bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanistic models for the intramolecular hydroxycarbene–formaldehyde conversion and their intermolecular interactions: Theory and chemistry of radicals, mono‐, and dications of hydroxycarbene and related configurations
Authors: Buck Henk M.
Published: April 2012

We have studied with theoretical and mechanistic models the intramolecular 1,2‐hydrogen shift in trans‐hydroxycarbene‐formaldehyde and trans‐methylhydroxycarbene‐acetaldehyde/vinyl alcohol, and the corresponding intermolecular complexation between hydroxycarbene (cis and trans) with formaldehyde. The purpose of our work is making an analysis of the proposed intramolecular hydrogen shifts mainly based on thermodynamic principles and the product selectivity on monochromatic irradiation of trans‐hydroxycarbene in carbon monoxide and molecular hydrogen, and formaldehyde. A geometric visualization of the various intermolecular complexes between hydroxycarbene and formaldehyde, based on ab initio results, is demonstrated and discussed with a concept abstracted from the van't Hoff dynamics for a regular tetrahedron in which the interstitial carbon changes its position from tetrahedral into a trigonal‐bipyramidal configuration. This concept has been also used for interactions via proton transfer, concretized as hydrogen‐bonded complexation in hydroxycarbene‐formaldehyde. With the introduced definitions for various van't Hoff ratio numbers, it was possible to judge the ab initio results of the intermolecular complexes between the hydroxycarbenes and formaldehyde. To make an eye‐opener, we discuss the role of the carbene lone pair in hydroxycarbene extended to the formation of mono‐ and dications demonstrating intermediates or transition states with an exclusive mechanistic behavior. Especially, substituted diaryl methylene dications are of interest for nucleophilic substitution reactions, which occur via an in‐plane tetracoordinate carbon intermediate, showing coherence with the orbital organization of methylene dications. A reaction of this type differs fundamentally from the classical S reaction. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Traveling‐wave ion mobility mass spectrometry of protein complexes: accurate calibrated collision cross‐sections of human insulin oligomers
Authors: Salbo Rune , Bush Matthew F. , Naver Helle , Campuzano Iain , Robinson Carol V. , Pettersson Ingrid , Jørgensen Thomas J. D. , Haselmann Kim F.
Published: April 2012

RATIONALE

The collision cross‐section (Ω) of a protein or protein complex ion can be measured using traveling‐wave (T‐wave) ion mobility (IM) mass spectrometry (MS) via calibration with compounds of known Ω. The T‐wave Ω‐values depend strongly on instrument parameters and calibrant selection. Optimization of instrument parameters and calibration standards are crucial for obtaining accurate T‐wave Ω‐values.

METHODS

Human insulin and the fast‐acting insulin aspart under native‐like conditions (ammonium acetate, physiological pH) were analyzed on Waters SYNAPT G1 and G2 HDMS instruments. The calibrated T‐wave Ω‐values of insulin monomer, dimer, and hexamer ions were measured using many different combinations of denatured and native‐like calibrants (masses between 2.85 and 256 kDa) and T‐wave conditions. Drift‐tube Ω‐values were obtained on a modified SYNAPT G1.

RESULTS

Insulin T‐wave Ω‐values were measured at 26 combinations of T‐wave velocity and amplitude. Optimal sets of calibrants were identified that yield Ω‐values with minimal dependence on T‐wave conditions and calibration plots with high R2‐values. The T‐wave Ω‐values determined under conditions satisfying these criteria had absolute errors <2%. Structural differences between human insulin and fast‐acting insulin aspart were probed with IM‐MS. Insulin aspart monomers have increased flexibility, while hexamers are more compact than human insulin.

CONCLUSIONS

Accurate T‐wave Ω‐values that are indistinguishable from drift‐tube values are obtained when using (1) native‐like calibrants with masses that closely bracket that of the analyte, (2) T‐wave velocities that maximize the R2 of the calibration plot for those calibrants, and (3) at least three replicates at T‐wave velocities that yield calibration plots with high R2. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of low‐level (sub‐microgram) sulfur concentrations by isotope dilution multi‐collector inductively couple plasma mass spectrometry using a 33S spike and internal normalization for mass bias correction
Authors: Mann Jacqueline L. , Vocke Robert D. , Kelly W. Robert
Published: April 2012

RATIONALE

The certification of sulfur (S) in Standard Reference Materials™ by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has been exclusively performed using isotope dilution thermal ionization mass spectrometry (ID‐TIMS). The ID‐TIMS measurement method is limited in its capability for low concentration measurements (<1 µg/g) due to the blank associated with the chemical reduction procedure (≈0.2 S µg). Newly developed materials and applications, such as biofuels made from soy and nanomedicine, pose a challenge to the ID‐TIMS technique because of their very low concentrations (<<1 µg/g) of S. As described here, a measurement technique with low S blanks is essential for low‐level S measurements.

METHODS

An isotope dilution (ID) multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC‐ICP‐MS) method combined with an internal normalization approach for mass bias correction has been used to determine low‐level S concentrations in synthetically prepared mixtures using a 33S‐enriched spike material. Dilute sulfur solutions (1 µg S/g) were prepared from NIST SRM 3154 (Sulfate Spectrometric Solution) to test the capability of this technique for measuring very low‐level S concentrations.

RESULTS

The concentration results for each solution were 0.983 ± 0.004 µg/g (95% CI, n = 2, k = 2), 1.006 ± 0.005 µg/g (95% CI, n = 2, k = 2), and 0.999 ± 0.003 µg/g (95% CI, n = 2, k = 2), in excellent agreement with the gravimetric determination, deviating less than 0.35% and suggesting the technique can yield unbiased and accurate results. The blanks averaged 13 ± 0.0017 ng S (1s).

CONCLUSIONS

The data results provide a clear indication that the ID‐MC‐ICP‐MS method for the determination of low‐level S concentrations is feasible. The more than one order of magnitude reduction of the blanks suggests that it is a better alternative to the ID‐TIMS method for very low S materials such as are encountered in biofuels and some biochemical species. Published 2012. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Confined direct analysis in real time ion source and its applications in analysis of volatile organic compounds of Citrus limon (lemon) and Allium cepa (onion)
Authors: Li Yue
Published: April 2012

The DART (direct analysis in real time) ion source is a novel atmospheric pressure ionization technique that enables efficient ionization of gases, liquids and solids with high throughput. A major limit to its wider application in the analysis of gases is its poor detection sensitivity caused by open‐air sampling. In this study, a confined interface between the DART ion source outlet and mass spectrometer sampling orifice was developed, where the plasma generated by the atmospheric pressure glow discharge collides and ionizes gas‐phase molecules in a Tee‐shaped flow tube instead of in open air. It leads to significant increase of collision reaction probability between high energy metastable molecules and analytes. The experimental results show that the ionization efficiency was increased at least by two orders of magnitude. This technique was then applied in the real time analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of Citrus Limon (lemon) and wounded Allium Cepa (onion). The confined DART ion source was proved to be a powerful tool for the studies of plant metabolomics. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bullying in schools: What is the problem, and how can educators solve it?
Authors: Strohmeier Dagmar , Noam Gil G.
Published: April 2012

This chapter reviews recent research on bullying from an educator's perspective. It is well known that bullying, a serious issue in schools, can be prevented when educators intervene. But research has shown that it is difficult for educators to detect bullying situations in their school and intervene competently and effectively. This chapter examines how educators can detect bullying, how they can best tackle serious cases of bullying, and how they can best prevent bullying in the long run.
Making bullying prevention a priority in Finnish schools: The KiVa antibullying program
Authors: Salmivalli Christina , Poskiparta Elisa
Published: April 2012

The KiVa antibullying program has been widely implemented in Finnish comprehensive schools since 2009. The program is predicated on the idea that a positive change in the behaviors of classmates can reduce the rewards gained by the perpetrators of bullying and consequently their motivation to bully in the first place. KiVa involves both universal and bullying specific actions to prevent the emergence of new cases of bullying, stop ongoing bullying, and reduce the negative consequences of victimization. The program has been evaluated in a randomized controlled trial involving 234 Finnish schools and during broad dissemination across Finnish schools (the evaluation involving almost one thousand schools) with positive findings. The program content and the implementation model are presented in this article, and the findings from the evaluation studies are summarized.
Human Stromal (Mesenchymal) Stem Cells from Bone Marrow, Adipose Tissue and Skin Exhibit Differences in Molecular Phenotype and Differentiation Potential
Authors: Al-Nbaheen May , vishnubalaji Radhakrishnan , Ali Dalia , Bouslimi Amel , Al-Jassir Fawzi , Megges Matthias , Prigione Alessandro , Adjaye James , Kassem Moustapha , Aldahmash Abdullah
Published: April 2012

Human stromal (mesenchymal) stem cells (hMSCs) are multipotent stem cells with ability to differentiate into mesoderm-type cells e.g. osteoblasts and adipocytes and thus they are being introduced into clinical trials for tissue regeneration. Traditionally, hMSCs have been isolated from bone marrow, but the number of cells obtained is limited. Here, we compared the MSC-like cell populations, obtained from alternative sources for MSC: adipose tissue and skin, with the standard phenotype of human bone marrow MSC (BM-MSCs). MSC from human adipose tissue (human adipose stromal cells (hATSCs)) and human skin (human adult skin stromal cells, (hASSCs) and human new-born skin stromal cells (hNSSCs)) grew readily in culture and the growth rate was highest in hNSSCs and lowest in hATSCs. Compared with phenotype of hBM-MSC, all cell populations were CD34−, CD45−, CD14−, CD31−, HLA-DR−, CD13+, CD29+, CD44+, CD73+, CD90+,and CD105+. When exposed to in vitro differentiation, hATSCs, hASSCs and hNSSCs exhibited quantitative differences in their ability to differentiate into adipocytes and to osteoblastic cells. Using a microarray-based approach we have unveiled a common MSC molecular signature composed of 33 CD markers including known MSC markers and several novel markers e.g. CD165, CD276, and CD82. However, significant differences in the molecular phenotype between these different stromal cell populations were observed suggesting ontological and functional differences. In conclusion, MSC populations obtained from different tissues exhibit significant differences in their proliferation, differentiation and molecular phenotype, which should be taken into consideration when planning their use in clinical protocols.
Adolescent leisure dimensions, psychosocial adjustment, and gender effects
Authors: Bradley Graham L. , Inglis Brad C.
Published: April 2012

Leisure provides the context for much of adolescent behaviour and development. While both theory and research point to the benefits of participation in leisure activities that are highly structured, the association between structured leisure and psychosocial adjustment is not uniformly high. This paper presents a model of adolescent leisure comprising three dimensions: structure, effort, and social contact. Adolescent adjustment is hypothesized to increase with participation in activities characterized by each of these attributes. Adjustment is also predicted to vary with gender, and with the interaction of gender and leisure participation. These propositions were tested in a questionnaire‐based study of 433 Australian adolescents. Results revealed majority support for hypotheses pertaining to the positive effects of the leisure dimensions, and for gender differences in leisure participation and adjustment. Evidence was also obtained of gender‐differentiated effects of leisure on adjustment, with social leisure predicting adjustment more strongly in females than males.
Crystal structure of Pyrococcus furiosus PF2050, a member of the DUF2666 protein family
Authors: Han Byeong-Gu , Jeong Kyung-Chae , Cho Jea-Won , Jeong Byung-Cheon , Song Hyun Kyu , Lee Jae Young , Shin Dong Hyuk , Lee Sangho , Lee Byung Il
Published: April 2012

Pyrococcus furiosus PF2050 is an uncharacterized putative protein that contains two DUF2666 domains. Functional and structural studies of PF2050 have not previously been performed. In this study, we determined the crystal structure of PF2050. The structure of PF2050 showed that the two DUF2666 domains interact tightly, forming a globular structure. Each DUF2666 domain comprises an antiparallel β‐sheet and an α‐helical bundle. One side of the PF2050 structure has a positively charged basic cleft, which may have a DNA‐binding function. Furthermore, we confirmed that PF2050 interacts with circular and linear dsDNA.
Perinatal outcome in cases of latent syphilis during pregnancy
Authors: Krakauer Yonit , Pariente Gali , Sergienko Ruslan , Wiznitzer Arnon , Sheiner Eyal
Published: April 2012

Objective

To investigate factors associated with latent syphilis and pregnancy outcome among women with latent syphilis.

Methods

A retrospective population‐based study was conducted to compare all pregnancies among women with and without latent syphilis at Soroka University Medical Center, Be'er‐Sheva, Israel, between 1988 and 2010. Stratified analysis using a multiple logistic regression model was performed to control for confounders.

Results

Of the 219 656 deliveries during the study period, 159 (0.1%) involved women with latent syphilis. Multivariate analysis with backward elimination revealed the following conditions to be significantly associated with latent syphilis: fetal growth restriction (odds ratio [OR] 2.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07–4.49; P = 0.03); drug abuse (OR 9.95; 95% CI, 1.31–75.46; P = 0.02); tobacco use (OR 3.35; 95% CI, 1.74–6.45; P < 0.05); and Jewish (vs Bedouin) ethnicity (OR 4.05; 95% CI, 2.65–6.20; P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Women with latent syphilis are at risk for adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes, including fetal growth restriction. Careful surveillance of these high‐risk pregnancies should be considered.
Vertical dispersion of model microorganisms in horizontal shear flow
Authors: Ishikawa Takuji
Published: April 2012

Microorganisms often swim upwards due to the cell’s phototaxis, chemotaxis or geotaxis, in flow fields with vertical velocity gradients. In this study, the vertical dispersion of model microorganisms was investigated under horizontal shear conditions. A microorganism was modelled as a spherical squirmer with or without bottom-heaviness. First, the three-dimensional movement of 100 identical squirmers in a homogeneous suspension was computed by the Stokesian dynamics method. The results show that the dispersion of squirmers is strongly affected by the swimming velocity and bottom-heaviness of the cells and the shear rate of the background flow. The vertical diffusion is considerably smaller than the horizontal diffusion. Interestingly, the vertical diffusion decreases as the volume fraction and the stresslet of squirmers decrease, which is opposite of the tendency in diffusion with no background flow. Next, a continuum model of a suspension of squirmers was developed using the diffusion tensor and the drift velocity to simulate the spatial distribution of squirmers in macroscopic flow fields. The results of the continuum model illustrate that the gyrotactic trapping found by Durham, Kessler & Stocker (Science, vol. 323, 2009, pp. 1067–1070) also appears in the present model considering cell–cell hydrodynamic interactions. In the case of horizontal Poiseuille flow, the volume fraction of bottom-heavy cells in the channel becomes considerably larger than that at the inlet. These fundamental findings are helpful for understanding the distribution of microorganisms in various water regimes in nature and industry.
Improved resistance to Eimeria acervulina infection in chickens due to dietary supplementation with garlic metabolites
Authors: Kim Duk Kyung , Lillehoj Hyun S. , Lee Sung Hyen , Lillehoj Erik P. , Bravo David
Published: April 2012

The effects of a compound including the secondary metabolites of garlic, propyl thiosulphinate (PTS) and propyl thiosulphinate oxide (PTSO), on the in vitro and in vivo parameters of chicken gut immunity during experimental Eimeria acervulina infection were evaluated. In in vitro assays, the compound comprised of PTSO (67 %) and PTS (33 %) dose-dependently killed invasive E. acervulina sporozoites and stimulated higher spleen cell proliferation. Broiler chickens continuously fed from hatch with PTSO/PTS compound-supplemented diet and orally challenged with live E. acervulina oocysts had increased body weight gain, decreased faecal oocyst excretion and greater E. acervulina profilin antibody responses, compared with chickens fed a non-supplemented diet. Differential gene expression by microarray hybridisation identified 1227 transcripts whose levels were significantly altered in the intestinal lymphocytes of PTSO/PTS-fed birds compared with non-supplemented controls (552 up-regulated, 675 down-regulated). Biological pathway analysis identified the altered transcripts as belonging to the categories ‘Disease and Disorder’ and ‘Physiological System Development and Function’. In the former category, the most significant function identified was ‘Inflammatory Response’, while the most significant function in the latter category was ‘Cardiovascular System Development and Function’. This new information documents the immunologic and genomic changes that occur in chickens following PTSO/PTS dietary supplementation, which are relevant to protective immunity during avian coccidiosis.
Supplementation with DHA and the psychological functioning of young adults
Authors: Benton D. , Donohoe R. T. , Clayton D. E. , Long S. J.
Published: April 2012

The grey matter of the brain contains high levels of the essential nutrient DHA. Although the role of DHA in the developing brain and in dementia has attracted attention, its influence on the brain of the healthy adult has been little considered. A total of 285 young adult females took 400 mg of DHA, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, for 50 d. After 50 d, recently acquired information was more likely to be forgotten by those who had consumed DHA. No significant differences in mood, reaction times, vigilance or visual acuity were found.
Energy utilisation and growth performance of chicken fed diets containing graded levels of supplementary bacterial phytase
Authors: Pirgozliev V. , Bedford M. R.
Published: April 2012

A total of 364 female Ross 308 chicks (1 d old) were used in the present study conducted in floor pens to investigate the effects of graded levels of supplementary bacterial phytase on dietary energy utilisation and growth performance. For this purpose, four maize–soyabean-based diets were offered to the birds from 0 to 21 d of age. These included a suboptimal P negative control (NC, 3·0 g/kg non-phytate P), NC+250 phytase units (FTU)/kg feed, NC+500 FTU and NC+2500 FTU. The effect of phytase activity on bird growth performance was best described as a linear relationship between increasing dose and increased feed intake (P< 0·001), but was quadratic for body-weight gain (P= 0·002) and feed efficiency (P= 0·023). There was no significant response (P>0·05) of dietary apparent metabolisable energy (AME) to supplementary phytase. The birds fed phytase increased their retention of total carcass energy in a linear fashion (P= 0·009) with increased phytase dose. The efficiency of dietary AME used for overall carcass energy retention also improved (P= 0·007) in a linear manner with increased dietary phytase activity. Dietary net energy for production (NEp) increased (P= 0·047) with an increase in phytase dose following a linear pattern, as an increase of 100 FTU increased dietary net energy by 15·4 J (estimated within the range of doses used in the present experiment). Dietary NEp was more highly correlated with performance criteria than dietary AME, and it seems to be a more sensitive way to evaluate broiler response to phytase supplementation.
A novel soluble β-1,3-d-glucan Salecan reduces adiposity and improves glucose tolerance in high-fat diet-fed mice
Authors: Zhang Ying , Xia Lin , Pang Wenqiang , Wang Tao , Chen Peng , Zhu Bin , Zhang Jianfa
Published: April 2012

Salecan is a recently identified water-soluble viscous extracellular β-1,3-d-glucan polysaccharide from anAgrobacteriumspecies. It is a high-molecular-mass polymer (about 2 × 106Da) and composed of a linear chain of glucosyl residues linked through a repeat unit of seven β-(1,3) and two α-(1,3) glucosidic bonds. In the present study, we examined the effects of dietary Salecan fed at 2 and 5 % in a high-fat diet (64 % energy) in C57BL/6J mice. After 6 weeks, mice fed 2 and 5 % Salecan had significantly lower body weight, fat mass and percentage of body fat mass compared with those fed a high-fat cellulose (control) diet. Both the Salecan groups significantly and dose-dependently improved glucose tolerance, with a 9 and 26 % reduction of glucose AUC, respectively. Liver and adipose tissue weights were also significantly decreased by the Salecan treatment. Supplementation with 5 % Salecan led to lower serum TAG, total cholesterol (TC) and HDL-cholesterol (52, 18 and 19 %, respectively) and lower hepatic TAG by 56 % and TC by 22 % compared with the high-fat cellulose control group. Dietary Salecan intake caused an obvious elevation of fat in the faeces. Supplementation with Salecan disturbed bile acid-promoted emulsification and reduced the size of emulsion dropletsin vitro.These results indicate that Salecan decreases fat absorption, improves glucose tolerance and has biologically important, dose-related effects on reducing high-fat diet-induced obesity.
Fish consumption and subsequent change in body weight in European women and men
Authors: Jakobsen Marianne U. , Dethlefsen Claus , Due Karen M. , May Anne M. , Romaguera Dora , Vergnaud Anne-Claire , Norat Teresa , Sørensen Thorkild I. A. , Halkjær Jytte , Tjønneland Anne , Boutron-Ruault Marie-Christine , Clavel-Chapelon Francoise , Fagherazzi Guy , Teucher Birgit , Kühn Tilman , Bergmann Manuela M. , Boeing Heiner , Naska Androniki , Orfanos Philippos , Trichopoulou Antonia , Palli Domenico , Santucci De Magistris Maria , Sieri Sabina , Bueno-de-Mesquita H. B. , van der A Daphne L. , Engeset Dagrun , Hjartåker Anette , Rodríguez Laudina , Agudo Antonio , Molina-Montes Esther , Huerta José M. , Barricarte Aurelio , Amiano Pilar , Manjer Jonas , Wirfält Elisabet , Hallmans Göran , Johansson Ingegerd , Khaw Kay-Tee , Wareham Nicholas J. , Key Timothy J. , Chajès Veronique , Slimani Nadia , Riboli Elio , Peeters Petra H. M. , Overvad Kim
Published: April 2012

Fish consumption is the major dietary source of EPA and DHA, which according to rodent experiments may reduce body fat mass and prevent obesity. Only a few human studies have investigated the association between fish consumption and body-weight gain. We investigated the association between fish consumption and subsequent change in body weight. Women and men (n 344 757) participating in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition were followed for a median of 5·0 years. Linear and logistic regression were used to investigate the associations between fish consumption and subsequent change in body weight. Among women, the annual weight change was 5·70 (95 % CI 4·35, 7·06), 2·23 (95 % CI 0·16, 4·31) and 11·12 (95 % CI 8·17, 14·08) g/10 g higher total, lean and fatty fish consumption per d, respectively. The OR of becoming overweight in 5 years among women who were normal weight at enrolment was 1·02 (95 % CI 1·01, 1·02), 1·01 (95 % CI 1·00, 1·02) and 1·02 (95 % CI 1·01, 1·04) g/10 g higher total, lean and fatty consumption per d, respectively. Among men, fish consumption was not statistically significantly associated with weight change. Adjustment for potential over- or underestimation of fish consumption did not systematically change the observed associations, but the 95 % CI became wider. The results in subgroups from analyses stratified by age or BMI at enrolment were not systematically different. In conclusion, the present study suggests that fish consumption has no appreciable association with body-weight gain.
Living with Uncertainty after March 11, 2011
Authors: Sand Jordan
Published: April 2012

One year has passed since the earthquake and tsunami in Tōhoku. How should we as scholars approach, think about, and teach about the disaster? In generations hence, will 2011 be treated as a historical turning point on a par with 1945? Will it appear more significant than the Great Kantō Earthquake of 1923, despite the far greater loss of life in that event? We have a long process of analysis and contextualization ahead before the traumatic events of March 2011 have sedimented into history. Meanwhile, the nuclear disaster continues. When the Japanese government announced in December that complete decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi reactors would take forty years, it became clear that even in the most optimistic scenario the world would be living with this disaster for a long time to come.
The population ecology of infectious diseases: pertussis in Thailand as a case study
Authors: BLACKWOOD J. C. , CUMMINGS D. A. T. , BROUTIN H. , IAMSIRITHAWORN S. , ROHANI P.
Published: April 2012

Many of the fundamental concepts in studying infectious diseases are rooted in population ecology. We describe the importance of population ecology in exploring central issues in infectious disease research including identifying the drivers and dynamics of host-pathogen interactions and pathogen persistence, and evaluating the success of public health policies. The use of ecological concepts in infectious disease research is demonstrated with simple theoretical examples in addition to an analysis of case notification data of pertussis, a childhood respiratory disease, in Thailand as a case study. We stress that further integration of these fields will have significant impacts in infectious diseases research.
New insights into sequence variation in the IGS region of 21 cyathostomin species and the implication for molecular identification
Authors: CWIKLINSKI K. , KOOYMAN F. N. J. , VAN DOORN D. C. K. , MATTHEWS J. B. , HODGKINSON J. E.
Published: April 2012

Cyathostomins comprise a group of 50 species of parasitic nematodes that infect equids. Ribosomal DNA sequences, in particular the intergenic spacer (IGS) region, have been utilized via several methodologies to identify pre-parasitic stages of the commonest species that affect horses. These methods rely on the availability of accurate sequence information for each species, as well as detailed knowledge of the levels of intra- and inter-specific variation. Here, the IGS DNA region was amplified and sequenced from 10 cyathostomin species for which sequence was not previously available. Also, additional IGS DNA sequences were generated from individual worms of 8 species already studied. Comparative analysis of these sequences revealed a greater range of intra-specific variation than previously reported (up to 23%); whilst the level of inter-specific variation (3–62%) was similar to that identified in earlier studies. The reverse line blot (RLB) method has been used to exploit the cyathostomin IGS DNA region for species identification. Here, we report validation of novel and existing DNA probes for identification of cyathostomins using this method and highlight their application in differentiating life-cycle stages such as third-stage larvae that cannot be identified to species by morphological means†.
Anthelmintic tolerance in free-living and facultative parasitic isolates ofHalicephalobus(Panagrolaimidae)
Authors: FONDERIE P. , BERT W. , HENDRICKX F. , HOUTHOOFD W. , MOENS T.
Published: April 2012

Studies on anthelmintic resistance in equine parasites do not include facultative parasites.Halicephalobus gingivalisis a free-living bacterivorous nematode and a known facultative parasite of horses with a strong indication of some form of tolerance to common anthelmintic drugs. This research presents the results of anin vitrostudy on the anthelmintic tolerance of several isolates ofHalicephalobusto thiabendazole and ivermectin using an adaptation of the Micro-Agar Larval Development Test hereby focusing on egg hatching and larval development.Panagrellus redivivusandPanagrolaimus superbuswere included as a positive control. The results generally show that the anthelmintic tolerance ofHalicephalobusto both thiabendazole and ivermectin was considerably higher than that of the closely related Panagrolaimidae and, compared to other studies, than that of obligatory equine parasites. Our results further reveal a remarkable trend of increasing tolerance from fully free-living isolates towards horse-associated isolates.In vitroanthelmintic testing with free-living and facultative parasitic nematodes offers the advantage of observing drug effect on the complete life cycle as opposed to obligatory parasites that can only be followed until the third larval stage. We therefore proposeHalicephalobus gingivalisas an experimental tool to deepen our understanding of the biology of anthelmintic tolerance.
Is there change in intelligence quotient in chronically ill schizophrenia patients? A longitudinal study in twins discordant for schizophrenia
Authors: Hedman A. M. , van Haren N. E. M. , van Baal G. C. M. , Brans R. G. H. , Hijman R. , Kahn R. S. , Hulshoff Pol H. E.
Published: April 2012

Background

Intellectual deficits are commonly found in schizophrenia patients. These intellectual deficits have been found to be heritable. However, whether the intellectual deficits change over time and, if so, whether the change is related with an increased genetic risk for the disease are not known.

Method

We investigated change of intelligence quotient (IQ) in a twin sample of chronically ill schizophrenia patients, the discordant co-twins and healthy controls during a follow-up period of 5 years. A total of 52 twins completed two IQ assessments: nine patients [three monozygotic (MZ) and six dizygotic (DZ)], 10 unaffected co-twins (three MZ and seven DZ) and 33 healthy control twins (21 MZ and 12 DZ).

Results

A significant interaction effect over time was found between IQ measurement and illness (F=4.22, df=1,p<0.05), indicating that change in IQ over time is significantly different between the groups. A stable course in IQ over time was found in the patients with schizophrenia (mean IQ from 109.78 at baseline to 108.44 at follow-up) relative to both the healthy control twins who showed a small increase (from 114.61 at baseline to 119.18 at follow-up) (t=2.06,p<0.05) and the unaffected co-twins (from 111.60 to 117.60,t=−2.32,p<0.05). IQ change in the unaffected co-twins of schizophrenia patients was comparable with that in healthy control twins (t=−0.49,p=0.63).

Conclusions

Patients with schizophrenia in the chronic phase of the disease, but not the discordant co-twins, show a lack of increase in IQ, which is probably due to environmental (non-genetic) factors related to the disease.
Disordered gambling among higher-frequency gamblers: who is at risk?
Authors: Hodgins D. C. , Schopflocher D. P. , Martin C. R. , el-Guebaly N. , Casey D. M. , Currie S. R. , Smith G. J. , Williams R. J.
Published: April 2012

Background

When gambling opportunities are made available to the public in a given jurisdiction, some individuals participate occasionally and others more frequently. Among frequent gamblers, some individuals develop problematic involvement and some do not. This study addresses the association among demographic and social risk factors, frequency of gambling and gambling disorders.

Method

Data from an adult community sample (n=1372) were used to identify risk factors for higher-frequency gambling and disordered gambling involvement.

Results

Individuals with higher intelligence, older individuals and more religious individuals were less frequent gamblers. Males, single individuals and those exposed to gambling environments (friends and family who gamble) and those who started to gamble at a younger age were more frequent gamblers. Excitement-seeking personality traits were also higher among more frequent gamblers. A different set of risk factors was associated with the likelihood of gambling disorder among these higher-frequency gamblers. These variables included mental health indicators, childhood maltreatment and parental gambling involvement. Among higher-frequency gamblers, individuals who smoke cigarettes, those with a diagnosis of alcohol or drug dependence or obsessive–compulsive disorder, those with higher anxiety or depression and those with higher impulsivity and antisocial personality traits were more likely to report gambling-related problems. These individuals were also more likely to report gambling on electronic gambling machines (e.g. slot machines).

Conclusions

These data suggest a model in which higher-frequency gambling, particularly with electronic gambling machines, when combined with any type of emotional vulnerability increased the likelihood of gambling disorder.
UPDATE OF THE DUTCH MANUAL FOR COSTING IN ECONOMIC EVALUATIONS
Authors: Tan Siok Swan , Bouwmans Clazien A. M. , Rutten Frans F. H. , Hakkaart-van Roijen Leona
Published: April 2012

Objectives: In 2000, the first “Dutch Manual for Costing: Methods and Reference Prices for Economic Evaluations in Healthcare” was published, followed by an updated version in 2004. The purpose of the Manual is to facilitate the implementation and assessment of costing studies in economic evaluations. New developments necessitated the publication of a thoroughly updated version of the Manual in 2010. The present study aims to describe the main changes of the 2010 Manual compared with earlier editions of the Manual.

Methods: New and updated topics of the Manual were identified. The recommendations of the Manual were compared with the health economic guidelines of other countries, eliciting strengths and limitations of alternative methods.

Results: New topics in the Manual concern medical costs in life-years gained, the database of the Diagnosis Treatment Combination (DBC) casemix System, reference prices for the mental healthcare sector and the costs borne by informal care-givers. Updated topics relate to the friction cost method, discounting future effects and options for transferring cost results from international studies to the Dutch situation.

Conclusions: The Action Plan is quite similar to many health economic guidelines in healthcare. However, the recommendations on particular aspects may differ between national guidelines in some respects. Although the Manual may serve as an example to countries intending to develop a manual of this kind, it should always be kept in mind that preferred methods predominantly depend on a country's specific context.
TO EVALUATE VERSUS TO KNOW THE VALUE OF EVERYTHING
Authors: Hofmann Bjørn , Saarni Samuli I. , Braunack-Mayer Annette , van der Wilt Gert Jan
Published: April 2012

Kathrin Dengler and Uta Bittner demand a full-fledged philosophy of values in our empirical study of various methods for ethical analysis in health technology assessment (HTA). This may be like putting the classification of disease on hold until the concept of disease is clarified, or postponing the development of health care until the term “health” is clarified. As Dengler and Bittner rightly point out, the term value has many meanings, and as they properly recognize: “[P]hilosophically, the definition of what is meant by ‘a good life’ or ‘well-being’ is a very challenging project.” Hence, it may be a bit over the top to crave that we solve eternal issues in an empirical article on methodology.
Concurrent trade defense investigations in the EU, the EU's new anti-subsidy practice against China, and the future of both
Authors: VERMULST EDWIN , GATTA BRIAN
Published: April 2012

The EU's decision to follow in the footsteps of the United States by breaking with its past practice of not applying countervailing duties against Chinese subsidies has left many wondering whether its first imposition of such duties on Coated Fine Paper from China was a watershed moment in EU trade defense history or merely an aberration, and if the former, just how profound of an impact these cases might have in the future. The article examines the key considerations which can aid one in determining the probability of the EU making an anti-subsidy practice against China routine, as well as the extent to which that practice could have a substantial practical impact on duty rates. This examination entails a look at the EU's historical use of the anti-subsidy instrument as a subordinate complement to the anti-dumping instrument, the impact of the EU's adoption of the ‘lesser duty rule’ on concurrent investigations, the way in which the expiration of a key provision in China's Protocol of Accession to the WTO will increase the desirability of the anti-subsidy instrument, as well as a look at how the European Commission might have fallen foul of the SCM Agreement with regard to a few key points.
Emotionsregulation und Psychopathologie
Authors: Barnow Sven
Published: April 2012

Zusammenfassung. Eine Vielzahl psychischer Störungen im DSM-IV und ICD-10 beinhalten Symptome einer maladaptiven Emotionsregulation. Der folgende Beitrag beinhaltet einen Überblick zu Definition und Funktion von Emotionsregulation (ER). Danach werden neurowissenschaftliche Modellvorstellungen der ER und empirische Befunde zu neuronalen Korrelaten von ER-Prozessen vorgestellt. Anschließend dokumentiere ich überblicksartig Studienbefunde zur Bedeutung von ER-Prozessen für internalisierende und externalisierende Störungen. Der Beitrag schließt mit Anregungen bezüglich zukünftiger Forschungsansätze und Integration in die Psychotherapieforschung.
Significant and vertically coherent seismic anisotropy beneath eastern Tibet
Authors: León Soto Gerardo , Sandvol Eric , Ni James F. , Flesch Lucy , Hearn Thomas M. , Tilmann Frederik , Chen John , Brown Larry D.
Published: April 2012

Shear wave splitting measurements using teleseismic SKS and SKKS phases recorded by the INDEPTH‐IV arrays has revealed a strong upper mantle anisotropic fabric in northeastern Tibet with large delay times of up to 2.2 s, suggesting that anisotropy exists in both the lithospheric and asthenospheric mantle. The coherence among fast polarization orientations of split core phases and the left‐lateral slip on eastern‐striking, southern‐striking faults in eastern Tibet and the surface deformation fields calculated from both GPS observations and Quaternary fault slip rates support the idea that left‐lateral shear strain is the predominant cause of the orientation of the upper mantle petrofabrics. We suggest the bending of the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis around the foundering Burma‐Andaman‐Sumatra slab also contributes to the observed seismic anisotropy in the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis region. Two plausible competing processes are proposed for the flow of asthenosphere in eastern Tibet. In the first, the deforming lithosphere glides over the passive asthenosphere inducing flow in the asthenospheric mantle. In the second, the asthenosphere beneath northeastern Tibet is squeezed between the advancing Indian continental lithosphere and the thick Tarim and Qaidam lithospheric blocks to the north. A westward retreat of the Burma slab from Eurasia may induce flow that is toroidal and located exclusively around the northern edge of the slab. The rotation of fast orientations for stations in the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis region are consistent with the toroidal flow pattern as well as the rotational deformation of the overlying lithosphere.
Dynamic rupture of the 2011 Mw 9.0 Tohoku‐Oki earthquake: Roles of a possible subducting seamount
Authors: Duan Benchun
Published: April 2012

Using a hybrid MPI/OpenMP parallel finite element method for spontaneous rupture and seismic wave propagation simulations, we investigate features in rupture propagation, slip distribution, seismic radiation, and seafloor deformation of the 2011 Mw 9.0 Tohoku‐Oki earthquake to gain physical insights into the event. With simplified shallow dipping (10°) planar fault geometry, 1D velocity structure, and a slip‐weakening friction law, we primarily investigate initial stress and strength conditions that can produce rupture and seismic radiation characteristics of the event revealed by kinematic inversions, and seafloor displacements observed near the epicenter. By a large suite of numerical experiments aided by parallel computing on modern supercomputers, we find that a seamount of a dimension of ∼70 km by 23 km just updip of the hypocenter on the subducting plane, parameterized by higher static friction, lower pore fluid pressure, and higher initial stress than surrounding regions, may play a dominant role in the 2011 event. Its high strength stalls updip rupture for tens of seconds, and its high stress drop generates large slip. Its failure drives the rupture to propagate into the shallow portion that is likely velocity‐strengthening, resulting in significant slip near the trench within a limited area. However, the preferred model suggests that the largest slip in the event occurs near the hypocenter. High‐strength patches along the downdip portion of the subducting plane are most effective among several possible factors in generating high‐frequency seismic radiations, suggesting the initial strength distribution there is very heterogeneous.
First measurements of nitrous oxide in Arctic sea ice
Authors: Randall Kevin , Scarratt Michael , Levasseur Maurice , Michaud Sonia , Xie Huixiang , Gosselin Michel
Published: April 2012

Nitrous oxide (N2O) contributes ∼6% of the total radiative forcing from long‐lived greenhouse gases. While tropospheric concentrations have increased by 20% since the beginning of the industrial revolution, sources and sinks of N2O are still poorly quantified. In the Arctic, N2O atmospheric concentrations vary seasonally, due mainly to vertical mixing. The contributions of local natural sources to this cycle are still unknown. Here we report on N2O measurements conducted in the bottom 10 cm of the sea ice and in the underlying surface water (USW) from late March to early May 2008 in the southeastern Beaufort Sea and Amundsen Gulf. Bulk N2O concentrations in ice were low (∼6 nM) and were consistently undersaturated with respect to the USW (∼40% saturation) and the atmosphere (∼30% saturation). Loss of N2O via brine rejection during sea ice formation in fall and winter can explain these low N2O ice concentrations. An unknown fraction of this rejected N2O is likely ventilated to the atmosphere either directly from the ice or through leads during ice formation, while in spring and early summer, melting of the N2O‐depleted sea ice is expected to lower the partial pressure of N2O of newly open waters which could act as a sink for atmospheric N2O. These first measurements indicate that sea ice formation and melt has the potential to generate sea‐air or air‐sea fluxes of N2O, respectively.
The equatorial Pacific cold tongue simulated by IPCC AR4 coupled GCMs: Upper ocean heat budget and feedback analysis
Authors: Zheng Yangxing , Lin Jia‐Lin , Shinoda Toshiaki
Published: April 2012

This study examines the contribution of ocean dynamics to sea surface temperature (SST) biases in the eastern Pacific cold tongue region in fifteen coupled general circulation models (CGCMs) participating in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report (AR4). Twenty years (1980–1999) of the twentieth‐century (20C3m) climate simulations from each model are analyzed. An excessive and narrow SST cold tongue that extends too far west into the western Pacific in comparison to observations is a common bias in CGCMs. This feature is found in CGCMs analyzed here and in many previous studies. The heat budget analysis indicates that errors in both net surface heat flux and total upper ocean heat advection significantly contribute to the excessive cold tongue in the equatorial Pacific. The stronger heat advection in the models is caused by overly strong horizontal heat advection associated with too strong zonal currents, and overly strong vertical heat advection due to excessive upwelling and the vertical gradient of temperature. The Bjerknes feedback in the coupled models is shown to be weaker than in observations, which may be related to the insufficient response of surface zonal winds to SST in the models and an erroneous subsurface temperature structure. A hypothesis that describes how the cold tongue bias is possibly developed in the CGCMs is provided based on the results of our analysis.
Optical properties and radiative forcing of the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic ash layer observed over Lille, France, in 2010
Authors: Derimian Y. , Dubovik O. , Tanre D. , Goloub P. , Lapyonok T. , Mortier A.
Published: April 2012

In this work we characterize optical properties and assess the direct radiative effect of an ash plume observed on April 17, 2010 by AERONET, lidar and broadband solar flux measurements collocated on the roof of the Laboratory of Atmospheric Optics in Lille, northern France. These measurements allowed experimental evaluation of ash radiative impact and validation of simulations. The derived aerosol model of ash is characterized by a bi‐modal size distribution dominated by coarse mode centered at a radius of 1.5 μm and by relatively strong absorption at short wavelengths (single scattering albedo of 0.81 ± 0.02 at 440 nm as opposed to 0.92 ± 0.02 at 670, 870 and 1020 nm). Due to relatively low aerosol optical thickness during the ash plume transport (∼0.26 at 440 nm), which is unfavorable for AERONET retrievals, the uncertainties in derived ash aerosol model were additionally evaluated. The complex refractive index of ash was derived assuming that effective refractive index retrieved by AERONET for externally mixed bi‐component aerosol can be approximated as an average of refractive indices of two components weighted by their volume concentrations. Evaluation of the accuracy of this approximation showed acceptably small errors in simulations of single scattering albedo and aerosol phase function over the range of scattering angles observed by the AERONET almucantar. Daily average radiative forcing efficiency of ash calculated for a land surface reflectance representing Lille was about −93 ± 12 Wm−2 τ550−1 and −31 ± 2 Wm−2 τ550−1 at the bottom and top of the atmosphere; the values for an ocean surface reflectance are also provided.