging increases visual attention to health warnings and away from branding. Daily smokers, even relatively early in their smoking careers, seem to avoid the health warnings on cigarette packs. Adolescent never‐smokers attend the health warnings preferentially on both types of packs, a finding which may reflect their decision not to smoke.
Pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence in the pig of two ivermectin feed formulations
Authors: Lees P. , Cheng Z. , Chambers M. , Speirs G. , Hennessy D. , Abbott E. M.
Published: August 2012

Two premix products containing the endectocide ivermectin were compared for pharmacokinetic profiles and bioequivalence in young pigs. Test and reference articles were administered to individual pigs in‐feed at 12‐h intervals for a total of 14 doses. Plasma concentration–time profiles were compared after provision of the final doses of medicated feed, by which time steady‐state concentrations of ivermectin had been achieved. The pharmacokinetic variables monitored were peak concentration (Cmax), area under the curve (AUC)0–last, elimination half‐life of the terminal phase (T1/2 λz) and average steady‐state concentration (Css), determined by noncompartmental analysis. Logarithmic transformation of the variables was carried out when appropriate. Analysis of data by the Classic Method yielded confidence intervals of 80.59–114.47 (for AUC0–last), 90.38–119.68 (for Cmax) and 84.70–111.96 (for Css). It was concluded that the two articles were bioequivalent for ivermectin.
Influence of sumatriptan on gastric accommodation and on antral contraction in healthy subjects assessed by ultrasonography
Authors: Sekino Y. , Yamada E. , Sakai E. , Ohkubo H. , Higurashi T. , Iida H. , Endo H. , Takahashi H. , Koide T. , Sakamoto Y. , Nonaka T. , Gotoh E. , Maeda S. , Nakajima A. , Inamori M.
Published: August 2012

Background  Oral sumatriptan administration has been reported to delay gastric emptying after liquid meals. The aim of this study was to determine whether delayed gastric emptying is caused by enhanced gastric accommodation, impaired antral contractions, or both using ultrasonography.

Methods  Ten healthy volunteers were enrolled in this randomized two‐way crossover study. After overnight fasting, the subjects received the liquid meal 60 min after ingesting a 50 mg sumatriptan tablet with 50 mL of water or 50 mL of water alone (control). The cross‐sectional area of the proximal stomach was measured in a supine position after every 100 mL. The frequency and amplitude of the antral contractions were measured in a slightly backward sitting position. The intragastric distribution of the liquid meal was assessed by calculating the proximal stomach/distal stomach ratio (prox/distal ratio).

Key Results  The cross‐sectional area after drinking 100, 200, and 300 mL of the liquid meal (oral sumatriptan vs control) was 34.49 vs 15.11 cm2 (P = 0.0051), 48.00 vs 30.61 cm2 (P = 0.0166), and 58.67 vs 47.19 cm2 (P = 0.0125), respectively. There was no significant difference in the amplitude of contractions, contraction cycle, motility index, and prox/distal ratio (97.15 vs 97.93%, P = 0.0745; 19.42 vs 19.5 s, P = 0.8590; and 887.58 vs 889.22, P = 0.5751; 9.75 vs 8.41, P = 0.8785; respectively).

Conclusions & Inferences  Oral sumatriptan administration enhanced gastric accommodation after the ingestion of liquid nutrients, but had no significant effect on antral contractions or intragastric distribution in healthy subjects.
Adjuvant Selection for Vaccination against Murine Schistosomiasis
Authors: El Ridi R. , Tallima H.
Published: August 2012

Schistosoma mansoni cercariae penetrate mouse epidermis, detach the glycocalyx and transform into schistosomula, triggering innate immune responses by host keratinocytes and Langerhans cells. Schistosomula leave the dermis and enter blood capillaries, releasing excretory/secretory products (ESP), which induce readily detectable primary adaptive immunity responses, dominated by T helper (Th) 1 and 17 cytokines. Partial protection against murine schistosomiasis may be achieved using subunit antigens and Th1 cytokine‐inducing adjuvants. Conversely, resistance to primary and/or secondary schistosomiasis in rats, mice and humans is associated with production of Th2 cytokines. Accordingly, we reasoned that effective vaccination against murine primary schistosomiasis might be achieved provided selection of an adjuvant capable of skewing the S. mansoni larval ESP‐mediated Th1/Th17 immune responses towards a Th2 profile. In an aim to select such an adjuvant, we administered the prototypical Th1 and Th2, respectively, C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice with polyinosinic–polycytidylic acid (Poly I/C), peptidoglycan (PGN), or thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) before exposure to S. mansoni cercariae. Serum antibody reactivity and ex vivo spleen cells (SC) immune responses to larval ESP, in a recombinant or multiple antigen peptide form, were assessed 1 week after infection. Injection with Poly I/C failed to increase interleukin (IL)‐4 and led to elevated gamma interferon (IFN‐γ) levels released by unstimulated or ESP‐stimulated SC. Treatment with PGN triggered hightened amounts of IL‐4, IL‐17 and IFN‐γ released by unstimulated or ESP‐stimulated C57BL/6 SC. In contrast, TSLP succeeded in directing the ESP‐mediated immune responses towards a Th2‐biased profile in prototypical Th1 and Th2 mice.
Upper‐crustal extension during oblique collision: the Temsamane extensional detachment (eastern Rif, Morocco)
Authors: Booth‐Rea Guillermo , Jabaloy‐Sánchez Antonio , Azdimousa Ali , Asebriy Lahcen , Vílchez Mercedes Vázquez , Martínez‐Martínez José Miguel
Published: August 2012

Terra Nova, 24, 505–512, 2012

The subducted North Maghrebian passive margin was exhumed in the Tortonian (11–7 Ma) by an upper‐crustal brittle‐ductile extensional detachment and brittle low‐angle normal faults in a continental subduction transform setting. The Temsamane detachment in the eastern Rif is defined by a ductile shear zone approximately 100‐m thick with a low‐angle ramp geometry that cuts down into the Temsamane fold‐nappe stack. The shear zone shows south‐westward kinematics and separates lower‐greenschist (≈400 °C) metapelites of the Temsamane units below from the anchizone and diagenetic rocks (<300–200 °C) of the Ketama‐Aknoul units above. To the east, the detachment becomes brittle, branching into a listric‐fan that cuts through 10–6 Ma sediments and volcanoclastics in the Tres Forcas cape. Both the North Maghrebian and the South Iberian subducted passive margins were exhumed in the Betic and Rif branches of the Gibraltar arc by SW‐directed brittle‐ductile detachments during the late Miocene in an oblique collisional setting.
Identification of marneral synthase, which is critical for growth and development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Go Young S. , Lee Saet B. , Kim Hae J. , Kim Jungmook , Park Hyo‐Young , Kim Jeong‐Kook , Shibata Kyomi , Yokota Takao , Ohyama Kiyoshi , Muranaka Toshiya , Arseniyadis Siméon , Suh Mi C.
Published: August 2012

Plants produce structurally diverse triterpenoids, which are important for their life and survival. Most triterpenoids and sterols share a common biosynthetic intermediate, 2,3‐oxidosqualene (OS), which is cyclized by 2,3‐oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC). To investigate the role of an OSC, marneral synthase 1 (MRN1), in planta, we characterized a Arabidopsis mrn1 knock‐out mutant displaying round‐shaped leaves, late flowering, and delayed embryogenesis. Reduced growth of mrn1 was caused by inhibition of cell expansion and elongation. Marnerol, a reduced form of marneral, was detected in Arabidopsis overexpressing MRN1, but not in the wild type or mrn1. Alterations in the levels of sterols and triterpenols and defects in membrane integrity and permeability were observed in the mrn1. In addition, GUS expression, under the control of the MRN1 gene promoter, was specifically detected in shoot and root apical meristems, which are responsible for primary growth, and the mRNA expression of Arabidopsis clade II OSCs was preferentially observed in roots and siliques containing developing seeds. The eGFP:MRN1 was localized to the endoplasmic reticulum in tobacco protoplasts. Taken together, this report provides evidence that the unusual triterpenoid pathway via marneral synthase is important for the growth and development of Arabidopsis.
Drosophila as a tool for studying the conserved genetics of pain
Authors: Milinkeviciute G , Gentile C , Neely G Gregory
Published: August 2012

Survival of all animals depends on an accurate representation of the world, and an organism must be capable of prioritizing and responding to potentially hazardous conditions. This ability is dependent on nociception, the sensory process allowing animals to detect and avoid potentially harmful stimuli. Nociception is the sensory process that results in the subjective experience of ‘pain’ in humans. Because of its vital and broad role in animal biology, pain/nociception is a complex, whole‐body physiological process that is under stringent evolutionary pressure. Here, we discuss the utility of Drosophila melanogaster as an emerging model organism for studying the conserved genetics of nociception, particularly with respect to recently developed high‐throughput Drosophila ‘pain’ paradigms.
Population genetic structure of the tropical moss Acanthorrhynchium papillatum as measured with microsatellite markers
Authors: Leonardía A. A. P. , Tan B. C. , Kumar P. P.
Published: August 2012

Mosses and other bryophytes are vital components of forests, because they sustain a tremendous diversity of invertebrates and influence significant ecological functions. There have been few studies on moss population diversity in Southeast Asia, despite the escalating deforestation in this region of rich biodiversity. The genetic diversity of the tropical moss Acanthorrhynchium papillatum (Harv.) Fleisch., collected from forested areas in Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia, was elucidated using eight microsatellite markers developed for this species. Significant levels of allelic and haplotypic diversity were observed among clumps of the moss. Differences in allelic richness and genotypic diversity among the populations were higher in less disturbed forests compared to the more disturbed areas, suggesting that genetic diversity is affected by habitat quality. Genetic diversity levels within the clumps studied were low, indicating that vegetative reproduction was more important within clumps than sexual reproduction. However, multilocus genotypes of samples within the clumps studied were not all alike, providing evidence of microsatellite mutation or of occasional sexuality. Despite the isolation of populations, A. papillatum can introduce genetic variability by mutation among vegetatively propagated individuals. This study provides baseline information on the genetic diversity of A. papillatum tropical rain forests.
Local plant density, pollination and trait–fitness relationships in a perennial herb
Authors: Weber A. , Kolb A.
Published: August 2012

Both differences in local plant density and phenotypic traits may affect pollination and plant reproduction, but little is known about how density affects trait–fitness relationships via changes in pollinator activity. In this study we examined how plant density and traits interact to determine pollinator behaviour and female reproductive success in the self‐incompatible, perennial herb Phyteuma spicatum. Specifically, we hypothesised that limited pollination service in more isolated plants would lead to increased selection for traits that attract pollinators. We conducted pollinator observations and assessed trait–fitness relationships in a natural population, whose individuals were surrounded by a variable number of inflorescences. Both local plant density and plant phenotypic traits affected pollinator foraging behaviour. At low densities, pollinator visitation rates were low, but increased with increasing inflorescence size, while this relationship disappeared at high densities, where visitation rates were higher. Plant fitness, in terms of seed production per plant and per capsule, was related to both floral display size and flowering time. Seed production increased with increasing inflorescence size and was highest at peak flowering. However, trait–fitness relationships were not density‐dependent, and differences in seed production did not appear to be related to differences in pollination. The reasons for this remain unclear, and additional studies are needed to fully understand and explain the observed patterns.
Biochemical response and induced resistance against anthracnose (Colletotrichum camelliae) of camellia (Camellia pitardii) by chitosan oligosaccharide application
Authors: Li S.‐j. , Zhu T.‐h.
Published: August 2012

This study demonstrated that disease resistance against anthracnose (caused by Colletotrichum camelliae) in camellia (Camellia pitardii) could be induced by chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) applied to leaves at 50 µg/ml. The induced resistance lasted for 10–15 days, with the optimum induced effect against anthracnose occurring by the third day. Following treatment with C. camelliae alone, COS alone and C. camelliae and COS combined, camellia plants showed different responses, which included the activity of H2O2, the defence‐related enzymes, such as polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, catalase, phenylalanine ammonialyase, and concentration of soluble proteins. Plants that received COS treatments consistently had higher levels of biochemical activity than plants not treated with COS. Assessment of anthracnose severity on infected plants, as evidenced by reduced lesions on leaves, indicated that COS‐induced camellia plants had significantly lower disease ratings. To our knowledge, we are first to report the inducement by COS on camellia against anthracnose.
The response of genetically distinct bread wheat genotypes to salinity stress
Authors: Ali Zulfiqar , Salam Abdus , Azhar Faqir Muhammad , Khan Iftikhar Ahmad , Khan Asif Ali , Bahadur Sultan , Mahmood Tariq , Ahmad Ashfaq , Trethowan Richard
Published: August 2012

With 4 figures and 3 tables

Soil salinity reduces crop yield in many areas of the world. Ninety‐eight hexaploid wheat inbreds differing in geographic origin and belonging to six diverse adaptation groups were studied in control, EC‐10 and EC‐15 dS/m treatments to evaluate variability for salt tolerance and to assess the usefulness of early growth stage salinity assessment in the determination of adult plant salinity response. Significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) were observed among the 98 inbreds, three NaCl treatments and their interactions for relative growth rate (RGR), biomass, fertile tillers, grains/spike, 100‐grain weight and grain yield. A range of responses were observed with an increasing salinity for most characters among the inbreds tested. The three evaluation systems (solution culture, raised beds in the field with added salt, naturally saline field conditions) were effective in assessing variability for salt tolerance in wheat germplasm. Assessment of salinity tolerance at the seedling stage correlated well with adult plant response under field conditions, and several highly stable sources of salinity tolerance were identified.
Successful closing of duodenal ulcer after endoscopic submucosal dissection with over‐the‐scope clip to prevent delayed perforation
Authors: Mori Hirohito , Shintaro Fujihara , Kobara Hideki , Nishiyama Noriko , Rafiq Kazi , Kobayashi Mitsuyoshi , Nakatsu Toshiaki , Miichi Noboru , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Masaki Tsutomu
Published: August 2012

Closure of post‐endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) duodenal artificial ulcer is not common in the clinical setting. We consider that post‐ESD ulcer closure by an over‐the‐scope‐clip (OTSC) method is one of the most effective ways to prevent delayed perforation. We report here two cases of mucosal duodenal cancer in a 65‐year‐old woman and in a 78‐year‐old man. Pathological examinations of the resected specimens revealed well‐differentiated adenocarcinomas. In these two clinical cases, we successfully carried out complete closures of post‐ESD duodenal ulcer using OTSC without any complications.
Ways of regulating one's drinking: A factor analysis of a Finnish general population sample
Authors: Huhtanen Petri , Raitasalo Kirsimarja
Published: August 2012

Introduction and Aims

This article studies the various ways of regulating drinking used by Finns and how these vary between men and women, and in different groups of age, educational attainment and alcohol consumption.

Design and Methods

The data consist of a cross‐section of survey data collected in Finland in 2005. The response rate was 53%. The analysis was restricted to respondents who had used alcohol in the last 12 months and were between 15 and 71 years of age (n = 1013). A factor analysis was performed to discover underlying dimensions in the ways of regulation. In order to study the relationship between the ways of regulation and drinking habits, correlations and regression analyses were used.

Results

The ways of regulating one's drinking extracted to three factors which were named self‐control, social control and external control. Self‐control was the most common way of regulation. Stronger reliance on external control of drinking increased the probability of heavy alcohol use.

Discussion and conclusions

These survey results indicate that external control of drinking, for example the restriction of availability of alcohol, could have a greater impact on heavy drinking than on moderate drinking.