bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recrystallization and grain growth in nano‐structured austenitic stainless steel under electric current heating
Authors: Krawczynska Agnieszka T. , Lewandowska Małgorzata , Kuziak Roman , Kurzydłowski Krzysztof J.
Published: April 2010

Samples of 316LVM austenitic stainless steel were hydrostatically extruded (HE), in a multi‐step process with the total true strain of 1.84 to produce a microstructure consisting of nanotwins separated by shear bands. The twins average width is 19 nm and length 168 nm. Earlier results proved that a post‐deformation annealing at 700°C for 1 hour results in the formation of a recrystallized structure with nanograins of 93 nm in diameter. In the present study samples were heated to 700°C by an alternating current, AC, using Gleeble 3800 thermo‐mechanical simulator. Changes in the nanostructure were investigated using transmission and scanning electron microscopes. Microhardness was also measured under the load of 200g. The results are discussed in terms of the possibility to use AC heating for post deformation treatment of nano‐sized metals obtained by methods of severe plastic deformation, SPD. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structure and properties of copper after large strain deformation
Authors: Rodak Kinga , Molak Rafal M. , Pakiela Zbigniew
Published: April 2010

Structure and properties of Cu in dependence on strain (from ε ∼ 0.9 to ε ∼ 15) during multi‐axial compression processing at room temperature was investigated. The evolution of dislocation structure, misorientation distribution and crystallite size were observed by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipment with electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD) facility. The mechanical properties of yield strength (YS), ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and uniform elongation was performed on MTS QTest/10 machine equipped with digital image correlation method (DIC).

The structure–flow stress relationship of multi‐axial compression processing material at strains ε ∼ 3.5 and ε ∼ 5.5 is discussed. It is found that processing does not produce any drastic changes in deformation structure and the microstructural refinement is slow. These results indicate that dynamic recrystallization plays an important role during multi‐axial compression process in this range of deformation (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
ZnFe2O4/ZnO nanoparticles obtained by coprecipitation route, XPS and TEM study
Authors: Sibera Daniel , Kaszewski Jarosław , Moszyński Dariusz , Borowiak‐Paleń Ewa , Łojkowski Witold , Narkiewicz Urszula
Published: April 2010

The paper deals with preparation of nanocrystalline zinc oxide doped with iron oxide obtained via calcination process. A mixture of iron and zinc hydroxides of various compositions was used as precursors of nanopowders. The samples were prepared by wet chemistry method – precipitation from the corresponding metals' nitrates' solutions using ammonia. The obtained hydroxides were filtered, dried and calcined at 573 K for 1 hour. A series of samples containing 5 to 95 wt.% of Fe2O3 was obtained. The phase composition of the samples was determined using XRD. Depending on the chemical composition the phases of hexagonal ZnO, and/or romboedric Fe2O3 and/or cubic ZnFe2O4 were identified. The mean crystallite size of ZnFe2O4 phase present in all the samples, determined using Scherrer's formula, varied from 8 to 12 nm. The morphology of the samples was investigated using SEM and HRTEM. X‐ray photoelectron spectra of all the samples were analysed. A detailed spectroscopic and morphological analysis of the samples suggests a core‐shell structure of the produced grains. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of grain size on reactive diffusion between titanium and aluminium
Authors: Wiecinski Piotr , Garbacz Halina , Murakami Hideyuki , Kurzydłowski Krzysztof J.
Published: April 2010

The aim of this paper was to examine the effect of titanium substrate structure refinement (to the nanometric scale) on the chemical and phase composition of Ti‐Al intermetallic layers. The material examined in the study was commercially available pure titanium with average grain size of 65 μm and 60 nm. The aluminium layer with thickness of 5 μm were obtained on both substrates using magnetron sputtering technique. After annealing more phase from Ti – Al system on nano‐crystalline titanium were observed compared to micro‐crystalline one. The obtained intermetallic layer was thicker and more homogeneous on nano‐crystalline substrate. The grain size of the substrate was effected on the topography, thickness and microstructure of the diffusive Ti‐Al layers. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Documentation of the temporal and spatial patterns of pimelodidae catfish spawning and larvae dispersion in the madre de Dios River (Peru): Insights for conservation in the Andean‐Amazon headwaters
Authors: Cañas C. M. , Pine W. E.
Published: April 2010

Catfishes (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) in the Amazon River Basin serve important ecological and economic roles in structuring foodwebs, transferring nutrients and providing food resources for human populations. Large‐scale developments such as construction of the Interoceanic Highway and associated proposed hydroelectric facilities could lead to alterations in river hydrology and aquatic ecosystems within Amazon headwater regions. We assessed temporal and spatial distribution patterns of catfish larvae to determine spawning location (highlands or lowlands) and larval drift patterns associated with rainfall events in the Andean‐Amazon headwaters. We found significant differences in larval fish catch between transects with highest catches occurring in the Madre de Dios River, suggesting that the primary spawning habitats for these catfishes were in regions upstream of our sampling region within the Peruvian Andes. Highest larval catfish catches generally occurred near shore and in association with seasonal pulses in river flow. Based on our observations, we propose that this section of the Madre de Dios River is near the first identified spawning area for Pimelodidae species in the Peruvian Andes, and from this river reach larvae are transported downstream with each seasonal flood event with peak transport generally occurring in October, November and December. This research documents the important role the Madre de Dios Basin plays as spawning habitat for a key fish family in the Amazon River by serving as a corridor both for adult catfish spawning migrations and downstream larval fish transport. Given the critical role these catfishes play in structuring aquatic ecosystems in the Andean‐Amazon region, their importance as a food resource for local people, and increasing threats to this riverine ecosystem associated with dam construction and channel modification, it is important to maintain and protect natural hydrologic conditions in the Madre de Dios to minimize losses of these ecosystem goods and services. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Longitudinal spatial variation in ecological conditions in an in‐channel floodplain river system during flow pulses
Authors: Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Ryder Darren S. , Ralph Timothy J. , Mazumder Debashish , Saintilan Neil , Iles Jordan , Knowles Lisa , Thomas Rachael , Hunter Simon
Published: April 2010

A field survey was conducted during flow pulses to investigate the longitudinal spatial patterns in water quality, dissolved inorganic and organic matter, phytoplankton, planktonic bacteria, zooplankton, gross primary productivity (GPP) of phytoplankton and planktonic respiration (PR) in channels of the large floodplain system (∼124 km in length) of the Macquarie Marshes, south‐eastern Australia. Four river reaches (areas) with distinct hydrogeomorphological characteristics within the distributary zone of the lower Macquarie River were chosen for analysis of abiotic and biotic variables in their in‐stream environments. The results showed marked longitudinal spatial variation in the values within and among the measured environmental variables including such functional aspects as primary productivity and PR. The variables that tended to have increasing values in a downstream direction were conductivity, total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP), dissolved silica, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP), ratio of DOC/DON and counts of planktonic bacteria. Conversely, the values that tended to decrease downstream were the ratios of TN/TP, DIN/DRP, DOC/DOP, DON/DOP and GPP/PR. Variables that had a localized peak(s) were dissolved oxygen, turbidity, dissolved inorganic nitrogen, GPP, PR and counts of cyanobacteria, diatoms, green algae, cryptomonads, protozoans, rotifers, copepods and cladocerans. Overall, two distinct ecological zones were identified within the broader distributary functional process zone (FPZ): these being the upstream zone with relatively high levels of DO, turbidity, diatoms and GPP/PR ratio, and the downstream zone with relatively high levels of nutrients, dissolved organic matter, cyanobacteria, planktonic bacteria, protozoans and cladocerans. The results of this study describe the spatial connectivity of ecological processes related to hydrogeomorphological factors within a FPZ of a riverine ecosystem, and support the predictions of the riverine ecosystem synthesis framework that ecological patterns and processes can be discontinuous on a longitudinal spatial scale. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensitivity of juvenile salmonid growth to future climate trends
Authors: Beer W. N. , Anderson J. J.
Published: April 2010

Seasonal temperature and bioenergetic models were coupled to explore the impacts on juvenile salmonid growth of possible climate‐induced changes to mean annual water temperature and snowpack in four characteristic ecoregions. Increasing mean temperature increases juvenile growth in streams that currently experience cool spring temperatures. In streams with currently warm spring temperatures, an increase shortens the duration of optimal conditions and truncates growth. A loss of snow enhances growth in cool‐summer streams and decreases growth in warm‐summer streams. The relative impacts of such climate change trends will vary significantly across ecoregions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transfer functions
Authors: Pollock Stephen
Published: April 2010

In statistical time‐series analysis, signal processing, and control engineering, a transfer function is a mathematical relationship between a numerical input to a dynamic system and the resulting output. The theory of transfer functions describes how the input/output relationship is affected by the structure of the transfer function. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

This article is categorized under:

Data: Types and Structure > Time Series, Stochastic Processes, and Functional Data
The Imperial Stress Assessment Tool (ISAT): A Feasible, Reliable and Valid Approach to Measuring Stress in the Operating Room
Authors: Arora Sonal , Tierney Tanya , Sevdalis Nick , Aggarwal Rajesh , Nestel Debra , Woloshynowych Maria , Darzi Ara , Kneebone Roger
Published: April 2010

Background

Stress can impair surgical performance and may compromise patient safety. This prospective, cross‐sectional study describes the feasibility, reliability, and validity of the Imperial Stress Assessment Tool (ISAT) as an approach to measuring stress during surgery.

Methods

A total of 54 procedures were observed with 11 surgeons (4 attendings, 4 senior residents and 3 junior residents) in a large university teaching hospital in London, UK. Data collection involved physiological measures of operating surgeons [heart rate (HR) and salivary cortisol] and self‐report questionnaires (State Trait Anxiety Inventory, or STAI).

Results

In all, 23 of 54 procedures were stressful, as identified by self‐reporting. For stressful procedures compared to nonstressful ones, STAI was higher (mean ± SD) 9.81 ± 2.20 vs. 12.87 ± 4.27, t (30.64) = 3.15 as was the HR (mean ± SD) 79.94 ± 8.55 vs. 93.17 ± 14.94, t(32.57) = 3.81) (p < 0.05). Significant positive correlations were obtained between the measures indicating concurrent validity: Pearson’s r = 0.47 (HR vs. STAI), 0.34 (cortisol vs. STAI), and 0.57 (HR vs. cortisol) (p < 0.05). Perfect correlation of subjective and objective measures was found for 70% of the procedures. HR and cortisol had specificities of 78% and 91% and sensitivities of 91% and 70% respectively for detecting stress during surgery.

Conclusion

ISAT is a nonintrusive, feasible approach that combines subjective and objective methods for measuring stress in the operating room. The ISAT may increase understanding of the effects of stress on clinical performance and outcomes, leading to improved patient care.
Intraperitoneal use of local anesthetic in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: systematic review and metaanalysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Kahokehr Arman , Sammour Tarik , Soop Mattias , Hill Andrew G.
Published: April 2010

Background/purpose

With the advent of minimally invasive gallbladder surgery, and now with natural orifice techniques emerging, visceral nociception has been neglected as a cause of postoperative pain. A systematic review and metaanalysis was carried out to investigate the use of intraperitoneal local anesthetic (IPLA) in order to assess its role in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The aim of this systematic review was to appraise the clinical effects of this modality.

Methods

Comprehensive searches were conducted independently without language restriction. Studies were identified from the following databases from inception to September 2009: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL/CCTR), Cochrane Library, Medline, PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINHAL). Relevant meeting abstracts and reference lists were manually searched. Data analysis was performed using Review Manager Version 5.0 software.

Results

Thirty randomized controlled trials were identified for review. The clinical heterogeneity of IPLA use was high. However, there appeared to be reduced pain, opioid use, and need for rescue analgesia, and reduced postoperative cortisol and glucose responses.

Conclusion

There is evidence in favor of IPLA in LC. Further trials of this modality in LC are not needed as these are unlikely to reduce clinical heterogeneity. IPLA should be trialled as future minimally invasive surgical techniques approach.
Pancreatobiliary reflux and the length of a common channel
Authors: Kamisawa Terumi , Suyama Masafumi , Fujita Naotaka , Maguchi Hiroyuki , Hanada Keiji , Ikeda Seiyo , Igarashi Yoshinori , Itoi Takao , Kida Mitsuhiro , Honda Goro , Sai Jinkan , Horaguchi Jun , Takahashi Kuniyuki , Sasaki Takamitsu , Takuma Kensuke , Itokawa Fumihide , Ando Hisami , Takehara Hiroo ,   The Committee of Diagnostic Criteria of The Japanese Study Group on Pancreaticobiliary Maljunction
Published: April 2010

Background/purpose

Gallbladder cancer occurs frequently in patients with pancreaticobiliary maljunction due to pancreatobiliary reflux. Pancreatobiliary reflux is also detected in some patients with a relatively long common channel. This study aimed to clarify the correlation between pancreatobiliary reflux and the length of a common channel.

Methods

Two hundred and three patients, in whom both the length of a common channel and amylase level in the bile were measured, were enrolled from nine centers.

Results

Bile amylase level was correlated with the length of a common channel (p < 0.01). The minimum length of a common channel that could induce a markedly elevated amylase level in the bile (>1,000 mg/dl) was determined as 5 mm. We redefined high confluence of pancreatobiliary ducts (HCPBD) as cases with a common channel ≥5 mm, in which the communication between the pancreatic and bile ducts was occluded with the sphincter contraction. Gallbladder cancer was found in 20% of 56 redefined HCPBD patients. Bile amylase level >1,000 mg/dl and biliopancreatic reflux were detected in 79 and 95% of the patients, respectively.

Conclusions

Patients with a common channel ≥5 mm (redefined HCPBD) should be monitored for the development of gallbladder cancer, as they frequently showed significant pancreatobiliary reflux.
Successful allogeneic bone marrow transplant for Niemann–Pick disease type C2 is likely to be associated with a severe ‘graft versus substrate’ effect
Authors: Bonney Denise K. , O'Meara Anne , Shabani Abdu , Imrie Jackie , Bigger Brian W. , Jones Simon , Wraith James E. , Wynn Robert F.
Published: April 2010

Niemann–Pick disease type C2 (NPC2) is caused by the inherited deficiency of a lysosomal cholesterol transport protein, NPC2 protein. Many cases of NPC2 present in early infancy with inflammatory lung disease, with subsequent severe neurological disease and death in early childhood. This disease is theoretically correctable by bone marrow transplantation (BMT), as the NPC2 protein is small and soluble and secreted and recaptured by the mannose‐6‐phosphate pathway. In this report we describe the first successful allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for this condition in a 16‐month‐old boy homozygous for the NPC2 p.E20X mutation, which has hitherto been reported to cause disease with a severe phenotype. During BMT there was an initial improvement of the established respiratory illness, with the immune suppression associated with transplant conditioning, but there was subsequent marked deterioration at the time of immune reconstitution and donor cell engraftment. This ‘graft versus substrate’ reaction was managed with intensive immune suppressant therapy, and it gradually resolved as the substrate was cleared by the engrafted donor macrophages. All immune suppression was withdrawn 18 months after transplantation, and his respiratory illness has resolved. He walked independently at 24 months and is continuing to reach developmental milestones after receiving his transplant. We conclude that the successful treatment of Niemann–Pick C2 therefore seems likely to be associated with a severe post‐transplantation ‘graft versus substrate’ reaction that requires intense immune suppression before eventual resolution.
Sex‐discordant twins despite single embryo transfer: a report of two cases
Authors: Sugawara Nobuo , Fukuchi Hideyuki , Maeda Machiko , Komaba Rie , Araki Yasuhisa
Published: April 2010

We report two extremely rare cases in which the patients delivered male and female infants that were dizygotic twins (DZT) despite single embryo transfer. Case 1: The patient was a 35‐year‐old woman with a 9‐year history of unexplained infertility. In an oocyte retrieval cycle, one blastocyst was transferred; at 26 weeks of gestation, she delivered a 704‐g female infant and a 420‐g male infant by cesarean section. Because both infants were of extremely low birth weight, they were placed in the neonatal intensive care unit. Congenital anomalies were not found in either infant. Case 2: The patient was a 30‐year‐old woman with a 1‐year history of infertility. Hysterosalpingogram revealed bilateral tubal occlusion. In a frozen/thawed cycle one blastocyst was transferred during her natural ovulation cycle. She achieved a pregnancy and delivered a 2,877‐g female infant and a 2,544‐g male infant at 36 weeks of gestation by cesarean section. The female infant was diagnosed with a neural tube defect. No congenital anomalies were detected in the male infant. We hypothesize that the DZTs might have been the result of concurrent embryo transfer and natural ovulation and intercourse.
Nucleotide‐dependent behavior of single molecules of cytoplasmic dynein on microtubules in vitro
Authors: Miura Michi , Matsubara Aiko , Kobayashi Takuya , Edamatsu Masaki , Toyoshima Yoko Y.
Published: April 2010

We visualized the nucleotide‐dependent behavior of single molecules of mammalian native cytoplasmic dynein using fragments of dynactin p150 with or without its N‐terminal microtubule binding domain. The results indicate that the binding affinity of dynein for microtubules is high in AMP‐PNP, middle in ADP or no nucleotide, and low in ADP·Pi conditions. It is also demonstrated that the microtubule binding domain of dynactin p150 maintains the association of dynein with microtubules without altering the motile property of dynein in the weak binding state. In addition, we observed bidirectional movement of dynein in the presence of ATP as well as in ADP/Vi condition, suggesting that the bidirectional movement is driven by diffusion rather than active transport.
Effects of dietary arginine on inflammatory mediator and receptor of advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) expression in rats with streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes
Authors: Pai Man-Hui , Huang Kuan-Hsun , Wu Ching-Hsiang , Yeh Sung-Ling
Published: April 2010

Arginine (Arg) is known to possess numerous useful physiological properties and have immunomodulatory effects.In vitrostudies reported that Arg inhibits advanced glycation endproduct (AGE) formation; however, the effects of Arg on the receptor of AGE (RAGE) expression in inflammatory conditions are not clear. The present study investigated the effects of dietary Arg supplementation on inflammatory mediator production and RAGE expression in type 2 diabetic rats. There were one normal control (NC) group and two diabetic groups in the present study. Rats in the NC group were fed with a regular chow diet. One diabetic group (DM) was fed a common semi-purified diet while the other diabetic group received a diet in which part of the casein was replaced by Arg (DM-Arg) for 8 weeks. Diabetes was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of nicotinamide followed by streptozotocin. Rats with blood glucose levels exceeding 1800 mg/l were considered diabetic. Blood samples and the liver and lungs of the animals were collected at the end of the study for further analysis. Results showed that plasma glucose and fructosamine contents were significantly higher in the diabetic groups than those in the NC group. The DM group had higher fructosamine and C-reactive protein than the DM-Arg group. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the expressions of RAGE in liver and lung tissues were significantly lower in the DM-Arg group than in the DM group. These results suggest that supplemental dietary Arg can decrease AGE–RAGE interactions and consequently reduce tissue damage in rats with type 2 diabetes.
Characteristics of Fasciola hepatica infections in Galba truncatula originating from riverbank populations
Authors: Vignoles P. , Rondelaud D. , Dreyfuss G.
Published: April 2010

Four geographical strains of Galba truncatula living on riverbanks (the first on a sedimentary soil and the other three on an acid soil) were subjected to bimiracidial exposures with Fasciola hepatica to study their aptitude for cercarial shedding and to count metacercariae in snails dissected at day 42 post-exposure. All snails were reared in 14-cm Petri dishes at 24°C, with the same spring water (60–73 mg/l of Ca2+) and the same diet (grass and lettuce leaves). Metacercariae of F. hepatica were noted in the four populations after a cercarial shedding or after snail dissection. However, in spite of the breeding method used, the characteristics of snail infections varied with the origin of each geographical strain. For example, the shell heights of infected snails at day 42 were close to those found for the corresponding adults in the field (6.8–8.0 mm for the population living on the sedimentary soil, but only 4.6–5.5 mm for another strain originating from the acid soil). This variability may be explained by assuming that the diet of these riverbank G. truncatula would be different from that of snails living in swampy meadows. However, another hypothesis based on the influence of snail habitat on the characteristics of snail life cannot be excluded.
Use of multiple biological markers in radiotherapy-treated head and neck cancer
Authors: Silva P , Slevin N J , Sloan P , Valentine H , Ryder D , Price P , West C M L , Homer J J
Published: April 2010

Objective:

Management of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is often based on clinical parameters, with little appreciation of the underlying tumour biology. Single biological marker studies fail to acknowledge the complexity of these tumours. Our aim was to define a profile of biological markers associated with outcome.

Design:

This retrospective study involved consecutive patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated with primary radiotherapy between 1996 and 2001. Pre-treatment biopsies were used to study the immunohistochemical expression of nine biological markers. Markers were chosen to reflect biologically relevant pathways.

Results:

Following analysis of nine markers, a profile of two markers was derived (carbonic anhydrase 9 and major vault protein), the co-expression of which conferred a significantly poor probability of locoregional control. The prognostic effect of these biomarkers in combination was greater than their effect individually.

Conclusion:

Biomarker profiles can be established which highlight large differences in locoregional control. Identifying tumours that express both carbonic anhydrase 9 and major vault protein may facilitate patient selection for more aggressive treatment.
Auditory steady state response in auditory neuropathy
Authors: Emara A A , Gabr T A
Published: April 2010

Review:

Auditory neuropathy is a disorder characterised by preservation of outer hair cell function, with normal otoacoustic emissions and/or cochlear microphonics, but an absent or distorted auditory brainstem response.

Purpose:

This study aimed to objectively assess hearing thresholds in patients with auditory neuropathy, using the auditory steady state response.

Materials and methods:

Thirteen patients with auditory neuropathy and 15 normal hearing subjects were examined. Audiological evaluation included basic audiological tests, otoacoustic emissions, auditory brainstem response and auditory steady state response.

Results:

In the auditory neuropathy patients, the auditory brainstem response was absent in 11 patients, while the auditory steady state response was absent in only three.

Conclusion:

The auditory steady state response may serve as a valuable objective measure for assessing the hearing threshold across different frequencies in patients with auditory neuropathy. We recommend that auditory steady state response be used to complete the evaluation of patients with auditory neuropathy.
The ecology ofBartonellaspp. infections in two rodent communities in the Mazury Lake District region of Poland
Authors: WELC-FALĘCIAK RENATA , BAJER ANNA , BEHNKE JERZY M. , SIŃSKI EDWARD
Published: April 2010

Prevalence and abundance ofBartonellaspp. infections were studied over a 3-year period in woodland and grassland rodents in North-Eastern Poland. Prevalence of bacterial infections was similar in the two rodent communities, with one leading host species in each habitat (46·3% inApodemus flavicollisversus 29·1% inMyodes glareolusin forest, or 36·9% inMicrotus arvalisversus 13·7% inMi. oeconomusin grassland). Prevalence/abundance of infections varied markedly across the 3 years with 2006 being the year of highest prevalence and abundance. Infections were more common during autumn months inMy. glareolusandA. flavicollis, and in juvenile and young adult (age classes 1 and 2)My. glareolusandMi. oeconomusthan in adults (age class 3). Higher prevalence and abundance ofBartonellainfections were found in maleA. flavicollisin comparison to females. These data are discussed in relation to the parasite genotypes identified in this region and with respect to the role of various ecological factors influencingBartonellaspp. infections in naturally infected host populations.
Detection of quantitative trait loci for internal parasite resistance in sheep. I. Linkage analysis in a Romney×Merino sheep backcross population
Authors: DOMINIK S. , HUNT P. W. , McNALLY J. , MURRELL A. , HALL A. , PURVIS I. W.
Published: April 2010

This study aimed to identify putative quantitative trait loci (QTL) that significantly affect internal parasite resistance in a backcross sheep population. A Romney×Merino backcross (to Merino) flock was challenged in 3 separate infections withTrichostrongylus colubriformis(primary and secondary) andHaemonchus contortus(tertiary). Haematological parameters were measured and faecal worm egg counts (FWEC) were established to estimate parasite burden. QTL mapping was conducted for FWEC and for the changes in haematocrit followingH. contortuschallenge and in eosinophil numbers followingT. colubriformischallenge. Animals were genotyped for 55 microsatellite markers on selected chromosomes 2, 3, 6, 11, 13, 15, 21, and 22. Four putative quantitative trait loci were found; these being for eosinophil change in the primary infection (OAR 21), for FWEC in the first infection and eosinophil change in the secondary infection (OAR 3) and for FWEC in the secondary infection (OAR 22). No significant quantitative trait loci were detected for FWEC or haematocrit change during theHaemonchus contortusinfection. The position of the putative quantitative trait loci for eosinophil change on OAR 3 is consistent with other reports of parasite resistance quantitative trait loci, implying some commonality between studies.
The role ofOnchocerca volvulusin the development of epilepsy in a rural area of Tanzania
Authors: KÖNIG REBEKKA , NASSRI AMIR , MEINDL MICHAEL , MATUJA WILLIAM , KIDUNDA ASLAM R. , SIEGMUND VERA , BRETZEL GISELA , LÖSCHER THOMAS , JILEK-AALL LOUISE , SCHMUTZHARD ERICH , WINKLER ANDREA SYLVIA
Published: April 2010

Introduction.Several reports indicate high prevalences of both onchocerciasis and epilepsy in some regions of Africa. This raises the question of whether these diseases are associated. We therefore investigated people with epilepsy and/or onchocerciasis living in an area in Tanzania endemic forOnchocerca volvulus(O. volvulus).Methods.We collected clinical information, skin snips, and blood from 300 individuals, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 197. Participants were allocated to 4 groups consisting of people with epilepsy and onchocerciasis (n=135), those with either epilepsy (n=61) or onchocerciasis only (n=35), and healthy individuals (n=69). Samples were evaluated for microfilaria, IgG4antibodies againstO. volvulus,O. volvulusantibody index (CSF/serum), and CSF routine parameters. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on skin snips and CSF.Results.No difference was found in microfilarial density between participants with and without epilepsy (P=0·498). The antibody index was raised in 2 participants. CSF PCR was negative in all samples tested.Discussion.Our results do not give evidence of a relationship betweenO. volvulusand epilepsy. Despite the fact that 2 participants had raised antibody index, the existence of cerebral onchocerciasis caused by migration of microfilariae into the CSF appears unlikely. However, to date unexplored reactions to the infestation withO. volvuluscausing epilepsy cannot be excluded.
Studies of the interaction of an intense laser beam normally incident on an overdense plasma
Authors: Shoucri Magdi , Afeyan Bedros
Published: April 2010

We present two contrasting cases of the interaction of a high intensity laser beam with overdense plasma, namely the case of a circular polarization, and the case of a linear polarization of the laser beam. An Eulerian-Vlasov code is used for the numerical solution of the one-dimensional relativistic Vlasov-Maxwell set of equations, for both electrons and ions. The laser beam is incident normally on the plasma surface. We consider the case when the laser wave free space wavelength λ0 is greater than the scale length of the jump in the plasma density at the plasma edge Ledge (λ0 ≫ Ledge) and the ratio of the plasma density to the critical density is such that n/ncr ≫ 1. The incident high intensity laser radiation is pushing the electrons at the plasma surface through the ponderomotive pressure, producing a sharp density gradient at the plasma surface. There is a build-up of the electron density at this sharp edge that creates a space-charge, giving rise to a longitudinal electric field. The results obtained differ substantially in several aspects when circular or linear polarization for the incident laser wave is considered. In the case of a circular polarization, the radiation pressure is pushing the sharp edge in the forward direction, and the ions are accelerated and reach a free streaming expansion phase where they are neutralized by the electrons. For the case of a linear polarization, there is a standing structure with a sharp edge that forms at the wave front, and in this case, the electrons at the plasma edge oscillate nonlinearly in the field of the wave, which periodically goes to zero. This results in an important distorsion in the reflected electromagnetic wave that includes the generation of harmonics. We present two simulations to illustrate the differences between these two cases. The generation and propagation of collisionless shock waves in these systems are investigated. The results underline the importance of including the ion dynamics in the interaction of high intensity laser waves with overdense plasmas.
The evaluation of transmutation of hazardous nuclear waste of 90Sr, into valuable nuclear medicine of 89Sr by ultraintense lasers
Authors: Sadighi S. K. , Sadighi-Bonabi R.
Published: April 2010

The analytical evaluation of the capability of Bremsstrahlung highly directional energetic γ-beam to induce photo transmutation of 90Sr (γ,n) 89Sr is presented. Photo transmutation of hazardous nuclear waste of 90Sr, one of the two main sources of heat and radioactivity in spent fuel into valuable nuclear medicine radioisotope of 89Sr is explained. Based on the calculations, a fairly decent fraction of gamma rays in this range are used in transmuting of 90Sr into 89Sr where according to the available experimental data it is shown that by irradiating a 1-cm thick 90Sr sample with lasers of intensity of 1021 W/cm2 and repletion rate of 100 Hz for an hour, the reaction activity would be 1.45 kBq. It is shown that there is not a linear relationship between the growth of the activity and increasing the laser intensity, but there is a dramatic increase in the growth rate especially between 1020and 1021 W/cm2. In this work, the advantage of photonuclear transmutation over the neutron capture transmutation for 90Sr isotope is also discussed.
Causality in acute encephalitis: defining aetiologies
Authors: GRANEROD J. , CUNNINGHAM R. , ZUCKERMAN M. , MUTTON K. , DAVIES N. W. S. , WALSH A. L. , WARD K. N. , HILTON D. A. , AMBROSE H. E. , CLEWLEY J. P. , MORGAN D. , LUNN M. P. , SOLOMON T. , BROWN D. W. G. , CROWCROFT N. S.
Published: April 2010

Defining the causal relationship between a microbe and encephalitis is complex. Over 100 different infectious agents may cause encephalitis, often as one of the rarer manifestations of infection. The gold-standard techniques to detect causative infectious agents in encephalitis in life depend on the study of brain biopsy material; however, in most cases this is not possible. We present the UK perspective on aetiological case definitions for acute encephalitis and extend them to include immune-mediated causes. Expert opinion was primarily used and was supplemented by literature-based methods. Wide usage of these definitions will facilitate comparison between studies and result in a better understanding of the causes of this devastating condition. They provide a framework for regular review and updating as the knowledge base increases both clinically and through improvements in diagnostic methods. The importance of new and emerging pathogens as causes of encephalitis can be assessed against the principles laid out here.
Anfragen an Online-Ärzte über die Möglichkeit einer operativen Rekonstruktion des Hymens: Datenerhebung am Universitäts- und am Kinderspital Zürich
Authors: Wild  , Neuhaus Bühler  , Poulin  , Brockes  , Schmidt-Weitmann  , Biller-Andorno
Published: April 2010

Bei der operativen Hymenrekonstruktion handelt es sich um eine chirurgische Naht am Hymenalsaum. Sie wird bei Frauen durchgeführt, die bereits vaginalen Geschlechtsverkehr hatten oder deren Hymen auf andere Weise verletzt sein könnte. Ziel ist es, den Hymenalsaum so zu «rekonstruieren», dass beim nächsten Geschlechtsverkehr eine Blutung erfolgt. Es liegen kaum valide Daten über diesen ethisch und medizinisch kontroversen, aber weithin tabuisierten Eingriff vor. In einer Datenbank-Recherche der anonymen medizinischen Online-Beratung des Universitätsspitals Zürich und der medizinischen Online-Beratung des Kinderspitals Zürich für Jugendliche haben wir nach Anfragen zur Hymenrekonstruktion gesucht. Insgesamt wurden 22 Anfragen gefunden. Die Anfragen zeugen von einer psychosozialen Zwangslage der hilfesuchenden Frauen. Sowohl ethische Diskussion, empirische Datenerhebung als auch eine breit angelegte Sexualaufklärung in der Bevölkerung sind notwendig.
Freiwilliges Arbeitsengagement
Authors: Wesche Jenny S. , Muck Peter M.
Published: April 2010

Zusammenfassung. Freiwilliges Arbeitsengagement hat sich nach fast 50-jähriger Forschungsarbeit in der organisationspsychologischen Forschung zur beruflichen Leistung als bedeutsames Kriterium neben der aufgabenbezogenen Leistung etabliert. Übertragungen des Konzeptes auf andere Anwendungsbereiche sind bislang jedoch nur spärlich und größtenteils fragmentarisch erfolgt. In diesem Beitrag wird nach der Diskussion bisheriger Konzeptionen ein Ansatz vorgestellt, der die Vielzahl von Konzeptionen in diesem Feld (z.B. Organizational Citizenship Behavior, Contextual Performance, Extra-Rollenverhalten, Prosoziales organisationales Verhalten, Citizenship Performance) integriert. Erstmals werden die bislang häufig vernachlässigten konstruktiv-kritischen Formen freiwilligen Arbeitsengagements systematisch in einen übergreifenden Ansatz eingegliedert und es wird eine umfassende facettentheoretische Definition erarbeitet. Schließlich wird die Übertragung des Konzeptes freiwilligen Arbeitsengagements auf andere als klassische organisationspsychologische Anwendungsbereiche aufgezeigt, um seine Bedeutung als übergreifendes Rahmenkonzept darzustellen. Die Integration von Forschungsergebnissen zu entsprechenden Verhaltensweisen aus verschiedensten Kontexten (d.h. nicht nur am Arbeitsplatz, sondern auch in Schulen, Sportvereinen etc.) in einem gemeinsamen Rahmenkonzept eröffnet die Möglichkeit, Gemeinsamkeiten und Unterschiede, z.B. bzgl. Häufigkeiten, Prädiktoren und der relativen Bedeutsamkeit der unterschiedlichen Formen freiwilligen Engagements in unterschiedlichen Kontexten zu untersuchen.
Empirical approaches for fast robust inversion of seismic moment tensor from surface waves
Authors: Reymond D. , Crusem R. , Barriot J. P.
Published: April 2010

We present a method of robust inversion (also called IRLS: Iterative Reweighted Least Squares) which is surprisingly insensitive to outlier data points, as it discards automatically the aberrant points, without the necessity for careful human inspection and control of data quality. Different criteria based on residuals and signal‐to‐noise ratio are injected into the covariance matrix (acting like a weighting function), to perform the robust inversion using the iterative generalized discrete inverse method of Tarantola‐Valette. From a practical point of view, this algorithm is used as the Preliminary Determination of Focal Mechanism (PDFM) method, which is a project for rapid estimation of source parameters of strong earthquakes in the context of tsunami warning. The input data to be inverted are spectra of long period surface waves, and as an output, the computed result is the seismic moment tensor, from which focal geometry of an earthquake, and principal stress axes are obtained. This method can be applied to any other method of non‐linear (iterative) inversions confronted to the problem of outlier points polluting the data sets.
EARLINET correlative measurements for CALIPSO: First intercomparison results
Authors: Pappalardo Gelsomina , Wandinger Ulla , Mona Lucia , Hiebsch Anja , Mattis Ina , Amodeo Aldo , Ansmann Albert , Seifert Patric , Linné Holger , Apituley Arnoud , Alados Arboledas Lucas , Balis Dimitris , Chaikovsky Anatoli , D'Amico Giuseppe , De Tomasi Ferdinando , Freudenthaler Volker , Giannakaki Elina , Giunta Aldo , Grigorov Ivan , Iarlori Marco , Madonna Fabio , Mamouri Rodanthi‐Elizabeth , Nasti Libera , Papayannis Alexandros , Pietruczuk Aleksander , Pujadas Manuel , Rizi Vincenzo , Rocadenbosch Francesc , Russo Felicita , Schnell Franziska , Spinelli Nicola , Wang Xuan , Wiegner Matthias
Published: April 2010

A strategy for European Aerosol Research Lidar Network (EARLINET) correlative measurements for Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) has been developed. These EARLINET correlative measurements started in June 2006 and are still in progress. Up to now, more than 4500 correlative files are available in the EARLINET database. Independent extinction and backscatter measurements carried out at high‐performance EARLINET stations have been used for a quantitative comparison with CALIPSO level 1 data. Results demonstrate the good performance of CALIPSO and the absence of evident biases in the CALIPSO raw signals. The agreement is also good for the distribution of the differences for the attenuated backscatter at 532 nm ((CALIPSO‐EARLINET)/EARLINET (%)), calculated in the 1–10 km altitude range, with a mean relative difference of 4.6%, a standard deviation of 50%, and a median value of 0.6%. A major Saharan dust outbreak lasting from 26 to 31 May 2008 has been used as a case study for showing first results in terms of comparison with CALIPSO level 2 data. A statistical analysis of dust properties, in terms of intensive optical properties (lidar ratios, Ångström exponents, and color ratios), has been performed for this observational period. We obtained typical lidar ratios of the dust event of 49 ± 10 sr and 56 ± 7 sr at 355 and 532 nm, respectively. The extinction‐related and backscatter‐related Ångström exponents were on the order of 0.15–0.17, which corresponds to respective color ratios of 0.91–0.95. This dust event has been used to show the methodology used for the investigation of spatial and temporal representativeness of measurements with polar‐orbiting satellites.
Diurnal rainfall pattern observed by Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Precipitation Radar (TRMM‐PR) around the Indochina peninsula
Authors: Takahashi H. G. , Fujinami H. , Yasunari T. , Matsumoto J.
Published: April 2010

This study addressed the diurnal cycle of rainfall during the summer monsoon season (May to September) around the Indochina peninsula, with a focus on the diurnal cycle's relationship to terrain. The investigation used 10 year (1998–2007) Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Precipitation Radar (TRMM‐PR) observations. Results revealed that the diurnal variations in rainfall over the Indochina region had three distinct peaks. An early afternoon maximum of rainfall occurred along the mountain ranges and on coastal land. Evening rainfall was observed near the foot of mountain ranges, in a valley, and in a basin‐shaped plain; this rainfall weakened before the middle of the night. Heavy rainfall in the early morning was found around the coasts over the eastern Gulf of Thailand and the Bay of Bengal, as well as over the eastern Khorat Plateau. We found that nearly half of the total rainfall occurred in the early morning over these regions, which indicated that early morning rainfall significantly contributes to the climatological rainfall pattern. Note that the regions with early morning heavy rain did not correspond to windward faces of mountains but to the windward plain or to an offshore area apart from the mountain ranges in the windward direction. Additional examination of rainfall frequency and rainfall intensity showed that this early morning heavy rainfall was composed of frequent or long‐lasting rainfall events with a strong intensity.
Evidence for a Relationship between Body Mass and Energy Metabolism in the Human Brain
Authors: Schmoller André , Hass Torben , Strugovshchikova Olga , Melchert Uwe H , Scholand-Engler Harald G , Peters Achim , Schweiger Ulrich , Hohagen Fritz , Oltmanns Kerstin M
Published: April 2010

Cerebral energy metabolism has been suggested to have an important function in body weight regulation. We therefore examined whether there is a relationship between body mass and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) metabolism in the human brain. On the basis of our earlier findings indicating a neuroprotective preferential energy supply of the brain, as compared with peripheral muscle on experimentally induced hypoglycemia, we examined whether this physiological response is preserved also in low-weight and obese participants. We included 45 healthy male subjects with a body mass index (BMI) ranging from 17 to 44 kg/m2. Each participant underwent a hypoglycemic glucose-clamp intervention, and the ATP metabolism, that is, the content of high-energy phosphates phosphocreatine (PCr) and ATP, was measured repeatedly by 31phosphor magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS) in the cerebral cortex and skeletal muscle. Results show an inverse correlation between BMI and high-energy phosphate content in the brain ( P<0.01), whereas there was no such relationship found between skeletal muscle and BMI. The hypoglycemic clamp intervention did not affect the ATP metabolism in both tissues. Our data show an inverse correlation between BMI and cerebral high-energy phosphate content in healthy humans, suggesting a close relationship between energetic supply of the brain and body weight regulation.
Extensive synteny conservation of holocentric chromosomes in Lepidoptera despite high rates of local genome rearrangements
Authors: d'Alençon E. , Sezutsu H. , Legeai F. , Permal E. , Bernard-Samain S. , Gimenez S. , Gagneur C. , Cousserans F. , Shimomura M. , Brun-Barale A. , Flutre T. , Couloux A. , East P. , Gordon K. , Mita K. , Quesneville H. , Fournier P. , Feyereisen R.
Published: April 2010

The recent assembly of the silkworm
Bombyx mori
genome with 432 Mb on 28 holocentric chromosomes has become a reference in the genomic analysis of the very diverse Order of Lepidoptera. We sequenced BACs from two major pests, the noctuid moths
Helicoverpa armigera
and
Spodoptera frugiperda
, corresponding to 15 regions distributed on 11
B. mori
chromosomes, each BAC/region being anchored by known orthologous gene(s) to analyze syntenic relationships and genome rearrangements among the three species. Nearly 300 genes and numerous transposable elements were identified, with long interspersed nuclear elements and terminal inverted repeats the most abundant transposable element classes. There was a high degree of synteny conservation between
B. mori
and the two noctuid species. Conserved syntenic blocks of identified genes were very small, however, approximately 1.3 genes per block between
B. mori
and the two noctuid species and 2.0 genes per block between
S. frugiperda
and
H. armigera.
This corresponds to approximately two chromosome breaks per Mb DNA per My. This is a much higher evolution rate than among species of the
Drosophila
genus and may be related to the holocentric nature of the lepidopteran genomes. We report a large cluster of eight members of the aminopeptidase N gene family that we estimate to have been present since the Jurassic. In contrast, several clusters of cytochrome P450 genes showed multiple lineage-specific duplication events, in particular in the lepidopteran CYP9A subfamily. Our study highlights the value of the silkworm genome as a reference in lepidopteran comparative genomics.