bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genesis of the Chehugou Mo-bearing granitic complex on the northern margin of the North China Craton: geochemistry, zircon U–Pb age and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes
Authors: ZENG QING-DONG , YANG JIN-HUI , LIU JIAN-MING , CHU SHAO-XIONG , DUAN XIAO-XIA , ZHANG ZUO-LUN , ZHANG WEI-QING , ZHANG SONG
Published: November 2011

The Chehugou granite-hosted molybdenum deposit is typical of the Xilamulun metallogenic belt, which is an important Mo–Ag–Pb–Zn producer in China. A combination of major and trace element, Sr and Nd isotope, and zircon U–Pb isotopic data are reported for the Chehugou batholith to constrain its petrogenesis and Mo mineralization. The zircon SIMS U–Pb dating yields mean ages of 384.7 ± 4.0 Ma and 373.1 ± 5.9 Ma for monzogranite and syenogranite and 265.6 ± 3.5 Ma and 245.1 ± 4.4 Ma for syenogranite porphyry and granite porphyry, respectively. The Devonian granites are calc-alkaline with K2O/Na2O ratios of 0.44–0.52, the Permian granites are alkali-calcic with K2O/Na2O ratios of 1.13–1.25, and the Triassic granites are calc-alkaline and alkali-calcic rocks with K2O/Na2O ratios of 0.78–1.63. They are all enriched in large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and depleted in high-field-strength elements (HFSEs) with negative Nb and Ta anomalies in primitive mantle-normalized trace element diagrams. They have relatively high Sr (189–1256 ppm) and low Y (3.87–5.43 ppm) concentrations. The Devonian granites have relatively high initial Sr isotope ratios of 0.7100–0.7126, negative ɛNd(t) values of −12.3 to −12.4 and 206Pb/204Pb ratios of 16.46–17.50. In contrast, the Permian and Triassic granitoids have relatively low initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7048–0.7074), negative ɛNd(t) values of −10.1 to −13.1 and 206Pb/204Pb ratios of 17.23–17.51. These geochemical features suggest that the Devonian, Permian and Triassic Chehugou granitoids were derived from ancient, garnet-bearing crustal rocks related to subduction of the Palaeo-Asian Ocean and subsequent continent–continent collision between the North China and Siberian plates.
Nonlinear structure of ion-acoustic solitary waves in a relativistic degenerate electron–positron–ion plasma
Authors: RASHEED A. , TSINTSADZE N. L. , MURTAZA G. , CHAUDHARY R.
Published: November 2011

Arbitrary amplitude and small amplitude ion-acoustic solitary waves (IASWs) have been investigated in a relativistic, collisionless, unmagnetized, and degenerate dense electron–positron–ion plasma. The arbitrary amplitude IASWs have been studied by using the Sagdeev-type pseudo-potential approach. Along with approximate solution, the exact amplitude solitary structure has also been studied numerically. The electrons and positrons are assumed to follow the corresponding Fermi distribution function and the ions are described by the hydrodynamic equations. A new dispersion relation for the ion-acoustic wave has been derived for the relativistic Thomas–Fermi plasma. An energy balance-like equation involving the Sagdeev-type pseudo-potential has been investigated and it has been shown that the concentration of plasma particles has significant effect on the permitted Mach number range of IASWs. Also, it has been pointed out that the only compressional supersonic IASWs can propagate in the relativistic Thomas–Fermi plasma. The present work would be helpful to understand the excitation of the nonlinear ion-acoustic waves in a degenerate plasma, such as in superdense white dwarfs and in the cores of massive planets.
Status of, and conservation recommendations for, the Critically Endangered crested black macaqueMacaca nigrain Tangkoko, Indonesia
Authors: Palacios Juan Francisco Gallardo , Engelhardt Antje , Agil Muhammad , Hodges Keith , Bogia Roger , Waltert Matthias
Published: November 2011

The crested black macaqueMacaca nigra, endemic to Sulawesi, Indonesia, is categorized as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and its population in the Tangkoko Nature Reserve is probably the only viable one within its native range. Earlier studies suggested that this population suffered a decline of 75% during 1978–1994. To evaluate its current status we conducted a line transect survey in the Reserve and assessed effects of ecological and anthropogenic variables on macaque abundance and distribution. We estimated a density of 44.9 individuals km-2(95% confidence interval, CI, 25.6–78.8) and a total population of 1,951 individuals (CI 1,113–3,421). This estimate of density is 35% lower than that of 68.7 individuals km-2in 1994. There were moderate to strong correlations between macaque abundance and vegetation structure (basal area and canopy tree density). We observed illegal logging in the area and therefore habitat quality for macaques may be indirectly affected by illegal human activities. If our population estimate is projected linearlyM. nigracould become extinct in Tangkoko within 46 years, highlighting the urgent need to improve management of illegal hunting and logging in the Reserve.
BAAL/CUP Seminars 2010
Authors: Sealey Alison
Published: November 2011

University of Birmingham, 24–25 June 2010

The event (co-ordinated by Alison Sealey and Paul Thompson, University of Birmingham) was divided so that the first day focused mainly on the use of corpus-informed teaching with L1 learners and the second on additional language teaching contexts.
Historical, cultural and social perspectives on luxury seafood consumption in China
Authors: FABINYI MICHAEL
Published: November 2011

Since China is a leading market for a number of types of seafood, and much of this seafood is imported from other countries, Chinese consumption of seafood is an issue of vital importance to many of the world's fisheries. Focusing on luxury seafood, in particular bêche-de-mer, shark fin and live reef food fish, this paper firstly examines the links between Chinese consumption and species population trends in source countries. After a discussion of current efforts at conservation and management of these fisheries, the paper shows how the consumption of luxury seafood in contemporary China is intertwined with broader historical trends, including the expansion of Southern Chinese cuisine; cultural beliefs and traditions, in particular surrounding elements of traditional Chinese medicine; and most importantly, notions of social status and conspicuous consumption linked to the development of the Chinese economy and social stratification. The paper points to the role of the historical, cultural and social processes that underlie Chinese luxury seafood consumption, and to the need for greater levels of action among various actors to address this consumption if sustainability is to be achieved.
Sources of differential participation rates in school science: the impact of curriculum reform
Authors: Homer Matt , Ryder Jim , Donnelly Jim
Published: November 2011

School science courses have widely varying participation rates across a range of student characteristics. One of the stated aims of the 2006 Key Stage 4 science curriculum reforms in England was to improve social mobility and inclusion. To encourage students to study more science, this reform was followed by the introduction in 2008 of an entitlement to study the three separate sciences at Key Stage 4 for the more highly attaining students. This paper uses longitudinal national data over a five‐year period to investigate the extent and change of participation across science courses at KS4, focusing on student gender and socio‐economic status. It finds that whilst there is some evidence of a move towards a more equitable gender balance for some courses, there is as yet little evidence of substantial change in differential participation rates by socio‐economic status.
Authentic purpose: the spiritual infrastructure of life
Authors: Keyes Corey L.M.
Published: November 2011

Purpose is an intention and a cognitive sense of one’s life. As an intention, purpose is the quality of being determined to do or achieve something, which resides in all forms of life in the universe. For humans, however, the valence and likelihood of enactment of the intention of purpose is capricious, as is the resulting sense of purpose in life. When absent or low, a sense of purpose places individuals at risk for psychopathologies; when present in sufficient levels, a sense of purpose buffers against adversity and enhances life chances. Unfortunately, studies show that key measures of “authentic purpose”, which are a psychological purpose in life (i.e. direction and goals) and social contribution (i.e. has something of value to give to society), are at their zenith in young adulthood and decline steadily throughout the lifespan. In addition to reviewing the religious and social scientific literature on the nature, function, and age trajectories of purpose in adult life, this article explores why this important infrastructure of life does not increase or remain constant throughout adulthood. To that end, this article reviews whether and how the modern university is, or is not, sustaining or promoting purpose in life in students in preparation for their occupancy and custodianship of important social roles throughout adulthood. Particular attention is then focused on how purpose in life does and does not emerge in work-life and occupations in adulthood. Literature is reviewed on the nature of work in terms of “callings”, “careers”, and “jobs”, the prevalence of callings in the workplace, and the consequences of callings in work and life.
Effect of He on D retention in W exposed to low-energy, high-fluence (D, He, Ar) mixture plasmas
Authors: Baldwin M.J. , Doerner R.P. , Wampler W.R. , Nishijima D. , Lynch T. , Miyamoto M.
Published: November 2011

Please see the PDF file.
The 5′ leader sequence of mouse mammary tumor virus enhances expression of the envelope and reporter genes
Authors: Hohenadl Christine , Gunzburg Walter H. , Salmons Brian , Indik Stanislav
Published: November 2011

Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) is a complex betaretrovirus, which utilizes a Rev-like auxiliary protein Rem to export the unspliced viral RNA from the nucleus. MMTV env mRNA appears to be exported via a distinct, Rem-independent, mechanism. Here, we analysed the effect of an extensively folded region coinciding with the 5′ leader sequence on env gene expression. We found that the presence of the 5′ leader stimulates expression of the envelope protein. Enhanced Env production was accompanied by increased cytoplasmic levels of env mRNA. The 5′ leader promotes nucleocytoplasmic translocation and increases stability of env mRNA. The region responsible for this effect was mapped to the distal part of the 5′ leader. Furthermore, the 5′ leader inserted in the sense orientation into a heterologous luciferase expression construct increased luciferase activity.
X-ray-Raman-scattering-based EXAFS beyond the dipole limit
Authors: Huotari Simo , Pylkkänen Tuomas , Soininen J. Aleksi , Kas Joshua J. , Hämäläinen Keijo , Monaco Giulio
Published: November 2011

X-ray Raman scattering (XRS) provides a bulk-sensitive method of measuring the extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) of soft X-ray absorption edges. Accurate measurements and data analysis procedures for the determination of XRS-EXAFS of polycrystalline diamond are described. The contributions of various angular-momentum components beyond the dipole limit to the atomic background and the EXAFS oscillations are incorporated using self-consistent real-space multiple-scattering calculations. The properly extracted XRS-EXAFS oscillations are in good agreement with calculations and earlier soft X-ray EXAFS results. It is shown, however, that under certain conditions multiple-scattering contributions to XRS-EXAFS deviate from those in standard EXAFS, leading to noticeable changes in the real-space signal at higher momentum transfers owing to non-dipole contributions. These results pave the way for the accurate application of XRS-EXAFS to previously inaccessible light-element systems.
Structures of engineered Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin derivatives
Authors: Masuyer Geoffrey , Stancombe Patrick , Chaddock John A. , Acharya K. Ravi
Published: November 2011

Targeted secretion inhibitors (TSIs) are a new class of engineered biopharmaceutical molecules derived from the botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs). They consist of the metalloprotease light chain (LC) and translocation domain (Hn) of BoNT; they thus lack the native toxicity towards motor neurons but are able to target soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein attachment receptor (SNARE) proteins. These functional fragment (LHn) derivatives are expressed as single-chain proteins and require post-translational activation into di-chain molecules for function. A range of BoNT derivatives have been produced to demonstrate the successful use of engineered SNARE substrate peptides at the LC–Hn interface that gives these molecules self-activating capabilities. Alternatively, recognition sites for specific exoproteases can be engineered to allow controlled activation. Here, the crystal structures of three LHn derivatives are reported between 2.7 and 3.0 Å resolution. Two of these molecules are derivatives of serotype A that contain a SNARE peptide. Additionally, a third structure corresponds to LHn serotype B that includes peptide linkers at the exoprotease activation site. In all three cases the added engineered segments could not be modelled owing to disorder. However, these structures highlight the strong interactions holding the LHn fold together despite the inclusion of significant polypeptide sequences at the LC–Hn interface.
Overexpression, purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of the periplasmic domain of outer membrane protein A from Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Park Jeong Soon , Lee Woo Cheol , Choi Saehae , Yeo Kwon Joo , Song Jung Hyun , Han Young-Hyun , Lee Je Chul , Kim Seung Il , Jeon Young Ho , Cheong Chaejoon , Kim Hye-Yeon
Published: November 2011

Outer membrane protein A from Acinetobacter baumannii (AbOmpA) is a major outer membrane protein and a key player in the bacterial pathogenesis that induces host cell death. AbOmpA is presumed to consist of an N-terminal β-barrel transmembrane domain and a C-terminal periplasmic OmpA-like domain. In this study, the recombinant C-terminal periplasmic domain of AbOmpA was overexpressed in Escherichia coli, purified and crystallized using the vapour-diffusion method. A native diffraction data set was collected to a resolution of 2.0 Å using synchrotron radiation. The space group of the crystal was P21, with unit-cell parameters a = 58.24, b = 98.59, c = 97.96 Å, β = 105.92°. The native crystal contained seven or eight molecules per asymmetric unit and had a calculated Matthews coefficient of 2.93 or 2.56 Å3 Da−1.
A functional genomics approach to dissect the mode of action of the Stagonospora nodorum effector protein SnToxA in wheat
Authors: VINCENT DELPHINE , DU FALL LAUREN A. , LIVK ANDREJA , MATHESIUS ULRIKE , LIPSCOMBE RICHARD J. , OLIVER RICHARD P. , FRIESEN TIMOTHY L. , SOLOMON PETER S.
Published: November 2011

In this study, proteomics and metabolomics were used to study the wheat response to exposure to the SnToxA effector protein secreted by the fungal pathogen Stagonospora nodorum during infection. Ninety‐one different acidic and basic proteins and 101 metabolites were differentially abundant when comparing SnToxA‐ and control‐treated wheat leaves during a 72‐h time course. Proteins involved in photosynthesis were observed to increase marginally initially after exposure, before decreasing rapidly and significantly. Proteins and metabolites associated with the detoxification of reactive oxygen species in the chloroplast were also differentially abundant during SnToxA exposure, implying that the disruption of photosynthesis causes the rapid accumulation of chloroplastic reactive oxygen species. Metabolite profiling revealed major metabolic perturbations in central carbon metabolism, evidenced by significant increases in tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates, suggestive of an attempt by the plant to generate ATP and reducing equivalents in response to the collapse of photosynthesis caused by SnToxA. This was supported by the observation that the TCA cycle enzyme malate dehydrogenase was up‐regulated in response to SnToxA. The infiltration of SnToxA also resulted in a significant increase in abundance of many pathogenicity‐related proteins, even in the absence of the pathogen or other pathogen‐associated molecular patterns. This approach highlights the complementary nature of proteomics and metabolomics in studying effector–host interactions, and provides further support for the hypothesis that necrotrophic pathogens, such as S. nodorum, appear to exploit existing host cell death mechanisms to promote pathogen growth and cause disease.
Kangaroo Mother Care helps fathers of preterm infants gain confidence in the paternal role
Authors: Blomqvist Ylva Thernström , Rubertsson Christine , Kylberg Elisabeth , Jöreskog Karin , Nyqvist Kerstin Hedberg
Published: November 2011

blomqvist y.t., rubertsson c., kylberg e., jöreskog k. & nyqvist k.h. (2012) Kangaroo Mother Care helps fathers of preterm infants gain confidence in the paternal role. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(9), 1988–1996.

Aim.  This article is a report on a descriptive study of fathers’ experiences of providing their preterm infants with Kangaroo Mother Care.

Background.  During neonatal intensive care, fathers describe the incubator as a barrier and the separation from their infant as stressful. Fathers consider it important to be close to the infant, and performing Kangaroo Mother Care makes them feel an important participant in their infants’ care.

Method.  Individual interviews conducted in 2009 with seven fathers who performed Kangaroo Mother Care were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results.  The fathers’ opportunity for being close to their infants facilitated attainment of their paternal role in the neonatal intensive care unit. Kangaroo Mother Care allowed them to feel in control and that they were doing something good for their infant, although the infant’s care could be demanding and stressful. As active agents in their infant’s care, some fathers stayed with the infant during the whole hospital stay, others were at the neonatal intensive care unit all day long. Despite the un‐wished‐for situation, they adapted to their predicament and spent as much time as possible with their infants.

Conclusion.  Fathers’ opportunities for Kangaroo Mother Care helped them to attain their paternal role and to cope with the unexpected situation. The physical environment and conflicting staff statements influenced their opportunity for, and experience of, caring for their preterm infants.
Density dependence in group dynamics of a highly social mongoose, Suricata suricatta
Authors: Bateman Andrew W. , Ozgul Arpat , Coulson Tim , Clutton‐Brock Tim H.
Published: November 2011

1. For social species, the link between individual behaviour and population dynamics is mediated by group‐level demography.

2. Populations of obligate cooperative breeders are structured into social groups, which may be subject to inverse density dependence (Allee effects) that result from a dependence on conspecific helpers, but evidence for population‐wide Allee effects is rare.

3. We use field data from a long‐term study of cooperative meerkats (Suricata suricatta; Schreber, 1776) – a species for which local Allee effects are not reflected in population‐level dynamics – to empirically model interannual group dynamics.

4. Using phenomenological population models, modified to incorporate environmental conditions and potential Allee effects, we first investigate overall patterns of group dynamics and find support only for conventional density dependence that increases after years of low rainfall.

5. To explain the observed patterns, we examine specific demographic rates and assess their contributions to overall group dynamics. Although per‐capita meerkat mortality is subject to a component Allee effect, it contributes relatively little to observed variation in group dynamics, and other (conventionally density dependent) demographic rates – especially emigration – govern group dynamics.

6. Our findings highlight the need to consider demographic processes and density dependence in subpopulations before drawing conclusions about how behaviour affects population processes in socially complex systems.
Enhanced control of sheep ticks in upland sheep flocks: repercussions for red grouse co‐hosts
Authors: NEWBORN D. , BAINES D.
Published: November 2011

Sheep ticks Ixodes ricinus (Acari: Ixodidae) and tick‐borne diseases cause major economic losses in both upland sheep farming and moorland shoots of red grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus. Sheep were treated with acaricide four times between March and October and double‐vaccinated against louping ill virus (LIV), instead of the conventional regime of two acaricide treatments and no vaccinations, on two moors in northern England. Enhanced treatment started at Westerdale Moor in 1995 and at Danby Moor in 2000; the latter had previously represented a spatial control site. From 1992 to 2003, grouse chick condition, tick burdens, reproductive success, shooting bags and LIV seroprevalence were measured. A total of 1297 grouse chicks from 398 broods were examined for ticks. Enhanced acaricide treatment reduced tick burdens by 90%, and LIV seroprevalence decreased in relation to the number of years since treatment began. Breeding success and post‐breeding densities of grouse in the current sample area remained unrelated to acaricide treatment, tick burdens or LIV seroprevalence, but 25% and 60% more grouse were shot on Westerdale and Danby, respectively, after treatment enhancement than before. By improving shooting bags, tick management schemes help to maintain the economic viability of grouse moors, which, in turn, provide upland landscape and wildlife benefits.
Functional and structural effects of seven‐residue deletions on the coiled‐coil cytoplasmic domain of a chemoreceptor
Authors: Massazza Diego A. , Izzo Silvina A. , Gasperotti A. Florencia , Herrera Seitz M. Karina , Studdert Claudia A.
Published: November 2011

Chemoreceptors transmit signals from the environment to the flagellar motors via a histidine kinase that controls the phosphorylation level of the effector protein CheY. The cytoplasmic domain of chemoreceptors is strongly conserved and consists of a long alpha‐helical hairpin that forms, in the dimer, a coiled‐coil four‐helix bundle. Changes in this domain during evolution are characterized by the presence of seven‐residue insertions/deletions located symmetrically with respect to the hairpin turn, suggesting that specific interactions between the helices that form the hairpin are required for function. We assessed the impact of seven‐residue deletions on the signalling ability and higher‐order organization of the serine chemoreceptor from Escherichia coli. Our results indicate that symmetry alterations between the two branches of the cytoplasmic hairpin seriously compromise chemoreceptor function. Shorter functional versions of Tsr with symmetrical deletions form mixed trimers of dimers when coexpressed with Tar, the aspartate receptor of E. coli. However, Tar function in those cells is impaired, suggesting that the length difference between receptors introduces non‐functional distortions into the chemoreceptor cluster. This observation is reinforced by the analysis of coexpression of Tar with chemoreceptors from Rhodobacter sphaeroides that naturally belong to a shorter‐length class.
Effect of Oestradiol on Mast Cell Number and Histamine Level in the Mammary Glands of Rat
Authors: Jing H. , Wang Z. , Chen Y.
Published: November 2011

With 3 figures

Variations of mast cell number, histamine concentration and oestrogen receptor (ER) expression in mammary glands with the fluctuation of plasma oestradiol level were identified either in the intact rats at different oestrous stages or in the ovary‐ectomized rats administrated with different doses of oestradiol benzoate. The results showed that the number of mast cells and histamine concentration fluctuated concomitantly with plasma oestradiol level during the oestrous cycle. More mast cell number and higher histamine concentrations were observed in the oestrous stage than that in the prooestrous and dioestrous stages. Ovariectomy decreased the mast cell number and histamine concentration, which were reconstituted by exogenous oestradiol. ER was mainly found in the nuclear of epithelial cells and interstitial cells of mammary glands. In addition, ER was also expressed in the cytoplasm of some stromal cells. These stromal cells were verified to be mast cells. In conclusion, our results suggested that oestradiol modulated mast cell number and its degranulation in the mammary gland through the ERs pathway.
Medical management of children with achondroplasia: Evaluation of an Australasian cohort aged 0–5 years
Authors: Ireland Penelope J , Johnson Sarah , Donaghey Samantha , Johnston Leanne , Ware Robert S , Zankl Andreas , Pacey Verity , Ault Jenny , Savarirayan Ravi , Sillence David , Thompson Elizabeth , Townshend Sharron , McGill James
Published: November 2011

Aims:  Achondroplasia is the most common form of osteochondrodysplasia and is associated with a number of life‐threatening complications. The complexity of the condition led to the development of Heath Supervision Guidelines published by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 1995 and revised in 2005. There remains limited population‐based information on utilisation of medical and therapy services for children with achondroplasia. Increased information regarding use of these services will assist in future service development.

Methods:  Data regarding frequency and timing of medical and allied health consultations, investigations and interventions were collected from 53 Australasian families via questionnaire, based on recommendations of the Health Supervision Guidelines, an expert reference group and literature review.

Results:  Rates varied with age for medical consultations (geneticist, paediatric rehabilitation physician/paediatrician, respiratory physician, orthopaedic consultant, neurologist, neurosurgeon), medical investigations (sleep study, magnetic resonance imaging/computed tomography), operative procedures (brain‐stem decompression, tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy, shunt insertion, shunt revision and insertion of grommets) and allied health consultations (physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech pathologist, dietician and orthotist).

Conclusions:  Access to geneticists and paediatricians within the first year is high as recommended by the 2005 American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. Utilisation of craniocervical magnetic resonance imaging/computed tomography, polysomnography studies and formal speech review appears low, reflecting more emphasis on clinical monitoring for cervical cord compression and disordered sleep breathing as well as possible difficulties in accessing services for polysomnography and speech pathology. Grommet insertion, tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy and cervicomedullary decompression rates are similar to results reported previously. Over half of the children accessed physiotherapy and/or occupational therapy services, warranting consideration of these professionals in future guideline recommendations.
Outcomes of very‐low‐birthweight infants after discharge with a discharge weight of 1500 grams
Authors: Ahmadpour‐Kacho Mousa , Pasha Yadollah Zahed , Aliabadi Behdis Motevalli
Published: November 2011

Background:  Discharge of very‐low‐birthweight (VLBW) neonates from hospital is an important issue and has a standard criterion worldwide. According to this criterion, VLBW infants will be discharged from hospital when weighing 1800–2100 g but in the newborn services at Amirkola Children's Hospital (ACH), VLBW neonates are discharged when reaching 1500 g. The aim of this study was to determine the safety of this policy.

Methods:  In this analytic‐prospective study, 100 premature neonates with discharging weight (DW) of 1500 g and a control group of 150 neonates with DW of 1600–2500 g were included. Both groups showed similar socioeconomic, perinatal and postnatal conditions. They were admitted and treated in the newborn services at ACH. The outcome variables, including death after discharge, readmission and need for emergency visit for an acute problem up to 3 months after discharge, were studied. The information was analyzed by spss‐16 software and a P‐value < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:  Need for emergency visit after discharge reached a significant difference between the two groups (31 in the case group vs 21 in the control group, P= 0.000), but there were no significant differences in the readmission rate and death after discharge (two deaths and 15 readmissions in the case group vs two deaths and 21 readmissions in the control group, P= 0.855)

Conclusion:  In order to decrease the need for emergency visits, we suggest a program of early hospital discharge with home nursing visits and neonatologist support.
An Optimal Control Approach for Texture Metamorphosis
Authors: Kabul Ilknur , Pizer Stephen M. , Rosenman Julian , Niethammer Marc
Published: November 2011

In this paper, we introduce a new texture metamorphosis approach for interpolating texture samples from a source texture into a target texture. We use a new energy optimization scheme derived from optimal control principles which exploits the structure of the metamorphosis optimality conditions. Our approach considers the change in pixel position and pixel appearance in a single framework. In contrast to previous techniques that compute a global warping based on feature masks of textures, our approach allows to transform one texture into another by considering both intensity values and structural features of textures simultaneously. We demonstrate the usefulness of our approach for different textures, such as stochastic, semi‐structural and regular textures, with different levels of complexities. Our method produces visually appealing transformation sequences with no user interaction.
Clinical outcomes of HIV‐infected patients with Kaposi's sarcoma receiving nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor‐based antiretroviral therapy in Uganda
Authors: Asiimwe FM , Moore DM , Were W , Nakityo R , Campbell J , Barasa A , Mermin J , Kaharuza F
Published: November 2011

Background

Clinical outcomes for patients with Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) using nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)‐based highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in resource‐limited settings have not previously been described.

Methods

We evaluated HIV‐infected patients aged ≥ 18 years, who initiated HAART in the Home‐Based AIDS Care (HBAC) project in Tororo, Uganda, between May 2003 and February 2008 and were diagnosed with KS at baseline or during follow‐up. We examined independent risk factors for having either prevalent or incident KS and risk factors for death among patients with KS.

Results

Of 1121 study subjects, 17 (1.5%) were diagnosed with prevalent KS and 18 (1.6%) with incident KS over a median of 56.1 months of follow‐up. KS was associated with male sex [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.41; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20–4.86] and baseline CD4 cell count < 50 cells/μL (AOR 3.25; 95% CI 1.03–10.3). Eleven (65%) of 17 patients with prevalent KS and 13 (72%) of 18 patients with incident KS experienced complete regression (P = 0.137). Eighteen (64%) of 28 patients who remained on NNRTI‐based HAART experienced regression of their KS and six (86%) of seven patients who were switched to protease inhibitor‐containing HAART regimens had regression of their KS (P = 0.23). Mortality among those with KS was significantly associated with visceral disease (hazard ratio 19.22; 95% CI 2.42–152).

Conclusion

Prevalent or incident KS was associated with 30% mortality. The resolution of KS lesions among individuals who initiated HAART with NNRTI‐based regimens was similar to that found in studies using only protease inhibitor‐based HAART.
Use of L1, metalanguage, and discourse markers: L2 learners' regulation during individual task performance
Authors: Gánem‐Gutiérrez Gabriela Adela , Roehr Karen
Published: November 2011

This study reports on an investigation into the use of L1, discourse markers, and metalanguage for regulatory purposes during individual task performance. The study involved nine L1 English university‐level learners of L2 Spanish. Drawing on thinkaloud protocols, the extent to which the participants used the three linguistic tools while completing a form‐focused task was investigated. The analysis reveals the importance of L1 and metalanguage as problem‐solving tools, while discourse markers appear to be valuable devices to structure and organize thought. The findings support the Vygotskian view regarding the social origins of individual cognition and provide further evidence of the pedagogical value of metalanguage and use of L1 to enable L2 learners to explore form‐meaning relationships and overcome specific language difficulties during task performance.

El presente estudio informa sobre una investigación acerca del uso de la lengua materna (L1), los marcadores del discurso y el metalenguaje como herramientas lingüísticas de regulación durante la ejecución de tareas individuales. Nueve estudiantes de español como lengua extranjera (L1 inglés) a nivel universitario participaron en la investigación. Con el fin de obtener información acerca del uso de dichas herramientas lingüísticas se les pidió a los participantes que expresaran sus pensamientos verbalmente mientras completaban una tarea gramatical. El análisis revela la importancia del L1 y el metalenguaje como instrumentos para la resolución de problemas relacionados con la segunda lengua, mientras que los marcadores del discurso parecen ser de gran utilidad en términos cognitivos, por ejemplo para ayudar a organizar y estructurar el pensamiento. Los resultados apoyan el pensamiento de Vygotsky quien adjudicó orígenes sociales al desarrollo cognitivo. Nuestra investigación también demuestra el valor pedagógico del metalenguaje y del uso del L1 como herramientas que facilitan el descubrimiento de la interacción entre forma y significado en términos lingüísticos.
Character recognition among English‐speaking L2 readers of Japanese
Authors: Toyoda Etsuko , McNamara Tim
Published: November 2011

The present study investigated the development of semantic processing skills in character recognition among English‐speaking L2 readers of Japanese with different levels of knowledge of kanji (the morphographic script used in the Japanese writing system) by using a timed semantic processing task (a task involving the comparison of kanji). By analysing the results of the task (correct response rates and reaction times), the study described the changes in semantic processing skills at the different stages of knowledge of kanji. The overall findings of the study suggest that 1) L2 readers with different levels of target script knowledge approach the recognition of characters differently, and that 2) L2 semantic processing skills approximate those of L1 readers with increased L2 script knowledge.
Evaluation of prognostic indicators in dogs with multiple, simultaneously occurring cutaneous mast cell tumours: 63 cases
Authors: O'Connell K. , Thomson M.
Published: November 2011

Sixty‐three dogs with multiple contemporaneous cutaneous mast cell tumours (MCTs) were identified. The aim of this study was to determine the significance of breed, concurrent dermatological condition; number of cutaneous MCTs, size, location, histological grade and mitotic index; completeness of excision (complete, close or incomplete); local recurrence, metastasis and adjuvant therapy for the prognostic evaluation of dogs with a unique disease presentation of multiple, simultaneously occurring cutaneous MCTs. On the basis of multivariable survival analysis, dogs with one recorded grade 3 MCT had shorter progression‐free survival (PFS) times (18.7 versus 2.2 months) and median survival times (MSTs) (24 versus 3 months). Dogs treated with adjuvant vinblastine/lomustine had a 16 times increased risk of dying. MSTs were found to be significantly longer in dogs with one recorded MCT on an extremity. For all dogs, the PFS (range 14–1835 days) and MSTs (range 28–1835 days) were not reached.
Cell–Cell Communication in the Kidney Microcirculation
Authors: SORENSEN CHARLOTTE MEHLIN , HOLSTEIN‐RATHLOU NIELS‐HENRIK
Published: November 2011

Please cite this paper as: Sorensen CM, Holstein‐Rathlou N‐H. Cell–cell communication in the kidney microcirculation. Microcirculation 19: 451–460, 2012.

In the renal vasculature of humans, rats, and mice, at least four isoforms of Cx, Cxs 37, 40, 43, and 45 are expressed. In the ECs, Cx40 is the predominantly expressed Cx, whereas Cx45 is suggested to be expressed in the VSMCs. The preglomerular vasculature has a higher expression of Cxs than the postglomerular vasculature. Cxs form gap junctions between neighboring cells, and as in other organ systems, the major function of Cxs in the kidney appears to be mediation of intercellular communication. Cxs may also form hemichannels that allow cellular secretion of signaling molecules like ATP, and thereby mediate paracrine signaling. Renal Cxs facilitate vascular conduction, juxtaglomerlar apparatus calcium signaling, and enable ECs and VSMCs to communicate. Thus, current research suggests multiple roles for Cxs in important regulatory mechanisms within the kidney, including the renin‐angiotensin system, TGF, and salt and water homeostasis. Interestingly, changes in the activity of the renin‐angiotensin system or changes in blood pressure seem to affect the expression of the renal vascular Cxs. At the systemic level, renal Cxs may be involved in blood pressure regulation, and possibly in the pathogenesis of hypertension and diabetes.
Communities Under Climate Change
Authors: Nogués-Bravo David , Rahbek Carsten
Published: November 2011

An interdisciplinary study shows how animal communities respond to climate change.
Skies Clear for Troubled Machine Being Built at Illinois Center
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: November 2011

Computer scientists breathed a sigh of relief last week when the University of Illinois announced that Cray Inc. has agreed to take over the construction of a stalled $200 million supercomputer.
Archaeologists Race Against Sea Change in Orkney
Authors: Reardon Sara
Published: November 2011

Coastal erosion, accelerated by climate change, is threatening the Orkney Islands' wealth of archaeology, but researchers are adapting to the changes
Comparison of Plaque- and Enzyme-Linked Immunospot-Based Assays To Measure the Neutralizing Activities of Monoclonal Antibodies Specific to Domain III of Dengue Virus Envelope Protein
Authors: Liu Lidong , Wen Kun , Li Jie , Hu Dongmei , Huang Yanfen , Qiu Liwen , Cai Jianpiao , Che Xiaoyan
Published: November 2011

The plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) is used widely to measure the neutralization activity of anti-dengue virus (DENV) antibodies, but it is time-consuming and labor-intensive and has low sample throughput. For fast and convenient measurement of neutralizing antibodies, especially in evaluating the efficiency of the DENV vaccines on a large scale, a new method is needed to replace PRNT. In recent decades, several microneutralization assays have been developed to overcome the limitations of PRNT. In the present study, we evaluated one of these, the enzyme-linked immunospot microneutralization test (ELISPOT-MNT), in comparison with PRNT. ELISPOT-MNT is performed in 96-well format, and the plaques are developed after 2 to 4 days using an ELISA to transform them into spots, which are detected automatically with an ELISPOT instrument. The assay is faster than PRNT, has a high throughput, and is more objective. We used 10 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against domain III of the DENV envelope protein (EDIII) to evaluate the two assays; all of these MAbs cross-react with all four serotypes of DENV as measured by immunofluorescence assay. The two neutralization assays were performed simultaneously to measure the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of these MAbs. Using PRNT as the reference and treating IC50values higher than 50 μg/ml of MAbs as negative, ELISPOT-MNT showed a sensitivity of 95.6% and specificity of 88.24% when 10 MAbs were tested against four DENV serotype strains. A good correlation (R2= 0.672;P= 0.000) was observed between the two assays, making ELISPOT-MNT a potentially valuable method for measure of neutralizing antibodies against DENV.
Primary and Probable Secondary Dengue Virus (DV) Infection Rates in Relation to Age among DV IgM-Positive Patients Residing in the United States Mainland Versus the Caribbean Islands
Authors: Prince Harry E. , Yeh Cindy , Lapé-Nixon Mary
Published: November 2011

Dengue virus (DV) primary infection and probable secondary infection rates in relation to patient age (years) were determined for DV IgM-positive U.S. mainland residents (presumed travelers to areas of DV endemicity) and Caribbean island (area of DV endemicity) residents by evaluating IgG status and IgG avidity. Regardless of place of residence, most patients ≤20 years old exhibited primary infection and most patients >60 years old exhibited probable secondary infection. Among patients 21 to 60 years old, the primary infection rate was markedly higher in U.S. residents.
Pressure morphology of the relaxed lower esophageal sphincter: the formation and collapse of the phrenic ampulla
Authors: Kwiatek Monika A. , Nicodème Frédéric , Pandolfino John E. , Kahrilas Peter J.
Published: November 2011

This study aimed to apply novel high-resolution manometry with eight-sector radial pressure resolution (3D-HRM technology) to resolve the deglutitive pressure morphology at the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) before, during, and after bolus transit. A hybrid HRM assembly, including a 9-cm-long 3D-HRM array, was used to record EGJ pressure morphology in 15 normal subjects. Concurrent videofluoroscopy was used to relate bolus movement to pressure morphology and EGJ anatomy, aided by an endoclip marking the squamocolumnar junction (SCJ). The contractile deceleration point (CDP) marked the time at which luminal clearance slowed to 1.1 cm/s and the location (4 cm proximal to the elevated SCJ) at which peristalsis terminated. The phrenic ampulla spanned from the CDP to the SCJ. The subsequent radial and axial collapse of the ampulla coincided with the reconstitution of the effaced and elongated lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Following ampullary emptying, the stretched LES (maximum length 4.0 cm) progressively collapsed to its baseline length of 1.9 cm ( P < 0.001). The phrenic ampulla is a transient structure comprised of the stretched, effaced, and axially displaced LES that serves as a “yield zone” to facilitate bolus transfer to the stomach. During ampullary emptying, the LES circular muscle contracts, and longitudinal muscle shortens while that of the adjacent esophagus reelongates. The likely LES elongation with the formation of the ampulla and shortening to its native length after ampullary emptying suggest that reduction in the resting tone of the longitudinal muscle within the LES segment is a previously unrecognized component of LES relaxation.
Developmental regulation of the late phase of long-term potentiation (L-LTP) and metaplasticity in hippocampal area CA1 of the rat
Authors: Cao Guan , Harris Kristen M.
Published: November 2011

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a form of synaptic plasticity thought to underlie memory; thus knowing its developmental profile is fundamental to understanding function. Like memory, LTP has multiple phases with distinct timing and mechanisms. The late phase of LTP (L-LTP), lasting longer than 3 h, is protein synthesis dependent and involves changes in the structure and content of dendritic spines, the major sites of excitatory synapses. In previous work, tetanic stimulation first produced L-LTP at postnatal day 15 (P15) in area CA1 of rat hippocampus. Here we used a more robust induction paradigm involving theta-burst stimulation (TBS) in acute slices and found the developmental onset of L-LTP to be 3 days earlier at P12. In contrast, at P8–11, TBS only reversed the synaptic depression that occurs from test-pulse stimulation in developing (P8–15) hippocampus. A second bout of TBS delivered 30–180 min later produced L-LTP at P10–11 but not at P8–9 and enhanced L-LTP at P12–15. Both the developmental onset and the enhanced L-LTP produced by repeated bouts of TBS were blocked by the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist dl-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid. Thus the developmental onset age is P12 for L-LTP induced by the more robust and perhaps more naturalistic TBS induction paradigm. Metaplasticity produced by repeated bouts of TBS is developmentally regulated, advancing the capacity for L-LTP from P12 to P10, but not to younger ages. Together these findings provide a new basis from which to investigate mechanisms that regulate the developmental onset of this important form of synaptic plasticity.
Barrier Inhomogeneity and Electrical Properties of InN Nanodots/Si Heterojunction Diodes
Authors: Kumar Mahesh , Roul Basanta , Bhat Thirumaleshwara N. , Rajpalke Mohana K. , Kalghatgi A. T. , Krupanidhi S. B.
Published: November 2011

The electrical transport behavior ofn-nindium nitride nanodot-silicon (InN ND-Si) heterostructure Schottky diodes is reported here, which have been fabricated by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. InN ND structures were grown on a 20 nm InN buffer layer on Si substrates. These dots were found to be single crystalline and grown along [0 0 0 1] direction. Temperature-dependent current density-voltage plots (J-V-T) reveal that the ideality factor (η) and Schottky barrier height (SBH) (ΦB) are temperature dependent. The incorrect values of the Richardson constant (A**) produced suggest an inhomogeneous barrier. Descriptions of the experimental results were explained by using two models. First one is barrier height inhomogeneities (BHIs) model, in which considering an effective area of the inhomogeneous contact provided a procedure for a correct determination ofA**. The Richardson constant is extracted ~110 A cm-2K-2using the BHI model and that is in very good agreement with the theoretical value of 112 A cm-2K-2. The second model uses Gaussian statistics and by this, mean barrier heightΦ0andA**were found to be 0.69 eV and 113 A cm-2K-2, respectively.
Finite Element Analysis of Dam‐Reservoir Interaction Using High‐Order Doubly Asymptotic Open Boundary
Authors: Gao Yichao , Jin Feng , Wang Xiang , Wang Jinting
Published: November 2011

The dam‐reservoir system is divided into the near field modeled by the finite element method, and the far field modeled by the excellent high‐order doubly asymptotic open boundary (DAOB). Direct and partitioned coupled methods are developed for the analysis of dam‐reservoir system. In the direct coupled method, a symmetric monolithic governing equation is formulated by incorporating the DAOB with the finite element equation and solved using the standard time‐integration methods. In contrast, the near‐field finite element equation and the far‐field DAOB condition are separately solved in the partitioned coupled methodm, and coupling is achieved by applying the interaction force on the truncated boundary. To improve its numerical stability and accuracy, an iteration strategy is employed to obtain the solution of each step. Both coupled methods are implemented on the open‐source finite element code OpenSees. Numerical examples are employed to demonstrate the performance of these two proposed methods.