bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Speciation on a round planet: phylogeography of the goatfish genus Mulloidichthys
Authors: Lessios H. A. , Robertson D. R.
Published: July 2013

Aim

The goatfish genus Mulloidichthys is abundant on reefs throughout the tropics. Characteristic of this genus is a long larval and pelagic juvenile phase, which could potentially confer large dispersal capacity. We sampled its mitochondrial DNA to answer the following questions: What speciation events have led to the formation of the extant species? How do they correlate with geological and oceanographic events? Are M. dentatus and M. martinicus geminate species formed by the rise of the Isthmus of Panama? Is there genetic structure between conspecific populations?

Location

All tropical oceans.

Methods

We constructed a phylogeny of Mulloidichthys, based on the ATPase‐8 and ATPase‐6 genes and the control region. We estimated degree of genetic structuring in four species.

Results

The phylogeny revealed that the Indo‐Pacific M. pflugeri diverged first, followed by M. flavolineatus, also from the Indo‐Pacific, followed by the central Pacific M. mimicus. The most recent splitting event resulted in a tritomy composed of the Atlantic M. martinicus, the eastern Pacific M. dentatus and the Indo‐Pacific M. vanicolensis. The differentiation between M. martinicus and M. dentatus was substantially smaller than divergence in the same DNA fragments in eight other fish genera likely to have been split by the rise of the Isthmus of Panama. Low genetic structuring was found between conspecific populations of Mulloidichthys, even across the entire Indo‐Pacific. Only populations at Clipperton Atoll and at Ascension Island in the Atlantic were genetically isolated from other conspecific populations.

Main conclusions

The oldest extant species of Mulloidichthys are found in the Indo‐Pacific. Younger species probably maintained genetic contact between the Atlantic and the Indo‐Pacific until the late Pleistocene. The low degree of genetic structuring and the unusual recent connections around the globe are likely to be the result of the large, highly mobile, and long‐lived juvenile phase in this genus.
How do patients between the age of 65 and 75 use a web‐based decision aid for treatment choice in localized prostate cancer?
Authors: Schrijvers Jessie , Vanderhaegen Joke , Van Poppel Hendrik , Haustermans Karin , Van Audenhove Chantal
Published: July 2013

Objectives

This study was designed to evaluate the use of a web‐based decision aid by a 65plus patient group in their decision‐making process for treatment of localized prostate cancer. Of particular interest was the use of technology features such as patients’ statements, comparative tables, and a values clarification tool.

Methods

One hundred men from the University Hospital of Leuven campus, Gasthuisberg, were invited to use the web‐based decision aid in their decision‐making process. Twenty‐six men were excluded based on non‐ or limited use of the decision aid. Of the remaining 74 men, user specifications, decision aid surfing characteristics by means of web‐log data, and especially the use of technology features were analyzed.

Results

Men spent on average 30 minutes on the web‐based decision aid. Most time was spent on the pages with information on treatment options. These pages were also most frequently accessed. The use of the feature ‘comparative tables’ was the highest, followed by the ‘values clarification tool’. According to age (<70 or >70 years) differences were observed for the time spent on the decision aid, the pages accessed, and the use of the technology features.

Conclusion

Despite concerns about the usability of a web‐based decision aid for elderly patients, these results indicated that the majority of 65plus persons with good internet skills use a web‐based decision aid as well as its incorporated technology features.
Epidemiology of pulmonary tuberculosis in Wenchuan earthquake stricken area: population‐based study
Authors: Yang Xiaoyan , Liu Qiaolan , Zhang Rui
Published: July 2013

Objectives

To explore spatio‐temporal distribution and associated factors of pulmonary tuberculosis in Wenchuan earthquake stricken area.

Methods

Case count, county's location, demographic, health, and social economics data were collected. Longitudinal multilevel model of extra‐Poisson and spatial clustering analysis Besag and Newell's method were used.

Results

The incidence rate decreased from 117.59 to 81.04/100,000, and the associated factors included time, latitude of the county, proportion of people aged no more than 29 years, and the disaster‐affected severity of the county. The temporal distribution of mortality rate was parabolic, with a summit in 2008. The associated factors included time, whether or not the county is minority inhabited area, and the disaster‐affected severity of the county. Two clustered regions of incidence rate were detected with little variations before and after the quake, which were Aba‐Ganzi region and Liangshan–Leshan border region. The clustered regions of mortality rate detected were five counties located in Aba‐Ganzi region in 2008, and no cluster was detected during other years.

Conclusions

Tuberculosis epidemiology demonstrates a special spatio‐temporal distribution pattern. Wenchuan earthquake has effects especially on mortality rate. Natural, demographic, and social factors also contribute.
Rafting seahorses: the presence of juvenile Hippocampus patagonicus in floating debris
Authors: Luzzatto D. C. , Estalles M. L. , Díaz de Astarloa J. M.
Published: July 2013

A total of 477 juvenile Hippocampus patagonicus recorded in 80 sampling events were detected rafting on the surface during high tide at San Antonio Bay, northern Patagonia, Argentina. If rafting juveniles drift long distances beyond their original populations, they have the potential to form new populations, which may explain the wide distribution of H. patagonicus.
A Failure Reveals Success
Authors: Cockerill Kristan
Published: July 2013

Although environmental education and education for sustainable development have become well‐established areas of scholarship and practice, there has not been a similar development focused on “industrial ecology education.” A review of the historical context and guiding philosophies for each of these areas finds many similarities, as well as key differences. Environmental education traces its modern roots to the idealism of the 1960s and 1970s. It has focused mostly on improving environmental conditions. Education for sustainable development arose along with international concerns about social justice. It has emphasized general education as well as education about sustainability as necessary to ensure human prosperity. Industrial ecology, in its contemporary form, evolved as an applied approach to address environmental concerns and to meet sustainability goals. It has developed into a diverse, multifaceted approach to address the complexity inherent in industrial society. Education focused on industrial ecology remains decentralized, with core principles and tools being integrated into existing disciplinary programs as well as development of industrial‐ecology–specific curricula. These efforts have not coalesced into a formalized, industrial ecology education. Rather than reflecting a shortcoming, this potentially offers a more robust method for applying industrial ecology principles and tools widely.
A prospective 14‐year longitudinal follow‐up of dementia in persons with Down syndrome
Authors: McCarron M. , McCallion P. , Reilly E. , Mulryan N.
Published: July 2013

Background

To examine dementia characteristics, age at onset and associated comorbidities in persons with Down syndrome.

Method

Seventy‐seven people with Down syndrome aged 35 years and older were followed longitudinally. The diagnosis of dementia was established using the modified International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD‐10) criteria and a combination of objective and informant‐based tests. Cognitive tests included the Test for Severe Impairment and the Down Syndrome Mental Status Examination; adaptive behaviour was measured using the Daily Living Skills Questionnaire. The Dementia Questionnaire for Mental Retarded Persons (DMR) was added to the test battery in 2005 and this study includes follow‐up data for this instrument.

Results

Over the 14‐year period the average age of diagnosis at 55.41 years (SD = 7.14) was in the higher range of previously reported estimates (51–56 years) and a median survival of 7 years after diagnosis. Persons with dementia in the sample were significantly older than persons without dementia. The presence of dementia was also associated with epilepsy and sensory impairments. Among instruments the DMR appeared most sensitive to tracking change in symptoms over time before diagnosis.

Conclusion

The previously reported high risk levels for dementia among people with Down syndrome was confirmed in these data as was the value of the instruments utilised in tracking decline and helping to confirm diagnosis even in persons with severe intellectual disability.
Self‐reported versus informant‐reported depressive symptoms in adults with mild intellectual disability
Authors: Mileviciute I. , Hartley S. L.
Published: July 2013

Background

Virtually nothing is known about potential differences in the types of depression symptoms reported by adults with mild intellectual disability (ID) on self‐reported questionnaires as compared with the types of symptoms reported by caregivers on informant questionnaires. Moreover, little is known about how the presentation of depression among adults with mild ID varies based on socio‐demographic characteristics.

Methods

We compared findings from two self‐reported questionnaires, the Self‐Reported Depression Questionnaire (SRDQ) and the Glasgow Depression Scale for People with a Learning Disability (GDS), to that of an informant questionnaire of depressive symptoms, the Glasgow Depression Scale – Caregiver Supplement (CGDS), in 80 adults with mild ID. We also examined the association between age, sex, IQ and the presence of a co‐occurring psychiatric disorder and frequency of affective, cognitive and somatic depressive symptoms in our sample of adults with mild ID.

Results

Adults with mild ID self‐reported a higher frequency of affective and cognitive depressive symptoms than staff reported on the informant measure. Staff reported a higher frequency of somatic symptoms than adults with mild ID on one of the self‐reported questionnaires (GDS) and a similar frequency on the other self‐reported questionnaire (SRDQ). Important differences were found in the types of depressive symptoms based on their IQ, age and presence of a co‐occurring psychiatric disorder.

Conclusion

Informant questionnaires offer valuable information, but assessment should include self‐reported questionnaires as these questionnaires add unique information about internalised experiences (affective and cognitive symptoms) of adults with mild ID that may not be apparent to caregivers. Health care providers should be made aware of the important differences in the presentation of depressive based on their IQ, age and presence of a co‐occurring psychiatric disorder.
An estuarine species of the alga Vaucheria (Xanthophyceae) displays an increased capacity for turgor regulation when compared to a freshwater species
Authors: Muralidhar Abishek , Novis Phil M. , Broady Paul A. , Collings David A. , Garrill Ashley
Published: July 2013

Turgor regulation is the process by which walled organisms alter their internal osmotic potential to adapt to osmotic changes in the environment. Apart from a few studies on freshwater oomycetes, the ability of stramenopiles to turgor regulate has not been investigated. In this study, turgor regulation and growth were compared in two species of the stramenopile alga Vaucheria, Vaucheria erythrospora isolated from an estuarine habitat, and Vaucheria repens isolated from a freshwater habitat. Species were identified using their rbcL sequences and respective morphologies. Using a single cell pressure probe to directly measure turgor in Vaucheria after hyperosmotic shock, V. erythrospora was found to recover turgor after a larger shock than V. repens. Threshold shock values for this ability were >0.5 MPa for V. erythrospora and <0.5 MPa for V. repens. Recovery was more rapid in V. erythrospora than V. repens after comparable shocks. Turgor recovery in V. erythrospora was inhibited by Gd3+ and TEA, suggesting a role for mechanosensitive channels, nonselective cation channels, and K+ channels in the process. Growth studies showed that V. erythrospora was able to grow over a wider range of NaCl concentrations. These responses may underlie the ability of V. erythrospora to survive in an estuarine habitat and restrict V. repens to freshwater. The fact that both species can turgor regulate may indicate a fundamental difference between members of the Stramenopila, as research to date on oomycetes suggests they are unable to turgor regulate.
Meta‐analysis of observational studies: hepatitis C and survival after renal transplant
Authors: Fabrizi F. , Martin P. , Dixit V. , Messa P.
Published: July 2013

Recent evidence has shown that anti‐HCV‐positive serologic status is significantly linked to lower patient and graft survival after renal transplant, but conflicting results have been given on this point. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the published medical literature concerning the impact of HCV infection on all‐cause mortality and graft loss after RT. The relative risk of all‐cause mortality and graft loss was regarded as the most reliable outcome end‐point. Study‐specific relative risks were weighted by the inverse of their variance to obtain fixed‐ and random‐effect pooled estimates for mortality and graft loss with HCV across the published studies. We identified eighteen observational studies involving 133 530 unique renal transplant recipients. The summary estimate for adjusted relative risk (aRR) of all‐cause mortality was 1.85 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.49; 2.31 (P < 0.0001); heterogeneity statistics, Ri = 0.87 (P‐value by Q‐test = 0.001). The overall estimate for adjusted RR of all‐cause graft loss was 1.76 (95% CI, 1.46; 2.11) (P < 0.0001), heterogeneity statistics, Ri = 0.65 (P‐value by Q‐test = 0.001). Stratified analysis did not change meaningfully these results. Meta‐regression showed that living donor rate had a favourable influence on patient (P = 0.031) and graft survival (P = 0.01), whilst diabetes mellitus having a detrimental role on patient survival (P = 0.001). This meta‐analysis of observational studies supports the notion that HCV‐positive patients after RT have an increased risk of mortality and graft loss. Further studies are in progress to understand better the mechanisms underlying the relationship between HCV and mortality or graft dysfunction after renal transplant.
Bezafibrate normalizes alkaline phosphatase in primary biliary cirrhosis patients with incomplete response to ursodeoxycholic acid
Authors: Lens Sabela , Leoz María , Nazal Leyla , Bruguera Miguel , Parés Albert
Published: July 2013

Background & Aims

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is the standard treatment for primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) but excellent response is not observed in all cases. Since potential favourable effects of fibrates have been reported in short series with inconclusive results, we have carried out a pilot study to analyse the effects of bezafibrate in patients with suboptimal response to UDCA.

Methods

Thirty women (age 52.3 ± 2.3 years) treated with UDCA and abnormal alkaline phosphatase (AP) levels received bezafibrate (400 mg/d) for 1 year. Changes were measured every 3 months during the study period of 12 months, 3 months after discontinuation and 3 months after resuming bezafibrate.

Results

Two patients discontinued the treatment after few days, three at 6 and one at 9 months. Bezafibrate treatment resulted in a significant decrease in AP as early as 3 months. Normalization or decrease of AP below 1.5 times normal levels was observed in 13 and 4 patients respectively. There was also a significant decrease in γ‐glutamyl transferase and alanine aminotransferase, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Bezafibrate treatment resulted in significant improvement of pruritus. A rebound in liver biochemistries and pruritus occurred upon drug discontinuation, changes which improved again after resuming bezafibrate. Response to bezafibrate was associated with lower liver stiffness and severity of cholestasis. No severe adverse effects were observed.

Conclusions

Combination treatment of bezafibrate and UDCA is associated with marked decrease or normalization of alkaline phosphatase as early as 3 months in patients with PBC. Better biochemical response was observed in patients with early disease and lower cholestasis.
CellMinerHCC: a microarray‐based expression database for hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Staib Frank , Krupp Markus , Maass Thorsten , Itzel Timo , Weinmann Arndt , Lee Ju‐Seog , Schmidt Bertil , Müller Martina , Thorgeirsson Snorri S. , Galle Peter R. , Teufel Andreas
Published: July 2013

Background & Aims

Therapeutic options for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) still remain limited. Development of gene targeted therapies is a promising option. A better understanding of the underlying molecular biology is gained in in vitro experiments. However, even with targeted manipulation of gene expression varying treatment responses were observed in diverse HCC cell lines. Therefore, information on gene expression profiles of various HCC cell lines may be crucial to experimental designs. To generate a publicly available database containing microarray expression profiles of diverse HCC cell lines.

Methods

Microarray data were analyzed using an individually scripted R program package. Data were stored in a PostgreSQL database with a PHP written web interface. Evaluation and comparison of individual cell line expression profiles are supported via public web interface.

Results

This database allows evaluation of gene expression profiles of 18 HCC cell lines and comparison of differential gene expression between multiple cell lines. Analysis of commonly regulated genes for signaling pathway enrichment and interactions demonstrates a liver tumor phenotype with enrichment of major cancer related KEGG signatures like ‘cancer’ and ‘inflammatory response’. Further molecular associations of strong scientific interest, e.g. ‘lipid metabolism’, were also identified.

Conclusions

We have generated CellMinerHCC (http://www.medicalgenomics.org/cellminerhcc), a publicly available database containing gene expression data of 18 HCC cell lines. This database will aid in the design of in vitro experiments in HCC research, because the genetic specificities of various HCC cell lines will be considered.
Sigma factor RpoN (σ54) regulates pilE transcription in commensal Neisseria elongata
Authors: Rendón María A. , Hockenberry Alyson M. , McManus Steven A. , So Magdalene
Published: July 2013

Human‐adapted Neisseria includes two pathogens, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis, and at least 13 species of commensals that colonize many of the same niches as the pathogens. The Type IV pilus plays an important role in the biology of pathogenic Neisseria. In these species, Sigma factor RpoD (σ70), Integration Host Factor, and repressors RegF and CrgA regulate transcription of pilE, the gene encoding the pilus structural subunit. The Type IV pilus is also a strictly conserved trait in commensal Neisseria. We present evidence that a different mechanism regulates pilE transcription in commensals. Using Neisseria elongata as a model, we show that Sigma factor RpoN (σ54), Integration Host Factor, and an activator we name Npa regulate pilE transcription. Taken in context with previous reports, our findings indicate pilE regulation switched from an RpoN‐ to an RpoD‐dependent mechanism as pathogenic Neisseria diverged from commensals during evolution. Our findings have implications for the timing of Tfp expression and Tfp‐mediated host cell interactions in these two groups of bacteria.
Increased rate of force development and neuromuscular activity after high‐load resistance training in patients undergoing dialysis
Authors: Molsted Stig , Andersen Jesper L , Eidemak Inge , Harrison Adrian P
Published: July 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of high‐load resistance training on the rate of force development and neuromuscular function in patients undergoing dialysis.

Methods

Twenty‐nine patients were tested before and after 16 weeks of resistance training. The rate of force development was tested using the Good Strength dynamometer chair. Muscle strength and neuromuscular function in the m. Vastus lateralis was estimated using electromyography in a one repetition maximum test during dynamic knee extension and during a 20 s isometric knee extension with 50% of the one repetition maximum load. Muscle biopsies from the m. Vastus lateralis were analysed for morphologic characteristics.

Results

One repetition maximum in knee extension increased by 46% (P < 0.001) after the training programme. Rate of force development increased by 21–38% (P < 0.05). The electromyography amplitude increased during 200–300 msec from 183 ± 36 μV to 315 ± 66 μV, (P < 0.05), whilst electromyography frequency remained unchanged. The electromyography signals, during isometric contractions, remained unchanged. A higher rate of force development was found to be significantly associated with larger type 2 muscle fibres (r = 0.647).

Conclusion

Muscle strength in patients undergoing dialysis was increased after 16 weeks of resistance training in parallel with changed neuromuscular function and greater rate of force development, both of which have important clinical implications in terms of improved physical performance.
Protective effects of angiotensin‐(1–7) administrated with an angiotensin‐receptor blocker in a rat model of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Xu Chengyan , Ding Wei , Zhang Minmin , Gu Yong
Published: July 2013

Aim

Angiotensin‐(1–7) (Ang‐(1–7)) opposes angiotensin‐II‐induced cell growth, matrix accumulation and fibrosis in cardiac tissue. However, the role of Ang‐(1–7) in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis is uncertain. This study observed the effects of Ang‐(1–7), on its own or in combination with losartan, an angiotensin‐receptor blocker, on five‐sixths nephrectomized rats.

Methods

Male Sprague–Dawley rats underwent five‐sixths nephrectomy, and then were either untreated, treated with Ang‐(1–7), treated with losartan, or treated with a combination therapy of Ang‐(1–7) and losartan. After 8 weeks, renal function was assessed by measuring systolic blood pressure, serum creatinine and proteinuria. The effect of nephrectomy on the renin–angiotensin system was examined by measuring plasma levels of Ang‐II and Ang‐(1–7). The extent of glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis was assessed by periodic acid‐Schiff staining and Masson‐trichrome staining. The expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1, fibronectin and angiopoietins‐Tie‐2 was investigated by immunohistochemistry and western blot.

Results

In the groups of treated rats, serum creatinine, proteinuria and markers of glomerulosclerosis, such as fibronectin and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1, were ameliorated compared with the untreated, nephrectomized rats. Plasma Ang‐(1–7) levels were elevated in all treatment groups, but the plasma Ang‐II levels were reduced in the Ang‐(1–7)‐treated group and the combination therapy group. The ratio of Ang‐1/Ang‐2 was increased in the combination therapy group compared with two other treatment groups.

Conclusion

Ang‐(1–7) ameliorated the renal injury of nephrectomized rats. The combination of Ang‐(1–7) treatment alongside losartan exerted a superior effect to that of Ang‐(1–7) alone on regression of glomerulosclerosis.
Allergic reactions to vaccines
Authors: Wood Robert A.
Published: July 2013

Anaphylactic reactions to vaccines are rare but do occur, and have been reported for nearly every vaccine. And while the reaction rate per each dose of vaccine is low, this is a common clinical question due in large part to the enormous numbers of vaccines administered. Reactions are most often due to vaccine constituents rather than the microbial components of the vaccine, but in many instances, the specific ingredient triggering the reaction cannot be definitively identified. Evaluation of patients with suspected vaccine reactions should begin by determining whether the symptoms and timing of the reaction were consistent with a true allergic reaction, followed by an assessment to determine whether the patient needs further doses of the vaccine in question, or similar vaccines, in the future. Skin and serologic testing to vaccines and vaccine constituents can then be performed to further assess the potential cause of the reaction and to develop a plan for future immunizations. Specific guidelines for the administration of influenza vaccines to egg allergic patients have been revised to allow virtually all patients to receive this vaccine in a straightforward manner.
No effect of probiotics on respiratory allergies: a seven‐year follow‐up of a randomized controlled trial in infancy
Authors: Abrahamsson Thomas R. , Jakobsson Ted , Björkstén Bengt , Oldaeus Göran , Jenmalm Maria C.
Published: July 2013

Background

Supplementation with the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri reduced the incidence of IgE‐associated allergic disease in infancy. This treatment might therefore also reduce the risk of asthma and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in school age.

Objective

To evaluate whether perinatal and infant supplementation with L. reuteri reduced the prevalence of respiratory allergic disease in school age and to explore whether this supplementation was associated with any long‐term side effects.

Methods

A randomized, placebo‐controlled trial with oral supplementation with L. reuteri ATCC 55730 (1 × 108 CFU) during the last month of gestation and through the first year of life comprising 232 families with allergic disease, of whom 184 completed a 7‐yr follow‐up. The primary outcomes at 7 yr of age were allergic disease and skin prick test reactivity (ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT01285830).

Results

The prevalence of asthma (15% in the probiotic vs. 16% in placebo group), allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (27% vs. 20%), eczema (21% vs. 19%) and skin prick test reactivity (29% vs. 26%) was similar in the probiotic and placebo group. Growth indices and gastrointestinal symptoms were similar in the two groups. No severe adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

The effect of L. reuteri on sensitization and IgE‐associated eczema in infancy did not lead to a lower prevalence of respiratory allergic disease in school age. Thus, the effect of L. reuteri on the immune system seems to be transient. Administration of L. reuteri during the last weeks of gestation and in infancy was not associated with any long‐term side effects.
Phosphorus nutrition of woody plants: many questions – few answers
Authors: Rennenberg H. , Herschbach C.
Published: July 2013

Phosphorus (P) acquisition, cycling and use efficiency has been investigated intensively with herbaceous plants. It is known that local as well as systemic signalling contributes to the control ofPacquisition. Woody plants are long‐lived organisms that adapt their life cycle to the changing environment during their annual growth cycle. Little is known aboutPacquisition andPcycling in perennial plants, especially regarding storage and mobilisation, its control by systemic and environmental factors, and its interaction with the largely closed ecosystem‐levelPcycle. The present report presents a view on open questions on plant internalPcycling in woody plants.
Effect of wheat spike infection timing on fusarium head blight development and mycotoxin accumulation
Authors: Siou D. , Gélisse S. , Laval V. , Repinçay C. , Canalès R. , Suffert F. , Lannou C.
Published: July 2013

Fusarium head blight in wheat spikes is associated with production of mycotoxins by the fungi. Although flowering is recognized as the most favourable host stage for infection, a better understanding of infection timing on disease development and toxin accumulation is needed. This study monitored the development of eight characterized isolates of F. graminearum, F. culmorum and F. poae in a greenhouse experiment. The fungi were inoculated on winter wheat spikes before or at anther extrusion, or at 8, 18 and 28 days later. Disease levels were estimated by the AUDPC and thousand‐kernel weight (TKW). The fungal biomass (estimated by qPCR) and toxin concentration (deoxynivalenol and nivalenol, estimated by UPLC‐UV‐MS/MS) were measured in each inoculated spike, providing a robust estimation of these variables and allowing correlations based on single‐individual measurements to be established. The toxin content correlated well with fungal biomass in kernels, independently of inoculation date. The AUDPC was correlated with fungal DNA, but not for early and late infection dates. The highest disease and toxin levels were for inoculations around anthesis, but early or late infections led to detectable levels of fungus and toxin for the most aggressive isolates. Fungal development appeared higher in kernels than in the chaff for inoculations at anthesis, but the opposite was found for later inoculations. These results show that anthesis is the most susceptible stage for FHB, but also clearly shows that early and late infections can produce significant disease development and toxin accumulation with symptoms difficult to estimate visually.
Maternal Periconceptional Exposure to Cigarette Smoking and Congenital Limb Deficiencies
Authors: Caspers Kristin M. , Romitti Paul A. , Lin Shao , Olney Richard S. , Holmes Lewis B. , Werler Martha M. ,   National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: July 2013

Background

Congenital limb deficiencies (LD)s are characterised by the failure or disruption in formation of limbs or digits. Epidemiological research on maternal exposure to cigarette smoke and LDs is inconclusive.

Methods

Data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study were used to examine LDs and maternal exposure to active or passive cigarette smoke. Mothers of LD case (n = 906) and unaffected control (n = 8352) pregnancies from October 1997 through December 2007 reported on exposure type and quantity. Logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval [95% CI]; interactions with folic acid (FA) intake were tested.

Results

For any LD, ORs were elevated for active (1.24 [95% CI 1.01, 1.53]), passive (home) (1.28 [95% CI 1.03, 1.59]), and ‘active and passive’ (1.34 [95% CI 1.05, 1.70]) exposures. The ORs for longitudinal LDs were elevated for passive (home) (1.62 [95% CI 1.14, 2.31]) and ‘active and passive’ (1.62 [95% CI 1.09, 2.41]) exposures. The OR for pre‐axial LDs were elevated for any (1.39 [95% CI 1.01, 1.90]), active (1.53 [95% CI 1.03, 2.29]), passive (home) (1.82 [95% CI 1.23, 2.69]), and ‘active and passive’ (1.87 [95% CI 1.20, 2.92]) exposures. For lower limbs, ORs were elevated for passive (home) (1.44 [95% CI 1.01, 2.04]) and smoking 15 or more cigarettes/day (2.25 [95% CI 1.27, 3.97]). Interactions showed that ORs for any passive smoke exposure were 0.43 and 0.59 higher in the absence of FA intake for any and terminal transverse LDs.

Conclusions

Maternal active smoking and exposure to passive cigarette smoke emerged as a potential teratogen that affects limb and digit formation. FA was not found to mitigate the impact.
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model organism, with emphasis on applications for finfish aquaculture research
Authors: Ribas Laia , Piferrer Francesc
Published: July 2013

The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a freshwater teleost of the family Cyprinidae that is established as a model organism in many research fields. Here, we define the characteristics that a fish species should have to serve as a model for finfish aquaculture research and argue that the zebrafish fulfils essentially most of them. We first describe several aspects of the biology of the zebrafish including phylogenetic relationships, development and growth and reproduction, both in the wild and under laboratory conditions. Next, we review the work already carried out in zebrafish that is related to different aspects of aquaculture research (reproduction, stress, pathology, toxicology nutrition and growth). We assess critically the areas in which zebrafish still offers further potential as a model organism for aquaculture, which include, but are not limited to, development, immunology, genomics and reproduction. In other areas, however, limitations must be borne in mind and caution must be taken when extrapolating results. This is, for example, the case of some growth studies. Finally, we provide information on resources for research with zebrafish. Current general limitations of work with zebrafish come from the fact that in contrast to other laboratory animal models such as rodents, strict breeding protocols are generally not adopted. Nevertheless, as there is no major obstacle to overcome these limitations and due to its intrinsic advantages, we conclude that the zebrafish is likely to play an increasing role as a model organism in many areas of research for finfish aquaculture.
The Case for Regulating Nanotechnologies: International, European and National Perspectives
Authors: Ngarize Sekai , Makuch Karen E. , Pereira Ricardo
Published: July 2013

Governments in leading industrialized countries are currently primarily relying on existing regulatory frameworks for environmental, health and safety regulation to cover nanotechnology risks. European and national regulators have generally concluded that any risks posed by nanomaterials can be addressed using existing frameworks, with minor adjustments to specific regulations. Identifying appropriate responses to uncertain risks is a difficult task for policy makers and regulatory agencies, as they are faced with a high degree of scientific uncertainty, the need to balance the costs and benefits of regulation, and the need to find a reasonable compromise between scientific freedom, technological innovation, consumer safety and environmental protection. As nanotechnologies are arguably only recently gaining public prominence, and their regulation is still in its infancy, this article examines some of the issues faced by regulators, offers insights into potential methods for regulation, and critiques the current state of international, European and national law and policy. The article concludes that to address the current regulatory gaps and environmental and health safety concerns surrounding nanomaterials, nanospecific regulation establishing product specification, notification, public disclosure and risk assessment requirements is necessary.
On the Spectrum of the Dirac Operator and the Existence of Discrete Eigenvalues for the Defocusing Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation
Authors: Biondini Gino , Prinari Barbara
Published: July 2013

We revisit the scattering problem for the defocusing nonlinear Schrödinger equation with constant, nonzero boundary conditions at infinity, i.e., the eigenvalue problem for the Dirac operator with nonzero rest mass. By considering a specific kind of piecewise constant potentials we address and clarify two issues, concerning: (i) the (non)existence of an area theorem relating the presence/absence of discrete eigenvalues to an appropriate measure of the initial condition; and (ii) the existence of a contribution to the asymptotic phase difference of the potential from the continuous spectrum.
Emotional Reactivity and Regulation in Head Start Children: Links to Ecologically Valid Behaviors and Internalizing Problems
Authors: Morgan Judith K. , Izard Carroll E. , Hyde Christopher
Published: July 2013

Children's emotional reactivity may interact with their regulatory behaviors to contribute to internalizing problems and social functioning even early in development. Ninety‐one preschool children participated in a longitudinal project examining children's reactivity and regulatory behaviors as predictors of internalizing problems, and positive and negative social behavior in the classroom. Children who paired negative emotion expression with disengagement during a laboratory task showed higher levels of internalizing problems and more negative social behavior in the classroom 6 months later. Positive emotion expression paired with engagement during a laboratory task predicted more positive social behavior in the classroom 6 months later. Physiological reactivity and regulation also predicted children's social behavior in the classroom. Findings suggest that preschool children with maladaptive reactivity and regulatory patterns may be at greater risk for internalizing problems even in early childhood.
Serologic and molecular investigations of DAR1 (weak D Type 4.2), DAR1.2, DAR1.3, DAR2 (DARE), and DARA
Authors: Lejon Crottet Sofia , Haer‐Wigman Lonneke , Gowland Peter , Fontana Stefano , Niederhauser Christoph , Hustinx Hein
Published: July 2013

Background

The partial D variant DAR1 (weak D Type 4.2) is caused by three single‐point mutations, 602C>G, 667T>G, and 1025T>C. Here we report a molecular study on different D variants belonging to the DAR category (DAR1, DAR1.2, DAR1.3, and DAR2) and their serologic data.

Study Design and Methods

A total of 42 samples belonging to the DAR category were screened for the presence of the silent mutations 744C>T and 957G>A. The samples were phenotyped for RhD and RhCE, characterized for RhD epitope expression, and sequenced for RHD exons. Flow cytometry was performed to determine RhD antigen density.

Results

The silent mutation 744C>T was found in all six samples previously typed as RHD*DAR2 (602C>G, 667T>G, 957G>A, 1025T>C). In addition to the three nucleotide changes originally reported for the RHD*DAR1 allele, the silent mutations 744C>T and 957G>A were found in 14 of 16 samples previously typed as RHD*DAR1. In the remaining two samples one additional silent mutation, 744C>T, was found. Serologically the DAR1.2 and DAR1.3 samples analyzed in this study showed no distinct difference in their anti‐D reaction pattern compared to each other. The anti‐D reaction pattern of DARA/DAR2 showed some distinct differences compared to those of DAR1.2 and DAR1.3.

Conclusion

RHD*DARA and RHD*DAR2 are the same allele. Furthermore, the alleles RHD*DAR1.2 and RHD*DAR1.3 both exist; however, the silent mutation 957G>A (V319) showed no influence on the RhD phenotype.
Analysis of Rotor Dynamic by One-Dimensional Variable Kinematic Theories
Authors: Carrera E. , Filippi E. M. , Zappino E.
Published: July 2013

In this paper, Carrera's unified formulation (CUF) is used to perform free-vibrational analyses of rotating structures. The CUF is a hierarchical formulation which offers a procedure to obtain refined structural theories that account for variable kinematic description. These theories are obtained by expanding the unknown displacement variables over the beam section axes by adopting Taylor's polynomials of N-order, in which N is a free parameter. Linear case (N = 1) permits us to obtain classical beam theories while higher order expansions could lead to three-dimensional description of dynamic response of rotors. The finite element method is used to derive the governing equations in weak form. These equations are written in terms of few fundamental nuclei, whose forms do not depend on the approximation used (N). In order to assess the new theory, several analyses are carried out and the results are compared with solutions presented in the literature in graphical and numerical form. Among the considered test cases, a rotor with deformable disk is considered and the results show the convenience of using refined models since that are able to include the in plane deformability of disks.
Application of Limit Load Analysis to Complex Structures
Authors: Towse Adam , Martin Michael , Hurrell Paul , Philipson Rob , Allen Adrian , Andrews Chris
Published: July 2013

There is currently little specific guidance on the application of Finite Element Based Limit Load Analysis to determine the primary load capacity of structures in the current ASME BPVC Section III. Consequently, a draft Code Case is currently under development to provide a structured framework within which such assessments may be made.

In this paper, the proposed Code Case methodology has been applied to demonstrate the process by which the primary load capacity of two geometrically complex structures may be calculated. The first structure is a curved pipe elbow into which a nozzle entry is placed, the second structure a large pressure vessel incorporating bolted joints.

The proposed Code Case step-by-step methodology is followed, including investigations into the propensity of the structures to exhibit geometric weakening or strengthening. The initial limit loads are calculated, and by selective application of elastic material, subsequent failure loads are calculated allowing design factors beyond initial failure to be determined.

Additional studies are also presented, investigating the effect of element types and secondary pre-stress effects on the failure modes.
Detailed Fatigue Checks Based on a Local Monitoring Concept
Authors: Rudolph Jürgen , Bergholz Steffen , Hilpert Roland
Published: July 2013

The Detailed Fatigue Calculation (DFC) of nuclear power plant components is part of the three staged approach to lifetime assessment and lifetime management of the AREVA Fatigue Concept (AFC). It is applied for fatigue relevant components showing high usage factors by application of the Simplified Fatigue Evaluation (SFE) and/or the Fast Fatigue Evaluation (FFE), e.g. the preceding stages of the AFC. The quality of the fatigue lifetime assessment essentially depends on one hand on the fatigue model assumptions and on the other hand on the load data as the basic input. In the case of nuclear power plant components thermal transient loading is most fatigue relevant.

The issue of qualified determination of the real operating loads is crucial and closely connected to the fatigue monitoring strategy to be applied in the plant. As regards fatigue monitoring, two possible basic approaches are practiced: global and local concepts.

The first mentioned relies on signals from the standard plant instrumentation in connection with transfer functions whereas the second one requires additional measurement sections at fatigue relevant locations. As a compensation to the additional instrumentation effort, the application of a local fatigue monitoring strategy paves the way of delivering continuously (at a frequency of 1 Hz) realistic load data. Disposal of these data constitutes the first step within the flowchart of fatigue assessment. The according methods of qualified processing of these data are discussed in detail. The processing of arbitrary operational load sequences and the derivation of representative model transients are essential steps. Appropriate cycle counting approaches and the consideration of Environmentally Assisted Fatigue (EAF) by way of Fen-factors are addressed in this context.

Within the fatigue evaluation model the appropriate consideration of cyclic plasticity effects and the identification of fatigue damaging events are central modules. Plasticity correction is equally proposed in a staged approach by the application of established and more advanced Ke-factors within the simplified elasto-plastic analysis, the application of direct methods (such as the simplified theory of yield zones) and the general elasto-plastic analysis based on appropriate material models.

These three stages are characterized by increasing calculation effort and (usually) decreasing degree of conservatism. Their application is case dependent. Additionally, the general elasto-plastic analysis entails a cycle-by-cycle ratcheting check based on an appropriate material model as part of the detailed fatigue check (not elaborated in detail in this paper).

The application of the integrated AFC approach is explained by way of a representative example.
Environmentally Assisted Fatigue Assessment Considering an Alternative Method to the ASME Code Case N-792
Authors: Courtin Stéphan , Lefrançois André , Le Duff Jean-Alain , Le Pécheur Anne
Published: July 2013

The conservatism of the austenitic stainless steel fatigue design curve has been severely questioned since the release of the NUREG/CR-6909 document [1] where a new methodology to assess environmentally assisted fatigue (EAF), including also a new in-air fatigue design curve, have been proposed. In the same way, the ASME Code Case N-792 [2] suggests calculating EAF usage factors via the multiplication of the in-air fatigue usage factors by Fen penalty factors, this resulting in a significant increase of these parameters.

In this context, AREVA NP SAS has performed, for several years, its own Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) Low Cycle Fatigue (LCF) test program to better identify environmental effects in representative industrial conditions [3]. Among others, these experimental works have pointed out the over-conservatism of the NUREG/CR-6909 design approach. From these results, AREVA NP SAS has developed an alternative EAF assessment method which has been approved by the Finnish Nuclear Safety Authority [4]. This paper proposes to give an overview of this approach and to illustrate it on an EAF EPRI sample problem [5].
Development of Stress Intensity Factors for Deep Surface Cracks in Plates and Cylinders
Authors: Li Yinsheng , Itoh Hiroto , Hasegawa Kunio , Osakabe Kazuya , Okada Hiroshi
Published: July 2013

A number of deep surface cracks have been detected in components of nuclear power plants in recent years. The depths of these cracks are even greater than the half of crack lengths. When a crack is detected during in-service inspections, methods provided in the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section XI or JSME Rules on Fitness-for-Service for Nuclear Power Plants can be used to assess the structural integrity of cracked components. The solution of the stress intensity factor is very important in the assessment of structural integrity. However, in the current codes, the solutions of the stress intensity factor are provided for semi-elliptical surface cracks with a limitation of a/l ≤ 0.5, where a is the crack depth, and l is the crack length.

In this study, in order to assess the structural integrity in a more rational manner, the solutions of the stress intensity factor were calculated using finite element analysis with quadratic hexahedron elements for deep semi-elliptical surface cracks in plates, and for axial and circumferential semi-elliptical surface cracks in cylinders. The crack dimensions were focused on the range of a/l = 0.5 to 4.0. Solutions were provided at both the deepest and the surface points of the cracks. Furthermore, some of solutions were compared with the available existing studies and with solutions obtained using finite element analysis with quadratic tetrahedral elements and the virtual crack closure-integral method. As the conclusion, it is concluded that the solutions proposed in this paper are applicable in engineering applications.
Research on Structure Security of a Spherical Tank Under Wind and Seismic Effect
Authors: Li Xiang , Chen Zhiwei , Wang Weihua , Jing Weike , Shao Shanshan
Published: July 2013

In the condition of the earthquake force and wind loads, there are many failure modes for the spherical tanks, such as the structure damage of the supports, uniform foundation settlement, displacement or upset, and the fracture of pipelines attached to the tank, etc. In this paper, more precise stress distribution of spherical tanks under wind loads and seismic force was obtained by finite element analysis. The safety assessment is carried out on a spherical tank. The weakness components of the spherical tank were found and the wind-proof performance and earthquake-proof performance of the spherical tanks could be improved.