bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ab initio virial equation of state for argon using a new nonadditive three-body potential
Authors: Jäger Benjamin , Hellmann Robert , Bich Eckard , Vogel Eckhard
Published: August 2011

An ab initio nonadditive three-body potential for argon has been developed using quantum-chemical calculations at the CCSD(T) and CCSDT levels of theory. Applying this potential together with a recent ab initio pair potential from the literature, the third and fourth to seventh pressure virial coefficients of argon were computed by standard numerical integration and the Mayer-sampling Monte Carlo method, respectively, for a wide temperature range. All calculated virial coefficients were fitted separately as polynomials in temperature. The results for the third virial coefficient agree with values evaluated directly from experimental data and with those computed for other nonadditive three-body potentials. We also redetermined the second and third virial coefficients from the best experimental pρT data utilizing the computed higher virial coefficients as constraints. Thus, a significantly closer agreement of the calculated third virial coefficients with the experimental data was achieved. For different orders of the virial expansion, pρT data have been calculated and compared with results from high quality measurements in the gaseous and supercritical region. The theoretically predicted pressures are within the very small experimental errors of ±0.02% for p ⩽ 12 MPa in the supercritical region near room temperature, whereas for subcritical temperatures the deviations increase up to +0.3%. The computed pressure at the critical density and temperature is about 1.3% below the experimental value. At pressures between 200 MPa and 1000 MPa and at 373 K, the calculated values deviate by 1% to 9% from the experimental results.
Communication: Efficient counterpoise corrections by a perturbative approach
Authors: Deng Jia , Gilbert Andrew T. B. , Gill Peter M. W.
Published: August 2011

We investigate the use of Hartree-Fock and density functional perturbative corrections for estimating the counterpoise correction (CPC) for interaction energies at the self-consistent field level. We test our approach using several popular basis sets on the S22 set of weakly bound systems, which can exhibit large basis set superposition errors. Our results show that the perturbative approaches typically recover over 95% of the CPC and can be up to twelve times faster to compute than the conventional methods and therefore provide an attractive alternative to calculating CPCs in the conventional way.
Efficient resistive memory effect on SrTiO3 by ionic-bombardment
Authors: Gross Heiko , Oh Seongshik
Published: September 2011

We show that ionic-bombardment leads to noticeable resistive memory effect on pure SrTiO3 (STO). In an Ar-bombarded STO crystal, two orders of resistance difference was observed between the high and low resistive states. We found that Ar-bombardment is more efficient than thermal-reduction in creating memory-effective oxygen vacancies. One of the advantages of the ionic-bombardment scheme is that it can be easily combined with lithographic processes to create spatially selective memory effect.
Colloid centrifugation removes seminal plasma and cholesterol from boar spermatozoa
Authors: Kruse R. , Dutta P. C. , Morrell J. M.
Published: August 2011

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of Single-Layer Centrifugation (SLC) on boar spermatozoa, namely the effect of removal of seminal plasma proteins and cholesterol from the surface of spermatozoa. The presence of porcine seminal plasma proteins I and II (PSP-I/PSP-II) before and after SLC was studied using immunofluorescence, whereas the removal of cholesterol was shown qualitatively by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Finally, the integrity of the sperm plasma membrane was observed by electron microscopy. It was shown that the seminal plasma proteins PSP-I and -II were removed from spermatozoa during SLC but could be restored by adding seminal plasma to the SLC-selected sperm samples. Some cholesterol was also lost from the spermatozoa during SLC but the plasma membrane itself appeared to be morphologically intact. Further studies are underway to examine the relevance of these findings to boar sperm cryopreservation and sperm fertility.
Enhancement of lipid metabolism with L-carnitine during in vitro maturation improves nuclear maturation and cleavage ability of follicular porcine oocytes
Authors: Somfai Tamás , Kaneda Masahiro , Akagi Satoshi , Watanabe Shinya , Haraguchi Seiki , Mizutani Eiji , Dang-Nguyen Thanh Quang , Geshi Masaya , Kikuchi Kazuhiro , Nagai Takashi
Published: August 2011

The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of L-carnitine, an enhancer of lipid metabolism and mitochondrial activity, during in vitro maturation (IVM) on nuclear maturation and in vitro fertilisation of porcine follicular oocytes and subsequent embryo development. Mitochondrial functions, intracellular lipid content and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in oocytes were also investigated. L-carnitine supplementation in 0.6–5 mg mL–1 concentration during IVM significantly improved (P < 0.05) the rates of metaphase-II (MII) stage oocytes compared with the control; however, fertilisation rates and monospermy were not improved. Although supplementation of IVM medium with L-carnitine significantly increased oocyte cleavage (P < 0.05), further development to the blastocyst stage was not improved. The density of active mitochondria was significantly higher and the density of lipid droplets was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in L-carnitine-treated oocytes compared with the control. Furthermore, the ROS levels in L-carnitine-treated oocytes were significantly lower than those in the control. In conclusion, enhancing mitochondrial functions by L-carnitine improved oocyte maturation and cleavage underlining the importance of lipid metabolism for nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of porcine oocytes.
Towards more stringent sustainability standards? Trends in the cut flower industry
Authors: Riisgaard Lone
Published: August 2011

Sustainability initiatives have proliferated in many industries in recent years. This has led to an increasing number of standards that exist in parallel seeking to address more or less the same social and environmental issues. In this paper I explore whether parallelism has spurred a race to the bottom in flower standards seeking to regulate social conditions in the production of cut flowers aimed at the European Union market. The analysis suggests that while less stringent standards still dominate, so-called higher bar standards are gaining importance, as is the active inclusion of local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and trade unions in monitoring standard compliance – a practice which potentially could allow standards to address more locally embedded and hidden problems like for example discrimination or lack of freedom of association. Nevertheless, less stringent standards still predominate and although an ongoing multi-stakeholder harmonisation initiative has real potential to ‘scale up’ more stringent standards, so far it has mainly benefited developed – not developing – country growers and workers.
Valence state of europium doping ions during pulsed-laser deposition
Authors: Pillonnet A , Pereira A , Marty O , Champeaux C
Published: September 2011

The evolution of europium as a doping ion during the pulsed-laser deposition process of Eu : Al2O3 films has been studied. A decrease in oxygen pressure in the deposition chamber generated the growth of γ-Al2O3 crystallites and a conversion of the 3+ to a 2+ valence state of europium ions. Excitation-selective emission of Eu2+ and fluorescence line narrowing of Eu3+ revealed that two kinds of europium site families were created in the alumina matrix. Time-of-flight emission spectroscopy shows that oxygen came preferentially from the target for the studied range of pressure.
Statistical mechanical lattice model of the dual-peak electrocaloric effect in ferroelectric relaxors and the role of pressure
Authors: Dunne Lawrence J , Valant Matjaz , Axelsson Anna-Karin , Manos George , Alford Neil McN
Published: September 2011

Despite considerable effort, the microscopic origin of the electrocaloric (EC) effect in ferroelectric relaxors is still intensely discussed. Ferroelectric relaxors typically display a dual-peak EC effect, whose origin is uncertain. Here we present an exact statistical mechanical matrix treatment of a lattice model of polar nanoregions forming in a neutral background and use this approach to study the characteristics of the EC effect in ferroelectric relaxors under varying electric field and pressure. The dual peaks seen in the EC properties of ferroelectric relaxors are due to the formation and ordering of polar nanoregions. The model predicts significant enhancement of the EC temperature rise with pressure which may have some contribution to the giant EC effect.
Overview of JT-60U results towards the resolution of key physics and engineering issues in ITER and JT-60SA
Authors: Isayama A.
Published: September 2011

This paper presents an overview of recent results from JT-60U. Topics we particularly focus on are (1) the mechanism determining the rotation profile and the effect of rotation on/from transport and stability, (2) the edge localized mode (ELM) physics and active ELM control and (3) plasma–wall interactions. An analysis of the momentum transport showed that rotation with a high pressure gradient can be reproduced by introducing a residual stress term proportional to the momentum diffusivity and the pressure gradient. Also, the momentum diffusivity in an internal transport barrier (ITB) region was reduced to an order similar to that of the ion thermal diffusivity. A comparison of the edge pedestal characteristics between JT-60U and JET with matched shape and operational parameters showed that the edge pressure did not change with increasing toroidal field (TF) ripple up to 1%, whereas a linear shift of the rotation velocity to the counter-direction was observed with increasing TF ripple. The absolute evaluation of tungsten accumulation in the core plasma by a spectroscopic method clarified that tungsten accumulation increased with increasing toroidal rotation in the counter-direction while an H-mode was sustained even at a tungsten density of 10−3 times the electron density. Active control of neoclassical tearing mode (NTM) islands by the electron cyclotron current drive showed that the growth of NTM islands decelerated the plasma rotation. A transition to a low-rotation frequency state occurred for larger NTM islands. A statistical analysis of the precursor of type I ELM showed a small growth rate of γ/ωA ∼ 10−3 (where γ and ωA are the growth rate and Alfvén angular frequency, respectively). The measurement of the precursor at different toroidal locations showed that the toroidal mode number was 8–10 or 14–16. Energetic-particle-driven wall modes (EWMs) were found to trigger ELMs and decrease the ELM amplitude to half of that without EWMs. Enhancement of the ELM frequency by electron cyclotron heating in the edge region of the high-field side was observed, and the frequency increase was four times than that of neutral beam injection cases having the same absorption power. Laser scattering measurement of carbon dust generation showed that the dust distribution had a peak in the far scrape-off layer and penetration into the core plasma was not significant. Depth profile measurements of deuterium and carbon in tungsten-coated tiles (tungsten thickness: 50 µm) determined that the ratio of deuterium to carbon was 0.06 ± 0.02 over a 20 µm depth, suggesting deuterium trapping by carbon in the tungsten layer. Furthermore, new records for both the beam energy of negative-ion-based neutral beams (507 keV) and the output power of 110 GHz electron cyclotron waves (1.5 MW for 4 s from one gyrotron) were achieved, which confirmed and extended the heating and current drive capabilities of ITER and JT-60SA.
The reconstruction and research progress of the TEXT-U tokamak in China
Authors: Zhuang G. , Pan Y. , Hu X.W. , Wang Z.J. , Ding Y.H. , Zhang M. , Gao L. , Zhang X.Q. , Yang Z.J. , Yu K.X. , Gentle K.W. , Huang H.
Published: September 2011

The TEXT/(TEXT-U) tokamak, formerly built and operated by the University of Texas at Austin in USA, was dismantled and shipped to China in 2004, and renamed as the Joint TEXT (J-TEXT) tokamak. The reconstruction work, which included reassembly of the machine and development of peripheral devices, was completed in the spring of 2007. Consequently, the first plasma was obtained at the end of 2007. At present, a typical J-TEXT ohmic discharge can produce a plasma with flattop current up to 220 kA and lasting for 300 ms, line-averaged density above 2 × 1019 m−3, and an electron temperature of about 800 eV, with a toroidal magnetic field of 2.2 T. A number of diagnostic devices used to facilitate the routine operation and experimental scenarios were developed on the J-TEXT tokamak. Hence, the measurements of the electrostatic fluctuations in the edge region and conditional analysis of the intermittent burst events near the last closed flux surface were undertaken. The observation and simple analysis of MHD activity and disruption events were also performed. The preliminary experimental results and the future research plan for the J-TEXT are described in detail.
Global weak solutions to the Euler-Boltzmann equations in radiation hydrodynamics
Authors: Jiang Peng , Wang Dehua
Published: August 2011

The Cauchy problem for the one-dimensional Euler-Boltzmann equations in radiation hydrodynamics is studied. The global weak entropy solutions are constructed using the Godunov finite difference scheme. The global existence of weak entropy solutions in

L
∞

L^\infty

with arbitrarily large initial data is established with the aid of the compensated compactness method.
A role for kinesin heavy chain in controlling vesicle transport into dendrites inDrosophila
Authors: Henthorn Kristina Schimmelpfeng , Roux Meike Sabina , Herrera Cheryl , Goldstein Lawrence S. B.
Published: September 2011

The unique architecture of neurons requires the establishment and maintenance of polarity, which relies in part on microtubule-based transport to deliver essential cargo into dendrites. To test different models of differential motor protein regulation and to understand how different compartments in neurons are supplied with necessary functional proteins, we studied mechanisms of dendritic transport, using Drosophila as a model system. Our data suggest that dendritic targeting systems in Drosophila and mammals are evolutionarily conserved, since mammalian cargoes are moved into appropriate domains in Drosophila. In a genetic screen for mutants that mislocalize the dendritic marker human transferrin receptor (hTfR), we found that kinesin heavy chain (KHC) may function as a dendritic motor. Our analysis of dendritic and axonal phenotypes of KHC loss-of-function clones revealed a role for KHC in maintaining polarity of neurons, as well as ensuring proper axonal outgrowth. In addition we identified adenomatous polyposis coli 1 (APC1) as an interaction partner of KHC in controlling directed transport and modulating kinesin function in neurons.
Topology-dominated dynamic wetting of the precursor chain in a hydrophilic interior corner
Authors: Yuan Quanzi , Zhao Ya-Pu
Published: September 2011

The topology-dominated dynamic wetting of a droplet in a hydrophilic interior corner was explored using molecular dynamics simulations and molecular kinetic theory. A wetting transition in the interior corner of a single-file water-molecule precursor chain (PC), which eliminated the stress singularity and advanced much faster than the precursor film, was controlled by the interior angle. Owing to the confinement in the interior corner, the potential surface is lower and smoother. The one-dimensional hydrogen-bond chain transferred the disjoining pressure to drive the PC to slip-like ice. As an example, a stable and long metallic monatomic chain was formed using the unique transport properties of the PC for the first time. Our results may help in understanding the topology-dominated dynamic wetting in a hydrophilic interior corner, expand ‘Taylor conjecture’ to nanoscale and develop new applications at nanoscale.
Olfactory learning-induced enhancement of the predisposition for LTP induction
Authors: Cohen Yaniv , Avramoav Sonya , Barkai Edi , Maroun Mouna
Published: August 2011

Learning of a particularly difficult olfactory-discrimination (OD) task results in acquisition of rule learning. This enhancement in learning capability is accompanied by the long-term enhancement of synaptic connectivity between piriform cortex pyramidal neurons. In this study we examined whether olfactory rule learning would modify the predisposition to induce long-term potentiation (LTP) in the pathway projecting from the piriform cortex to the olfactory bulb. We report that OD learning was associated with enhancement in the predisposition to induce LTP. This learning-related effect may be affected by process generation of new granule cells located in the olfactory bulb.
Photosystem II Supercomplex Remodeling Serves as an Entry Mechanism for State Transitions in Arabidopsis
Authors: Dietzel Lars , Bräutigam Katharina , Steiner Sebastian , Schüffler Kristin , Lepetit Bernard , Grimm Bernhard , Schöttler Mark Aurel , Pfannschmidt Thomas
Published: September 2011

Within dense plant populations, strong light quality gradients cause unbalanced excitation of the two photosystems resulting in reduced photosynthetic efficiency. Plants redirect such imbalances by structural rearrangements of the photosynthetic apparatus via state transitions and photosystem stoichiometry adjustments. However, less is known about the function of photosystem II (PSII) supercomplexes in this context. Here, we show in Arabidopsis thaliana that PSII supercomplex remodeling precedes and facilitates state transitions. Intriguingly, the remodeling occurs in the short term, paralleling state transitions, but is also present in a state transition–deficient mutant, indicating that PSII supercomplex generation is independently regulated and does not require light-harvesting complex phosphorylation and movement. Instead, PSII supercomplex remodeling involves reversible phosphorylation of PSII core subunits (preferentially of CP43) and requires the luminal PSII subunit Psb27 for general formation and structural stabilization. Arabidopsis knockout mutants lacking Psb27 display highly accelerated state transitions, indicating that release of PSII supercomplexes is required for phosphorylation and subsequent movement of the antenna. Downregulation of PSII supercomplex number by physiological light treatments also results in acceleration of state transitions confirming the genetic analyses. Thus, supercomplex remodeling is a prerequisite and an important kinetic determinant of state transitions.
Fine needle aspiration cytology in ovarian lesions: an institutional experience of 584 cases
Authors: Gupta N. , Rajwanshi A. , Dhaliwal L. K. , Khandelwal N. , Dey P. , Srinivasan R. , Nijhawan R.
Published: September 2011

N. Gupta, A. Rajwanshi, L. K. Dhaliwal, N. Khandelwal, P. Dey, R. Srinivasan and R. Nijhawan  Fine needle aspiration cytology in ovarian lesions: an institutional experience of 584 cases

Objective:  To assess the diagnostic value of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in ovarian lesions.

Methods:  This was a retrospective study of ultrasound‐guided (US) FNAC of 584 ovarian lesions from January 1998 to July 2010. The lesions were categorized into non‐neoplastic lesions, neoplastic lesions and inadequate aspirates. The results were compared with the corresponding histopathology whenever available.

Results:  Of the 584 lesions, 180 (30.8%) were reported as non‐neoplastic (48 non‐specific inflammation, 11 tuberculosis, 63 functional cysts and 58 endometriotic cysts), 249 (42.6%) as neoplastic (81 benign lesions/tumours and 168 malignant) and 155 (26.5%) as inadequate. Based on the subsequent histopathology, which was available in 121 (20.7%), the cases were divided into those that were concordant and discordant. Concordant cases comprised 92/121 (76%), including 28 non‐neoplastic lesions (seven non‐specific inflammation, nine functional cysts and 12 endometriotic cysts), 42 surface epithelial tumours (13 benign and 29 malignant), 10 germ cell tumours (five mature cystic teratomas and five mixed germ cell tumours), seven sex‐cord stromal tumours (three granulosa cell tumours, one sclerosing stromal tumour, one strümal leutoma, one Sertoli Leydig cell tumour and one malignant Sertoli cell tumour) and five miscellaneous lesions (one plasma cell tumour, two leiomyosarcomas and two cases of necrosis). Discordant cases comprised 29/121 (24%) (21were inconclusive or inadequate on cytology), including four endometriotic cysts, 14 surface epithelial tumours (one cystadenofibroma, one borderline mucinous tumour and 12 carcinomas), five germ cell tumours (two immature teratomas and three mature cystic teratomas), two thecomas, one fibroma, one sclerosing stromal tumour, one fibrosarcoma and one myxoma. FNAC sensitivity for a diagnosis of malignancy was 85.7%, specificity 98.0%, positive predictive value 97.7%, negative predictive value 87.7% and accuracy 92.0%, if 21 inconclusive/inadequate FNACs were excluded; with the latter taken as false negatives, sensitivity was 73.7% and accuracy 76.0%.

Conclusion:  FNAC has a high specificity for diagnosis of ovarian/adnexal lesions but greater experience is required for the accurate subtyping of neoplasms and sensitivity is limited by inconclusive/inadequate results.
Show your true colour: cues for male mate preference in an intra‐specific mimicry system
Authors: ISERBYT ARNE , VAN GOSSUM HANS
Published: September 2011

1. Polymorphism limited to the female sex occurs in a variety of animal species and has been shown to be an attractive model system for examining general questions in signal detection theory.

2. When observed in damselflies, typically one female morph is an example of sexual dimorphism, whereas the other is considered as a functional malemimic that resembles the male's phenotype in several traits.

3. While several studies focused on male harassment and subsequent cost/benefit trade‐offs in female morphs, it remains understudied at the proximate level, which precise cues are relevant to mate‐searching males for discriminating among potential mates.

4. In the present study, we scored male mate preference to natural and manipulated phenotypes in the polymorphic damselfly Nehalennia irene Hagen.

5. In contrast to expectation, male preference did not change when colour was manipulated and male preference remained consistently for andromorph > male > gynomorph across treatments.

6. This suggests that cues other than body coloration primarily affect male mate preference in the present study system.
Direct correlation of 4D seismic with well activity for a clarified dynamic reservoir interpretation
Authors: Huang Yi , MacBeth Colin
Published: September 2011

A method to provide an improved time‐lapse seismic attribute for dynamic interpretation is presented. This is based on the causal link between the time‐lapse seismic response and well production activity taken over time. The resultant image is obtained by computing correlation coefficients between sequences of time‐lapse seismic changes extracted over different time intervals from multiply repeated seismic and identical time sequences of cumulative fluid volumes produced or injected from the wells. Maps of these cross‐correlations show localized, spatially contiguous signals surrounding individual wells or a specific well group. These may be associated with connected regions around the selected well or well group. Application firstly to a synthetic data set reveals that hydraulic compartments may be delineated using this method. A second application to a field data set provides empirical evidence that a connected well‐centric fault block and active geobody can be detected. It is concluded that uniting well data and time‐lapse seismic using our proposed method delivers a new attribute for dynamic interpretation and potential updating of the model for the producing reservoir.
Computational and molecular approaches for predicting unreported causal missense mutations in Belgian patients with haemophilia A
Authors: LANNOY N. , ABINET I. , BOSMANS A. , LAMBERT C. , VERMYLEN C. , HERMANS C.
Published: September 2011

Summary.  Haemophilia A (HA) is caused by widespread mutations in the factor VIII gene. The high spontaneous mutation rate of this gene means that roughly 40% of HA mutations are private. This study aimed to describe the approaches used to confirm private disease‐causing mutations in a cohort of Belgian HA patients. We studied 148 unrelated HA families for the presence of intron 22 and intron 1 inversion by Southern blotting and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) assay was used to detect large genomic rearrangements. Detection of point mutations was performed by DNA sequencing. Predicting the causal impact of new non‐synonymous changes was studied by two general strategies: (i) molecular approaches such as family cosegregation, evaluation of the implicated codon based on phylogenic separated species and absence of the mutation in the general Belgian population, and (ii) bioinformatics approaches to analyse the potential functional consequences of missense mutations. Among the 148 HA patients, in addition to common intron 22 and intron 1 inversions as well as large deletions or duplications, 67 different point mutations were identified, of which 42 had been reported in the HAMSTeRS database, and 25 were novel including 10 null variants for which RNA analyses confirmed the causal effect of mutations located in a splice site consensus and 15 missense mutations whose causality was demonstrated by molecular approaches and bioinformatics. This article reports several strategies to evaluate the deleterious consequences of unreported F8 substitutions in a large cohort of HA patients.
Influence of season and meteorological parameters on flight activity of Culicoides biting midges
Authors: Sanders Christopher J. , Shortall Chris R. , Gubbins Simon , Burgin Laura , Gloster John , Harrington Richard , Reynolds Don R. , Mellor Phillip S. , Carpenter Simon
Published: September 2011

1. Culicoides biting midges are vectors of internationally important arboviruses including bluetongue virus (BTV). The ecological constraints imposed by the small body size of these insects strongly influence the epidemiology of the diseases they can carry. Bluetongue virus recently emerged in northern Europe, and atmospheric dispersion models have subsequently been employed to simulate vector movement (and hence likely spread of BTV). The data underlying such models, however, have hitherto either been obtained from small‐scale studies or from outside the north‐western Palaearctic.

2. The effects of seasonality and local meteorological conditions upon the daily presence and abundance of Culicoides vectors were examined using 2760 samples collected across a network of 12 different habitat types in England during 2008. Over 50 000 individuals were estimated to be in the samples with males constituting 62% of the total collection, allowing straightforward comparison between potential vector species in terms of their activity rates and seasonality. Culicoides abundance was linked to livestock density and land use. Farm‐associated Culicoides species were recorded at all sites including species thought to be restricted to this ecosystem by larval habitat, suggesting a greater potential for dispersal over land than previously thought.

3. Synthesis and applications. The model developed has already been applied in a functional dispersion model to predict disease risk from wind‐borne infected Culicoides incursion into the UK and elsewhere. The study has expounded the long‐distance dispersal potential of Culicoides, essential for future prediction of the incursion and spread of Culicoides‐borne pathogens. It has additionally contributed to the understanding of the ecology of highly dispersive insect vectors.
Effectiveness of multimedia interactive patient education on knowledge, uncertainty and decision‐making in patients with end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Chiou Chou‐Ping , Chung Yun‐Chen
Published: September 2011

Aim.  This study tested the efficacy of a multimedia interactive DVD as an education tool for patients with end‐stage renal disease in terms of enhancing patient knowledge and decision‐making skills and decreasing uncertainty.

Background.  End‐stage renal case numbers in Taiwan are growing by approximately 6000 new patients per year. Helping patients choose an optimal treatment method to maximise quality of life is an important healthcare issue for this patient population.

Design.  This study adopted a quasi‐experimental design and focused on subjects being treated at one medical centre in southern Taiwan. The study divided subjects into experimental and control groups.

Methods.  The experimental group received three multimedia interactive DVD nursing–guided interventions. The control group received only normal hospital health education. The study gathered data using several scales addressing knowledge, uncertainty perception and decision regret. Scales were implemented immediately before and after the multimedia interactive DVD nursing guidance intervention and at four and eight weeks postintervention. This study used an independent t‐test, chi‐square test and repeated measures analysis of variance.

Results.  This study found significant improvements in the experimental group in terms of knowledge, pre‐dialysis uncertainty and decision regret. Experimental group subjects scored particularly less in terms of decision regret than those in the control group.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This study demonstrated the efficacy of the developed multimedia interactive DVD in significantly improving end‐stage renal patient knowledge and reducing patient uncertainties and postdecision regret. Study findings can be used as a reference guide for clinical nursing education efforts in hospital and other healthcare settings.
A fuzzy‐set‐theory‐based approach to analyse species membership in DNA barcoding
Authors: ZHANG A.‐B. , MUSTER C. , LIANG H.‐B. , ZHU C.‐D. , CROZIER R. , WAN P. , FENG J. , WARD R. D.
Published: September 2011

Reliable assignment of an unknown query sequence to its correct species remains a methodological problem for the growing field of DNA barcoding. While great advances have been achieved recently, species identification from barcodes can still be unreliable if the relevant biodiversity has been insufficiently sampled. We here propose a new notion of species membership for DNA barcoding—fuzzy membership, based on fuzzy set theory—and illustrate its successful application to four real data sets (bats, fishes, butterflies and flies) with more than 5000 random simulations. Two of the data sets comprise especially dense species/population‐level samples. In comparison with current DNA barcoding methods, the newly proposed minimum distance (MD) plus fuzzy set approach, and another computationally simple method, ‘best close match’, outperform two computationally sophisticated Bayesian and BootstrapNJ methods. The new method proposed here has great power in reducing false‐positive species identification compared with other methods when conspecifics of the query are absent from the reference database.
Microgeographic socio‐genetic structure of an African cooperative breeding passerine revealed: integrating behavioural and genetic data
Authors: RIBEIRO Â. M. , LLOYD P. , FELDHEIM K. A. , BOWIE RAURI C. K.
Published: September 2011

Dispersal can be motivated by multiple factors including sociality. Dispersal behaviour affects population genetic structure that in turn reinforces social organization. We combined observational information with individual‐based genetic data in the Karoo scrub‐robin, a facultative cooperatively breeding bird, to understand how social bonds within familial groups affect mating patterns, cause sex asymmetry in dispersal behaviour and ultimately influence the evolution of dispersal. Our results revealed that males and females do not have symmetrical roles in structuring the population. Males are extremely philopatric and tend to delay dispersal until they gain a breeding position within a radius of two territories around the natal site. By contrast, females dispersed over larger distances, as soon as they reach independence. This resulted in male neighbourhoods characterized by high genetic relatedness. The long‐distance dispersal strategy of females ensured that Karoo scrub‐robins do not pair with relatives thereby compensating for male philopatry caused by cooperation. The observed female‐biased strategy seems to be the most prominent mechanism to reduce the risk of inbreeding that characterizes social breeding system. This study demonstrates that tying together ecological data, such as breeding status, determining social relationships with genetic data, such as kinship, provides valuable insights into the proximate causes of dispersal, which are central to any evolutionary interpretation.
The MAP kinase MpkA controls cell wall integrity, oxidative stress response, gliotoxin production and iron adaptation in Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Jain Radhika , Valiante Vito , Remme Nicole , Docimo Teresa , Heinekamp Thorsten , Hertweck Christian , Gershenzon Jonathan , Haas Hubertus , Brakhage Axel A.
Published: September 2011

The saprophytic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus is the most important air‐borne fungal pathogen. The cell wall of A. fumigatus has been studied intensively as a potential target for development of effective antifungal agents. A major role in maintaining cell wall integrity is played by the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) MpkA. To gain a comprehensive insight into this central signal transduction pathway, we performed a transcriptome analysis of the ΔmpkA mutant under standard and cell wall stress conditions. Besides genes involved in cell wall remodelling, protection against ROS and secondary metabolism such as gliotoxin, pyomelanin and pseurotin A, also genes involved in siderophore biosynthesis were regulated by MpkA. Consistently, northern and western blot analyses indicated that iron starvation triggers phosphorylation and thus activation of MpkA. Furthermore, localization studies indicated that MpkA accumulates in the nucleus under iron depletion. Hence, we report the first connection between a MAPK pathway and siderophore biosynthesis. The measurement of amino acid pools and of the pools of polyamines indicated that arginine was continuously converted into ornithine to fuel the siderophore pool in the ΔmpkA mutant strain. Based on our data, we propose that MpkA fine‐tunes the balance between stress response and energy consuming cellular processes.
Formation of highly branched hyphae byColletotrichum acutatumwithin the fruit cuticles ofCapsicumspp.
Authors: Liao C.‐Y. , Chen M.‐Y. , Chen Y.‐K. , Kuo K.‐C. , Chung K.‐R. , Lee M.‐H.
Published: September 2011

This study showed thatColletotrichum acutatumpenetrates the cuticle layer ofCapsicumspp. fruits by forming a previously uncharacterized structure from appressoria. This unusual structure was localized in the cuticle layer. The structure, formed within 24 h post‐inoculation (hpi), was a highly branched, well‐differentiated hypha which penetrated the epidermal cell at 72 hpi. The novel structure, with abnormally thick walls (about 250 nm), often formed multiple branches in the affected chilli pepper. This dendroid structure, probably required for penetration, was formed exclusively in the cuticle layer of chilli pepper fruits and was not found whenC. acutatumwas inoculated onto pepper petals, mango leaves, or fruits of tomato and aubergine.Colletotrichum acutatumproduced similar dendroid structures within resistant chilli pepper fruits, but eventually these structures turned dark brown and no further infection in the epidermal cells occurred, implicating the presence of inhibitors of the formation and development of the dendroid penetration structure in the resistant line.
Effects of R gene‐mediated resistance in Brassica napus (oilseed rape) on asexual and sexual sporulation of Pyrenopeziza brassicae (light leaf spot)
Authors: Boys E. F. , Roques S. E. , West J. S. , Werner C. P. , King G. J. , Dyer P. S. , Fitt B. D. L.
Published: September 2011

The phenotype of the R gene‐mediated resistance derived from oilseed rape (Brassica napus) cv. Imola against the light leaf spot plant pathogen, Pyrenopeziza brassicae, was characterized. Using a doubled haploid B. napus mapping population that segregated for resistance against P. brassicae, development of visual symptoms was characterized and symptomless growth was followed using quantitative PCR and scanning electron microscopy on leaves of resistant/susceptible lines inoculated with suspensions of P. brassicae conidia. Initially, in controlled‐environment experiments, growth of P. brassicae was unaffected; then from 8 days post‐inoculation (dpi) some epidermal cells collapsed (‘black flecking’) in green living tissue of cv. Imola and from 13 to 36 dpi there was no increase in the amount of P. brassicae DNA and no asexual sporulation (acervuli/pustules). By contrast, during this period there was a 300‐fold increase in P. brassicae DNA and extensive asexual sporulation in leaves of the susceptible cv. Apex. However, when leaf tissue senesced, the amount of P. brassicae DNA increased rapidly in the resistant but not in the susceptible cultivar and sexual sporulation (apothecia) was abundant on senescent tissues of both. These results were consistent with observations from both controlled condition and field experiments with lines from the mapping population that segregated for this resistance. Analysis of results of both controlled‐environment and field experiments suggested that the resistance was mediated by a single R gene located on chromosome A1.
Infectivity of pre‐seroconversion donations: an analysis of lookback exercises in the Netherlands, 2000–2006
Authors: Lieshout‐Krikke R. W. , van ‘t Ende E. A. , Slot E. , Karomi S. , Kivit R. M. H. , Zaaijer H. L.
Published: September 2011

Background and Objectives  Blood can be infectious if it is donated shortly before infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) becomes detectable. Lookback exercises may detect infection in recipients of pre‐seroconversion donations. This study provides an analysis of the Dutch lookback exercises in the years 2000 through 2006.

Materials and Methods  All lookback procedures, triggered by 50 repeat donors seroconverting for HBV (n = 32), HCV (n = 3), HIV (n = 14) and HBV + HIV (n = 1), were analysed. Recipients and archived samples of the 96 implicated donations were tested.

Results  For 76 donations, a stored sample was available for HBV, HCV, or HIV PCR testing, revealing two HBV‐DNA‐positive pre‐seroconversion donations. Ninety‐three lookback procedures were initiated, to which 91 of 93 hospitals responded. In 87 of 91 cases, the implicated blood product had been administered. In 39 of 87 cases, the recipient was tested, revealing one HIV and two HBV infections. The HIV infection was considered pre‐existent. The two HBV‐positive patients received components from the donation of which the repository sample tested positive for HBV‐DNA. Components of the second HBV‐positive pre‐seroconversion donation had not been administered.

Conclusion  Among 39 recipients of pre‐seroconversion donations, 2 (5%) were found HBV infected by transfusion. The labour‐intensive lookback procedures did not reveal any conclusive transmissions additional to the infections detected by PCR testing of repository pre‐seroconversion samples.
Why does needle photosynthesis decline with tree height in Norway spruce?
Authors: Räim O. , Kaurilind E. , Hallik L. , Merilo E.
Published: September 2011

Needle morphological, chemical and physiological characteristics of Norway spruce were studied in a forest chronosequence in Järvselja Experimental Forest, Estonia. Current‐year shoots were sampled from upper canopy positions in five stands, ranging in height from 1.8 to 33.0 m (corresponding age range was 10–85 years). A/Ci curves were determined to obtain maximum carboxylation rates (Vcmax) and maximum rates of electron transport (Jmax). Needle nitrogen (N) partitioning into photosynthetic functions was calculated from the values of Vcmax, Jmax and leaf chlorophyll concentration. All needle size parameters (length, width, thickness, volume and cross‐sectional areas of mesophyll and xylem) increased significantly with tree height. The needles of taller trees had lower mass‐based N and chlorophyll concentrations (21% and 43% difference between shortest and tallest stands, respectively), but higher dry mass per area (35%), dry mass per volume (18%), number of cells per mesophyll cross‐section area (40%) and partitioning of N into non‐photosynthetic functions (12%). Light saturated net assimilation rate, Vcmax, Jmax and stomatal conductance decreased with tree age (35%, 16%, 12% and 29% difference, respectively). A path analysis model describing tree age‐related reduction of photosynthetic capacity as a result of sink limitation provided the best fit to our data. However, since the path model corresponding to source limitation, where photosynthetic reduction derives from changes in needle structure and chemistry was not rejected, we conclude that the decline in photosynthesis with tree age results from several mechanisms (limited sink strength, stomatal and N limitation) operating simultaneously and sequentially.
Intravaginal Progesterone Devices in Synchronization Protocols for Artificial Insemination in Beef Heifers
Authors: Martinez MF , de Nava G , Demmers KJ , Tutt D , Rodriguez Sabarrós M , Smaill B , Corti M , Juengel J
Published: September 2011

Contents

Two experiments were designed to investigate the administration of intravaginal progesterone in protocols for oestrus and ovulation synchronization in beef heifers. In Experiment 1, cyclic Black Angus heifers (n = 20) received an Ovsynch protocol and were randomly assigned to receive (CIDR‐Ovsynch) or not (Ovsynch) a progesterone device between Days 0 and 7. Treatment with a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) device significantly increased the size of the dominant follicle prior to ovulation (12.8 ± 0.4 CIDR‐Ovsynch vs 11.4 ± 0.4 Ovsynch) (p < 0.02). Plasma progesterone concentrations throughout the experiment were affected by the interaction between group and day effects (p < 0.004). In Experiment 2, cyclic Polled Hereford heifers (n = 382) were randomly assigned to one of the six treatment groups (3 × 2 factorial design) to receive a CIDR, a used bovine intravaginal device (DIB), or a medroxiprogesterone acetate (MAP) sponge and GnRH analogues (lecirelin or buserelin). All heifers received oestradiol benzoate plus one of the devices on Day 0 and PGF on Day 7 pm (device withdrawal). Heifers were detected in oestrus 36 h after PGF and inseminated 8–12 h later, while the remainder received GnRH 48 h after PGF and were inseminated on Day 10 (60 h). The number of heifers detected in oestrus on Day 8 and conception rate to AI on Day 9 were higher (p < 0.01) in the used‐DIB than in the CIDR or MAP groups, while the opposite occurred with the pregnancy rate to FTAI on Day 10 (p < 0.01). There was no effect of progesterone source, GnRH analogue or their interaction on overall pregnancy rates (64.9%). Progesterone treatment of heifers during an Ovsynch protocol resulted in a larger pre‐ovulatory follicle in beef heifers. Progesterone content of intravaginal devices in synchronization protocols is important for the timing of AI, as the use of low‐progesterone devices can shorten the interval to oestrus.
The Effect of LIF in the Absence or Presence of FSH on the In Vitro Development of Isolated Caprine Preantral Follicles
Authors: Luz VB , Santos RR , Araújo VR , Celestino JJH , Magalhães‐Padilha DM , Chaves RN , Brito IR , Silva TFP , Almeida AP , Campello CC , Figueiredo JR
Published: September 2011

Contents

We investigated the effect of the leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) alone or in association with FSH on the in vitro culture (IVC) of caprine preantral follicles. Preantral follicles >200 μm in size were isolated and cultured for 18 days in basic medium either alone (control) or supplemented with LIF (10 or 50 ng/ml) in the absence or presence of FSH. Every 6 days, follicular survival, growth and antrum formation were evaluated. At the end of the culture period, the oocytes underwent in vitro maturation (IVM), and their viability and chromatin configuration were assessed. Follicles of the control group and those cultured in 10 ng/ml LIF maintained the structural integrity (particularly the preservation of the basement membrane) when compared to the oocytes cultured in 50 ng/ml LIF, regardless the presence of FSH. In the absence of FSH, the percentage of antrum formation after 18 days of culture in the 50 ng/ml LIF group was significantly lower than in either the control group or the 10 ng/ml LIF group. However, this effect was not observed in the presence of FSH. The rate of resumption of meiosis was significantly higher in the 50 ng/ml LIF group in the absence of FSH in comparison with the control and 10 ng/ml LIF groups. Metaphase II was observed only when follicles were cultured in a combination of FSH and 50 ng/ml LIF. In conclusion, LIF alone does not interfere with antral formation and oocyte growth, but at concentration of 50 ng/ml and combined with FSH, it promotes oocyte maturation.
The role of non‐invasive home mechanical ventilation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease requiring prolonged weaning
Authors: HEINEMANN FRANK , BUDWEISER STEPHAN , JÖRRES RUDOLF A. , ARZT MICHAEL , RÖSCH FLORIAN , KOLLERT FLORIAN , PFEIFER MICHAEL
Published: September 2011

Background and objective:  Patients with COPD who require prolonged weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation show poor long‐term survival. Whether non‐invasive home mechanical ventilation (HMV) has a beneficial effect after prolonged weaning has not yet been clearly determined.

Methods:  Patients with COPD who required prolonged weaning and were admitted to a specialized weaning centre between January 2002 and February 2008 were enrolled in the study. Long‐term survival and prognostic factors, including the role of non‐invasive HMV, were evaluated.

Results:  Of 117 patients (87 men, 30 women; mean age 69.5 ± 9.5 years) included in the study, weaning from invasive ventilation was achieved in 82 patients (70.1%). Successful weaning was associated with better survival 1 year after discharge from hospital (hazard ratio (HR) 2.24, 95% CI: 1.16–4.31; P = 0.016). Among the 82 patients who were successfully weaned, non‐invasive HMV was initiated in 39 (47.6%) due to persistent chronic ventilatory failure. Initiation of HMV was associated with a higher rate of survival to 1 year as compared with patients who did not receive ventilatory support (84.2% vs 54.3%; HR 3.68, 95% CI: 1.43–9.43; P = 0.007). In addition, younger age and higher PaO2, haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit at discharge were associated with better survival. In an adjusted multivariate analysis, initiation of non‐invasive HMV after successful weaning remained an independent prognostic factor for survival to 1 year (HR 3.63, 95% CI: 1.23–10.75; P = 0.019).

Conclusions:  These findings suggest that based on the potential for improvement in long‐term survival, non‐invasive HMV should be considered in patients with severe COPD and persistent chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure after prolonged weaning.