bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient and Cardiologist Perceptions on Decision Making for Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillators: A Qualitative Study
Authors: MATLOCK DAN D. , NOWELS CAROLYN T. , MASOUDI FREDERICK A. , SAUER WILLIAM H. , BEKELMAN DAVID B. , MAIN DEBORAH S. , KUTNER JEAN S.
Published: October 2011

Background:
 Although implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs) reduce mortality in selected patients, they are also associated with potential risks. Periprocedural decision making requires understanding both benefits and risks.

Methods:
 This qualitative study aims to understand cardiologists’ and patients’ perspectives about decision making surrounding ICD implantation using semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews. We interviewed 11 cardiologists (including four electrophysiologists) and 20 patients (14 with ICDs; six who declined ICDs). The data were analyzed through the theoretical lens of patient‐centered care using the constant comparative method.

Results:
 Cardiologists emphasized the benefits of ICD therapy but varied substantially in the extent to which they emphasized the various risks associated with ICD implantation with patients. Cardiologists indicated that they were influenced by the benefits of therapy as presented in published guidelines. Many patients who chose to receive an ICD indicated that they followed the advice of their physician without questioning the risks and benefits of the device. Some ICD recipients described not learning many of the risks until after device implantation or when they experienced these side effects. Patients who declined ICD implantation were concerned that the ICD was unnecessary or believed that the risks related to sudden death without an ICD did not apply to them. Only one patient considered the trade‐off between dying quickly versus living longer with progressive heart failure.

Conclusions:
 In our sample, cardiologists’ desire to adhere to published guidelines appears to inhibit shared decision making. The marked variability in the discussions surrounding ICD decisions highlights a need for an improved process of ICD decision making. (PACE 2011; 34:1634–1644)
TNF‐α inhibits aquaporin 5 expression in human salivary gland acinar cells via suppression of histone H4 acetylation
Authors: Yamamura Yoshiko , Motegi Katsumi , Kani Kouichi , Takano Hideyuki , Momota Yukihiro , Aota Keiko , Yamanoi Tomoko , Azuma Masayuki
Published: October 2011

Sjögren's syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by reductions in salivary and lacrimal secretions. The mechanisms underlying these reductions remain unclear. We have previously shown that TNF‐α plays an important role in the destruction of acinar structures. Here we examined TNF‐α's function in the expression of aquaporin (AQP) 5 in human salivary gland acinar cells. Immortalized human salivary gland acinar (NS‐SV‐AC) cells were treated with TNF‐α, and then the expression levels of AQP5 mRNA and protein were analysed. In addition, the mechanisms underlying the reduction of AQP5 expression by TNF‐α treatment were investigated. TNF‐α‐treatment of NS‐SV‐AC cells significantly suppressed the expression levels of AQP5 mRNA and protein, and reduced the net fluid secretion rate. We examined the expression and activation levels of DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts) in NS‐SV‐AC cells treated with TNF‐α. However, no significant changes were observed in the expression or activation levels of Dnmt1, Dnmt3a or Dnmt3b. Although we also investigated the role of NF‐κB activity in the TNF‐α‐induced suppression of AQP5 expression in NS‐SV‐AC cells, we detected similar TNF‐α suppression of AQP5 expression in non‐transfected cells and in a super‐repressor form of IκBα cDNA‐transfected cell clones. However, interestingly, chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated a remarkable decrease in levels of acetylated histone H4 associated with the AQP5 gene promoter after treatment with TNF‐α in NS‐SV‐AC cells. Therefore, our results may indicate that TNF‐α inhibition of AQP5 expression in human salivary gland acinar cells is due to the epigenetic mechanism by suppression of acetylation of histone H4.
Long‐term effectiveness of secondary prevention in geriatric nurses with occupational hand eczema: the challenge of a controlled study design
Authors: Wilke Annika , Gediga Kathrin , Weinhöppel Ulrike , John Swen Malte , Wulfhorst Britta
Published: October 2011

Background. The high prevalence of occupational dermatoses indicates the need for effective and sustainable prevention strategies.

Objectives. To evaluate the long‐term effectiveness of secondary prevention in geriatric nurses.

Patients/Methods. One hundred and two geriatric nurses with occupational hand eczema participated in an interdisciplinary prevention programme [intervention group (IG)]. Members of the control group (CG) (n = 107) were medically treated by local dermatologists. Six years after intervention (T2), data on job continuation, skin lesions and skin protection behaviour were obtained by standardized questionnaires and compared with baseline values (T0) and data from a 3‐month follow‐up (T1).

Results. At T2, 65.3% of the IG and 56.8% of the CG still worked as geriatric nurses; 6.9% of the IG and 13.6% of the CG had given up work because of occupational hand eczema. The skin status improved in both cohorts. The data indicated a lower frequency of skin lesions and morphological signs in the IG, for example vesicles (IG, 12.8%; CG, 40.0%; χ2 = 7.00, degrees of freedom = 1, p = 0.008).

Conclusions. The results indicate long‐term effects regarding job continuation and disease severity, although few results showed statistical significance. It is outlined that controlled long‐term studies aiming at proving the general effectiveness of secondary prevention are no longer feasible in Germany, as the statutory accident insurance has led to a legal entitlement of all patients affected by occupational hand eczema to immediate preventive intervention.
Microbiology of the skin and the role of biofilms in infection
Authors: Percival Steven L , Emanuel Charlotte , Cutting Keith F , Williams David W
Published: October 2011

The integrity of human skin is central to the prevention of infection. Acute and chronic wounds can develop when the integrity of skin as a barrier to infection is disrupted. As a multi‐functional organ, skin possesses important biochemical and physical properties that influence its microbiology. These properties include a slightly acidic pH, a low moisture content, a high lipid content (which results in increased hydrophobicity) and the presence of antimicrobial peptides. Such factors have a role to play in preventing exogenous microbial colonisation and subsequent infection. In addition, the properties of skin both select for and enhance colonisation and biofilm formation by certain ‘beneficial’ micro‐organisms. These beneficial micro‐organisms can provide further protection against colonisation by potential pathogens, a process known as colonisation resistance. The aim of this paper is to summarise the microflora of skin and wounds, highlighting the role of certain micro‐organisms and biofilms in associated infections.
CONSUMER ATTITUDES AND EXPECTATIONS OF GINSENG FOOD PRODUCTS ASSESSED BY FOCUS GROUPS AND CONJOINT ANALYSIS
Authors: CHUNG HEE SOOK , HONG HEE‐DO , KIM KYUNGTACK , CHO CHANG‐WON , MOSKOWITZ HOWARD R. , LEE SOO‐YEUN
Published: October 2011

Ginseng food products in the U.S.A. have mostly been limited to beverages despite the growth of functional foods market. The objectives of the study were to: (1) probe consumer attitudes and expectations of ginseng food products in the U.S.A., and (2) identify ginseng food product concept(s) that possess market potential in the U.S.A. Focus group panel (n = 14) experienced limited types of ginseng food products from the Asian market and suggested that new ginseng food products be developed on the basis of preexisting product types in the U.S.A. Conjoint analysis (n = 400) was performed with four categories and five elements from each category, which were generated based on findings from preceding focus groups. Participants had a low level of initial interest in ginseng food products. “Sweetness” and “ginseng chocolate” had the highest utility values. Findings suggested that the original ginseng flavors, including bitterness and earthiness, be minimized in order to establish potential for success in the U.S. market.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This present work demonstrates consumers' insights and expectations of ginseng food products as well as ginseng food product concepts that drive consumers' interests, which have not been extensively researched in the U.S.A. Moreover, findings from the study demonstrate U.S. consumers' knowledge and insights of ginseng and its health effects. These will help food manufacturers understand the consumers who are latent in purchasing ginseng food products in the market and develop ginseng food products that will ensure their success in the U.S. market. Segmentation of consumers based on the pattern of their responses to the concept elements will be beneficial for food‐marketing experts to establish marketing strategies. New ginseng food products where the findings from the study are applied are expected to increase consumers' intent to purchase the products, which have been known as containing numerous bioactive compounds.
DO THE MATERIAL PROPERTIES OF CUTLERY AFFECT THE PERCEPTION OF THE FOOD YOU EAT? AN EXPLORATORY STUDY
Authors: PIQUERAS‐FISZMAN BETINA , SPENCE CHARLES
Published: October 2011

Our perception of food depends both on the contextual conditions in which it is presented and on the way the food is consumed; hence, the current trend toward investigating these contextual variables in empirical research. In most meal situations, people interact with the food that they consume by means of a variety of accessories, such as dishes and cutlery that fulfill the consumers' functional requirements. However, despite the important role that these accessory stimuli play during the consumption of food, little research has been carried out in order to investigate how they may affect food perception. The present preliminary study was therefore undertaken in order to explore how the cutlery, specifically two teaspoons (a plastic one with metallic finish and a stainless steel one), affected consumers' sensory and hedonic perception of yoghurt. Consumers' quality and liking judgments concerning identical yoghurt samples differed significantly when tasted either with a metallic plastic spoon or else with a stainless steel spoon, the latter resulting in significantly higher scores.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

These results contribute to our knowledge of how contextual variables affect a consumer's perception of food. These findings open up new research directions emphasizing the potential importance of the properties of cutlery and its influence on consumers' perception of food. These results are relevant to product development and to caterers and restaurateurs because different dishes (i.e., foodstuffs/flavors) could be matched with different types of cutlery in order to increase convenience and, at the same, time potentially enhance the consumers' eating experience.
The Protection of Geographical Indications in Pakistan: Implementation of the TRIPS Agreement
Authors: Ali Muhammad Hamid
Published: October 2011

Geographical indications (GIs) have assumed greater importance in terms of juridical development and economic diplomacy with their inclusion in Trade‐Related Intellectual Property Agreement (TRIPS) of World Trade Organization (WTO). Its importance for older economies and countries with strong agricultural base has become manifold. In this paper, I have analysed the implementation of GI provisions of TRIPS Agreement in Pakistan where agriculture is a major chunk of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Although there are hundreds of GIs in Pakistan, like India, yet paradoxically there is not a single registration of GIs under the prevailing legal setup. Hence inadequacies are examined, which hamper the development of GIs legal regime in Pakistan. Comparative examples have been taken with regard to the development of the Sui Generis Law of GIs in India and GI Regulations of European Union (EU). I have also analysed the potential of GIs in Pakistan and the economic aspect of GIs with respect to its correlation with development. At the end, I have discussed the challenges, the role of the State and way forward.
Evolution of Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Clarke Ian N.
Published: October 2011

We know surprisingly little about the evolutionary origins of Chlamydia trachomatis. It causes both ocular (trachoma) and sexually transmitted infections in humans, it is an obligate intracellular pathogen, and there are only a few “isolates” that have been well characterized. From the first few genomes analyzed, it seems that the C. trachomatis genome is highly conserved. The genomes possess high synteny and, in some cases, the sequence variation between genomes is as little as 20 SNPs. Recent indications from partial genome analyses suggest that recombination is the mechanism for generating diversity. There is no accurate molecular clock by which to measure the evolution of C. trachomatis. The origins of both sexually transmitted and ocular C. trachomatis are unclear, but it seems likely that they evolved with humans and shared a common ancestor with environmental chlamydiae some 700 million years ago. Subsequently, evolution within mammalian cells has been accompanied by radical reduction in the C. trachomatis genome.
Visual field progression outcomes in glaucoma subtypes
Authors: De Moraes Carlos Gustavo , Liebmann Jeffrey M. , Liebmann Craig A. , Susanna Remo , Tello Celso , Ritch Robert
Published: October 2011

Purpose:  To determine whether glaucoma subtype is an independent risk factor for visual field (VF) progression.

Methods:  We reviewed the charts of glaucoma suspects and glaucoma patients seen in a referral practice between 1999 and 2009. Automated pointwise linear regression analysis determined the rates of VF change. A progression endpoint was determined when two or more adjacent test locations in the same hemifield showed a threshold sensitivity decline at a rate of ≥1.0 dB/year with p < 0.01.

Results:  We included 841 eyes (841 patients; mean age, 64.1 ± 12.6 years; mean number of VF tests, 10.8 ± 2.8; mean follow‐up, 6.4 ± 1.7 years). The glaucomatous group consisted of angle‐closure glaucoma (76 eyes), juvenile primary open‐angle glaucoma (37 eyes), normal‐tension glaucoma (81 eyes), pigmentary glaucoma (34 eyes), primary open‐angle glaucoma (275 eyes) and exfoliative glaucoma (XFG, 84 eyes). Normal‐tension glaucoma eyes were more likely to present with beta‐zone parapapillary atrophy and disc haemorrhage (p < 0.01). Exfoliative glaucoma eyes had the fastest rates of global VF change (−0.65 dB/year), as well as the highest mean, fluctuation, and peak intraocular pressure during follow‐up (16.5, 3.0 and 22.0 mmHg, respectively) and reached a progression endpoint more frequently (40%). After adjusting for all covariates, including the glaucoma phenotype, there was no difference among groups regarding global rates of VF change and the risk of reaching a progression endpoint.

Conclusions:  Despite different clinical features, epidemiology and genetics, glaucoma phenotype is not an independent risk factor for VF progression. Rather, variations in well‐known, reported risk factors remain important disease parameters that affect progression.
A Computational and Cellular Solids Approach to the Stiffness-Based Design of Bone Scaffolds
Authors: Norato J.A. , Wagoner Johnson A. J.
Published: October 2011

We derive a cellular solids approach to the design of bone scaffolds for stiffness and pore size. Specifically, we focus on scaffolds made of stacked, alternating, orthogonal layers of hydroxyapatite rods, such as those obtained via micro-robotic deposition, and aim to determine the rod diameter, spacing and overlap required to obtain specified elastic moduli and pore size. To validate and calibrate the cellular solids model, we employ a finite element model and determine the effective scaffold moduli via numerical homogenization. In order to perform an efficient, automated execution of the numerical studies, we employ a geometry projection method so that analyses corresponding to different scaffold dimensions can be performed on a fixed, non-conforming mesh. Based on the developed model, we provide design charts to aid in the selection of rod diameter, spacing and overlap to be used in the robotic deposition to attain desired elastic moduli and pore size.
Analysis of Forced Convection in a Circular Tube Filled With a Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer Porous Medium Using Spectral Homotopy Analysis Method
Authors: Rassoulinejad-Mousavi Seyed Moein , Abbasbandy Saeid
Published: October 2011

This paper provides a fresh analytical solution for fully developed forced convection through a Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer porous medium imbedded inside a circular tube, with imposed uniform heat flux at walls. A spectral homotopy analysis method is applied to present a solution which spans a wide range of the main parameters (the Darcy number (Da), viscosity ratio (M), and Forchheimer number (F)). The analytical results are compared with data available in the literature, and excellent agreement is found. The paper is capable of addressing the problem in a general porous medium for which both inertial and boundary-friction effects affect the flow and heat transfer physics. In order to serve this aim, the influence of Da, M, and F on the dimensionless velocity and temperature profiles, as well as Nusselt number, are investigated.
A Theoretical Description of a Dilute Emulsion of Very Viscous Drops Undergoing Unsteady Simple Shear
Authors: Oliveira T. F. , Cunha F.R.
Published: October 2011

This theoretical work shows how the knowledge of the emulsion microscale, including drop stretching and orientation leads to a continuum description of emulsion flows. A first order small deformation theory is explored for describing the rheology of an emulsion of high viscosity drops undergoing unsteady shear flows. The stationary shape and the interfacial velocity of a drop are used in order to obtain the contribution of the drop to the effective stress tensor of the emulsion. A complex rheology including the nonlinear frequency response of the emulsion under oscillatory shear at arbitrary frequency forcing and strain amplitude is identified.
The Effect of Boundary Condition on the Biomechanics of a Human Pelvic Joint Under an Axial Compressive Load: A Three-Dimensional Finite Element Model
Authors: Hao Zhixiu , Wan Chao , Gao Xiangfei , Ji Tao
Published: October 2011

The finite element (FE) model of the pelvic joint is helpful for clinical diagnosis and treatment of pelvic injuries. However, the effect of an FE model boundary condition on the biomechanical behavior of a pelvic joint has not been well studied. The objective of this study was to study the effect of boundary condition on the pelvic biomechanics predictions. A 3D FE model of a pelvis using subject-specific estimates of intact bone structures, main ligaments and bone material anisotropy by computed tomography (CT) gray value was developed and validated by bone surface strains obtained from rosette strain gauges in an in vitro pelvic experiment. Then three FE pelvic models were constructed to analyze the effect of boundary condition, corresponding to an intact pelvic joint, a pelvic joint without sacroiliac ligaments and a pelvic joint without proximal femurs, respectively. Vertical load was applied to the same pelvis with a fixed prosthetic femoral stem and the same load was simulated in the FE model. A strong correlation coefficient (R2=0.9657) was calculated, which indicated a strong correlation between the FE analysis and experimental results. The effect of boundary condition changes on the biomechanical response depended on the anatomical location and structure of the pelvic joint. It was found that acetabulum fixed in all directions with the femur removed can increase the stress distribution on the acetabular inner plate (approximately double the original values) and decrease that on the superior of pubis (from 7 MPa to 0.6 MPa). Taking sacrum and ilium as a whole, instead of sacroiliac and iliolumber ligaments, can influence the stress distribution on ilium and pubis bone vastly. These findings suggest pelvic biomechanics is very dependent on the boundary condition in the FE model.
Calibration of Hyperelastic Material Properties of the Human Lumbar Intervertebral Disc under Fast Dynamic Compressive Loads
Authors: Wagnac Eric , Arnoux Pierre-Jean , Garo Anaïs , El-Rich Marwan , Aubin Carl-Eric
Published: October 2011

Under fast dynamic loading conditions (e.g. high-energy impact), the load rate dependency of the intervertebral disc (IVD) material properties may play a crucial role in the biomechanics of spinal trauma. However, most finite element models (FEM) of dynamic spinal trauma uses material properties derived from quasi-static experiments, thus neglecting this load rate dependency. The aim of this study was to identify hyperelastic material properties that ensure a more biofidelic simulation of the IVD under a fast dynamic compressive load. A hyperelastic material law based on a first-order Mooney-Rivlin formulation was implemented in a detailed FEM of a L2-L3 functional spinal unit (FSU) to represent the mechanical behavior of the IVD. Bony structures were modeled using an elasto-plastic Johnson-Cook material law that simulates bone fracture while ligaments were governed by a viscoelastic material law. To mimic experimental studies performed in fast dynamic compression, a compressive loading velocity of 1 m/s was applied to the superior half of L2, while the inferior half of L3 was fixed. An exploratory technique was used to simulate dynamic compression of the FSU using 34 sets of hyperelastic material constants randomly selected using an optimal Latin hypercube algorithm and a set of material constants derived from quasi-static experiments. Selection or rejection of the sets of material constants was based on compressive stiffness and failure parameters criteria measured experimentally. The two simulations performed with calibrated hyperelastic constants resulted in nonlinear load-displacement curves with compressive stiffness (7335 and 7079 N/mm), load (12,488 and 12,473 N), displacement (1.95 and 2.09 mm) and energy at failure (13.5 and 14.7 J) in agreement with experimental results (6551 ± 2017 N/mm, 12,411 ± 829 N, 2.1 ± 0.2 mm and 13.0 ± 1.5 J respectively). The fracture pattern and location also agreed with experimental results. The simulation performed with constants derived from quasi-static experiments showed a failure energy (13.2 J) and a fracture pattern and location in agreement with experimental results, but a compressive stiffness (1580 N/mm), a failure load (5976 N) and a displacement to failure (4.8 mm) outside the experimental corridors. The proposed method offers an innovative way to calibrate the hyperelastic material properties of the IVD and to offer a more realistic simulation of the FSU in fast dynamic compression.
Calcium in Color
Authors: Vinson Valda K.
Published: October 2011

Directed protein evolution provides a series of fluorescent protein–based indicators for multicolor Ca
2+
imaging.
Go Against the Flow
Authors: Mueller Kristen L.
Published: October 2011

A molecular mechanism that allows lymphocytes to migrate against a chemokine gradient is revealed.
Survival and Death Signals Can Predict Tumor Response to Therapy After Oncogene Inactivation
Authors: Tran Phuoc T. , Bendapudi Pavan K. , Lin H. Jill , Choi Peter , Koh Shan , Chen Joy , Horng George , Hughes Nicholas P. , Schwartz Lawrence H. , Miller Vincent A. , Kawashima Toshiyuki , Kitamura Toshio , Paik David , Felsher Dean W.
Published: October 2011

Modeling survival and death signaling in tumors by combining quantitative imaging and in situ biomarker analysis can be used to predict responses to therapy after oncogene inactivation.
Increased Gene Dosage of
Ube3a
Results in Autism Traits and Decreased Glutamate Synaptic Transmission in Mice
Authors: Smith Stephen E. P. , Zhou Yu-Dong , Zhang Guangping , Jin Zhe , Stoppel David C. , Anderson Matthew P.
Published: October 2011

Tripling the dosage of an autism- and Angelman syndrome–related gene in mice results in reduced glutamatergic synaptic transmission and autism behavioral traits.
Striking a Balance Between Feasible and Realistic Biological Models
Authors: Califano Andrea
Published: October 2011

A simple yet elegant quantitative modeling of oncogene addiction advances our
predictive understanding of this physiological phenomenon.
Sporothrix schenckii and Sporotrichosis
Authors: Barros Mônica Bastos de Lima , de Almeida Paes Rodrigo , Schubach Armando Oliveira
Published: October 2011

Sporotrichosis, which is caused by the dimorphic fungusSporothrix schenckii, is currently distributed throughout the world, especially in tropical and subtropical zones. Infection generally occurs by traumatic inoculation of soil, plants, and organic matter contaminated with the fungus. Certain leisure and occupational activities, such as floriculture, agriculture, mining, and wood exploitation, are traditionally associated with the mycosis. Zoonotic transmission has been described in isolated cases or in small outbreaks. Since the end of the 1990s there has been an epidemic of sporotrichosis associated with transmission by cats in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. More than 2,000 human cases and 3,000 animal cases have been reported. In humans, the lesions are usually restricted to the skin, subcutaneous cellular tissue, and adjacent lymphatic vessels. In cats, the disease can evolve with severe clinical manifestations and frequent systemic involvement. The gold standard for sporotrichosis diagnosis is culture. However, serological, histopathological, and molecular approaches have been recently adopted as auxiliary tools for the diagnosis of this mycotic infection. The first-choice treatment for both humans and cats is itraconazole.
Human Metapneumovirus: Lessons Learned over the First Decade
Authors: Schildgen Verena , van den Hoogen Bernadette , Fouchier Ron , Tripp Ralph A. , Alvarez Rene , Manoha Catherine , Williams John , Schildgen Oliver
Published: October 2011

It has been 10 years since human metapneumovirus (HMPV) was identified as a causative agent of respiratory illness in humans. Since then, numerous studies have contributed to a substantial body of knowledge on many aspects of HMPV. This review summarizes our current knowledge on HMPV, HMPV disease pathogenesis, and disease intervention strategies and identifies a number of areas with key questions to be addressed in the future.
Sex chromosome polymorphisms in Arctic charr and their evolutionary origins
Authors: Küttner Eva , Nilsson Jan , Skúlason Skúli , Gunnarsson Snorri , Ferguson Moira M. , Danzmann Roy G.
Published: October 2011

Current data on the Y-specific sex-determining region of salmonid fishes from genera Salvelinus , Salmo , and Oncorhynchus indicate variable polymorphisms in the homologous chromosomal locations of the sex-specific determining region. In the majority of the Atlantic lineage Arctic charr, including populations from the Fraser River, in Labrador Canada, as well as Swedish and Norwegian strains, the sex-determining locus maps to linkage group AC-4. Previously, sex-linked polymorphisms (i.e., variation in the associated sex-linked markers on AC-4) have been described in Arctic charr. Here, we report further evidence for intraspecific sex linkage group polymorphisms in Arctic charr (i.e., the detection of the SEX locus on either the AC-1 or AC-21 linkage group) and a possible conservation of a sex linkage arrangement in Icelandic Arctic charr and Atlantic salmon, involving sex-linked markers on the AC-1/21 homeologs and the European AS-1/6 homeologous linkage groups in Atlantic salmon. The evolutionary origins for the multiple sex-determining regions within the salmonid family are discussed. We also relate the variable sex-determining regions in salmonids to their ancestral proto-teleost karyotypic origins and compare these findings with what has been observed in other teleost species in general.
Characterization of a new 4BS.7HL wheat–barley translocation line using GISH, FISH, and SSR markers and its effect on the β-glucan content of wheat
Authors: Cseh A. , Kruppa K. , Molnár I. , Rakszegi M. , Doležel J. , Molnár-Láng M.
Published: October 2011

A spontaneous interspecific Robertsonian translocation was revealed by genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) in the progenies of a monosomic 7H addition line originating from a new wheat ‘Asakaze komugi’ × barley ‘Manas’ hybrid. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with repetitive DNA sequences (Afa family, pSc119.2, and pTa71) allowed identification of all wheat chromosomes, including wheat chromosome arm 4BS involved in the translocation. FISH using barley telomere- and centromere-specific repetitive DNA probes (HvT01 and (AGGGAG)n) confirmed that one of the arms of barley chromosome 7H was involved in the translocation. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers specific to the long (L) and short (S) arms of barley chromosome 7H identified the translocated chromosome segment as 7HL. Further analysis of the translocation chromosome clarified the physical position of genetically mapped SSRs within 7H, with a special focus on its centromeric region. The presence of the HvCslF6 gene, responsible for (1,3;1,4)-β-d-glucan production, was revealed in the centromeric region of 7HL. An increased (1,3;1,4)-β-d-glucan level was also detected in the translocation line, demonstrating that the HvCslF6 gene is of potential relevance for the manipulation of wheat (1,3;1,4)-β-d-glucan levels.
A bacterial artificial chromosome library for ‘Jefferson’ hazelnut and identification of clones associated with eastern filbert blight resistance and pollen–stigma incompatibility
Authors: Sathuvalli Vidyasagar R. , Mehlenbacher Shawn A.
Published: October 2011

European hazelnut ( Corylus avellana L.) is the only economically important nut crop in the family Betulaceae. Because of its small genome size (~385 Mb / 1C), relatively short life cycle, availability of a dense linkage map, and amenability to transformation by Agrobacterium, the European hazelnut could serve as a model plant for the Betulaceae. Here we report the construction of a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library for ‘Jefferson’ hazelnut using the cloning enzyme MboI and the vector pECBAC1 (BamHI site). The library consists of 39 936 clones arrayed in 104 384-well microtitre plates with a mean insert size of 117 kb. The genomic coverage of the library is estimated to be about 12 genome equivalents. This library provides a valuable resource for the map-based cloning of two important genes, the resistance gene from ‘Gasaway’ that confers resistance to eastern filbert blight caused by the fungus Anisogramma anomala (Peck) E. Müller and the S locus that controls pollen–stigma incompatibility. Fine-resolution mapping near the two loci was carried out using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Fine mapping at the disease resistance locus showed that markers W07-375 and X01-825 flanked the resistance locus at distances of 0.06 and 0.05 cM, respectively. The S locus is flanked by markers 204-950 and KG819-200 at distances of 0.14 and 0.24 cM, respectively. Assuming that 1 cM corresponds to a physical distance of 430 kb, it will take approximately two to three chromosome walks to assemble BAC contigs that span both loci.
Development of a set of compensating Triticum aestivum – Dasypyrum villosum Robertsonian translocation lines
Authors: Liu Cheng , Qi Lili , Liu Wenxuan , Zhao Wanchun , Wilson Jamie , Friebe Bernd , Gill Bikram S.
Published: October 2011

Dasypyrum villosum (L.) Candargy, a wild relative of bread wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.), is the source of many agronomically important genes for wheat improvement. Production of compensating Robertsonian translocations (cRobTs), consisting of D. villosum chromosome arms translocated to homoeologous wheat chromosome arms, is one of the initial steps in exploiting this variation. The cRobTs for D. villosum chromosomes 1V, 4V, and 6V have been reported previously. Here we report attempted cRobTs for wheat – D. villosum chromosome combinations 2D/2V, 3D/3V, 5D/5V, and 7D/7V. The cRobTs for all D. villosum chromosomes were recovered except for the 2VS and 5VL arms. As was the case with the 6D/6V combination, no cRobTs involving 2D/2V chromosomes were recovered; instead, cRobT T2BS·2VL involving a nontargeted chromosome was recovered. All cRobTs are fertile, although the level of spike fertility and hundred kernel weight (HKW) varied among the lines. The set of cRobTs involving 12 of the 14 D. villosum chromosomes will be useful in wheat improvement programs. In fact, among the already reported cRobTs, T6AL·6VS carrying the Pm21 gene is deployed in agriculture and many useful genes have been reported on other cRobTs including resistance to stem rust race UG99 on T6AS·6VL.
Performance Improvement of Top-Contact Pentacene-Based Organic Thin-Film Transistors by Inserting an Ultrathin Teflon Carrier Injection Layer
Authors: Fan Ching-Lin , Chiu Ping-Cheng
Published: October 2011

This work demonstrates top-contact (TC) pentacene-based organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) fabricated by inserting a Teflon carrier injection layer between the source/drain (S/D) metal electrodes and pentacene channel layer. Compared to devices without a Teflon layer, the inserted 1.5-nm-thick Teflon layer can enhance the drain current and field-effect mobility by 136 and 62%, respectively. The improvements are attributed to the reduction of hole injection barrier and tunneling process at the Au/pentacene interface, which can be confirmed by the reduced contact resistance measured at linear region. We therefore believe that using ultrathin Teflon as the carrier injection layer is a good candidate method to improve the TC-OTFTs performance.
Modeling of Sacrificial Layer Residue Effect in Nano-Electro-Mechanical Nonvolatile Memory
Authors: Jee Yong Joo , Cho Il Hwan
Published: October 2011

The effect of a sacrificial layer residue on a cantilever beam in the nano-electro-mechanical nonvolatile memory is investigated for the optimization of reliability characteristics. A model of pull-in voltage with a sacrificial layer residue for optimizing the wet etching process of such a memory is proposed. The feasibility of the proposed model is verified by finite element analysis simulation. Although the width of the sacrificial layer residue shows a quadratic relationship with pull-in voltage, the thickness of the sacrificial layer residue shows a linear relationship with pull-in voltage. The Young's modulus difference between the sacrificial layer residue and the cantilever beam material is a critical parameter for determining pull-in voltage.
UV Photodetectors Based on ZnO Nanorods: Role of Defect-Concentration
Authors: Chitara Basant , Panchakarla Leela Srinivas , Krupanidhi Salaru Baba , Rao C. N. R.
Published: October 2011

UV photodetectors based on ZnO nanorods prepared by two methods have been fabricated by a simple drop casting procedure. The detectors show good performance at 375 nm giving satisfactory values of responsivity, external quantum efficiency and photoconductive gain. The performance of ZnO nanorods prepared at low temperatures, containing a larger concentration of defects, is found to be superior.
Wavelength Trimming of Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers with High-Contrast Subwavelength Grating
Authors: Gu Xiaodong , Imamura Akihiro , Koyama Fumio
Published: October 2011

We proposed a trimming technology for the precise control of the lasing wavelength and lasing performance of high-contrast subwavelength grating (HCG) loaded vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs). The trimming is based on the postprocess surface etching of HCG. Our result obtained using rigorous coupled wave analysis (RCWA) shows a possible precise wavelength tuning range of 3 nm for GaAs-based HCG-VCSELs. Our preliminary experiment reveals an expected smallest wavelength trimming of 0.07 nm.
Vertebrate microremains from the Lower Silurian of Siberia and Central Asia: palaeobiodiversity and palaeobiogeography
Authors: žigaitė živilė , Karatajūtė-Talimaa Valentina , Blieck Alain
Published: October 2011

Abstract. The biostratigraphic and palaeogeographical distributions of early vertebrate microfossils from a number of Lower Silurian localities in northwestern Mongolia, Tuva and southern Siberia were reviewed. Vertebrate microremains showed high taxonomic diversity, comprising acanthodians, chondrichthyans, putative galeaspids, heterostracans, mongolepids, tesakoviaspids, thelodonts and possible eriptychiids. The majority of taxa have lower stratigraphic levels of occurrence compared to other Silurian palaeobiogeographical provinces, such as the European-Russian or Canadian Arctic. Vertebrate microremains are numerous within the samples, which may indicate warm-water low-latitude palaeobasins with rich shelf faunas. This disagrees with the recent interpretations of the territory as a northern high-latitude Siberian palaeocontinent. The palaeobiogeographical distribution of vertebrate taxa indicates an endemic palaeobiogeographical province of connected epeiric palaeoseas with external isolation during the early Silurian. In previous works separation between Tuvan and Siberian palaeobiogeographical provinces has been suggested. After careful revision of the vertebrate microfossil record of the region, we find that differences in a few vertebrate taxa do not provide not strong enough evidence to reliably distinguish these provinces. We therefore dispute the hypothesis of two biogeographical provinces in the early Silurian of the Siberian palaeocontinent, and propose a single unified Siberian–Tuvan palaeobiogeographical province.
Hierarchical control of motor units in voluntary contractions
Authors: De Luca Carlo J. , Contessa Paola
Published: October 2011

For the past five decades there has been wide acceptance of a relationship between the firing rate of motor units and the afterhyperpolarization of motoneurons. It has been promulgated that the higher-threshold, larger-soma, motoneurons fire faster than the lower-threshold, smaller-soma, motor units. This relationship was based on studies on anesthetized cats with electrically stimulated motoneurons. We questioned its applicability to motor unit control during voluntary contractions in humans. We found that during linearly force-increasing contractions, firing rates increased as exponential functions. At any time and force level, including at recruitment, the firing rate values were inversely related to the recruitment threshold of the motor unit. The time constants of the exponential functions were directly related to the recruitment threshold. From the Henneman size principle it follows that the characteristics of the firing rates are also related to the size of the soma. The “firing rate spectrum” presents a beautifully simple control scheme in which, at any given time or force, the firing rate value of earlier-recruited motor units is greater than that of later-recruited motor units. This hierarchical control scheme describes a mechanism that provides an effective economy of force generation for the earlier-recruited lower force-twitch motor units, and reduces the fatigue of later-recruited higher force-twitch motor units—both characteristics being well suited for generating and sustaining force during the fight-or-flight response.
Genome Diversity in Maize
Authors: Llaca Victor , Campbell Matthew A. , Deschamps Stéphane
Published: October 2011

Zea mays(maize) has historically been used as a model species for genetics, development, physiology and more recently, genome structure. The maize genome is complex with striking intraspecific variation in gene order, repetitive DNA content, and allelic content exceeding the levels observed between primate species. Maize genome complexity is primarily driven by polyploidization and explosive amplification of LTR retrotransposons, with the counteracting effect of unequal and illegitimate crossover. Transposable elements have been shown to capture genic content, create chimeras, and amplify those sequences via transposition. New sequencing platforms and hybridization-based strategies have appeared over the past decade which are being applied to maize and providing the first genome-wide comprehensive view of structural variation and will provide the basis for investigating the interplay between repeats and genes as well as the amount of species level diversity within maize.
Combustion Synthesis of TiC-TiB2-Based Cermets from Elemental Powders
Authors: Yu Jun , Matsuura Kiyotaka , Ohno Munekazu
Published: October 2011

TiC-TiB2-based cermets with Ni binder were fabricated using combustion synthesis assisted by pseudohot isostatic pressing by heating the compacted powder mixture to approximately 700°C. The effects of composition on microstructure and hardness of the synthesized samples were investigated. The samples exhibited finer microstructure and higher hardness as TiC/TiB2volume ratio increased and as Ni increased up to 30 vol%. A relatively high hardness value of 1950 HV was obtained for TiC-TiB2-Ni(52.5/17.5/30 vol%). However, the transverse rupture strength and the modulus of elasticity values were not very high. This may be due to weak bonding strength of the interface between hard phases and Ni binder and/or insufficient densification of the samples.
A Fully Discrete Galerkin Method for a Nonlinear Space‐Fractional Diffusion Equation
Authors: Zheng Yunying , Zhao Zhengang
Published: October 2011

The spatial transport process in fractal media is generally anomalous. The space‐fractional advection‐diffusion equation can be used to characterize such a process. In this paper, a fully discrete scheme is given for a type of nonlinear space‐fractional anomalous advection‐diffusion equation. In the spatial direction, we use the finite element method, and in the temporal direction, we use the modified Crank‐Nicolson approximation. Here the fractional derivative indicates the Caputo derivative. The error estimate for the fully discrete scheme is derived. And the numerical examples are also included which are in line with the theoretical analysis.
A Reliable and Efficient MAC Protocol for Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks
Authors: Xiong Junjie , Lyu Michael R. , Ng Kam-Wing
Published: October 2011

Underwater acoustic sensor networks (UWASNs) are playing a key role in ocean applications. Unfortunately, the efficiency of UWASNs is inferior to that of the terrestrial sensor networks (TWSNs). The main reasons are as follows: (1) UWASNs suffer long propagation delay; (2) UWASNs are limited by the narrow bandwidth. Many MAC protocols are proposed to improve the efficiency of UWASNs. However, their improvement is not enough. Moreover, few of them consider the reliability of UWASNs even though the packet loss can fail the applications. Actually, a few of the protocols employ the traditional acknowledgment (ACK) mechanism, but they suffer the throughput degradation a lot. In this paper, first, we propose a protocol called RAS, a priority scheduling approach for multihop topologies. RAS is more efficient in throughput and delay performance. Then, we propose a reliable RAS called RRAS that obtains a tradeoff between the reliability and the efficiency. RRAS designs an ACK and retransmission mechanism, that is, different from the traditional one so that it can maintain a comparable throughput when improving the reliability. Extensive evaluations are conducted to verify that RAS is efficient and RRAS is a tradeoff on reliability and efficiency.
Synthesis and Physical Properties of Estolide Ester Using Saturated Fatty Acid and Ricinoleic Acid
Authors: Salimon Jumat , Nallathamby Neeranjini , Salih Nadia , Abdullah Bashar Mudhaffar
Published: October 2011

A study was conveyed to produce estolide ester using ricinoleic acid as the backbone. The ricinoleic acid reacted with saturated fatty acid from C8–C18. These reactions were conducted under vacuum at 60°C for 24 h without solvent. The reaction used acid catalyst, sulphuric acid. The new saturate ricinoleic estolide esters show superior low-temperature properties (−52 ± 0.08°C) and high flash point (>300°C). The yield of the neat estolide esters ranged from 52% to 96%. The viscosity range was 51 ± 0.08 to 86 ± 0.01 cp. These new saturated estolide esters were also compared with saturated branched estolide esters.
Recurrent Neural Networks in Computer-Based Clinical Decision Support for Laryngopathies: An Experimental Study
Authors: Szkoła Jarosław , Pancerz Krzysztof , Warchoł Jan
Published: October 2011

The main goal of this paper is to give the basis for creating a computer-based clinical decision support (CDS) system for laryngopathies. One of approaches which can be used in the proposed CDS is based on the speech signal analysis using recurrent neural networks (RNNs). RNNs can be used for pattern recognition in time series data due to their ability of memorizing some information from the past. The Elman networks (ENs) are a classical representative of RNNs. To improve learning ability of ENs, we may modify and combine them with another kind of RNNs, namely, with the Jordan networks. The modified Elman-Jordan networks (EJNs) manifest a faster and more exact achievement of the target pattern. Validation experiments were carried out on speech signals of patients from the control group and with two kinds of laryngopathies.
Serum and Salivary IgE, IgA, andIgG4Antibodies toDermatophagoides pteronyssinusand Its Major Allergens, Der p1 and Der p2, in Allergic and Nonallergic Children
Authors: Miranda Diego O. , Silva Deise A. O. , Fernandes Jorge F. C. , Queirós Meimei G. J. , Chiba Hamilton F. , Ynoue Leandro H. , Resende Rafael O. , Pena Janethe D. O. , Sung Sun-Sang J. , Segundo Gesmar R. S. , Taketomi Ernesto A.
Published: October 2011

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a public health problem with high prevalence worldwide. We evaluated levels of specific IgE, IgA, and IgG4 antibodies to theDermatophagoides pteronyssinus(Dpt) house dust mite and to its major allergens (Der p1 and Der p2) in serum and saliva samples from allergic and nonallergic children. A total of 86 children were analyzed, from which 72 had AR and 14 were nonallergic healthy children. Serum IgE and serum/salivary IgG4 levels to Dpt, Der p1, and Der p2 were higher in allergic children whereas serum/salivary IgA levels to all allergens were higher in nonallergic children. IgE levels positively correlated with IgG4 and IgA to all allergens in allergic children, while IgA levels negatively correlated with IgG4 to Dpt and Der p1 in nonallergic children. In conclusion, mite-specific IgA antibodies predominate in the serum and saliva of nonallergic children whereas mite-specific IgE and IgG4 are prevalent in allergic children. The presence of specific IgA appears to have a key role for the healthy immune response to mucosal allergens. Also, specific IgA measurements in serum and/or saliva may be useful for monitoring activation of tolerance-inducing mechanisms during allergen specific immunotherapeutic procedures, especially sublingual immunotherapy.