bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of immune activation and glucocorticoid administration on feather growth in greenfinches
Authors: Männiste Marju , Hõrak Peeter
Published: September 2011

Elevation of glucocorticoid (GC) hormone levels is an integral part of stress response (as well as its termination) and immunomodulation. These hormones are also responsible for mobilizing energy stores by stimulation of gluconeogenesis and inhibition of protein synthesis. Elevation of GCs is thus incompatible with other protein‐demanding processes, such as moult. Previous studies have shown that chronic elevation of GC hormones suppresses feather growth. Here, we asked whether similar effect would also occur in the case of acute GC elevation and induction of an inflammatory response by foreign antigen. We performed an experiment on captive wild‐caught greenfinches (Carduelis chloris) injecting birds with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) and dexamethasone (DEX) in a factorial design. To assess the possible somatic impacts of these manipulations, we removed one of the outermost tail feathers before the experiment and measured mass and rachis diameter and length of the replacement feathers grown in captivity. Immunostimulation by PHA reduced rachis length, but did not affect feather mass or rachis diameter. Single injection of a synthetic GC hormone DEX significantly reduced all three parameters of feather size. Altogether, these findings demonstrate the sensitivity of feather growth to manipulation of immune and adrenal functions. Our results corroborate the somatic costs of immune activation and suggest that even a short‐term elevation of GC hormones may induce long‐term somatic costs with a potential impact on fitness. Our findings also imply that a single injection of DEX, frequently used as a diagnostic tool, can have lasting effects and researchers must consider this when designing experiments. J. Exp. Zool. 315:527–535, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
FORMAL AND INFORMAL EMPLOYMENT AND INCOME DIFFERENTIALS IN URBAN CHINA
Authors: Chen Guifu , Hamori Shigeyuki
Published: September 2011

This study estimates the formal–informal as well as the formal and informal male–female employment hourly income differentials in urban China. The results indicate that differences between the characteristics of formal and informal employment account for a much higher percentage of the hourly income differential than does discrimination in the labour market. In addition, we found that ignoring the sample selection bias results in the overestimation of the formal and informal male–female hourly income differential and the degree of discrimination against informal employment of women and conversely, the underestimation of the degree of discrimination against formal employment of women. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association of the Indian summer monsoon rainfall variability with the geophysical parameters over the Arctic region
Authors: Prabhu Amita , Mahajan P. N. , Khaladkar R. M.
Published: September 2011

A study is carried out to understand whether the Indian summer monsoon rainfall variability is associated with the geophysical parameters over the Arctic region. The correlation analyses of the satellite‐derived sea ice data for 29 years indicate that out of 9 sectors of the Arctic region, the Kara and Barents Seas sector's Sea Ice Extent (KBS SIE) during October has a strong relationship with the All‐India Summer Monsoon Rainfall (AISMR) in the following year. This relationship is more pronounced for the extreme cases, which are identified as the drought or the excess monsoon years. Moreover, the composites of certain geophysical parameters over the Arctic also behave in tandem with the monsoon rainfall. In order to test the relationship of these geophysical parameters with the monsoon rainfall, a case of the recent drought of 2009 is independently evaluated. The results obtained in this study bring out that KBS SIE and some other parameters of the Arctic region can be used as potential predictors in the long‐range forecasting of AISMR with a lead period of more than six months. A table indicating the qualitative forecast of the monsoon rainfall is presented on the basis of some parameters of the Arctic region. The mean sea level pressure anomaly tendency over northwest Europe during winter, which is one of the predictors used for forecasting the AISMR, is significantly correlated with the KBS SIE during the preceding October. As such, with the knowledge of October KBS SIE, this parameter can also be foreseen a few months in advance. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Detection and expression analysis of recombinant proteins in plant‐derived complex mixtures using nanoUPLC‐MSE
Authors: Murad André M. , Souza Gustavo H. M. F. , Garcia Jerusa S. , Rech Elíbio L.
Published: September 2011

The use of mass spectrometry to identify recombinant proteins that are expressed in total soluble proteins (TSPs) from plant extracts is necessary to accelerate further processing steps. For example, the method consists of TSP sample preparation and trypsin digestion prior to the preliminary characterization using nanoUPLC‐MSE analysis of the recombinant proteins that are expressed in TSP samples of transgenic soybean seeds. A TSP sample as small as 50 μg can be effectively analyzed. In this study, transgenic soybean seeds that expressed recombinant cancer testis antigen (CTAG) were used. The procedure covered 30% of the protein sequence and was quantified at 0.26 ng, which corresponded to 0.1% of the TSP sample. A comparative proteomic profile was generated by the comparison of a negative control and sample that showed a unique expression pattern of CTAG in a transgenic line. The experimental data from the TSP extraction, sample preparation and data analysis are discussed herein.
Toward safer practice in otology: A report on 15 years of clinical negligence claims
Authors: Mathew Rajeev , Asimacopoulos Eleni , Valentine Peter
Published: September 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To determine the characteristics of medical negligence claims arising from otological practice.

Study Design:

Retrospective analysis of medical negligence claims contained in the National Health Service Litigation Authority (NHSLA) database.

Methods:

Claims relating to otology and neurotology between 1995 and 2010 were obtained from the NHSLA database and analyzed for cause of injury, type of injury, outcome of claim and costs.

Results:

Over 15 years there were 137 claims in otology, representing 26% of all the claims in otolaryngology. Of these, 116 have been closed, and 84% of closed claims resulted in payment. Of the 97 successful claims, 63 were related to operative complications. This included six cases of wrong side/site surgery, and 15 cases of inadequate informed consent. The most common injuries claimed were hearing loss, facial paralysis, and additional/unnecessary surgery. Middle ear ventilation and mastoid surgery were the procedures most commonly associated with a successful claim. There were 15 successful claims of misdiagnosis/delayed diagnosis, with chronic suppurative otitis media the condition most frequently missed. There were nine successful claims related to outpatient procedures, of which seven were for aural toilet and six claims of medical mismanagement, including three cases of ototoxicity from topical medications. There were also four successful claims for morbidity due to delayed surgery.

Conclusions:

This is the first study to report outcomes of negligence claims in otology. Claims in otology are associated with a high success rate. A significant proportion of claims are not related to surgery and represent areas where safety should also be addressed.
Otologic and audiologic manifestations of hutchinson‐gilford progeria syndrome
Authors: Guardiani Elizabeth , Zalewski Christopher , Brewer Carmen , Merideth Melissa , Introne Wendy , Smith Ann C. M. , Gordon Leslie , Gahl William , Kim H. Jeffrey
Published: September 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To define the audiologic and otologic phenotype of Hutchinson‐Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS).

Study Design:

Prospective case series.

Methods:

Fifteen patients with HGPS were enrolled in a prospective natural history study; 14 were evaluated in the neurotology clinic, and 11 received audiologic evaluations. The physical exam and audiologic findings of these patients were reviewed to define an otologic and audiologic phenotype for HGPS in the largest series of subjects in the literature.

Results:

All patients were noted to have stiff auricular cartilages, small or absent lobules, and hypoplasia of the lateral soft‐tissue portion of the external ear canal leading to a shortened canal. Ten of 14 patients (71%) had dry cerumen impaction, and four of 14 patients (29%) reported a history of recurrent otitis media. Nineteen of 22 ears (86.4%) demonstrated low‐frequency conductive hearing loss in the 250 to 500 Hz range. Sixteen of 22 ears (73%) had type A tympanograms; three of 22 ears (14%) displayed bimodal or “W” peaked tympanograms; two of 22 ears (9%) had type B tympanograms; one of 22 ears (4%) had a type C tympanogram. Nine of 10 patients had distortion product otoacoustic emissions consistent with normal peripheral hearing sensitivity.

Conclusions:

HGPS is caused by a mutation in the LMNA gene resulting in the production of an abnormal nuclear protein; this in turn affects nuclear structure and function. Patients with HGPS have characteristic otologic features due to cartilaginous and subcutaneous tissue abnormalities and typically demonstrate low‐frequency conductive hearing loss despite largely normal tympanometry. It is important to be aware of these conditions in managing these patients.
Maintaining clarity of thought: Leading better under pressure
Authors: Menkes Justin
Published: September 2011

Leaders must navigate a volatile world of unpredictability, while maintaining clear thinking amidst unprecedented stress. Menkes maintains that we can actually befriend stress to be at our best in critical situations. He shows how leaders in a variety of industries have consistently executed under pressure to thrive under crisis conditions. Moreover, these confidence‐building skills can be taught to aspiring leaders, so they can “harness the tremendous power of adrenaline.”
Fixing the trust deficit: Creating a culture of professionals
Authors: Wiersma Bill
Published: September 2011

The levels of trust within many organizations today are low. They can be raised by increasing the sense of professionalism in each person, Wiersma contends. This can be a source of “great power and even competitive advantage,” as professionals build on certain mind‐sets, such as having integrity, lofty standards, and a commitment to organizational success. Wiersma outlines three crucial steps leaders can take to foster a professional culture. The journey is important, because professionalism is “the ladder upon which all other organizational virtues mount.”
Effect of sialodacryoadenitis virus infection on axonal regeneration
Authors: Yu Vivian M. , Mackinnon Susan E. , Hunter Daniel A , Brenner Michael J.
Published: September 2011

The effect of sialodacryoadenitis virus (SDAV) infection on axonal regeneration and functional recovery was investigated in male Lewis rats. Animals underwent unilateral tibial nerve transection, immediate repair, and treatment with either FK506 (treated) or control vehicle (untreated). Serial walking track analyses were performed to assess functional recovery. Nerves were harvested for morphometric analysis on postoperative day 18 after an SDAV outbreak occurred that affected the 12 experimental animals. Histomorphometry and walking track data were compared against 36 historical controls. Rats infected with SDAV demonstrated severely impaired axonal regeneration and diminished functional recovery. Total fiber counts, nerve density, and percent neural tissue were all significantly reduced in infected animals (P < 0.05). Active SDAV infection severely impaired nerve regeneration and negated the positive effect of FK506 on nerve regeneration in rats. Immunosuppressive risks must be weighed carefully against the potential neuroregenerative benefits in the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2011.
Correlation between brand longevity and the diffusion of innovations theory
Authors: Gouws Tina , van Rheede van Oudtshoorn George Peter
Published: September 2011

This article attempts to apply the diffusion of innovations theory to the current concepts of branding of products and services that have roots in both marketing and communication. The authors attempt to analyse the diffusion of innovation theory and to draw correlations between the fundamental principles of diffusion and those of branding of products and services in practice. The following research question was posed: What are the correlations between the diffusion of innovations theory and branding principles and practices today? The concepts of ‘diffusion of innovations’ and ‘diffusion of information’ are used interchangeably throughout this article. The rationale for this is that in some cases, a technology may be almost entirely composed of information although a methodological problem in such studies is that their adoption cannot be so easily traced or observed in a physical sense. The innovation–decision process is essentially an information‐seeking and information‐processing activity in which the individual is motivated to reduce uncertainty about the advantages and disadvantages of the innovation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Device characteristics of a 10.1% hydrazine‐processed Cu2ZnSn(Se,S)4 solar cell
Authors: Barkhouse D. Aaron R. , Gunawan Oki , Gokmen Tayfun , Todorov Teodor K. , Mitzi David B.
Published: September 2011

A power conversion efficiency record of 10.1% was achieved for kesterite absorbers, using a Cu2ZnSn(Se,S)4 thin‐film solar cell made by hydrazine‐based solution processing. Key device characteristics were compiled, including light/dark J–V, quantum efficiency, temperature dependence of Voc and series resistance, photoluminescence, and capacitance spectroscopy, providing important insight into how the devices compare with high‐performance Cu(In,Ga)Se2. The record kesterite device was shown to be primarily limited by interface recombination, minority carrier lifetime, and series resistance. The new level of device performance points to the significant promise of the kesterites as an emerging and commercially interesting thin‐film technology. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
IPM program development for an invasive pest: coordination, outreach and evaluation
Authors: Dreves Amy J
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: Spotted wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, was found along the west coast of the United States, beginning in 2008 and 2009, infesting a wide variety of small and stone fruit crops. This pest is a serious economic threat, as noted in its native range (Asia), because it lays eggs within ripening fruit before harvest, leading to crop loss. The aim of this paper is to describe the process in order to create collaboration, communication routes and evaluation methods in response to a new invasive pest.

RESULTS: Funding was secured and a program (SWD*IPM) was quickly developed to address social, economic and biological components. Communication routes were outlined, and a stakeholder advisory panel was established to guide program objectives. A central website was created to host up‐to‐date information. An online monitoring and mapping program for D. suzukii in Oregon fruit‐growing regions illustrated the range, distribution and seasonal abundance of the pest. In addition, a program for backyard fruit growers was initiated to examine citizen scientists' roles in managing D. suzukii infestations in the urban setting. A monitoring kit, laminated educational cards, dry fly mounts and quick‐time videos were some of the tools used to educate growers. First‐year challenges for dealing with a new pest are discussed.

CONCLUSION: The discovery and subsequent response to an exotic pest is information intensive and requires a well‐planned, coordinated Extension and evaluation effort. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
First‐principles investigation of H2O adsorption on a BN co‐doped nanotube
Authors: Wei Jianwei , Zeng Hui , Pu Lichun , Hu Nan , Liang Junwu , Peng Ping
Published: September 2011

We have investigated the electronic and optical properties of a water adsorbed carbon nanotube (CNT) with boron/nitrogen co‐doping by means of density‐functional theories (DFTs). These properties play an important role in biological application of the co‐doped nanotube. The positions of the inside adsorbed water molecules are all much alike due to confinement effects. The calculated results indicate that the water can be stably adsorbed both inside and outside of the co‐doped nanotube. More importantly, the water molecule can act as donor or acceptor depending on its position. The adsorption can significantly decrease the band gap and enhance the localization of the π electron. The optical properties are affected nonlinearly owing to the strong interactivity between the water molecule and the nanotube.
Synthetic challenge to ubiquitous natural products from plant origin: flavan‐derived polyphenols
Authors: Ohmori Ken
Published: September 2011

Flavan‐derived polyphenols (catechin derivatives), widely destributed in the plant kingdom, have been given much considerable attention owing to their significant bioactivitites coupled with their extreme structural diversity. However, biochemical functions of this class of molecules are still not well understood because of the limited availavility of natural samples in sufficient quantity and quality. Here we report our synthetic challenges toward flavan‐derived polyphenols, based on the flavonoid‐sugar analogy. The key for success was the C(4)‐elaboration of the flavan skeleton, which posed an important relevance to their structure diversification both in terms of the biogenetic origin of flavan derivatives as well as chemical synthesis of this class of compounds. Various nucleophilic units could be introduced to the C(4) position via the SN1‐type substitution, and orthogonal activation of two distinct flavan units enabled block assembly of linear catechin oligomers. These methodologies would serve as a reliable way to supply valuable, homogeneuous samples for biological testing. DOI 10.1002/tcr.201100026
A numerical investigation of the turbulent Stokes–Ekman bottom boundary layer
Authors: Salon S. , Armenio V.
Published: September 2011

In the present paper turbulent mixing in the Stokes–Ekman bottom boundary layer is investigated analytically and by wall-resolving large-eddy simulations (LES). The analytical solution shows that when the Rossby number $\mathit{Ro}\ensuremath{\sim} 1$ oscillation and rotation interact with each other, this gives rise to a thickening of the boundary layer compared with the purely oscillating or the purely rotating case. The solution also shows the presence of elliptical patterns developing on the horizontal planes that shrink when approaching the low latitudes. In the turbulent regime, a LES was applied for an east–west tidal current, considered at three different latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere, namely, the polar case, the mid-latitude case ($4{5}^{\ensuremath{\circ} } $) and the quasi-equatorial case (${5}^{\ensuremath{\circ} } $). The Reynolds number of the simulation, based on the viscous penetration depth and the frequency of the purely oscillatory flow, was set equal to ${\mathit{Re}}_{\delta } = 1790$. The analysis suggests that rotation has two main effects on the flow field: in the polar case, rotation tends to delay the cyclic re-transition to turbulence and to narrow the turbulent phases of the cycle. Also, rotation suppresses vertical fluctuations of velocity and redistributes energy from the streamwise direction to the spanwise direction. It is noteworthy that the high-latitude effect makes the turbulent field substantially different from the reference Stokes boundary layer case, whereas the low-latitude effects appear to be of secondary importance, owing to the weakness of the rotation rate. Consequently, the study shows that the Stokes boundary layer may be representative of the oceanic bottom boundary layer in the low-latitude cases ($\mathit{Ro}\gt 1$ cases in our simulations). Conversely, it cannot be considered as archetypal of the oceanic boundary layer at high latitudes ($\mathit{Ro}\lt 1$ case of our study), where the vertical background vorticity profoundly modifies the turbulent field.
Effects of strobilurin fungicide programmes and fertilizer nitrogen rates on winter wheat: leaf area, dry matter yield and nitrogen yield
Authors: ISHIKAWA S. , HARE M. C. , KETTLEWELL P. S.
Published: September 2011

Four field experiments were conducted on wheat, using the bread-making cultivar Hereward, over 3 years to study the interactions between nitrogen (N) and strobilurin fungicides with respect to yield and grain N. In one of the field experiments, above-ground dry matter (DM) yield was greater when the plots were treated with a mixture of triazole and strobilurin than when either no fungicide or triazole alone was applied. On plots that received no N fertilizer, above-ground DM and grain yield were lower for the plots treated with fungicides than for plots not treated with fungicide, which implied that the benefit of applying fungicides could only be exploited with N fertilization. There was no difference in above-ground N accumulation between fungicide programmes; however, greater N accumulation in grains was observed following the application of a mixture of triazole and the strobilurin trifloxystrobin compared with plots treated with either no fungicide or triazole alone. This increase in grain N appeared to be attributable more to improved translocation of N to grains rather than to increased N uptake from the soil. The two strobilurin fungicide ingredients kresoxim-methyl and trifloxystrobin, each mixed with a triazole and tested in the present study, performed differently. Better performance, especially with respect to grain N yield, was observed most frequently with trifloxystrobin compared to kresoxim-methyl.
Meta-analyses of cognitive and motor function in youth aged 16 years and younger who subsequently develop schizophrenia
Authors: Dickson H. , Laurens K. R. , Cullen A. E. , Hodgins S.
Published: September 2011

Background

Previous reviews have reported cognitive and motor deficits in childhood and adolescence among individuals who later develop schizophrenia. However, these reviews focused exclusively on studies of individuals with affected relatives or on population/birth cohorts, incorporated studies with estimated measures of pre-morbid intelligence, or included investigations that examined symptomatic at-risk participants or participants 18 years or older. Thus, it remains unclear whether cognitive and motor deficits constitute robust antecedents of schizophrenia. Meta-analyses were conducted on published studies that examined cognitive or motor function in youth aged 16 years or younger who later developed schizophrenia or a schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD) and those who did not.

Method

Twenty-three studies fulfilled the following inclusion criteria: (1) written in English; (2) prospective investigations of birth or genetic high-risk cohorts, or follow-back investigations of population samples; (3) objective measures of cognitive or motor performance at age 16 or younger; (4) results provided for individuals who did and who did not develop schizophrenia/SSD later in life; and (5) sufficient data to calculate effect sizes. Four domains of function were examined: IQ; Motor Function; General Academic Achievement; and Mathematics Achievement.

Results

Meta-analyses showed that, by age 16, individuals who subsequently developed schizophrenia/SSD displayed significant deficits in IQ (d=0.51) and motor function (d=0.56), but not in general academic achievement (d=0.25) or mathematics achievement (d=0.21). Subsidiary analysis indicated that the IQ deficit was present by age 13.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that deficits in IQ and motor performance precede the prodrome and the onset of illness.
Entropy, Lyapunov exponents and escape rates in open systems
Authors: DEMERS MARK F. , WRIGHT PAUL , YOUNG LAI-SANG
Published: September 2011

We study the relation between escape rates and pressure in general dynamical systems with holes, where pressure is defined to be the difference between entropy and the sum of positive Lyapunov exponents. Central to the discussion is the formulation of a class of invariant measures supported on the survivor set over which we take the supremum to measure the pressure. Upper bounds for escape rates are proved for general diffeomorphisms of manifolds, possibly with singularities, for arbitrary holes and natural initial distributions, including Lebesgue and Sinai–Reulle–Bowen (SRB) measures. Lower bounds do not hold in such a generality, but for systems admitting Markov tower extensions with spectral gaps, we prove the equality of the escape rate with the absolute value of the pressure and the existence of an invariant measure realizing the escape rate, i.e. we prove a full variational principle. As an application of our results, we prove a variational principle for the billiard map associated with a planar Lorentz gas of finite horizon with holes.
Using automated extraction of hepatitis B tests for surveillance: evidence of decreasing incidence of acute hepatitis B in England
Authors: BRANT L. J. , HURRELLE M. , COLLINS S. , KLAPPER P. E. , RAMSAY M. E.
Published: September 2011

Surveillance of acute hepatitis B in England is necessary to estimate incidence, determine routes of transmission and inform public health actions. Here we describe an automated process to extract information on testing for markers of hepatitis B infection in English sentinel laboratories between 2002 and 2008. The resulting data were used to identify individuals with acute infections, describe their characteristics and estimate the incidence of infection. Two-thirds of acute infections were in males. Heterosexual exposure and injecting drug use were the main risks reported. Annual incidence was estimated at 1·3/100 000 person-years overall (1·7 and 0·6 for males and females, respectively) and declined each year. Automated extraction of hepatitis B markers, including quantitative results where available, can help to classify HBV status more accurately for surveillance. HBV incidence in England is at its lowest level in recent years.
Acquisition of complement clitics and tense morphology in internationally adopted children acquiring French
Authors: GAUTHIER K. , GENESEE F. , KASPARIAN K.
Published: September 2011

The present study examined the language development of children adopted from China to examine possible early age effects with respect to their use of complement clitics, lexical diversity and verb morphology. We focused on these aspects of French because they distinguish second language learners of French and native French-speaking children with language impairment from children learning French as a native language and, in the case of object clitics and certain verb tenses, are relatively late to emerge in native speakers. Thus, it might be expected that they would be susceptible to the delayed onset of acquisition of French experienced by internationally adopted children. Language samples of twelve adopted children from 3;6 to 4;8 living in French-speaking families were analyzed and compared to those of non-adopted monolingual French-speaking children of the same age, sex and socio-economic status. The adopted and control children had similar levels of socio-emotional adjustment and non-verbal intellectual abilities. The adopted children exhibited accelerated language development in general, and there were no significant differences between the internationally adopted and control children with respect to lexical diversity and verb tense. However, the adopted children made significantly more errors using complement clitics, and in particular object clitics, compared to the non-adopted children. The results are discussed in terms of possible effects related to delayed age of acquisition of French.
Visual acuity in fish consumers of the Brazilian Amazon: risks and benefits from local diet
Authors: Fillion Myriam , Lemire Mélanie , Philibert Aline , Frenette Benoît , Weiler Hope Alberta , Deguire Jason Robert , Guimarães Jean Remy Davée , Larribe Fabrice , Barbosa Fernando , Mergler Donna
Published: September 2011

Objective

To examine the associations between near and distant visual acuity and biomarkers of Hg, Pb, n-3 fatty acids and Se from the local diet of fish-eating communities of the Tapajós River in the Brazilian Amazon.

Design

Visuo-ocular health and biomarkers of Hg (hair, whole blood, plasma), Pb (whole blood), Se (whole blood and plasma) and n-3 fatty acids (plasma total phospholipids) were assessed in a cross-sectional study.

Setting

Lower Tapajós River Basin (State of Pará, Brazil), May to July 2006.

Subjects

Two hundred and forty-three adults (≥15 years) without diagnosed age-related cataracts or ocular pathologies.

Results

Near visual acuity was negatively associated with hair Hg and positively associated with %DHA, with a highly significant Log Hg × age interaction term. Stratifying for age showed that while young people presented good acuity, for those aged ≥40 years, clinical presbyopia was associated with hair Hg ≥ 15 μg/g (OR = 3·93, 95 % CI 1·25, 14·18) and %DHA (OR = 0·37, 95 % CI 0·11, 1·11). A similar age-related pattern was observed for distant visual acuity in relation to blood Pb, but the evidence was weaker.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that Hg and Pb may affect visual acuity in older persons, while DHA appears to be protective for near visual acuity loss. In this population, with little access to eye care, diet may have an important influence on visuo-ocular ageing.
Impacts of fast food and the food retail environment on overweight and obesity in China: a multilevel latent class cluster approach
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyong , van der Lans Ivo , Dagevos Hans
Published: September 2011

Objective

To simultaneously identify consumer segments based on individual-level consumption and community-level food retail environment data and to investigate whether the segments are associated with BMI and dietary knowledge in China.

Design

A multilevel latent class cluster model was applied to identify consumer segments based not only on their individual preferences for fast food, salty snack foods, and soft drinks and sugared fruit drinks, but also on the food retail environment at the community level.

Setting

The data came from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) conducted in 2006 and two questionnaires for adults and communities were used.

Subjects

A total sample of 9788 adults living in 218 communities participated in the CHNS.

Results

We successfully identified four consumer segments. These four segments were embedded in two types of food retail environment: the saturated food retail environment and the deprived food retail environment. A three-factor solution was found for consumers’ dietary knowledge. The four consumer segments were highly associated with consumers’ dietary knowledge and a number of sociodemographic variables.

Conclusions

The widespread discussion about the relationships between fast-food consumption and overweight/obesity is irrelevant for Chinese segments that do not have access to fast food. Factors that are most associated with segments with a higher BMI are consumers’ (incorrect) dietary knowledge, the food retail environment and sociodemographics. The results provide valuable insight for policy interventions on reducing overweight/obesity in China. This study also indicates that despite the breathtaking changes in modern China, the impact of ‘obesogenic’ environments should not be assessed too strictly from a ‘Western’ perspective.
ISCOMATRIX vaccines mediate CD8+ T‐cell cross‐priming by a MyD88‐dependent signaling pathway
Authors: Wilson Nicholas S , Yang Becky , Morelli Adriana Baz , Koernig Sandra , Yang Annie , Loeser Stefanie , Airey Denise , Provan Larissa , Hass Phil , Braley Hal , Couto Suzana , Drane Debbie , Boyle Jeff , Belz Gabrielle T , Ashkenazi Avi , Maraskovsky Eugene
Published: September 2011

Generating a cytotoxic CD8+ T‐cell response that can eradicate malignant cells is the primary objective of cancer vaccine strategies. In this study we have characterized the innate and adaptive immune response to the ISCOMATRIX adjuvant, and the ability of vaccine antigens formulated with this adjuvant to promote antitumor immunity. ISCOMATRIX adjuvant led to a rapid innate immune cell response at the injection site, followed by the activation of natural killer and dendritic cells (DC) in regional draining lymph nodes. Strikingly, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I cross‐presentation by CD8α+ and CD8α− DCs was enhanced by up to 100‐fold when antigen was formulated with ISCOMATRIX adjuvant. These coordinated features enabled efficient CD8+ T‐cell cross‐priming, which exhibited prophylactic and therapeutic tumoricidal activity. The therapeutic efficacy of an ISCOMATRIX vaccine was further improved when co‐administered with an anti‐CD40 agonist antibody, suggesting that ISCOMATRIX‐based vaccines may combine favorably with other immune modifiers in clinical development to treat cancer. Finally, we identified a requirement for the myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) adapter protein for both innate and adaptive immune responses to ISCOMATRIX vaccines in vivo. Taken together, our findings support the utility of the ISCOMATRIX adjuvant for use in the development of novel vaccines, particularly those requiring strong CD8+ T‐cell immune responses, such as therapeutic cancer vaccines.
Blk haploinsufficiency impairs the development, but enhances the functional responses, of MZ B cells
Authors: Samuelson Elizabeth M , Laird Renee M , Maue Alexander C , Rochford Rosemary , Hayes Sandra M
Published: September 2011

Blk was identified two decades ago as a B‐cell‐specific member of the Src family of tyrosine kinases. Recent studies, however, have discovered that Blk is expressed in many cell types outside of the B lineage, including early thymic precursors, interleukin‐17‐producing γδ T cells and pancreatic β‐cells. In light of these recent discoveries, we performed a more comprehensive analysis of Blk expression patterns in hematopoietic cells and found that Blk is differentially expressed in mature B‐cell subsets, with marginal zone (MZ) B cells expressing high levels, B1 B cells expressing intermediate‐to‐high levels and follicular (FO) B cells expressing low levels of Blk. To determine whether these differences in Blk expression levels reflected differential requirements for Blk in MZ, B1 and FO B‐cell development, we analyzed the effects of reducing and eliminating Blk expression on B‐cell development. We report that both Blk haploinsufficiency and Blk deficiency impaired the generation of MZ B cells. Moreover, although there were fewer MZ B cells in Blk+/− and Blk−/− mice as compared with Blk+/+ mice, Blk‐mutant MZ B cells were hyper‐responsive to B‐cell receptor stimulation, both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, this study has revealed a previously unappreciated role for Blk in the development and activation of MZ B cells.
SED-ML Web Tools
Authors: Bergmann Frank
Published: September 2011

This presentation gives a brief update of the current state of the libSedML library and its new capabilities (like the simulation of CellML models) and the SED-ML Script Editor.Following I introduce the SED-ML Web Tools, an online application for creating, editing, simulating and validating SED-ML documents. The web application also provides a W3C Web Service, exposing all functionality.
Conceptual model of E. coli transcriptional machinery
Authors: Sorokin Anatoly , Dzhelyadin Timur , Kamzolova Svetlana
Published: September 2011

At the moment one type of analysis of transcription regulatory networks (TRNs) in prokaryotes is topological analysis of graph structure of possible regulatory interaction links (see for example [1]). That type of analysis takes into account possibility links that designate the fact that one gene product in some conditions can modulate transcription of the other. The benefit of such approach is that it is allow analyzing TRN at the whole cell level. At the same type it is known that at least some responses are regulated by abundance of elements of transcription machinery [2-3]. We have developed conceptual model of whole cell E. coli TRN with SBGN ER, SBGN PD and SBGN AF languages [4]. That model is the first step towards incorporation of some quantitative information into whole cell TRN modeling.1. Freyre-González et al. Functional architecture of Escherichia coli: new insights provided by a natural decomposition approach. Genome Biol (2008) vol. 9 (10) pp. R1542. Klumpp and Hwa. Growth-rate-dependent partitioning of RNA polymerases in bacteria. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA (2008) vol. 105 (51) pp. 20245-503. Barker et al. Mechanism of regulation of transcription initiation by ppGpp. II. Models for positive control based on properties of RNAP mutants and competition for RNAP. J Mol Biol (2001) vol. 305 (4) pp. 689-7024. Le Novère et al. The systems biology graphical notation. Nature biotechnology (2009) vol. 27 (8) pp. 735-41
Selenium-containing amino acids are targets for myeloperoxidase-derived hypothiocyanous acid: determination of absolute rate constants and implications for biological damage
Authors: Skaff Ojia , Pattison David I. , Morgan Philip E. , Bachana Rushad , Jain Vimal K. , Priyadarsini K. Indira , Davies Michael J.
Published: September 2011

Elevated MPO (myeloperoxidase) levels are associated with multiple human inflammatory pathologies. MPO catalyses the oxidation of Cl−, Br− and SCN− by H2O2 to generate the powerful oxidants hypochlorous acid (HOCl), hypobromous acid (HOBr) and hypothiocyanous acid (HOSCN) respectively. These species are antibacterial agents, but misplaced or excessive production is implicated in tissue damage at sites of inflammation. Unlike HOCl and HOBr, which react with multiple targets, HOSCN targets cysteine residues with considerable selectivity. In the light of this reactivity, we hypothesized that Sec (selenocysteine) residues should also be rapidly oxidized by HOSCN, as selenium atoms are better nucleophiles than sulfur. Such oxidation might inactivate critical Sec-containing cellular protective enzymes such as GPx (glutathione peroxidase) and TrxR (thioredoxin reductase). Stopped-flow kinetic studies indicate that seleno-compounds react rapidly with HOSCN with rate constants, k, in the range 2.8×103–5.8×106 M−1·s−1 (for selenomethionine and selenocystamine respectively). These values are ~6000-fold higher than the corresponding values for H2O2, and are also considerably larger than for the reaction of HOSCN with thiols (16-fold for cysteine and 80-fold for selenocystamine). Enzyme studies indicate that GPx and TrxR, but not glutathione reductase, are inactivated by HOSCN in a concentration-dependent manner; k for GPx has been determined as ~5×105 M−1·s−1. Decomposed HOSCN did not induce inactivation. These data indicate that selenocysteine residues are oxidized rapidly by HOSCN, with this resulting in the inhibition of the critical intracellular Sec-dependent protective enzymes GPx and TrxR.
On thermal instability caused by plasma-wall coupling
Authors: Marenkov E. D. , Krasheninnikov S. I. , Pigarov A. Yu. , Pisarev A. A. , Tsvetkov I. V.
Published: September 2011

The conditions for thermal instability caused by plasma-wall coupling are revisited after the implementation of a new 1D model for the wall energy and hydrogen species balance equations. It is found that the instability is plausible for wall properties close to those of carbon and is unlikely for the case of tungsten with no hydrogen traps. Typical growthrate of instability is of the order of inverse plasma particle and energy confinement times.
New approach in two-dimensional fluid modeling of edge plasma transport with high intermittency due to blobs and edge localized modes
Authors: Pigarov A. Yu. , Krasheninnikov S. I. , Rognlien T. D.
Published: September 2011

A new approach is proposed to simulate intermittent, non-diffusive plasma transport (via blobs and filaments of edge localized modes (ELMs)) observed in the tokamak edge region within the framework of two-dimensional transport codes. This approach combines the inherently three-dimensional filamentary structures associated with an ensemble of blobs into a macro-blob in the two-dimensional poloidal cross-section and advects the macro-blob ballistically across the magnetic field, B. Intermittent transport is represented as a sequence of macro-blobs appropriately seeded in the edge plasma according to experimental statistics. In this case, the code is capable of reproducing both the long-scale temporal evolution of the background plasma and the fast spatiotemporal dynamics of blobs. We report the results from a two-dimensional edge plasma code modeling of a single macro-blob dynamics, and its interaction with initially stationary background plasma as well as with material surfaces. The mechanisms of edge plasma particle and energy losses from macro-blobs are analyzed. The effects of macro-blob sizes and advection velocity on edge plasma profiles are studied. The macro-blob impact on power loading and sputtering rates on the chamber wall and on inner and outer divertor plates is discussed. Temporal evolution of particle inventory of the edge plasma perturbed by macro-blobs is analyzed. Application of macro-blobs to ELM modeling is highlighted.
The frontier orbitals of a push-pull azobenzene adsorbed on a metal surface in different bonding geometries investigated by scanning tunneling spectroscopy and spectroscopy mapping
Authors: Henzl Jörg , Morgenstern Karina
Published: September 2011

The electronic structure of 4-anilino-4′-nitroazobenzene superstructures formed on Au(111) at 250 K is investigated by low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy, scanning tunneling spectroscopy, and dI/dV mapping at 5 K. Changes in the dI/dV maps of this push-pull molecule reflect the spatial distribution of the frontier orbitals on the molecular scale. Spectra of the trans- and the cis*-isomer differ between themselves and in different parts of supramolecular assemblies. The relative importance of these differences is discussed.
Hydrogen passivation and multiple hydrogen–Hg vacancy complex impurities (nH–VHg, n = 1,2,3,4) in Hg0.75Cd0.25Te
Authors: Xue L. , Tang D. H. , Qu X. D. , Sun L. Z. , Lu Wei , Zhong J. X.
Published: September 2011

Using first-principles method within the framework of the density functional theory, we study the formation energies and the binding energies of multiple hydrogen–mercury vacancy complex impurities (nH–VHg, n = 1,2,3,4) in Hg0.75Cd0.25Te. We find that, when mercury vacancies exist in Hg0.75Cd0.25Te, the formation of the complex impurity between H and VHg (1H–VHg) is easy and its binding energy is up to 0.56 eV. In this case, the deep acceptor level of mercury vacancy is passivated. As the hydrogen concentration increases, we find that the complex impurity between VHg and two hydrogen atoms (2H–VHg) is more stable than 1H–VHg. This complex passivates both the two acceptor levels introduced by mercury vacancy and neutralizes the p-type dopant characteristics of VHg in Hg0.75Cd0.25Te. Moreover, we find that the complex impurities formed by one VHg and three or four H atoms (3H–VHg, 4H–VHg) are still stable in Hg0.75Cd0.25Te, changing the VHg doped p-type Hg0.75Cd0.25Te to n-type material.
Ferromagnetic resonance in Y3Fe5O12 nanofibers
Authors: Jalalian A. , Kavrik M. S. , Khartsev S. I. , Grishin A. M.
Published: September 2011

Continuous bead-free polycrystalline yttrium iron garnet (YIG) nanofibers 100 μm long and 50-100 nm in diameter were sintered by sol-gel calcination assisted electrospinning. Room temperature ferromagnetism in YIG fibers is indicated by a well formed M-H hysteresis loop with about 70% of remnant magnetization to the saturated value reached at 150 Oe. Broad band microwave spectroscopy revealed strong asymmetry of ferromagnetic resonance lines that conforms to a three orders of magnitude shape aspect ratio of YIG nanofibers.
Phase retrieval and compression of low-power white-light pulses
Authors: Wegkamp D. , Brida D. , Bonora S. , Cerullo G. , Stähler J. , Wolf M. , Wall S.
Published: September 2011

We characterize and compress sub-nJ visible white-light continuum (WLC) pulses generated by self-phase modulation in yttrium aluminium garnet. The spectral phase is retrieved by spectrally resolving the transient reflectivity from an optically excited transition metal oxide. This measured phase is compensated by applying the appropriate distortion to a deformable mirror. By comparing the response of two different materials, we show that the white-light pulses can be compressed to approximately 10 fs duration.
Tangible Words are Recognized Faster: The Grounding of Meaning in Sensory and Perceptual Systems
Authors: Juhasz Barbara J. , Yap Melvin J. , Dicke Joanna , Taylor Sarah C. , Gullick Margaret M.
Published: September 2011

Sensory experience rating (SER), a new variable motivated by the grounded cognition framework of conceptual processing (e.g., Barsalou, 2008), indexes the degree to which a word evokes sensory/perceptual experiences. In the present study, SERs were collected for over 2,850 words. While SER is correlated with imageability, age of acquisition, and word frequency, the latter variables (along with seven others) account for less than 30% of the variance in SER. Reanalyses of two large-scale studies demonstrate that SER significantly predicts lexical decision times when other established predictor variables are statistically controlled. These results suggest that conceptual processing is grounded in sensory systems. Additionally, a major benefit of this variable is that it allows psycholinguistic researchers to examine semantic–perceptual links for all word classes with a single rating.
An all-metal material for high-sensitivity geomagnetic sensors with improved magnetic stability by magnetostatic coupling
Authors: Ding Lei , Teng Jiao , Feng Chun , Li Wei , Li Min , Zhang Min , Yu Guanghua , Xiang Daoping
Published: September 2011

An all-metal material with a Ta/NiFe(I)/IrMn/NiFe(II)/NiFeCr/NiFe(III)/Pt/Ta structure is designed and synthesized for high-sensitivity geomagnetic sensors. When the material is fabricated into sensor elements, the magnetic sensitivity reaches 3.1 mV V−1 Oe−1 which is close to that of some tunnel magnetoresistance elements. More importantly, pinned NiFe (II) and sensing NiFe (III) layers yield magnetostatic coupling through the NiFeCr layer, resulting in good magnetic stability of elements. As the whole structure consists of all-metal layers, lattice distortion or nanoscale defects caused by the difference of thermal expansion coefficient during the heat-treatment process may not appear, ensuring good magnetic properties of the related elements.