bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring systems security
Authors: Bayuk Jennifer , Mostashari Ali
Published: November 2012

Security metrics have evolved side by side with the advent of security tools and techniques. They have been derived from the techniques rather than specified as system requirements. This paper surveys the evolution and state of the practice of security metrics from both a technical and historical perspective. It describes the evolution of currently popular security metrics, and classifies them to illustrate their utility in systems engineering verification and validation activities. It provides criteria with which to evaluate security metrics based on system purpose and architecture. The criteria are illustrated using a case study of Cloud System security. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 16:
Coaxial magnetic pulse compression system to generate fast‐rising pulsed power
Authors: Ueda Satoru , Sakamoto Tatsuro , Sakugawa Takashi , Akiyama Hidenori
Published: November 2012

A fast‐rising pulsed power generator (PPG) using a coaxial magnetic pulse compression (MPC) system has been developed. Two kinds of magnetic cores, a Co‐based amorphous metal and a nanocrystalline Fe‐based soft magnetic metal, have been used in the coaxial MPC system to evaluate losses of magnetic cores and leakage current of a saturable inductor. The PPG produced a pulsed‐high‐current of 3.7 kA with a risetime of 7 ns (20–80%) at a repetition frequency of 1000 pulses per second. © 2012 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Innovative US energy policy: a review of states' policy experiences
Authors: Carley Sanya , Browne Tyler R.
Published: November 2012

Since the early 1990s, US energy policy has been driven by state governments. States have adopted a variety of innovative policy instruments to diversify, decarbonize, and decentralize their electricity markets. Because states are still active energy policy leaders, and are continually adopting new or revising existing policies, there is great need for continual evaluation of the effects, effectiveness, challenges, and opportunities associated with these different policy instruments. This analysis synthesizes the findings in the literature to date and provides a summary of both the policy landscapes and the effects associated with some of the leading energy policies, including the renewable portfolio standard, the energy efficiency resource standard, net metering, and interconnection standards.

This article is categorized under:

Energy Policy and Planning > Economics and Policy

Energy and Development > Economics and Policy
Flexibility within the middle ears of vertebrates
Authors: Mason M J , Farr M R B
Published: November 2012

Introduction and aims:

Tympanic middle ears have evolved multiple times independently among vertebrates, and share common features. We review flexibility within tympanic middle ears and consider its physiological and clinical implications.

Comparative anatomy:

The chain of conducting elements is flexible: even the ‘single ossicle’ ears of most non-mammalian tetrapods are functionally ‘double ossicle’ ears due to mobile articulations between the stapes and extrastapes; there may also be bending within individual elements.

Simple models:

Simple models suggest that flexibility will generally reduce the transmission of sound energy through the middle ear, although in certain theoretical situations flexibility within or between conducting elements might improve transmission. The most obvious role of middle-ear flexibility is to protect the inner ear from high-amplitude displacements.

Clinical implications:

Inter-ossicular joint dysfunction is associated with a number of pathologies in humans. We examine attempts to improve prosthesis design by incorporating flexible components.
Ageing and the gut
Authors: Britton Edward , McLaughlin John T.
Published: November 2012

The goal of this brief review is to address the role of the ageing gut in the genesis of malnutrition in the elderly. We assess the burden of malnutrition in the elderly, exploring the role of comorbid conditions and neurohumoral changes that take place to contribute towards the process of anorexia associated with ageing. Following this, the review assesses physiological changes that occur in each part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and what implication they may have in clinical practice. In the oropharynx and the oesophagus, changes in swallowing and oesophageal motility associated with ageing can be demonstrated using physiological testing. However, in the absence of comorbid disease, they often have little, if any, clinical significance. In the stomach, reduced fundal compliance may contribute to early satiety; however, the primary change is hypochlorhydria, which may predispose to malabsorption or bacterial overgrowth further along the GI tract. Almost uniquely, the small bowel, particularly its absorptive function, is unaffected by age and we review the literature demonstrating this. In the colon, there is evidence of a prolonged transit time related to a reduction in both neurotransmitters and receptors. Although this may cause symptoms, this aspect is unlikely to contribute to malnutrition. In addition, we assess the potential changes in the gut microbiome and how this may interact with the immune system in the process of ‘inflamm-ageing’. We conclude by summarising the main changes and their impact for the clinician along with recommendations for future areas of research.
Logic-based event recognition
Authors: Artikis Alexander , Skarlatidis Anastasios , Portet François , Paliouras Georgios
Published: November 2012

Today's organizations require techniques for automated transformation of their large data volumes into operational knowledge. This requirement may be addressed by using event recognition systems that detect events/activities of special significance within an organization, given streams of ‘low-level’ information that is very difficult to be utilized by humans. Consider, for example, the recognition of attacks on nodes of a computer network given the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol messages, the recognition of suspicious trader behaviour given the transactions in a financial market and the recognition of whale songs given a symbolic representation of whale sounds. Various event recognition systems have been proposed in the literature. Recognition systems with a logic-based representation of event structures, in particular, have been attracting considerable attention, because, among others, they exhibit a formal, declarative semantics, they have proven to be efficient and scalable and they are supported by machine learning tools automating the construction and refinement of event structures. In this paper, we review representative approaches of logic-based event recognition and discuss open research issues of this field. We illustrate the reviewed approaches with the use of a real-world case study: event recognition for city transport management.
INVISCID AND VISCOUS MODELS OF AXISYMMETRIC FLUID JETS OR PLUMES
Authors: LETCHFORD NICHOLAS A. , FORBES LAWRENCE K. , HOCKING GRAEME C.
Published: November 2012

The vertical rise of a round plume of light fluid through a surrounding heavier fluid is considered. An inviscid model is analysed in which the boundary of the plume is taken to be a sharp interface. An efficient spectral method is used to solve this nonlinear free-boundary problem, and shows that the plume narrows as it rises. A generalized condition is also introduced at the boundary, and allows the ambient fluid to be entrained into the rising plume. In this case, the fluid plume first narrows then widens as it rises. These features are confirmed by an asymptotic analysis. A viscous model of the same situation is also proposed, based on a Boussinesq approximation. It qualitatively confirms the widening of the plume due to entrainment of the ambient fluid, but also shows the presence of vortex rings around the interface of the rising plume.
Pension plan risk-taking: does it matter if the sponsor is publicly-traded?
Authors: ATANASOVA CHRISTINA , GATEV EVAN
Published: November 2012

We use a large sample of defined benefit (DB) pension plans to document economically significant differences in the risk-taking of plans sponsored by privately-held versus publicly-traded firms. The magnitude and the main determinants of pension plan risk-taking are different for public and private firms. The effect of pension liabilities’ funded status on risk-taking is two and a half times higher for plans with publicly-traded sponsors than for plans with private sponsors. In contrast, changing sponsor contributions has more than four times higher effect on risk-taking for plans with private sponsors. The results suggest that the alignment of incentives for the stakeholders in a pension contract is different for plans sponsored by private versus publicly-traded firms.
Winter‐to‐winter recurrence of atmospheric circulation anomalies in the central North Pacific
Authors: Zhao Xia , Li Jianping
Published: November 2012

Possible causes of the winter‐to‐winter recurrence (WWR) of atmospheric circulation anomalies in the central North Pacific (CNP) are investigated in the present study. Results show that tropical ENSO could not lead to the atmospheric WWR in the CNP because the persistence of ENSO itself does not show any recurrence regardless of the starting month. The effect of other external forcing, e.g., sea ice, is also not significant. These results suggest that the dominant source of the atmospheric WWR may come from internal atmospheric dynamics in the North Pacific. The Arctic Oscillation, the dominant pattern of sea level pressure variations north of 20°N, seems not to be the cause of atmospheric WWR in the CNP region. The effect of the local internal atmospheric dynamics on the atmospheric WWR may be more important in the CNP region. The CNP region was in the location of the storm track in the North Pacific. It was found that seasonal variability of storm track anomalies and associated synoptic transient eddy dynamics may be one of the causes for the atmospheric WWR. During the WWR years, transient eddy forcing on the mean flow is strong during the winter but very weak in the intervening summer, which leads to a quick transition of anomalous mean atmospheric circulation around March and the maintenance of the opposite sign anomalies for two to three seasons. But this characteristic of transient eddy forcing does not exist during the non‐WWR years.
A monolithically integrated polarization entangled photon pair source on a silicon chip
Authors: Matsuda Nobuyuki , Le Jeannic Hanna , Fukuda Hiroshi , Tsuchizawa Tai , Munro William John , Shimizu Kaoru , Yamada Koji , Tokura Yasuhiro , Takesue Hiroki
Published: November 2012

Integrated photonic circuits are one of the most promising platforms for large-scale photonic quantum information systems due to their small physical size and stable interferometers with near-perfect lateral-mode overlaps. Since many quantum information protocols are based on qubits defined by the polarization of photons, we must develop integrated building blocks to generate, manipulate and measure the polarization-encoded quantum state on a chip. The generation unit is particularly important. Here we show the first integrated polarization-entangled photon pair source on a chip. We have implemented the source as a simple and stable silicon-on-insulator photonic circuit that generates an entangled state with 91 ± 2% fidelity. The source is equipped with versatile interfaces for silica-on-silicon or other types of waveguide platforms that accommodate the polarization manipulation and projection devices as well as pump light sources. Therefore, we are ready for the full-scale implementation of photonic quantum information systems on a chip.
The folded and disordered domains of human ribosomal protein SA have both idiosyncratic and shared functions as membrane receptors
Authors: Zidane Nora , Ould-Abeih Mohamed B. , Petit-Topin Isabelle , Bedouelle Hugues
Published: November 2012

The human RPSA [ribosomal protein SA; also known as LamR1(laminin receptor 1)] belongs to the ribosome but is also a membrane receptor for laminin, growth factors, prion, pathogens and the anticarcinogen EGCG (epigallocatechin-gallate). It contributes to the crossing of the blood–brain barrier by neurotropic viruses and bacteria, and is a biomarker of metastasis. RPSA includes an N-terminal domain, which is folded and homologous to the prokaryotic RPS2, and a C-terminal extension, which is intrinsically disordered and conserved in vertebrates. We used recombinant derivatives of RPSA and its N- and C-domains to quantify its interactions with ligands by in-vitro immunochemical and spectrofluorimetric methods. Both N- and C-domains bound laminin with KD (dissociation constants) of 300 nM. Heparin bound only to the N-domain and competed for binding to laminin with the negatively charged C-domain, which therefore mimicked heparin. EGCG bound only to the N-domain with a KD of 100 nM. Domain 3 of the envelope protein from yellow fever virus and serotypes-1 and -2 of dengue virus bound preferentially to the C-domain whereas that from West Nile virus bound only to the N-domain. Our quantitative in-vitro approach should help clarify the mechanisms of action of RPSA, and ultimately fight against cancer and infectious agents.
Innovative Technology for the Assisted Delivery of Intensive Voice Treatment (LSVT®LOUD) for Parkinson Disease
Authors: Halpern Angela E. , Ramig Lorraine O. , Matos Carlos E. C. , Petska-Cable Jill A. , Spielman Jennifer L. , Pogoda Janice M. , Gilley Phillip M. , Sapir Shimon , Bennett John K. , McFarland David H.
Published: November 2012

Purpose

To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a newly developed assistive technology system, Lee Silverman Voice Treatment Companion (LSVT®Companion™, hereafter referred to as “Companion”), to support the delivery of LSVT®LOUD, an efficacious speech intervention for individuals with Parkinson disease (PD).

Method

Sixteen individuals with PD were randomized to an immediate (n= 8) or a delayed (n= 8) treatment group. They participated in 9 LSVT LOUD sessions and 7 Companion sessions, independently administered at home. Acoustic, listener perception, and voice and speech rating data were obtained immediately before (pre), immediately after (post), and at 6 months post treatment (follow-up). System usability ratings were collected immediately post treatment. Changes in vocal sound pressure level were compared to data from a historical treatment group of individuals with PD treated with standard, in-person LSVT LOUD.

Results

All 16 participants were able to independently use the Companion. These individuals had therapeutic gains in sound pressure level, pre to post and pre to follow-up, similar to those of the historical treatment group.

Conclusions

This study supports the use of the Companion as an aid in treatment of hypokinetic dysarthria in individuals with PD. Advantages and disadvantages of the Companion, as well as limitations of the present study and directions for future studies, are discussed.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14963514
Simulation of inflorescence dynamics in oil palm and estimation of environment-sensitive phenological phases: a model based analysis
Authors: Combres Jean-Claude , Pallas Benoît , Rouan Lauriane , Mialet-Serra Isabelle , Caliman Jean-Pierre , Braconnier Serge , Soulié Jean-Christophe , Dingkuhn Michael
Published: November 2012

For oil palm, yield variation is in large part due to variation in the number of harvested bunches. Each successively-produced phytomer carries a female (productive), male or aborted inflorescence. Since phytomer development takes 3–4 years and nearly two phytomers are produced per month, many inflorescences develop in parallel but have different phenological stages. Environment-dependent developmental rate, sex and abortion probability determine bunch productivity, which, in turn, affects other phytomers via source–sink relationships. Water deficit, solar radiation, temperature and day length are considered key external factors driving variation. Their impact is difficult to predict because of system complexity. To address this question we built a simple model (ECOPALM) to simulate the variation in number of harvested bunches. In this model, trophic competition among organs, expressed through a plant-scale index (Ic), drives sex determination and inflorescence abortion during specific sensitive phases at phytomer level. As a supplemental hypothesis, we propose that flowering is affected by photoperiod at phytomer level during a sensitive phase, thus, contributing to seasonal production peaks. The model was used to determine by parameter optimisation the influence of Ic and day length on inflorescence development and the stages at which inflorescences are sensitive to these signals. Parameters were estimated against observation of number of harvested bunches in Ivory Coast using a genetic algorithm. The model was then validated with field observations in Benin and Indonesia. The sensitive phases determined by parameter optimisation agreed with independent experimental evidence, and variation of Ic explained both sex and abortion patterns. Sex determination seemed to coincide with floret meristem individualisation and occurred 29–32 months before bunch harvest. The main abortion stage occurred 10 months before harvest – at the beginning of rapid growth of the inflorescence. Simulation results suggest involvement of photoperiod in the determination of bunch growth dynamics. This study demonstrates that simple modelling approaches can help extracting ecophysiological information from simple field observations on complex systems.
Three long-term trials end with a quasi-equilibrium between soil C, N, and pH: an implication for C sequestration
Authors: Conyers Mark , Newton Philip , Condon Jason , Poile Graeme , Mele Pauline , Ash Gavin
Published: November 2012

The aim of this study was to assess the long-term changes in some key soil chemical properties at the completion of three long-term trials in south-eastern Australia and the relationship between those soil properties. From a soil organic matter perspective, the build-up of carbon (%C) requires an accumulation of nitrogen (%N), and the build-up of %C and %N fertility comes at the cost of soil acidity. Rotation, tillage, and stubble practices combine to alter the quantity, quality (C : N), and the depth distribution of organic matter in a soil, but the three soil chemical properties reported here seem to also be in quasi-equilibrium at the three long-term sites. The consequence is that if the build-up of soil organic matter leads to soil acidification, then the maintenance of agricultural production will require liming. The emission of CO2 when limestone reacts with soil acids, plus the C cost of limestone application, will negate a proportion of the gains from C sequestration as organic matter in soil. Such cautionary information was doubtless unforeseen when these three long-term trials were initiated.
Prediction of the soil saturated paste extract salinity from extractable ions, cation exchange capacity, and anion exclusion
Authors: Visconti Fernando , Miguel de Paz José
Published: November 2012

Process-based models could be used to predict the soil saturated extract salinity from extractable ion contents. However, a rigorous validation of such models for this purpose had not been carried out. A process-based model to predict the main inorganic ion composition, electrical conductivity, and pH of the saturated paste extract from extractable ion contents was developed step by step. The model development started from the principle of matter conservation in the soil solution as it concentrates from the 1 : 5 to the saturated paste extract. The need to include new hypotheses in the model was studied through calculation and analysis of standardised differences between measurements and model predictions. Therefore, best estimates of saturation paste extract properties occurred after taking into account the following: (i) free equilibration of the soil solution with the minerals calcite and gypsum under CO2 partial pressure of the saturated paste; (ii) further equilibration of the soil solution with the exchange complex; and (iii) determination of salt contents within the diffuse double layer (DDL) of the soil colloids, i.e. the anion exclusion. The last was necessary because the extracts where the determination of soil extractable anions (1 : 5 extracts), cations, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) were carried out were separated from their suspensions through centrifugation. Therefore, the reliable prediction of soil saturated paste extract salinity demands data on soil extractable ion contents, CEC, and the quantification of salts within the DDL.
Interactive effects from combining inorganic and organic fertilisers on phosphorus availability
Authors: Li Xiang , Dong Caixia , Liu Yiren , Liu Yanxia , Shen Qirong , Xu Yangchun
Published: November 2012

A pot experiment was conducted using different ratios of triple superphosphate (TSP) to pig manure (PM) to determine the best ratio for combining inorganic and organic fertilisers to attain optimum crop yields, and investigate the mechanisms affecting P availability in a wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–soybean (Glycine max L.) rotation in eastern China. The TSP/PM treatment ratios used were: T1, 0/0 as a control; T2, 100/0; T3, 90/10; T4, 80/20; T5, 70/30; T6, 0/100. All treatments except T1 received the same amount of P. Treatment T4 gave significant yield increases of 25.6% in 2008 and 16.8% in 2009 compared with T2. Regarding the various forms of organic P (Po) under different fertilisation treatments, the labile Po of treatment T4 was 60.0% higher than that of T2. The contents of moderately labile Po were in the order T6 > T5 = T4 > T3 > T2 > T1. The addition of pig manure decreased the contents of iron (Fe)-P and calcium-P and occluded-P more than the content of aluminium-P. Compared with the T2 treatment, soil inorganic P decreased by 5.3%, 12.1%, and 15.0% when the ratios of TSP/PM in fertiliser were T3, T4, and T5, respectively. Microbial biomass and phytase activity of treatment T4 were not significantly different from those of T5 and T6, but significantly increased compared with T2. When the amount of leachate was 50 mL, only 1.6%, 8.4%, and 9.8% of total 32P leached from the T1, T2, and T4 soils, respectively. Treatment T4 resulted in higher grain yield, increased labile Po and moderately labile Po, and decreased Fe-P and occluded-P, and promoted microbial biomass P and phytase activity, which were better outcomes for a wheat–soybean rotation. Fertilising soil with combined organic and inorganic P sources could lower P fixation and enhance P mobility.
Cdc42 helps cancer cells make their exit
Authors: Short Ben
Published: November 2012

The Rho GTPase promotes metastasis by regulating the expression of β1 integrin.
Cell biology: A key driver of therapeutic innovation
Authors: Hantschel Oliver , Superti-Furga Giulio
Published: November 2012

All processes associated with cellular function are likely to contribute to disease. Particularly in the cancer field, most major therapeutic innovations have originated from the elucidation of basic molecular mechanisms by academic researchers. Recent breakthroughs in molecularly targeted drug discovery have made it clear that it is the depth with which a biological process is understood that empowers its translation. We propose that early, more strategic, support of cutting-edge academic research by industry may be more effective for translational purposes than the current model of a late selection of community-evolved projects.
New frontiers in human cell biology and medicine: Can pluripotent stem cells deliver?
Authors: Goldstein Lawrence S.B.
Published: November 2012

Human pluripotent stem cells provide enormous opportunities to treat disease using cell therapy. But human stem cells can also drive biomedical and cell biological discoveries in a human model system, which can be directly linked to understanding disease or developing new therapies. Finally, rigorous scientific studies of these cells can and should inform the many science and medical policy issues that confront the translation of these technologies to medicine. In this paper, I discuss these issues using amyotrophic lateral sclerosis as an example.
Irrigation Timing Impacts the Efficacy of Foliar-Applied Fungicides Toward Foliar and Soilborne Pathogens of Peanut
Authors: Woodward J. E. , Brenneman T. B. , Mullinix B. G.
Published: November 2012

Fungicides not reaching target organisms result in decreased disease control. In the southeastern United States, foliar-applied fungicides are routinely used to manage peanut (Arachis hypogaea) diseases. Irrigation is often applied to wash fungicides from treated foliage to obtain maximum control of diseases caused by soilborne pathogens. Administering irrigation before fungicide residues have dried may adversely impact foliar disease control. A microplot study was conducted in 2003, 2004, and 2005 to evaluate the redistribution of azoxystrobin, tebuconazole, and flutolanil plus chlorothalonil following different irrigation timings. Standard fungicide regimes were subjected to 1.3-cm of irrigation 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, or 96 h after application, and a nonirrigated control was included. Microplots not receiving irrigation were covered while irrigation treatments were administered. Irrigation timing was significant for the number of early leaf spot (Cercospora arachidicola) lesions per leaf. Leaf spot was more severe when irrigation was administered immediately following fungicide applications, and was significantly reduced with a 6- and 12-h delay prior to an irrigation event, whereas maximum control was obtained when irrigation was delayed for 24 h or later. To further quantify fungicide residue distribution, Sclerotium rolfsii was used to bioassay foliage and pods. Lesion development on leaflets, which was greater for earlier irrigation timings, did not differ for the 12-h and later timings and was generally similar to the nonirrigated controls. Pod colonization for all fungicides increased according to a quadratic function of irrigation timing, with the least colonization occurring at the 0-h timing. Colonization of pods treated with azoxystrobin was similar for all irrigation timings; whereas, suppression was greatest for tebuconazole at earlier irrigation timings. This study demonstrates that irrigation can be used to redistribute fungicides applied to peanut foliage to improve control of soilborne pathogens but administering irrigation within 24 h may decrease leaf spot control.
Impact of Tobacco Thrips on Cowpea
Authors: McLeod Paul , Rashid Tahir
Published: November 2012

In the southern US, seedling cowpeas are severely injured by the tobacco thrips, Frankliniella fusca (Hinds). This feeding results in discoloration and distortion of the leaf tissue. Although damage from thrips feeding on foliage is common and appears substantial, recent studies have demonstrated little impact on cowpea yield. Caging up to ten F. fusca per cowpea seedling failed to significantly reduce number of pods, seed number, or seed weight when compared to cowpea seedlings caged with no thrips. Also, no significant differences in the days to initial flowering were detected among the treatments, i.e., 0, 1, 2, 5, or 10 thrips per seedling. In field studies, the insecticide, bifenthrin, applied to cowpea seedlings effectively reduced the number of thrips and significantly reduced foliar damage when compared to non-treated seedlings. At harvest however, no significant differences were detected among the other variables tested, i.e., pods per plant, seed per plant, seed per pod, seed weight per plant, nor weight per seed. Thus, data indicate that the impact of F. fusca on cowpea produced in the US is likely less than previously thought and early season thrips management is of little value.

Accepted for publication 10 September 2012. Published 19 October 2012.
Association of Spirea Stunt Phytoplasma with a Disease of Spiraea spp. in Minnesota
Authors: Lockhart Ben , Mollov Dimitre , Voth-Hulshout Jeltie
Published: November 2012

Spireas (Spiraea spp.) are woody perennial ornamentals that are widely grown throughout Minnesota and in other states due to their cold hardiness and adaptability to a variety of low-maintenance landscape settings. Spirea stunt phytoplasma was first identified in S. tomentosa in central New York. This is the first report of its occurrence in non-native Spiraea spp. (S. japonica, S. × bumalda), and in Minnesota.

Accepted for publication 3 October 2012. Published 24 October 2012.
Mixed Groundnut bud necrosis virus and Okra yellow vein mosaic virus Infection of Okra in India
Authors: Suresh Kunkalikar , Babasaheb Beradpatil , Meera Kurulekar , Prem Rajagopalan , Radhamani Anandalakshmi
Published: November 2012

To our knowledge, this is the first report of Groundnut bud necrosis virus (GBNV, genus Tospovirus) infection in okra and also its mixed infection with Okra yellow vein mosaic virus (OYVMV, genus Geminivirus) in India. It appears that the GBNV is expanding its host range from Fabaceae and Solanaceae families to crops belonging to Malvaceae family. The potential impact of mixed infection of GBNV and OYVMV on economical yield in okra warrants continuous monitoring of the diseases in field.

Accepted for publication 3 October 2012. Published 23 October 2012.
Identification of Anguina funesta from Annual Ryegrass Seed Lots in Oregon
Authors: Meng Shawn , Alderman Steve , Fraley Cindy , Ludy Robin , Sun Fengjie , Osterbauer Nancy
Published: November 2012

In 2010, seed galls containing Anguina sp. were isolated from 14 annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) seed lots submitted for phytosanitary testing. To identify the species present, the ITS1 region of the ribosomal DNA of the nematodes from the seed lots was analyzed using a PCR-RFLP method. All nematodes produced a single 540-bp DNA amplicon, which was digested with three restriction enzymes, HaeIII, HinfI, and TaqI. The resulting RFLP patterns matched those of A. funesta. To confirm these results, 525 bp of the DNA amplicon was analyzed by DNA sequencing and BLAST analysis, which verified the sequence was identical to A. funesta (Genbank Accession nos. AF363095, AF363096, and AF363104). Because of the association of A. funesta with Rathayibacter toxicus, a second PCR test was conducted to determine if the bacterium was present in the seed lots. A 200-bp DNA amplicon was amplified from two seed galls, sequenced, and subjected to BLAST analysis. Analysis of the entire DNA sequence failed to identify the bacterium present, although testing by USDA-APHIS verified the bacterium was not R. toxicus. This is the first report of A. funesta in the US; R. toxicus was not found with this detection.

Accepted for publication 14 September 2012. Published 24 October 2012.
Subunit composition of CP43-less photosystem II complexes ofSynechocystissp. PCC 6803: implications for the assembly and repair of photosystem II
Authors: Boehm M. , Yu J. , Reisinger V. , Beckova M. , Eichacker L. A. , Schlodder E. , Komenda J. , Nixon P. J.
Published: November 2012

Photosystem II (PSII) mutants are useful experimental tools to trap potential intermediates involved in the assembly of the oxygen-evolving PSII complex. Here, we focus on the subunit composition of the RC47 assembly complex that accumulates in apsbCnull mutant of the cyanobacteriumSynechocystissp. PCC 6803 unable to make the CP43 apopolypeptide. By using native gel electrophoresis, we showed that RC47 is heterogeneous and mainly found as a monomer of 220 kDa. RC47 complexes co-purify with small Cab-like proteins (ScpC and/or ScpD) and with Psb28 and its homologue Psb28-2. Analysis of isolated His-tagged RC47 indicated the presence of D1, D2, the CP47 apopolypeptide, plus nine of the 13 low-molecular-mass (LMM) subunits found in the PSII holoenzyme, including PsbL, PsbM and PsbT, which lie at the interface between the two momomers in the dimeric holoenzyme. Not detected were the LMM subunits (PsbK, PsbZ, Psb30 and PsbJ) located in the vicinity of CP43 in the holoenzyme. The photochemical activity of isolated RC47-His complexes, including the rate of reduction of P680+, was similar to that of PSII complexes lacking the Mn4CaO5cluster. The implications of our results for the assembly and repair of PSIIin vivoare discussed.
Changes inKhasi pine (Pinus kesiyaRoyle exGordon) tree stands affected byDimorphicEgretEgretta dimorphacolony atMadagascar
Authors: Żółkoś Katarzyna , Meissner Włodzimierz , Olszewski Tomasz S. , Remisiewicz Magdalena
Published: November 2012

Establishing plantations of quick growing introduced trees, combined with effect of a bird colony, affect habitat conditions. This causes alterations in spatial structure of a phytocenosis, its species composition and size of plants in herb layer. In the studied Khasi pine (PinuskesiyaRoyle ex Gordon) stand in central Madagascar the shrub layer was found only under egrets' nests, while it did not occur outside the colony. We observed four times higher number of species, and much greater coverage of shrub and herb layers in the colony than outside, which reflects the increased soil trophy in the colony. One of the common species of herb layer was Commelinaafricana. Leaf blades of its exemplars growing under the egret nests were on average larger, which provided greater surface of the assimilative apparatus, than of those growing outside the colony. All differences between the in the studied tree stands seem to reflect soil enrichment in nutrients caused by the excretions from egrets. Such changes in phytocoenoses caused by effect of bird colonies have been studied so far only in cold and temperate climates. Our results confirm a similar effect of birds' breeding on a plant community in a tropical climate.
Genital immunology and HIV susceptibility in young women
Authors: Yi Tae Joon , Shannon Brett , Prodger Jessica , McKinnon Lyle , Kaul Rupert
Published: November 2012

Women account for a substantial majority of HIV infections in endemic regions, where women are also infected at a much younger age than men. Part of this epidemiological skewing is due to socio‐cultural factors, but it is clear that biological factors enhance the susceptibility of women – particularly young women – to HIV acquisition after sexual exposure. These factors, including important differences in mucosal immunology at the site of genital HIV exposure, are the focus of this concise review. Compared to heterosexual men, women have an increased surface area of mucosal HIV exposure, increased mucosal expression of the HIV co‐receptor CCR5 and a greater probability of virus exposure on the rectal mucosa. Differences that are specific to young women include a pro‐inflammatory immune environment and a proportionate increase in single‐cell, columnar genital epithelium. These important biological reasons for enhanced HIV susceptibility in young women highlight the need for targeted HIV prevention within this vulnerable population.
Triclosan exposure and allergic sensitization in Norwegian children
Authors: Bertelsen R. J. , Longnecker M. P. , Løvik M. , Calafat A. M. , Carlsen K‐H. , London S. J. , Lødrup Carlsen K. C.
Published: November 2012

Background

Exposure to the synthetic antimicrobial chemical, triclosan, used in personal care products, has been hypothesized to lead to allergic disease. We investigated whether triclosan exposure was associated with allergic sensitization and symptoms in 10‐year‐old Norwegian children.

Methods

Urinary concentrations of triclosan were measured in one first morning void from 623 children, collected during 2001–2004. Logistic regression models, controlling for urine specific gravity, parental allergic disease, maternal education, and household income, were fitted for allergic sensitization (either skin prick test positivity or serum‐specific IgE ≥ 0.35 kU/l to at least one of 15 evaluated inhalant and food allergens), current rhinitis, and current asthma (questionnaire and exercise challenge test).

Results

The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for allergic sensitization among those in the fourth quartile of triclosan concentration was 2.0 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1, 3.4] compared with the reference group (<the limit of detection), and the aOR per log10 unit increase in triclosan was 1.2 (95% CI: 1.0, 1.4). The aOR for current rhinitis was 1.9 (95% CI: 1.1, 3.4) for the fourth quartile and 1.2 (95% CI: 0.97, 1.4) per log10 unit increase in triclosan.

Conclusion

Triclosan concentrations were associated with allergic sensitization, especially inhalant and seasonal allergens, rather than food allergens. Current rhinitis was associated with the highest levels of triclosan, whereas no association was seen for current asthma. These results are consistent with recent findings in other studies and provide additional evidence for an association between triclosan and allergy.
Psychosocial factors and chronic spontaneous urticaria: a systematic review
Authors: Ben‐Shoshan M. , Blinderman I. , Raz A.
Published: November 2012

Background

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is one of the most costly allergic conditions challenging physicians as well as patients and their families. Despite evident lacunae in the understanding of the pathogenesis, at least some findings suggest that psychosocial factors likely contribute to the development and exacerbation of CSU. We aim to assess the contribution of psychological factors to CSU.

Methods

Systematic search of PubMed and OVID/Medline databases was conducted from 1 January 1935 to 1 January 2012. Studies selected include original research in English, Spanish and French exploring the association between CSU and psychosocial factors. Two investigators independently reviewed all titles and abstracts to identify potentially relevant articles and resolved discrepancies by repeated review and discussion and arbitration of a third reviewer. Quality of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses was assessed using a measure based on the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale and psychological conditions of CSU patients.

Results

We identified 114 eligible studies spanning 77 years and featuring 17 reviews, 67 studies related to neither CSU nor psychosocial factors, and eight studies that provided either no prevalence estimates or insufficient sample size. Pooling effect sizes using random effects, analyses revealed that, despite large heterogeneity (I2 of 97.60%), psychosocial factors had a prevalence of 46.09% (95% confidence interval, 44.01%, 48.08%).

Conclusion

Future research needs to better establish the contribution of psychosocial factors to the pathogenesis and exacerbation of CSU, and explore the possible benefit of behavioural interventions to the development of new management strategies.
Effects of growth hormone withdrawal in obese premenopausal women
Authors: Lin E. , Bredella M. A. , Gerweck A. V. , Landa M. , Schoenfeld D. , Utz A. L. , Miller K. K.
Published: November 2012

Objective

We previously reported improved body composition and cardiovascular risk markers plus a small decrease in glucose tolerance with GH administration vs placebo for 6 months to abdominally obese premenopausal women. The objective of this study was to determine whether the effects of GH treatment on cardiovascular risk markers, body composition and glucose tolerance in obese women persist 6 months after GH withdrawal.

Design and patients

Fifty abdominally obese premenopausal women completed a trial of rhGH vs placebo for 6 months; thirty‐nine women completed a subsequent 6‐month withdrawal observation period.

Measurements

IGF‐I, body composition by CT, 1H‐MRS and DXA, serum cardiovascular risk markers, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

Results

IGF‐I standard deviation scores (SDS) within the GH group were −1·7 ± 0·1 (pretreatment),−0·1 ± 0·3 (after 6 months of GH) and −1·7 ± 0·1 (6 months post‐GH withdrawal). Six months after GH withdrawal, total abdominal and subcutaneous adipose tissue, total fat, trunk fat, trunk/extremity fat, hsCRP, apoB, LDL, and tPA were higher than at the 6‐month (GH discontinuation) timepoint (P ≤ 0·05). All body composition and cardiovascular risk markers that had improved with GH returned to baseline levels by 6 months after GH discontinuation, as did fasting and 2‐h OGTT glucose levels.

Conclusion

The effects of GH administration to abdominally obese premenopausal women have a short time‐course. The beneficial effects on body composition and cardiovascular risk markers, and the side effect of altered glucose tolerance returned to pretreatment levels after GH withdrawal. There was no suppression of endogenous IGF‐I levels, which returned to baseline after GH withdrawal.
Risk prediction in stable angina pectoris
Authors: Kahan Thomas , Forslund Lennart , Held Claes , Björkander Inge , Billing Ewa , Eriksson Sven V. , Näsman Per , Rehnqvist Nina , Hjemdahl Paul
Published: November 2012

Background

Although stable angina pectoris often carries a favourable prognosis, it remains important to identify patients with an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) complications. Many new markers of disease activity and prognosis have been described. We evaluated whether common and easily accessible markers in everyday care provide sufficient prognostic information.

Materials and methods

The Angina Pectoris Prognosis Study in Stockholm treated 809 patients (248 women) with stable angina pectoris with metoprolol or verapamil double blind during a median follow‐up of 3·4 years, with a registry‐based extended follow‐up after 9·1 years. Clinical and mechanistic variables, including lipids and glucose, renal function, ambulatory and exercise‐induced ischaemia, heart rate variability, cardiac and vascular ultrasonography, and psychosocial variables were included in an integrated analysis. Main outcome measures were nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) and CV death combined.

Results

In all, 139 patients (18 women) suffered a main outcome. Independent predictive variables were (odds ratio [95% confidence intervals]), age (1·04 per year [1·00;1·08], P = 0·041), female sex (0·33 [0·16;0·69], P = 0·001), fasting blood glucose (1.29 per mM [1.14; 1.46], P < 0·001), serum creatinine (1·02 per μM [1·00;1·03], P < 0·001) and leucocyte counts (1·21 per 106 cells/L [1·06;1·40], P = 0·008). Smoking habits, lipids and hypertension or a previous MI provided limited additional information. Impaired fasting glucose was as predictive as manifest diabetes and interacted adversely with serum creatinine. Sexual problems were predictive among men.

Conclusions

Easily accessible clinical and demographic variables provide a good risk prediction in stable angina pectoris. Impaired glucose tolerance and an elevated serum creatinine are particularly important.
Consistent shifts in spring vegetation green‐up date across temperate biomes in China, 1982–2006
Authors: Wu Xiuchen , Liu Hongyan
Published: November 2012

Understanding spring phenology changes in response to the rapid climate change at biome‐level is crucial for projecting regional ecosystem carbon exchange and climate–biosphere interactions. In this study, we assessed the long‐term changes and responses to changing climate of the spring phenology in six temperate biomes of China by analyzing the global inventory monitoring and modeling studies (GIMMS) NOAA/AVHRR Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and concurrent mean temperature and precipitation data for 1982–2006. Results show that the spring phenology trends in the six temperate biomes are not continuous throughout the 25 year period. The spring phenology in most areas of the six biomes showed obvious advancing trends (ranging from −0.09 to −0.65 day/yr) during the 1980s and early 1990s, but has subsequently suffered consistently delaying trends (ranging from 0.22 to 1.22 day/yr). Changes in spring (February–April) temperature are the dominating factor governing the pattern of spring vegetation phenology in the temperate biomes of China. The recently delayed spring phenology in these temperate biomes has been mainly triggered by the stalling or reversal of the warming trend in spring temperatures. Results in this study also reveal that precipitation during November–January can explain 16.1% (P < 0.05), 20.9% (P < 0.05) and 14.2% (P < 0.05) of the variations in temperate deciduous forest (TDF), temperate steppe (TS), temperate desert (TD) respectively, highlighting the important role of winter precipitation in regulating changes in the spring vegetation phenology of water–limited biomes.
Factors affecting irrigant extrusion during root canal irrigation: a systematic review
Authors: Boutsioukis C. , Psimma Z. , van der Sluis L. W. M.
Published: November 2012

The aim of the present study was to conduct a systematic review and critical analysis of published data on irrigant extrusion to identify factors causing, affecting or predisposing to irrigant extrusion during root canal irrigation of human mature permanent teeth. An electronic search was conducted in Cochrane Library, LILACS, PubMed, SciELO, Scopus and Web of Knowledge using a combination of the terms ‘irrigant’, ‘rinse’, ‘extrusion’, ‘injection’, ‘complication’, ‘accident’, ‘iatrogenic’, ‘root canal’, ‘tooth’ and ‘endodontic’. Additional studies were identified by hand‐searching of six endodontic journals and the relevant chapters of four endodontic textbooks, resulting in a total of 460 titles. No language restriction was imposed. After applying screening and strict eligibility criteria by two independent reviewers, 40 case reports and 10 ex vivo studies were included in the review. A lack of clinical studies focusing on irrigant extrusion during root canal irrigation was evident. The reviewed case reports focused mainly on the clinical manifestations and management of the accidents and did not provide adequate details on the possible factors that may influence irrigant extrusion. The data from the included ex vivo studies were inconclusive due to major methodological limitations, such as not simulating the presence of periapical tissues and not assessing the validity of irrigant detection methods. The extensive variability in the protocols employed hindered quantitative synthesis. The choice of factors investigated in ex vivo studies seems not to have been driven by the available clinical evidence. These issues need to be addressed in future studies.
Thermal Poling of Optical Glasses: Mechanisms and Second‐Order Optical Properties
Authors: Dussauze Marc , Cremoux Tatiana , Adamietz Frederic , Rodriguez Vincent , Fargin Evelyne , Yang Guang , Cardinal Thierry
Published: November 2012

The objective to induce reproducible, efficient, and stable second‐order nonlinear optical properties (SONL) in an isotropic material remains a challenge in photonics. Thermal poling allows inducing SONL properties in glasses by the formation of an axial symmetry because of the implementation of a static electric field within the glassy matrix. A description of the main poling mechanisms is proposed. Depending on the glass compositions and the poling conditions, an effort is made to correlate poling mechanisms and the strength of the implemented static electric field. A review of the main technological improvements done to develop poled‐silica‐based electro‐optical modulators as well as the SONL efficiencies obtained for different glass compositions is reported and analyzed.