bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cold atmospheric pressure plasma jets as sources of singlet delta oxygen for biomedical applications
Authors: Sousa J. S. , Niemi K. , Cox L. J. , Algwari Q. Th. , Gans T. , O’Connell D.
Published: June 2011

Absolute densities of singlet delta oxygen (SDO) molecules were measured using infrared optical emission spectroscopy in the flowing effluents of two different atmospheric-pressure plasma jets (APPJs): a capacitively coupled radio-frequency-driven jet (rf-APPJ) and a lower frequency kilohertz-driven dielectric barrier discharge jet. The plasma jets were operated in helium, with small admixtures of molecular oxygen (O2 < 2%). High absolute SDO densities of up to 6.2 × 1015 cm−3 were measured at approximately 10 cm downstream. The rf-APPJ seems to be much more efficient in producing SDO. The influence of different parameters, such as gas flows and mixtures and power coupled to the plasmas, on the production of SDO by the two APPJs has been investigated. Despite the considerable differences between the two plasma jets (excitation frequency, electric field direction, inter-electrode distance, plasma propagation), similar dependencies on the oxygen admixture and on the dissipated power were found in both APPJs. However, opposite trends were observed for the gas flow dependence. The results presented in this paper show that the control of the external operating conditions of each APPJ enables the tailoring of the SDO composition of both plasma effluents. This provides scope to tune the plasma jets for desired applications, e.g., in biomedicine.
Hybrid ZnO nanowire networked field-effect transistor with solution-processed InGaZnO film
Authors: Yang Jaehyun , Lee Myung Soo , Lee Hoo-Jeong , Kim Hyoungsub
Published: June 2011

We examined the effect on the transistor properties of the spatial gaps between nanowires that may randomly exist in the nanonet-structured, ZnO transistor. A hybrid-type, ZnO nanowire-based transistor was fabricated by combining the nanonet-structured ZnO nanowire arrays with a solution-deposited InGaZnO (IGZO) film and its performance was compared with that of the device without the IGZO film. By filling the disconnected carrier paths (gaps) between the arrayed ZnO nanowires with IGZO solution coating, much improved transistor characteristics, such as a narrow threshold voltage distribution and minimized multiple turn-on behavior, were obtained, which highlighted the importance of the gap filling in the nanonet transistors.
Modeling of electronic excitation and radiation in non-continuum hypersonic reentry flows
Authors: Li Zheng , Ozawa Takashi , Sohn Ilyoup , Levin Deborah A.
Published: June 2011

The modeling of hypersonic radiation in non-equilibrium, non-continuum flows is considered in the framework of the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) approach. The study explores the influence of electronic states on the flow chemistry and degree of ionization as well as the assumption that the electronic states can be described by a steady state solution to a system of rate equations of excitation, de-excitation, and radiative transfer processes. The work implements selected excited levels of atomic nitrogen and oxygen and the corresponding electron impact excitation/de-excitation and ionization processes in DSMC. The simulations show that when excitation models are included, the degree of ionization in the Stardust transitional re-entry flow increases due to additional intermediate steps to ionization. The extra ionization reactions consume the electron energy to reduce the electron temperature. The DSMC predicted excited state level populations are lower than those predicted by a quasi steady state calculation, but the differences can be understood in terms of the flow distribution functions.
The role of kinetics on the Mn-induced reconstructions of the GaAs(001) surface
Authors: Colonna S. , Placidi E. , Ronci F. , Cricenti A. , Arciprete F. , Balzarotti A.
Published: June 2011

A combined scanning tunneling microscopy and low-energy electron diffraction investigation of the Mn/GaAs(001) interface formation is reported. The interface, grown on a (2 × 4) reconstructed substrate produced by molecular beam epitaxy, was studied as a function of Mn evaporation with thickness ranging from 1/8 ML to 1 ML. The interaction of Mn atoms with the semiconductor surface is strong and leads to surface reconstructions involving a rearrangement of the two outmost atomic layers of the substrate. For Mn thickness lower than 1/2 ML, the surface is characterized by a (2 × 1) periodicity. Conversely, when the Mn deposition is increased to 1/2 ML the surface reconstruction is strongly dependent on the preparation procedure. If Mn deposition is performed on the substrate at 390 °C, a fully ordered surface characterized by a clear (2 × 2) reconstruction is obtained, whereas, annealing the sample after Mn deposition, gives a disordered surface with a (2 × 1) symmetry. An intermediate phase between (2 × 1) and (2 × 2) is found for Mn depositions in between 1/4 and 1/2 ML. No further structural evolution was observed for both preparation methods above 1/2 ML coverage.
Low-frequency inelastic light scattering of zincogermanate glass in supercooledliquid regime
Authors: Takahashi Yoshihiro , Osada Minoru , Ando Masataka , Ihara Rie , Fujiwara Takumi
Published: June 2011

We performed in situ observation of low-frequency inelastic light scattering in a zincogermanate glass showing nanocrystallization of semiconductive Zn2GeO4 to elucidate the crystallization and phase transformation dynamics. In supercooledliquid state, an anomalous damping behavior of Boson peak was observed as the elastic softening happened. Combination of Boson and TEM studies revealed that the Boson damping is due to the liquid-liquid phase separation, which occurs prior to nanocrystallization, suggesting possibility of in situ spectroscopic observation of phase separation.
Why two clocks synchronize: Energy balance of the synchronized clocks
Authors: Czołczyński Krzysztof , Perlikowski Przemysław , Stefański Andrzej , Kapitaniak Tomasz
Published: June 2011

We consider the synchronization of two clocks which are accurate (show the same time) but have pendulums with different masses. We show that such clocks hanging on the same beam beside the complete (in-phase) and antiphase synchronizations perform the third type of synchronization in which the difference of the pendulums’ displacements is a periodic function of time. We identify this period to be a few times larger than the period of pendulums’ oscillations in the case when the beam is at rest. Our approximate analytical analysis allows to derive the synchronizations conditions, explains the observed types of synchronizations, and gives the approximate formula for both the pendulums’ amplitudes and the phase shift between them. We consider the energy balance in the system and show how the energy is transferred between pendulums via oscillating beam allowing pendulums’ synchronization.
A comparison of accelerators for direct energy minimization in electronic structure calculations
Authors: Baarman Kurt , VandeVondele Joost
Published: June 2011

We compare three different methods for direct energy minimization in electronic structure calculations where the gradient of the energy functional with respect to the molecular orbitals is available. These methods make use of the preconditioned gradient to increase robustness. An orbital transformation is used to ensure that the orthogonality constraint on the orbitals remains satisfied when using standard minimization methods. In addition, we propose an adaptive scheme for estimating the curvature of the energy functional to increase the performance of a line search free quasi-Newton method. We show that the performance of all methods is similar when robustness of the methods is ensured.
Patterning solution-processed organic single-crystal transistors with high device performance
Authors: Li Yun , Liu Chuan , Kumatani Akichika , Darmawan Peter , Minari Takeo , Tsukagoshi Kazuhito
Published: June 2011

We report on the patterning of organic single-crystal transistors with high device performance fabricated via a solution process under ambient conditions. The semiconductor was patterned on substrates via surface selective deposition. Subsequently, solvent-vapor annealing was performed to reorganize the semiconductor into single crystals. The transistors exhibited field-effect mobility (μFET) of up to 3.5 cm2/V s. Good reliability under bias-stress conditions indicates low density of intrinsic defects in crystals and low density of traps at the active interfaces. Furthermore, the Y function method clearly suggests that the variation of μFET of organic crystal transistors was caused by contact resistance. Further improvement of the device with higher μFET with smaller variation can be expected when lower and more uniform contact resistance is achieved.
Age, growth and genetic status of the white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) from Kashima-nada, Japan
Authors: Tanaka S. , Kitamura T. , Mochizuki T. , Kofuji K.
Published: June 2011

The white shark, a top predator inhabiting the world’s oceans, is an endangered species. However, knowledge of its life-history traits and population structure is still limited. We hypothesised that life-history traits would vary among populations because the species’ various habitats are diverse and change through time. Age was estimated by counting growth bands in the centra of white sharks caught in Japan. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters were estimated at L∞ = 455 cm TL, k = 0.196 year–1 and t0 = –1.92 years for males and L∞ = 607 cm TL, k = 0.159 year–1 and t0 = –1.80 years for females. The growth rate to maturity was higher than that known for individuals from California and South Africa. Male sharks matured at 310 cm TL at 4 years of age and females began to mature at ~450 cm TL and 7 years. The D-loop-region sequences of mitochondrial DNA extracted from Japanese white sharks and GenBank datasets from sharks of California, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa indicate that Japanese white sharks form a monophyletic clade separate from the populations of other regions. The results suggest that unique life-history traits of Japanese white sharks may be caused by genetic differences.
Are spatial closures better than size limits for halting the decline of the North Sea thornback ray, Raja clavata?
Authors: Wiegand Jessica , Hunter Ewan , Dulvy Nicholas K.
Published: June 2011

A key challenge of the ecosystem approach to fisheries management is to sustain viable populations of large-bodied less-productive vulnerable elasmobranchs that are the by-catch of fisheries that target more productive species. The North Sea population of the thornback ray (Raja clavata) is now mainly confined to the Thames Estuary and surrounding SW North Sea, which is subject to a flatfish trawl fishery. We explored the relative effectiveness of seasonal closures versus size-based landing restrictions using a four-season age-structured model. More than a third of adult thornback rays are currently removed by fishing each year, and without effective management, a further 90% decline within 30 years is likely. A three-season closure of the Thames Estuary was the shortest closure that ensured thornback ray recovery and minimal loss of fishery yield. Minimum and maximum landing size restrictions are nearly as effective at recovering thornback rays but less so at improving yield. While long seasonal closures and full marine protected areas are more effective at ensuring the recovery of thornback rays, length restrictions may be simpler to implement under the current institutional framework and may have less impact on the multispecies trawl fisheries operating in the area.
Does more maternal investment mean a larger brain? Evolutionary relationships between reproductive mode and brain size in chondrichthyans
Authors: Mull Christopher G. , Yopak Kara E. , Dulvy Nicholas K.
Published: June 2011

Chondrichthyans have the most diverse array of reproductive strategies of any vertebrate group, ranging from egg-laying to live-bearing with placental matrotrophy. Matrotrophy is defined as additional maternal provisioning beyond the yolk to the developing neonate; in chondrichthyans, this occurs through a range of mechanisms including uterine milk, oophagy, uterine cannibalism and placentotrophy. Chondrichthyans also exhibit a wide range of relative brain sizes and highly diverse patterns of brain organisation. Brains are energetically expensive to produce and maintain, and represent a major energetic constraint during early life in vertebrates. In mammals, more direct maternal–fetal placental connections have been associated with larger brains (steeper brain–body allometric scaling relationships). We test for a relationship between reproductive mode and relative brain size across 85 species from six major orders of chondrichthyans by using several phylogenetic comparative analyses. Ordinary least-squares (OLS) and reduced major axis (RMA) regression of body mass versus brain mass suggest that increased maternal investment results in a larger relative brain size. Our findings were supported by phylogenetic generalised least-squares models (pGLS), which also highlighted that these results vary with evolutionary tempo, as described by different branch-length assumptions. Across all analyses, maximum body size had a significant influence on the relative brain size, with large-bodied species (body mass >100 kg) having relatively smaller brains. The present study suggests that there may be a link between reproductive investment and relative brain size in chondrichthyans; however, a more definitive test requires a better-resolved phylogeny and a more nuanced categorisation of the level of maternal investment in chondrichthyans.
Distribution, site affinity and regional movements of the manta ray, Manta alfredi (Krefft, 1868), along the east coast of Australia
Authors: Couturier Lydie I. E. , Jaine Fabrice R. A. , Townsend Kathy A. , Weeks Scarla J. , Richardson Anthony J. , Bennett Michael B.
Published: June 2011

Despite the increasing tourism interest worldwide for the manta ray, Manta alfredi, very little is known about its biology and ecology. Knowledge of its distribution and movement patterns is important for conservation purposes. Here we describe the distribution, site visitation and movements of M. alfredi along the east coast of Australia. Photographic identification techniques were used to identify individual manta rays at three study sites: Lady Elliot Island, North Stradbroke Island and Byron Bay. Of 388 M. alfredi individuals identified at Lady Elliot Island, 187 (48%) were subsequently re-identified at least once at the same site. In total, 31 individuals were identified at both Lady Elliot Island and North Stradbroke Island (~380 km to the south) and 4 at both Lady Elliot Island and Byron Bay (~500 km to the south). Manta alfredi was present all year around at Lady Elliot Island, although in higher numbers in winter, and was mainly observed at North Stradbroke Island and Byron Bay from mid-spring to mid-autumn. This is the first report of seasonal movements and site affinity for M. alfredi in eastern Australian waters and emphasises the value of photographic identification for monitoring the occurrence of individuals.
Sex- and maturity-based differences in movement and migration patterns of grey nurse shark, Carcharias taurus, along the eastern coast of Australia
Authors: Bansemer C. S. , Bennett M. B.
Published: June 2011

Photo-identification techniques were used to investigate temporal and spatial distributions of Carcharias taurus (Rafinesque, 1810) in relation to maturity, sex and pregnancy status at 19 sites along Australia’s eastern coastline. Of 931 individual sharks identified between 2004 and 2008, 479 were female (271 mature, 208 immature) and 452 male (288 mature, 164 immature). Mature, non-gravid females and mature males were mostly observed in the southern to central parts of this species range, along the eastern coast of Australia, in early summer to early winter. These sharks subsequently moved northward, and mating occurred in late spring to early summer in waters off the coast of northern New South Wales and southern Queensland. Pregnant C. taurus aggregated at Wolf Rock in southern Queensland, at the most northerly part of their known range, from late summer to early winter. These sharks subsequently migrated south to pup in central and southern waters of their range in late winter to late spring. Immature sharks of both sexes moved less than mature sharks, showed no synchronised migration patterns, and were mostly restricted to central and southern waters. The improved understanding of sex- and maturity-based migration of C. taurus provided here should facilitate a conservation strategy appropriate for this species in Australian waters.
Decadal trends in shark catches and effort from the New South Wales, Australia, Shark Meshing Program 1950 - 2010
Authors: Reid D. D. , Robbins W. D. , Peddemors V. M.
Published: June 2011

The New South Wales (NSW) government has operated a program of netting beaches for the protection of swimmers and surfers against shark attack since 1937 in Sydney, and since 1949 in Newcastle and Wollongong. The scope and directives of the Shark Meshing Program have remained constant since its inception, with operational modifications in net specifications in 1972, changes in spatial deployment in 1972, 1987 and 1992, and the elimination of winter netting since 1989. This markedly increased meshing effort in 1972, and again in 1987. In the present study, we examine the trends in catch and effort for the period from 1950–1951 to 2009–2010 over this 200-km section of the NSW coast. Significant temporal trends in species, size and sex composition are described herein. Catches were consistently dominated by three shark taxa, hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna spp.), whaler sharks (Carcharhinus spp.) and Australian angel sharks (Squatina australis), although their relative contributions to catches varied over time. Catch per unit effort has significantly declined for five of the most abundant shark taxa over the study period, increasing only for a single taxon, the sevengill shark (Notorynchus cepedianus). Catches of larger, potentially dangerous white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) and tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) saw fewer large animals being caught over time. This pattern was not observed across other taxa. Four different monthly trends were observed in landings of the most abundant eight taxa, reflecting differences in the biology of the catch species. The current study also provides useful information on catches and sizes of grey nurse (Carcharias taurus) and white sharks before and after their protection in NSW waters in 1984 and 1998, respectively.
The importance of research and public opinion to conservation management of sharks and rays: a synthesis
Authors: Simpfendorfer C. A. , Heupel M. R. , White W. T. , Dulvy N. K.
Published: June 2011

Growing concern for the world’s shark and ray populations is driving the need for greater research to inform conservation management. A change in public perception, from one that we need to protect humans from sharks to one where we must protect sharks from humans, has added to calls for better management. The present paper examines the growing need for research for conservation management of sharks and rays by synthesising information presented in this Special Issue from the 2010 Sharks International Conference and by identifying future research needs, including topics such as taxonomy, life history, population status, spatial ecology, environmental effects, ecosystem role and human impacts. However, this biological and ecological research agenda will not be sufficient to fully secure conservation management. There is also a need for research to inform social and economic sustainability. Effective conservation management will be achieved by setting clear priorities for research with the aid of stakeholders, implementing well designed research projects, building the capacity for research, and clearly communicating the results to stakeholders. If this can be achieved, it will assure a future for this iconic group, the ecosystems in which they occur and the human communities that rely on them.
Confined glassy dynamics at grain boundaries in colloidal crystals
Authors: Nagamanasa K. Hima , Gokhale Shreyas , Ganapathy Rajesh , Sood A. K.
Published: June 2011

Grain boundary (GB) microstructure and dynamics dictate the macroscopic properties of polycrystalline materials. Although GBs have been investigated extensively in conventional materials, it is only recently that molecular dynamics simulations have shown that GBs exhibit features similar to those of glass-forming liquids. However, current simulation techniques to probe GBs are limited to temperatures and driving forces much higher than those typically encountered in atomic experiments. Further, the short spatial and temporal scales in atomic systems preclude direct experimental access to GB dynamics. Here, we have used confocal microscopy to investigate the dynamics of high misorientation angle GBs in a three-dimensional colloidal polycrystal, with single-particle resolution, in the zero-driving force limit. We show quantitatively that glassy behavior is inherent to GBs as exemplified by the slowing down of particle dynamics due to transient cages formed by their nearest neighbors, non-Gaussian probability distribution of particle displacements and string-like cooperative rearrangements of particles. Remarkably, geometric confinement of the GB region by adjacent crystallites decreases with the misorientation angle and results in an increase in the size of cooperatively rearranging regions and hence the fragility of the glassy GBs.
Huntingtin-interacting protein 14 is a type 1 diabetes candidate protein regulating insulin secretion and β-cell apoptosis
Authors: Berchtold Lukas Adrian , Størling Zenia Marian , Ortis Fernanda , Lage Kasper , Bang-Berthelsen Claus , Bergholdt Regine , Hald Jacob , Brorsson Caroline Anna , Eizirik Decio Laks , Pociot Flemming , Brunak Søren , Størling Joachim
Published: June 2011

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a complex disease characterized by the loss of insulin-secreting β-cells. Although the disease has a strong genetic component, and several loci are known to increase T1D susceptibility risk, only few causal genes have currently been identified. To identify disease-causing genes in T1D, we performed an in silico “phenome–interactome analysis” on a genome-wide linkage scan dataset. This method prioritizes candidates according to their physical interactions at the protein level with other proteins involved in diabetes. A total of 11 genes were predicted to be likely disease genes in T1D, including the
INS
gene. An unexpected top-scoring candidate gene was huntingtin-interacting protein
(HIP)-14/ZDHHC17
. Immunohistochemical analysis of pancreatic sections demonstrated that HIP14 is almost exclusively expressed in insulin-positive cells in islets of Langerhans. RNAi knockdown experiments established that HIP14 is an antiapoptotic protein required for β-cell survival and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IFN-γ) that mediate β-cell dysfunction in T1D down-regulated HIP14 expression in insulin-secreting INS-1 cells and in isolated rat and human islets. Overexpression of HIP14 was associated with a decrease in IL-1β–induced NF-κB activity and protection against IL-1β–mediated apoptosis. Our study demonstrates that the current network biology approach is a valid method to identify genes of importance for T1D and may therefore embody the basis for more rational and targeted therapeutic approaches.
Five phosphonate operon gene products as components of a multi-subunit complex of the carbon-phosphorus lyase pathway
Authors: Jochimsen Bjarne , Lolle Signe , McSorley Fern R. , Nabi Mariah , Stougaard Jens , Zechel David L. , Hove-Jensen Bjarne
Published: June 2011

Organophosphonate utilization by
Escherichia coli
requires the 14 cistrons of the
phnCDEFGHIJKLMNOP
operon, of which the carbon-phosphorus lyase has been postulated to consist of the seven polypeptides specified by
phnG
to
phnM
. A 5,660-bp DNA fragment encompassing
phnGHIJKLM
is cloned, followed by expression in
E. coli
and purification of Phn-polypeptides. PhnG, PhnH, PhnI, PhnJ, and PhnK copurify as a protein complex by ion-exchange, size-exclusion, and affinity chromatography. The five polypeptides also comigrate in native-PAGE. Cross-linking of the purified protein complex reveals a close proximity of PhnG, PhnI, PhnJ, and PhnK, as these subunits disappear concomitant with the formation of large cross-linked protein complexes. Two molecular forms are identified, a major form of molecular mass of approximately 260 kDa, a minor form of approximately 640 kDa. The stoichiometry of the protein complex is suggested to be PhnG
4
H
2
I
2
J
2
K. Deletion of individual
phn
genes reveals that a strain harboring plasmid-borne
phnGHIJ
produces a protein complex consisting of PhnG, PhnH, PhnI, and PhnJ, whereas a strain harboring plasmid-borne
phnGIJK
produces a protein complex consisting of PhnG and PhnI. We conclude that
phnGHIJK
specify a soluble multisubunit protein complex essential for organophosphonate utilization.
The Rise and Fall of a Partnership: The British Council and the Islamic Republic of Iran (2001–09)
Authors: Borjian Maryam
Published: June 2011

This paper examines a partnership between the British Council and the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) that emerged in March 2001 as a result of their shared aspiration for collaboration in scientific, academic and cultural arena. The alliance came as a surprise because after twenty-three years of antagonism on the part of the government of the IRI, the hostile attitudes were put aside virtually overnight to reunite with an old adversary for a mutual collaboration. The present qualitative study examines the reasons behind the start of the partnership, the domains within which the British Council was permitted to operate in Iran, and the reasons behind the end of the partnership. The data were gathered from various sources, including field-notes, policy documents analysis, personal interviews, and various online sources. The findings reveal that the duration of the partnership was closely intertwined with the rise and fall of the reformist administration, under President Mohammad Khatami (1997–2005). The partnership began mainly due to efforts made by the reformist administration to take the IRI out of its international isolation and thus became inactive not long after the reformist administration, and eventually came to an end in January 2009, under the presidency of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Off-centred immobile magnetic vortex under influence of spin-transfer torque
Authors: Kravchuk Volodymyr P , Sheka Denis D , Mertens Franz G , Gaididei Yuri
Published: June 2011

Formation of the ‘dip’ structure which foregoes switching of magnetic vortex polarity is studied numerically in magnetic nanodisc. A new method based on influence of the spin-transfer torque is used. The method allows one to obtain the dip structure for immobile vortex which significantly improves studying accuracy in comparison with the case of moving vortex. Free out-of-plane vortices as well as in-plane vortices pinned on hole defects are considered. It is shown that the process of the dip formation is different for free and pinned vortices and direction of the dip does not directly depend on the vortex polarity.
Cerebral blood flow and cerebrovascular autoregulation in a swine model of pediatric cardiac arrest and hypothermia*
Authors: Lee Jennifer K. , Brady Ken M. , Mytar Jennifer O. , Kibler Kathleen K. , Carter Erin L. , Hirsch Karen G. , Hogue Charles W. , Easley Ronald B. , Jordan Lori C. , Smielewski Peter , Czosnyka Marek , Shaffner Donald H. , Koehler Raymond C.
Published: June 2011

Objective:

Knowledge remains limited regarding cerebral blood flow autoregulation after cardiac arrest and during postresuscitation hypothermia. We determined the relationship of cerebral blood flow to cerebral perfusion pressure in a swine model of pediatric hypoxic-asphyxic cardiac arrest during normothermia and hypothermia and tested novel measures of autoregulation derived from near-infrared spectroscopy.

Design:

Prospective, balanced animal study.

Setting:

Basic physiology laboratory at an academic institution.

Subjects:

Eighty-four neonatal swine.

Interventions:

Piglets underwent hypoxic-asphyxic cardiac arrest or sham surgery and recovered for 2 hrs with normothermia followed by 4 hrs of either moderate hypothermia or normothermia. In half of the groups, blood pressure was slowly decreased through inflation of a balloon catheter in the inferior vena cava to identify the lower limit of cerebral autoregulation at 6 hrs postresuscitation. In the remaining groups, blood pressure was gradually increased by inflation of a balloon catheter in the aorta to determine the autoregulatory response to hypertension. Measures of autoregulation obtained from standard laser-Doppler flowmetry and indices derived from near-infrared spectroscopy were compared.

Measurements and Main Results:

Laser-Doppler flux was lower in postarrest animals compared to sham-operated controls during the 2-hr normothermic period after resuscitation. During the subsequent 4-hr recovery, hypothermia decreased laser-Doppler flux in both the sham surgery and postarrest groups. Autoregulation was intact during hypertension in all groups. With arterial hypotension, postarrest, hypothermic piglets had a significant decrease in the perfusion pressure lower limit of autoregulation compared to postarrest, normothermic piglets. The near-infrared spectroscopy-derived measures of autoregulation accurately detected loss of autoregulation during hypotension.

Conclusions:

In a pediatric model of cardiac arrest and resuscitation, delayed induction of hypothermia decreased cerebral perfusion and decreased the lower limit of autoregulation. Metrics derived from noninvasive near-infrared spectroscopy accurately identified the lower limit of autoregulation during normothermia and hypothermia in piglets resuscitated from arrest.
Chitinivorax tropicus gen. nov., sp. nov., a chitinolytic bacterium isolated from a freshwater lake
Authors: Chen Wen-Ming , Yang Shwu-Harn , Huang Wei-Cheng , Cheng Chih-Yu , Sheu Shih-Yi
Published: June 2011

A facultatively anaerobic, chitinolytic bacterium, strain KL-9T, was isolated from a freshwater lake in Taiwan and characterized by using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Cells of strain KL-9T were Gram-negative, rod-shaped, motile by means of a single polar flagellum and non-spore-forming. Growth occurred at 15–40 °C (optimum, 30–37 °C), at pH 7.0–9.0 (optimum, pH 8.0) and with 0–1.0 % NaCl (optimum, 0 %). The predominant fatty acids were summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) and C16 : 0. The major isoprenoid quinone was Q-8. The DNA G+C content of strain KL-9T was 64.6 mol%. The polar lipid profile consisted of a mixture of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine and several uncharacterized phospholipids and aminolipids. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain KL-9T formed a distinct lineage with respect to closely related genera within the class

Betaproteobacteria

, being most closely related to members of the genera

Leeia

,

Chitinimonas

,

Silvimonas

and

Andreprevotia

. Levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with respect to the type strains of type species of these genera were below 91 %. On the basis of genotypic and phenotypic data, strain KL-9T is thus considered to represent a novel species of a new genus within the class

Betaproteobacteria

, for which the name Chitinivorax tropicus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Chitinivorax tropicus is KL-9T ( = BCRC 80168T = LMG 25530T).
Structure and Expression Profile of the Phosphate Pht1 Transporter Gene Family in Mycorrhizal Populus trichocarpa
Authors: Loth-Pereda Verónica , Orsini Elena , Courty Pierre-Emmanuel , Lota Frédéric , Kohler Annegret , Diss Loic , Blaudez Damien , Chalot Michel , Nehls Uwe , Bucher Marcel , Martin Francis
Published: June 2011

Gene networks involved in inorganic phosphate (Pi) acquisition and homeostasis in woody perennial species able to form mycorrhizal symbioses are poorly known. Here, we describe the features of the 12 genes coding for Pi transporters of the Pht1 family in poplar (Populus trichocarpa). Individual Pht1 transporters play distinct roles in acquiring and translocating Pi in different tissues of mycorrhizal and nonmycorrhizal poplar during different growth conditions and developmental stages. Pi starvation triggered the up-regulation of most members of the Pht1 family, especially PtPT9 and PtPT11. PtPT9 and PtPT12 showed a striking up-regulation in ectomycorrhizas and endomycorrhizas, whereas PtPT1 and PtPT11 were strongly down-regulated. PtPT10 transcripts were highly abundant in arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) roots only. PtPT8 and PtPT10 are phylogenetically associated to the AM-inducible Pht1 subfamily I. The analysis of promoter sequences revealed conserved motifs similar to other AM-inducible orthologs in PtPT10 only. To gain more insight into gene regulatory mechanisms governing the AM symbiosis in woody plant species, the activation of the poplar PtPT10 promoter was investigated and detected in AM of potato (Solanum tuberosum) roots. These results indicated that the regulation of AM-inducible Pi transporter genes is conserved between perennial woody and herbaceous plant species. Moreover, poplar has developed an alternative Pi uptake pathway distinct from AM plants, allowing ectomycorrhizal poplar to recruit PtPT9 and PtPT12 to cope with limiting Pi concentrations in forest soils.
Successful hip arthroplasty in an adult male with severe factor XI deficiency using Hemoleven®, a factor XI concentrate
Authors: SANTORO C. , GOLDBERG I. , BRIDEY F. , FIGGIE M. P. , KARILA‐ISRAEL D. , HAVILAND K. , MACKENZIE C. R. , DIMICHELE D. M
Published: June 2011

Summary.  Severe factor XI (sFXI) deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder (RBD). FXI replacement is most often required for surgical hemostasis. Plasma, the sole US treatment option, is often complicated by life‐threatening allergic reactions. In such circumstances, the FDA offers a mechanism for institution‐industry collaboration to facilitate limited use of replacement products licensed abroad. A 58 years old man with sFXI deficiency, required hip replacement. In the past, he received prophylactic plasma for thyroidectomy and experienced a severe allergic reaction. A single use institutional IND FDA application was initiated in collaboration with LFB (Les Ulis, France) to access Hemoleven®, a plasma‐derived FXI concentrate. The application required an investigator‐initiated IRB‐approved protocol for treatment and safety/efficacy monitoring that included: preoperative thrombophilia, FXI inhibitor and pharmacokinetic (PK) evaluations; peri‐ postoperative administration of ≤ 4 doses of 10‐15 U/kg Hemoleven®; DIC monitoring; postoperative thromboprophylaxis; observation for product efficacy and potential complications. PK study demonstrated the expected 1.8% FXI recovery per U/kg with half‐life of 62 hours. Mild D‐Dimer elevation was noted 6‐9 hours post‐infusion. The initial dose (15U/kg) was administered 15 hours before surgery; subsequently, 3 doses (10U/kg) were infused every 72 hours. Hemostasis was excellent. No complications were observed. Collaboration allowed for successful patient access to Hemoleven® with excellent PK, safety, and efficacy. This case underscores the need for additional efforts to ensure safe and effective licensed replacement therapies for RBD patients.
Altered epidermal lipid layers induced by long‐term exposure to suberythemal‐dose ultraviolet
Authors: Bak Hana , Hong Seung‐phil , Jeong Se‐Kyoo , Choi Eung‐Ho , Lee Sang E. , Lee Seung‐Hun , Ahn Sung‐Ku
Published: June 2011

Background  Although several studies have reported on the biological effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, there have been only a few reports on the changes in epidermal lipids following long‐term UV irradiation at suberythemal dose (SED), to which people are usually exposed during their lifetime.

Objectives  To investigate the changes of epidermal lipid properties after long‐term UV radiation with SED.

Materials and methods  Hairless mice were irradiated three times weekly for 15 weeks at an SED of UV (UVB: 20 mJ/cm2; UVA: 14 J/cm2). Every three weeks, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured by a Tewameter. The morphological alterations of stratum corneum (SC) lipid lamellae were examined by electron microscopy (EM). Activities of three key enzymes for mRNA of serine palmitoyl transferase, fatty acid synthase, and HMG CoA reductase were analyzed with real time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. We also measured the amount of ceramide, cholesterol sulfate, and free fatty acid in the SC by high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography with exposed times.

Results  The SED UV‐irradiated group showed increased TEWL after 12 weeks. Following the irradiation period, EM revealed incomplete and separated lamellae at SC intercellular space. mRNA of three key enzymes was increased until six weeks of UV irradiation and decreased thereafter. However, three major lipid amounts gradually decreased throughout the exposed period, with a notable decrease in ceramide.

Conclusions  Long‐term UV irradiation even with SED influences skin barrier function and structure with prominent ceramide decrease in SC intercellular lipid.
Investigation of pajama properties on skin under mild cold conditions: the interaction between skin and clothing
Authors: Yao Lei , Gohel Mayur D.I. , Li Yi , Chung Waiyee J.
Published: June 2011

Background  Clothing is considered the second skin of the human body. The aim of this study was to determine clothing–wearer interaction on skin physiology under mild cold conditions.

Methods  Skin physiological parameters, subjective sensory response, stress level, and physical properties of clothing fabric from two longitude parallel‐designed wear trials were studied. The wear trials involved four kinds of pajamas made from cotton or polyester material that had hydrophilic or hydrophobic treatment, conducted for three weeks under mild cold conditions. Statistical tools, factor analysis, hierarchical linear regression, and logistic regression were applied to analyze the strong predictors of skin physiological parameters, stress level, and sensory response.

Results  A framework was established to illustrate clothing–wearer interactions with clothing fabric properties, skin physiology, stress level, and sensory response under mild cold conditions.

Discussion  Fabric has various effects on the human body under mild cold conditions. A fabric’s properties influence skin physiology, sensation, and psychological response.
PTCH1 gene mutations in exon 17 and loss of heterozygosity on D9S180 microsatellite in sporadic and inherited human basal cell carcinomas
Authors: Santos Daniela C. C. , Zaphiropoulos Peter G. , Neto Cyro F. , Pimentel Eugênio R. A. , Sanches José A. , Ruiz Itamar R. G.
Published: June 2011

Background  Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are the most frequent human cancer that results from malignant transformation of basal cells in the epidermis. Gorlin syndrome is a rare inherited autosomal dominant disease that predisposes with multiple BCCs and other birth defects. Both sporadic and inherited BCCs are associated with mutations in the tumor suppressor gene PTCH1, but there is still uncertainty on the role of its homolog PTCH2.

Objectives  To search for mutations and genomic instability in sporadic and inherited BCCs.

Methods  DNA obtained from leukocytes and tumor cells was amplified by polymerase chain reaction regarding five exons of PTCH1 and PTCH2 and neighboring microsatellites. Exons were sequenced and compared with the GenBank database.

Results  Only D9S180, of six microsatellites, showed loss of heterozygosity in three BCCs (two sporadic and one inherited). One sporadic BCC presented the mutation g.2885G>C in exon 17 of PTCH1, which predicts the substitution p.R962T in an external domain of the protein. In addition, the leukocytes and tumor cells of one patient with Gorlin syndrome showed the mutation g.2839T>G in the same exon and gene, which predicts a p.E947stop and truncated protein. All control and tumor samples presented IVS9 + 217T in intron 9 of PTCH1.

Conclusion  Mutations found in the PTCH1 gene and neighboring repetitive sequences may have contributed to the development of the studied BCCs.
Older patients suffer from adverse histopathological features after radical cystectomy
Authors: Rink Michael , Dahlem Roland , Kluth Luis , Minner Sarah , Ahyai Sascha A , Eichelberg Christian , Fisch Margit , Chun Felix KH
Published: June 2011

Objectives:  Radical cystectomy (RC) remains a complex procedure in older patients. Perioperative morbidity can be significant and it can represent a limitation for its indication in this population. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the outcomes of RC in elderly patients from a large single‐center cohort.

Methods:  A total of 447 patients who underwent RC between 1996 and 2009 at our institution were considered. Patients were stratified by age (≤70 vs >70 years). Logistic regression analyses were carried out comparing both groups regarding clinical, perioperative and histopathological findings, as well as complications according to the modified Clavien system and survival.

Results:  Data of 390 patients were available for the analysis. Of these, 265 (67.9%) versus 125 (32.1%) patients were <70 versus ≥70 years‐of‐age. The median age was 61 and 75 years, respectively. In the elderly, ASA score (P < 0.001), delay between transurethral resection of the bladder (TURBT) and RC (P = 0.004), and number of perioperative blood transfusions (P = 0.002) were significantly higher. Additionally, a clear trend towards higher stages (pT3–4) was observed (P = 0.04). However, complications, and overall and cancer‐specific mortality were not increased in older patients. Finally, age was identified as a significant risk factor for upstaging (P = 0.04). Upstaging between TURBT and final histopathology in patients <70 versus ≥70 years occurred in 45% versus 58%, respectively (P = 0.03).

Conclusions:  RC is equally feasible in older patients without increasing morbidity or mortality. On the contrary, older patients have a higher risk of significant upstaging and advanced stages at final histopathology. These findings suggest that RC should neither be delayed in nor withheld from elderly patients.
A conceptual framework for the evolution of ecological specialisation
Authors: Poisot Timothée , Bever James D. , Nemri Adnane , Thrall Peter H. , Hochberg Michael E.
Published: June 2011

Ecology Letters(2011)14: 841–851

Ecological specialisation concerns all species and underlies many major ecological and evolutionary patterns. Yet its status as a unifying concept is not always appreciated because of its similarity to concepts of the niche, the many levels of biological phenomena to which it applies, and the complexity of the mechanisms influencing it. The evolution of specialisation requires the coupling of constraints on adaptive evolution with covariation of genotype and environmental performance. This covariation itself depends upon organismal properties such as dispersal behaviour and life history and complexity in the environment stemming from factors such as species interactions and spatio‐temporal heterogeneity in resources. Here, we develop a view on specialisation that integrates across the range of biological phenomena with the goal of developing a more predictive conceptual framework that specifically accounts for the importance of biotic complexity and coevolutionary events.
Perceptions of Relational Practices in the Workplace
Authors: Carlson Jessica H. , Crawford Mary
Published: June 2011

We examined the intersection of gender and work through an investigation of relationally motivated behaviour in the workplace. Using Fletcher's ethnography of women's relational practices in a masculine work environment as a springboard, we examined Fletcher's typology of relational practice, participants' perceptions of employees who perform these forms of behaviour and whether these perceptions were related to gender. Working adults (N = 128) completed online surveys containing workplace scenarios and rated how effective and submissive they perceived the behaviour to be. Overall, participants rated relational practices as ineffective and submissive, regardless of whether a man or a woman had performed them. However, they reported that they would behave the same way as the target and they offered relationally oriented reasons for their choice. Relational practices remain paradoxical in the workplace, both necessary and devalued.
Combination Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy and Transverse Corrective Osteotomy of the Proximal Tibia for the Treatment of Complex Tibial Deformities in 12 dogs
Authors: Weh Jennifer L. , Kowaleski Michael P. , Boudrieau Randy J.
Published: June 2011

Objective: To describe a surgical technique, and outcome, for treatment of proximal tibial deformity (varus, valgus, excessive tibial plateau angle [eTPA], tibial torsion and patellar luxation) by combined tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and transverse corrective osteotomy.

Study Design: Cases series.

Animals: Dogs (n=12; 19 stifle joints).

Methods: Medical records of dogs that had combination TPLO and transverse corrective osteotomy, were reviewed. Pre‐ and postoperative tibial angulation, tibial torsion, tibial plateau angle (TPA), corrective osteotomy technique, method of fixation, and complications were recorded. In hospital re‐evaluation of limb function and alignment and length of time to radiographic healing were reviewed. Long‐term outcome was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaire and owner telephone interview.

Results: Proximal tibial varus or valgus was present in 68.4%; 73.7% had eTPA; and 47.4% had both. Medial patellar luxation (MPL) was present in 57.9%, of which 47.4% had tibial tuberosity displacement. Severe tibial torsion was present in 68.4%. Mean pre‐ and postoperative TPA was 37.5° and 5.7°, respectively. The mean postoperative mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (mMPTA) and mechanical medial distal tibial angle (mMDTA) were 92.2° (range, 88–96°) and 96.1° (range, 94–101°), respectively. Postoperative surgical complications were documented in 21.0%, which included implant loosening or breakage (5.3%), seroma (5.3%), septic arthritis (5.3%), and infection of the proximal tibia (5.3%). All complications were considered major because they required additional surgery. Mean time to document radiographic healing was 10.4 weeks. In‐hospital re‐evaluation of lameness was obtained at the same time; 82.4% were not lame or had a mild lameness, 17.6% had severe lameness (2/3 with infection). The VAS evaluation revealed excellent results and owner satisfaction in all ten dogs in which long‐term follow‐up was obtained.

Conclusions: Long‐term clinical outcome of combination TPLO and transverse corrective osteotomy was excellent, and had a high owner satisfaction. Healing times were comparable to standard TPLO with a similar complication rate.