bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classifiers sensitive to external context – theory and applications to video sequences
Authors: Rafajłowicz Ewaryst
Published: November 2010

An external context like weather conditions, lighting, etc. influences classification results, but it is frequently omitted in a mathematical model of the problem at hand. Our aim is to propose a mathematical model, which extends the Bayesian problem of pattern recognition by incorporating external context variables. They are implanted as functions, which influence parameters of class distributions. We prove that context variables influence a shape or a position of the optimal class separating surface, without enlarging the dimensionality of a pattern space. Thus, one can treat the proposed extended Bayesian model as a fusion of patterns and external context variables, embedded into the same pattern space. Then, learning algorithms for neural network classifiers are proposed, which take context variables into account.
Egg size and offspring quality: a meta‐analysis in birds
Authors: Krist Miloš
Published: November 2010

Parents affect offspring fitness by propagule size and quality, selection of oviposition site, quality of incubation, feeding of dependent young, and their defence against predators and parasites. Despite many case studies on each of these topics, this knowledge has not been rigorously integrated into individual parental care traits for any taxon. Consequently, we lack a comprehensive, quantitative assessment of how parental care modifies offspring phenotypes. This meta‐analysis of 283 studies with 1805 correlations between egg size and offspring quality in birds is intended to fill this gap. The large sample size enabled testing of how the magnitude of the relationship between egg size and offspring quality depends on a number of variables. Egg size was positively related to nearly all studied offspring traits across all stages of the offspring life cycle. Not surprisingly, the relationship was strongest at hatching but persisted until the post‐fledging stage. Morphological traits were the most closely related to egg size but significant relationships were also found with hatching success, chick survival, and growth rate. Non‐significant effect sizes were found for egg fertility, chick immunity, behaviour, and life‐history or sexual traits. Effect size did not depend on whether chicks were raised by their natural parents or were cross‐fostered to other territories. Effect size did not depend on species‐specific traits such as developmental mode, clutch size, and relative size of the egg, but was larger if tested in captive compared to wild populations and between rather than within broods. In sum, published studies support the view that egg size affects juvenile survival. There are very few studies that tested the relationship between egg size and the fecundity component of offspring fitness, and no studies on offspring survival as adults or on global fitness. More data are also needed for the relationships between egg size and offspring behavioural and physiological traits. It remains to be established whether the relationship between egg size and offspring performance depends on the quality of the offspring environment. Positive effect sizes found in this study are likely to be driven by a causal effect of egg size on offspring quality. However, more studies that control for potential confounding effects of parental post‐hatching care, genes, and egg composition are needed to establish firmly this causal link.
Social context, stress, and plasticity of aging
Authors: Amdam Gro V.
Published: November 2010

Positive social contact is an important factor in healthy aging, but our understanding of how social interactions influence senescence is incomplete. As life expectancy continues to increase because of reduced death rates among elderly, the beneficial role of social relationships is emerging as a cross‐cutting theme in research on aging and healthspan. There is a need to improve knowledge on how behavior shapes, and is shaped by, the social environment, as well as needs to identify and study biological mechanisms that can translate differences in the social aspects of behavioral efforts, relationships, and stress reactivity (the general physiological and behavioral response‐pattern to harmful, dangerous or unpleasant situations) into variation in aging. Honey bees (Apis mellifera) provide a genetic model in sociobiology, behavioral neuroscience, and gerontology that is uniquely sensitive to social exchange. Different behavioral contact between these social insects can shorten or extend lifespan more than 10‐fold, and some aspects of their senescence are reversed by social cues that trigger aged individuals to express youthful repertoires of behavior. Here, I summarize how variation in social interactions contributes to this plasticity of aging and explain how beneficial and detrimental roles of social relationships can be traced from environmental and biological effects on honey bee physiology and behavior, to the expression of recovery‐related plasticity, stress reactivity, and survival during old age. This system provides intriguing opportunities for research on aging.
Convict Transportation from Britain and Ireland 1615–1870
Authors: Maxwell‐Stewart Hamish
Published: November 2010

In 1787, the First Fleet was dispatched from the British Isles to find a penal settlement at Botany Bay, Australia. By this time, the British government had already experimented with convict transportation for over 160 years. The aim of this article is to place the history of transportation to Australia within the context of the wider flow of convict labour from the British Isles in the period 1615 to 1870. Using data from a range of sources it attempts to chart and explain fluctuations in the number of convicts transported over time. It also seeks to explore how the integration of convict labour within the transatlantic market in unfree labour‐shaped British penal policy in the long‐run. Such an analysis is useful in explaining the differing impacts that transportation had on the prisoners who experienced it and the intensity with which it was opposed in the 19th century by the British anti‐slavery movement. Geographically the article explores these issues in relation to transportation to the New World (especially Barbados, Jamaica, Maryland and Virginia), West Africa, New South Wales, Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania), Western Australia, Bermuda and Gibraltar.
Religion and the Enlightenment(s)
Authors: Sandberg John M.
Published: November 2010

This article focuses on the ‘relationship’ between ‘science’ and ‘religion’ in the ‘Enlightenment’. It shows through a ‘historiographical’ survey of the last half‐century how our understanding of the ‘Enlightenment’ has evolved, and with it the assumptions pertaining to the relationship between religion and science have undergone a series of revisions. From seeing the Enlightenment as a single‐minded project aiming to rid the world of organized religion and its concomitant superstitions to appreciating the multifaceted nature of the century with its local variations has made historians question the very idea ofanEnlightenment. The old consensus narrative invoked by a ‘rise of modern paganism’ theory along with a tendency to view the secularizing effects upon society as inevitable have by now ceased its hold over the ‘historical imagination’. The situation was remarkably different in country to country: In France, ‘Materialist’‘philosophes’ such as Voltaire, d’Holbach, and Diderot launched a vituperative campaign to erase what they saw as the infamy of organized religion. Across the channel, however, the situation was far from that polarized. In Britain, a number of the most prominent ‘natural philosophers’ of the day were actually devout believers despite their scientific interests. From seeing the ‘Enlightenment’ as a ‘teleological project’ which apotheosis was ‘secularizing’ eighteenth century society, we now have a much more nuanced and complete picture of the ‘long eighteenth century’ and its relationship between science and religion. It has thus been suggested that there were several enlightenments spread both in terms of geography and time. Portraying a spectrum of Enlightenments, either compartmentalized in a national context or thematically distinguished – recent revisionist literature has come a long way from the old consensus thesis.
Treatment of Migraine With Occipital Nerve Blocks Using Only Corticosteroids
Authors: Tobin Joshua , Flitman Stephen
Published: November 2010

(Headache 2011;51:155‐162)

The indications for using steroids when performing occipital nerve blocks (ONBs) are not completely clear. We report a patient with chronic migraines who was allergic to local anesthetics, for whom ONBs using only corticosteroid proved useful. To our knowledge, this is only published case describing the effects of ONBs using only corticosteroid, without local anesthetic.
INVESTIGATIONS INTO SOUTHERN AUSTRALIANULVA(ULVOPHYCEAE, CHLOROPHYTA) TAXONOMY AND MOLECULAR PHYLOGENY INDICATE BOTH COSMOPOLITANISM AND ENDEMIC CRYPTIC SPECIES1
Authors: Kraft Lesleigh G. K. , Kraft Gerald T. , Waller Ross F.
Published: November 2010

Appreciation of the true species diversity of the genusUlvain Australian waters has been blinkered by the unproved assumption that its representatives there are largely cosmopolitan. As species ofUlvaare some of the longest‐standing and most widely reported taxa of macroalgae, the presumption that they are worldwide in distribution has led to most Australian members being equated with species originally described from extra‐Australian type localities.Ulvaspecies can be notoriously difficult to identify due to the few and often variable characters on which classical taxonomic studies focus so that names of specimens in hand, as well as names appearing in historical distribution records, are frequently difficult or impossible to verify. The combination of morphological and molecular analyses, the latter involving both nuclear (internal transcribed spacer [ITS]) and plastid (rbcL) markers, is critically important in taxonomic studies of the genus and has here been applied to selectedUlvapopulations from mostly cool‐temperate southern Australian localities. It has been determined that habit‐ and anatomy‐based keys of standard taxonomic literature are largely adequate for assigning species names based on classical concepts, but they often obscure a number of cryptic and pseudocryptic species that do not conform to extra‐Australian populations of the same designation, as indicated by the corresponding molecular data. Here, we present six species (Ulva australisAresch.,U. compressaForssk.,U. fasciataDelile,U. intestinalisL.,U. laetevirensAresch.,U.tanneriH. S. Hayden et J. R. Waaland) for which anatomical and molecular data were congruent with both classical concepts and GenBank accession data and confirm these as cosmopolitan taxa in Australia. We also present six putative species designations based on anatomy [U. clathrata(Roth) C. Agardh,U. flexuosaWulfen,U. linzaL.,U. proliferaO. F. Müll.,U. stenophyllaSetch. et N. L. Gardner,U. brisbanensissp. nov.] that are inconsistent with molecular data, suggesting novel or cryptic taxa not represented in GenBank.
IDENTIFICATION OF THE TOXIC ALGA ALEXANDRIUM TAMIYAVANICHI (DINOPHYCEAE) FROM NORTHEASTERN BRAZIL: A COMBINED MORPHOLOGICAL AND rDNA SEQUENCE (PARTIAL LSU AND ITS) APPROACH1
Authors: Menezes Mariângela , Varela Daniel , de Oliveira Proença Luis Antônio , da Silva Tamanaha Marcio , Paredes Javier
Published: November 2010

Morphological and phylogenetic analyses and sequencing of the partial LSU gene and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of the rDNA gene were combined to study toxic strains of Alexandrium tamiyavanichi Balech collected from northeastern Brazilian coastal waters. All specimens were identified with A. tamiyavanichi mainly based on the shape of the anterior sulcal plate (S.a.), which was the most conservative character. Among the specimens studied, 8% did not conform to the morphological description of A. tamiyavanichi. The occurrence of transitory states between A. tamiyavanichi and Alexandrium cohorticula (Balech) Balech tended to confirm that both species are conspecific. The posterior sulcal plate (S.p.) was not a good taxonomic character as variability in its shape did not allow a clear assignment of specimens from the same clonal isolate to either morphologically defined species. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the overall validity of morphological characters to delineate the evolutionary relationships among the clades of Alexandrium species analyzed here, indicating that A. tamiyavanchi is a valid species according to the morphological species concept. This analysis showed that the Brazilian strains form a monophyletic clade with Asiatic strains of A. tamiyavanichi, but with enough genetic distance to argue for long‐term separation and isolation of locally established populations, extending the known biogeographic range of this species. On the higher phylogenetic level, our data also indicate that Alexandrium tropicale Balech forms part of the clade otherwise consisting of the morphologically defined freterculus group, and this A. tamiyavanichi/tropicale/fraterculus (Balech) Balech clade (including species from the formerly termed tropical Asian [TROP] clade) may be considered as a sister group of the Alexandrium tamarense species complex.
ECOPHYSIOLOGICAL PERFORMANCE OF THE AEROTERRESTRIAL GREEN ALGA KLEBSORMIDIUM CRENULATUM (CHAROPHYCEAE, STREPTOPHYTA) ISOLATED FROM AN ALPINE SOIL CRUST WITH AN EMPHASIS ON DESICCATION STRESS1
Authors: Karsten Ulf , Lütz Cornelius , Holzinger Andreas
Published: November 2010

Aeroterrestrial filamentous green algae of the genus Klebsormidium (Klebsormidiales, Streptophyta) are typical components of biological soil crusts, which occur worldwide in arid and semiarid habitats including alpine regions. In the present study, Klebsormidium crenulatum (Kütz.) Lokhorst was isolated from an alpine soil crust above the timberline of the Austrian Alps. Growth responses, photosynthetic performance, and desiccation tolerance were measured under controlled laboratory conditions. K. crenulatum exhibited optimal growth and the highest photosynthetic efficiency under relatively low photon fluence densities (30 and 21.9 μmol photons · m−2 · s−1, respectively), indicating low‐light requirements. It grew in a narrow range of salinities between 1.2 and 15 practical salinity units (psu), pointing to a pronounced stenohaline response pattern. Increasing temperatures from 5°C to 40°C led to different effects on photosynthetic oxygen evolution and respiratory oxygen consumption in K. crenulatum. While at low temperatures (5°C–10°C) photosynthesis was relatively high, respiration was not detectable or was at a very low level. Conversely, at the highest temperature of 40°C, photosynthesis was inhibited, and respiration unaffected, indicating strong differences in temperature sensitivity between both physiological processes. K. crenulatum was capable of photosynthesizing efficiently for up to 2.5 h under desiccation, followed by a decrease to 15% of the initial value after 3 h. Complete recovery took place within 2 h after rehydration. All ecophysiological data explain the widespread abundance of K. crenulatum in soil crusts of the alpine regions of the European Alps.
A Randomized Clinical Trial on Preventing Pressure Ulcers with Wheelchair Seat Cushions
Authors: Brienza David , Kelsey Sheryl , Karg Patricia , Allegretti Ana , Olson Marian , Schmeler Mark , Zanca Jeanne , Geyer Mary Jo , Kusturiss Marybeth , Holm Margo
Published: November 2010

OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of skin protection wheelchair seat cushions in preventing pressure ulcers in the elderly nursing home population.

DESIGN: Clinical trial with participants assigned at random to a skin protection or segmented foam cushion. Two hundred thirty‐two participants were recruited between June 2004 and May 2008 and followed for 6 months or until pressure ulcer incidence.

SETTING: Twelve nursing homes.

PARTICIPANTS: Nursing home residents aged 65 and older who were using wheelchairs for 6 or more hours per day and had a Braden score of 18 or less and a combined Braden activity and mobility score of 5 or less. Participants were recruited from a referred sample.

INTERVENTION: All participants were provided with a fitted wheelchair and randomized into skin protection (SPC, n=113) or segmented foam (SFC, n=119) cushion groups. The SPC group received an air, viscous fluid and foam, or gel and foam cushion. The SFC group received a 7.6‐cm crosscut foam cushion.

MEASUREMENTS: Pressure ulcer incidence over 6 months for wounds near the ischial tuberosities (IT ulcers) were measured. Secondary analysis was performed on combined IT ulcers and ulcers over the sacrum and coccyx (sacral ulcers).

RESULTS: One hundred eighty participants reached a study end point, and 42 were lost to follow‐up. Ten did not receive the intervention. There were eight (6.7%) IT ulcers in the SFC group and one (0.9%) in the SPC group (P=.04). There were 21 (17.6%) combined IT and sacral ulcers in the SFC group and 12 (10.6%) in the SPC group (P=.14).

CONCLUSION: Skin protection cushions used with fitted wheelchairs lower pressure ulcer incidence for elderly nursing home residents and should be used to help prevent pressure ulcers.
Mature endothelium and neurons are simultaneously derived from embryonic stem cells by 2Din vitroculture system
Authors: Noghero Alessio , Arese Marco , Bussolino Federico , Gualandris Anna
Published: November 2010

The connections existing between vessels and nerves go beyond the structural architecture of vascular and nervous systems to comprise cell fate determination. The analysis of functional/molecular links that interconnect endothelial and neural commitments requires a model in which the two differentiation programs take place at the same time in an artificial controllable environment. To this regard, this work presents anin vitromodel to differentiate embryonic stem (ES) cells simultaneously into mature neurons and endothelial cells. Murine ES cells are differentiated within an artificial environment composed of PA6 stromal cells and a serum‐free medium. Upon these basal culture conditions ES cells preferentially differentiate into neurons. The addition of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) to the medium allows the simultaneous maturation of neurons and endothelial cells, whereas bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)4 drives endothelial differentiation to the disadvantage of neural commitment. The responsiveness of the system to exogenous cytokines was confirmed by genes expression analysis that revealed a significant up‐regulation of endothelial genes in presence of FGF2 and a massive down‐regulation of the neural markers in response to BMP4. Furthermore, the role played by single genes in determining endothelial and neural fate can be easily explored by knocking down the expression of the target gene with lentiviruses carrying the corresponding shRNA sequence. The possibility to address the neural and the endothelial fate separately or simultaneously by exogenous stimuli combined with an efficient gene silencing strategy make this model an optimal tool to identify environmental signals and genes pathways involved in both endothelial and neural specification.
Peptides that bind the HIV‐1 integrase and modulate its enzymatic activity – kinetic studies and mode of action
Authors: Levin Aviad , Benyamini Hadar , Hayouka Zvi , Friedler Assaf , Loyter Abraham
Published: November 2010

Several peptides that specifically bind the HIV‐1 integrase (IN) and either inhibit or stimulate its enzymatic activity were developed in our laboratories. Kinetic studies using 3′‐end processing and strand‐transfer assays were performed to study the mode of action of these peptides. The effects of the various peptides on the interaction between IN and its substrate DNA were also studied by fluorescence anisotropy. On the basis of our results, we divided these IN‐interacting peptides into three groups: (a) IN‐inhibitory peptides, whose binding to IN decrease its affinity for the substrate DNA – these peptides increased the Km of the IN–DNA interaction, and were thus inhibitory; (b) peptides that slightly increased the Km of the IN–DNA interaction, but in addition modified the Vmax and Kcat values of the IN, and thus stimulated or inhibited IN activity, respectively; and (c) peptides that bound IN but had no effect on its enzymatic activity. We elucidated the approximate binding sites of the peptides in the structure of IN, providing structural insights into their mechanism of action. The IN‐stimulating peptide bound IN in several specific sites that did not bind any of the inhibitory peptides. This may account for its unique activity.

Structured digital abstract

 MINT‐8053571, MINT‐8053597, MINT‐8053615, MINT‐8053633, MINT‐8053651, MINT‐8053669, MINT‐8053687, MINT‐8053705, MINT‐8053723, MINT‐8053741, MINT‐8053759, MINT‐8053777, MINT‐8053795, MINT‐8053814, MINT‐8053836, MINT‐8053854, MINT‐8053872, MINT‐8053890, MINT‐8053908, MINT‐8053926, MINT‐8053944, MINT‐8053962, MINT‐8053980, MINT‐8053998, MINT‐8054037, MINT‐8054145, MINT‐8054163: IN (uniprotkb:P04585) binds (MI:0407) to IN‐alpha5 (uniprotkb:P04585) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (MI:0411)

 MINT‐8053074, MINT‐8053093, MINT‐8053115, MINT‐8053135, MINT‐8053154, MINT‐8053173, MINT‐8053190, MINT‐8053207, MINT‐8053224, MINT‐8053241, MINT‐8053257, MINT‐8053273, MINT‐8053289, MINT‐8053305, MINT‐8053321, MINT‐8053337, MINT‐8053353, MINT‐8053370, MINT‐8053386, MINT‐8053402, MINT‐8055897: IN (uniprotkb:P04585) binds (MI:0407) to LEDGF (uniprotkb:O75475) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (MI:0411)

 MINT‐8053418, MINT‐8053442, MINT‐8053458, MINT‐8053474, MINT‐8053506, MINT‐8053523, MINT‐8053539, MINT‐8053555: IN (uniprotkb:P04585) binds (MI:0407) to Rev (uniprotkb:P69718) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (MI:0411)
Allelic Analyses of theArabidopsis YUC1Locus Reveal Residues and Domains Essential for the Functions of YUC Family of Flavin Monooxygenases
Authors: Hou Xianhui , Liu Sainan , Pierri Florencia , Dai Xinhua , Qu Li‐Jia , Zhao Yunde
Published: November 2010

Flavin monooxygenases (FMOs) play critical roles in plant growth and development by synthesizing auxin and other signaling molecules. However, the structure and function relationship within plant FMOs is not understood. Here we defined the important residues and domains of theArabidopsisYUC1 FMO, a key enzyme in auxin biosynthesis. We previously showed that simultaneous inactivation ofYUC1and its homologueYUC4caused severe defects in vascular and floral development. We mutagenized theyuc4mutant and screened for mutants with phenotypes similar to those ofyuc1 yuc4double mutants. Among the isolated mutants, five of them contained mutations in theYUC1gene. Interestingly, the mutations identified in the newyuc1alleles were concentrated in the two GXGXXG motifs that are highly conserved among the plant FMOs. One such motif presumably binds to flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) cofactor and the other binds to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH). We also identified the Ser139to Phe conversion inyuc1, a mutation that is located between the two nucleotide‐binding sites. By analyzing a series ofyuc1mutants, we identified key residues and motifs essential for the functions of YUC1 FMO.
Analysis of Ingredient Functionality and Formulation Optimization of Pasta Supplemented with Peanut Flour
Authors: Howard Brandy M. , Hung Yen‐Con , McWatters Kay
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  The working peanut pasta formulation range determined from a previous study was used to determine the effects of varying ingredient quantities and processing conditions on the pasta's quality and consumer acceptance. The variables studied were percent peanut flour substituted for durum wheat flour (30%, 40%, and 50%), amount of carrageenan (2.4%, 2.65%, and 2.9%), and drying temperature (60, 74, and 88 °C) on the final cooked pasta quality. Properties measured include color, texture, moisture content, and cooking loss. A home‐use sensory test was conducted to determine consumer preferences and the optimum range for variables studied. Color lightness values ranged from 43.53 to 65.02, decreasing (becoming darker) with increased peanut flour level and increased drying temperature. Maximum cutting force for cooked pasta ranged from 1.59 N to 3.22 N, with higher values only for pasta dried at 88 °C. Moisture content ranged from 57.35% to 69.38%, and values decreased as drying temperature increased. Cooking loss ranged from 5.14% to 7.99%, increasing with higher levels of peanut flour and decreasing with higher levels of carrageenan. When prepared with 30% peanut flour and dried at 60 °C, the pasta was lighter in color, higher in moisture, and softer in texture than the varieties dried at higher temperatures and made with higher levels of peanut flour. Response surface analysis of consumer test data revealed that the optimum peanut pasta should contain between 35% and 45% peanut flour and should be dried between 60 and 71 °C; however, the pasta with 30% peanut flour was also a popular sample in the “favorite” categories.

Practical Application:  Most non‐gluten protein fortification studies in durum wheat pasta found decreased firmness of dry and cooked pasta, increased cooking loss, increased stickiness, and darker product color when compared to traditional pasta. Partially defatted peanut flour is a versatile food ingredient and has high protein content. Since the lysine content of peanuts is higher than wheat, peanuts can be used to supplement wheat flour in food preparation. This study found by partially replacing wheat flour with peanut flour and with incorporation of hydrocolloid emulsifier, such as carrageenan or xanthan gum, dough viscosity, and pasta firmness significantly improved. Peanut pasta with high protein content and balanced amino acid profile can help support consumers with a healthy lifestyle.
Influence of Dietary Advanced Glycation End Products on Wound Healing in Nondiabetic Mice
Authors: Zhu Yuanchang , Lan Feifei , Wei Jiange , Chong Boonhor , Chen Pakho , Huynh Longquan , Wong Nganwa , Liu Yu
Published: November 2010

Abstract: The present study was to determine advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in foods from different processes, and the influence of dietary AGEs on wound healing in nondiabetic mice. AGEs mixtures were extracted from local fast foods and foods prepared in lab. A BSA‐AGEs mixture made by incubating glucose with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used as a positive control. Burns were made on the skin of mice. The results showed that foods processed by high temperatures generated higher dietary AGEs. Nonwounded mice showed no observable adverse response to high dietary AGEs. However, high dietary AGEs caused severe inflammatory responses in wounded mice. The plasma level of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and its mRNA in white blood cells were found to be significantly higher in the wounded mice fed with high dietary AGEs than others. We conclude that dietary AGEs worsen inflammation and delay wound healing in nondiabetic burned mice, which might be mediated by HMGB1.
Impact of a Pulsed Electric Field on Damage of Plant Tissues: Effects of Cell Size and Tissue Electrical Conductivity
Authors: Ben Ammar J. , Lanoisellé J.‐L. , Lebovka N.I. , Van Hecke E. , Vorobiev E.
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Efficiency of pulsed electric field (PEF) induced permeabilization at 293 K in selected fruit and vegetable plant tissues (apple, potato, carrot, courgette, orange, and banana) at electric field strength (E) of 400 V·cm−1, 1000 V·cm−1 and pulse duration (tp) of 1000 μs was studied experimentally. The mean cell radius (〈r〉) was within 30 to 60 μm, and the ratio of electrical conductivities of the intact and damaged tissues (σi/σd) was within 0.07 to 0.79 for the studied tissues. Electroporation theory predicts higher damage for tissue with larger cells; however, the direct correlation between PEF damage efficiency and size of cell was not always observed. To explain this anomaly, a theoretical Monte Carlo model was developed and checked for parameters typical for potato tissue. The model showed a strong dependence of PEF damage efficiency and power consumption (W) on σi/σd ratio. The optimum value of electric field strength (Eopt) was an increasing function of σi/σd, and plant tissues with high σi/σd ratio (σi/σd≈ 1) required application of a rather strong field (for example, Eopt≈ 3000 V·cm−1 for σi/σd≈ 0.8). However, the PEF treatment at a lower field (E≈ 400 V·cm−1) allowed regulation of the selectivity of damage of cells in dependence of their size. A good qualitative correspondence between experimental data and simulation results were observed.
Roasting Affects Phenolic Composition and Antioxidative Activity of Hazelnuts (Corylus avellana L.)
Authors: Schmitzer Valentina , Slatnar Ana , Veberic Robert , Stampar Franci , Solar Anita
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  The potential effect of skin removal and roasting on individual and total phenolic content, and on antioxidative potential of 6 hazelnut cultivars were investigated. HPLC‐MS identification of individual phenolics confirmed the presence of 7 flavan‐3‐ols (catechin, epicatechin, 2 procyanidin dimers, and 3 procyanidin trimers), 3 flavonols (quercetin pentoside, quercetin‐3‐O‐rhamnoside, and myricetin‐3‐O‐rhamnoside), 2 hydrobenzoic acids (gallic acid, protocatechulic acid), and 1 dihydrochalcone (phloretin‐2′‐O‐glucoside). Flavonols were only detected in whole hazelnut kernels. The content of individual phenolics, with the exception of gallic acid, was always highest in whole unroasted hazelnuts and was significantly reduced after skin removal. Similarly, total phenolic content and antioxidative potential decreased when skin was removed. Roasting had a significant negative effect on individual phenolics but not on the total phenolic content and antioxidative potential of kernels. From a health promoting phytochemical composition of hazelnuts the consumption of whole unroasted kernels with skins should be preferential to peeled kernels either roasted or unroasted.

Practical Application:  A significant reduction in the antioxidative potential and total phenolic content is detected after hazelnut skin removal but not after roasting, suggesting that hazelnut kernels should be consumed whole. In hazelnut skin, many phenolic compounds are located, which are not present in flesh and, therefore, the health properties of hazelnuts are strongly affected by skin removal. Thermal processing and roasting conditions used in this study had a lesser effect on the individual phenolic composition of the kernel and thus roasted and unroasted hazelnuts without skin contain comparable amounts of health promoting compounds.
First Processing Steps and the Quality of Wild and Farmed Fish
Authors: Borderías Antonio J. , Sánchez‐Alonso Isabel
Published: November 2010

Abstract: First processing steps of fish are species‐dependent and have common practices for wild and for farmed fish. Fish farming does, however, have certain advantages over traditional fisheries in that the processor can influence postmortem biochemistry and various quality parameters. This review summarizes information about the primary processing of fish based on the influence of catching, slaughtering, bleeding, gutting, washing, and filleting. Recommendations are given for the correct primary processing of fish.
Acupuncture for treating dry eye: a randomized placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Shin Mi‐Suk , Kim Jong‐In , Lee Myeong Soo , Kim Kun Hyung , Choi Jun‐Yong , Kang Kyung‐Won , Jung So‐Young , Kim Ae‐Ran , Kim Tae‐Hun
Published: November 2010

Acta Ophthalmol. 2010: 88: e328–e333

Purpose:  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for ocular symptoms, tear film stability and tear secretion in dry eye patients.

Methods:  This is a randomized, patient‐assessor blinded, sham acupuncture controlled trial. Forty‐two participants with defined moderate to severe dry eye underwent acupuncture treatment three times a week for 3 weeks. Seventeen standard points (GV23; bilateral BL2, GB14, TE23, Ex1, ST1 and GB20; and unilateral SP3, LU9, LU10 and HT8 on the left for men and right for women) with ‘de qi’ manipulation for the verum acupuncture group and seventeen sham points of shallow penetration without other manipulation for the sham group were applied during the acupuncture treatment. Differences were measured using the ocular surface disease index (OSDI), the visual analogue scale (VAS) of ocular discomfort, the tear film break‐up time (BUT) and the Schimer I test with anaesthesia. In addition, adverse events were recorded.

Results:  There were no statistically significant differences between results on the OSDI, VAS, BUT or Schimer I tests from baseline between the verum and sham acupuncture groups. However, results from the within‐group analysis showed that the OSDI and VAS in both groups and the BUT in the verum acupuncture group were significantly improved after 3 weeks of treatment. No adverse events were reported during this trial.

Conclusion:  Both types of acupuncture improved signs and symptoms in dry‐eye patients after a 4‐week treatment. However, verum acupuncture did not result in better outcomes than sham acupuncture.
Oral health status and dental needs of autistic children and young adults
Authors: Jaber Mohamed A. , Sayyab Mohamed , Abu Fanas Salem H.
Published: November 2010

Aim:  Children with autism might need more dental care than non‐autistic, healthy children. The aims of this study were: (a) to describe the caries experience and treatment needs of autistic children aged 6–16 years in the United Arab Emirates; and (b) to provide baseline data at national and regional levels to enable comparisons and future planning of dental services for children with autism.

Methods:  All children attending a day centre in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, for autism were selected for the study. Sixty‐one autistic children aged 6–16 years (45 males and 16 females) were included in the study. Each patient received a complete oral and periodontal examination using codes and criteria as described by the World Health Organization.

Results:  The overall mean for Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth/decayed, missing, and filled teeth was 2.4. Female autistic children had significantly higher mean Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth/decayed, missing, and filled teeth scores (4.4) than males (1.63). The percentage of decayed, missing, and filled teeth increased with increasing age. The restorative index and met need index for the autistic children aged 11–15 years were 0.02 and 0.10, respectively.

Conclusion:  Effective oral health promotion strategies need to be implemented to improve the oral health status of autistic children.
A Spatiodirectional Model for Extreme Waves in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Jonathan Philip , Ewans Kevin
Published: November 2010

The characteristics of extreme waves in hurricane dominated regions vary systematically with a number of covariates, including location and storm direction. Reliable estimation of design criteria requires incorporation of covariate effects within extreme value models. We present a spatiodirectional model for extreme waves in the Gulf of Mexico motivated by the nonhomogeneous Poisson model for peaks over threshold. The model is applied to storm peak significant wave height HS for arbitrary geographic areas from the proprietary Gulf of Mexico Oceanographic Study (GOMOS) hindcast for the US region of the Gulf of Mexico for the period of 1900–2005. At each location, directional variability is modeled using a nonparametric directional location and scale; data are standardized (or “whitened”) with respect to local directional location and scale to remove directional effects. For a suitable choice of threshold, the rate of occurrence of threshold exceedences of whitened storm peak HS with direction per location is modeled as a Poisson process. The size of threshold exceedences is modeled using a generalized Pareto form, the parameters of which vary smoothly in space, and are estimated within a roughness-penalized likelihood framework using natural thin plate spline forms in two spatial dimensions. By reparameterizing the generalized Pareto model in terms of asymptotically independent parameters, an efficient back-fitting algorithm to estimate the natural thin plate spline model is achieved. The algorithm is motivated in an appendix. Design criteria, estimated by simulation, are illustrated for a typical neighborhood of 17×17 grid locations. Applications to large areas consisting of more than 2500 grid locations are outlined.
Microfabricated resistive high-sensitivity nanoprobe for scanning thermal microscopy
Authors: Wielgoszewski G. , Sulecki P. , Gotszalk T. , Janus P. , Szmigiel D. , Grabiec P. , Zschech E.
Published: November 2010

In this article, a novel microfabricated thermoresistive scanning thermal microscopy probe is presented. It is a V-shaped silicon nitride cantilever with platinum lines and a sharp off-plane nanotip. The cantilever fabrication sequence incorporates standard complementary metal oxide semiconductor technology processes and therefore provides high reproducibility, while the tip is additionally processed by focused ion beam, enabling high-sensitivity and high-resolution thermal sensing. The nanoprobe is designed for scanning thermal microscopes, operating in standard atomic force microscope setup with an optical detection system. The measurement setup, which is also presented, takes advantage of the four-point design of the probe by inclusion of a Thomson bridge and a modified Wheatstone bridge measurement electronics.
New Cellular Culprits in Gaucher's Disease
Authors: Buettner Christoph
Published: November 2010

Gaucher's disease is caused by defects in osteoblasts, dendritic cells, and T cells, as well as macrophages.
Fifty years of the closo-decaborate anion chemistry
Authors: Sivaev Igor B. , Prikaznov Alexander V. , Naoufal Daoud
Published: November 2010

The review covers the fifty-year period of chemistry of thecloso-decaborate anion [B10H10]2–from the first report by Hawthorne and Pitochelli. The main attention is paid to reactions of substitution of various atoms and groups for hydrogen atoms. The general stability of thecloso-decaborate cage, including its protonation, cage-opening and cage oxidation reactions, is considered as well. A review with 242 references.
CALCULATION OF BIFURCATION CURVES BY MAP REPLACEMENT
Authors: AVRUTIN VIKTOR , SCHANZ MICHAEL , GARDINI LAURA
Published: November 2010

The complex bifurcation structure in the parameter space of the general piecewise-linear scalar map with a single discontinuity — nowadays known as nested period adding structure — was completely studied analytically by N. N. Leonov already 50 years ago. He used an elegant and very efficient recursive technique, which allows the analytical calculation of the border-collision bifurcation curves, causing the nested period adding structure to occur. In this work, we have demonstrated that the application of Leonov's technique is not resticted to that particular bifurcation structure. On the contrary, the presented map replacement approach, which is an extension of Leonov's technique, allows the analytical calculation of border-collision bifurcation curves for periodic orbits with high periods and complex symbolic sequences using appropriate composite maps and the bifurcation curves for periodic orbits with much lower periods.
ON THE PARAMETERS ESTIMATION OF THE DUFFING SYSTEM BY SYSTEMS SYNCHRONIZATION
Authors: AGUILAR-IBÁÑEZ CARLOS , HERNÁNDEZ R E. , SUÁREZ-CASTAÑÓN MIGUEL S.
Published: November 2010

In this paper, we present a Lyapunov based approach for synchronizing, identifying the unknown parameters of the Duffing Mechanical System. The strategy consists of proposing a slave system which has to follow asymptotically a selected master Duffing system. The gains of the slave system are adjusted continuously according to a convenient adaptative control law, until the measurable output error converges to zero. The convergence analysis is carried out by using Barbalat's lemma. The parameters identification method does not always rely on the chaotic behavior of the Duffing system.
PREPARATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF NANO-Fe3O4 AND COBALT-DOPED NANO-Fe3O4 BY CO-PRECIPITATION METHOD
Authors: LIANG XIAOJUAN , HUAN WEIWEI , JIA XIANGCHEN , DING HAIJUN , YANG YUXIANG , LIU XIANGNONG
Published: November 2010

Pure nano- Fe3O4 and cobalt-doped nano- Fe3O4 particles are successfully synthesized by co-precipitation method using tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAOH) as alkali. Several key factors that may affect preparation are carefully discussed such as alkali concentration, alkali dosage, reaction temperature, iron salt solution concentration and dispersant agents. Such nano- Fe3O4 particles prepared have good dispersibility and a very narrow size distribution with the average diameter about 38 nm, which are proved to be cubic spinel Fe3O4 crystal by XRD pattern. It is also found that the addition of PEG-4000 surfactant can improve the dispersibility of nanoparticles. In our work, effects of cobalt dopant concentration on magnetic properties of cobalt-doped nano- Fe3O4 are also discussed. The result shows that the coercivity of cobalt-doped nanoparticles changes greatly with the variation of cobalt dopant concentration. The maximum coercivity reaches as high as 1628 Oe, which is very meaningful for preparation of materials with high coercivity.
MOLECULAR DYNAMICS OF NANOINDENTATION WITH CONICAL CARBON INDENTERS ON GRAPHITE AND DIAMOND
Authors: FANG T. H. , CHANG W. J. , FAN Y. C.
Published: November 2010

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of nanoindentation with a conical carbon indenter on graphite sheets and diamond is performed. The interactions of carbon indenter, graphite, and diamond atoms are described by the Tersoff–Brenner potential. Also, the Lennard–Jones potential function is employed to simulate the interactions between the indenter and the graphite and diamond atoms. The simulation results show that the maximum contact force increases with increasing conical angle due to an increase in the contact area. As the indentation velocity increases, the maximum contact force increases. However, the force decreases when the substrate temperature increases because of the weak interaction force between the atoms. Furthermore, the maximum contact force of nanoindentation with a conical indenter on the diamond was larger than that on the graphite sheets at the same indentation depth, velocity, and temperature.
ELECTRON TRANSPORT THROUGH A QUANTUM INTERFEROMETER WITH SIDE-COUPLED QUANTUM DOTS: A THEORETICAL STUDY
Authors: MAITI SANTANU K.
Published: November 2010

We study electron transport through a quantum interferometer with side-coupled quantum dots. The interferometer, threaded by a magnetic flux φ, is attached symmetrically to two semi-infinite one-dimensional metallic electrodes. The calculations are based on the tight-binding model and the Green's function method, which numerically compute the conductance–energy and current–voltage characteristics. Our results predict that under certain conditions this particular geometry exhibits anti-resonant states. These states are specific to the interferometric nature of the scattering and do not occur in conventional one-dimensional scattering problems of potential barriers. Most importantly we show that, such a simple geometric model can also be used as a classical XOR gate, where the two gate voltages, viz, Va and Vb, are applied, respectively, in the two dots those are treated as the two inputs of the XOR gate. For φ = φ0/2 (φ0 = ch/e, the elementary flux-quantum), a high output current (1) (in the logical sense) appears if one, and only one, of the inputs to the gate is high (1), while if both inputs are low (0) or both are high (1), a low output current (0) appears. It clearly demonstrates the XOR gate behavior and this aspect may be utilized in designing an electronic logic gate.
ROOM TEMPERATURE DEPOSITION OF SINGLE-WALLED CARBON NANOTUBE THIN FILMS
Authors: JEONG SEUNG YOL , PAREKH BHARVIN , GUPTA VARUN , FANCHINI GIOVANNI , CHHOWALLA MANISH
Published: November 2010

A simple method for direct deposition of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) networks on flexible substrates at room temperature is reported. Deposition of thin films was carried out using a two-zone tube furnace where the nucleation and growth of SWNTs occur in vapor phase in the hot zone and condense onto substrates in the cold zone. Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy reveal individual, uniformly distributed SWNTs over large areas (several cm2). The coverage density of the SWNTs on flexible substrates can be controlled by the location of the substrates within the cold zone. The opto-electronic properties of the thin films indicated that they can be transparent and conducting with sheet resistances ranging from 4 to 21 kΩ/sq at corresponding transparencies of 51 to 87%, respectively.
Population Anisotropy in Area MT Explains a Perceptual Difference Between Near and Far Disparity Motion Segmentation
Authors: Calabro Finnegan J. , Vaina Lucia M.
Published: November 2010

Segmentation of the visual scene into relevant object components is a fundamental process for successfully interacting with our surroundings. Many visual cues, including motion and binocular disparity, support segmentation, yet the mechanisms using these cues are unclear. We used a psychophysical motion discrimination task in which noise dots were displaced in depth to investigate the role of segmentation through disparity cues in visual motion stimuli ( experiment 1). We found a subtle, but significant, bias indicating that near disparity noise disrupted the segmentation of motion more than equidistant far disparity noise. A control experiment showed that the near-far difference could not be attributed to attention ( experiment 2). To account for the near-far bias, we constructed a biologically constrained model using recordings from neurons in the middle temporal area (MT) to simulate human observers' performance on experiment 1. Performance of the model of MT neurons showed a near-disparity skew similar to that shown by human observers. To isolate the cause of the skew, we simulated performance of a model containing units derived from properties of MT neurons, using phase-modulated Gabor disparity tuning. Using a skewed-normal population distribution of preferred disparities, the model reproduced the elevated motion discrimination thresholds for near-disparity noise, whereas a skewed-normal population of phases (creating individually asymmetric units) did not lead to any performance skew. Results from the model suggest that the properties of neurons in area MT are computationally sufficient to perform disparity segmentation during motion processing and produce similar disparity biases as those produced by human observers.