bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement, Sampling, and Equating Errors in Large‐Scale Assessments
Authors: Wu Margaret
Published: December 2010

In large‐scale assessments, such as state‐wide testing programs, national sample‐based assessments, and international comparative studies, there are many steps involved in the measurement and reporting of student achievement. There are always sources of inaccuracies in each of the steps. It is of interest to identify the source and magnitude of the errors in the measurement process that may threaten the validity of the final results. Assessment designers can then improve the assessment quality by focusing on areas that pose the highest threats to the results.
This paper discusses the relative magnitudes of three main sources of error with reference to the objectives of assessment programs: measurement error, sampling error, and equating error. A number of examples from large‐scale assessments are used to illustrate these errors and their impact on the results. The paper concludes by making a number of recommendations that could lead to an improvement of the accuracies of large‐scale assessment results.
Scaling: An ITEMS Module
Authors: Tong Ye , Kolen Michael J.
Published: December 2010

Scaling is the process of constructing a score scale that associates numbers or other ordered indicators with the performance of examinees. Scaling typically is conducted to aid users in interpreting test results. This module describes different types of raw scores and scale scores, illustrates how to incorporate various sources of information into a score scale, and introduces vertical scaling and its related designs and methodologies as a special type of scaling. After completion of this module, the reader should be able to understand the relationship between various types of raw scores, understand the relationship between raw scores and scale scores, construct a scale with desired properties, evaluate an existing score scale, understand how content and standards information are built into a scale, and understand how vertical scales are developed and used in practice.
The biosynthetic genes for prenylated phenazines are located at two different chromosomal loci of Streptomyces cinnamonensis DSM 1042
Authors: Seeger Kerstin , Flinspach Katrin , Haug‐Schifferdecker Elisa , Kulik Andreas , Gust Bertolt , Fiedler Hans‐Peter , Heide Lutz
Published: December 2010

Streptomyces cinnamonensis DSM 1042 produces two types of isoprenoid secondary metabolites: the prenylated naphthalene derivative furanonaphthoquinone I (FNQ I), and isoprenylated phenazines which are termed endophenazines. Previously, a 55 kb gene cluster was identified which contained genes for both FNQ I and endophenazine biosynthesis. However, several genes required for the biosynthesis of these metabolites were not present in this cluster. We now re‐screened the cosmid library for genes of the mevalonate pathway and identified a separate genomic locus which contains the previously missing genes. This locus (15 kb) comprised orthologues of four phenazine biosynthesis genes known from Pseudomonas strains. Furthermore, the locus contained a putative operon of six genes of the mevalonate pathway, as well as the gene epzP which showed sequence similarity to a recently discovered class of prenyltransferases. Inactivation and complementation experiments proved the involvement of epzP in the prenylation reaction in endophenazine biosynthesis. This newly identified genomic locus is more than 40 kb distant from the previously identified cluster. The protein EpzP was expressed in Escherichia coli in form of a his‐tag fusion protein and purified. The enzyme catalysed the prenylation of 5,10‐dihydrophenazine‐1‐carboxylic acid (dihydro‐PCA) using dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP) as isoprenoid substrate. Km values were determined as 108 µM for dihydro‐PCA and 25 µM for DMAPP.
HPA Axis Alterations in Mental Disorders: Impact on Memory and its Relevance for Therapeutic Interventions
Authors: Wingenfeld Katja , Wolf Oliver T.
Published: December 2010

Dysfunctions in hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis have been reported for several mental disorders that are also often characterized by memory disturbances. It is now well established that glucocorticoids influence cognitive processes by enhancing memory consolidation and impairing memory retrieval. There is further evidence for an association between HPA axis related disturbances and memory function in mental disorders. The present selective review provides a brief overview of HPA axis dysfunction and its impact on memory function in major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and borderline personality disorder. Furthermore, the relevance of these findings for therapeutic intervention is discussed.
Analysis of Remote Sensing Images of Ground Ruptures Resulting from the Kunlun Mountain Pass Earthquake in 2001
Authors: Xinjian SHAN , Jianhua LI , Chao MA , Jiahang LIU
Published: December 2010

Abstract  On November 14, 2001, an earthquake measuring a magnitude of 8.1 occurred to the west of the Kunlun Mountain Pass which is near the border between Xinjiang and Qinghai of China. Since its epicenter is located in an area at an elevation of 4900 m where the environment is extremely adverse, field investigation to this event seems very difficult. We have performed interpretation and analysis of the satellite images of ETM, SPOT, Ikonos, and ERS‐1/2SAR to reveal the spatial distribution and deformation features of surface ruptures caused by this large earthquake. Our results show that the rupture zone on the ground is 426 km long, and strikes N90–110°E with evident left‐lateral thrusting. In spatial extension, it has two distinct sections. One extends from the Bukadaban peak to the Kunlun Mountain Pass, with a total length of 350 km, and trending N95–110°E. Its fracture plane is almost vertical, with clear linear rupture traces and a single structure, and the maximum left‐lateral offset is 7.8 m. This section is the main rupture zone caused by the earthquake, which is a re‐fracturing along an old fault. The other is the section from Kushuihuan to the Taiyang Lake. It is 26 km long, trending N90–105°E, with the maximum strike‐slip displacement being 3 m, and is a newly‐generated seismic rupture. In a 50 km‐long section between the Taiyang Lake and the Bukadaban peak, no rupture is found on the ground. The eastern and western rupture zones may have resulted from two earthquakes. The macroscopic epicenter is situated at 65 km east of the Hoh Sai Lake. The largest coseismic horizontal offset in the macroscopic epicenter ranges from 7 m to 8 m. Based on the dislocation partition of the whole rupture zone, it is suggested that this rupture zone has experienced a process of many times of intensification and fluctuation, exhibiting a remarkable feature of segmentation.
Geology and D‐O‐C Isotope Systematica of the Tieluping Silver Deposit, Henan, China: Implications for Ore Genesis
Authors: Yanjing CHEN , PIRAJNO Franco , Yinghui SUI
Published: December 2010

Abstract  The Tieluping silver deposit, which is sited along NE‐trending faults within the high‐grade metamorphic basement of the Xiong'er terrane, is part of an important Mesozoic orogenic‐type Ag‐Pb and Au belt recently discovered. Ore formation includes three stages: Early (E), Middle (M) and Late (L), which include quartz‐pyrite (E), polymetallic sulfides (M) and carbonates (L), respectively. The E‐stage fluids are characterized by δD=−90‰, δ13Cco2=2.0‰ and δ18O=9‰ at 373°C, and are deeply sourced; the L‐stage fluids, with δD=−70‰, δ13CCo2=−1.3‰ and δ18O=−2‰, are shallow‐sourced meteoric water; whereas the M‐stage fluids, with δD=−109‰, δ13CCo2=0.1‰ and δ18O=2‰, are a mix of deep‐sourced and shallow‐sourced fluids. Comparisons of the D‐O‐C isotopic systematics of the E‐stage ore‐forming fluids with the fluids derived from Mesozoic granites, Archean‐Paleoproterozoic metamorphic basement and Paleo‐Mesoproterozoic Xiong'er Group, show that these units cannot generate fluids with the measured isotopic composition (high δ18O and δ13C ratios and low δD ratios) characteristic of the ore‐forming fluids. This suggests that the E‐stage ore‐forming fluids originated from metamorphic devolatilization of a carbonate‐shale‐chert lithological association, locally rich in organic matter, which could correspond to the Meso‐Neoproterozoic Guandaokou and Luanchuan Groups, rather than to geologic units in the Xiong'er terrane, the lower crust and the mantle. This supports the view that the rocks of the Guandaokou and Luanchuan Groups south of the Machaoying fault might be the favorable sources. A tectonic model that combines collisional orogeny, metallogeny and hydrothermal fluid flow is proposed to explain the formation of the Tieluping silver deposit. During the Mesozoic collision between the South and North China paleocontinents, a crustal slab containing a lithological association consisting of carbonate‐shale‐chert, locally rich in organic matter (carbonaceous shale) was thrust northwards beneath the Xiong'er terrane along the Machaoying fault. Metamorphic devolatilization of this underthrust slab provided the ore‐forming fluids to develop the Au‐Ag‐(Pb‐Zn) ore belt, which includes the Tieluping silver deposit.
Guanling Biota: A Marker of Triassic Biotic Recovery from the end‐Permian Extinction in the Ancient Guizhou Sea
Authors: Dayong JIANG , MOTANI Ryosuke , Chun LI , Weicheng HAO , Yuanlin SUN , Zuoyu SUN , SCHMITZ Lars
Published: December 2010

Abstract  After a slow recovery from the end‐Permian extinction during the Early Triassic and rapid radiation in the Middle Triassic, evolution of organisms reached a new peak phase in the Late Triassic. The Guanling Biota from the Wayao Member (conodont Paragondolella polygnathiformis Zone), Falang Formation, Xinpu, Guanling County, Guizhou Province, southwestern China corresponds to this peak that marks the full recovery from the end‐Permian extinction of marine ecosystems. The biota is of high diversity, containing well preserved and completely articulated skeletons of vertebrates comprising marine reptiles, fishes, and invertebrates including crinoids, ammonites, bivalves, and other fossils, and is one of the best examples of marine ecosystem records in life history. The fossil marine reptiles and crinoids are most significant in this biota, especially the marine reptiles, which provide an important link between the Triassic Pacific and Tethys, and between Triassic basal forms and the Jurassic‐Cretaceous marine top predators. The most remarkable fossils are the large completely articulated ichthyosaur skeletons up to and more than 10 m, and the first recorded thalattosaurs and placodonts in China. Following our review, of the 17 named reptilian taxa the eight listed here are considered to be valid: three ichthyosaurs (Qianichthyosaurus zhoui Li, 1999; Guizhouichthyosaurus tangae Cao and Luo in Yin et al., 2000, Guanlingsaurus liangae Yin in Yin et al., 2000), three thalattosaurs (Anshunsaurus huangguoshuensis Liu, 1999, Xinpusaurus suni Yin in Yin et al., 2000, Xinpusaurus kohi Jiang et al., 2004), and two placodonts (Sinocyamodus xinpuensis Li, 2000, Psephochelys polyosteoderma Li and Rieppel, 2002). Mixosaurus guanlingensis Cao in Yin et al., 2000 might be a junior synonym of Qianichthyosaurus zhoui Li, 1999, and Cymbospondylus asiaticus Li and You, 2002 and Panjiangsaurus epicharis Chen and Cheng, 2003 might be junior synonyms of Guizhouichthyosaurus tangae Cao and Luo in Yin et al., 2000. It needs to re‐describe the holotypes after a complete preparation for clarifying the taxonomic status of Typicusichthyosaurus tsaihuae Yu in Yin et al., 2000, Xinpusaurus bamaolinensis Cheng, 2003, Neosinosaurus hoangi (Zhou in Yin et al., 2000), Wayaosaurus geei Zhou in Yin et al., 2000, Wayaosaurus bellus Zhou in Yin et al., 2000 and Placochelys ? minutus Yin and Luo in Yin et al., 2000.
SEM Observation of the Wing Membrane of Beipiaopterus chenianus (Pterosauria)
Authors: Junchang LÜ , Yoshitsugu KOBAYASHI , Chongxi YUAN , Shu'an JI , Qiang JI
Published: December 2010

Abstract  The cross‐section and surface structures of wing membranes from the ctenochasmatid pterosaur Beipiaopterus chenianus were observed through a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that the wing membrane contains a high density of blood vessels, implying strong thermoregulatory function, similar to that of a bat wing membrane. This is the first comparison of the microstructures of pterosaur wing membranes with those of the modern bat. It is inferred that a bat‐like physiology exists, at least in relatively small pterosaurs suggesting that these pterosaurs were warm‐blooded, active fliers.
Students' Language Learning Strategy Use and Achievement in the Korean as a Foreign Language Classroom
Authors: Murray Bokyung
Published: December 2010

Abstract: This study examined the relationship between student strategy use and the development of proficiency in a Korean as a Foreign Language classroom. A total of 66 English native speakers learning Korean as a Foreign Language were administered the Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL), Version 5.1. Findings indicated a low positive correlation between each of the six subscales of the SILL with one exception, a somewhat higher correlation between the subscales and the total SILL score; and again a generally low positive correlation between SILL scores, total SILL, and classroom achievement. Correlations on an overall basis were therefore not so well defined, nor were they of sufficient strength to be used as predictors for achievement. Classroom indications would indicate that an overemphasis on language learning strategies may not be appropriate, and they should be treated as only one among many variables in the language learning process.
From Social Identity to Professional Identity: Issues of Language and Gender
Authors: Vélez‐Rendón Gloria
Published: December 2010

Abstract:This study draws from sociocultural theory to examine how biographical factors interplay with contextual factors to shape the professional identity of a Spanish language teacher candidate. Specifically, it explores the student teaching experience of Marcos, a 30‐year‐old language teacher candidate from South America. Analysis of the data reveals that in forging his professional identity, the participant appropriates discourses that place high value on native speakerness and male authority. While this allows him to claim legitimacy as a Spanish language teacher, it also leads him to assume a taken‐for‐granted view of both subject matter knowledge and classroom management skills, precluding his development as a teacher. Implications derived from this study call for a critical language teacher education that provides tools for examining unquestioned assumptions about language and gender ideologies, expanding identity options, and fostering professional agency.
Dynamics Simulations of a Graphite Block Under Longitudinal Impact
Authors: Kim Gyeongho , Kim Dong Ok , Choi Woo-Seok , Kang Ji Ho , Noh Jae Man
Published: December 2010

Graphite blocks are important core components of the high temperature gas-cooled reactor. As these blocks are simply stacked in array, collisions among neighboring components may occur during earthquakes or accidents. Thus, it is important to develop a reliable seismic model of the stacked graphite blocks and have them designed to maintain their structural integrity during the anticipated occurrences. Various aspects involved in modeling and calculating impact-contact dynamics can affect the resulting behavior of the graphite block. These include mesh size, time step, contact behavior, mechanical constraint formulation of impact-contact analysis, etc. This work is dedicated to perform comparative studies and the effects of these parameters will be identified. The insights obtained through these studies will help build a realistic impact-contact model of the graphite block from which a lumped or reduced dynamics model will be developed for the seismic analysis of the reactor including these graphite components.
Reactivity Accident in a High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor Due to Inadvertent Withdrawal of Control Rod
Authors: Yanhua Zheng , Lei Shi
Published: December 2010

Reactivity accident due to inadvertent withdrawal of the control rod is one kind of the design basis accident for high temperature gas-cooled reactors, which should be analyzed carefully in order to validate the reactor inherent safety properties. Based on the preliminary design of the Chinese pebble-bed modular high temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTR-PM) with single module power of 250 MW, several cases of reactivity accident has been studied by the help of the software TINTE in the paper (e.g., the first scram signal works or not, the absorber balls (secondary shutdown units) drop or not) and the ATWS situation is also taken into account. The dynamic processes of the important parameters including reactor power, fuel temperature, and xenon concentration are studied and compared in detail between these different cases. The calculating results show that the decay heat during the reactivity accidents can be removed from the reactor core solely by means of physical processes in a passive way so that the temperature limits of the fuel element and other components are still obeyed, which can effectively keep the integrality of the fuel particles to avoid massive fission products release. This will be helpful to the further detail design of the HTR-PM demonstrating power plant project.
Extraction of Actinides and Lanthanides by Supercritical Fluid
Authors: Zhu Liyang , Duan Wuhua , Xu Jingming , Zhu Yongjun
Published: December 2010

Reprocessing of used nuclear fuel and nuclear waste management are important issues for the sustainable development of nuclear energy. It is necessary to develop novel nuclear waste treatment technologies to meet the goal of minimizing the secondary liquid waste. Supercritical fluids are considered green solvents in chemical engineering process. Moreover, extraction of metal ions by supercritical fluid is achieved. It gains growing interest to treat nuclear waste using supercritical fluid extraction recently because it can greatly decrease the secondary liquid waste with high radioactivity. During the past 2 decades, extraction of actinides and lanthanides by supercritical fluid has been intensively studied in many countries, and many important progresses have been made. However, the prospect of industrial application of supercritical fluid extraction technology in nuclear waste management is still unclear. In this paper, extraction of actinides and lanthanides from various matrices or from their oxides by supercritical fluid including the experimental results, extraction mechanism, and kinetic process was reviewed. The engineering demonstration projects were introduced. The trend of industrial application of supercritical fluid extraction technology in nuclear waste management was also discussed.
Successive Softening and Cyclic Damage in Viscoplastic Material
Authors: Ladani Leila J.
Published: December 2010

A successive initiation finite element modeling approach is presented in which an empirical continuum damage model, energy partitioning damage evolution model, developed by the author is used to update state of damage and constitutive properties of the material under thermomechanical cyclic loading and accumulate damage in the elements. Plastic and viscoplastic damages are evaluated based on the plastic and viscoplastic work densities obtained through finite element. Constitutive properties are updated elementwise at each step of the process based on the state of damage in each element. The elements that have reached the damage threshold are removed from the structure to initiate and propagate fatigue crack. This successive initiation approach is used to model crack initiation and propagation in Pb-free solder material under thermomechanical loading. A case study is presented, damage propagation path and pattern are compared with typical experimental results, and the accuracy of the model was verified.
Genome Expansion and Gene Loss in Powdery Mildew Fungi Reveal Tradeoffs in Extreme Parasitism
Authors: Spanu Pietro D. , Abbott James C. , Amselem Joelle , Burgis Timothy A. , Soanes Darren M. , Stüber Kurt , Loren van Themaat Emiel Ver , Brown James K. M. , Butcher Sarah A. , Gurr Sarah J. , Lebrun Marc-Henri , Ridout Christopher J. , Schulze-Lefert Paul , Talbot Nicholas J. , Ahmadinejad Nahal , Ametz Christian , Barton Geraint R. , Benjdia Mariam , Bidzinski Przemyslaw , Bindschedler Laurence V. , Both Maike , Brewer Marin T. , Cadle-Davidson Lance , Cadle-Davidson Molly M. , Collemare Jerome , Cramer Rainer , Frenkel Omer , Godfrey Dale , Harriman James , Hoede Claire , King Brian C. , Klages Sven , Kleemann Jochen , Knoll Daniela , Koti Prasanna S. , Kreplak Jonathan , López-Ruiz Francisco J. , Lu Xunli , Maekawa Takaki , Mahanil Siraprapa , Micali Cristina , Milgroom Michael G. , Montana Giovanni , Noir Sandra , O’Connell Richard J. , Oberhaensli Simone , Parlange Francis , Pedersen Carsten , Quesneville Hadi , Reinhardt Richard , Rott Matthias , Sacristán Soledad , Schmidt Sarah M. , Schön Moritz , Skamnioti Pari , Sommer Hans , Stephens Amber , Takahara Hiroyuki , Thordal-Christensen Hans , Vigouroux Marielle , Weßling Ralf , Wicker Thomas , Panstruga Ralph
Published: December 2010

From Blight to Powdery Mildew

Pathogenic effects of microbes on plants have widespread consequences. Witness, for example, the cultural upheavals driven by potato blight in the 1800s. A variety of microbial pathogens continue to afflict crop plants today, driving both loss of yield and incurring the increased costs of control mechanisms. Now, four reports analyze microbial genomes in order to understand better how plant pathogens function (see the Perspective by

Dodds

).

Raffaele
et al.

(p.
1540
) describe how the genome of the potato blight pathogen accommodates transfer to different hosts.

Spanu
et al.

(p.
1543
) analyze what it takes to be an obligate biotroph in barley powdery mildew, and

Baxter
et al.

(p.
1549
) ask a similar question for a natural pathogen of
Arabidopsis
.

Schirawski
et al.

(p.
1546
) compared genomes of maize pathogens to identify virulence determinants. Better knowledge of what in a genome makes a pathogen efficient and deadly is likely to be useful for improving agricultural crop management and breeding.
Thought for Food: Imagined Consumption Reduces Actual Consumption
Authors: Morewedge Carey K. , Huh Young Eun , Vosgerau Joachim
Published: December 2010

All in the Mind

Pavlov's experiments, in which dogs salivate in anticipation of food, mirror our own imagined experience; that is, thinking about the future consumption of chocolate enhances our desire for it and our motivation to obtain it. After several bites, however, our appetite usually wanes and the offer of a second bar is less appealing than the first.

Morewedge
et al.

(p.
1530
) show that the decrease in hedonic response can also be induced by having imagined eating the first bar of chocolate. In comparisons of subjects asked to imagine the repetitive consumption of candy or cheese, they observed a specific drop in the amount consumed when subjects were actually offered the previously imagined foods to eat.
Stochastic Late Accretion to Earth, the Moon, and Mars
Authors: Bottke William F. , Walker Richard J. , Day James M. D. , Nesvorny David , Elkins-Tanton Linda
Published: December 2010

For the Love of Iron

Iron-loving elements such as Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Rh, Pd, and Au must have been
delivered to the upper mantle of Earth, Mars, and the Moon after formation of
the planetary cores, because, before that, these elements tended to bond with
the core's metallic iron, stripping them from the planetary upper layers. Using
Monte Carlo models,

Bottke
et al.

(p.
1527
) show that the relative abundances of iron-loving
elements on Earth, Mars, and the Moon can be explained if most of the impacting
planetesimals that delivered the elements had sizes extending up to several
thousand kilometers. In these circumstances, most of the iron-loving elements
would arrive in a small number of random impacts, the most massive of which hit
Earth but not the Moon. Some of these impacts may also have altered Earth's
obliquity, produced the Moon's orbital inclination, and delivered water to the
Moon's mantle.
Slow Earthquakes Linked Along Dip in the Nankai Subduction Zone
Authors: Hirose Hitoshi , Asano Youichi , Obara Kazushige , Kimura Takeshi , Matsuzawa Takanori , Tanaka Sachiko , Maeda Takuto
Published: December 2010

Three types of temporally linked slow earthquakes may limit nearby buildup of stress.
Building a Better Battery
Authors: Chiang Yet-Ming
Published: December 2010

Controlling the charge-induced morphological changes of electrode materials may provide a route to improved battery performance.
Sex and Sacrifice
Authors: Kessin Richard H.
Published: December 2010

A single genetic locus determines the three sexes of slime mold amoebae.
First-Class Control of HIV-1
Authors: McMichael Andrew J. , Yvonne Jones E.
Published: December 2010

Genome-wide association studies reveal amino acids of the major histocompatibility complex that associate with the rate of progression to AIDS.
Two from China
Authors: Liu Jianguo , Li Shuxin
Published: December 2010

Two examples of recent children's science books (and two additional series) from China.
El Niño Lends More Confidence to Strong Global Warming
Authors: Kerr Richard A.
Published: December 2010

A report on page
1523
of this week's issue of
Science
analyzes how El Niño and La Niña, naturally occurring weather patterns that cause warming (El Niño) and cooling (La Niña) in the tropical Pacific and around the globe, have actually influenced clouds and concludes that—at least on the scale of decades—clouds do not counter warming by greenhouse gases.
Keeping Watch as the Old Kingdom Crumbled
Authors: Lawler Andrew
Published: December 2010

The round stone fort at Ras Budran on the southern Sinai Peninsula hints at the precariousness of Egypt's Old Kingdom, suggesting an increasingly desperate trading and military strategy in the waning days of the 22nd century B.C.E., an excavator reported at the meeting.
Will Homebody Researchers Turn Japan Into a Scientific Backwater?
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: December 2010

Few young Japanese scientists these days opt for long-term overseas experience; research leaders hope to find ways to broaden their horizons.
Complete Genome Analysis of a Novel Intertypic Recombinant Human Adenovirus Causing Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis in Japan
Authors: Kaneko Hisatoshi , Aoki Koki , Ohno Shigeaki , Ishiko Hiroaki , Fujimoto Tsuguto , Kikuchi Masayuki , Harada Seiya , Gonzalez Gabriel , Koyanagi Kanako O. , Watanabe Hidemi , Suzutani Tatsuo
Published: December 2010

For 4 months from September 2008, 102 conjunctival swab specimens were collected for surveillance purposes from patients across Japan suspected of having epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC). Human adenovirus (HAdV) DNA was detected in 61 samples by PCR, though the HAdV type for 6 of the PCR-positive samples could not be determined by phylogenetic analysis using a partial hexon gene sequence. Moreover, for 2 months from January 2009, HAdV strains with identical sequences were isolated from five conjunctival swab samples obtained from EKC patients in five different regions of Japan. For the analyses of the 11 samples mentioned above, we determined the nucleotide sequences of the entire penton base, hexon, and fiber genes and early 3 (E3) region, which are variable regions among HAdV types, and compared them to those of other HAdV species D strains. The nucleotide sequences of loops 1 and 2 in the hexons of all 11 samples showed high degrees of identity with those of the HAdV type 15 (HAdV-15) and HAdV-29 prototype strains. However, the fiber gene and E3 region sequences showed high degrees of identity with those of HAdV-9, and the penton base gene sequence showed a high degree of identity with the penton base gene sequences of HAdV-9 and -26. Moreover, the complete genome sequence of the 2307-S strain, which was isolated by viral culture from 1 of the 11 samples, was determined. The 2307-S strain was a recombinant HAdV between HAdV-9, -15, -26, -29, and/or another HAdV type; however, the recombination sites in the genome were not obvious. We propose that this virus is a novel intertypic recombinant, HAdV-15/29/H9, and may be an etiological agent of EKC.
Candida palmioleophila: Characterization of a Previously Overlooked Pathogen and Its Unique Susceptibility Profile in Comparison with Five Related Species
Authors: Jensen Rasmus H. , Arendrup Maiken C.
Published: December 2010

Candida palmioleophila
has previously been misidentified as
C. famata
or
C. guilliermondii
. We have investigated traditional and modern identification methods for the identification of this and related species. Forty-one clinical isolates previously identified as
C. famata
or
C. guilliermondii
and 8 reference strains were included. Color development on CHROMagar, growth temperature ranges, micromorphologies, carbon assimilation (ID32C), matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) profiles, and susceptibility profiles (mica- and anidulafungin and itra-, vori-, posa-, and fluconazole MICs were determined by EUCAST method EDef 7.1, and caspofungin MICs were determined by Etest) were determined, and results were compared to those of molecular identification (ITS1 and ITS2 sequencing). The following five different species were identified among the clinical isolates by sequencing, but no
C. famata
isolates were found:
C. guilliermondii
(22 isolates),
C. palmioleophila
(8 isolates),
C. fermentati
(6 isolates),
C. lusitaniae
(3 isolates), and
C. intermedia
(2 isolates).
C. palmioleophila
developed a distinct scintillating color of turquoise to rose, grew at 40°C, and failed to produce pseudohyphae within 14 days. The ID32C profile for 7/9
C. palmioleophila
isolates was 5367352315, and all were unable to hydrolyze esculin (Esc). The six related species were well discriminated by MALDI-TOF MS. The susceptibility pattern for
C. palmioleophila
was unique, as the echinocandin MICs were low (range, 0.008 to 0.125 μg/ml) and fluconazole MICs were high (range, 8 to >16 μg/ml). Correct identification of
C. palmioleophila
is important due to its unique susceptibility profile. Identification is possible yet laborious with conventional techniques, whereas MALDI-TOF MS easily separated the related species.
Mosquito Saliva Causes Enhancement of West Nile Virus Infection in Mice
Authors: Styer Linda M. , Lim Pei-Yin , Louie Karen L. , Albright Rebecca G. , Kramer Laura D. , Bernard Kristen A.
Published: December 2010

West Nile virus (WNV) is transmitted to vertebrate hosts primarily by infectedCulexmosquitoes. Transmission of arboviruses by the bite of infected mosquitoes can potentiate infection in hosts compared to viral infection by needle inoculation. Here we examined the effect of mosquito transmission on WNV infection and systematically investigated multiple factors that differ between mosquito infection and needle inoculation of WNV. We found that mice infected with WNV through the bite of a single infectedCulex tarsalismosquito exhibited 5- to 10-fold-higher viremia and tissue titers at 24 and 48 h postinoculation and faster neuroinvasion than mice given a median mosquito-inoculated dose of WNV (105PFU) by needle. Mosquito-induced enhancement was not due to differences in inoculation location, because additional intravenous inoculation of WNV did not enhance viremia or tissue titers. Inoculation of WNV into a location where uninfected mosquitoes had fed resulted in enhanced viremia and tissue titers in mice similar to those in mice infected by a single infected mosquito bite, suggesting that differences in where virus is deposited in the skin and in the virus particle itself were not responsible for the enhanced early infection in mosquito-infected mice. In addition, inoculation of mice with WNV mixed with salivary gland extract (SGE) led to higher viremia, demonstrating that mosquito saliva is the major cause of mosquito-induced enhancement. Enhanced viremia was not observed when SGE was inoculated at a distal site, suggesting that SGE enhances WNV replication by exerting a local effect. Furthermore, enhancement of WNV infection still occurred in mice with antibodies against mosquito saliva. In conclusion, saliva fromC. tarsalisis responsible for enhancement of early WNV infection in vertebrate hosts.
Immune and Viral Profile from Tolerance to Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Clearance: a Longitudinal Study of Vertically Hepatitis B Virus-Infected Children on Combined Therapy
Authors: Carey Ivana , D'Antiga Lorenzo , Bansal Sanjay , Longhi Maria Serena , Ma Yun , Mesa Irene Rebollo , Mieli-Vergani Giorgina , Vergani Diego
Published: December 2010

The aim of the study was to investigate longitudinally hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific T-cell reactivity and viral behavior versus treatment response in tolerant children during combined antiviral therapy. Twenty-three children with infancy-acquired hepatitis B (HBeAg+) belonging to a published pilot study of 1-year treatment with lamivudine/alpha interferon (IFN-α) were investigated. Five seroconverted to anti-HBs (responders). Nine were HLA-A2+(4 responders and 5 nonresponders). Mutations within the HBV core gene were determined at baseline in liver and in serial serum samples by direct sequencing at baseline; during treatment week 2 (TW2), TW9, TW28, and TW52; and after follow-up week 24 (FUW24) and FUW52. HBV-specific reactivity was evaluated by T-cell proliferation with 16 HBV core 20-mer overlapping peptides and by HLA-A2-restricted core18-27pentamer staining and CD8+IFN-γ enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay. HBV core-specific T-cell proliferative and CD8 responses were more vigorous and broader among responders than among nonresponders at TW28 and TW52, while the number of mutations within HBV core gene immunodominant epitopes was lower at TW28 and was negatively associated with HBV-specific T-cell proliferative responses at both time points. The HBV DNA viral load was negatively associated with HBV-specific T-cell proliferative and CD8 responses during treatment, especially at TW28. Treatment-induced transition from immunotolerance to HBV immune control is characterized by the emergence of efficient virus-specific immune responses capable of restraining mutations and preventing viral evasion.
Residues of the Rotavirus RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase Template Entry Tunnel That Mediate RNA Recognition and Genome Replication
Authors: Ogden Kristen M. , Ramanathan Harish N. , Patton John T.
Published: December 2010

To replicate its segmented, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) genome, the rotavirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, VP1, must recognize viral plus-strand RNAs (+RNAs) and guide them into the catalytic center. VP1 binds to the conserved 3′ end of rotavirus +RNAs via both sequence-dependent and sequence-independent contacts. Sequence-dependent contacts permit recognition of viral +RNAs and specify an autoinhibited positioning of the template within the catalytic site. However, the contributions to dsRNA synthesis of sequence-dependent and sequence-independent VP1-RNA interactions remain unclear. To analyze the importance of VP1 residues that interact with +RNA on genome replication, we engineered mutant VP1 proteins and assayed their capacity to synthesize dsRNA
in vitro
. Our results showed that, individually, mutation of residues that interact specifically with RNA bases did not diminish replication levels. However, simultaneous mutations led to significantly lower levels of dsRNA product, presumably due to impaired recruitment of +RNA templates. In contrast, point mutations of sequence-independent RNA contact residues led to severely diminished replication, likely as a result of improper positioning of templates at the catalytic site. A noteworthy exception was a K419A mutation that enhanced the initiation capacity and product elongation rate of VP1. The specific chemistry of Lys419 and its position at a narrow region of the template entry tunnel appear to contribute to its capacity to moderate replication. Together, our findings suggest that distinct classes of VP1 residues interact with +RNA to mediate template recognition and dsRNA synthesis yet function in concert to promote viral RNA replication at appropriate times and rates.
Human Cytomegalovirus Activates Glucose Transporter 4 Expression To Increase Glucose Uptake during Infection
Authors: Yu Yongjun , Maguire Tobi G. , Alwine James C.
Published: December 2010

Glucose transport into mammalian cells is mediated by a group of glucose transporters (GLUTs) on the plasma membrane. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-infected human fibroblasts (HFs) demonstrate significantly increased glucose consumption compared to mock-infected cells, suggesting a possible alteration in glucose transport during infection. Inhibition of GLUTs by using cytochalasin B indicated that infected cells utilize GLUT4, whereas normal HFs use GLUT1. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and Western analysis confirmed that GLUT4 levels are greatly increased in infected cells. In contrast, GLUT1 was eliminated by a mechanism involving the HCMV major immediate-early protein IE72. The HCMV-mediated induction of GLUT4 circumvents characterized controls of GLUT4 expression that involve serum stimulation, glucose concentration, and nuclear functions of ATP-citrate lyase (ACL). In infected cells the well-characterized Akt-mediated translocation of GLUT4 to the cell surface is also circumvented; GLUT4 localized on the surface of infected cells that were serum starved and had Akt activity inhibited. The significance of GLUT4 induction for the success of HCMV infection was indicated using indinavir, a drug that specifically inhibits glucose uptake by GLUT4. The addition of the drug inhibited glucose uptake in infected cells as well as viral production. Our data show that HCMV-specific mechanisms are used to replace GLUT1, the normal HF GLUT, with GLUT4, the major glucose transporter in adipose tissue, which has a 3-fold-higher glucose transport capacity.
Identification of New Functional Regions in Hepatitis C Virus Envelope Glycoprotein E2
Authors: Albecka Anna , Montserret Roland , Krey Thomas , Tarr Alexander W. , Diesis Eric , Ball Jonathan K. , Descamps Véronique , Duverlie Gilles , Rey Felix , Penin François , Dubuisson Jean
Published: December 2010

Little is known about the structure of the envelope glycoproteins of hepatitis C virus (HCV). To identify new regions essential for the function of these glycoproteins, we generated HCV pseudoparticles (HCVpp) containing HCV envelope glycoproteins, E1 and E2, from different genotypes in order to detect intergenotypic incompatibilities between these two proteins. Several genotype combinations were nonfunctional for HCV entry. Of interest, a combination of E1 from genotype 2a and E2 from genotype 1a was nonfunctional in the HCVpp system. We therefore used this nonfunctional complex and the recently described structural model of E2 to identify new functional regions in E2 by exchanging protein regions between these two genotypes. The functionality of these chimeric envelope proteins in the HCVpp system and/or the cell-cultured infectious virus (HCVcc) was analyzed. We showed that the intergenotypic variable region (IgVR), hypervariable region 2 (HVR2), and another segment in domain II play a role in E1E2 assembly. We also demonstrated intradomain interactions within domain I. Importantly, we also identified a segment (amino acids [aa] 705 to 715 [segment 705-715]) in the stem region of E2, which is essential for HCVcc entry. Circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance structural analyses of the synthetic peptide E2-SC containing this segment revealed the presence of a central amphipathic helix, which likely folds upon membrane binding. Due to its location in the stem region, segment 705-715 is likely involved in the reorganization of the glycoprotein complexes taking place during the fusion process. In conclusion, our study highlights new functional and structural regions in HCV envelope glycoprotein E2.
Endovascular embolization of cervical hemangiopericytoma with Onyx-18: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Santillan Alejandro , Zink Walter , Lavi Ehud , Boockvar John , Gobin Y Pierre , Patsalides Athos
Published: December 2010

Cervical hemangiopericytoma (HPC) is a rare tumor involving dura and bone. Because HPC shares some imaging features with meningioma, hemangioblastoma, schwannoma and solitary fibrous tumors; histology with appropriate immunohistochemistry is essential for its diagnosis and treatment. HPC is highly vascular and has a high rate of local recurrence following resection. Thus it can pose significant therapeutic challenges. To the best of our knowledge this is the 13th reported case of HPC of the cervical spine and the first case of cervical HPC treated using embolization with Onyx-18. In addition, a systematic review of the literature is presented describing previous experience with HPC of the cervical region. The case of a 61-year-old woman is reported who presented with a 7 month history of dizziness, mild ataxia and left-sided tinnitus when supine. MRI of the cervical spine demonstrated a gadolinium enhancing mass arising from the dorsal cervical dura, extending from the occiput to C2, with internal flow voids and extension into the C2 lamina and spinous process. Digital subtraction angiography demonstrated multiple corkscrew-shaped supplying vessels, marked hypervascularity, rapid arteriovenous shunting and delayed contrast washout. Super selective injection of Onyx-18 yielded approximately 90% embolization of the lesion, followed by subtotal resection and radiotherapy. Histology confirmed the presumptive diagnosis of HPC. Preoperative embolization with Onyx-18 should be considered for large HPC as it may decrease the risk of intraoperative hemorrhage. In this case, embolization with Onyx-18 did not preclude histopathologic diagnosis of HPC.
THE EFFECT OF SLIP BOUNDARY ON THE PARTICLE MOTIONS IN A MICRO-CHANNEL WITH LATTICE BOLTZMANN SIMULATIONS
Authors: YI H. H. , YANG X. F.
Published: December 2010

The effect of slip boundary on the particle motions in a micro-planar channel is studied by lattice Boltzmann method. The property of the particle in different surface slip conditions is investigated extensively by simulating the particle trajectories and analyzing the trajectory differences between slip and nonslip conditions. The simulation results show that the particle behavior is affected by the surface slip conditions, especially in the region, which is between the critical position and the channel center, for nonsymmetrical boundary slip. The factors affecting the critical position, including boundary slip velocity and flow Reynolds number, are also studied numerically. The results are expected to find extensive applications and may be helpful to understand recent observations on micro-slip flows with suspensions.
PARAMETER MISMATCHES, CHAOS SYNCHRONIZATION AND FAST DYNAMIC LOGIC GATES
Authors: SHAHVERDIEV E. M.
Published: December 2010

By using chaos synchronization between nonidentical multiple time delay semiconductor lasers with optoelectronic feedbacks, we demonstrate numerically how fast dynamic logic gates can be constructed. The results may be helpful in obtaining computational hardware with reconfigurable properties.
DYNAMICS OF SPIRAL WAVE IN THE COUPLED HODGKIN–HUXLEY NEURONS
Authors: YU GUANG , MA JUN , JIA YA , TANG JUN
Published: December 2010

In this paper, the dynamics of the coupled Hodgkin–Huxley neurons (HHn) is investigated. At first, appropriate initial values and reasonable parameters are used to induce spiral wave in the coupled HHn. The temperature and channel noise are also considered to induce the birth and transition of spiral wave, respectively. It is found that the spiral wave can be generated in the absence of channel noise, and the seed of spiral wave cannot grow up when the intensity of channel noise exceeds the threshold (the noise is distributed on all the channels and s describes the membrane patch, the threshold is suggested with s = 3.2). The spiral wave disappears and all the coupled HHn become homogeneous when the temperature exceeds the threshold about T = 22° C .
THE INFLUENCE OF HEAT LEAKAGE AND INTERNAL IRREVERSIBILITY ON THE PERFORMANCE OF A QUANTUM SPIN REFRIGERATION CYCLE
Authors: HE JI-ZHOU , WANG JIAN-HUI , DENG XIN-FA
Published: December 2010

The cycle model established here, for which the heat leakage and internal irreversibility are considered, consists of two irreversible non-isentropic adiabatic and two isomagnetic field processes. The working substance is composed of many non-interacting spin systems. Based on quantum master equation of an open system in the Heisenberg picture and semi-group approach, the general performance analysis of quantum refrigeration cycle is performed. Expressions for several important performance parameters, such as the cooling rate, coefficient of performance, rate of entropy production and power input, are derived. By using numerical calculations, the cooling rate as a natural optimization goal for a refrigerator is optimized with respect to external magnetic field. The characteristic curves of the cooling rate, rate of entropy production and power input subject to coefficient of performance are plotted. The optimal regions of the cooling rate, coefficient of the performance (COP) and temperatures of the working substance, are determined.
BACKSTEPPING CONTROL AND SYNCHRONIZATION OF PARAMETRICALLY AND EXTERNALLY EXCITED Φ6 VAN DER POL OSCILLATORS WITH APPLICATION TO SECURE COMMUNICATIONS
Authors: NJAH A. N. , OJO K. S.
Published: December 2010

In this paper recursive and adaptive backstepping nonlinear controllers are designed to, respectively, control and synchronize the triple-well or Φ6 Van der Pol oscillators (VDPOs) with both parametric and external excitations. The designed recursive backstepping nonlinear controller is capable of stabilizing the Φ6-VDPO at any position as well as controlling it to track any trajectory that is a smooth function of time. The designed adaptive backstepping nonlinear controller globally synchronizes two Φ6-VDPOs evolving from different initial conditions and its application to secure communications is computationally demonstrated. The results are all validated by numerical simulations.
ON EXACT HYPERGEOMETRIC SOLUTIONS OF CERTAIN SOLITON-LIKE EQUATIONS
Authors: TARASOV V. F.
Published: December 2010

It is shown that certain nonlinear wave evolution equations in (1+1)-dimensional space-time in the soliton theory: sine-Gordon (SG), sinh-Gordon (ShG), the nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLS), the φ4 equation in quantum field theory, the Burgers diffusion equation (Brg) and the Huxley equation (Hsl) in biophysics, the Boussinesq equation (Bsq), can be solved in terms of hypergeometric functions of pFq-type. Such approach allows to establish the connection between "model" equations and simple functional relations (in the form of diagrams) of these functions; the latter gives the possibility to consider a number of "inverse problems" in the soliton theory in a new way and to get new "models" of solitary waves.
OPTICAL PROPERTIES AND PLASMON RESONANCE OF COUPLED GOLD NANOSHELL ARRAYS
Authors: ZHOU XIN , LI HONGJIAN , FU SHAOLI , XIE SUXIA , XU HAIQING , WU JINJUN
Published: December 2010

The optical properties and plasmon resonances coupling of ordered gold nanoshell arrays are investigated theoretically by means of finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) theory. We showed that the thickness, size and inter-shell distance of the nanoshells can tune the optical transmission of the system and the highly geometry-dependent plasmon response can be seen as an interaction between the essentially fixed-frequency plasmon response of a nanosphere and that of a nanocavity for the nanoshells. We also revealed the two different resonance modes by analyzing the spatial distributions of electric field component Ez. We proposed that the peaks of the lower energy mainly originate from the sphere plasmons coupling and the peaks of the higher energy are mainly attributed to the coupling between the sphere plasmons and the cavity plasmons.