bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food habits of threadfin hakeling Laemonema longipes along the Pacific coast of northern Japan
Authors: Yamamura O. , Nobetsu T.
Published: July 2011

Food habits of threadfin hakeling Laemonema longipes, the dominant demersal fish in the upper continental slope of the western sub-Arctic North Pacific, were described based upon >1400 specimens collected off north-eastern Honshu Island and south-eastern Hokkaido Island, Japan. Threadfin hakeling depended exclusively on pelagic organisms including copepods Neocalanus cristatus, Euphausia pacifica, shrimps Sergestes similis, firefly squid Watasenia scintillans and myctophids Diaphus theta. Threadfin hakeling showed a clear size-dependent dietary variation, with mesozooplankton and shrimps being important for small- and medium-sized fish (≤400 mm standard length (SL)), and myctophids being important for large-sized fish (>400 mm SL). Since all of these prey undertake diurnal vertical migration, it was concluded that threadfin hakeling take an important role in capturing energy and materials transported from the epipelagic zone to the bathypelagic layer over the upper continental slope. Dietary variation among different areas, seasons and depths were also examined. Of these, areal difference was rather obscure reflecting common prey field in the Tohoku and Doto areas under the prevalence of the North Pacific Intermediate Water, whereas clear seasonal difference was found in the Doto area; the 0-group of walleye pollock Theragra chalcogramma was ingested only in the late summer and early autumn in this area.
Growth of cultured giant clams (Tridacnaspp.) in low pH, high-nutrient seawater: species-specific effects of substrate and supplemental feeding under acidification
Authors: Toonen Robert J. , Nakayama Tomoe , Ogawa Tom , Rossiter Andrew , Delbeek J. Charles
Published: July 2011

Four species of giant clams,Tridacna maxima, T. squamosa, T. derasaandT. crocea, were cultured in outdoor raceways for 364 days at the Waikīkī Aquarium and the Oceanic Institute on the island of O‘ahu, Hawai‘i, USA.  Growth of each species was compared among individuals grown with and without supplemental phytoplankton feeding, and directly on the substrate or mounted on concrete plugs in low pH, high nutrient seawater.  Among clams cultured with and without supplemental phytoplankton (Chaetocerosspp.), feeding resulted in significantly lower mortality in all species butT. deresa, whereas growth was significantly higher among fed clams for all species exceptT. squamosa. Tridacna derasashowed roughly a three-fold increase in growth when fed (88.5 g ± 4.4 SD) than when unfed (26.0 g ± 2.1 SD), whereasT. maximagrowth was substantially lower, but nearly 10-fold greater in response to feeding (9.0 g ± 1.9 SD). The overall mortality rate of juvenile clams was significantly lower in the fed (44.4 ± 10.0%) than the unfed (71.8 ± 9.6%) trials, with the greatest effect observed in mortality ofT. maxima(fed 15% versus unfed 80%) andT. squamosa(fed 65% versus unfed 95%). None of theT. squamosaremained on concrete plugs for the duration of the experiment. Among the remaining three species, there was no difference in either wet weight or shell length forT. maximaand for wet weight only inT. derasaon (186.5 g ± 16.1 SD) and off (147.0 g ± 6.0 SD) the concrete plugs.  In contrast,T. croceahad significantly greater shell growth off the plugs (14.3 mm ± 1.0 SD versus 8.5 mm ± 1.7 SD) but significantly greater gain in wet weight on the concrete plugs (26.3 g ± 1.5 SD versus 58.5 g ± 2.5 SD).  The seawater wells used for this study are well characterized with elevated levels of inorganic nutrients and higher pCO2relative to tropical ocean waters, roughly approximating predictions for future oceanic conditions under IPCC IS92a emission scenarios. In comparison to previous studies in natural seawater,T. derasahad a significantly higher shell growth rate in the high-nutrient, low-pH well water.  In contrast,T. maximaandT. squamosahad significantly lower growth rates in low pH, whereas growth ofT. croceawas not significantly different between low pH and ambient seawater.  These experiments demonstrate species-specific differences with each treatment, which cautions against making broad generalizations regarding the effects of substrate type, feeding effects, nutrient enrichment, and ocean acidification on tridacnid culture and survival.
Karyotype Analysis of Buckwheat Using Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Neethirajan Suresh , Hirose Tamaki , Wakayama Junichi , Tsukamoto Kazumi , Kanahara Hiroko , Sugiyama Shigeru
Published: July 2011

Karyotype analysis and classification of buckwheat chromosomes were performed without chemical banding or staining using atomic force microscopy (AFM).Fagopyrum esculentum(common buckwheat) andFagopyrum tartaricum(Tartarian buckwheat) chromosomes were isolated from root tissues using an enzymatic maceration technique and spread over a glass substrate. Air-dried chromosomes had a surface with ridges, and the height of common and tartary buckwheat were approximately 350 and 150 nm. Volumes of metaphase sets of buckwheat chromosomes were calculated using three-dimensional AFM measurements. Chromosomes were morphologically characterized by the size, volume, arm lengths, and ratios. The calculated volumes of theF. esculentumandF. tartaricumchromosomes were in the ranges of 1.08–2.09 μm3and 0.49–0.78 μm3, respectively. The parameters such as the relative arm length, centromere position, and the chromosome volumes measured using AFM provide accurate karyomorphological classification by avoiding the subjective inconsistencies in banding patterns of conventional methods. The karyotype evolutionary trend indicates thatF. esculentumis an ancient species compared toF. tartaricum. This is the first report of a cytological karyotype of buckwheat using AFM.
Celebrating the Nation: Kurt Weill, Paul Green, and the Federal Theatre Project (1937)
Authors: CARTER TIM
Published: July 2011

In summer 1937, the Federal Theatre Project (FTP) commissioned from playwright Paul Green and composer Kurt Weill a work to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the adoption of the U.S. Constitution. Green had provided the text for Weill's first American musical play,Johnny Johnson(1936), which the FTP took up with some enthusiasm, and he had scored some success with his outdoor historical dramaThe Lost Colony(1937). He was also interested in music on the stage following his encounters with Russian director Alexei Granowski in Berlin in 1928–29. Weill, in turn, was involved in various spectacle-driven projects in 1937, not least with fellow émigré Max Reinhardt. Green's first scenario for the new drama focused on the constitutional implications of recent labor disputes in the U.S. South. However, the controversy of summer 1937 surrounding the overt agit-prop of Marc Blitzstein'sThe Cradle Will Rock—sponsored but then dropped by the FTP—put an end to such political aspirations. Green rewrote his outline in favor of a more conventional treatment of the American Revolutionary War, to be calledThe Common Glory. Although he produced a rough script, and Weill started composing the score, the project collapsed, in part because of their incompatible visions for the play and its music. Nevertheless, newly uncovered sources reveal them attempting to grapple with the potentials of nationalistic subject matter in the theater, and with the search for U.S. cultural identities in changing times.
Unconventional Fuel Sources
Authors: Speight James G.
Published: July 2011

While petroleum and natural gas are conventional fuel sources, alternative fuel sources are any materials or substances, other than conventional fuels, which can be used as fuels,. Examples of non-conventional fuels include coal, tar sand bitumen, oil shale, and biomass. Biomass can also be used directly for heating or power but it can also acts as a source of non-conventional fuels such as alcohols and biodiesel.

This chapter presents an overview of the production of fuels from coal, tar sand bitumen, and oil shale for the reader to place the production of fuels from biomass in the proper perspective.
A Biorefinery
Authors: Speight James G.
Published: July 2011

Reducing dependence of any country on imported crude oil is of critical importance for long-term security and continued economic growth. Supplementing petroleum consumption with renewable biomass resources is a first step towards this goal. The realignment of the chemical industry from one of petrochemical refining to a bio-refinery concept is, given time, feasible has become a national goal of many oil-importing countries. However, clearly defined goals are necessary for construction of a biorefinery and the increasing the use of biomass-derived feedstocks in industrial chemical production and it is important to keep the goal in perspective. In this context, the increased use of biofuels should be viewed as one of a range of possible measures for achieving self sufficiency in energy, rather than a panacea (Crocker and Crofcheck, 2006).

A biorefinery is the means by which biomass can be converted to other products - in the current context the other products are biofuels which have the potential to replace certain petroleum-derived fuels.

One aspect of designing a refinery for any feedstocks is the composition of the feedstocks. For example a heavy oil refinery would differ somewhat from a conventional refinery and a refinery for tar sand bitumen would be significantly different to both. Similarly, and because the chemical and physical composition of biomass is variable, there is no obvious simple design panacea for a biorefinery. The variation in the properties of biomass feedstocks dictates that different process options will be necessary in the near-term for converting biomass to biofuels.

This chapter presents the different biomass feedstocks that might be used in a biorefinery and offers descriptions of the various conversion options.
Production of Fuels from Crops
Authors: Demirbaş Ayhan
Published: July 2011

Renewable energy can be derived from agricultural crops grown for nonfood uses because they can be used and replaced without irreversibly depleting reserves; this property also makes them a valuable resource in combating climate change. For this reason, renewable materials will continue to grow in importance as replacements for fossil materials used as fuels and as feedstocks for a range of products. Some renewable materials also have particular unique and beneficial properties that can be exploited in a range of products including pharmaceuticals and lubricants.

The concept is centered around a long-term vision “that a significant proportion of the demand for energy and raw materials should be met through the commercial exploitation of science from crops, in a way that stimulates biodiversity and reduces greenhouse-gas emissions and waste – particularly biodegradable waste going to land fill and slows depletion of finite natural resources.”

This chapter presents an overview of the production of fuels from crops in order for the reader to understand the chemical and physical parameters that are involved in the production of such fuels.
Properties of Fuels from Domestic and Industrial Waste
Authors: John Ejae , Singh Kamel
Published: July 2011

Domestic and industrial waste provides an opportunity to generate renewable gaseous, liquid and solid fuels for low and zero carbon developments, transport, power generation, heating applications and feedstock for petrochemical and refinery synthesis. The demand for energy in many countries is expected to add to the emission of greenhouse gases through burning of fossil fuels and there is urgent need to promote climate-friendly fuels that have physical, chemical and blending properties similar to petro-derived equivalents in order to minimise disruption and hardship during such a transition. As regulations for waste disposal continue to strengthen, alternative uses for waste must be found. A key use is to recover its residual heating values through physical, chemical, biological and thermochemical pathways; such an approach will minimise environmental degradation and promote resource conservation, recovery and recycling. This chapter presents the fuel characteristics of gaseous, liquid, and solid fuels from domestic, and industrial waste, which includes urban, crop, agricultural, and farm waste. Each category of fuel is compared to the conventional fuel it is meant to supplement, complement, or potentially replace. While challenges exist, the generation of waste derived fuels appears to be very promising from both an environmental and energy point of view.
Green Analytical Separation Methods
Authors: Kaljurand Mihkel , Koel Mihkel
Published: July 2011

Advances in separation methods, from chromatography (gas, liquid and supercritical fluid methods) together with those made in the field of capillary electrophoresis, are presented in the context of the need to green these methodologies, thus highlighting aspects concerning the research for alternative mobile phases and the miniaturization of methods. Special attention has been paid to microfluidics. Droplet and digital microfluidics will make it possible to create new tools, based on both instrumental and non-instrumental devices, that are suitable for solving real problems in a fast and environmentally friendly way.
Organic bistable memory based on Au nanoparticle/ZnO nanorods composite embedded in poly (vinylpyrrolidone) layer
Authors: Lin C. W. , Pan T. S. , Chen M. C. , Yang Y. J. , Tai Y. , Chen Y. F.
Published: July 2011

Organic non-volatile memory devices were fabricated by embedding Au nanoparticle (NP)/ZnO nanorods (NRs) composite in an insulating poly (vinylpyrrolidone) as the active layer. The complete active materials were synthesized with an entire aqua solution process. Transmission electron microscopy images revealed that the Au NP/ZnO NRs composite exhibits an aster-like structure where Au NP is at the center while ZnO NRs are surrounding. Current-voltage (I-V) measurements of such device demonstrated electrical bistability with excellent on/off ratio of 4 × 103 under 1 V reading voltage. We attributed the high on/off ratio of the memory device to the large surface area of the Au NP/ZnO NRs composite where large amount of charges can be stored. In addition, the surrounding ZnO NRs act as spacers, which can effectively prevent the center gold nanoparticles from aggregation. Consequently, a low current leakage can be expected. Our study paved a way of employing a nanocomposite as a material for high performance organic memory devices.
The effects of nitrogen inversion tunneling, methyl internal rotation, and 14N quadrupole coupling observed in the rotational spectrum of diethyl amine
Authors: Vinh Lam Nguyen Ha , Stahl Wolfgang
Published: July 2011

The rotational spectrum of diethyl amine as observed by molecular beam Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy shows splittings due to nitrogen inversion, 14N quadrupole coupling, and internal rotation of the methyl groups. The rotational constants of diethyl amine were determined to be A = 17.61499170(11) GHz, B = 2.103650248(49) GHz, and C = 1.981332501(47) GHz. From the separation between the lowest symmetric and antisymmetric inversion energy level of E = 760.77062(20) MHz a barrier to inversion, using a standard analytical model potential, of 1531 cm−1 (18.31 kJ/mol) was deduced. The 14N quadrupole coupling constants were found to be χaa = 2.67576(37) MHz, χbb − χcc = 4.34144(65) MHz, and |χbc| = 2.9199(92) MHz. The internal rotation of two equivalent methyl groups gave rise to very narrow multiplets; the torsional barrier was determined to be 1051.74(57) cm−1. The experimental results were supplemented by quantum chemical calculations.
Laser-induced fluorescence of fused silica irradiated by ArF excimer laser
Authors: Zhang Haibo , Yuan Zhijun , Zhou Jun , Dong Jingxing , Wei Yunrong , Lou Qihong
Published: July 2011

Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) of high-purity fused silica irradiated by ArF excimer laser is studied experimentally. LIF bands of the fused silica centered at 281 nm, 478 nm, and 650 nm are observed simultaneously. Furthermore, the angular distribution of the three fluorescence peaks is examined. Microscopic image of the laser modified fused silica indicates that scattering of the generated fluorescence by laser-induced damage sites is the main reason for the angular distribution of LIF signals. Finally, the dependence of LIF signals intensities of the fused silica on laser power densities is presented. LIF signals show a squared power density dependence, which indicates that laser-induced defects are formed mainly via two-photon absorption processes.
Low-voltage electrowetting on a lipid bilayer formed on hafnium oxide
Authors: Guha Ingrid F. , Kedzierski Jakub , Abedian Behrouz
Published: July 2011

We present a class of electrowetting systems in which lipid bilayers on thin hafnium oxide films function as reversibly wettable dielectrics, eliminating the need for solid organic dielectrics (e.g., fluoropolymers) in electrowetting systems. These bilayers self-assemble on hafnium oxide in oil, yielding a dielectric stack that can withstand high electric fields, enabling high contact angle changes at unprecedentedly low voltages. We demonstrate that these electrowetting systems can be virtually free of contact angle saturation with low oil-water surface energies (<1 mJ/m2), allowing for a reversible contact angle change from over 140° to under 10° using less than 1 V actuation.
Water training in postmenopausal women: Effect on muscular strength
Authors: Carrasco MarÍa , Vaquero Manuel
Published: July 2011

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a swimming programme and a calisthenics and resistance water training programme, which included aerobic and resistance components, on muscle strength and body weight in postmenopausal women. Both were carried out over a period of 12 months. Ninety‐three subjects were randomly assigned to swimming group (SG; n=29), calisthenics and resistance group (CRG; n=34) and control group (CG; n=30). Mean upper‐extremities biokinetic force (MF), power (MP) and work (MW) were measured by a biokinetic swim bench (Biometer Swim Bench, Sport Fahnemann). Maximal isometric forces of the trunk flexors (ITF) and knee extensors (IKE) were measured by an isometric strain‐gauge dynamometer (T.K.K. 5402, Takei Scientific Instruments Co. Ltd.). Countermovement jump height (CMJ) was evaluated using the Ergojump Bosco System. Energy consumption was measured using a self‐administrated food frequency questionnaire (Sanocare Human Systems L.S., Madrid. Spain). Body mass index (BMI) was also measured. CRG improved significantly (p≤0.05) MF increased by 7.92%, MP by 9.08% and MW by 9.3%. SG and CRG demonstrated a significant decrease in BMI (−2.08 and −2.75% respectively). SG, CRG and CG showed a significant decrease in ITF (−5.07, −11.34 and −24.73% respectively) and IKE (−7.99, −12.77 and −29.75% respectively). This decrease was significantly greater in CG compared with SG and CRG. There were no significant changes in CMJ in any group. These results indicate that water exercise has significant implications, improving some health‐related components of fitness in postmenopausal women.
The Sesquiterpene Botrydial Produced by Botrytis cinerea Induces the Hypersensitive Response on Plant Tissues and Its Action Is Modulated by Salicylic Acid and Jasmonic Acid Signaling
Authors: Rossi Franco Rubén , Gárriz Andrés , Marina María , Romero Fernando Matías , Gonzalez María Elisa , Collado Isidro González , Pieckenstain Fernando Luis
Published: July 2011

Botrytis cinerea, as a necrotrophic fungus, kills host tissues and feeds on the remains. This fungus is able to induce the hypersensitive response (HR) on its hosts, thus taking advantage on the host's defense machinery for generating necrotic tissues. However, the identity of HR effectors produced by B. cinerea is not clear. The aim of this work was to determine whether botrydial, a phytotoxic sesquiterpene produced by B. cinerea, is able to induce the HR on plant hosts, using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model. Botrydial induced the expression of the HR marker HSR3, callose deposition, and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and phenolic compounds. Botrydial also induced the expression of PR1 and PDF1.2, two pathogenesis-related proteins involved in defense responses regulated by salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA), respectively. A. thaliana and tobacco plants defective in SA signaling were more resistant to botrydial than wild-type plants, as opposed to A. thaliana plants defective in JA signaling, which were more sensitive. It can be concluded that botrydial induces the HR on its hosts and its effects are modulated by host signaling pathways mediated by SA and JA.
Dinosaur extinction: closing the ‘3 m gap’
Authors: Lyson Tyler R. , Bercovici Antoine , Chester Stephen G. B. , Sargis Eric J. , Pearson Dean , Joyce Walter G.
Published: July 2011

Modern debate regarding the extinction of non-avian dinosaurs was ignited by the publication of the Cretaceous–Tertiary (K–T) asteroid impact theory and has seen 30 years of dispute over the position of the stratigraphically youngest
in situ
dinosaur. A zone devoid of dinosaur fossils reported from the last 3 m of the Upper Cretaceous, coined the ‘3 m gap’, has helped drive controversy. Here, we report the discovery of the stratigraphically youngest
in situ
dinosaur specimen: a ceratopsian brow horn found in a poorly rooted, silty, mudstone floodplain deposit located no more than 13 cm below the palynologically defined boundary. The K–T boundary is identified using three criteria: (i) decrease in Cretaceous palynomorphs without subsequent recovery, (ii) the existence of a ‘fern spike’, and (iii) correlation to a nearby stratigraphic section where primary extraterrestrial impact markers are present (e.g. iridium anomaly, spherules, shocked quartz). The
in situ
specimen demonstrates that a gap devoid of non-avian dinosaur fossils does not exist and is inconsistent with the hypothesis that non-avian dinosaurs were extinct prior to the K–T boundary impact event.
Enhanced mesenchymal stromal cell recruitment via natural killer cells by incorporation of inflammatory signals in biomaterials
Authors: Almeida Catarina R. , Vasconcelos Daniela P. , Gonçalves Raquel M. , Barbosa Mário A.
Published: July 2011

An exacerbated inflammatory response questions biomaterial biocompatibility, but on the other hand, inflammation has a central role in the regulation of tissue regeneration. Therefore, it may be argued that an ‘ideal’ inflammatory response is crucial to achieve efficient tissue repair/regeneration. Natural killer (NK) cells, being one of the first populations arriving at an injury site, can have an important role in regulating bone repair/regeneration, particularly through interactions with mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs). Here, we studied how biomaterials designed to incorporate inflammatory signals affected NK cell behaviour and NK cell–MSC interactions. Adsorption of the pro-inflammatory molecule fibrinogen (Fg) to chitosan films led to a 1.5-fold increase in adhesion of peripheral blood human NK cells, without an increase in cytokine secretion. Most importantly, it was found that NK cells are capable of stimulating a threefold increase in human bone marrow MSC invasion, a key event taking place in tissue repair, but did not affect the expression of the differentiation marker alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Of significant importance, this NK cell-mediated MSC recruitment was modulated by Fg adsorption. Designing novel biomaterials leading to rational modulation of the inflammatory response is proposed as an alternative to current bone regeneration strategies.
Generation of internal gravity waves by an oscillating horizontal disc
Authors: Martin P. A. , Llewellyn Smith Stefan G.
Published: July 2011

Internal gravity waves are generated in a stratified fluid by arbitrary forced oscillations of a horizontal disc. The wave fields are calculated in both the time domain and the frequency domain. In the time domain, an initial-value problem is solved using Laplace transforms; causality is imposed. In the frequency domain (time-harmonic oscillations), a radiation condition is imposed: a plane-wave (Fourier) decomposition is used in which waves with outgoing group velocity are selected. It is shown that both approaches lead to the same solution, once transient effects are ignored. Then, a method is given for calculating the far-field, using asymptotic approximations of double integrals. It is shown that the total energy flux is outwards, for arbitrary forcings of the disc. Further investigations of energy transport are made with a view to clarifying the nature of radiation conditions in the frequency domain.
Vertical transmission of learned signatures in a wild parrot
Authors: Berg Karl S. , Delgado Soraya , Cortopassi Kathryn A. , Beissinger Steven R. , Bradbury Jack W.
Published: July 2011

Learned birdsong is a widely used animal model for understanding the acquisition of human speech. Male songbirds often learn songs from adult males during sensitive periods early in life, and sing to attract mates and defend territories. In presumably all of the 350+ parrot species, individuals of both sexes commonly learn vocal signals throughout life to satisfy a wide variety of social functions. Despite intriguing parallels with humans, there have been no experimental studies demonstrating learned vocal production in wild parrots. We studied contact call learning in video-rigged nests of a well-known marked population of green-rumped parrotlets (Forpus passerinus) in Venezuela. Both sexes of naive nestlings developed individually unique contact calls in the nest, and we demonstrate experimentally that signature attributes are learned from both primary care-givers. This represents the first experimental evidence for the mechanisms underlying the transmission of a socially acquired trait in a wild parrot population.
The sudden emergence of pathogenicity in insect–fungus symbioses threatens naive forest ecosystems
Authors: Hulcr Jiri , Dunn Robert R.
Published: July 2011

Invasive symbioses between wood-boring insects and fungi are emerging as a new and currently uncontrollable threat to forest ecosystems, as well as fruit and timber industries throughout the world. The bark and ambrosia beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae and Platypodinae) constitute the large majority of these pests, and are accompanied by a diverse community of fungal symbionts. Increasingly, some invasive symbioses are shifting from non-pathogenic saprotrophy in native ranges to a prolific tree-killing in invaded ranges, and are causing significant damage. In this paper, we review the current understanding of invasive insect–fungus symbioses. We then ask why some symbioses that evolved as non-pathogenic saprotrophs, turn into major tree-killers in non-native regions. We argue that a purely pathology-centred view of the guild is not sufficient for explaining the lethal encounters between exotic symbionts and naive trees. Instead, we propose several testable hypotheses that, if correct, lead to the conclusion that the sudden emergence of pathogenicity is a new evolutionary phenomenon with global biogeographical dynamics. To date, evidence suggests that virulence of the symbioses in invaded ranges is often triggered when several factors coincide: (i) invasion into territories with naive trees, (ii) the ability of the fungus to either overcome resistance of the naive host or trigger a suicidal over-reaction, and (iii) an ‘olfactory mismatch’ in the insect whereby a subset of live trees is perceived as dead and suitable for colonization. We suggest that individual cases of tree mortality caused by invasive insect–fungus symbionts should no longer be studied separately, but in a global, biogeographically and phylogenetically explicit comparative framework.
Bionic ankle–foot prosthesis normalizes walking gait for persons with leg amputation
Authors: Herr Hugh M. , Grabowski Alena M.
Published: July 2011

Over time, leg prostheses have improved in design, but have been incapable of actively adapting to different walking velocities in a manner comparable to a biological limb. People with a leg amputation using such commercially available passive-elastic prostheses require significantly more metabolic energy to walk at the same velocities, prefer to walk slower and have abnormal biomechanics compared with non-amputees. A bionic prosthesis has been developed that emulates the function of a biological ankle during level-ground walking, specifically providing the net positive work required for a range of walking velocities. We compared metabolic energy costs, preferred velocities and biomechanical patterns of seven people with a unilateral transtibial amputation using the bionic prosthesis and using their own passive-elastic prosthesis to those of seven non-amputees during level-ground walking. Compared with using a passive-elastic prosthesis, using the bionic prosthesis decreased metabolic cost by 8 per cent, increased trailing prosthetic leg mechanical work by 57 per cent and decreased the leading biological leg mechanical work by 10 per cent, on average, across walking velocities of 0.75–1.75 m s−1and increased preferred walking velocity by 23 per cent. Using the bionic prosthesis resulted in metabolic energy costs, preferred walking velocities and biomechanical patterns that were not significantly different from people without an amputation.
Genome-scale analysis of metazoan replication origins reveals their organization in specific but flexible sites defined by conserved features
Authors: Cayrou Christelle , Coulombe Philippe , Vigneron Alice , Stanojcic Slavica , Ganier Olivier , Peiffer Isabelle , Rivals Eric , Puy Aurore , Laurent-Chabalier Sabine , Desprat Romain , Méchali Marcel
Published: July 2011

In metazoans, thousands of DNA replication origins (Oris) are activated at each cell cycle. Their genomic organization and their genetic nature remain elusive. Here, we characterized Oris by nascent strand (NS) purification and a genome-wide analysis in Drosophila and mouse cells. We show that in both species most CpG islands (CGI) contain Oris, although methylation is nearly absent in Drosophila, indicating that this epigenetic mark is not crucial for defining the activated origin. Initiation of DNA synthesis starts at the borders of CGI, resulting in a striking bimodal distribution of NS, suggestive of a dual initiation event. Oris contain a unique nucleotide skew around NS peaks, characterized by G/T and C/A overrepresentation at the 5′ and 3′ of Ori sites, respectively. Repeated GC-rich elements were detected, which are good predictors of Oris, suggesting that common sequence features are part of metazoan Oris. In the heterochromatic chromosome 4 of Drosophila, Oris correlated with HP1 binding sites. At the chromosome level, regions rich in Oris are early replicating, whereas Ori-poor regions are late replicating. The genome-wide analysis was coupled with a DNA combing analysis to unravel the organization of Oris. The results indicate that Oris are in a large excess, but their activation does not occur at random. They are organized in groups of site-specific but flexible origins that define replicons, where a single origin is activated in each replicon. This organization provides both site specificity and Ori firing flexibility in each replicon, allowing possible adaptation to environmental cues and cell fates.
Long‐term intermittent hyperoxic exposures do not enhance erythropoiesis
Authors: Keramidas Michail E. , Norman Barbara , Gustafsson Thomas , Eiken Ola , Mekjavic Igor B.
Published: July 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (3): 260–265

Background  Based on a report of a marked increase in the erythropoietin concentration ([EPO]) a few hours after the cessation of a single 2‐h session of O2 breathing, short periods of O2 administration have been advocated as a therapy for anaemia. Accordingly, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate this theory by investigating the effect of 10 daily short‐term exposures to normobaric O2 over a 2‐week period on the plasma [EPO] in healthy individuals.

Material and methods  Twenty men were assigned to either an experimental (NBO2) or to a control (AIR) group. The NBO2 group breathed 100% normobaric O2 for 2 h every weekday over a 2‐week period. The AIR group breathed air within the same time protocol. Blood samples were collected at the pre‐, mid‐ and post‐intervention periods to determine [EPO].

Results  [EPO] of the NBO2 group was significantly lower than that of the AIR group during the mid‐ and post‐periods (P < 0·001). [EPO] of the NBO2 group showed a slight, albeit statistically nonsignificant, decrease during the mid (∼ 11%)‐ and post (∼ 16%)‐periods.

Conclusions  Daily short‐term exposures to normobaric hyperoxia do not increase the [EPO] in healthy individuals. The increased O2 tension suppresses [EPO]. Hence, administration of pure O2 to enhance erythropoiesis is not warranted.
Rethinking shiftwork: mid‐life nurses making it work!
Authors: West Sandra , Mapedzahama Virginia , Ahern Maureen , Rudge Trudy
Published: July 2011

WEST S, MAPEDZAHAMA V, AHERN M and RUDGE T. Nursing Inquiry 2012; 19: 177–187 [Epub ahead of print]

Rethinking shiftwork: mid‐life nurses making it work!

Many current analyses of shiftwork neglect nurses’ own voices when describing the dis/advantages of a shiftworking lifestyle. This paper reports the findings of a critical re‐analysis of two studies conducted with female mid‐life Australian nurses to explore the contention that the ‘problem‐centred’ focus of current shiftwork research does not effectively address the ‘real’ issue for mid‐life nurses, that is, how to develop and maintain shiftwork tolerance. Participants used shiftwork to: (i) manage, navigate and negotiate various aspects of their nursing work and the workplace itself; (ii) facilitate more manageable work/life negotiations; and (iii) self‐identify opportunities to engage in their own self‐care (body work and mind work). The findings thus went beyond simply exposing what nursing bodies do in time and space by bringing to the fore discussions of ‘time‐body’ relationships, the embodiment of time and nurses re/configuration of that time demonstrating that the frequently unacknowledged positive aspects of shiftwork, when centred in discussions, give voice to other ways to think about shiftwork and a shiftworking lifestyle. Thus, our contention is that the ‘problem‐centred’ focus of current shiftwork debates does little to address the ‘real’ issue for shiftworking mid‐life female nurses – the development and maintenance of shiftwork tolerance.
Reframing caring as discursive practice: a critical review of conceptual analyses of caring in nursing
Authors: Sargent Andrew
Published: July 2011

SARGENT A. Nursing Inquiry 2012; 19: 134–143 [Epub ahead of print]

Reframing caring as discursive practice: a critical review of conceptual analyses of caring in nursing

This study critically examines the way in which the concept of caring is presented in the nursing literature through conceptual analytic approaches. A critical reflection on the potential consequences of representing a concept of caring as vague and ambiguous, yet central to ontology and epistemology in professional nursing is presented drawing on comparisons between the conceptual analyses of caring, and of structuralist perspectives of language, and how this potentially limits scholarship in this area. A search of the literature revealed nine conceptual papers. These papers highlight the self‐referential characteristics of the concept of caring, and of analytical methods in general. It is proposed that this is the result of a systematic adherence to a rigid, structuralist view of language, whereby stable relationships between words and their meanings are assumed. An alternative perspective is offered by viewing caring as a discursive practice rather than a fixed conceptual entity, calling into question the role that the concept plays in nursing practice. A poststructuralist perspective requires caring to be perceived as a discourse of nursing that is fluid and contingent, rather than a central and guiding concept, opening up a new orientation for nursing scholarship in caring research.
Digoxin Immune Fab Protects Endothelial Cells from Ouabain‐Induced Barrier Injury
Authors: Wang Yuping , Fan Ruping , Gu Yang , Adair C. David
Published: July 2011

Citation Wang Y, Fan R, Gu Y, Adair CD. Digoxin immune Fab protects endothelial cells from ouabain‐induced barrier injury. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 67: 66–72

Problem  Endogenous digitalis‐like factors (EDLF) inhibit sodium pump Na+/K+ATPase activity, and maternal EDLF levels are elevated in preeclampsia (PE). This study determined whether digoxin immune Fab (DIF) could protect endothelial cells (ECs) from EDLF‐induced endothelial barrier dysfunction.

Method of study  ECs were treated with escalating doses of ouabain (a known EDLF) in the presence or absence of DIF. EC barrier integrity was examined by junction protein VE‐cadherin and occludin expressions. EC permeability was determined by horseradish‐peroxidase (HRP) leakage and transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER).

Results  EC junction protein VE‐cadherin distribution was disrupted in cells treated with ouabain. DIF, but not control IgG Fab fragment, blocked ouabain‐induced decreases in VE‐cadherin and occludin expressions and prevented ouabain‐induced HRP leakage and TEER changes.

Conclusion  DIF protects ECs from ouabain‐induced barrier injury, providing evidence of beneficial effects of DIF on EC function and supporting that Na+/K+ATPase might be a therapeutic target to ameliorate endothelial dysfunction.
Artificial Sweeteners in a Large Septic Plume
Authors: Van Stempvoort Dale R. , Robertson William D. , Brown Susan J.
Published: July 2011

Four artificial sweeteners, acesulfame, sucralose, cyclamate, and saccharin were detected in a large septic plume at Long Point, Ontario, Canada. The pattern of sweetener detections in the groundwater indicated that they were derived from waste water seepage from a large septic system at the site. Acesulfame was pervasive in the septic plume, whereas the other three sweeteners have been attenuated, probably by microbial degradation.
Discovery of Dihydro‐Alkyloxy‐Benzyl‐Oxopyrimidines as Promising Anti‐Influenza Virus Agents
Authors: Yu Mingyan , Liu Ailin , Du Guanhua , Naesens Lieve , Vanderlinden Evelien , De Clercq Erik , Liu Xinyong
Published: July 2011

A series of novel dihydro‐alkyloxy‐benzyl‐oxopyrimidine derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their activity against influenza virus in Madin–Darby canine kidney cells. Four dihydro‐alkyloxy‐benzyl‐oxopyrimidine derivatives (4a1, 4a2, 4a3, and 4d1) showed potent activity against influenza virus. Among them, compound 4a3 was the most promising lead with broad activity against influenza A (antiviral EC50 values of 9 and 18 μm for the A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 subtype, respectively) and influenza B viruses (EC50: 33 μm). The antiviral mechanism of action of these dihydro‐alkyloxy‐benzyl‐oxopyrimidine derivatives must be quite different from that of the currently approved anti‐influenza virus drugs that target the viral M2 or neuraminidase proteins. The dihydro‐alkyloxy‐benzyl‐oxopyrimidine derivatives represent a new avenue for further optimization and development of novel anti‐influenza virus agents.
O-010 Comparison of hospitalization costs and medicare payments for carotid endarterectomy and carotid stenting in asymptomatic patients
Authors: McDonald R , Kallmes D , Cloft H
Published: July 2011

Background

Hospitals struggle to provide care for elderly patients based on Medicare payments. Amidst concerns of inadequate reimbursement, we sought to evaluate the hospitalization costs for recipients of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS), identify variables associated with increased costs, and compare these costs to Medicare reimbursements.

Methods

All CEA and CAS procedures were extracted from the 2001–2008 National Inpatient Sample. Average CMS reimbursement rates for CEA and CAS were obtained fromCMS.gov. Annual trends in hospital costs were analyzed by Sen's slope analysis. Associations between length of stay and hospital costs with respect to gender, age, discharge status, complication type, and co-morbidity were analyzed using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Least-squares regression models were used to predict which variables had the greatest impact on LOS and hospital costs.

Results

The 2001–2008 National Inpatient Sample contained 181 200 CEA and 12 485 CAS procedures. Age and gender were not predictive of costs for either procedure. Among favorable outcomes, CAS was associated with significantly higher costs compared to CEA (p<0.0001). Average Medicare payments were US$1318 less than costs for CEA and US$3241 less than costs for CAS among favorable outcomes. Greater payment-to-cost disparities were noted for both CEA and CAS in patients who had unfavorable outcomes.

Conclusions

The 2008 Medicare hospitalization payments were substantially less than median hospital costs for both CAS and CEA. Efforts to decrease hospitalization costs and/or increase payments will be necessary to make these carotid revascularization procedures economically viable for hospitals in the long-term.
O-026 Initial clinical experience with the web intrasaccular flow-diverter device for endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Lubicz B , Mine B , Collignon L , De Witte O , Brisbois D
Published: July 2011

Background and Purpose

Flow diversion is a new approach for the endovascular treatment (EVT) of intracranial aneurysms (IA). The woven endobridge aneurysm embolization device (WEB) is the first intrasaccular flow-diverter device dedicated to IA treatment. We report our preliminary experience with this device.

Methods

This report is part of an ongoing prospective study that was approved by the authors ethical committees. This prospective multicentric study was approved by our ethical committees. Five patients with 5 wide-necked, unruptured, and terminal-type aneurysms were included and treated by WEB placement alone. There were four women and one man with a mean age of 47 years old. Aneurysms were located on the middle cerebral artery bifurcation (n=2), on the basilar tip, on the vertebral artery, and on the carotid-ophtalmic artery. Technical issues, immediate findings, clinical and imaging follow-up at 3 months were assessed.

Results

EVT was successfully performed in all but one patient who presented with a tortuous carotid siphon. In this patient, the WEB could not be delivered because of high frictions within the delivery catheter. In four patients, the WEB could be placed within the aneurysm achieving immediate occlusion with a slight neck remnant in 2 cases and major flow reduction in 2 cases. In one of these latter two patients, imaging follow-up at 3 months (magnetic resonance and conventional angiographies) was obtained showing satisfying occlusion with a neck remnant. There was no morbidity and mortality related to the procedure. However, in one patient with a middle cerebral artery aneurysm, slowing of a bifurcation branch was observed without any clinical significance.

Conclusions

Intrasaccular flow-diversion is an effective new therapeutic approach for EVT of IA.
O-003 Recanalization vs reperfusion as vascular end points in acute ischemic stroke endovascular intervention
Authors: Sugg R , Holloway W , Martin C , Akhtar N , Rymer M
Published: July 2011

Introduction

The relationship between the two angiographic parameters, recanalization and reperfusion, as they relate to clinical outcome of acute stroke patients undergoing endovascular intervention is not well defined. We sought to determine the relationship of recanalization of the primary arterial occlusive lesion (AOL) and global reperfusion of the distal vascular bed in patients treated with endovascular stroke rescue at our institution.

Hypothesis

We assessed the hypothesis that recanalization and reperfusion scores would comparably predict outcome.

Methods

96 angiograms were reanalyzed using recanalization and reperfusion scores by neurointerventionalists blinded to clinical outcome. The AOL score was defined as follows: 0=no recanalization of the primary occlusion; I=incomplete or partial recanalization of the primary occlusion with no distal flow; II=incomplete or partial recanalization of the primary occlusion with distal flow; or III=complete recanalization of the primary occlusion with distal flow. The Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) Score was defined as follows: 0=no perfusion; 1= penetration, but no distal branch filling; 2a= perfusion with incomplete (<50%) distal branch filling; 2b=perfusion with incomplete (>50%) distal branch filling; and 3=full perfusion with filling of all distal branches. We compared these methods of assessment to one another and with good clinical outcome (modified Rankin Score 0 to 2).

Results

AOL and TICI scores showed moderate to substantial agreement (κ=0.660, 95% CI (0.518 to 0.801). Good clinical outcome was seen in 60% of patients with AOL II/III scores (p=0.462) and in 71% with TICI 2/3 scores (p=0.854). The two methods did not significantly differ in predicting outcome (p=0.52).

Conclusion

In conclusion, TICI reperfusion scores and AOL recanalization scores comparably predicted clinical outcome in our patient population. However, further investigation should be performed, possibly with the aid of other imaging modalities, to further differentiate between these parameters and their relationship to clinical outcome.
P-005 Is bridging with intravenous thrombolysis of any benefit in endovascular therapy of acute ischemic stroke?
Authors: Kass-Hout T , Mokin M , Kass-Hout O , Darkhabani M , Orion D , Jahshan S , Yashar P , Levy E , Siddiqui A , Snyder K
Published: July 2011

Background

Large vessel occlusions with a high clot burden are less likely to improve with presently accepted and FDA-approved intravenous thrombolysis (IV) strategy. Endovascular therapy within the first 3 h of stroke symptom onset provides an effective alternative treatment in patients with large vessel occlusion. It is not clear if combination of IV thrombolysis and endovascular approach is superior to endovascular treatment alone.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all cases of acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion treated within the first 3 h stroke onset during the 2005–2010 period. First group received endovascular therapy within the first 3 h of stroke onset. Second group consisted of patients who received IV thrombolysis within the first 3 h followed by endovascular therapy. We compared the following outcomes: revascularization rates, NIHSS score at discharge, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at discharge and 3 months, symptomatic hemorrhage rates and mortality.

Results

Among 104 patients identified, 42 received combined therapy, and 62 received endovascular therapy only. The two groups had similar demographic (age and sex distribution) and vascular risk factors distribution, as well as NIHSS score on admission (14.8±4.7 and 16.0±5.3; p=0.23). We found no difference in TIMI recanalization rates (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction scale score of 2 or 3) following combined or endovascular therapy alone (83.3% and 79.0%; p=0.59). A preferred outcome, defined as a mRS of 2 or less at 90 days also did not differ between the combined therapy group and the endovascular only group (37.5% and 34.5%; p=0.76). There was no difference in mortality rate (22.5% and 31.0%; p=0.36) and the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (9.5% and 8.1%; p=0.73). There was a significant difference in mean time from symptom onset to endovascular treatment between the combined group (227±88 min) and endovascular only group (125±40 min; p<0.0001).

Conclusion

Combining IV thrombolysis and endovascular therapy achieves similar rates of clinical outcomes, revascularization rates, complications and mortality rates, when compared with endovascular treatment alone. The combined therapy, however, significantly delays initiation of endovascular treatment. A randomized prospective trial comparing both treatment strategies in acute ischemic stroke is warranted.