bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spherical analyzers and monochromators for resonant inelastic hard X-ray scattering: a compilation of crystals and reflections
Authors: Gog Thomas , Casa Diego M. , Said Ayman H. , Upton Mary H. , Kim Jungho , Kuzmenko Ivan , Huang XianRong , Khachatryan Ruben
Published: November 2012

Resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) experiments require special sets of near-backscattering spherical diced analyzers and high-resolution monochromators for every distinct absorption-edge energy and emission line. For the purpose of aiding the design and planning of efficient RIXS experiments, comprehensive lists of suitable analyzer reflections for silicon, germanium, α-quartz, sapphire and lithium niobate crystals were compiled for a multitude of absorption edges and emission lines. Analyzers made from lithium niobate, sapphire or α-quartz offer many choices of reflections with intrinsic resolutions currently unattainable from silicon or germanium. In some cases these materials offer higher intensities at comparable resolutions. While lithium niobate, sapphire or α-quartz analyzers are still in an early stage of development, the present compilation can serve as a computational basis for assessing expected and actual performance. With regard to high-resolution monochromators, bandpass and throughput calculations for combinations of double-crystal, high-heat-load and near-backscattering high-resolution channel-cuts were assembled. The compilation of these analyzer and monochromator data is publicly available on a website.
High-resolution high-efficiency X-ray imaging system based on the in-line Bragg magnifier and the Medipix detector
Authors: Vagovič Patrik , Korytár Dušan , Cecilia Angelica , Hamann Elias , Švéda Libor , Pelliccia Daniele , Härtwig Jürgen , Zápražný Zdenko , Oberta Peter , Dolbnya Igor , Shawney Kawal , Fleschig Uwe , Fiederle Michael , Baumbach Tilo
Published: November 2012

The performance of a recently developed full-field X-ray micro-imaging system based on an in-line Bragg magnifier is reported. The system is composed of quasi-channel-cut crystals in combination with a Medipix single-photon-counting detector. A theoretical and experimental study of the imaging performance of the crystals–detector combination and a comparison with a standard indirect detector typically used in high-resolution X-ray imaging schemes are reported. The spatial resolution attained by our system is about 0.75 µm, limited only by the current magnification. Compared with an indirect detector system, this system features a better efficiency, signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution. The optimal working resolution range of this system is between ∼0.4 µm and 1 µm, filling the gap between transmission X-ray microscopes and indirect detectors. Applications for coherent full-field imaging of weakly absorbing samples are shown and discussed.
Sequence diversity of the intergenic spacer region of the rRNA gene of Cryptococcus albidus isolated from the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis and healthy individuals
Authors: Zhang Enshi , Tajima Mami , Tsuboi Ryoji , Sugita Takashi
Published: November 2012

The yeast species Cryptococcus albidus var. albidus was found to more often colonize the skin surface of patients with atopic dermatitis (77.0%, 47/61) than that of  healthy subjects (37.5%, 15/40). The intergenic spacer 1 region of the rRNA gene of this species consists of four sequence types: I, II, III and IV. Types I and II were predominant among healthy subjects and atopic dermatitis patients, respectively.
Endotoxin injection attenuates rest‐phase hypothermia in wintering great tits through the onset of fever
Authors: Nord Andreas , Chiriac Sandra , Hasselquist Dennis , Nilsson Jan‐Åke
Published: November 2012

Endothermic animals in the boreal region experience considerable thermoregulatory costs in winter, especially during inactive periods when high demands cannot be met by increased food intake. This might necessitate a trade‐off between resting thermoregulation and other energetically expensive processes, such as immune function, but this has rarely been investigated.

We evaluated how immune activation affected rest‐phase hypothermia (an important energy conservation mechanism in small animals), in wild great tits (Parus major L.) wintering under semi‐natural conditions in southern Sweden. The acute phase response was triggered immediately prior to sunset through intramuscular lipopolysaccharide (LPS, an endotoxin) administration in two contrasting, naturally occurring, thermal regimes (cold, mild). We then noninvasively measured the thermoregulatory response throughout the night using subcutaneously implanted temperature‐sensitive transmitters.

Despite the energetic benefits of hypothermia, immunized great tits displayed an attenuated hypothermic response manifested through the onset of fever, possibly at the expense of a higher sustained metabolic rate. In line with this, these birds lost more body mass overnight (but only in mild conditions) and consequently were in worse condition the subsequent morning.

Fever expression was remarkably similar in cold and mild conditions, despite substantial variation in the energetic cost for thermoregulation. This suggest that the degree of fever is flexible and represents a trade‐off between the minimum body temperature required to mount an adequate acute phase response and the energy expenditure needed to maintain it.

We suggest that while energy conservation and immune function may not always be exclusive activities, costs of immune defences probably constitute an important additive energetic cost during northern winter conditions, sometimes calling for trade‐offs with other important physiological processes to survive the night.
Spatial mapping of extracellular oxidant production by a white rot basidiomycete on wood reveals details of ligninolytic mechanism
Authors: Hunt Christopher G. , Houtman Carl J. , Jones Don C. , Kitin Peter , Korripally Premsagar , Hammel Kenneth E.
Published: November 2012

Oxidative cleavage of the recalcitrant plant polymer lignin is a crucial step in global carbon cycling, and is accomplished most efficiently by fungi that cause white rot of wood. These basidiomycetes secrete many enzymes and metabolites with proposed ligninolytic roles, and it is not clear whether all of these agents are physiologically important during attack on natural lignocellulosic substrates. One new approach to this problem is to infer properties of ligninolytic oxidants from their spatial distribution relative to the fungus on the lignocellulose. We grew Phanerochaete chrysosporium on wood sections in the presence of oxidant‐sensing beads based on the ratiometric fluorescent dye BODIPY 581/591. The beads, having fixed locations relative to the fungal hyphae, enabled spatial mapping of cumulative extracellular oxidant distributions by confocal fluorescence microscopy. The results showed that oxidation gradients occurred around the hyphae, and data analysis using a mathematical reaction–diffusion model indicated that the dominant oxidant during incipient white rot had a half‐life under 0.1 s. The best available hypothesis is that this oxidant is the cation radical of the secreted P. chrysosporium metabolite veratryl alcohol.
Financial statement recasting and credit risk assessment
Authors: Batta George , Ganguly Ananda , Rosett Joshua
Published: November 2012

This article examines the importance of adjustments to corporate financial statements for credit risk assessment. Prior research has tended to examine individual adjustments one at a time. As correlations among adjustments and control variables may bias inferences when researchers examine a single adjustment and ignore other adjustments, our results provide important new information about previous research by documenting whether or not such bias exists. We find that financial statement recasting adjustments – which aim to better reflect firms' indebtedness, financing costs and recurring earnings than reported financial numbers – are reflected in bond yield spreads and have an economically significant impact on credit pricing and loss forecasting. Among individual adjustment categories, we find that those for off‐balance‐sheet leases, defined benefit pensions and securitized debt have an economically significant impact on credit pricing and loss forecasting.
Identification of differentially expressed genes in the oviduct of two rabbit lines divergently selected for uterine capacity using suppression subtractive hybridization
Authors: Ballester M. , Castelló A. , Peiró R. , Argente M. J. , Santacreu M. A. , Folch J. M.
Published: November 2012

Suppressive subtractive hybridization libraries from oviduct at 62 h post‐mating of two lines of rabbits divergently selected for uterine capacity were generated to identify differentially expressed genes. A total of 438 singletons and 126 contigs were obtained by cluster assembly and sequence alignment of 704 expressed sequence tags (ESTs), of which 54% showed homology to known proteins of the non‐redundant NCBI databases. Differential screening by dot blot validated 71 ESTs, of which 47 showed similarity to known genes. Transcripts of genes were functionally annotated in the molecular function and the biological process gene ontology categories using the blast2go software and were assigned to reproductive developmental process, immune response, amino acid metabolism and degradation, response to stress and apoptosis terms. Finally, three interesting genes, PGR, HSD17B4 and ERO1L, were identified as overexpressed in the low line using RT‐qPCR. Our study provides a list of candidate genes that can be useful to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the phenotypic differences observed in early embryo survival and development traits.
Lipids are required for the development of Brazil nut allergy: the role of mouse and human iNKT cells
Authors: Mirotti L. , Florsheim E. , Rundqvist L. , Larsson G. , Spinozzi F. , Leite‐de‐Moraes M. , Russo M. , Alcocer M.
Published: November 2012

Background

Lipids are required for mice sensitization to Ber e 1, Brazil nut major allergen. Here, we characterized different lipid fractions extracted from Brazil nuts and the lipid‐binding ability of Ber e 1. Further, we determined their in vivo ability to induce Ber‐specific anaphylactic antibodies and the role of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells in this process.

Methods

Wild‐type (WT) and iNKT cell‐deficient mice were sensitized with Ber e 1 and specific lipid fractions, and anaphylactic antibodies were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA). The lipid‐binding characteristic of Ber e 1 (Ber) was established by using fluorescent probes and 15N‐labeled NMR. In vitro production of IL‐4 was determined in Ber/lipid C‐stimulated mouse iNKT cells and human T‐cell lines containing NKTs primed with CD1d+C1R transfectants by flow cytometry and ELISA, respectively.

Results

Only one specific lipid fraction (lipid C), containing neutral and common phospholipids, induced Ber anaphylactic antibodies in mice. Ber e 1 has a lipid‐binding site, and our results indicated an interaction between Ber e 1 and lipid C. iNKT‐deficient mice produced lower levels of anaphylactic antibodies than WT mice. In vitro, Ber/lipid C‐stimulated murine iNKT cells produced IL‐4 but not IFN‐gamma. Human T‐cell lines derived from nut‐allergic patients produced IL‐4 to Ber/lipid C in a CD1d− and dose‐dependent manner.

Conclusion

Lipid fraction C from Brazil nut presents an essential adjuvant activity to Ber e 1 sensitization, and iNKT cells play a critical role in the development of Brazil nut‐allergic response.
Functional variants in the thromboxane A2 receptor gene are associated with lung function in childhood‐onset asthma
Authors: Takeuchi K. , Mashimo Y. , Shimojo N. , Arima T. , Inoue Y. , Morita Y. , Sato K. , Suzuki S. , Nishimuta T. , Watanabe H. , Hoshioka A. , Tomiita M. , Yamaide A. , Watanabe M. , Okamoto Y. , Kohno Y. , Hata A. , Suzuki Y.
Published: November 2012

Background

The thromboxane A2 receptor (TBXA2R) gene is associated with asthma, but no functional genetic variations are known to associate with the disease or its related phenotypes.

Objective

To investigate the association of TBXA2R polymorphisms with asthma susceptibility and related phenotypes and to identify functionally relevant polymorphisms.

Methods

We performed comprehensive sequencing of the TBXA2R gene in 48 Japanese control subjects and found a set of variants (SNP1 G>T rs2238634, SNP2 T>G rs2238633, SNP3 C>T rs2238632 and SNP4 G>A rs2238631) in intron 1 in linkage disequilibrium with c.795 T>C rs1131882, which was previously reported to be associated with asthma and related phenotypes. To investigate the effect of four common haplotypes (H1, H2, H3 and H4) on transcriptional activity, we performed a luciferase assay in primary bronchial smooth muscle cells (BSMCs) and human airway epithelial cells (BEAS‐2B). We also studied the haplotype association with lung function, TBXA2R mRNA levels, and eosinophil fraction/count in peripheral blood in childhood‐onset asthma patients and/or controls.

Results

H2 and H4, containing minor alleles of SNP2 and SNP3, had significantly higher transcriptional activities than H1 consisting of major alleles (P < 0.001 in BSMCs and BEAS‐2B). Homozygotes for redefined haplotype h2 corresponding to minor alleles of SNP2 and SNP3 were associated with lower lung function in childhood‐onset asthma patients compared to other zygotes (baseline Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/ Forced vital capacity (FVC) and Forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of the FVC (%FEF25–75%): P = 0.00201 and 0.0128, respectively, and post‐bronchodilator FEV1/FVC and %FEF25–75%: P = 0.00224 and 0.0393 respectively). Haplotype h2 was also associated with higher mRNA levels in control peripheral blood cells and higher blood eosinophil fractions and counts in female controls.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Genetic variants were identified in the TBXA2R gene that influenced transcriptional activity and were associated with asthma‐related phenotypes. Thromboxane pathways may therefore play important roles in airway inflammation and remodelling in asthma patients.
Carrier dyeing of polyphenylene sulphide fabric with disperse dye
Authors: Mao Ya‐Hong , Guan Yu , Zheng Qing‐Kang , Liu Qing‐Shu , Feng Xi‐Ning , Wang Xiu‐Xing
Published: November 2012

Polyphenylene sulphide is considered to be a high‐performance thermoplastic material and has been used in many areas over the past few decades. But the application of polyphenylene sulphide fabric used for protective clothing is limited because of difficulties in its dyeing and printing. In this work, carrier dyeing of polyphenylene sulphide fabric with disperse dye is discussed, and the effect of the structure of the carrier, dyeing temperature, dyeing time, usage of carrier and usage of dye on colour strength of the dyed sample and the percentage of dye exhaustion were investigated. In addition, the glass transition temperature, crystalline structure and orientation degree of treated polyphenylene sulphide fibre with benzyl benzoate were measured by differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray diffraction analysis and velocity‐oriented tester, respectively. The results indicated that benzyl benzoate could increase the percentages of dye exhaustion and colour strength values, while at the same time reduce the glass transition temperature and orientation degree of the treated polyphenylene sulphide fibre. Thus, it would be beneficial to the diffusion of the dye molecules into the amorphous region of the fibre. Furthermore, the decrease of tensile strength and limiting oxygen index of the dyed polyphenylene sulphide sample was very little, and the colour fastness and levelness of the dyed polyphenylene sulphide samples were also satisfactory.
Plasma oxidative stress is induced by single‐sprint anaerobic exercise in young cigarette smokers
Authors: Taito Shunsuke , Sekikawa Kiyokazu , Oura Keisuke , Kamikawa Norimichi , Matsuki Ryosuke , Kimura Tatsushi , Takahashi Makoto , Inamizu Tsutomu , Hamada Hironobu
Published: November 2012

Cigarette smoking increases oxidative stress, which is a risk factor for several diseases. Smoking has also been reported to enhance plasma oxidative stress during strenuous exercise. However, no prior study has examined the changes in plasma oxidative stress after single‐sprint anaerobic exercise in cigarette smokers. The purpose of this study was to investigate these changes in young cigarette smokers by measuring reactive oxygen species generation and total antioxidant content. Participants were 15 male smokers (mean age: 25·9 ± 2·9 years) and 18 male non‐smokers (mean age: 24·2 ± 4·3 years). Hydroperoxide concentration and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) in plasma were measured at baseline and after the Wingate anaerobic test. A significant interaction between group and time was observed for plasma hydroperoxide concentration (P = 0·037). Plasma hydroperoxide concentration was significantly increased after exercise in both smokers and non‐smokers (P = 0·001 and <0·001, respectively). However, no significant interaction was observed between groups by time on plasma BAP (P = 0·574), and a main effect of time was observed (P<0·001). Plasma BAP was significantly increased after exercise in both groups (both, P<0·001). These findings indicate that plasma oxidative stress is higher in cigarette smokers than in non‐smokers after single‐sprint anaerobic exercise, which may increase the risk of oxidative damage.
Wildcat occurrence in Scotland: food really matters
Authors: Silva André P. , Kilshaw Kerry , Johnson Paul J. , Macdonald David W. , Rosalino Luís M.
Published: November 2012

Aim

European wildcat Felis silvestris silvestris (Schreber, 1775) populations are suffering considerable threats, making conservation action a priority. In Scotland, the establishment of Special Areas of Wildcat Conservation (SAWC) have been recommended; however, few studies have addressed wildcat ecological requirements in this region. Our goal was to identify the environmental determinants limiting wildcat occurrence at a broad scale in Scotland.

Location

Scotland, Europe.

Methods

We examined data from the recent Scottish wildcat survey (2006–2008) and the National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Gateway. Presence and pseudo‐absence data from 71 sampling units (10 km × 10 km) were used to generate models explaining probable wildcat occurrence. Models were built based on three pre‐established hypotheses using generalized linear models (GLM‐Logit).

Results

European rabbit presence, high rodent diversity and the prevalence of large grassland areas were positively associated with probable wildcat occurrence. Heather moorland, sampling units with few grassland patches or secondary watercourses and higher elevation ranges were associated with probable wildcat absence. We found no evidence that forested areas or human disturbance were influential.

Main conclusions

Our results suggest that wildcats may benefit from heterogeneity within the landscape matrix, reinforcing the idea that the wildcat is not primarily a forest species (as has traditionally been inferred from studies of the species elsewhere). We conclude that less mountainous areas, with a diverse landscape including woodland and grassland supporting rabbits and a diversity of small rodents are a priority for wildcat conservation efforts.
Does local habitat fragmentation affect large‐scale distributions? The case of a specialist grassland bird
Authors: Reino Luís , Beja Pedro , Araújo Miguel B. , Dray Stéphane , Segurado Pedro
Published: November 2012

Aim

Although the negative effects of habitat fragmentation have been widely documented at the landscape scale, much less is known about its impacts on species distributions at the biogeographical scale. We hypothesize that fragmentation influences the large‐scale distribution of area‐ and edge‐sensitive species by limiting their occurrence in regions with fragmented habitats, despite otherwise favourable environmental conditions. We test this hypothesis by assessing the interplay of climate and landscape factors influencing the distribution of the calandra lark, a grassland specialist that is highly sensitive to habitat fragmentation.

Location

Iberia Peninsula, Europe.

Methods

Ecological niche modelling was used to investigate the relative influence of climate/topography, landscape fragmentation and spatial structure on calandra lark distribution. Modelling assumed explicitly a hierarchically structured effect among explanatory variables, with climate/topography operating at broader spatial scales than landscape variables. An eigenvector‐based spatial filtering approach was used to cancel bias introduced by spatial autocorrelation. The information theoretic approach was used in model selection, and variation partitioning was used to isolate the unique and shared effects of sets of explanatory variables.

Results

Climate and topography were the most influential variables shaping the distribution of calandra lark, but incorporating landscape metrics contributed significantly to model improvement. The probability of calandra lark occurrence increased with total habitat area and declined with the number of patches and edge density. Variation partitioning showed a strong overlap between variation explained by climate/topography and landscape variables. After accounting for spatial structure in species distribution, the explanatory power of environmental variables remained largely unchanged.

Main conclusions

We have shown here that landscape fragmentation can influence species distributions at the biogeographical scale. Incorporating fragmentation metrics into large‐scale ecological niche models may contribute for a better understanding of mechanism driving species distributions and for improving predictive modelling of range shifts associated with land use and climate changes.
Managing sun bears in a changing tropical landscape
Authors: Wong Wai‐Ming , Linkie Matthew
Published: November 2012

Aim

Across the tropics, large‐bodied mammal species are threatened by rapid and widespread forest habitat conversion by either commercial logging or agricultural expansion. How such species use these habitats is an important area of research for guiding their future management. The tropical forest‐dwelling sun bear, Helarctos malayanus, is the least known of the eight bear species. Consequently, the IUCN/SSC Bear Specialist Group ranks research on this species as a top priority. This study aims to investigate landscape variables that influence sun bear habitat use in forests under varying levels of degradation and protection.

Location

A 20,998 km2 Sumatra forest landscape covering Kerinci Seblat National Park (KSNP), Batang Hari Protection Forest (BHPF) and neighbouring logging and agricultural concessions.

Methods

An occupancy‐based sampling technique using detection/non‐detection data with 10 landscape covariates was applied in six study areas that operated a total of 125 camera traps. The potential differences between habitat use (ψ) of sun bears were first modelled with broad‐scale covariates of study area, land‐use types and forest type. Sun bear habitat use was then investigated with the finer‐scale landscape features associated within these areas.

Results

From 10,935 trap nights, sun bears were recorded at altitudes ranging from 365 to 1791 m. At a broad‐scale, habitat use increased with protection status, being highest in KSNP (0.688 ± 0.092, ± SE) and BHPF (0.621 ± 0.110) compared to production (0.418 ± 0.121) and convertible (0.286 ± 0.122) forests. Within these areas, sun bears showed a preference for forest that was further from public roads and villages and at a lower elevation.

Main conclusions

The habitat suitability model identified several high‐quality habitat patches outside of the priority conservation areas for immediate protection. Consequently, conservation management strategies should emphasize the importance of high conservation value forests and prohibit further conversion of threatened lowland forests.
A blinded study of bone marrow examinations in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Mahabir Vishwanath K. , Ross Catherine , Popovic Snezana , Sur Mona Lisa , Bourgeois Jacqueline , Lim Wendy , George James N. , Wang Grace , Cook Richard J. , Toltl Lisa J. , Nazi Ishac , Kelton John G. , Arnold Donald M.
Published: November 2012

Objective

The role of bone marrow examinations in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is uncertain. The objectives of this study were to determine the inter‐rater reliability of bone marrow examinations and to identify distinguishing morphological features of ITP bone marrows under controlled conditions.

Methods

Histological slides of bone marrow biopsy specimens and aspirates from 32 adult patients with severe primary ITP who had failed a median of two treatments, and 51 non‐thrombocytopenic controls were retrieved from hospital archives. Slides were arranged in random order in a slide box and coded. Blinded to the diagnosis and platelet counts, three independent hematopathologists were asked to identify the ITP bone marrows and to evaluate megakaryocyte number, morphology, and distribution.

Results

Overall chance‐corrected agreement on ITP classification among the three raters was poor [kappa (κ) = 0.30; 95% confidence interval 0.22–0.38]. Raters were generally unable to correctly identify the ITP bone marrows from controls. Increased number of megakaryocytes, while an uncommon finding, was more frequent among ITP patients compared with controls (6/32, 18.8%; vs. 2/51, 3.9%; P = 0.05), and abnormal megakaryocyte morphology often led individual raters to reach a diagnosis of ITP. Overall sensitivity and specificity of bone marrow examinations were 24% and 90%, respectively.

Conclusions

This study confirms methodologically that bone marrow examinations are unreliable and frequently non‐diagnostic in ITP. Thus, they are not useful for patients with typical disease. Rare subsets of patients with severe ITP demonstrated unique features such as increased number of megakaryocytes.
Rational design, synthesis, evaluation and enzyme–substrate structures of improved fluorogenic substrates for family 6 glycoside hydrolases
Authors: Wu Miao , Nerinckx Wim , Piens Kathleen , Ishida Takuya , Hansson Henrik , Sandgren Mats , Ståhlberg Jerry
Published: November 2012

Methylumbelliferyl‐β–cellobioside (MUF–G2) is a convenient fluorogenic substrate for certain β–glycoside hydrolases (GH). However, hydrolysis of the aglycone is poor with GH family 6 enzymes (GH6), despite strong binding. Prediction of the orientation of the aglycone of MUF–G2 in the +1 subsite of Hypocrea jecorina Cel6A by automated docking suggested umbelliferyl modifications at C4 and C6 for improved recognition. Four modified umbelliferyl‐β–cellobiosides [6–chloro‐4–methyl‐ (ClMUF); 6–chloro‐4‐trifluoromethyl‐ (ClF3MUF); 4–phenyl‐ (PhUF); 6–chloro‐4–phenyl‐ (ClPhUF)] were synthesized and tested with GH6, GH7, GH9, GH5 and GH45 cellulases. Indeed the rate of aglycone release by H. jecorina Cel6A was 10–150 times higher than with MUF–G2, although it was still three orders of magnitude lower than with H. jecorina Cel7B. The 4–phenyl substitution drastically reduced the fluorescence intensity of the free aglycone, while ClMUF–G2 could be used for determination of kcat and KM for H. jecorina Cel6A and Thermobifida fusca Cel6A. Crystal structures of H. jecorina Cel6A D221A mutant soaked with the MUF‐, ClMUF‐ and ClPhUF‐β–cellobioside substrates show that the modifications turned the umbelliferyl group ‘upside down’, with the glycosidic bond better positioned for protonation than with MUF–G2.

Database

Structural data have been submitted to the Protein Data Bank under accession numbers pdb 4AU0, 4AX7, 4AX6

Structured digital abstract

• http://mint.bio.uniroma2.it/mint/search/interaction.do?interactionAc=MINT-7260296

• Cel6A and Cel6A bind by x-ray crystallography (View Interaction: 1, 2)
Overload effect on the fatigue crack propagation in large‐scale tubular joints
Authors: QIAN X. , SWADDIWUDHIPONG S. , NGUYEN C. T. , PETCHDEMANEENGAM Y. , MARSHALL P. , OU Z.
Published: November 2012

This paper examines the overloading effect on the fatigue crack propagations monitored in a large‐scale tubular X‐joint specimen under two separate cyclic tests. The first cyclic test applies a constant‐amplitude brace in‐plane bending to the joint, with a single cycle of 150% overload before the crack depth reaches the mid‐thickness of the chord. The second fatigue test applies two batches of cyclic loads, with the amplitude of the second batch at 66% of the former. The X‐joint specimen experiences a 150% overload cycle during the first batch of loading, followed by the second batch after it has recovered from the overload effect. The experimental results reveal that deep surface cracks experience more significant overload retardation than does a shallow fatigue crack. The Paris law estimation indicates that the single overload cycle applied in the first specimen leads to a 7% increase in the fatigue life of the X‐joint.
Niche segregation of coexisting Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) constrains food web coupling in subarctic lakes
Authors: ELORANTA ANTTI P. , KNUDSEN RUNE , AMUNDSEN PER‐ARNE
Published: November 2012

1. Generalist fish species are recognised as important couplers of benthic and pelagic food‐web compartments in lakes. However, interspecific niche segregation and individual specialisation may limit the potential for generalistic feeding behaviour.

2. We studied summer habitat use, stomach contents and stable isotopic compositions of the generalist feeder Arctic charr coexisting with its common resource competitor brown trout in five subarctic lakes in northern Norway to reveal population‐level and individual‐level niche plasticity.

3. Charr and trout showed partial niche segregation in all five lakes. Charr used all habitat types and a wide variety of invertebrate prey including zooplankton, whereas trout fed mainly on insects in the littoral zone. Hence, charr showed a higher potential to promote habitat and food‐web coupling compared to littoral‐dwelling trout.

4.  The level of niche segregation between charr and trout and between pelagic‐caught and littoral‐caught charr depended on the prevailing patterns of interspecific and intraspecific resource competition. The two fish species had partially overlapping trophic niches in one lake where charr numerically dominated the fish community, whereas the most segregated niches occurred in lakes where trout were more abundant.

5. In general, pelagic‐caught charr had substantially narrower dietary and isotopic niches and relied less on littoral carbon sources compared to littoral‐caught conspecifics that included generalist as well as specialised benthivorous and planktivorous individuals. Despite the partially specialised planktivorous niche and thus reduced potential of pelagic‐dwelling charr to promote benthic–pelagic coupling, the isotopic compositions of both charr subpopulations suggested a significant reliance on both littoral and pelagic carbon sources in all five study lakes.

6. Our study demonstrates that both interspecific niche segregation between and individual trophic specialisation within generalist fish species can constrain food‐web coupling and alter energy mobilisation to top consumers in subarctic lakes. Nevertheless, pelagic and littoral habitats and food‐web compartments may still be highly integrated due to the potentially plastic foraging behaviour of top consumers.
Spatial patterns and climate drivers of carbon fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems of China
Authors: Yu Gui‐Rui , Zhu Xian‐Jin , Fu Yu‐Ling , He Hong‐Lin , Wang Qiu‐Feng , Wen Xue‐Fa , Li Xuan‐Ran , Zhang Lei‐Ming , Zhang Li , Su Wen , Li Sheng‐Gong , Sun Xiao‐Min , Zhang Yi‐Ping , Zhang Jun‐Hui , Yan Jun‐Hua , Wang Hui‐Min , Zhou Guang‐Sheng , Jia Bing‐Rui , Xiang Wen‐Hua , Li Ying‐Nian , Zhao Liang , Wang Yan‐Fen , Shi Pei‐Li , Chen Shi‐Ping , Xin Xiao‐Ping , Zhao Feng‐Hua , Wang Yu‐Ying , Tong Cheng‐Li
Published: November 2012

Understanding the dynamics and underlying mechanism of carbon exchange between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere is one of the key issues in global change research. In this study, we quantified the carbon fluxes in different terrestrial ecosystems in China, and analyzed their spatial variation and environmental drivers based on the long‐term observation data of ChinaFLUX sites and the published data from other flux sites in China. The results indicate that gross ecosystem productivity (GEP), ecosystem respiration (ER), and net ecosystem productivity (NEP) of terrestrial ecosystems in China showed a significantly latitudinal pattern, declining linearly with the increase of latitude. However, GEP, ER, and NEP did not present a clear longitudinal pattern. The carbon sink functional areas of terrestrial ecosystems in China were mainly located in the subtropical and temperate forests, coastal wetlands in eastern China, the temperate meadow steppe in the northeast China, and the alpine meadow in eastern edge of Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau. The forest ecosystems had stronger carbon sink than grassland ecosystems. The spatial patterns of GEP and ER in China were mainly determined by mean annual precipitation (MAP) and mean annual temperature (MAT), whereas the spatial variation in NEP was largely explained by MAT. The combined effects of MAT and MAP explained 79%, 62%, and 66% of the spatial variations in GEP, ER, and NEP, respectively. The GEP, ER, and NEP in different ecosystems in China exhibited ‘positive coupling correlation’ in their spatial patterns. Both ER and NEP were significantly correlated with GEP, with 68% of the per‐unit GEP contributed to ER and 29% to NEP. MAT and MAP affected the spatial patterns of ER and NEP mainly by their direct effects on the spatial pattern of GEP.
Is Fiscal Policy Procyclical in the Euro Area?
Authors: Huart Florence
Published: November 2012

We test the relationship between the cyclically adjusted primary balance and alternative indicators of cyclical conditions for the euro area and 18 OECD countries over the period 1970-2009. A countercyclical stance of discretionary fiscal policy is found during bad times after 1999 in the euro area as a whole and in a few member countries only (France, Ireland and The Netherlands). It is also associated with high public deficits or low public debts. There is no significant case of procyclical fiscal policy after 1999, neither in good times nor in bad times.
Candida colonisation and the efficacy of chlorhexidine gluconate on soft silicone‐lined dentures of diabetic and non‐diabetic patients
Authors: Mantri Sneha S. , Parkhedkar RamBhau D. , Mantri Shivkumar P.
Published: November 2012

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate Candida colonisation in the dentures with silicone soft liner in diabetic and non‐diabetic patients and to assess the antifungal efficacy of chlorhexidine gluconate on Candida colonies.

Materials and methods

Thirty patients with resorbed ridges, fifteen each in the diabetic and non‐diabetic group, were selected. The mandibular denture of each patient was lined with heat‐polymerised silicone resilient liner. Patients were instructed to clean the dentures with soap water and brush. Samples from the fitting surface of mandibular dentures were collected at 15, 21 and 30 days. Subsequently, samples were collected at 15, 21 and 30 days, after cleaning the dentures with a detergent solution of 4% chlorhexidine gluconate, and incubated for the evaluation of Candida growth. These data were subjected to statistical analysis by Mann–Whitney U‐test.

Results

Normal oral flora in diabetics and non‐diabetics showed no difference (p > 0.05). The density of colonies increased after 21 and 30 days in diabetic patients (p < 0.05). Number of Candida colonies significantly reduced in both the groups after 21 and 30 days of cleaning the dentures with 4% chlorhexidine gluconate (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Dentures with silicone resilient liner exhibit increased Candida growth in diabetic patients. Four per cent chlorhexidine gluconate solution effectively disinfects these dentures.
Association between Genetic Polymorphisms of NOD 1 and Helicobacter pylori‐Induced Gastric Mucosal Inflammation in Healthy Korean Population
Authors: Kim Eun Jung , Lee Jeong Rok , Chung Woo Chul , Jung Sung Hoon , Sung Hae Jung , Lee Yang Woon , Oh You Suk , Kim Sang Bae , Paik Chang Nyol , Lee Kang‐Moon , Noh Seung June
Published: November 2012

Background

Gastric cancer is supposed to be a result of inflammation induced by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain 1 (NOD 1) is required for the innate immune response to H. pylori. We aim to investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in NOD 1 gene is associated with H. pylori‐induced gastric mucosal inflammation in a healthy Korean population.

Methods

The study was conducted on 412 adults who visited two different healthcare centers for health examinations. The G796A (E266K) NOD 1 SNP was detected by using polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism. A gastritis score was calculated by the summed values of the grade and the activity of gastritis scored according to the updated Sydney system. The expression of IL‐8 and COX‐2 mRNA was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. In the group with H. pylori infection, the complete screening of the genes comprising the cag PAI was performed.

Results

The genotype frequencies were 26.7% (AA type), 58.3% (GA), and 15.0% (GG). In H. pylori‐positive patients, gastritis score of the AA genotype was significantly higher than those of the others (p = .04). Also, the IL‐8 and COX‐2 mRNA levels increased in the AA genotype. In the group with H. pylori infection, 31.9% were found to carry the complete cag PAI. When the subjects were infected with intact cag PAI, the IL‐8 and COX‐2 mRNA levels were significantly high in AA genotype.

Conclusion

G796A (E266K) NOD 1 polymorphism is closely correlated with H. pylori‐associated gastric mucosal inflammation in the Korean population.
Shaping ability of different single‐file systems in severely curved root canals of extracted teeth
Authors: Bürklein S. , Benten S. , Schäfer E.
Published: November 2012

Aim

To compare the shaping ability of three different single‐file systems with Mtwo rotary instruments during the preparation of curved root canals in extracted teeth.

Methodology

A total of 80 root canals with curvatures ranging between 25° and 35° were divided into four groups of 20 canals. Based on radiographs taken prior to instrumentation, the groups were balanced with respect to the angle and the radius of canal curvature. Canals were prepared to the following apical sizes: Mtwo: size 30 using the single‐length technique; Reciproc, F360, and OneShape: size 25. Using pre‐ and post‐instrumentation radiographs, straightening of the canal curvatures was determined with a computer image analysis programme. Preparation time, changes in working length, and instrument failures were also recorded. These data were analysed statistically using anova and Student–Newman–Keuls test.

Results

During preparation, no file fractured. All instruments maintained the original canal curvature well with no significant differences between the instrument systems (P = 0.792). Instrumentation with Reciproc and OneShape was significantly faster than with F360 and Mtwo (P < 0.05), while F360 was significantly faster than Mtwo (P < 0.05). No significant differences were obtained regarding changes in working length during instrumentation with the different instruments (P = 0.784).

Conclusions

Under the conditions of this study, all instruments respected the original canal curvature well and were safe to use. The use of Reciproc and OneShape instruments required less time to prepare the curved canals compared with Mtwo and F360.
16th IHIW: A Website for Antibody‐Defined HLA Epitope Registry
Authors: Duquesnoy R. J. , Marrari M. , Sousa L. C. D. da M. , Barroso J. R. P. de M. , Aita K. M. de S. U. , da Silva A. S. , do Monte S. J. H.
Published: November 2012

The concept that HLA antibodies are specific for epitopes rather than HLA antigens is important not only for the determination of mismatch acceptability for sensitized patients but also for a better understanding of the antibody response to an HLA mismatch. Numerous publications describe epitope‐specific antibodies, but there is no standardized information about the repertoire of clinically relevant HLA epitopes. Under auspices of the 16th IHIW, we have developed a website‐based registry of antibody‐verified HLA epitopes. Epitope notations are based on HLA molecular modelling of amino acid residues in polymorphic sequence positions. Informative epitope‐specific antibodies had been induced by a transplant, transfusion or pregnancy and were monoclonal antibodies or eluates of sera absorbed with single HLA alleles. Antibody reactivity was determined in binding assays with single‐allele panels. Antibody producer/immunizer HLA types enhanced the characterization of specific epitopes. The Registry also includes epitopes described in original research publications. Based on the extent of antibody reactivity information, we assigned epitope status as confirmed (well documented) or provisional (more data are needed). At present, the Registry has 69 HLA‐ABC, 53 DRB1/3/4/5, 17 DQ, 8 DP and 22 MICA antibody‐verified epitopes and will be updated on a quarterly basis. Laboratories worldwide continue to submit data about previously unreported antibody‐specific epitopes. For each epitope, the website shows its amino acid composition and HLA alleles that share the epitope. Links show antibody reactivity patterns, sensitization information and references. Other links show molecular modelling of corresponding structural epitopes and polymorphic residue information for epitope‐carrying alleles. The website will also have a link to epitope frequency information in different populations. Search functions will list mismatched epitopes on mismatched alleles for selected HLA types. The HLA Epitope Registry will become a valuable resource for researchers interested in HLA compatibility at the epitope level and investigating antibody responses to HLA mismatches.
Context‐dependent effects of mycorrhizae on herbivore density and parasitism in a tritrophic coastal study system
Authors: MOON DANIEL C. , BARNOUTI JWAN , YOUNGINGER BRETT
Published: November 2012

1. Stressful abiotic conditions and mycorrhizal fungi have both been shown to influence plant quality significantly, yet the interactive effects of these factors on relationships among plants, herbivores, and natural enemies remain unclear.

2. In this study, the results of a factorial field experiment are reported in which the effects of plant stress and mycorrhizae on density and parasitism of three herbivores of Baccharis halimifolia L. were examined.

3. Plant stress was increased by adding salt to the soil, and association with mycorrhizal fungi was increased by inoculating plant roots.

4. Inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi resulted in increased density of all three herbivore species, but the effects of mycorrhizae on parasitism varied by species and with soil salinity levels. For the gall maker Neolasioptera lathami Gagne, mycorrhizae decreased parasitism regardless of soil salinity levels. For the leaf miners Amauromyza maculosa Malloch and Liriomyza trifolii Burgess, mycorrhizae effectively negated the decrease in parasitism resulting from increased salinity.

5. The results of this study show that the effects of mycorrhizae on parasitism may be context dependent, and can be positive or negative depending upon species and environmental conditions.
Assessing the state of Greek marine fisheries resources
Authors: Tsikliras A.C. , Tsiros V.‐Z. , Stergiou K.I.
Published: November 2012

Annual fish landings for the Greek seas were analysed for the period 1982–2007 and classified into exploitation categories based on a catch‐based stock classification method. In 2007, about 65% of the Greek stock were characterised as overfished, 32% as fully exploited and only 3% were characterised as developing; collapsed stocks were not recorded. The cumulative percentage of fully exploited and overfished stocks has been increasing over the past 20 years suggesting overexploitation of resources. The results were contrasted against total landings, the fishing‐in‐balance index (FiB) and fishing effort, and some irregularities on the dataset were explained based on current legislation and management measures. A positive correlation between FiB and total fishing effort confirmed the expansion of the Greek fisheries up to 1994, but contraction thereafter. The results suggest that the apparently stable overall catches and decreasing effort may be deceiving, as they hide an underlying pattern of overexploitation in some of the stocks. It was concluded that the Greek fisheries are no longer sustainable and radical management measures are needed.
Development and validation of the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Lesion Index, a scale for the rapid scoring of lesion severity in canine atopic dermatitis
Authors: Plant Jon D. , Gortel Kinga , Kovalik Marcel , Polissar Nayak L. , Neradilek Moni B.
Published: November 2012

Background – The third iteration of the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI‐03) is the only tool rigorously validated for canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) lesion scoring. The CADESI‐03 requires 248 evaluations, limiting its widespread use.

Hypothesis/Objectives – The goal of the study was to develop and validate a practical method of grading CAD lesions that requires scoring only the frequently affected body regions.

Animals – Fifty‐seven privately owned atopic dogs were used in the study.

Methods – The Canine Atopic Dermatitis Lesion Index (CADLI) was evaluated in an open, multicentre reliability study. Validity was assessed with expert opinion (content validity) and comparison of CADLI with existing disease severity measures (construct and criterion validity). Reliability was evaluated by analysing repeated observations of each dog. Convenience was assessed in terms of the time required to complete the scale.

Results – The CADLI scores correlated with overall assessment scores (r = 0.60,P < 0.001, linear mixed model) and pruritus severity scores (r = 0.53,P < 0.001, linear mixed model), establishing construct validity. The CADLI was strongly correlated with CADESI‐03 (r = 0.84,P < 0.001, linear mixed model), establishing criterion validity. The CADLI values obtained by two observers correlated very strongly (r = 0.91,P < 0.001), as did the repeat values for the same observer (r = 0.98,P < 0.001). The mean time to complete the CADLI was less than that required for CADESI‐03 (1.9 and 12.6 min, respectively), a highly significant difference (P < 0.001).

Conclusion and clinical importance – The CADLI was found to be an effective measure of CAD lesion severity, strongly correlating with CADESI‐03. The convenience of CADLI makes it suitable for use in both clinical research and practice.