bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct observation of heat dissipation in individual suspended carbon nanotubes using a two-laser technique
Authors: Hsu I-Kai , Pettes Michael T. , Aykol Mehmet , Chang Chia-Chi , Hung Wei-Hsuan , Theiss Jesse , Shi Li , Cronin Stephen B.
Published: September 2011

A two-laser technique is used to investigate heat spreading along individual single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) bundles in vacuum and air environments. A 532 nm laser focused on the center of a suspended SWCNT bundle is used as a local heat source, and a 633 nm laser is used to measure the spatial temperature profile along the SWCNT bundle by monitoring the G band downshifts in the Raman spectra. A constant temperature gradient is observed when the SWCNT bundle is irradiated in vacuum, giving direct evidence of diffusive transport of the phonons probed by the Raman laser. In air, however, we observe an exponentially decaying temperature profile with a decay length of about 7 μm, due to heat dissipation from the SWCNT bundle to the surrounding gas molecules. The thermal conductivity of the suspended carbon nanotube (CNT) is determined from its electrical heating temperature profile as measured in vacuum and the nanotube bundle diameter measured via transmission electron microscopy. Based on the exponential decay curves measured in three different CNTs in air, the heat transfer coefficient between the SWCNTs and the surrounding air molecules is found to range from 1.5 × 103 to 7.9 × 104 W/m2 K, which is smaller than the 1 × 105 W/m2 K thermal boundary conductance value calculated using the kinetic theory of gases. This measurement is insensitive to the thermal contact resistance, as no temperature drops occur at the ends of the nanotube. It is also insensitive to errors in the calibration of the G band temperature coefficient. The optical absorption is also obtained from these results and is on the order of 10−5.
Offset phase locking of noisy diode lasers aided by frequency division
Authors: Ivanov E. N. , Esnault F.-X. , Donley E. A.
Published: September 2011

For heterodyne phase locking, frequency division of the beat note between two oscillators can improve the reliability of the phase lock and the quality of the phase synchronization. Frequency division can also reduce the size, weight, power, and cost of the instrument by excluding the microwave synthesizer from the control loop when the heterodyne offset frequency is large (5 to 10 GHz). We have experimentally tested the use of a frequency divider in an optical phase-lock loop and compared the achieved level of residual phase fluctuations between two diode lasers with that achieved without the use of a frequency divider. The two methods achieve comparable phase stability provided that sufficient loop gain is maintained after frequency division to preserve the required bandwidth. We have also numerically analyzed the noise properties and internal dynamics of phase-locked loops subjected to a high level of phase fluctuations, and our modeling confirms the expected benefits of having an in-loop frequency divider.
Thermodynamics and diffusion in size-symmetric and asymmetric dense electrolytes
Authors: Bastea Sorin
Published: September 2011

MD simulation results for model size-symmetric and asymmetric electrolytes at high densities and temperatures (well outside the liquid-gas coexistence region) are generated and analyzed focusing on thermodynamic and diffusion properties. An extension of the mean spherical approximation for electrolytes originally derived for charged hard sphere fluids is adapted to these systems by exploiting the separation of short range and Coulomb interaction contributions intrinsic to these theoretical models and is found to perform well for predicting equation of state quantities. The diffusion coefficients of these electrolytes can also be reasonably well predicted using entropy scaling ideas suitably adapted to charged systems and mixtures. Thus, this approach may provide an avenue for studying dense electrolytes or complex molecular systems containing charged species at high pressures and temperatures.
Surface striation, anisotropic in-plane strain, and degree of polarization in nonpolar m-plane GaN grown on SiC
Authors: Feng Shih-Wei , Yang Chih-Kai , Lai Chih-Ming , Tu Li-Wei , Sun Qian , Han Jung
Published: September 2011

We report the roles of island coalescence rate and strain relaxation in the development of anisotropic in-plane strains, striation feature, and subsequent degree of polarization in NH3-flow-rate-dependent m-plane GaN. In the high-NH3-flow-rate samples, the results of cathodoluminescence, polarized Raman and in situ optical reflectance measurements reveal that a slower coalescence and unrelieved lattice misfit strain lead to larger anisotropic in-plane strains, striated surface and luminescence patterns, and a lower density of basal-plane stacking fault (BSF) and prismatic stacking fault (PSF). In contrast, a lower NH3 flow rate leads to more rapid island coalescence and fully relaxed lattice misfit strain such that relaxed in-plane strains, a reduced striation surface, and a higher density of BSF and PSF are observed. It is suggested that the anisotropic in-plane strains, striation feature, and BSF and PSF density are consequences of how rapidly coalescence occurs and the degree of relaxation of lattice misfit strain. In addition, the simulation results of the k · p perturbation approach confirm a larger anisotropic strain results in a smaller degree of polarization. The research results provide important information for optimized growth of nonpolar III-nitrides.
Experimental investigations of emission spectrum of a discharge with two liquid non-metallic (tap-water) electrodes in air at atmospheric pressure
Authors: Andre P , Barinov Yu A , Faure G , Shkol'nik S M
Published: September 2011

Experimental investigations of the emission spectrum in the wavelength range 240 nm ⩽ λ ⩽ 850 nm of a discharge burning in open air between two flows of tap water (a discharge with two liquid electrodes) with direct current supply are carried out. The axial and radial distributions of spectral characteristics at different currentsiand discharge lengthsL(i= 40–80 mA;L= 4–8 mm) are investigated. From spectral distributions of plasma emissivity, the obtained results show that the discharge radiates mainly in the ultraviolet region of the spectrum. The main contribution to the radiation power is made by N2, OH and NO molecules. The near-electrode regions radiate most intensively. A comparison of the previously published results of the investigations of such a discharge with the present results allows us to give qualitative explanations of the regularities in the axial distributions of spectral characteristics and their dependences on current and discharge length. An estimation of the dose of irradiation of the electrode liquid (tap water) by discharge radiation, having bactericidal effect (λ ⩽ 310 nm) is made. The estimation shows that when water flows through the electrode attachment, the dose received by it is, by an order of magnitude, comparable to the dose which is necessary for sterilization.
Creep of the contact with a spherical tip and recovery of the imprint on amorphous polymer surfaces
Authors: Chatel T , Gauthier C , Pelletier H , Le Houerou V , Favier D , Schirrer R
Published: September 2011

This paper is devoted to an analysis of the creep and recovery occurring on the surface of an amorphous polymer during indentation, a characteristic of the self-healing performance of the material. Creep and recovery were studied using a home made experimental device which allows one to record in situ the evolution of the imprint created by a probe. The influence of the temperature, the initial imposed strain and the creep duration were analysed. The evolution of the true contact area with time was followed during micro-indentation. We demonstrate the non-linear behaviour of the amorphous polymer studied during the creep and recovery phases. The results obtained allow calculation of the activation energy and activation volume of the polymer. These results are also compared with the predictions of the viscoelastic model of Lee and Radok and viscoplasticity is demonstrated for a reasonable initial mean contact strain as defined by Tabor. Nevertheless, it is still difficult to quantify the recovery and to define the conditions for the appearance of plasticity.
Studying ignition schemes on European laser facilities
Authors: Jacquemot S. , Amiranoff F. , Baton S.D. , Chanteloup J.C. , Labaune C. , Koenig M. , Michel D.T. , Perez F. , Schlenvoigt H.P. , Canaud B. , Cherfils Clérouin C. , Debras G. , Depierreux S. , Ebrardt J. , Juraszek D. , Lafitte S. , Loiseau P. , Miquel J.L. , Philippe F. , Rousseaux C. , Blanchot N. , Edwards C.B. , Norreys P. , Atzeni S. , Schiavi A. , Breil J. , Feugeas J.L. , Hallo L. , Lafon M. , Ribeyre X. , Santos J.J. , Schurtz G. , Tikhonchuk V. , Debayle A. , Honrubia J.J. , Temporal M. , Batani D. , Davies J.R. , Fiuza F. , Fonseca R.A. , Silva L.O. , Gizzi L.A. , Koester P. , Labate L. , Badziak J. , Klimo O.
Published: September 2011

Demonstrating ignition and net energy gain in the near future on MJ-class laser facilities will be a major step towards determining the feasibility of Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE), in Europe as in the United States. The current status of the French Laser MégaJoule (LMJ) programme, from the laser facility construction to the indirectly driven central ignition target design, is presented, as well as validating experimental campaigns, conducted, as part of this programme, on various laser facilities. However, the viability of the IFE approach strongly depends on our ability to address the salient questions related to efficiency of the target design and laser driver performances. In the overall framework of the European HiPER project, two alternative schemes both relying on decoupling target compression and fuel heating—fast ignition (FI) and shock ignition (SI)—are currently considered. After a brief presentation of the HiPER project's objectives, FI and SI target designs are discussed. Theoretical analysis and 2D simulations will help to understand the unresolved key issues of the two schemes. Finally, the on-going European experimental effort to demonstrate their viability on currently operated laser facilities is described.
Two novel WD40 domain–containing proteins, Ere1 and Ere2, function in the retromer-mediated endosomal recycling pathway
Authors: Shi Yufeng , Stefan Christopher J. , Rue Sarah M. , Teis David , Emr Scott D.
Published: September 2011

Regulated secretion, nutrient uptake, and responses to extracellular signals depend on cell-surface proteins that are internalized and recycled back to the plasma membrane. However, the underlying mechanisms that govern membrane protein recycling to the cell surface are not fully known. Using a chemical-genetic screen in yeast, we show that the arginine transporter Can1 is recycled back to the cell surface via two independent pathways mediated by the sorting nexins Snx4/41/42 and the retromer complex, respectively. In addition, we identify two novel WD40-domain endosomal recycling proteins, Ere1 and Ere2, that function in the retromer pathway. Ere1 is required for Can1 recycling via the retromer-mediated pathway, but it is not required for the transport of other retromer cargoes, such as Vps10 and Ftr1. Biochemical studies reveal that Ere1 physically interacts with internalized Can1. Ere2 is present in a complex containing Ere1 on endosomes and functions as a regulator of Ere1. Taken together, our results suggest that Snx4/41/42 and the retromer comprise two independent pathways for the recycling of internalized cell-surface proteins. Moreover, a complex containing the two novel proteins Ere1 and Ere2 mediates cargo-specific recognition by the retromer pathway.
AluHunter: a database of potentially polymorphic Alu insertions for use in primate phylogeny and population genetics
Authors: Bergey Christina M.
Published: September 2011

Summary:  AluHunter is a database of taxon-specific primate Alu elements for use in phylogeny and population genetics. The software automatically isolates potentially polymorphic Alu insertions in sequences submitted to GenBank by screening the elements against reference genomes. The resultant database of variable markers is a valuable resource for researchers interested in characterizing Alu elements in their primate taxon of interest.

Availability and Implementation: The AluHunter database can be accessed at http://www.aluhunter.com.

Contact:  cmb433@nyu.edu
Deciphering the genetic basis of animal domestication
Authors: Wiener Pamela , Wilkinson Samantha
Published: September 2011

Genomic technologies for livestock and companion animal species have revolutionized the study of animal domestication, allowing an increasingly detailed description of the genetic changes accompanying domestication and breed development. This review describes important recent results derived from the application of population and quantitative genetic approaches to the study of genetic changes in the major domesticated species. These include findings of regions of the genome that show between-breed differentiation, evidence of selective sweeps within individual genomes and signatures of demographic events. Particular attention is focused on the study of the genetics of behavioural traits and the implications for domestication. Despite the operation of severe bottlenecks, high levels of inbreeding and intensive selection during the history of domestication, most domestic animal species are genetically diverse. Possible explanations for this phenomenon are discussed. The major insights from the surveyed studies are highlighted and directions for future study are suggested.
Promiscuous mating produces offspring with higher lifetime fitness
Authors: Gerlach Nicole M. , McGlothlin Joel W. , Parker Patricia G. , Ketterson Ellen D.
Published: September 2011

In many species, each female pairs with a single male for the purpose of rearing offspring, but may also engage in extra-pair copulations. Despite the prevalence of such promiscuity, whether and how multiple mating benefits females remains an open question. Multiple mating is typically thought to be favoured primarily through indirect benefits (i.e. heritable effects on the fitness of offspring). This prediction has been repeatedly tested in a variety of species, but the evidence has been equivocal, perhaps because such studies have focused on pre-reproductive survival rather than lifetime fitness of offspring. Here, we show that in a songbird, the dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis), both male and female offspring produced by extra-pair fertilizations have higher lifetime reproductive success than do offspring sired within the social pair. Furthermore, adult male offspring sired via extra-pair matings are more likely to sire extra-pair offspring (EPO) themselves, suggesting that fitness benefits to males accrue primarily through enhanced mating success. By contrast, female EPO benefited primarily through enhanced fecundity. Our results provide strong support for the hypothesis that the evolution of extra-pair mating by females is favoured by indirect benefits and shows that such benefits accrue much later in the offspring's life than previously documented.
Analysis of dermatomyositis‐specific autoantibodies and clinical characteristics in Japanese patients
Authors: IKEDA Nobuaki , TAKAHASHI Kazuo , YAMAGUCHI Yukie , INASAKA Mai , KUWANA Masataka , IKEZAWA Zenro
Published: September 2011

Dermatomyositis (DM) is an idiopathic systemic inflammatory disease that is often accompanied by interstitial lung disease (ILD) or internal malignancy. New autoantibodies, anti‐clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis 140 (anti‐CADM‐140) antibody (Ab) and anti‐155/140 Ab, as well as anti‐aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetase (anti‐ARS) Ab and anti‐Mi‐2 Ab, have been discovered and their utility indicated. However, the association between these autoantibodies and the clinical characteristics of DM is not fully understood, and it is unclear whether anti‐155/140 Ab is “specific” to DM patients with internal malignancy. Therefore, we analyzed 55 DM patients and 18 non‐DM patients with malignancy to evaluate the clinical characteristics, especially skin manifestations, in association with DM‐specific autoantibodies detected by immunoprecipitation. Six patients (11%) had anti‐CADM‐140 Ab, nine (16%) had anti‐155/140 Ab, eight (15%) had anti‐ARS Ab and six (11%) had anti‐Mi‐2 Ab. The frequency of DM patients positive for any type of autoantibody was 53%. Among the 20 DM patients with ILD, three (15%) had both anti‐CADM‐140 Ab and rapidly progressive ILD, and required intensive therapy (P < 0.05). ILD found in anti‐ARS Ab‐positive patients did not progress rapidly. The prevalence of muscle involvement in patients with anti‐CADM‐140 Ab was 83%. Among the 18 DM patients with internal malignancy, four (22%) had anti‐155/140 Ab, and internal malignancy was found in four cases (44%) of nine anti‐155/140 Ab‐positive patients. None of the non‐DM patients with malignancy were positive for anti‐155/140 Ab. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that anti‐155/140 Ab is specific to DM patients with internal malignancy and that we may be able to predict prognosis of ILD and the presence of malignancy to some extent, suggesting that examination of autoantibodies in DM patients is clinically very useful. However, further investigation is needed because several findings differ from those of previous reports.
Communications during epidural catheter placement for labour analgesia
Authors: Slater P. , Sellors J. , Cyna A. M.
Published: September 2011

Evidence suggests that anaesthetists’ communication can affect patient experience. There is a lack of guidance for anaesthetists as to the optimal verbal communication to use during insertion of epidurals on the labour ward. We recorded the verbal communication used by 14 anaesthetists during the siting of epidural catheters in women on the labour ward; a classification of the language used was subsequently devised. We found that commands and information statements were the most common types of communication used. Individual anaesthetists differed markedly in their use of positive and negative verbal language. This classification of verbal communication that we produced may be of value in future training and research of verbal communication used by anaesthetists on the labour ward.

You can respond to this article at http://www.anaesthesiacorrespondence.com
Pharmacokinetic interaction between domperidone and ketoconazole leads to QT prolongation in healthy volunteers: a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, crossover study
Authors: Boyce Malcolm J. , Baisley Kathy J. , Warrington Steven J.
Published: September 2011

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Domperidone, a dopamine antagonist metabolized mainly by CYP3A, has been used as an anti‐emetic and prokinetic agent by mouth for over 30 years.

• Domperidone has a good safety record. However, early studies of high dose intravenous domperidone were associated with QTc prolongation and arrhythmias, including torsade de pointes.

• There have been no thorough QTc studies of domperidone.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• We assessed the effect on QTc of oral domperidone and ketoconazole, alone and in combination.

• •Ketoconazole, a CYP3A inhibitor, tripled domperidone concentrations, whilst domperidone did not affect ketoconazole concentrations.

• •Domperidone and ketoconazole, alone and in combination, increased QTc significantly in men, and there was a positive correlation between increased QTc and concentrations of domperidone and ketoconazole in both sexes.

• The effect of domperidone alone on QTc was small and not clinically important, but domperidone should not be co‐administered with ketoconazole.

AIMS To assess the steady‐state pharmacokinetic and QTc effects of domperidone and ketoconazole, given alone and together.

METHODS A randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, crossover study was carried out. Healthy subjects (14 men, 10 women; age 18–39 years; mean weight 73.5 kg, range 53.8–98.8 kg; 23 Europid, 1 Afro‐Caribbean) received orally, for 7 days each, placebo, domperidone 10 mg, four doses daily, at 4 h intervals, ketoconazole 200 mg 12‐hourly and domperidone and ketoconazole together. The washout period was 15 days. Pharmacokinetics and serial 12‐lead ECGs were assessed on day 7, and serial ECGs on day −1 and at follow‐up. Two subjects withdrew before the third treatment period, so data were available for 22–24 subjects.

RESULTS Ketoconazole tripled domperidone concentrations at steady‐state. Domperidone, ketoconazole and their combination significantly increased QTcF in men. Overall adjusted mean differences from placebo were 4.20 (95% CI 0.77, 7.63), 9.24 (95% CI 5.85, 12.63) and 15.90 (95% CI 12.47, 19.33) ms, respectively. In women, QTcF was not significantly different from placebo on either domperidone or ketoconazole alone, or in combination. However, QTc was positively correlated with plasma drug concentrations, in both men and women. ΔQTcF increased by about 2 ms per 10 ng ml–1 rise in domperidone concentration, and per 1 µg ml–1 rise in ketoconazole concentration.

CONCLUSIONS Ketoconazole tripled the plasma concentrations of domperidone. Domperidone and ketoconazole increased QTcF in men, whether given together or separately. The effect of domperidone alone was below the level of clinical importance. The negative result in women is unexplained.
Differential inhibition of trastuzumab- and cetuximab-induced cytotoxicity of cancer cells by immunoglobulin G1 expressing different GM allotypes
Authors: Namboodiri A M , Pandey J P
Published: September 2011

Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), which links the innate and the adaptive arms of immunity, is a major host immunosurveillance mechanism against tumours, as well as the leading mechanism underlying the clinical efficacy of therapeutic antibodies such as cetuximab and trastuzumab, which target tumour antigens, human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)1 and HER2, respectively. Immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibody-mediated ADCC is triggered upon ligation of Fcγ receptor (FcγR) to the Fc region of IgG molecules. It follows that genetic variation in FcγR and Fc could contribute to the differences in the magnitude of ADCC. Genetic variation in FcγR is known to contribute to the differences in the magnitude of ADCC, but the contribution of natural genetic variation in Fc, GM allotypes, in this interaction has hitherto not been investigated. Using an ADCC inhibition assay, we show that IgG1 expressing the GM 3+, 1−, 2− allotypes was equally effective in inhibiting cetuximab- and trastuzumab-mediated ADCC of respective target cells, in the presence of natural killer (NK) cells expressing either valine or phenylalanine allele of FcγRIIIa. In contrast, IgG1 expressing the allelic GM 17+, 1+, 2+ allotypes was significantly more effective in inhibiting the ADCC – mediated by both monoclonal antibodies – when NK cells expressed the valine, rather than the phenylalanine, allele of FcγRIIIa. These findings have important implications for engineering antibodies (with human γ1 constant region) against malignancies characterized by the over-expression of tumour antigens HER1 and HER2 – especially for patients who, because of their FcγRIIIa genotype, are unlikely to benefit from the currently available therapeutics.
Plasma myeloperoxidase level and peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Haslacher Helmuth , Perkmann Thomas , Gruenewald Julia , Exner Markus , Endler Georg , Scheichenberger Vanessa , Wagner Oswald , Schillinger Martin
Published: September 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (5): 463–469

Background  Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is involved in a multitude of inflammatory processes involving oxidative modification of soluble components and cellular surfaces. Thus, MPO plays a key role in promoting atherosclerosis via oxidative stress by modification of both high‐ and low‐density lipoprotein and production of other bioactive molecules. A polymorphism (MPO 463G>A, rs2333227) results in different expression rates of MPO. We aimed to assess whether MPO could be of clinical use as a risk marker for vascular disease in a high‐risk group.

Material and methods  Plasma MPO levels of 406 patients suffering from peripheral arterial disease (PAD) were measured on an Abbott Architect i2000sr and grouped into patients with high (>115 ng/mL) and low (< 115 ng/mL) MPO levels. Genotyping of rs2333227 was performed on an ABI TaqMan 7900HT RT‐PCR thermocycler.

Results  The relative risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) for patients with high plasma MPO is 1·2 (95%CI: 1·038–1·377, P < 0·05), initial event‐free periods in male patients are significantly longer in patients with MPO <115 ng/mL (mean = 875 days compared with mean = 734 days, P < 0·05) In smokers, an increased hazard ratio was computed for patients with high MPO levels (HR = 3·127, 95%CI: 1·258–7·772, P < 0·05). Effects of MPO [‐463A] allele on initial MACE‐free intervals did not persist after multivariate analysis.

Conclusions  Hence, we suggest consideration of plasma MPO for risk stratification of MACE in patients with PAD. In contrast, MPO‐463G>A is not an independent risk factor for MACE in patients suffering from PAD.
Wind as a main driver of the net ecosystem carbon balance of a semiarid Mediterranean steppe in the South East of Spain
Authors: Rey Ana , Belelli‐Marchesini Luca , Were Ana , Serrano‐ortiz Penelope , Etiope Giuseppe , Papale Dario , Domingo Francisco , Pegoraro Emiliano
Published: September 2011

Despite the advance in our understanding of the carbon exchange between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere, semiarid ecosystems have been poorly investigated and little is known about their role in the global carbon balance. We used eddy covariance measurements to determine the exchange of CO2 between a semiarid steppe and the atmosphere over 3 years. The vegetation is a perennial grassland of Stipa tenacissima L. located in the SE of Spain. We examined diurnal, seasonal and interannual variations in the net ecosystem carbon balance (NECB) in relation to biophysical variables. Cumulative NECB was a net source of 65.7, 143.6 and 92.1 g C m−2 yr−1 for the 3 years studied, respectively. We separated the year into two distinctive periods: dry period and growing season. The ecosystem was a net source of CO2 to the atmosphere, particularly during the dry period when large CO2 positive fluxes of up to 15 μmol m−2 s−1 were observed in concomitance with large wind speeds. Over the growing season, the ecosystem was a slight sink or neutral with maximum rates of −2.3 μmol m−2 s−1. Rainfall events caused large fluxes of CO2 to the atmosphere and determined the length of the growing season. In this season, photosynthetic photon flux density controlled day‐time NECB just below 1000 μmol m−2 s−1. The analyses of the diurnal and seasonal data and preliminary geological and gas‐geochemical evaluations, including C isotopic analyses, suggest that the CO2 released was not only biogenic but most likely included a component of geothermal origin, presumably related to deep fluids occurring in the area. These results highlight the importance of considering geological carbon sources, as well as the need to carefully interpret the results of eddy covariance partitioning techniques when applied in geologically active areas potentially affected by CO2‐rich geofluid circulation.
Quantifying the effects of ozone on plant reproductive growth and development
Authors: Leisner Courtney P. , Ainsworth Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2011

Tropospheric ozone (O3) is a harmful air pollutant that can negatively impact plant growth and development. Current O3 concentrations ([O3]) decrease forest productivity and crop yields and future [O3] will likely increase if current emission rates continue. However, the specific effects of elevated [O3] on reproductive development, a critical stage in the plant's lifecycle, have not been quantitatively reviewed. Data from 128 peer‐reviewed articles published from 1968 to 2010 describing the effects of O3 on reproductive growth and development were analysed using meta‐analytic techniques. Studies were categorized based on experimental conditions, photosynthetic type, lifecycle, growth habit and flowering class. Current ambient [O3] significantly decreased seed number (−16%), fruit number (−9%) and fruit weight (−22%) compared to charcoal‐filtered air. In addition, pollen germination and tube growth were decreased by elevated [O3] compared to charcoal‐filtered air. Relative to ambient air, fumigation with [O3] between 70 and 100 ppb decreased yield by 27% and individual seed weight by 18%. Reproductive development of both C3 and C4 plants was sensitive to elevated [O3], and lifecycle, flowering class and reproductive growth habit did not significantly affect a plant's response to elevated [O3] for many components of reproductive development. However, elevated [O3] decreased fruit weight and fruit number significantly in indeterminate plants, and had no effect on these parameters in determinate plants. While gaps in knowledge remain about the effects of O3 on plants with different growth habits, reproductive strategies and photosynthetic types, the evidence strongly suggests that detrimental effects of O3 on reproductive growth and development are compromising current crop yields and the fitness of native plant species.
Pharmacokinetics of oral meloxicam in ruminant and preruminant calves
Authors: MOSHER R. A. , COETZEE J. F. , CULL C. A. , GEHRING R. , KuKANICH B.
Published: September 2011

Mosher, R. A., Coetzee, J. F., Cull, C. A., Gehring, R., KuKanich, B. Pharmacokinetics of oral meloxicam in ruminant and preruminant calves. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 35, 373–381.

The pharmacokinetics of oral meloxicam has been studied in ruminant, but not preruminant calves. Oral meloxicam was administered at 0.5 mg/kg to six ruminant calves via gavage (RG); to six preruminant calves via gavage (PRG); and to six preruminant calves via suckling in milk replacer (PRF). Plasma drug concentrations, determined over 120‐h postadministration, were analyzed by compartmental and noncompartmental methods. The rate of drug absorption was faster (P < 0.01) in PRF (0.237 ± 0.0478/h) than RG calves (0.0815 ± 0.0188/h), while absorption in PRG calves (0.153 ± 0.128/h) was not different from other groups. Cmax was lower (P = 0.03) in PRF (1.27 ± 0.430 μg/mL) than in PRG calves (2.20 ± 0.467 μg/mL), while Cmax of RG calves (1.95 ± 0.955 μg/mL) was not different from other groups. V/F was higher in PRF calves (365 ± 57 mL/kg) than either PRG (177 ± 63 mL/kg, P < 0.01) or RG (232 ± 83 mL/kg, P = 0.01) calves. These observations were likely due to differences in bioavailability, physiological maturity, and timing of the drug delivery into different compartments of the ruminant gastrointestinal tract. Results suggest that an adjustment in meloxicam dose may be necessary when administered with milk replacer.
Elephant behaviour and conservation: social relationships, the effects of poaching, and genetic tools for management
Authors: ARCHIE ELIZABETH A. , CHIYO PATRICK I.
Published: September 2011

Genetic tools are increasingly valuable for understanding the behaviour, evolution, and conservation of social species. In African elephants, for instance, genetic data provide basic information on the population genetic causes and consequences of social behaviour, and how human activities alter elephants’ social and genetic structures. As such, African elephants provide a useful case study to understand the relationships between social behaviour and population genetic structure in a conservation framework. Here, we review three areas where genetic methods have made important contributions to elephant behavioural ecology and conservation: (1) understanding kin‐based relationships in females and the effects of poaching on the adaptive value of elephant relationships, (2) understanding patterns of paternity in elephants and how poaching can alter these patterns, and (3) conservation genetic tools to census elusive populations, track ivory, and understand the behavioural ecology of crop‐raiding. By comparing studies from populations that have experienced a range of poaching intensities, we find that human activities have a large effect on elephant behaviour and genetic structure. Poaching disrupts kin‐based association patterns, decreases the quality of elephant social relationships, and increases male reproductive skew, with important consequences for population health and the maintenance of genetic diversity. In addition, we find that genetic tools to census populations or gather forensic information are almost always more accurate than non‐genetic alternatives. These results contribute to a growing understanding of poaching on animal behaviour, and how genetic tools can be used to understand and conserve social species.
Atypical DNA recognition mechanism used by the EspR virulence regulator of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Blasco Benjamin , Stenta Marco , Alonso‐Sarduy Livan , Dietler Giovanni , Peraro Matteo Dal , Cole Stewart T. , Pojer Florence
Published: September 2011

The human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis requires the ESX‐1 secretion system for full virulence. EspR plays a key role in ESX‐1 regulation via direct binding and transcriptional activation of the espACD operon. Here, we describe the crystal structures of EspR, a C‐terminally truncated form, EspRΔ10, as well as an EspR–DNA complex. EspR forms a dimer with each monomer containing an N‐terminal helix–turn–helix DNA binding motif and an atypical C‐terminal dimerization domain. Structural studies combined with footprinting experiments, atomic force microscopy and molecular dynamic simulations allow us to propose a model in which a dimer of EspR dimers is the minimal functional unit with two subunits binding two consecutive major grooves. The other two DNA binding domains are thus free to form higher‐order oligomers and to bridge distant DNA sites in a cooperative way. These features are reminiscent of nucleoid‐associated proteins and suggest a more general regulatory role for EspR than was previously suspected.
Whole organ, venation and epidermal cell morphological variations are correlated in the leaves of Arabidopsis mutants
Authors: PÉREZ‐PÉREZ JOSÉ MANUEL , RUBIO‐DÍAZ SILVIA , DHONDT STIJN , HERNÁNDEZ‐ROMERO DIANA , SÁNCHEZ‐SORIANO JOAQUÍN , BEEMSTER GERRIT T. S. , PONCE MARÍA ROSA , MICOL JOSÉ LUIS
Published: September 2011

Despite the large number of genes known to affect leaf shape or size, we still have a relatively poor understanding of how leaf morphology is established. For example, little is known about how cell division and cell expansion are controlled and coordinated within a growing leaf to eventually develop into a laminar organ of a definite size. To obtain a global perspective of the cellular basis of variations in leaf morphology at the organ, tissue and cell levels, we studied a collection of 111 non‐allelic mutants with abnormally shaped and/or sized leaves, which broadly represent the mutational variations in Arabidopsis thaliana leaf morphology not associated with lethality. We used image‐processing techniques on these mutants to quantify morphological parameters running the gamut from the palisade mesophyll and epidermal cells to the venation, whole leaf and rosette levels. We found positive correlations between epidermal cell size and leaf area, which is consistent with long‐standing Avery's hypothesis that the epidermis drives leaf growth. In addition, venation parameters were positively correlated with leaf area, suggesting that leaf growth and vein patterning share some genetic controls. Positional cloning of the genes affected by the studied mutations will eventually establish functional links between genotypes, molecular functions, cellular parameters and leaf phenotypes.
Association of citrus psorosis B symptoms with a sequence variant of the Citrus psorosis virus RNA 2
Authors: Velázquez K. , Pina J. A. , Navarro L. , Moreno P. , Guerri J.
Published: September 2011

Citrus psorosis virus (CPsV), the type species of genus Ophiovirus, is the presumed causal agent of a bark scaling disease in citrus plants. CPsV virions are kinked filaments composed of three negative‐strand RNA molecules and a ∼48‐kDa coat protein. The virus induces two different syndromes: psorosis A (PsA), characterized by limited bark scaling lesions in the trunk and main limbs, and a more aggressive form of the disease called psorosis B (PsB) with rampant bark lesions affecting even thin branches and chlorotic blotches in old leaves. In the greenhouse, the PsA and PsB syndromes can be induced by graft inoculating healthy citrus seedlings with non‐lesion or with lesion bark inoculum from PsA‐affected field trees. PsA‐ and PsB‐inducing CPsV sub‐isolates obtained by this procedure from the same tree showed identical single‐strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) profiles in homologous segments of the RNAs 1 and 3, whereas segments of the RNA 2 enabled discrimination between PsA‐ and PsB‐associated sequence variants. SSCP analysis of the RNA 2 population present in different tissues of psorosis‐infected plants showed that: (i) PsA‐inducing isolates contain PsB‐associated sequence variants at low frequency, (ii) the PsB‐associated sequence variant is predominant in blistered twigs and gummy pustules affecting old leaves, characteristic of PsB isolates, and (iii) the PsB‐associated sequence variant accumulates preferentially in bark lesions of the trunk and limbs. SSCP analysis of the RNA 2 population also enabled monitoring of interference between PsA‐ and PsB‐associated variants in plants co‐inoculated with both psorosis types.
Failure to test children of HIV‐infected mothers in South Africa: implications for HIV testing strategies for preschool children
Authors: Chhagan Meera K. , Kauchali Shuaib , Arpadi Stephen M. , Craib Murray H. , Bah Fatimatou , Stein Zena , Davidson Leslie L.
Published: September 2011

Objectives  To assess the uptake of HIV testing among preschool children with HIV‐positive mothers in a peri‐urban population‐based study in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa, an area of high HIV prevalence.

Methods  All children 4–6 years old and their primary caregivers from the area were invited to participate. All participants were asked about prior HIV testing and were offered counselling and voluntary HIV testing irrespective of previous testing. Twenty‐seven HIV‐infected mothers were interviewed to identify barriers to testing their children.

Results  One thousand five hundred and eighty‐three children (88% of eligible children) and their caregivers participated. Of the biological mothers, 86% were previously tested for HIV (27% tested positive). Among the surviving 244 children born to an infected mother, only 41% had been tested for HIV (23% tested positive). Subsequently, 90% of previously untested children of infected mothers underwent HIV testing (9.3% were positive). Overall seroprevalence among study children was 4.9%. All infected mothers interviewed endorsed the belief that children of HIV‐infected women should be tested for HIV. Women who missed opportunities for antenatal HIV testing reported no systematic testing of their children at later ages.

Conclusions  In this community with high HIV prevalence, HIV testing of children is infrequent despite high testing coverage among caregivers. The low proportion of children tested for HIV, particularly those of infected mothers, is of great concern as they are at high risk for morbidity and mortality associated with untreated childhood HIV infection. HIV testing programs should strengthen protocols to include children, especially for those who missed PMTCT opportunities in infancy.
Circulating Immune Complexes in Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Authors: Kappelgaard E. , Nielsen H. , Bech K. , Bliddal H. , Feldt‐Rasmussen U. , Thomsen M.
Published: September 2011

Circulating immune complexes (IC) were determined in sera from 41 patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis by a polyclonal rheumatoid factor (pRF) assay based on the inhibition of the agglutination of IgG‐coated latex particles. Elevated levels of IC were found in 63% (26/41) of the sera. There was a significant correlation (Rho = 0.91, P < 0.001) between results obtained before and after treatment of sera with dithiothreitol (DTT). By precipitation with 2.5% polyethylene glycol (PEG) before pRF inhibition assay, the activity of IC was found in only 7% (3/41) of the sera. Size chromatography studies of the sera showed the inhibitory activity predominantly in the intermediary region. When found in the IgM‐region the activity was not reduced by DTT. By use of a polyethylene glycol complement consumption test (PEG‐CC) the occurrence of IC was 10% (4/41). It was not possible to find any correlation between the detectable IC and the presence of microsomal, thyroglobulin, or thyroid‐stimulating antibodies. Based on our studies the sizes of IC seemed to be heterogeneously distributed and the majority were not precipitated by PEG (2.5%, final concentration). The antibodies involved in the formation of complexes seemed to be of IgG or IgA classes. HLA‐D typing of the patients showed a non‐significant association between HLA‐Dw5 and low levels of IC while the presence of HLA‐Dw4 was significantly associated with a high level of IC (P < 0.05).
γ‐Tocopherol methyltransferase from the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii: functional characterization and expression analysis
Authors: Gálvez‐Valdivieso Gregorio , Cardeñosa Rosa , Vera José Manuel , Pineda Manuel , Aguilar Miguel
Published: September 2011

γ‐Tocopherol methyltransferase (γ‐TMT) (EC 2.1.1.95) is a very important enzyme in tocopherol biosynthesis in all photosynthetic organisms. In this paper, we present the functional characterization and expression analysis of γ‐TMT from the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Recombinant TMT1 enzyme was purified and characterized. The size of TMT1 subunit was estimated as 37 kDa by sodium dodecylsulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE), in accordance with the predicted molecular size after TMT1 cDNA sequence. Recombinant TMT1 also showed an apparent molecular mass of 37 kDa in its native conformation, suggesting that native TMT1 has a monomeric structure similar to the plant TMTs already characterized. pH and temperature dependence of TMT1 activity were also similar to plant TMTs. Substrate specificity studies showed that Chlamydomonas TMT1 is responsible for the conversion of γ‐ and δ‐tocopherol to α‐ and β‐tocopherol, respectively. The kinetic properties of Chlamydomonas recombinant γ‐TMT activity were studied and γ‐TMT1 has a similar affinity for γ‐ and δ‐tocopherol. Promoter sequence analysis and expression analysis by northern blot revealed that tmt1 expression is strongly upregulated by high light and downregulated by low temperature. This regulatory pattern of tmt1 expression supports the idea that γ‐ and α‐tocopherol play specific roles in the adaptation to growth under low temperature and high light stress conditions.
Lethal human herpesvirus‐6 encephalitis after cord blood transplant
Authors: Forest F. , Duband S. , Pillet S. , Stachowicz M.‐L. , Cornillon J. , Dumollard J.‐M. , Peoc'h M.
Published: September 2011

F. Forest, S. Duband, S. Pillet, M.‐L. Stachowicz, J. Cornillon, J.‐M. Dumollard, M. Peoc'h. Lethal human herpesvirus‐6 encephalitis after cord blood transplant. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 646–649. All rights reserved

Abstract: Clinical, biological, pathological, and imaging findings were all suggestive of lethal human herpesvirus‐6‐associated encephalitis in a 61‐year‐old man who had undergone a cord blood transplant. The neuropathological findings of this unusual autopsy case and the pathogenesis of this infection in immunocompromised patients are discussed.
Haemodynamic effects of thoracic epidural anaesthesia during proximal aortic cross‐clamping in pigs
Authors: Aadahl P. , Sæther O. D. , Stenseth R. , Myhre H. O.
Published: September 2011

Cross‐clamping (XC) of the thoracic aorta induces a hyperdynamic circulation proximal to the aortic clamp. In this investigation, the effects of thoracic epidural anaesthesia (TEA) on the haemodynamic response to XC were studied in pigs. Seventeen pigs were anaesthetized with ketamine, and the thoracic aorta was cross‐clamped for 30 minutes. In eight of the animals (TEA‐group) a thoracic epidural block (3 ml 0.5% bupivacaine) was added to the general anaesthesia.

Prior to XC there was a lower heart rate (HR), cardiac output (CO) and mixed venous oxygen saturation (Sv̄O2) in the TEA‐group compared to the nine animals with general anasthesia only (control‐group). During XC there was an increase in HR, CO, Sv̄o2 and proximal aortic blood pressure (PPROX) in both groups, without differences between groups. Following aortic declamping central venous pressure (CVP), pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) increased in both groups. Fifteen minutes after declamping, one animal in each group died.

It was concluded that in this experimental model, TEA combined with general anaesthesia did not modify the haemodynamic response to XC of the thoracic aorta.
Wound infiltration with ropivacaine and bupivacaine for pain after inguinal herniotomy
Authors: Erichsen C. J. , Vibits H. , Dahl J. B. , Kehlet H.
Published: September 2011

In a double‐blind, randomized study, 32 patients scheduled for elective inguinal herniotomy under general anaesthesia received subcutaneous infiltration with 40 ml ropivacaine 2.5 mg/ml or bupivacaine. Postoperative pain intensity was assessed repeatedly for 24 hours at rest, during cough and movement on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and by means of pressure algometry. No differences between pain intensities or wound tenderness were found between the groups. The demand for analgesics was similar in the two groups. We conclude that incisional ropivacaine is as effective as bupivacaine in the management of post‐herniotomy pain.
Effect of temperature on the progamic phase in high‐mountain plants
Authors: Steinacher G. , Wagner J.
Published: September 2011

Progamic processes are particularly temperature‐sensitive and, in lowland plants, are usually drastically reduced below 10 °C and above 30 °C. Little is known about how effectively sexual processes of mountain plants function under the large temperature fluctuations at higher altitudes. The present study examines duration and thermal thresholds for progamic processes in six common plant species (Cerastium uniflorum,Gentianella germanica,Ranunculus alpestris,R. glacialis,Saxifraga bryoides,S. caesia) from different altitudinal zones in the European Alps. Whole plants were collected from natural sites shortly before anthesis and kept in a climate chamber until further processing. Flowers with receptive stigmas were hand‐pollinated with allopollen and exposed to controlled temperatures between −2 and 40 °C. Pollen performance (adhesion to the stigma, germination, tube growth, fertilisation) was quantitatively analysed, using the aniline blue fluorescence method. Pollen adhesion was possible from −2 to 40 °C. Pollen germination and tube growth occurred from around 0 to 35 °C in most species. Fertilisation was observed from 5 to 30–32 °C (0–35 °C inG. germanica). The progamic phase was shortest inG. germanica(2 h at 30 °C, 12 h at 5 °C, 24 h at 0 °C), followed byR. glacialis(first fertilisation after 2 h at 30 °C, 18 h at 5 °C). In the remaining species, first fertilisation usually occurred after 4–6 h at 30 °C and after 24–30 h at 5 °C. Thus, mountain plants show remarkably flexible pollen performance over a wide temperature range and a short progamic phase, which may be essential for successful reproduction in the stochastic high‐mountain climate.