bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of real three-dimensional sonar for observing small scale dynamics of fish inside a school.
Authors: Gerlotto Francois , Roux Philippe , Guillard Jean , Josse Erwan , Fablet Ronan , Perrot Yannick , Brehmer Patrice
Published: July 2011

We present concepts for building and operating a high-frequency, three-dimensional sonar (operating range 5–20 m) that will allow observation and analysis of small scale dynamics within aggregations (e.g., microgroups), which is essential to understand physical and behavioral mechanisms within schools. Such a multibeam sonar requires nonconventional concepts as traditional sonars are limited by physical constraints, making observational improvements impossible. Exploiting a new generation of multichannel electronics and array processing tools, we aim to (1) reaching an acquisition rate of up to 10 images/s, while (2) keeping a spatial resolution of ∼10 cm within the aggregation for a 10 m3 water volume. There are three activities: building a prototype to observe a small group of fish inside a school and deliver spatiotemporal images of interfaces inside and outside the school; develop tools for visualization, analysis, and data collection to provide information usable in behavioral ecology; and to define system capabilities and testing the applicability of the prototype to ecological and behavioral questions on schooling and representation of schooling adaptations as indicator of interactions between a population and the environment. Experiments showed that discriminating targets within noisy backgrounds was possible and gave workable results.
Predator–prey interactions and fish schooling behavior revealed through the lens of a sonar.
Authors: Boswell Kevin M , Handegard Nils O. , Leblanc Simon , Couzin Iain D.
Published: July 2011

Acquiring information about the schooling dynamics and direct predator-prey interactions in situ is more than a difficult challenge. Moreover, when attempting to understand mechanisms that structure predator-prey responses and transfer of information across aggregated individuals in waters with limited visibility, the task can be near impossible. Recent developments in acoustic imaging and processing techniques afford the ability to quantify interactions among predators and schooling prey in low-visibility waters and provide insight into the structure of schooling fish, their response to predators. Using an imaging sonar, we were able to observe schooling behavior of common estuarine fishes in response to predator activity. We present the development of the collection and analysis techniques for acquiring relevant metrics to better understand fine-scale predator-prey dynamics in a shallow-water high-turbidity ecosystem.
Euphausiids in the Bering Sea: better ecosystem information through acoustics.
Authors: Ressler Patrick H. , De Robertis Alex
Published: July 2011

Better information on the distribution and abundance of euphausiids (Thysanoessa spp.), a key group of crustacean zooplankton, meets a specific assessment need in the Bering Sea ecosystem. Multifrequency acoustic classification, backscatter modeling, and net capture were recently used to develop, apply, and validate a method of surveying euphausiid distribution and abundance during regular acoustic-trawl surveys of walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma), an important commercial fish stock. These observations of euphausiids have both ecological and management implications. Summer surveys indicate that pollock predation may control euphausiid abundance: the stocks are inversely correlated in space and time, and estimated predation by pollock is sufficient to influence the euphausiid standing stock. Spring observations show that euphausiids and pollock are spatially segregated by ice cover and water temperature, which might mediate predation by pollock. This information on euphausiid abundance and distribution is being used as an index of prey availability in pollock stock assessment, and as a way of monitoring the status of euphausiids in assessment of the Bering Sea ecosystem. [Work supported by Alaska Fisheries Science Ctr., the North Pacific Res. Board, and the NSF.]
Effects of construction and operation of offshore wind farms on seals and small cetaceans.
Authors: Tougaard Jakob
Published: July 2011

Extensive expansion in offshore wind energy takes place these years in European waters, with North America following. Concern has been about possible conflicts with marine ecosystems, including marine mammals. During the last 10 years, several impact studies have been conducted during construction and first years of operation of wind farms in Europe and general conclusions begin to emerge. Pronounced effects (deterrence of animals) during construction have been observed in most cases. In particular, pile driving of steel monopiles for foundations has repeatedly been demonstrated to affect porpoise behavior at great distance and effects on seal haul-out behavior has been observed in a single case. Controlled exposure studies have confirmed the results and demonstrated reactions to pile driving impact noise at levels around 140 re. 1 μPa. Effects of operation are far less pronounced and range from negative (deterrence) over neutral, to positive (attraction). Noise levels from operating turbines are very low, however, and it is unlikely that deterrence can be attributed to the noise. In general, there appears to be little conflict between marine mammals and operating offshore wind farms, but there is reason for continued attention to the construction phase, in particular, regarding pile driving operations.
DeepCwind: Application of active and passive acoustics to evaluate potential impacts of deepwater offshore wind technology on fish.
Authors: Stockwell Jason D. , Zydlewski Gayle B.
Published: July 2011

The DeepCwind Consortium is conducting research and development to bring deepwater offshore wind technology to the Gulf of Maine. As part of the process, we are monitoring the potential impacts of 1/3 scale floating wind turbine platform on pelagic fishes and species of interest (e.g., sturgeon, Atlantic salmon) using active (hydroacoustic surveys) and passive (tagging) acoustic systems. We discuss our application of before-after-control-impact designs to evaluate potential impacts, report on our preliminary monitoring activities and results from 2010, and highlight challenges encountered thus far in the context of improving monitoring protocols for future deployment(s) of full-scale floating platforms.
Toward a global observation and modeling system for studying the ecology of the open ocean using acoustics.
Authors: Handegard Nils Olav , Huse Geir , Maury Olivier , Stenseth Nils Christian
Published: July 2011

The CLIOTOP (mid-trophic automatic acoustic sampling) project and the EurOcean consortium are organizing a workshop in May 2011 in Bergen, Norway. The presentation will summarize the discussions and conclusions from the workshop. The workshop will deal with the technological and modeling issues related to the mass deployment of acoustic sensors in the open ocean environment. The technological challenges that will be addressed are plans and concepts for novel platforms carrying acoustics and complementary techniques, energy supply and consumption, and data transfer technology. Presently, acoustics cannot provide measures of the species-specific biomass of all taxa, and complementary technologies and ecosystem models need to be tailored to the available data. The modeling part of the workshop will focus mainly on the model-data links. It will cover the topics required to design a large scale observational system and to improve the combination of models and observations through data assimilation. The use of acoustic data in marine ecosystem models is indeed often done in a fairly naive way, typically by assuming that acoustic measurements can provide acute and precise estimates of biomass. This leads to underestimated uncertainty and potentially biased results which need to be rigorously addressed in appropriate state-space frameworks.
The Persistently Variable “Background” Stratospheric Aerosol Layer and Global Climate Change
Authors: Solomon S. , Daniel J. S. , Neely R. R. , Vernier J.-P. , Dutton E. G. , Thomason L. W.
Published: July 2011

An increase in the amount of aerosols in the stratosphere during the past decade has decreased the rate of global warming.
optix
Drives the Repeated Convergent Evolution of Butterfly Wing Pattern Mimicry
Authors: Reed Robert D. , Papa Riccardo , Martin Arnaud , Hines Heather M. , Counterman Brian A. , Pardo-Diaz Carolina , Jiggins Chris D. , Chamberlain Nicola L. , Kronforst Marcus R. , Chen Rui , Halder Georg , Nijhout H. Frederik , McMillan W. Owen
Published: July 2011

Heliconius
butterfly wing pattern mimicry is driven by cis-regulatory variation of the
optix
gene.
Impacts of Fishing Low–Trophic Level Species on Marine Ecosystems
Authors: Smith Anthony D. M. , Brown Christopher J. , Bulman Catherine M. , Fulton Elizabeth A. , Johnson Penny , Kaplan Isaac C. , Lozano-Montes Hector , Mackinson Steven , Marzloff Martin , Shannon Lynne J. , Shin Yunne-Jai , Tam Jorge
Published: July 2011

High harvest levels of low–trophic level fishes may have cascading marine ecosystem effects.
Tet Proteins Can Convert 5-Methylcytosine to 5-Formylcytosine and 5-Carboxylcytosine
Authors: Ito Shinsuke , Shen Li , Dai Qing , Wu Susan C. , Collins Leonard B. , Swenberg James A. , He Chuan , Zhang Yi
Published: July 2011

Evidence for a possible route for DNA demethylation in animals is suggested.
Effect of order of draw of blood samples during phlebotomy on routine biochemistry results: Table 1
Authors: Sulaiman Raashda A , Cornes Michael P , Whitehead Simon J , Othonos Nadia , Ford Clare , Gama Rousseau
Published: July 2011

Aim

To investigate whether incorrect order of draw of blood samples during phlebotomy causes in vitro potassium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid EDTA (kEDTA) contamination of blood samples.

Methods

Serum kEDTA, potassium, calcium, magnesium, alkaline phosphatase, zinc and iron concentrations were measured in blood samples drawn before and after collecting blood into kEDTA containing sample tubes by an experienced phlebotomist using the Sarstedt Safety Monovette system.

Results

EDTA was undetectable in all samples. The concentrations of other analytes were similar in blood samples drawn before and after collection of the EDTA blood sample.

Conclusion

Order of draw of blood samples using the Sarstedt Safety Monovette system has no effect on serum biochemistry results, when samples are taken by an experienced phlebotomist.
Variations in the 16S–23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer of fibrolytic Butyrivibrio isolates from the reindeer rumen
Authors: Præsteng Kirsti E. , Mackie Roderick I. , Cann Isaac K.O. , Mathiesen Svein D. , Sundset Monica A.
Published: July 2011

Strains of Butyrivibrio are principal cellulytic bacteria in the rumen of the High Arctic Svalbard reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus ). According to phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, Butyrivibrio can be divided into three subgroups within the Clostridia class of the phylum Firmicutes, but the current phenotypic and genotypic differentiation within the family Lachnospiraceae is insufficient. This current study describes the sequence diversity of the 16S–23S rRNA intergenic transcribed spacer (ITS) region of Butyrivibrio isolates from reindeer. A total of 17 different ITS sequences with sizes between 449 and 784 nt were obtained. Genes encoding tRNAIle and tRNAAla were identified in four of the sequences. Phylogenetic neighbor-joining trees were constructed based on the ITS sequence and compared with a phylogenetic neighbor-joining tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences previously obtained for the same isolates. These comparisons indicated a better differentiation between strains in the ITS sequence than the 16S rRNA gene based tree. Through this study, a better means for identifying and tracking fibrolytic and potentially probiotic Butyrivibrio strains in reindeer and other ruminants has been provided.
Diversity of the desert truffleTerfezia boudieriChatin. in southern Tunisia
Authors: Sbissi Imed , Ghodhbane-Gtari Faten , Neffati Mohamed , Ouzari Hadda , Boudabous Abdellatif , Gtari Maher
Published: July 2011

This study reports the genetic diversity of Terfezia boudieri collected from southern Tunisia. The study was carried out using 135 truffle fruiting bodies harvested from seven different locations. Twenty-eight Terfezia claveryi fruiting bodies were also sampled from one of the seven locations. A PCR-based technique was used to amplify the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rDNA, including the ITS1–5.8S–ITS2. The PCR products were digested with the four restriction enzymes RsaI, HhaI, AluI, and HinfI. Based on the HinfI patterns, T. boudieri specimens were separated into two different haplotypes (I and II). Nucleotide sequences of some representative amplicons were also obtained. Based on the phylogenetic results, three T. boudieri genotypes could be differentiated. One sequence, SKtb1, retrieved from PCR–RFLP of haplotype I, was obtained from a low pH soil in association with Helianthemum kahiricum . Based on the results presented in the current study, this isolate may represent a novel taxa within the Terfezia genus.
THE MEAN VELOCITY OF TWO-STATE MODELS OF MOLECULAR MOTOR
Authors: ZHANG YUNXIN
Published: July 2011

The motion of molecular motor is essential to the biophysical functioning of living cells. This motion can be regarded as a multiple chemical state process. So, mathematically, the motion of molecular motor can be described by several coupled one-dimensional hopping processes or by several coupled Fokker–Planck equations. To know the basic properties of molecular motor, in this paper, we will give detailed analysis about the simplest case in which there are only two chemical states. Actually, many of the existing models, such as the flashing ratchet model, can be regarded as a two-state model. From the explicit expression of the mean velocity, one can see that the mean velocity of molecular motor might be non-zero even if the potential in each state is periodic, which means that there is no energy input to the molecular motor in each of the two states. At the same time, the mean velocity might be zero even if there is non-trivial energy input. Generally, the velocity of molecular motor depends not only on the potentials (or corresponding forward and backward transition rates) in the two chemical states, but also on the transition rates between them.
ENERGY FLUCTUATIONS IN UNNORMALIZED TSALLIS STATISTICS
Authors: LIU LI-YAN , WEI LI-QIAN
Published: July 2011

In this paper, we investigate the fluctuation of the energy in the canonical ensemble in the setting of unnormalized q-expectation value theory in Tsallis statistics. After obtaining the general expression, we compare it with the energy fluctuation deduced from the generalized fluctuation-dissipation theorem. The results show that they are the same. Then, we take the classical ideal gas model as an example to explore the energy fluctuations of it. It shows that if the value of q is not in the vicinity of unity, the relative fluctuation of the energy is large. Thus, the energy in the canonical ensemble greatly deviates from the mean value.
PERISTALTIC FLOW OF COUPLE-STRESS CONDUCTING FLUIDS THROUGH A POROUS CHANNEL: APPLICATIONS TO BLOOD FLOW IN THE MICRO-CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
Authors: TRIPATHI DHARMENDRA
Published: July 2011

The present investigation is devoted to study a theoretical investigation of the peristaltic flow of a couple-stress conducting fluids in a porous channel under the influence of slip boundary condition. This study is applicable to the physiological flow of blood in the micro-circulatory system, by taking account of the particle size effect. The expressions for axial velocity, pressure gradient, stream function, frictional force and mechanical efficiency are obtained under the small Reynolds number and the large wavelength approximations. Effects of different physical parameters reflecting permeability parameter, couple-stress parameter, Hartmann number as well as amplitude ratio on pumping characteristics, frictional force, mechanical efficiency and trapping of peristaltic flow pattern are studied. The computational and numerical results are presented in graphical form. On the basis of our discussion, it is concluded that pressure reduces by increasing the magnitude of couple-stress parameter, permeability parameter, slip parameter, whereas it enhances by increasing the magnitude of magnetic field and amplitude ratio.
THE FAMILY PROBLEM: EXTENSION OF STANDARD MODEL WITH A LOOSELY-COUPLED SU(3) FAMILY GAUGE THEORY
Authors: HWANG W-Y. PAUCHY
Published: July 2011

We all know that in our family of the basic particles we have three generations but still don't know why - the so-called "family problem". On other hand, in view of the masses and oscillations, the neutrinos now present some basic difficulty in the Standard Model. In this note, I propose that on top of the SUc(3) × SU(2) × U(1) standard model there is an SUf(3) extension - a simple SUc(3) × SU(2) × U(1) × SUf(3) extended standard model - neutrino masses are obtained in a "renormalizable" way in the dark sector. On the dark matter side, the family gauge bosons (familons) are massive through the so-called "colored" Higgs mechanism while the remaining Higgs particles are also massive. As the bridge between the dark matter and the ordinary matter, the three neutrinos, the electron-like, muon-like, and tao-like neutrinos, form the basic family triplets. Hopefully all the couplings to the "visible" ordinary matter are through the neutrinos, explaining why dark matter (25 %) is more than visible matter (5 %) in our Universe.
COSMIC VOIDS: STRUCTURE, DYNAMICS AND GALAXIES
Authors: VAN DE WEYGAERT RIEN , PLATEN ERWIN
Published: July 2011

In this contribution we review and discuss several aspects of Cosmic Voids. Voids are a major component of the large scale distribution of matter and galaxies in the Universe. Their instrumental importance for understanding the emergence of the Cosmic Web is clear. Their relatively simple shape and structure makes them into useful tools for extracting the value of a variety cosmic parameters, possibly including even that of the influence of dark energy. Perhaps most promising and challenging is the issue of the galaxies found within their realm. Not only does the pristine environment of voids provide a promising testing ground for assessing the role of environment on the formation and evolution of galaxies, the dearth of dwarf galaxies may even represent a serious challenge to the standard view of cosmic structure formation.
COSMOLOGICAL MEASURES WITH VOLUME AVERAGING
Authors: PAGE DON N.
Published: July 2011

It has been common for cosmologists to advocate volume weighting for the cosmological measure problem, weighting spatial hypersurfaces by their volume. However, this often leads to the Boltzmann brain problem, that almost all observations would be by momentary Boltzmann brains that arise very briefly as quantum fluctuations in the late universe when it has expanded to a huge size, so that our observations (too ordered for Boltzmann brains) would be highly atypical and unlikely. Here it is suggested that volume weighting may be a mistake. Volume averaging is advocated as an alternative. One consequence may be a loss of the argument that eternal inflation gives a nonzero probability that our universe now has infinite volume.
MEASURING PARTICLE MASSES WITH mT2 AT THE LHC
Authors: KIM YEONG GYUN
Published: July 2011

We review some recent works on mT2 collider variable, which is applied for pair-produced mother particles decaying to visible particles and a pair of invisible particles at the LHC.
DETECTION AND IDENTIFICATION OF DARK MATTER
Authors: CERDEÑO DAVID G.
Published: July 2011

Dark matter is an abundant component of our Universe and its detection and identification constitutes one of the most challenging goals in modern Physics. Particle Physics provides well motivated candidates for dark matter, among which a generic weakly-interacting massive particle (WIMP) stands out for its simplicity and the fact that WIMP candidates can be found in many theories proposing new physics at the TeV scale, such as Supersymmetry, models with Universal Extra Dimensions and Little Higgs Theories. I will review the properties of some of the main WIMP candidates and their detectability (with special emphasis on direct detection experiments). I will also address the strategies that can be used to discriminate among them in the case of a future detection.
ENERGY SPECTRUM AND SOURCE DISTRIBUTIONS OF ULTRAHIGH ENERGY COSMIC RAYS
Authors: LU CHIA-CHUN , LIN GUEY-LIN
Published: July 2011

Motivated by Pierre Auger results on the energy spectrum and the anisotropy of ultrahigh energy cosmic rays (UHECR), we study the spatial distributions of UHECR sources by fitting to the measured UHECR spectrum. We consider possible energy calibration effects in the Pierre Auger data for our analysis. We propose a local overdensity of UHECR sources which is testable in the future cosmic ray astronomy.
CONSTRAINTS ON SCALAR-TENSOR COSMOLOGY FROM WMAP DATA
Authors: NAGATA RYO
Published: July 2011

We place observational constraints on a scalar-tensor gravity theory by comparing the WMAP temperature and polarization angular spectrum with its predictions. We examined the quadratic extension of Brans-Dicke theory and found that, even if the scalar-tensor theory was far from Einstein gravity in early cosmological epochs, CMB can set stringent constraints on the deviations from Einstein gravity.
SIX-DIMENSIONAL BRANEWORLD COSMOLOGY
Authors: MINAMITSUJI MASATO
Published: July 2011

We derive the brane cosmological solutions in the six-dimensional Einstein-Maxwell-dilaton theory, via dimensional reduction from the higher-dimensional Einstein-Maxwell theory. Two extra dimensions are compactified by a magnetic flux and two codimension-two branes are located at the boundaries. All the cosmological solutions approach an attractor in the later times. The attractor represents a simple power-law inflationary Universe whose power is simply given by the dilatonic coupling in the theory. Then, we discuss the properties of our solutions and deduce the cosmological implications.
OPEN INFLATION IN STRING LANDSCAPE: TENSOR-TYPE PERTURBATION
Authors: YAMAUCHI DAISUKE , SASAKI MISAO , TANAKA TAKAHIRO , NARUKO ATSUSHI , LINDE ANDREI
Published: July 2011

The open inflationary scenario is attracting a renewed interest in the context of string landscape. Since there are a large number of metastable de Sitter vacua in string landscape, tunneling transitions to lower metastable vacua through the bubble nucleation occur quite naturally, which leads to a natural realization of open inflation. Recently, it was argued anthropically that string landscape would lead to an estimate of the density parameter in the range 0.998 ~ 0.9996. Although the deviation of Ω0 from unity, the effect of this small deviation on the CMB anisotropies might be significant. If their estimate of the value of Ω0 is correct, although yet there is no consensus about the problem of the probability measure, we might be able to discriminate the string landscape scenario from others. The effect of this small deviation on the large angle CMB anisotropies may be significant for large angle mode in tensor-type perturbation. We found that the wall fluctuation mode gives significant contribution even in string landscape and the square amplitude is determined only by the Hubble inside the bubble for large range of the potential parameters.
SOLVING THE INVERSE PROBLEM WITH INHOMOGENEOUS UNIVERSES
Authors: YOO CHUL-MOON , KAI TOMOHIRO , NAKAO KEN-ICHI
Published: July 2011

We construct the Lemaître-Tolman-Bondi (LTB) dust universe whose distance-redshift relation is equivalent to that in the concordance Λ cold dark matter (ΛCDM) cosmological model. In our model, the density distribution and velocity field are not homogeneous, whereas the big-bang time is uniform, which implies that the universe is homogeneous at its beginning. We also study the temporal variation of the cosmological redshift and show that, by the observation of this quantity, we can distinguish our LTB universe model from the concordance ΛCDM model, even if their redshift-distance relations are equivalent to each other.
CONSISTENCY TEST AND CONSTRAINT OF QUINTESSENCE
Authors: CHEN CHIEN-WEN , GU JE-AN , CHEN PISIN
Published: July 2011

In this paper we highlight our recent work in arXiv:0803.4504. In that work, we proposed a new consistency test of quintessence models for dark energy. Our test gave a simple and direct signature if certain category of quintessence models was not consistent with the observational data. For a category that passed the test, we further constrained its characteristic parameter. Specifically, we found that the exponential potential was ruled out at the 95% confidence level and the power-law potential was ruled out at the 68% confidence level based on the current observational data. We also found that the confidence interval of the index of the power-law potential was between -2 and 0 at the 95% confidence level.
LEE-WICK FIELD AS A DARK ENERGY CANDIDATE
Authors: LEE SEOKCHEON
Published: July 2011

As a possible alternative solution for the hierarchy problem in the standard model, Lee-Wick theory where a field has higher derivative kinetic operators has been paid attentions recently. Also in modern cosmology, the observations suggest that the current universe is under accelerating expansion dominated by dark energy. Furthermore, they marginally prefer the dark energy equation of state parameter ω DE to cross the phantom divide -1 at present. Lee-Wick theory has the same structure as so-called quintom model except the form of potentials and the sign of the slope of the potentials. Thus, this model can produce the stable late time phantom-dominated solution and maybe able to explain the current cosmology. However, without fine tuning of its mass we may not be able to produce the viable values of observational quantities in this model.
NONCOMMUTATIVE BTZ BLACK HOLE IN DIFFERENT COORDINATES
Authors: EE CHANG-YOUNG
Published: July 2011

We consider noncommutative BTZ black hole solutions in two different coordinate systems, the polar and rectangular coordinates. The analysis is carried out by obtaining noncommutative solutions of U(1, 1) × U(1, 1) Chern-Simons theory on AdS3 in the two coordinate systems via the Seiberg-Witten map. This is based on the noncommutative extension of the equivalence between the classical BTZ solution and the solution of ordinary SU(1, 1) × SU(1, 1) Chern-Simons theory on AdS3. The obtained solutions in these noncommutative coordinate systems become different in the first order of the noncommutativity parameter θ.
NEUTRINO OSCILLATIONS: FROM STANDARD AND NON-STANDARD VIEWPOINTS
Authors: MA BO-QIANG
Published: July 2011

In the standard model of neutrino oscillations, the neutrino flavor states are mixtures of mass-eigenstates, and the phenomena are well described by the neutrino mixing matrix, i.e., the PMNS matrix. I review the recent progress on parametrization of the neutrino mixing matrix. Besides that I also discuss on the possibility to describe the neutrino oscillations by a non-standard model in which the neutrino mixing is caused by the Lorentz violation (LV) contribution in the effective field theory for LV. We assume that neutrinos are massless and that neutrino flavor states are mixing states of energy eigenstates. In our calculation the neutrino mixing parts depend on LV parameters and neutrino energy. The oscillation amplitude varies with the neutrino energy, thus neutrino experiments with energy dependence may test and constrain the Lorentz violation scenario for neutrino oscillation.
HIGHER CURVATURE THEORIES OF GRAVITY IN THE ADM CANONICAL FORMALISM
Authors: SENDOUDA YUUITI , DERUELLE NATHALIE , SASAKI MISAO , YAMAUCHI DAISUKE
Published: July 2011

We present a canonical formulation for higher-curvature theories of gravity whose action is a generic function of Riemann tensor. The Arnowitt–Deser–Misner canonical formalism is employed to identify the extra gravitational dynamical degrees of freedom other than metric. We also find a surface term that gives Dirichlet boundary conditions for the dynamical degrees of freedom.
CRITICAL REVIEWS ON HOLOGRAPHIC MEASURE OVER THE MULTIVERSE
Authors: HONG SUNGWOOK E. , YEOM DONG-HAN , ZOE HEESEUNG
Published: July 2011

In this talk, the holographic measure based on black hole complementarity is critically reviewed. By noticing the similarities between the causal structure of an inflationary dS space and that of a black hole, we have considered the complementarity principle between the inside and the outside of the causal horizon as an attractive way to count the inflationary multiverse. Even though the holographic measure relieves the Boltzmann brain problem and stresses the physical reality based on observations, it could be challenged by the construction of counterexamples, both on regular black holes and charged black holes, to black hole complementarity.
Effects of oxidized low-density lipoproteins on the hepatic microvasculature
Authors: Oteiza Ana , Li Ruomei , McCuskey Robert S. , Smedsrød Bård , Sørensen Karen Kristine
Published: July 2011

Oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDLs) are involved in proinflammatory and cytotoxic events in different microcirculatory systems. The liver is an important scavenger organ for circulating oxLDLs. However, the interaction of oxLDL with the hepatic microcirculation has been poorly investigated. The present study was conducted to examine the effects of differently modified oxLDLs on the hepatic microvasculature. C57Bl/6J mice were injected intravenously with low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or LDL oxidized for 3 h (oxLDL3) or 24 h (oxLDL24), at doses resembling oxLDL plasma levels in cardiovascular disease patients. Radioiodinated ligands were used to measure blood decay and organ distribution, and nonlabeled ligands to evaluate microcirculatory responses, examined by in vivo microscopy 30–60 min after ligand injection, immunohistochemistry, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Mildly oxLDL (oxLDL3) was cleared from blood at a markedly slower rate than heavily oxLDL (oxLDL24), but significantly faster than LDL ( P < 0.01). Injected oxLDLs distributed to liver. OxLDL effects were most pronounced in central areas of the liver lobules where oxLDL3elicited a significant ( P < 0.05) reduction in perfused sinusoids, and both oxLDL3and oxLDL24significantly increased the numbers of swollen endothelial cells and adherent leukocytes compared with LDL ( P < 0.05). OxLDL-treated livers also exhibited increased intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 centrilobular staining. Electron microscopy showed a 30% increased thickness of the liver sinusoidal endothelium in the oxLDL3group ( P < 0.05) and a reduced sinusoidal fenestration in centrilobular areas with increased oxidation of LDL ( P for linear trend <0.05). In conclusion, OxLDL induced several acute changes in the liver microvasculature, which may lead to sinusoidal endothelial dysfunction.
Tauroursodeoxycholic acid reduces endoplasmic reticulum stress, acinar cell damage, and systemic inflammation in acute pancreatitis
Authors: Seyhun Ersin , Malo Antje , Schäfer Claus , Moskaluk Christopher A. , Hoffmann Ralf-Thorsten , Göke Burkhard , Kubisch Constanze H.
Published: July 2011

In acute pancreatitis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress prompts an accumulation of malfolded proteins inside the ER, initiating the unfolded protein response (UPR). Because the ER chaperone tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) is known to inhibit the UPR in vitro, this study examined the in vivo effects of TUDCA in an acute experimental pancreatitis model. Acute pancreatitis was induced in Wistar rats using caerulein, with or without prior TUDCA treatment. UPR components were analyzed, including chaperone binding protein (BiP), phosphorylated protein kinase-like ER kinase (pPERK), X-box binding protein (XBP)-1, phosphorylated c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (pJNK), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologues protein, and caspase 12 and 3 activation. In addition, pancreatitis biomarkers were measured, such as serum amylase, trypsin activation, edema formation, histology, and the inflammatory reaction in pancreatic and lung tissue. TUDCA treatment reduced intracellular trypsin activation, edema formation, and cell damage, while leaving amylase levels unaltered. The activation of myeloperoxidase was clearly reduced in pancreas and lung. Furthermore, TUDCA prevented caerulein-induced BiP upregulation, reduced XBP-1 splicing, and caspase 12 and 3 activation. It accelerated the downregulation of pJNK. In controls without pancreatitis, TUDCA showed cytoprotective effects including pPERK signaling and activation of downstream targets. We concluded that ER stress responses activated in acute pancreatitis are grossly attenuated by TUDCA. The chaperone reduced the UPR and inhibited ER stress-associated proapoptotic pathways. TUDCA has a cytoprotective potential in the exocrine pancreas. These data hint at new perspectives for an employment of chemical chaperones, such as TUDCA, in prevention of acute pancreatitis.
Endotoxin-induced cardiovascular dysfunction in mice: effect of simvastatin
Authors: Suda Koichi , Eom Jihyoun , Jaw Jen-erh , Mui Tammy , Bai Ni , Or Chris , Ngan David , Li Yuexin , Wang Xi , Tsuruta Masashi , Tam Sheena , Man S. Paul , Van Eeden Stephan , Sin Don D.
Published: July 2011

Lung infections are associated with acute lung injury (ALI), systemic inflammation, and vascular events. Clinical studies suggest that statins improve health outcomes of patients with pneumonia and ALI. The mechanisms by which this occurs are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether statins attenuate systemic inflammation and cardiovascular dysfunction related to ALI in mice. Simvastatin (SS; 20 mg/kg) or vehicle solution was instilled intraperitoneally into mice 24 h before and again just prior to intratracheal LPS instillation (1 μg/g). These mice were then anesthetized with 2.0% isoflurane and underwent a short surgical procedure to instill LPS. Four hours later, IL-6 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and in arterial and venous serum were measured. Cardiac function was evaluated using 2-D echocardiography, and endothelial function was determined using wire myography on aortic sections. LPS induced a significant increase in serum IL-6 levels. SS reduced venous ( P = 0.040) but not arterial concentrations of IL-6 ( P = 0.112). SS improved the maximal vasodilatory response of the aorta to ACh ( P = 0.004) but not to sodium nitroprusside ( P = 1.000). SS also improved cardiac output ( P = 0.023). Vasodilatory response to ACh was impaired when aorta from untreated mice was incubated with ex vivo IL-6 ( P = 0.004), whereas in the aorta from mice pretreated with SS, the vasodilatory response did not change with IL-6 incubation ( P = 0.387). SS significantly improved LPS-induced cardiovascular dysfunction possibly by reducing systemic expression of IL-6 and its downstream signaling pathways. These findings may explain how statins improve health outcomes in patients with ALI.
Comparison of metabolites in exhaled breath and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples in a mouse model of asthma
Authors: Neuhaus Stephanie , Seifert Luzia , Vautz Wolfgang , Nolte Jürgen , Bufe Albrecht , Peters Marcus
Published: July 2011

Background: A multi-capillary column ion mobility spectrometer (MCC/IMS) was developed to provide a method for the noninvasive diagnosis of lung diseases. The possibility of measuring the exhaled breath of mice was evaluated previously. The aim of the present study was to reveal whether mice affected by airway inflammation can be identified via MCC/IMS. Methods: Ten mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin to induce allergic airway inflammation. The breath and volatile compounds of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured by MCC/IMS. Furthermore, histamine, nitric oxide, and arachidonic acid were determined as inflammatory markers in vitro. Results: Six volatile molecules were found in the BALF headspace at a significantly higher concentration in mice with airway inflammation compared with healthy animals. The concentration of substances correlated with the numbers of infiltrating eosinophilic granulocytes. However, substances showing a significantly different concentration in the BALF headspace were not found to be different in exhaled breath. Histamine and nitric oxide were identified by MCC/IMS in vitro but not in the BALF headspace or exhaled breath. Conclusion: Airway inflammation in mice is detectable by the analysis of the BALF headspace via MCC/IMS. Molecules detected in the BALF headspace of asthmatic mice at a higher concentration than in healthy animals may originate from oxidative stress induced by airway inflammation. As already described for humans, we found no correlation between the biomarker concentration in the BALF and the breath of mice. We suggest using the model described here to gain deeper insights into this discrepancy.
Metaplastic Carcinoma of the Breast: Cytological Diagnosis and Diagnostic Pitfalls
Authors: Joshi Deepti , Singh Puja , Zonunfawni Yvonne , Gangane Nitin
Published: July 2011

Objective: Metaplastic carcinoma of the breast is a rare malignant neoplasm comprised of ductal, squamous and/or mesenchymal elements in various proportions. Fine needle aspiration diagnosis of this entity is problematic because of its pathological heterogeneity. In this study, we have described the cytomorphological features of histologically confirmed metaplastic carcinomas and also discussed the diagnostic limitations along with a brief review of the literature. Study Design: In this observational study, the histology and cytology files of all cases identified as metaplastic carcinomas during the study period (2004–2009) were retrieved. The slides were reviewed for the presence of various elements. Results: Ten cases were identified as metaplastic carcinomas during the study period. All cases were diagnosed as malignant on cytology. Three cases showed presence of squamous carcinoma cells, 4 showed presence of atypical spindle cells, 2 showed presence of mesenchymal fragments and 1 showed presence of osteoclastic giant cells. Conclusion: The presence of biphasic tumor cells, atypical spindle cells admixed with poorly differentiated carcinoma cells, squamous carcinoma cells, osteoclastic giant cells and matrix may provide clues for the fine needle aspiration diagnosis of metaplastic carcinomas. However, cytological diagnosis may not be possible in all the cases because of selective sampling of various pathological elements.
Case Report of Renal Cell Carcinoma Diagnosed in Voided Urine Confirmed by CD10 Immunocytochemistry
Authors: Dubal Sanjivani B. , Pathuthara Saleem , Ajit Dulhan , Menon Santosh , Kane Shubhada V.
Published: July 2011

Background: Preoperative diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) by exfoliative urine cytology is difficult, as infiltration of RCC into the pelvicalyceal system is uncommon. The exfoliation of RCC cells in urine is a rare phenomenon and when it does occur, it is likely to be missed. Cytologic examination of the urine coupled with ancillary immunocytochemistry can clinch the diagnosis leading to appropriate clinical management. Case: A 50-year-old man presented with complaints of hematuria and abdominal pain of 6 months’ duration. Ultrasonographic examination of the abdomen and pelvis showed a well-defined mass lesion in the upper pole of the left kidney, suggestive of neoplastic etiology. In the given clinical context of renal mass, urine cytology was suggestive of RCC and biopsy confirmation was suggested. One cytology smear subjected to immunocytochemistry with anti-CD10 antibody which showed strong diffuse cytoplasmic positivity in these cells confirmed the diagnosis of RCC. Subsequently, fine needle aspiration cytology of the kidney mass was reported as RCC. Conclusions: RCC has distinct cytologic features that facilitate a diagnosis in urine in an appropriate clinical and radiological context. Their recognition in the urine smear is important to avoid costly and invasive modalities like image-guided needle biopsy.
Screening for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer in the Era of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination: An Australian Perspective
Authors: Farnsworth Annabelle
Published: July 2011

Australia has a unique and highly successful screening program for cervical cancer which is based on the conventional Pap smear. Since its introduction in 1991 there has been a decline in both the incidence of and mortality from this disease. Part of the success of this program has been the introduction of Pap test registers and strict quality assurance measures for cervical cytology, including compulsory key performance indicators for laboratories. Using these measures, nationwide calculations give cervical cytology in Australia a sensitivity of 78% for high-grade lesions and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 78%. Australia was the first country to introduce a widespread government-funded human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program in 2007. Because of the high accuracy of Australian cytology, HPV testing alone, given its low PPV and high cost, is unlikely to be a viable alternative to cytology for primary screening in this country. Australia therefore faces unique issues and choices in integrating its extensive vaccination program with a successful cervical screening program.
A Prospective Randomized Study of Two Reminding Strategies: Telephone versus Mail in the Screening of Cervical Cancer in Women Who Did Not Initially Respond
Authors: Heranney D. , Fender M. , Velten M. , Baldauf J.J.
Published: July 2011

Objective: To compare the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of two reminding strategies addressed to women who did not respond to a first invitation to undergo cervical cancer screening. Study Design: A randomized study was carried out by a programme created in Alsace to organize cervical cancer screening. In total, 10,662 women who did not have a smear test 1 year after a first notice was sent, were randomly allocated to receive either a new letter with a reply coupon or a telephone call. The uptake of screening was measured using routine data. Efficacy and direct costs of the two methods were compared. Results: Uptake at 8 months was 6.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) 5.6–7.0%] for telephone calls and 5.8% (95% CI 5.2–6.4%) for letters. The difference was not significant. More information was collected through telephone calls than by letters, but with less reliability. Furthermore, telephone calls were more costly. Conclusions: We found that in our region, a mail reminder was as effective as, and less expensive than, a telephone call; moreover, it was applicable to the whole population, including patients without a telephone.
Apoptosis and Other Cell Death Mechanisms after Retinal Detachment: Implications for Photoreceptor Rescue
Authors: Lo Amy C.Y. , Woo Tiffany T.Y. , Wong Raymond L.M. , Wong David
Published: July 2011

Retinal detachment (RD) is one of the most common causes of blindness. This separation of the neurosensory retina from its underlying retinal pigment epithelium results in photoreceptor loss, which is the basis of permanent visual impairment. This review explores the various cell death mechanisms in photoreceptor death associated with RD. One of the major mechanisms is apoptosis, mediated by the intrinsic pathway, the Fas signalling pathway and/or the caspase-independent pathway. Other pathways of mechanisms include endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated cell death, programmed necrosis and cytokine-related pathways. Understanding the mechanism of RD-associated photoreceptor death is likely to help us improve the current therapies or devise new strategies for this sight-threatening condition.
Heavier-than-Water Silicone Oil Mixture as a Long-Term Tamponade Agent: A Pilot Study
Authors: Abdelkader Ehab , Siddiqui Rehman M. , Ramalingam Satheesh , Murrary Alison , Lois Noemi
Published: July 2011

Purpose: To evaluate the tamponade effect on the retina of a heavier-than-water silicone oil mixture and to compare it with the effect of silicone oil. Methods: Prospective, non-randomised, comparative pilot study. Phakic/pseudophakic patients with retinal detachment undergoing vitrectomy with Densiron 68 or silicone oil were recruited. The ‘separation volume’, defined as the relative volume of the space between intraocular tamponade agent and retina, was estimated using magnetic resonance imaging in both groups and compared. Results: Nine participants were included; 4 received silicone oil and 5 Densiron 68. The mean separation volume was statistically significantly larger in the silicone oil group (0.477 ± 0.419 cm3) than in the Densiron group (0.042 ± 0.013 cm3; p = 0.014). Conclusions: In this study Densiron achieved an excellent tamponade effect in the retina.
Communicative Functions Integrate Segments in Prosodies and Prosodies in Segments
Authors: Kohler Klaus J.
Published: July 2011

This paper takes a new look at the traditionally established divide between sounds and prosodies, viewing it as a useful heuristics in language descriptions that focus on the segmental make- up of words. It pleads for a new approach that bridges this reified compartmentalization of speech in a more global communicative perspective. Data are presented from a German perception experiment in the framework of the Semantic Differential that shows interdependence of f0 contours and the spectral characteristics of a following fricative segment, for the expression of semantic functions along the scales questioning – asserting, excited – calm, forceful – not forceful, contrary – agreeable. The results lead to the conclusion that segments shape prosodies and are shaped by them in varying ways in the coding of semantic functions. This implies that the analysis of sentence prosodies needs to integrate the manifestation of segments, just as the analysis of segments needs to consider their prosodic embedding. In communicative interaction, speakers set broad prosodic time windows of varying sizes, and listeners respond to them. So, future phonetic research needs to concentrate on speech analysis in such windows.
Endothelial Function as Measured by Peripheral Arterial Tonometry Increases during Pubertal Advancement
Authors: Bhangoo Amrit , Sinha Sunil , Rosenbaum Michael , Shelov Steven , Ten Svetlana
Published: July 2011

Background/Aims:Sex steroids, such as estrogens, are known to influence endothelial function by their vasodilator action. The aim of this study was to study the relation of puberty and sex steroids with endothelial function using peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT). Methods: In 89 healthy school boys and girls, we determined height, weight, waist circumference, percent body fat, BMI, BMI z-score, blood pressure (BP), BP percentiles, lipid profile, insulin, and glucose levels after overnight fast. Estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), DHEAS and E1-sulfate were measured using ultrasensitive assays. Participants were divided into 3 pubertal groups on the basis of their estrogen levels: group 1 (Tanner stage I), group 2 (Tanner stages II–III), and group 3 (Tanner stages IV–V). Endothelial function was measured by Endo-PAT 2000® and expressed as PAT index. A higher PAT index represents a higher reactive hyperemia response. Results: The PAT index was lowest at 1.42 ± 0.44 (mean ± SD) in group 1 and significantly increased in group 2 at 1.71 ± 0.35 (p = 0.02) and group 3 at 1.92 ± 0.38 (p < 0.001). The PAT index correlated positively with E2, DHEAS and age. Conclusion: Enhancement of the PAT index was associated with an increment in Tanner stages. The changes in E2 and DHEAS levels may contribute to increasing endothelial response to shear stress or arterial blood flow.