bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compressional Alfvénic rogue and solitary waves in magnetohydrodynamic plasmas
Authors: Panwar Anuraj , Rizvi H. , Ryu C. M.
Published: August 2013

Generation of compressional Alfvénic rogue and solitary waves in magnetohydrodynamic plasmas is investigated. Dispersive effect caused by non-ideal electron inertia currents perpendicular to the ambient magnetic field can balance the nonlinear steepening of waves leading to the formation of a soliton. The reductive perturbation method is used to obtain a Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) equation describing the evolution of the solitary wave. The height of a soliton is proportional to the soliton speed “U” and inversely proportional to plasma “β” (ratio of plasma thermal pressure to pressure of the confining magnetic field) and the width of soliton is proportional to the electron inertial length. KdV equation is used to study the nonlinear evolution of modulationally unstable compressional Alfvénic wavepackets via the nonlinear Schrödinger equation. The characteristics of rogue wave influenced by plasma “β” and the electron inertial length are described.
Thermal effect on prebunched two-beam free electron laser
Authors: Mirian N. S. , Maraghechi B.
Published: August 2013

A numerical simulation in one-dimension is conducted to study the two-beam free electron laser. The fundamental resonance of the fast electron beam coincides with the fifth harmonic of the slow electron beam in order to generate extreme ultraviolet radiation. Thermal effect in the form of the longitudinal velocity spread is included in the analysis. In order to reduce the length of the wiggler, prebunched slow electron beam is considered. The evaluation of the radiation power, bunching parameter, distribution function of energy, and the distribution function of the pondermotive phase is studied. Sensitivity of the power of the fifth harmonic to the jitter in the energy difference between the two beams is also studied. A phase space is presented that shows the trapped electrons at the saturation point.
An efficient method to study highly excited states at the ab initio level and application to ultralong Rydberg CsNe molecules
Authors: Liu Xiaomeng , Yang Yonggang , Zhao Jianming , Xiao Liantuan , Jia Suotang
Published: August 2013

An efficient method to study highly excited states at the ab initio level has been introduced and applied to ultralong Rydberg CsNe molecules. Vibrational properties of Rydberg CsNe molecules are investigated on corresponding potential energy curves obtained by perturbation theory. The Rydberg CsNe molecules are associated with a Rydberg Cs(ns/np) atom (n = 20–60) and a ground state Ne(1S0) atom. The starting point for the perturbation treatment of corresponding Rydberg molecular potential energy curves is to generate accurate atomic Rydberg states from realistic ab initio effective core potential. According to the authors’ knowledge this is a good reference for ultralong range molecules (order of 1000 Bohr radii) to be studied at the ab initiolevel.
Finite beta effects on low- and high-frequency magnetosonic waves in a two-ion-species plasma
Authors: Toida Mieko , Aota Yukio
Published: August 2013

A magnetosonic wave propagating perpendicular to a magnetic field in a two-ion-species plasma has two branches, high-frequency and low-frequency modes. The finite beta effects on these modes are analyzed theoretically on the basis of the three-fluid model with finite ion and electron pressures. First, it is shown that the Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation for the low-frequency mode is valid for amplitudes ε<εmax, where the upper limit of the amplitude εmax is given as a function of β (β is the ratio of the kinetic and magnetic energy densities), the density ratio, and the cyclotron frequency ratio of two ion species. Next, the linear dispersion relation and KdV equation for the high-frequency mode are derived, including β as a factor. In addition, the theory for heavy ion acceleration by the high-frequency mode pulse and the pulse damping due to this energy transfer in a finite beta plasma are presented.
A digitizer based compact digital spectrometer for ion beam analysis using field programmable gate arrays and various energy algorithms
Authors: Jäger Markus , Reinert Tilo
Published: August 2013

We report on the implementation of a compact multi-detector fully digital spectrometer and data acquisition system at a nuclear microprobe for ion beam analysis and imaging. The spectrometer design allows for system scalability with no restriction on the number of detectors. It consists of four-channel high-speed digitizer modules for detector signal acquisition and one low-speed digital-to-analog converter (DAC) module with two DAC channels and additional general purpose inputs/outputs to control ion beam scanning and data acquisition. Each digitizer module of the spectrometer provides its own Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) as digital signal processing unit to analyze detector signals as well as to synchronize the ion beam position in hard real-time. With the customized FPGA designs for all modules, all calculation intensive tasks are executed inside the modules, which reduces significantly the data stream to and CPU load on the control computer. To achieve an optimal energy resolution for all detector/preamplifier pulse shape characteristics, a user-definable infinite impulse response filter with high throughput for energy determination was implemented. The new spectrometer has an online data analysis feature, a compact size, and is able to process any type of detector signals such as particle induced x-ray emission, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, or scanning transmission ion microscopy.
Investigation of the influence of hydrostatic pressure on the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of Ni2−XMn1+XGa (X = 0, 0.15) Heusler alloys
Authors: Devarajan U. , Esakki Muthu S. , Arumugam S. , Singh Sanjay , Barman S. R.
Published: August 2013

The effect of hydrostatic pressure on the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of Ni2−XMn1+XGa (X = 0, 0.15) Heusler alloys around the martensitic transformation temperature (TM) has been investigated. We find that magnetic field increases and decreases the characteristic transitions temperature for X = 0 and 0.15, respectively, and increases the saturation magnetization of martensite phase for both the alloys. However, the hysteresis width decreases for both the alloys as we increase the magnetic field to 5 T. Application of hydrostatic pressure increases (decreases) the TM for X = 0 and 0.15. Pressure stabilizes the martensite phase with the increase of TM for Ni2MnGa, whereas the austenite phase gets stabilized with the decrease of TM in Ni1.85Mn1.15Ga (x = 0.15). Metamagnetic-like transition is suppressed for both the specimens with increasing pressure. The maximum magnetic entropy change (ΔSM max) is found to reduce from 19.2 J kg−1 K−1 (P = 0) to 6.04 J kg−1 K−1 (P = 9.69 kilobars) around TM for Ni2MnGa and it decreases from 8.9 J kg−1 K−1 (P = 0) to 1.27 J kg−1 K−1 (P = 7.4 kilobars) around TM for Ni1.85Mn1.15Ga.
Note: Absolute photoionization cross-section of the vinyl radical
Authors: Savee John D. , Lockyear Jessica F. , Borkar Sampada , Eskola Arkke J. , Welz Oliver , Taatjes Craig A. , Osborn David L.
Published: August 2013

This work measures the absolute photoionization cross-section of the vinyl radical (σvinyl(E)) between 8.1 and 11.0 eV. Two different methods were used to obtain absolute cross-section measurements: 193 nm photodissociation of methyl vinyl ketone (MVK) and 248 nm photodissociation of vinyl iodide (VI). The values of the photoionization cross-section for the vinyl radical using MVK, σvinyl(10.224 eV) = (6.1 ± 1.4) Mb and σvinyl(10.424 eV) = (8.3 ± 1.9) Mb, and using VI, σvinyl(10.013 eV) = (4.7 ± 1.1) Mb, σvinyl(10.513 eV) = (9.0 ± 2.1) Mb, and σvinyl(10.813 eV) = (12.1 ± 2.9) Mb, define a photoionization cross-section that is ∼1.7 times smaller than a previous determination of this value.
X-ray study of thermal expansion behaviors and Grüneisen parameters of cadmium germanium arsenide crystal over the temperature range 25–450 °C
Authors: Liu W. , Zhao B. , Zhu S. , He Z. , Chen B. , Huang W. , Tang J. , Yu Y.
Published: August 2013

X-ray diffraction measurements of tetragonal chalcopyrite cadmium germanium arsenide crystal are carried out over the range 25–450 °C. The collected patterns show that the powder neither yields a new phase nor structurally transforms to any other architecture. Accurate lattice parameters (including two lattice constants a and c, cell volume V, axial ratio k, and tetragonal distortion δ) are determined by means of Cohen's least square method. Polynomial fit approximation is adopted to quantitatively describe the temperature dependence of lattice parameters. These results are the groundwork that allows the evaluation of thermal expansion coefficients defined as αR = R−1(dR/dT) where R represents lattice parameters. The average thermal expansion coefficients are evaluated, 13.9 × 10−6 K−1 for αa and 2.8 × 10−6 K−1 for αc, respectively. It is also found that αa increases while αc decreases with temperature, which in consequence brings forth the large anisotropy of thermal expansion between the two main axes (a-axis and c-axis). Detailed discussion reveals that the anisotropy behavior is in tight association with the nearest neighboring bonds. Namely, the thermal expansion coefficient perpendicular to c-axis (αa) depends to a large extent on the ionic Cd-As bonds, while that parallel to c-axis (αc) depends on the covalent Ge-As bonds. Finally, the Grüneisen parameters at different temperatures are evaluated and also exhibit anisotropic behavior (γa > γc). It is found that γa is temperature-dependent and increases with temperature, while γc tends to be temperature-independent.
Optical anisotropy near the relaxor-ferroelectric phase transition in lanthanum lead zirconate titanate
Authors: Moore Nathan W. , Brown-Shaklee Harlan J. , Rodriguez Mark A. , Brennecka Geoff L.
Published: August 2013

We examine the optical activity, birefringence, and transparency of Lanthanum-doped, lead zirconate titanate (PLZT 7/65/35) bulk ceramic wafer sections over visible and near-IR spectra and on heating. Optical transitions are compared to both crystallographic (rhombohedral-cubic) and domain (relaxor-ferroelectric) transitions identified with x-ray diffraction, dielectric, and calorimetry measurements. Optical activity and birefringence are shown to be enhanced for disordered domains near room temperature, to attenuate above the relaxor-ferroelectric transition and to gradually decay above the Curie point regardless of the initial poling state. The results are interpreted in light of the change of crystallographic symmetry due to the local strains induced by ferroelectric architecture. The heterogeneous local strains more strongly influence the optical properties than the macro-scale structure of the polycrystalline PLZT ceramic. This mechanism is significant for understanding optical rotation and birefringence in polycrystalline systems. Finally, the specific rotation (up to 350°/mm) lies among the highest reported for crystalline materials. Along with strong poling contrast and comparatively small dispersion for the unpoled state, these properties are promising for electro-optics applications.
Electromechanical strain and bipolar fatigue in Bi(Mg1/2Ti1/2)O3-(Bi1/2K1/2)TiO3-(Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3 ceramics
Authors: Kumar Nitish , Cann David P.
Published: August 2013

Lead-free ceramics of composition Bi(Mg1/2Ti1/2)O3-(Bi1/2K1/2)TiO3-(Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3 were prepared using solid state synthesis techniques. The dielectric spectra showed a Tmax of more than 320 °C for all compositions, and the transitions became increasingly diffuse as the Bi(Mg1/2Ti1/2)O3 content increased. A lower temperature transition, indicating a transformation from an ergodic to a non-ergodic relaxor state, was also seen for all compositions, and this transition temperature decreased as the mole fraction of Bi(Mg1/2Ti1/2)O3 increased. The composition with 1% Bi(Mg1/2Ti1/2)O3 showed characteristic ferroelectric-like polarization and strain hysteresis. However, compositions with increased Bi(Mg1/2Ti1/2)O3 content became increasingly ergodic at room temperature with pinched polarization loops and no negative strain. Among these compositions, the magnitude of d33* increased with Bi(Mg1/2Ti1/2)O3 content, and the composition with 10% Bi(Mg1/2Ti1/2)O3 exhibited a d33* of 422 pm/V. Fatigue measurements were conducted on all compositions and while the 1% Bi(Mg1/2Ti1/2)O3 composition exhibited a measurable, but small loss in maximum strain after a million cycles; all the other compositions from 2.5% to 10% Bi(Mg1/2Ti1/2)O3 were essentially fatigue-free. Lastly, optical and alternating current impedance measurements were employed to identify intrinsic conduction as the dominant conduction mechanism. These compositions were also highly insulating with high resistivities (∼107 Ω-cm) at high temperatures (440 °C).
Impact of delays on the synchronization transitions of modular neuronal networks with hybrid synapses
Authors: Liu Chen , Wang Jiang , Yu Haitao , Deng Bin , Wei Xile , Tsang Kaiming , Chan Wailok
Published: August 2013

The combined effects of the information transmission delay and the ratio of the electrical and chemical synapses on the synchronization transitions in the hybrid modular neuronal network are investigated in this paper. Numerical results show that the synchronization of neuron activities can be either promoted or destroyed as the information transmission delay increases, irrespective of the probability of electrical synapses in the hybrid-synaptic network. Interestingly, when the number of the electrical synapses exceeds a certain level, further increasing its proportion can obviously enhance the spatiotemporal synchronization transitions. Moreover, the coupling strength has a significant effect on the synchronization transition. The dominated type of the synapse always has a more profound effect on the emergency of the synchronous behaviors. Furthermore, the results of the modular neuronal network structures demonstrate that excessive partitioning of the modular network may result in the dramatic detriment of neuronal synchronization. Considering that information transmission delays are inevitable in intra- and inter-neuronal networks communication, the obtained results may have important implications for the exploration of the synchronization mechanism underlying several neural system diseases such as Parkinson's Disease.
Long distance measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution with entangled photon sources
Authors: Xu Feihu , Qi Bing , Liao Zhongfa , Lo Hoi-Kwong
Published: August 2013

We present a feasible method that can make quantum key distribution (QKD), both ultra-long-distance and immune, to all attacks in the detection system. This method is called measurement-device-independent QKD (MDI-QKD) with entangled photon sources in the middle. By proposing a model and simulating a QKD experiment, we find that MDI-QKD with one entangled photon source can tolerate 77 dB loss (367 km standard fiber) in the asymptotic limit and 60 dB loss (286 km standard fiber) in the finite-key case with state-of-the-art detectors. Our general model can also be applied to other non-QKD experiments involving entanglement and Bell state measurements.
Superconductivity in Ca-intercalated epitaxial graphene on silicon carbide
Authors: Li Kang , Feng Xiao , Zhang Wenhao , Ou Yunbo , Chen Lianlian , He Ke , Wang Li-Li , Guo Liwei , Liu Guodong , Xue Qi-Kun , Ma Xucun
Published: August 2013

We have prepared Ca-intercalated multilayer epitaxial graphene films on silicon carbide and observed superconductivity in them with both magnetic and transport measurements. Superconducting transition has been detected at temperature up to 7 K in Ca-intercalated epitaxial graphene with the thickness down to 10 layers grown on both Si-face and C-face of silicon carbide. The result demonstrates intercalated epitaxial graphene as a good platform to study graphene-based superconductivity.
Photoactivatable carbon nanodots for cancer therapy
Authors: Juzenas Petras , Kleinauskas Andrius , George Luo Pengju , Sun Ya-Ping
Published: August 2013

In this study, we describe a photocatalytic system based on spherical fluorescent carbon-core nanoparticles (nanodots) that can be activated with ultraviolet radiation. The carbon nanodots with a poly(propionylethylenimine-co-ethylenimine) coating were investigated in human prostate adenocarcinoma (Du145 and PC3) cell cultures in vitro. The cells become more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation when preincubated with the nanodots. The inverse slope of the cell survival curves is about 20–30% lower for the carbon nanodots and radiation compared to that for the radiation alone. Such photoactivatable carbon nanodots can be suggested for use in photocatalytic and photodynamic applications.
Adding reagent to droplets with controlled rupture of encapsulated double emulsions
Authors: Sciambi Adam , Abate Adam R.
Published: August 2013

We present a method to add reagent to microfluidic droplets by enveloping them as a double emulsions in reagent-filled droplets and then rupturing them with an electric field. When the double emulsions rupture, they release their contents into the enveloping droplets, ensuring mixing with reagent while limiting cross-droplet contamination.
Control of focusing forces and emittances in plasma-based accelerators using near-hollow plasma channels
Authors: Schroeder C. B. , Esarey E. , Benedetti C. , Leemans W. P.
Published: August 2013

A near-hollow plasma channel, where the plasma density in the channel is much less than the plasma density in the walls, is proposed to provide independent control over the focusing and accelerating forces in a plasma accelerator. In this geometry the low density in the channel contributes to the focusing forces, while the accelerating fields are determined by the high density in the channel walls. The channel also provides guiding for intense laser pulses used for wakefield excitation. Both electron and positron beams can be accelerated in a nearly symmetric fashion. Near-hollow plasma channels can effectively mitigate emittance growth due to Coulomb scattering for high-energy physics applications.
Indium diffusion through high-k dielectrics in high-k/InP stacks
Authors: Dong H. , Cabrera W. , Galatage R. V. , KC Santosh , Brennan B. , Qin X. , McDonnell S. , Zhernokletov D. , Hinkle C. L. , Cho K. , Chabal Y. J. , Wallace R. M.
Published: August 2013

Evidence of indium diffusion through high-k dielectric (Al2O3 and HfO2) films grown on InP (100) by atomic layer deposition is observed by angle resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and low energy ion scattering spectroscopy. The analysis establishes that In-out diffusion occurs and results in the formation of a POx rich interface.
Understanding the molecular defence responses of host during chickpea–Fusarium interplay: where do we stand?
Authors: Gupta Sumanti , Bhar Anirban , Das Sampa
Published: August 2013

Fusarium oxysporum is known to cause vascular wilt and root rot of many important plants. Although extensive studies have been reported for the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh., the question of whether those experimental interpretations are extendable to other crop species requires experimentation. Chickpea is the most important crop legume of Indian subcontinent and ranks third in the world list of important legumes. However, productivity of this crop is severely curtailed by vascular wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri. Based on earlier reports, the present review discusses about the external manifestations of the disease, in planta fungal progression and establishment, and the molecular responses of chickpea that occur during Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri Race 1(Foc1) interaction. Foc1, known to enter the roots through the breaches of tap root, colonise the xylem vessels and block upward translocation of essential solutes causing wilt in compatible hosts. In contrast, pathogen invasion is readily perceived by the resistant host, which activates defence signalling cascades that are directed towards protecting its primary metabolism from the harmful consequences of pathogenic mayhem. Hence, understanding the dynamic complexities of chickpea-Foc1 interplay is prerequisite to providing sustainable solutions in wilt management programs.
Human oocyte vitrification with corona radiata, in autologous follicular fluid supplemented with ethylene glycol, preserves conventional IVF potential: birth of four healthy babies
Authors: Tong Xian-Hong , Wu Li-Min , Jin Ren-Tao , Luan Hong-Bing , Liu Yu-Sheng
Published: August 2013

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of vitrification with autologous follicular fluid (AFF) supplemented with ethylene glycol (EG) and sucrose on human oocytes with corona radiata. A total of 182 human oocytes with corona radiata from fifteen infertile patients were vitrified using either equilibration solutions (ES) and vitrification solution (VS) consisting of AFF, EG and sucrose (AFF group, n = 67) or commercial ES and VS (control group, n = 115). All oocytes were thawed in the next cycle, with surviving oocytes being inseminated by conventional IVF. The clinical outcome of vitrified–warmed oocytes by both vitrification methods was analysed retrospectively. In the AFF group, six patients received embryo transfer, with three couples taking four healthy babies home. In the control group, nine patients received embryo transfer, with four couples taking five healthy babies home. There was no significant difference in the survival rate (91.0 vs 92.2%), two pronuclei (2PN) fertilisation rate (73.8 vs 73.6%), cleavage rate (100 vs 100%), top-quality embryo rate (62.2 vs 59.2%), clinical pregnancy rate (50.0 vs 44.4%), implantation rate (33.3 vs 25%) or take-home baby rate (50.0 vs 44.4%) between the AFF group and the control group, respectively. These results show that AFF supplemented with EG and sucrose is an efficient, cost-effective cryoprotectant for human oocyte cryopreservation. A corona radiata on vitrified–warmed oocytes retains the oocytes’ fertilisation capability in conventional IVF.
A Strain of Siniperca chuatsi Rhabdovirus Causes High Mortality among Cultured Largemouth Bass in South China
Authors: Ma Dongmei , Deng Guocheng , Bai Junjie , Li Shengjie , Yu Lingyun , Quan Yingchun , Yang Xiaojing , Jiang Xiaoyan , Zhu Zemin , Ye Xing
Published: August 2013

In April 2011, 40% mortality of Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides juveniles occurred at a farm of Zhongshan City, Guangdong Province, China. Infected fish became lethargic, exhibited corkscrew and irregular swimming, and developed a distended abdomen and crooked body. Fish began to die within 2 d after the appearance of clinical signs. In order to analyze the pathogeny and diagnose the disease earlier, observation of clinical signs, cell infection, titer calculation, electron microscopy, immersion infection assay for fish, and nucleotide sequence analysis were carried out. Fathead minnow (FHM) cell cultures, inoculated with filtrate of liver and spleen homogenates from the diseased fish, developed the obvious cytopathic effect 46 h after inoculation in the primary culture and 24 h at the first passage. Typical rhabdovirus particles, 115–143 nm in length and 62–78 nm in diameter, were observed in infected FHM cells by direct transmission electron microscopy. The isolated virus produced a titer of 107.15 TCID50/mL. Immersion-Fish infected with the virus had similar clinical signs and 80% mortality with 102.5 LD50/mL. The data indicated that the rhabdovirus was the lethal pathogeny of the current disease. Based on nucleoprotein-gene nucleotide sequence multiple alignment analysis, the newly isolated virus is a strain of Siniperca chuatsi rhabdovirus (SCRV) under family Rhabdoviridae, which was initially isolated from Mandarin Fish Siniperca chuatsi. Up to the present, at least four virus strains have been isolated from diseased Largemouth Bass, which have had different clinical signs. Comparison of the clinical signs can help in an early diagnosis of the disease.

Received October 30, 2012; accepted April 19, 2013
Coordination of adjacent domains mediates TACC3–ch-TOG–clathrin assembly and mitotic spindle binding
Authors: Hood Fiona E. , Williams Samantha J. , Burgess Selena G. , Richards Mark W. , Roth Daniel , Straube Anne , Pfuhl Mark , Bayliss Richard , Royle Stephen J.
Published: August 2013

Acomplex of transforming acidic coiled-coil protein 3 (TACC3), colonic and hepatic tumor overexpressed gene (ch-TOG), and clathrin has been implicated in mitotic spindle assembly and in the stabilization of kinetochore fibers by cross-linking microtubules. It is unclear how this complex binds microtubules and how the proteins in the complex interact with one another. TACC3 and clathrin have each been proposed to be the spindle recruitment factor. We have mapped the interactions within the complex and show that TACC3 and clathrin were interdependent for spindle recruitment, having to interact in order for either to be recruited to the spindle. The N-terminal domain of clathrin and the TACC domain of TACC3 in tandem made a microtubule interaction surface, coordinated by TACC3–clathrin binding. A dileucine motif and Aurora A–phosphorylated serine 558 on TACC3 bound to the “ankle” of clathrin. The other interaction within the complex involved a stutter in the TACC3 coiled-coil and a proposed novel sixth TOG domain in ch-TOG, which was required for microtubule localization of ch-TOG but not TACC3–clathrin.
Macrophages in pancreatic cancer: Starting things off on the wrong track
Authors: Deschênes-Simard Xavier , Mizukami Yusuke , Bardeesy Nabeel
Published: August 2013

Chronic inflammation drives initiation and progression of many malignancies, including pancreatic cancer. In this issue, Liou et al. (2013. J. Cell Biol. http://dx.doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201301001) report that inflammatory macrophages are major players in the earliest stages of pancreatic cancer. They show that paracrine signals from the macrophages activate the nuclear factor κB transcriptional program in normal pancreatic acinar cells, resulting in acinar–ductal metaplasia, a dedifferentiated state that is poised for oncogenic transformation.
X-ray dynamical diffraction Fraunhofer holography
Authors: Balyan Minas
Published: August 2013

An X-ray dynamical diffraction Fraunhofer holographic scheme is proposed. Theoretically it is shown that the reconstruction of the object image by visible light is possible. The spatial and temporal coherence requirements of the incident X-ray beam are considered. As an example, the hologram recording as well as the reconstruction by visible light of an absolutely absorbing wire are discussed.
The ecology of seed dispersal by small rodents: a role for predator and conspecific scents
Authors: Sunyer Pau , Muñoz Alberto , Bonal Raúl , Espelta Josep M.
Published: August 2013

Seed‐caching rodents play a key role in the ecology of seed dispersal by not only consuming but also dispersing seeds. Rodent foraging behaviour is usually framed within optimal models, which predict that their decisions should maximize food intake and minimize foraging costs. Although predation risk and seed pilferage by conspecifics have been envisaged as two potential costs, their relevance for seed‐caching behaviour and seed dispersal has barely been addressed.

To test the effect of predation and pilferage risk on the patterns of seed predation/dispersal by rodents, we performed a field experiment using a tri‐trophic‐level model (plant–mice–carnivore; Quercus spp‐Apodemus sylvaticus‐Genetta genetta) and the scents of the predator and conspecifics as direct cues. The behaviour of mice was analysed with video cameras set for continuous recording on consecutive nights, and we used tagged acorns to assess the patterns of acorn predation and dispersal.

Our results revealed that rodents were able to discriminate between the scents of genet and conspecifics and modified their seed dispersal behaviour accordingly. Mice spent more time ‘sniffing’ in rodent cages than in genet cages, where they displayed more ‘vigilance and freezing’ behaviours. In sites with mice scents, acorns were dispersed at shorter distances and were less predated. Conversely, in sites with genet scents acorn removal was delayed.

These results show that chemosensory information on predators and conspecifics influences the foraging decisions of seed‐caching rodents over short spatial and temporal scales. This might entail cascading effects on the regeneration of plants. In sites where rodents perceive the risk of predation, inefficient foraging behaviour may result in less successful seed dispersal. Conversely, the detection of conspecific scents may increase dispersal efficiency and seedling recruitment.

Ultimately, the relationships between two distant levels in trophic webs (plants–carnivores) appear intricate, since carnivores may affect seed dispersal by changing the foraging behaviour of their prey (the seed disperser). This indirect relationship should be considered as a new dimension of the ecology of seed dispersal by small rodents.
Convergent effects of elevation on functional leaf traits within and among species
Authors: Read Quentin D. , Moorhead Leigh C. , Swenson Nathan G. , Bailey Joseph K. , Sanders Nathan J.
Published: August 2013

Spatial variation in filters imposed by the abiotic environment causes variation in functional traits within and among plant species. This is abundantly clear for plant species along elevational gradients, where parallel abiotic selection pressures give rise to predictable variation in leaf phenotypes among ecosystems. Understanding the factors responsible for such patterns may provide insight into the current and future drivers of biodiversity, local community structure and ecosystem function.

In order to explore patterns in trait variation along elevational gradients, we conducted a meta‐analysis of published observational studies that measured three key leaf functional traits that are associated with axes of variation in both resource competition and stress tolerance: leaf mass:area ratio (LMA), leaf nitrogen content per unit mass (Nmass) and N content per unit area (Narea). To examine whether there may be evidence for a genetic basis underlying the trait variation, we conducted a review of published results from common garden experiments that measured the same leaf traits.

Within studies, LMA and Narea tended to decrease with mean annual temperature (MAT) along elevational gradients, while Nmass did not vary systematically with MAT. Correlations among pairs of traits varied significantly with MAT: LMA was most strongly correlated with Nmass and Narea at high‐elevation sites with relatively lower MAT. The strengths of the relationships were equal or greater within species relative to the relationships among species, suggesting parallel evolutionary dynamics along elevational gradients among disparate biomes. Evidence from common garden studies further suggests that there is an underlying genetic basis to the functional trait variation that we documented along elevational gradients.

Taken together, these results indicate that environmental filtering both selects locally adapted genotypes within plant species and constrains species to elevational ranges based on their ranges of potential leaf trait values. If individual phenotypes are filtered from populations in the same way that species are filtered from regional species pools, changing climate may affect both the species and functional trait composition of plant communities.
The Effect of Cilostazol on Right Heart Function and Pulmonary Pressure
Authors: Sahin Muslum , Alizade Elnur , Pala Selcuk , Alici Gokhan , Ozkan Birol , Akgun Taylan , Emiroglu Yunus , Demir Serdar , Yazicioglu Mehmet V. , Turkmen Mehmet M.
Published: August 2013

Introduction

Cilostazol is a PDE3 inhibitor and used to treat peripheral arterial disease. There are few reports on the influence of cilostazol on heart.

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess this effect on right ventricular function and pulmonary artery pressure.

Methods

Forty patients with normal left and right ventricular ejection fraction and mild or moderate pulmonary artery hypertension were enrolled in the study. Right ventricular function was assessed by tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), fractional area change (FAC), tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), and two‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography (2D‐STE) before and after oral administration of cilostazol. Also pulmonary artery pressure assessed before and after administration of cilostazol.

Results

After cilostazol administration, there were significant increases in the TAPSE (1.9 ± 0.3 cm vs. 2.2 ± 0.3 cm, P < 0.001). Peak longitudinal strain (−18.7 ± 4.5% vs. −21.3  ± 3.7%, P = 0.001), isovolumetric acceleration (IVA) (176.6 ± 62.7 cm/sec2 vs. 200.6 ± 61.9 cm/sec2, P = 0.025), right ventricular FAC increased significantly (37.6 ± 8.0% vs. 41.5 ± 8.9%, P < 0.001). Pulmonary artery pressure decreased significantly (39.9 ± 7.9 vs. 36.6 ± 5.5 mmHg, P = 0.001) after cilostazol administration.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that cilostazol improved right ventricular systolic function and reduced pulmonary artery pressure.
Registry of gastric cancer treatment evaluation (REGATE): II treatment practice
Authors: Ter‐Ovanesov Mikhail , Yalcin Suayib , Zalcberg John , Hitier Simon , Bang Yung‐Jue , Wu Chew‐Wun , Roth Arnaud
Published: August 2013

Aims

The objective of the registry of gastric cancer treatment evaluation (REGATE) study was to evaluate approaches to gastric cancer treatment in different geographical regions.

Methods

REGATE enrolled patients with newly diagnosed gastric cancer at any stage of the disease from the Asia–Pacific region, Europe, the Indian subcontinent, Latin America and North Africa between 2004 and 2008.

Results

Among 9965 patients, 69% received surgery, 40% palliative care, 29% adjuvant therapy and 2% neoadjuvant therapy; 15% received no treatment. Combination treatment (mostly surgery/adjuvant) was used in one‐third of patients. Overall, 90% received chemotherapy (mostly fluoropyrimidine/platinum combinations but with marked geographical variation) and 21% received radiotherapy. Curative surgery alone was used most frequently for stages 0–II cancers and was employed more often in Europe (55%) and the Asia–Pacific (48%) than in other regions (27–35%). Asia–Pacific and Indian subcontinent patients were more likely to have a distal subtotal gastrectomy and less likely to undergo total gastrectomy than patients in other regions. Lymph node D2 dissection was favored in the Asia–Pacific, Europe and Latin America, whereas D1 dissection was used more in the Indian subcontinent and North Africa.

Conclusion

These data showing geographical differences in the approaches to gastric cancer treatment may promote the optimization of the management of gastric cancer globally.
Why do some cancer patients receiving chemotherapy choose to take complementary and alternative medicines and what are the risks?
Authors: Smith Peter J , Clavarino Alexandra , Long Jeremy , Steadman Kathryn J
Published: August 2013

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) cover a broad and diverse group of treatments and products that do not tend to be widely used by conventional healthcare professions.CAMthat is systemically absorbed is the most likely to interfere with concurrent chemotherapy and potentially cause harm to cancer patients. Patients receiving chemotherapy may be consumingCAMto treat cancer, to lessen chemotherapy side effects, for symptom management, or to treat conditions unrelated to their cancer. A small proportion of cancer patients decide to useCAMalone to treat cancer and delay conventional treatment. Cancer patients may be influenced in theirCAMdecision‐making by others: practitioners, family, friends, spouse and even casual acquaintances met in waiting rooms and support groups. This influence may range from encouraging and supporting the patient's decision through to making the decisions for the patient. When tested in rigorous clinical trials, noCAMcancer treatments alone have shown benefit beyond placebo. With the exception of ginger to treat chemotherapy‐induced nausea, there is no compelling evidence overriding risk to take complementary medicines for supportive care during chemotherapy treatment. There is, however, established evidence to use mind–body complementary therapies for supportive care during chemotherapy treatment.
The effect of bariatric surgery on psychiatric course among patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Ahmed Ameena T , Warton E Margaret , Schaefer Catherine A , Shen Ling , McIntyre Roger S
Published: August 2013

Objective

Bariatric surgery is the most effective therapy for severe obesity. People with bipolar disorder have increased risk of obesity, yet are sometimes considered ineligible for bariatric surgery due to their bipolar disorder diagnosis. This study aimed to determine if bariatric surgery alters psychiatric course among stable patients with bipolar disorder.

Methods

A matched cohort study (2006–2009) with mean follow‐up of 2.17 years was conducted within Kaiser Permanente Northern California, a group practice integrated health services delivery organization that provides medical and psychiatric care to 3.3 million people. Participants were 144 severely obese patients with bipolar disorder who underwent bariatric surgery, and 1,440 control patients with bipolar disorder, matched for gender, medical center, and contemporaneous health plan membership. Controls met referral criteria for bariatric surgery. Hazard ratio for psychiatric hospitalization, and change in rate of outpatient psychiatric utilization from baseline to Years 1 and 2, were compared between groups.

Results

A total of 13 bariatric surgery patients (9.0%) and 153 unexposed to surgery (10.6%) had psychiatric hospitalization during follow‐up. In multivariate Cox models adjusting for potential confounding factors, the hazard ratio of psychiatric hospitalization associated with bariatric surgery was 1.03 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.83–1.23]. In fully saturated multivariate general linear models, change in outpatient psychiatric utilization was not significantly different for surgery patients versus controls, from baseline to Year 1 (−0.4 visits/year, 95% CI: −0.5 to 0.4) or baseline to Year 2 (0.4 visits/year, 95% CI: −0.1 to 1.0).

Conclusions

Bariatric surgery did not affect psychiatric course among stable patients with bipolar disorder. The results of this study suggest that patients with bipolar disorder who have been evaluated as stable can be considered for bariatric surgery.
Dual imputation model for incomplete longitudinal data
Authors: Jolani Shahab , Frank Laurence E. , van Buuren Stef
Published: August 2013

Missing values are a practical issue in the analysis of longitudinal data. Multiple imputation (MI) is a well‐known likelihood‐based method that has optimal properties in terms of efficiency and consistency if the imputation model is correctly specified. Doubly robust (DR) weighing‐based methods protect against misspecification bias if one of the models, but not necessarily both, for the data or the mechanism leading to missing data is correct. We propose a new imputation method that captures the simplicity of MI and protection from the DR method. This method integrates MI and DR to protect against misspecification of the imputation model under a missing at random assumption. Our method avoids analytical complications of missing data particularly in multivariate settings, and is easy to implement in standard statistical packages. Moreover, the proposed method works very well with an intermittent pattern of missingness when other DR methods can not be used. Simulation experiments show that the proposed approach achieves improved performance when one of the models is correct. The method is applied to data from the fireworks disaster study, a randomized clinical trial comparing therapies in disaster‐exposed children. We conclude that the new method increases the robustness of imputations.
Tilted and Short Implants Supporting Fixed Prosthesis in an Atrophic Maxilla: A 3D‐FEA Biomechanical Evaluation
Authors: Almeida Erika O. , Rocha Eduardo P. , Júnior Amilcar C. Freitas , Anchieta Rodolfo B. , Poveda Ronald , Gupta Nikhil , Coelho Paulo G.
Published: August 2013

Purpose

This study compared the biomechanical behavior of tilted long implant and vertical short implants to support fixed prosthesis in an atrophic maxilla.

Materials and Methods

The maxilla model was built based on a tomographic image of the patient. Implant models were based on micro‐computer tomography imaging of implants. The different configurations considered were M4S, four vertical anterior implants; M4T, two mesial vertical implants and two distal tilted (45°) implants in the anterior region of the maxilla; and M6S, four vertical anterior implants and two vertical posterior implants. Numerical simulation was carried out under bilateral 150 N loads applied in the cantilever region in axial (L1) and oblique (45°) (L2) direction. Bone was analyzed using the maximum and minimum principal stress (σmax and σmin), and von Mises stress (σvM) assessments. Implants were analyzed using the σvM.

Results

The higher σmax was observed at: M4T, followed by M6S/L1, M6S/L2, M4S/L2, and M4S/L1 and the higher σvM: M4T/L1, M4T/L2 and M4S/L2, M6S/L2, M4S/L1, and M6S/L1.

Conclusions

The presence of distal tilted (all‐on‐four) and distal short implants (all‐on‐six) resulted in higher stresses in both situations in the maxillary bone in comparison to the presence of vertical implants (all‐on‐four).
Global Analysis of Anthropogenic Debris Ingestion by Sea Turtles
Authors: SCHUYLER QAMAR , HARDESTY BRITTA DENISE , WILCOX CHRIS , TOWNSEND KATHY
Published: August 2013

Ingestion of marine debris can have lethal and sublethal effects on sea turtles and other wildlife. Although researchers have reported on ingestion of anthropogenic debris by marine turtles and implied incidences of debris ingestion have increased over time, there has not been a global synthesis of the phenomenon since 1985. Thus, we analyzed 37 studies published from 1985 to 2012 that report on data collected from before 1900 through 2011. Specifically, we investigated whether ingestion prevalence has changed over time, what types of debris are most commonly ingested, the geographic distribution of debris ingestion by marine turtles relative to global debris distribution, and which species and life‐history stages are most likely to ingest debris. The probability of green (Chelonia mydas) and leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) ingesting debris increased significantly over time, and plastic was the most commonly ingested debris. Turtles in nearly all regions studied ingest debris, but the probability of ingestion was not related to modeled debris densities. Furthermore, smaller, oceanic‐stage turtles were more likely to ingest debris than coastal foragers, whereas carnivorous species were less likely to ingest debris than herbivores or gelatinovores. Our results indicate oceanic leatherback turtles and green turtles are at the greatest risk of both lethal and sublethal effects from ingested marine debris. To reduce this risk, anthropogenic debris must be managed at a global level.

Análisis Global de la Ingesta de Residuos Antropogénicos por Tortugas Marinas
Is It What You Do, or When You Do It? The Roles of Contingency and Similarity in Pro‐Social Effects of Imitation
Authors: Catmur Caroline , Heyes Cecilia
Published: August 2013

Being imitated has a wide range of pro‐social effects, but it is not clear how these effects are mediated. Naturalistic studies of the effects of being imitated have not established whether pro‐social outcomes are due to the similarity and/or the contingency between the movements performed by the actor and those of the imitator. Similarity is often assumed to be the active ingredient, but we hypothesized that contingency might also be important, as it produces positive affect in infants and can be detected by phylogenetically ancient mechanisms of associative learning. We manipulated similarity and contingency between performed and observed actions in a computerized task. Similarity had no positive effects; however, contingency resulted in greater enjoyment of the task, reported closeness to others, and helping behavior. These results suggest that the pro‐social effects of being imitated may rely on associative mechanisms.
The Affordability of Social Protection in the Light of International Spending Commitments
Authors: Hagen‐Zanker Jessica , McCord Anna
Published: August 2013

In recent years a number of international sector‐specific agreements have been developed by the international community and ratified by developing countries – some with specific spending targets. This article offers an empirical analysis of the individual and aggregate affordability of six sectoral targets and, based on the actual or estimated cost of each of the targets, compares target spending levels with actual government expenditure in five African countries. Most targets are not met and, while individually ‘affordable’, the estimated cost of meeting the six targets simultaneously indicates that they are not jointly affordable, with an estimated cost of more than 100% of total government expenditure in four of the five countries. Meeting any of the sectoral targets in full would require either sectoral trade‐offs, or significant increases in donor or government expenditure.
Parasitism of a pollinator fig wasp: mortalities are higher in figs with more pollinators, but are not related to local densities of figs
Authors: SULEMAN NAZIA , RAJA SHAZIA , COMPTON STEPHEN G.
Published: August 2013

Fig trees (Ficus) and their species‐specific pollinators (Agaonidae) represent a remarkable example of a coevolved mutualism. A number of non‐pollinating fig wasps (gallers and parasitoids,NPFW) are also an integral part of the mutualism, but have a negative impact on the reproductive success of the mutualists. MostNPFWbelong to subfamilies only associated with figs and clearly have a long association with the plants and their pollinators.

In the present study, the costs imposed by an undescribed parasitoidSycoscaptersp. on its host pollinatorKradibia (=Liporrhopalum) tentacularisof a dioecious fig treeFicus montanamaintained under glasshouse conditions are described.

It was asked whether pollinator numbers and sex ratios are changed by the presence or absence of parasitoids within individual figs. The effect of fig densities on parasitism rates at two spatial scales and within the general glasshouse population was also recorded. Parasitoid aggregation in relation to pollinator densities inside figs was also examined.

Sycoscaptersp. significantly reduced the numbers of pollinators emerging from the figs, but host sex ratios were not distorted. The parasitoid showed host density independence at both spatial scales of fig densities, but targeted individual figs that contained higher initial densities of pollinators.