bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental realization of reflection-type periodic diffraction correlation imaging
Authors: Li Hu , Zhang Yinzuo , Shi Jianhong , Zeng Guihua
Published: May 2013

We demonstrate the periodic diffraction correlation imaging (PDCI) of a reflective object using only one array detector to achieve simpler setups of ghost imaging: no beam-splitter is needed, and only one detector is utilized. Multiple reference beams with a same pattern of the signal beam are generated in the PDCI, which makes PDCI realize high-order imaging more easily than conventional ghost imaging. Further, the influence of background noise on the imaging quality in PDCI can be reduced by the image merging technology proposed in this letter.
Single InAs quantum dot coupled to different “environments” in one wafer for quantum photonics
Authors: Yu Ying , Shang Xiang-Jun , Li Mi-Feng , Zha Guo-Wei , Xu Jian-Xing , Wang Li-Juan , Wang Guo-Wei , Ni Hai-Qiao , Dou Xiuming , Sun Baoquan , Niu Zhi-Chuan
Published: May 2013

Self assembled small InAs quantum dots (SQDs) were formed in various densities and environments using gradient InAs deposition on a non-rotating GaAs substrate. Two SQD environments (SQD I and SQD II) were characterized. SQD I featured SQDs surrounded by large QDs, and SQD II featured individual SQDs in the wetting layer (WL). Micro-photoluminescence of single QDs embedded in a cavity under various excitation powers and electric fields gave insight into carrier transport processes. Potential fluctuations of the WL in SQD II, induced by charge redistribution, show promise for charge-tunable QD devices; SQD I shows higher luminescence intensity as a single-photon source.
2.7 μm InAs quantum well lasers on InP-based InAlAs metamorphic buffer layers
Authors: Cao Y. Y. , Zhang Y. G. , Gu Y. , Chen X. Y. , Zhou L. , Li Hsby
Published: May 2013

This work reports 2.7 μm InAs/In0.6Ga0.4As quantum well lasers on InP-based metamorphic InxAl1−xAs graded buffers. X-ray diffraction measurement shows favorable strain compensation effect in the quantum wells. Type-I photoluminescence emission is observed around 2.7 μm at 77 K and red-shifts to 3 μm at 300 K. The continuous-wave lasing wavelength of the laser reaches 2.7 μm at 77 K, which is the longest wavelength from the interband lasing of InP-based antimony-free structures. The threshold current density is as low as 145 A/cm2 and the continuous-wave output power at injection current of 400 mA is over 5 mW.
High trapped field performances in thin-wall YBa2Cu3O7−δ bulk cryomagnets
Authors: Kenfaui Driss , Sibeud Pierre-Frédéric , Louradour Eric , Noudem Jacques G. , Chaud Xavier
Published: May 2013

Thin-wall YBa2Cu3O7−δ bulk single domains were grown from drilled preforms with a holes network in the aim of increasing the specific areas and diminishing the oxygen diffusion paths. By applying a progressive annealing at high temperature under oxygen pressure (10 MPa), crack-free superconductors were obtained in a very short time (less than 3 days). A crack-free microstructure fostered large size persistent current loops, which boosted the trapped field performances. A trapped field Bmax = 5.2 T at 17 K was achieved on a 16 mm-diameter thin-wall pellet (disk surface s = 1.987 cm2), which led to a striking trapped field density BmaxS=2.617 T cm−2.
Upward ferroelectric self-polarization induced by compressive epitaxial strain in (001) BaTiO3 films
Authors: Chen Jiangpeng , Luo Ying , Ou Xin , Yuan Guoliang , Wang Yiping , Yang Ying , Yin Jiang , Liu Zhiguo
Published: May 2013

The (001) oriented epitaxial BaTiO3 thin films were grown on La0.7Sr0.3MnO3, SrRuO3, and Nb-SrTiO3 layers, respectively, and the inhomogeneous compressive strain is suggested to be the main origin of their upward self-polarization. The upward self-polarization exists in the thin BaTiO3 films with strong inhomogeneous compressive strain, while it disappears in thick BaTiO3 films due to strain relaxation. Since the upward self-polarization is unchangeable when the p-type La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 was replaced by the n-type SrRuO3 and Nb-SrTiO3, the depletion region and the polar discontinuity at interface are excluded to be their origins. Similarly, the density gradient of negative charged cation vacancies is not the main origin because it would introduce downward self-polarization.
Direct detection of cancer biomarkers in blood using a “place n play” modular polydimethylsiloxane pump
Authors: Zhang Honglian , Li Gang , Liao Lingying , Mao HongJu , Jin Qinghui , Zhao Jianlong
Published: May 2013

Cancer biomarkers have significant potential as reliable tools for the early detection of the disease and for monitoring its recurrence. However, most current methods for biomarker detection have technical difficulties (such as sample preparation and specific detector requirements) which limit their application in point of care diagnostics. We developed an extremely simple, power-free microfluidic system for direct detection of cancer biomarkers in microliter volumes of whole blood. CEA and CYFRA21-1 were chosen as model cancer biomarkers. The system automatically extracted blood plasma from less than 3 μl of whole blood and performed a multiplex sample-to-answer assay (nano-ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) technique) without the use of external power or extra components. By taking advantage of the nano-ELISA technique, this microfluidic system detected CEA at a concentration of 50 pg/ml and CYFRA21-1 at a concentration of 60 pg/ml within 60 min. The combination of PnP polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) pump and nano-ELISA technique in a single microchip system shows great promise for the detection of cancer biomarkers in a drop of blood.
Factors affecting survival for floor‐of‐mouth carcinoma
Authors: Klotch Douglas W. , Muro‐Cacho Carlos , Gal T. J.
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVES

The treatment of extensive floor‐of‐mouth carcinoma has remained a challenging problem for head and neck surgeons. We have reviewed our experience in the surgical management of floor‐of‐mouth cancer in an attempt to identify factors influencing survival.

METHODS

A total of 144 patients with cancer involving the floor of the mouth were treated between March 1988 and November 1995. A retrospective chart review was conducted that captured information including clinical staging, therapeutic modalities, pathologic findings, and patient follow‐up. Factors affecting survival were assessed by non‐parametric analysis and analysis of variance.

RESULTS

There was no statistical significance for the effects of vascular invasion (P = 0.4019), lymphatic invasion (P = 0.3430), bone invasion (P = 0.1548), or positive margins (P = 0.1113) on survival. Extranodal extension and recurrent disease were strongly suggestive of influencing survival but were not statistically significant (P = 0.0650 and P = 0.0504, respectively). Nodal disease significantly affected survival (P = 0.0138) but did not affect recurrence (P = 0.451). CONCLUSION: Mean survival for this cohort was 30.6 months. Positive node status significantly affected mean overall survival in this series, whereas extracapsular disease did not. These data suggest that aggressive surgical management of neck disease is mandated to maximize survival.
Bacteria‐mucin interaction in the upper aerodigestive tract shows striking heterogeneity: Implications in otitis media, rhinosinusitis, and pneumonia
Authors: Bernstein Joel M. , Reddy Molakala
Published: May 2013

The mucociliary system of the upper and lower respiratory tracts is a critical nonspecific pathway for the elimination of bacteria and other particulate matter. The interaction between bacteria and purified mucin of the upper and lower respiratory tracts has been a major focus of our laboratory for the past decade. We have previously demonstrated that nontypable Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis adhere to human purified nasopharyngeal mucin and human middle ear mucin by a very limited number of specific outer membrane proteins. There have been no previous studies on the interaction of Streptococcus pneumoniae and purified mucin. Such information would be of extreme importance in identifying specific mechanisms of preventing colonization of this important pathogen to nasopharyngeal mucin. Using an overlay technique of purified radiolabeled mucins of the upper and lower respiratory tracts in a solid phase assay with 4 predominant pathogens of the upper and lower respiratory tracts, we found a striking heterogeneity of bacteria‐mucin interaction. The implications of these interactions in the development of otitis media, rhinosinusitis, and lower respiratory infections are briefly discussed.
Malignant neoplasms of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses: A series of 256 patients in Mexico City and Monterrey. Is air pollution the missing link?
Authors: Calderón‐Garcidueñas Lilian , Delgado Ricardo , Calderón‐Garcidueñas ANA , Meneses Abelardo , Luz Maria , De La Garza Jaime , Acuna Hilda , Anna Villarreal‐Calderón , Raab‐Traub Nancy , Devlin Robert
Published: May 2013

Air pollution is a serious health problem in major cities in Mexico. The concentrations of monitored criteria pollutants have been above the US National Ambient Air Quality Standards for the last decade. To determine whether the number of primary malignant nasal and paranasal neoplasms has increased, we surveyed 256 such cases admitted to a major adult oncology hospital located in metropolitan Mexico City (MMC) for the period from 1976‐1997 and to a tertiary hospital in Monterrey, an industrial city, for the period from 1993‐1998. The clinical histories and histopathologic material were reviewed, and a brief clinical summary was written for each case. In the MMC hospital the number of newly diagnosed nasal and paranasal neoplasms per year for the period from 1976‐1986 averaged 5.1, whereas for the next 11 years it increased to 12.5. The maximal increase was observed in 1995‐1997, with an average of 20.3 new cases per year (P= 0.0006). The predominant neoplasms in these series were non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, adenocarcinoma, Schneiderian carcinoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In the Monterrey hospital a 2‐fold increase in the numbers of newly diagnosed nasal and paranasal neoplasms was recorded between 1993 and 1998. The predominant MMC neoplasm in this series, namely nasal T‐cell/natural killer cell non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma, is potentially Epstein‐Barr virus related. Nasal and paranasal malignant neoplasms are generally rare. Environmental causative factors include exposure in industries such as nickel refining, leather, and wood furniture manufacturing. Although epidemiologic studies have not addressed the relationship between outdoor air pollution and sinonasal malignant neoplasms, there is strong evidence for the nasal and paranasal carcinogenic effect of occupational aerosol complex chemical mixtures. General practitioners and ear, nose, and throat physicians working in highly polluted cities should be aware of the clinical presentations of these patients. Identification of this apparent increase in sinonasal malignant neoplasms in two urban Mexican polluted cities warrants further mechanistic and epidemiologic studies.
Ossification of eustachian tube cartilage and Ostmann's fatty tissue in chronic renal failure
Authors: Takasaki Kenji , Thompson Scott W. , Sando Isamu
Published: May 2013

Ossification of the eustachian tube (ET) cartilage in 2 cases of chronic renal failure is reported for the first time. In both cases, the ossification was observed in the medial lamina of the ET cartilage. In addition, ossification of Ostmann's fatty tissue was observed in case 1, and ossification of the lateral lamina of the ET cartilage was seen in case 2. Correlation between ossification in chronic renal failure and dysfunction of the ET caused by ossified ET cartilage and Ostmann's fatty tissue is discussed.
Cautery‐assisted palatal stiffening operation
Authors: Mair Ltc Eric A. , Day Col Richard H. , Holt G. Richard
Published: May 2013

Outpatient surgical therapy of habitual snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea has evolved significantly in recent years. We introduce the cautery‐assisted palatal stiffening operation (CAPSO) and detail its important advantages over uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, laser‐assisted uvulopalatoplasty, and palatal radiofrequency ablation. CAPSO is critically analyzed with regard to extent of surgery, need for repetition of procedure, results, complications, predictors of success, and cost analysis. CAPSO is a mucosal surgery that induces a midline palatal scar that stiffens the floppy palate. Two hundred six consecutive patients underwent CAPSO over an 18‐month period, followed by office examination and telephone evaluation. The success rate was initially 92% and dipped to 77% after 1 year. CAPSO eliminates excessive snoring caused by palatal flutter and has success rates that were comparable with those of traditional palatal surgery. CAPSO is a simple and safe office procedure that avoids the need for multiple‐stage operations and does not rely on expensive laser systems or radio‐frequency generators and hand pieces.
Surgery on the larynx and pharynx in Byzantium (AD 324‐1453): Early scientific descriptions of these operations
Authors: Lascaratos John , Assimakopoulos Dimitrios
Published: May 2013

We present the techniques of various operations on the larynx and pharynx (incision of abscesses of the tonsils, tonsillectomy, tracheotomy, uvulectomy, and removal of foreign bodies) found in the Greek texts of Byzantine physicians. The techniques of these operations were the first to be so meticulously described and were compiled from the texts, now lost, of the ancient Greek physicians. These medical texts, which followed and enriched the Hippocratic, Hellenistic, Roman, and Galenic medical traditions, later influenced medieval European surgery, either directly through Latin translations or indirectly through works of Arab physicians.
Variations of the great arteries in the carotid triangle
Authors: Lučev Natalija , Bobinac Dragica , Marić Ivana , Drešćik Ivan
Published: May 2013

The variations of the common carotid artery, as well as of the external and internal carotid arteries, are described. During anatomic dissection on adult cadavers, we investigated the variability of appearance of 40 carotid arterial systems. Special consideration was given to the topographic relations such as the level of the bifurcation of the common carotid artery, the relationship between the external and internal carotid arteries, and the origin of the great collateral branches. Special attention was paid to the origin of the superior thyroid artery. In this article the practical importance of these variations is stressed.
Steam-pelleting temperatures and grain variety of finely ground, sorghum-based broiler diets. 1. Influence on growth performance, relative gizzard weights, nutrient utilisation, starch and nitrogen digestibility
Authors: Selle P. H. , Liu S. Y. , Khoddami A. , Cai J. , Cowieson A. J.
Published: May 2013

Sorghum-based diets were offered to male Ross 308 chicks from 7 to 28 days post-hatch as a 2 × 3 factorial array of treatments. The diets were based on either a white (Liberty) or red (Venture) sorghum that were finely ground through a 2.0-mm hammer-mill screen before incorporation into diets that were steam-pelleted at conditioning temperatures of 70°C, 80°C and 90°C. Protein solubilities and concentrations of disulfide bonds and free sulfydryl groups in sorghums and sorghum-based diets were determined. Concentrations of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities in both sorghums were analysed and the presence or absence of a pigmented testa was detected. In vivo parameters assessed included growth performance, relative gizzard weights, nutrient utilisation and apparent starch and nitrogen (N) digestibility coefficients were determined at four small-intestinal sites. Increasing conditioning temperatures depressed dietary protein solubilities and induced changes in concentrations of disulfide bonds and free sulfydryl groups that were more pronounced in red sorghum-based diets. The red sorghum contained a higher concentration of phenolic compounds and had a higher antioxidant activity than did white sorghum. A pigmented testa was not present in both sorghums, which indicates that they do not contain condensed tannin. There was a significant interaction between sorghum type and conditioning temperature for weight gain; however, diets based on white or red sorghums did not generate any significant differences in weight gains, feed intakes or feed conversion ratios as main effects. It was anticipated that birds would perform better on white sorghum-based diets but the likelihood is that the fine 2.0-mm grind disadvantaged the softer-textured white sorghum. As main effects, red sorghum-based diets had significantly higher densities of N-corrected apparent metabolisable energy, a higher starch digestibility coefficient in the distal jejunum and higher N digestibility coefficients in the distal jejunum, proximal ileum and distal ileum than did white sorghum-based diets. Red sorghum-based diets generated significantly heavier relative gizzard weights, which appeared to enhance N digestibility coefficients relative to the white sorghum diets. Increasing conditioning temperatures linearly increased starch digestibility coefficients in the proximal jejunum and distal ileum and N digestibility coefficients in the proximal jejunum, distal jejunum and distal ileum to significant extents. Conditioning temperatures did not significantly influence gizzard weights or parameters of growth performance and nutrient utilisation. Several significant interactions between the main effects were observed, which suggests that the two sorghums responded somewhat differently to increasing conditioning temperatures.
Soil heating during burning of forest slash piles and wood piles
Authors: Busse Matt D. , Shestak Carol J. , Hubbert Ken R.
Published: May 2013

Pile burning of conifer slash is a common fuel reduction practice in forests of the western United States that has a direct, yet poorly quantified effect on soil heating. To address this knowledge gap, we measured the heat pulse beneath hand-built piles ranging widely in fuel composition and pile size in sandy-textured soils of the Lake Tahoe Basin. The soil heat pulse depended primarily on fuel composition, not on pile size. Burn piles dominated by large wood produced extreme temperatures in soil profile, with lethal heating lasting up to 3 days. In contrast, the heat pulse was moderate beneath piles containing a mixture of fuel sizes. Considerable spatial variability was noted, as soil temperatures were generally greatest near pile centres and decline sharply toward the pile edges. Also, saturating pile burns with water 8 h after ignition (‘mopping up’) effectively quenched the soil heat pulse while allowing near-complete fuel consumption. The findings suggest that burning of hand piles will not result in extreme or extensive soil heating except for uncommon conditions when piles are dominated by large wood and occupy a high percentage of the ground surface.
The differential effects of PNF versus passive stretch conditioning on neuromuscular performance
Authors: Minshull Claire , Eston Roger , Bailey Andrea , Rees David , Gleeson Nigel
Published: May 2013

The effects of flexibility conditioning on neuromuscular and sensorimotor performance were assessed near to full knee extension (25°). Eighteen males who were randomly assigned into two groups underwent eight weeks (three‐times per week) of flexibility conditioning (hip region/knee flexor musculature; dominant limb) involving either proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) (n=9) or passive stretching (PASS) (n=9). Both modes of flexibility conditioning are popular within contemporary exercise and clinical settings and have demonstrated efficacy in improving range of motion. The contralateral limb and a prior ‘no exercise’ condition were used as controls. The PNF and PASS modes of conditioning improved passive hip flexibility to a similar extent (mean 19.3% vs. baseline, intervention limb, p<0.01) but did not alter knee flexor strength (overall mean 309.6±81 N) or sensorimotor performance (force and positional errors: 2.3±8.2% and 0.48±7.1%). Voluntary and magnetically evoked electromechanical delays (EMDV and EMDE, respectively) were increased but to a greater extent following PASS compared to PNF (PASS: 10.8% and 16.9% lengthening of EMDV and EMDE, respectively vs. PNF: 3.2% and 6.2%, p<0.01).The attenuated change to electromechanical delay (EMD) performance during PNF conditioning suggests a preserved capability for rapid muscle activation, which is important in the maintenance of dynamic joint stability. That PNF was also equally efficacious in flexibility conditioning would suggest that this mode of flexibility training should be used over passive to help preserve dynamic joint stability capabilities at this extended and vulnerable joint position.
Introduction to Mathematical Physics
Authors: Wong Chun Wa
Published: May 2013

Mathematical physics provides physical theories with their logical basis and the tools for drawing conclusions from hypotheses. Introduction to Mathematical Physics explains to the reader why and how mathematics is needed in the description of physical events in space. For undergraduates in physics, it is a classroom-tested textbook on vector analysis, linear operators, Fourier series and integrals, differential equations, special functions and functions of a complex variable. Strongly correlated with core undergraduate courses on classical and quantum mechanics and electromagnetism, it helps the student master these necessary mathematical skills. The book covers advanced topics of interest to graduate students on relativistic square-root spaces and nonlinear systems. It contains many tables of mathematical formulas and references to useful materials on the Internet. Short tutorials on basic mathematical topics are included to help readers refresh their mathematical knowledge. An appendix on Mathematica encourages the reader to use computer-aided algebra to solve problems in mathematical physics.
Curious Subjects
Authors: Schor Hilary M.
Published: May 2013

Curious Subjects focuses on the relationship between women, curiosity, and the rise of the novel, using the lenses of scientific, legal, and “fictional” curiosity to examine the changing definitions of the subject within these various discourses. Texts range from eighteenth-century fiction to classic Victorian “heroine texts,” to contemporary revisions of realist forms, with an emphasis on the always-doubled and duplicitous nature of both female curiosity and the realist project. The book rethinks the question of female knowledge from within the form of the novel, using not just the metaphor but the history of curiosity after the Enlightenment. It begins with the wanderings of curiosity from medieval pilgrims’ relics to private collections to public museums, and interweaves this history with the origins of the modern legal subject, arguing that the most intriguing version of that subject is the curious heroine. So, from the beginning of the book, the rise of the novel, the evolution of curiosity, and the enfranchisement of women are deeply intertwined. Central literary figures include Dickens, Thackeray, George Eliot, and Henry James, with examples ranging from Paradise Lost and Clarissa to The Sadeian Woman and The Handmaid’s Tale, from Freud to Bluebeard’s wife.
MASS: meta-analysis of score statistics for sequencing studies
Authors: Tang Zheng-Zheng , Lin Dan-Yu
Published: May 2013

Summary: MASS is a command-line program to perform meta-analysis of sequencing studies by combining the score statistics from multiple studies. It implements three types of multivariate tests that encompass all commonly used association tests for rare variants. The input files can be generated from the accompanying software SCORE-Seq. This bundle of programs allows analysis of large sequencing studies in a time and memory efficient manner.

Availability and implementation: MASS and SCORE-Seq, including documentations and executables, are available at http://dlin.web.unc.edu/software/.

Contact:  lin@bios.unc.edu
ShereKhan—calculating exchange parameters in relaxation dispersion data from CPMG experiments
Authors: Mazur Adam , Hammesfahr Björn , Griesinger Christian , Lee Donghan , Kollmar Martin
Published: May 2013

Summary: Dynamics governing the function of biomolecule is usually described as exchange processes and can be monitored at atomic resolution with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation dispersion data. Here, we present a new tool for the analysis of CPMG relaxation dispersion profiles (ShereKhan). The web interface to ShereKhan provides a user-friendly environment for the analysis.

Availability: A stable version of ShereKhan, the web application and documentation are available at http://sherekhan.bionmr.org.

Contact:  dole@nmr.mpibpc.mpg.de or mako@nmr.mpibpc.mpg.de
Future sea surface temperatures in Large Marine Ecosystems of the Northwest Atlantic
Authors: Khan Amina H. , Levac Elisabeth , Chmura Gail L.
Published: May 2013

Khan, A. H., Levac, E., and Chmura, G. L. 2013. Future sea surface temperatures in Large Marine Ecosystems of the Northwest Atlantic. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 70: 915–921. We analysed projections of future sea surface temperatures (SSTs) for six Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs) of the Northwest Atlantic: the West Greenland Shelf, the Newfoundland-Labrador Shelf, the Scotian Shelf, the Northeast US continental shelf, the Southeast US continental shelf, and the Gulf of Mexico. We used state-of-the-art global climate models (CSIRO-Mk3.6, GISS-E2-R) and earth system models (CanESM2, HadGEM2-ES) and representative concentration pathways (RCPs) 8.5 and 4.5 that represent a range in possible future concentrations of atmospheric CO2. Our analysis focuses on average February and August SSTs from the period 2071–2100 as the low and high temperatures of these months generally define the thermal habitat of a species. SSTs will increase in most, but not all, waters of the LMEs, and seasonality will increase in all LMEs. The difference in SSTs from the Gulf of Mexico to the Scotian Shelf may be reduced but differences will increase from the Scotian Shelf north. Although past SST changes have been greatest on the Newfoundland-Labrador Shelf, ensemble average projections indicate that the greatest future change will occur on the Scotian Shelf. The variation in future SSTs is greater among models than between RCPs, suggesting that impact studies limited to a single model may be biased.
Comparing and coupling a water quality and a fisheries ecosystem model of the Chesapeake Bay for the exploratory assessment of resource management strategies
Authors: Townsend Howard
Published: May 2013

The Chesapeake Bay (CB) is the North America's largest estuary and is a highly productive ecosystem. State and Federal agencies have been working for over two decades to implement ecosystem-based management (EBM), which will allow the understanding of the impacts of cumulative stressors and enable decision-making that incorporates trade-offs in ecosystem goods and services. To effectively move towards EBM, models that account for bottom-up (e.g. eutrophication) as well as top-down (e.g. fisheries harvest) drivers are necessary. One step towards the integrated analysis of ecosystem stressors is to integrate the existing models that capture bottom-up and top-down effects. In this paper, the efforts of integrating the CB fisheries ecosystem model and the water quality model are described. Specifically, to achieve the integration of these two models, the methods for (i) model comparisons and (ii) model coupling outlined in a report by the CB Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee are implemented for this paper. Comparative analyses of the two models were performed to assess the model structure uncertainty. Broad indirect coupling of these models allows connections between water quality and commercially and recreationally important species to be made and used to assess trade-offs between water quality management goals and fisheries management goals.
Can implantable cardiac electronic device infections be defined as ‘early’ or ‘late’ based on the cause of infection?
Authors: Tayebjee Muzahir H. , Joy Eleanor R. , Sandoe Jonathan A.
Published: May 2013

Implantable cardiac electronic device (ICED) infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Understanding the pathogenesis of these infections is important in their prevention and management. We hypothesized that ICED infections could be classified as ‘early’ or ‘late’, based on differences in microbiological cause within or beyond 1 year of implantation, respectively. A comprehensive review of the literature was undertaken to test this hypothesis. Prosthetic valve endocarditis cases were included for comparison. Articles were included if the time from device implantation to infection, definite evidence of infection (pocket/bacteraemia/endocarditis) and a positive microbiological diagnosis were included. There were no statistically significant differences in microbiology to support a 1 year cut-off between early and late ICED infection. Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci were the predominant causes of ICED infection both within and beyond 1 year of ICED implantation. To further assess the microbiological causes of ICEDs and their implications for pathogenesis a large-scale multi-centre study is required.
Genetic engineering of rotaviruses by reverse genetics
Authors: Komoto Satoshi , Taniguchi Koki
Published: May 2013

The rotavirus genome is composed of 11 gene segments of dsRNA. A recent breakthrough in the field of rotaviruses is the development of a reverse genetics system for generating recombinant rotaviruses possessing a gene segment derived from cloned cDNA. Although this approach is a helper virus‐driven system that is technically limited and gives low levels of recombinant viruses, it allows alteration of the rotavirus genome, thus contributing to our understanding of these medically important viruses. So far, this approach has successfully been applied to three of the 11 viral segments in our laboratory and others, and the efficiency of recovery of recombinant viruses has been improved. However, we are still waiting for the development of a helper virus‐free reverse genetics system for generating an infectious rotavirus entirely from cDNAs, as has been achieved for other members of the Reoviridae family.
Risk avoidance in sympatric large carnivores: reactive or predictive?
Authors: Broekhuis Femke , Cozzi Gabriele , Valeix Marion , McNutt John W. , Macdonald David W.
Published: May 2013

Risks of predation or interference competition are major factors shaping the distribution of species. An animal's response to risk can either be reactive, to an immediate risk, or predictive, based on preceding risk or past experiences. The manner in which animals respond to risk is key in understanding avoidance, and hence coexistence, between interacting species.

We investigated whether cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), known to be affected by predation and competition by lions (Panthera leo) and spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta), respond reactively or predictively to the risks posed by these larger carnivores.

We used simultaneous spatial data from Global Positioning System (GPS) radiocollars deployed on all known social groups of cheetahs, lions and spotted hyaenas within a 2700 km2 study area on the periphery of the Okavango Delta in northern Botswana. The response to risk of encountering lions and spotted hyaenas was explored on three levels: short‐term or immediate risk, calculated as the distance to the nearest (contemporaneous) lion or spotted hyaena, long‐term risk, calculated as the likelihood of encountering lions and spotted hyaenas based on their cumulative distributions over a 6‐month period and habitat‐associated risk, quantified by the habitat used by each of the three species.

We showed that space and habitat use by cheetahs was similar to that of lions and, to a lesser extent, spotted hyaenas. However, cheetahs avoided immediate risks by positioning themselves further from lions and spotted hyaenas than predicted by a random distribution.

Our results suggest that cheetah spatial distribution is a hierarchical process, first driven by resource acquisition and thereafter fine‐tuned by predator avoidance; thus suggesting a reactive, rather than a predictive, response to risk.
Nonlinear variation of stream–forest linkage along a stream‐size gradient: an assessment using biogeochemical proxies of in‐stream fine particulate organic matter
Authors: Sakamaki Takashi , Richardson John S.
Published: May 2013

Spatial scale of processes is necessary information to design appropriate ecosystem research and management. In‐stream ecological processes are tightly linked with their adjacent terrestrial environment and impacted by modifications of riparian environments, particularly in small, forested streams. Quantitative understanding of how the dynamic coupling of these adjacent ecosystems varies along stream continua is necessary to enhance stream research and management.

In temperate, forest‐dominated watersheds of British Columbia, Canada, we examined the stream–forest linkage along a stream‐size gradient based on biogeochemical analysis of fine particulate organic matter retained in streambed sediment (FPOMS). We analysed FPOMS at 48 stations in 14 cobble‐bed streams from 2·2 to 39 m bankfull widths during summer low‐flow conditions and tested their relationships with local, forest‐related, environmental factors (light penetration, benthic coarse POM biomass, riparian‐soil properties) along the stream‐size gradient.

Carbon/nitrogen ratio of FPOMS (FPOMS‐C/N) was distinctly lower in stream bankfull widths larger than an estimated threshold around 7·6 m and corresponded with decrease in N/chlorophyll a of FPOMS and inorganic nitrogen concentration. We found significant linkages of FPOMS‐C/N with local streamside environments in streams narrower than the threshold (but not in widths <~3 m). For wider streams, reduced canopy cover was likely to enhance in‐stream nitrogen cycling by algae and consistently lowered FPOMS‐C/N regardless of streamside environment. These indicate a nonlinear attenuation of the strength of linkage between in‐stream biogeochemical processes and forest‐related environments along the stream‐size gradient.

Synthesis and applications. The relationship of biogeochemical proxies of in‐stream fine particulate organic matter with local environments can be a practical tool for measuring the strength of stream‐forest linkage. Furthermore, regional‐ and stream‐specific threshold stream widths dividing in‐stream biogeochemical regimes can be an important landmark for ecologists and managers to refine designs for stream research and management at appropriate spatial scales. For stream widths narrower than a threshold, reach‐scale linkages between stream and terrestrial environments can be a major focus, and riparian conditions need to be carefully managed to protect stream habitats. For stream widths wider than a threshold, catchment impacts on streams at larger spatial scales would be a more important focus.
The Green Legacy of 1989: Revolutions, Environmentalism and the Global Age
Authors: Corry Olaf
Published: May 2013

In its immediate aftermath the Eastern European revolutions of 1989–91 were interpreted as a ‘rectifying revolution’: the experiment of 1917 had been cast off but the process bequeathed no new ideas. Subsequent debates linked 1989 to novel political methods and a re-launch of ‘civil society’ but failed to note the significance of dissident and protest movements which relied on environmentalist critiques of industrialism, materialism and top-down government. The article first points to three phases of debate about the legacy of 1989 noting the relative neglect of environmentalism in all of them. Second, it charts the centrality of environmentalist ideas to the early dissidents, the revolutionary movements that mobilised and to the global social movements that have emerged since 1989. The final section argues that this ‘green 1989’ has been neglected because it fits badly into modernist liberal and post-socialist interpretations of 1989. Instead, using the global age thesis, ‘1989’ is reinterpreted as a staging post in the emergence of a politics based on the limits and risks of the modern project.
Effect of nisin‐producing Lactococcus lactis starter cultures on the inhibition of two pathogens in ripened cheeses
Authors: Bello Barbara Dal , Zeppa Giuseppe , Bianchi Daniela M , Decastelli Lucia , Traversa Amaranta , Gallina Silvia , Coisson Jean Daniel , Locatelli Monica , Travaglia Fabiano , Cocolin luca
Published: May 2013

The effect of Lactococcus lactis nisin‐producing strains, isolated from Italian fermented foods, on the survival of two foodborne pathogens namely Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus was investigated in experimental cheese production. One of the three Lactobacillus lactis nisin innoculated as starters, Lactobacillus lactis 41FL1 lowered S. aureus count by 1.73 log colony‐forming units (cfu)/g within the first 3 days, reaching the highest reduction, 3.54 log cfu/g, by the end of ripening period of 60 days. There was no effect on L. monocytogenes. The application of L. lactis 41FL1 as bioprotective culture in controlling S. aureus shows considerable promise.
Towards a sustainable dairy sector: Leadership in sustainable nutrition
Authors: Miller Gregory D , Auestad Nancy
Published: May 2013

As the global population continues to expand, access to sustainable diets that are nutritionally adequate and healthy, affordable, and respectful of biodiversity and ecosystems will be critical for the health of future generations. Nutrient‐rich dairy products as part of a healthy diet play an important role in helping meet nutrient recommendations not easily met with other foods and can help lower risk of certain chronic diseases. The dairy industry worldwide is working across public and private sectors to continue to provide nutritious, affordable, culturally appealing dairy products while optimising natural resource use and reducing environmental impacts.
Permanent Genetic Resources added to Molecular Ecology Resources Database 1 February 2013–31 March 2013
Authors:   Molecular Ecology Resources Primer Development Consortium, Arias M. C. , Atteke Christiane , Augusto S. C. , Bailey J. , Bazaga Pilar , Beheregaray Luciano B. , Benoit Laure , Blatrix Rumsaïs , Born Céline , Brito R. M. , Chen Hai‐kui , Covarrubias Sara , de Vega Clara , Djiéto‐Lordon Champlain , Dubois Marie‐Pierre , Francisco F. O. , García Cristina , Gonçalves P. H. P. , González Clementina , Gutiérrez‐Rodríguez Carla , Hammer Michael P. , Herrera Carlos M. , Itoh H. , Kamimura S. , Karaoglu H. , Kojima S. , Li Shou‐Li , Ling Hannah J. , Matos‐Maraví Pável F. , McKey Doyle , Mezui‐M'Eko Judicaël , Ornelas Juan Francisco , Park R. F. , Pozo María I. , Ramula Satu , Rigueiro Cristina , Sandoval‐Castillo Jonathan , Santiago L. R. , Seino Miyuki M. , Song Chang‐Bing , Takeshima H. , Vasemägi Anti , Wellings C. R. , Yan Ji , Yu‐Zhou Du , Zhang Chang‐Rong , Zhang Tian‐Yun
Published: May 2013

This article documents the addition of 142 microsatellite marker loci to the Molecular Ecology Resources database. Loci were developed for the following species: Agriophyllum squarrosum, Amazilia cyanocephala, Batillaria attramentaria, Fungal strain CTeY1 (Ascomycota), Gadopsis marmoratus, Juniperus phoenicea subsp. turbinata, Liriomyza sativae, Lupinus polyphyllus, Metschnikowia reukaufii, Puccinia striiformis and Xylocopa grisescens. These loci were cross‐tested on the following species: Amazilia beryllina, Amazilia candida, Amazilia rutila, Amazilia tzacatl, Amazilia violiceps, Amazilia yucatanensis, Campylopterus curvipennis, Cynanthus sordidus, Hylocharis leucotis, Juniperus brevifolia, Juniperus cedrus, Juniperus osteosperma, Juniperus oxycedrus, Juniperus thurifera, Liriomyza bryoniae, Liriomyza chinensis, Liriomyza huidobrensis and Liriomyza trifolii.
Optimizing preservation protocols to extract high‐quality RNA from different tissues of echinoderms for next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Pérez‐Portela Rocío , Riesgo Ana
Published: May 2013

Transcriptomic information provides fundamental insights into biological processes. Extraction of quality RNA is a challenging step, and preservation and extraction protocols need to be adjusted in many cases. Our objectives were to optimize preservation protocols for isolation of high‐quality RNA from diverse echinoderm tissues and to compare the utility of parameters as absorbance ratios and RIN values to assess RNA quality. Three different tissues (gonad, oesophagus and coelomocytes) were selected from the sea urchin Arbacia lixula. Solid tissues were flash‐frozen and stored at −80 °C until processed. Four preservation treatments were applied to coelomocytes: flash freezing and storage at −80 °C, RNAlater and storage at −20 °C, preservation in TRIzol reagent and storage at −80 °C and direct extraction with TRIzol from fresh cells. Extractions of total RNA were performed with a modified TRIzol protocol for all tissues. Our results showed high values of RNA quantity and quality for all tissues, showing nonsignificant differences among them. However, while flash freezing was effective for solid tissues, it was inadequate for coelomocytes because of the low quality of the RNA extractions. Coelomocytes preserved in RNAlater displayed large variability in RNA integrity and insufficient RNA amount for further isolation of mRNA. TRIzol was the most efficient system for stabilizing RNA which resulted on high RNA quality and quantity. We did not detect correlation between absorbance ratios and RNA integrity. The best strategies for assessing RNA integrity was the visualization of 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA bands in agarose gels and estimation of RIN values with Agilent Bioanalyzer chips.
Propafenone Versus Vernakalant for Conversion of Recent‐Onset Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Conde Diego , Costabel Juan Pablo , Aragon Martin , Lambardi Florencia , Klein Andrés , Corrales Barbosa Andrea , Trivi Marcelo , Giniger Alberto
Published: May 2013

Introduction

An oral loading dose of propafenone 600 mg is used in our center as in other places around the world for conversion of recent‐onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients without structural heart disease. Vernakalant is a novel, safe, and effective drug used intravenously and has proved to be more rapid in converting recent‐onset AF to sinus rhythm compared with placebo and amiodarone. There is no study that compares vernakalant with propafenone. The aim of our study is to compare the time taken for conversion of recent‐onset AF in patients treated with vernakalant and propafenone.

Methods

Thirty‐six hemodynamically stable patients with recent‐onset AF without structural heart disease were prospectively included. A single oral dose of propafenone 600 mg was administered to 19 patients and 17 received intravenous vernakalant. Clinical and laboratory variables, conversion rate, and time to conversion were recorded.

Results

Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. Time to conversion to sinus rhythm was of 166 min (120–300) in the propafenone group versus 9 min (6–18) in the vernakalant group (P = 0.0001). Conversion rate was of 78% in the propafenone group at 8 h and of 93% in the vernakalant group at 2 h; yet, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.4). Time to conversion had a direct impact in hospital stay, which was 43% shorter in the vernakalant group (P = 0.0001).

Conclusion

Time to conversion of AF to sinus rhythm was significantly shorter in the vernakalant group compared with the propafenone group and was associated with shorter hospital stay.
Low body mass index is associated with impaired quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Fukuda Wataru , Omoto Atsushi , Ohta Tamaki , Majima Saori , Kimura Toshihiro , Tanaka Toru , Kohno Masataka , Kawahito Yutaka
Published: May 2013

Aim

To investigate the relationship between quality of life (QOL) and rheumatoid chachesia, malnutrition in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

EuroQol Group 5‐Dimension Self‐Report Questionnaire (EQ5D) and Japanese Health Assessment Questionnaire (JHAQ) scores, body mass index (BMI), arm muscle area (AMA) and clinical indicators were measured in 385 RA patients. One‐way analysis of variance for obtained data was conducted among three groups: 131 with low BMI (< 20), 163 with moderate (20–25) and 91 with high BMI (≥25). Then multiple regression analyses for JHAQ and EQ5D scores with nutritional and clinical indicators as independent variables were performed.

Results

EQ5D and JHAQ scores were significantly lower and higher, respectively, in the low BMI group than those in the moderate BMI group. Clinical indicators including doses of corticosteroid were similar among the three groups except for disease duration. Disease activity score (DAS) 28, disease duration, C‐reactive protein and AMA were significant variables in the regression model for EQ5D.

Conclusion

Low BMI deteriorates the QOL of RA patients. Muscle protein loss apparently leads to a reduction in BMI and QOL.
Global Income Inequality in Numbers: in History and Now
Authors: Milanovic Branko
Published: May 2013

This article presents an overview of calculations of global inequality, recently and over the long term, and outlines the main controversies and political and philosophical implications of the findings. It focuses in particular on the winners and losers of the most recent episode of globalization, from 1988 to 2008. It suggests that the period has witnessed the first decline in inequality between world citizens since the Industrial Revolution. However, the decline can be sustained only if countries' mean incomes continue to converge (as they have been doing during the past ten years) and if internal (within‐country) inequalities, which are already high, are kept in check. Mean‐income convergence would also reduce the huge ‘citizenship premium’ that is enjoyed today by the citizens of rich countries.
Assessing species occurrence and species‐specific use patterns of bais (forest clearings) in Central Africa with camera traps
Authors: Gessner Julia , Buchwald Rainer , Wittemyer George
Published: May 2013

The impacts of increasing resource extraction on biodiversity in the Central African rainforest are largely unknown, in part due to the lack of baseline data on species occurrence across the basin. Natural forest clearings (bais) in this region are key habitats for a variety of vertebrates and offer opportunities for monitoring species distribution. Information on species composition, however, is lacking from the majority of areas (except for long‐term study sites). Approaches and protocols for short‐term bai assessments can greatly advance such baseline knowledge. This study demonstrates that camera traps provide an effective method for species inventories (species occurrence and temporal activity patterns) and monitoring at bais across the broader region. In comparison with direct observational studies, they performed especially well regarding rare and nocturnal species. Camera traps during sampling sessions of 4 weeks or less recorded previously undocumented, and 65–94% of the mammals known to use each of seven Central African bais. Results indicate that many mammal species, in particular African forest elephants (Loxodonta africana cyclotis), visit bais preferentially at night. This underlines the urgent need for monitoring tools providing both diurnal and nocturnal data to provide baseline data that address conservation and management objectives.