bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychiatric problems associated with subthreshold ADHD and disruptive behaviour diagnoses in teenagers
Authors: Malmberg Kerstin , Edbom Tobias , Wargelius Hanna‐Linn , Larsson Jan‐Olov
Published: May 2011

Aim:  To study the coexistence of subthreshold diagnoses of both attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and disruptive behaviour disorders (DBD) with other symptoms of child and adolescent psychiatric disorders as well as risk behaviours associated with smoking, alcohol and drug use.

Methods:  A population‐based sample of twins including 177 girls and 135 boys was interviewed using the Swedish version of Kiddie‐SADS Present and Lifetime Version (K‐SADS‐PL). Subthreshold diagnoses were compiled based on the ADHD and DBD criteria, where each criterion was assessed as ‘possible’ or ‘certain’ according to K‐SADS‐PL. The odds ratios (OR) between the subthreshold diagnoses and each of the screening questions in K‐SADS‐PL were calculated.

Results:  Subthreshold diagnoses of ADHD and DBD coexisted with the screening questions concerning depression, mania, panic attack, phobias, anorexia nervosa, motor tics and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in girls. In boys, these subthreshold diagnoses coexisted with symptoms of depression and PTSD. For both boys and girls, smoking and high alcohol consumption contributed to a high OR with regard to ADHD and DBD.

Conclusion:  Subthreshold diagnoses of ADHD and DBD were risk factors for several other psychiatric symptoms as well as smoking and high alcohol consumption. Thus, a broad clinical assessment is needed for adolescents with such preliminary diagnoses.
Identification of mitogen‐activated protein/extracellular signal‐responsive kinase kinase 2 as a novel partner of the scaffolding protein human homolog of disc‐large
Authors: Maïga Oumou , Philippe Monique , Kotelevets Larissa , Chastre Eric , Benadda Samira , Pidard Dominique , Vranckx Roger , Walch Laurence
Published: May 2011

Human disc‐large homolog (hDlg), also known as synapse‐associated protein 97, is a scaffold protein, a member of the membrane‐associated guanylate kinase family, implicated in neuronal synapses and epithelial–epithelial cell junctions whose expression and function remains poorly characterized in most tissues, particularly in the vasculature. In human vascular tissues, hDlg is highly expressed in smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Using the yeast two‐hybrid system to screen a human aorta cDNA library, we identified mitogen‐activated protein/extracellular signal‐responsive kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK)2, a member of the ERK cascade, as an hDlg binding partner. Site‐directed mutagenesis showed a major involvement of the PSD‐95, disc‐large, ZO‐1 domain‐2 of hDlg and the C‐terminal sequence RTAV of MEK2 in this interaction. Coimmunoprecipitation assays in both human VSMCs and human embryonic kidney 293 cells, demonstrated that endogenous hDlg physically interacts with MEK2 but not with MEK1. Confocal microscopy suggested a colocalization of the two proteins at the inner layer of the plasma membrane of confluent human embryonic kidney 293 cells, and in a perinuclear area in human VSMCs. Additionally, hDlg also associates with the endoplasmic reticulum and microtubules in these latter cells. Taken together, these findings allow us to hypothesize that hDlg acts as a MEK2‐specific scaffold protein for the ERK signaling pathway, and may improve our understanding of how scaffold proteins, such as hDlg, differentially tune MEK1/MEK2 signaling and cell responses.

Structured digital abstract

hDlg
and MEK2 colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View Interaction 1, 2, 3)

hDlg
 physically interacts with MEK2 by two hybrid (View Interaction 1, 2, 3)

hDlg
 physically interacts with MEK2 by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View Interaction 1, 2)

MEK2
 physically interacts with hDlg by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View Interaction 1, 2)
Reducing expression of NAD+ synthesizing enzyme NMNAT1 does not affect the rate of Wallerian degeneration
Authors: Conforti Laura , Janeckova Lucie , Wagner Diana , Mazzola Francesca , Cialabrini Lucia , Di Stefano Michele , Orsomando Giuseppe , Magni Giulio , Bendotti Caterina , Smyth Neil , Coleman Michael
Published: May 2011

NAD+ synthesizing enzyme NMNAT1 constitutes most of the sequence of neuroprotective protein WldS, which delays axon degeneration by 10‐fold. NMNAT1 activity is necessary but not sufficient for WldS neuroprotection in mice and 70 amino acids at the N‐terminus of WldS, derived from polyubiquitination factor Ube4b, enhance axon protection by NMNAT1. NMNAT1 activity can confer neuroprotection when redistributed outside the nucleus or when highly overexpressed in vitro and partially in Drosophila. However, the role of endogenous NMNAT1 in normal axon maintenance and in Wallerian degeneration has not been elucidated yet. To address this question we disrupted the Nmnat1 locus by gene targeting. Homozygous Nmnat1 knockout mice do not survive to birth, indicating that extranuclear NMNAT isoforms cannot compensate for its loss. Heterozygous Nmnat1 knockout mice develop normally and do not show spontaneous neurodegeneration or axon pathology. Wallerian degeneration after sciatic nerve lesion is neither accelerated nor delayed in these mice, consistent with the proposal that other endogenous NMNAT isoforms play a principal role in Wallerian degeneration.

Enzymes

NMNAT (EC 2.7.7.1)
Wide‐Range Colossal Magnetoresistance in La0.7A0.3MnO3 (A=Sr, Ag) Thin Films
Authors: Anshul Avneesh , Amritphale Sudhir S. , Kaur Sarabjeet , Chandra Navin , Gupta Anil K. , Yadav Rashmi
Published: May 2011

The monovalent (Ag1+)‐ and divalent (Sr2+)‐doped LaMnO3 thin film samples were synthesized. The transport properties and magnetic behavior of the thin film were studied for wide‐range colossal magnetoresistance. The film orientation and microstructure were studied using high‐resolution X‐ray diffraction and atomic force microscope. The electrical transport behavior of thin films is evaluated at 0 and 5 T magnetic field. The temperature dependence of magnetization with applied field of 5000 Oe was measured. The typical hysteresis curves of both the films Sr‐ and Ag‐doped system are plotted.
Self‐thinning and Tree Competition in Savannas
Authors: Sea William B. , Hanan Niall P.
Published: May 2011

This paper examines the feasibility of applying self‐thinning concepts to savannas and how competition with herbaceous vegetation may modify self‐thinning patterns among woody plants in these ecosystems. Competition among woody plants has seldom been invoked as a major explanation for the persistence of herbaceous vegetation in mixed tree–grass ecosystems. On the contrary, the primary resource‐based explanations for tree–grass coexistence are based on tree–grass competition (niche‐separation) that assumes that trees are inferior competitors unless deeper rooting depths provide them exclusive access to water. Alternative nonresource‐based hypotheses postulate that trees are the better competitors, but that tree populations are suppressed by mortality related to fire, herbivores, and other disturbances. If self‐thinning of woody plants can be detected in savannas, stronger evidence for resource‐limitation and competitive interactions among woody plants would suggest that the primary models of savannas need to be adjusted. We present data from savanna sites in South Africa to suggest that self‐thinning among woody plants can be detected in low‐disturbance situations, while also showing signs that juvenile trees, more so than adults, are suppressed when growing with herbaceous vegetation in these ecosystems. This finding we suggest is evidence for size‐asymmetric competition in savannas.
Theoretical Basis of Pathogenic Substance Removal During Plasmapheresis
Authors: Hanafusa Norio
Published: May 2011

This article explains theoretical considerations of prescribing plasmapheresis. It is important to consider several factors in prescribing apheresis: (i) the properties of pathogenic substances, such as molecular weight, distribution volume, compartment, and production rate; (ii) therapeutic conditions such as the processed plasma volume and the frequency of processing; and (iii) the patient's condition, such as active bleeding or infection. A substance's molecular weight determines whether it can be removed using a particular membrane filter. Substances with a small distribution volume and low production rate are removed. Consequently, the processed volume per total plasma volume is related to the single‐session efficacy. Nevertheless, even frequent therapy cannot reduce the total pool of a substance within the body if movement from outside the vessels is slow. Active bleeding or infection might be exacerbated by modalities other than simple plasma exchange with fresh plasma supplementation because such therapies cannot replenish substances other than albumin.
Natural History of Mineral and Bone Disorders After Living‐Donor Kidney Transplantation: A One‐Year Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Kawarazaki Hiroo , Shibagaki Yugo , Fukumoto Seiji , Kido Ryo , Ando Katsuyuki , Nakajima Ichiro , Fuchinoue Shohei , Fujita Toshiro , Fukagawa Masafumi , Teraoka Satoshi
Published: May 2011

Mineral and bone disorders (MBD), including hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia, are common complications after renal transplantation; however, the natural course of these disorders has not been well documented, and the pathogenesis of persistent post‐transplant MBD still remains elusive. This study was carried out to show the natural history of mineral metabolism in recipients after living‐donor kidney transplantation and also to clarify post‐transplant risk factors of persistent hypercalcemia and/or hypophosphatemia at 12 months after transplantation. Living‐donor kidney transplant recipients (N = 34) at Tokyo Women's Medical University were prospectively and consecutively recruited. Parameters of MBD, including intact parathyroid hormone and full‐length fibroblast growth factor 23, were followed. Serum calcium levels increased until the fourth week post‐transplantation, after which it reached a plateau; and serum phosphate decreased substantially at one week post‐kidney transplantation, but recovered to the reference level at two months. Fibroblast growth factor 23 gradually decreased to comparable levels for renal function, while hyperparathyroidism persisted for 12 months after transplantation. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that intact parathyroid hormone was the best correlating factor with both hypercalcemia and persistent hypophosphatemia at 12 months. This study suggests the need for testing of other interventions used for treatment of hyperparathyroidism which may help to offer better management of MBD after kidney transplantation.
Orthopedic Surgery in Rural American Hospitals: A Survey of Rural Hospital Administrators
Authors: Weichel Derek
Published: May 2011

Rural American residents prefer to receive their medical care locally. Lack of specific medical services in the local community necessitates travel to a larger center which is less favorable. This study was done to identify how rural hospitals choose to provide orthopedic surgical services to their communities.

Methods: All hospitals in 5 states located in communities that met the criteria for a rural town according to the Rural Urban Commuting Area codes were included. A survey with topics including community and hospital demographics, orthopedic surgical workforce and demand, surgical services, and the perceived benefit of orthopedic services was sent to the hospital administrators.

Results: Of the 223 rural hospitals surveyed, 145 completed the survey. Of those completing the survey, 30% had at least one full‐time orthopedic surgeon, 25% did not provide any orthopedic surgical services, 65% never had an orthopedic surgeon on ER call, 33% were recruiting an orthopedic surgeon, 52% stated that it is more difficult to recruit an orthopedic surgeon vs a general surgeon, and 71% of the administrators acknowledged a need for additional orthopedic surgical services in their community. For those hospitals that did not have a full‐time orthopedic surgeon, members of those communities traveled a mean distance of 55 miles for emergency orthopedic surgical care as reported by the hospital administrators.

Conclusions: There are many rural communities that have limited access to orthopedic surgical services. While many of the rural hospital administrators feel that there is a need for additional orthopedic surgical services in their communities, it is difficult to recruit orthopedic surgeons to these areas.
Echocardiogram Utilization Among Rural and Urban Veterans
Authors: Okrah Kingston , Vaughan‐Sarrazin Mary , Kaboli Peter , Cram Peter
Published: May 2011

Purpose: To compare echocardiography use among urban and rural veterans and whether differences could be accounted for by distance.

Methods: We used Veterans Administration (VA) administrative data from 1999 to 2007 to identify regular users of the VA Healthcare System (VA users) who did and did not receive echocardiography. Each veteran was categorized as residing in urban, rural or highly rural areas using RUCA codes. Poisson regression was used to compare echocardiography utilization rates among veterans residing in each area after adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, clustering of patients within VA networks and distance to the nearest VA medical center offering echocardiography.

Findings: Our study included 22.7 million veterans of whom 1.3 million (5.7%) received at least 1 echocardiogram. Of echocardiography recipients, 69.2% lived in urban, 22.0% in rural and 8.8% in highly rural areas. In analyses adjusting for patient demographics, comorbidities, and clustering, utilization of echocardiography was modestly lower for highly rural and rural veterans compared with urban veterans (42.0 vs 40.1 vs 43.1 echocardiograms per 1,000 VA users per year for highly rural, rural and urban, respectively; P < .001). After further adjusting for distance, echocardiography utilization was somewhat higher for veterans in highly rural and rural areas than it was for urban areas (44.9 vs 41.8 vs 40.8 for highly rural, rural and urban, respectively; P < .001).

Conclusions: Echocardiography utilization among rural and highly rural veterans was marginally lower than for urban veterans, but these differences can be accounted for by the greater distance of more rural veterans from facilities offering echocardiograms.
Genetic Analysis of Hyperpolarization‐Activated Cyclic Nucleotide‐Gated Cation Channels in Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy Cases
Authors: Tu Emily , Waterhouse Louise , Duflou Johan , Bagnall Richard D. , Semsarian Christopher
Published: May 2011

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the most common epilepsy‐related cause of death, yet the cause is unknown. Our previous studies suggest a role for arrhythmia‐related ion channel genes in the pathogenesis of SUDEP. Hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated cation (HCN1–4) channels are ion channels involved in generating spontaneous rhythmic activity in cardiac pacemaker and neuronal cells. This study sought to determine the role of pathogenic DNA variants in the HCN1–4 genes in a large SUDEP cohort collected from 1993 to 2009. Post‐mortem DNA samples were amplified and analyzed for each HCN exon. Genetic analysis in 48 SUDEP cases (age range 12–82 years) identified six novel and three previously reported nonsynonymous (amino acid changing) variants in HCN1 (n = 1), HCN2 (n = 2), HCN3 (n = 2) and HCN4 (n = 4). The Phe738Cys and Pro802Ser variants in HCN2, and Gly973Arg in HCN4 were absent in control alleles and affecting highly conserved residues in the carboxyl‐cytoplasmic tail region. Our results support a pathogenic link between the heart and brain in SUDEP, mediated by the HCN neuro‐cardiac ion channel genes.
Analysis of the Pressure‐Flow Study in Weak Detrusor Patients with Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy
Authors: TANABE Tomoaki , ISHIZUKA Osamu , ICHINO Midori , OGAWA Teruyuki , IMAMURA Tetsuya , KURIZAKI Yoshiki , IIJIMA Kazuyoshi , NISHIZAWA Osamu
Published: May 2011

Objective: Pressure‐flow study is a method used to evaluate the degree of bladder outlet obstruction and the strength of detrusor contractility during voiding. However, whether or not the operation for benign prostate hyperplasia should be avoided in detrusor underactivity patients remains controversial. To address this, we performed a retrospective analysis of our pressure‐flow study data for benign prostate hyperplasia patients. We especially focused on the backgrounds of patients with weak detrusor contractility.

Methods: Patients (n = 288; average age, 71.5 years) who underwent pressure‐flow study to evaluate operative indications between February 2001 and April 2010 were included in this study. We analyzed the relationships between background factors and detrusor contraction strength according to Schäfer's nomogram.

Results: Patients with weak detrusor contractility had poor flow (5.81 mL/sec) and low voided volume (141.2 mL) compared to patients with normal (8.77 mL/sec, 202.0 mL) or strong (8.97 mL/sec, 178.3 mL) detrusor contractility. Twenty‐six of 74 weak detrusor patients underwent prostate operation. The operated group had high obstruction grade (3.35, P < 0.001), but a low rate of detrusor overactivity (19.2%, P < 0.05), compared to the non‐operated group (2.16, 41.7%). The operated group also had high urinary retention rate (38.5%) compared to the non‐operation group (18.8%).

Conclusion: We performed prostate surgery in patients who had episodes of urinary retention, with outlet obstruction, and with no detrusor overactivity, even in those with weak detrusor contractility. The operation may not be contraindicated for these patients. Pressure‐flow study is an important tool to ensure adequate informed consent.
White‐Coat Effect on Systemic Blood Pressure in Retired Racing Greyhounds
Authors: Marino C.L. , Cober R.E. , Iazbik M.C. , Couto C.G.
Published: May 2011

Background:Greyhounds are known to have a higher systemic arterial blood pressure (BP) than non‐Greyhound dogs.

Objectives:The purpose of this study was to determine whether the high systemic BP was because of the white‐coat effect.

Animals:Twenty‐two healthy retired racing Greyhounds (RRG) enrolled in a blood donation program.

Materials/Methods:We prospectively measured systemic BP in 3 environments: in the hospital by the investigator (Hosp), in the home by the investigator (H/I), and in the home by the owner (H/O). Five serial measurements of systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures (SAP, DAP, MAP) as well as heart rate (HR) were measured by an oscillometric method on the distal forelimb and distal hind limb in all 3 environments.

Results:There was a significant difference for SAP, MAP, and HR between the Hosp and both H/I and H/O (P< .001); there were no significant differences for any of the parameters between the H/I and H/O environments. HR, but not SAP, MAP, or DAP (P< .05) decreased in RRG with multiple hospital visits for blood donation before this study. The hind limb SAP was significantly higher than the forelimb SAP (P< .05).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:We conclude that the high SAP, MAP, and HR seen in the hospital setting are likely because of a white‐coat effect. Furthermore, consideration should be given to defining the parameters of normal BP in RRG according to the environment in which they are obtained.
Molecular and Serological Diagnosis of Bartonella Infection in 61 Dogs from the United States
Authors: Pérez C. , Maggi R.G. , Diniz P.P.V.P. , Breitschwerdt E.B.
Published: May 2011

Background:Molecular diagnosis of canine bartonellosis can be extremely challenging and often requires the use of an enrichment culture approach followed by PCR amplification of bacterial DNA.

Hypotheses:(1) The use of enrichment culture with PCR will increase molecular detection of bacteremia and will expand the diversity ofBartonellaspecies detected. (2) Serological testing forBartonella henselaeandBartonella vinsoniisubsp.berkhoffiidoes not correlate with documentation of bacteremia.

Animals:Between 2003 and 2009, 924 samples from 663 dogs were submitted to the North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Vector Borne Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory for diagnostic testing with theBartonellaα‐Proteobacteriagrowth medium (BAPGM) platform. Test results and medical records of those dogs were retrospectively reviewed.

Methods:PCR amplification ofBartonellasp. DNA after extraction from patient samples was compared with PCR after BAPGM enrichment culture. Indirect immunofluorescent antibody assays, used to detectB. henselaeandB. vinsoniisubsp.berkhoffiiantibodies, were compared with PCR.

Results:Sixty‐one of 663 dogs were culture positive or hadBartonellaDNA detected by PCR, includingB. henselae(30/61),B. vinsoniisubsp.berkhoffii(17/61),Bartonella koehlerae(7/61),Bartonella volans‐like(2/61), andBartonella bovis(2/61). Coinfection with more than 1Bartonellasp. was documented in 9/61 dogs. BAPGM culture was required for PCR detection in 32/61 cases. Only 7/19 and 4/10 infected dogs tested by IFA wereB. henselaeandB. vinsoniisubsp.berkhoffiiseroreactive, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Dogs were most often infected withB. henselaeorB. vinsoniisubsp.berkhoffiibased on PCR and enrichment culture, coinfection was documented, and variousBartonellaspecies were identified. Most infected dogs did not have detectableBartonellaantibodies.
Concurrent T cell leukaemia and equine multinodular pulmonary fibrosis in a Hanoverian Warmblood mare
Authors: Schwarz B. , Gruber A. , Benetka V. , Rütgen B. , Schwendenwein I. , Leidinger E. , van den Hoven R.
Published: May 2011

Equine multinodular pulmonary fibrosis (EMPF) and primary leukaemia are uncommon diseases in horses. This case report describes a horse with both diseases which might be linked via the equine γ‐herpesvirus EHV‐5. In man Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), also a γ‐herpesvirus, is associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis as is EHV‐5 with EMPF. Furthermore, EBV is also associated with lymphoproliferative disease. Similarly in horses, primary leukaemia might be associated with EHV‐5. This is the first report associating EHV‐5 with primary leukaemia in horses.
Extraperitoneal incisional abscess formation after colic surgery in 3 horses
Authors: Rubio Martínez L. M. , Cribb N. C. , Koenig J. B.
Published: May 2011

In this article we report 3 horses that developed an extraperitoneal abscess after colic surgery at the incision site. All 3 horses presented with nonspecific clinical signs and extraperitoneal abscess was diagnosed from ultrasound evaluations and cytological examination of abscess aspirates. One horse developed dehiscence of the incision after drainage of the abscess through the incision. In 2 cases a small standing paramedian incision was performed through which the abscess was drained and lavaged; complete resolution of the abscess and healing of the incision was achieved in both cases. Extraperitoneal abscess is a previously unreported incisional complication after colic surgery in horses. Early and careful ultrasonographic examination of the abdominal incision is required for diagnosis in cases with nonspecific clinical signs. A paramedian incision through therectus abdominismuscle into the abscess cavity permitted adequate drainage and debridement of the abscess in 2 cases.
Aerodynamics and Heat Transfer for a Cooled One and One-Half Stage High-Pressure Turbine—Part I: Vane Inlet Temperature Profile Generation and Migration
Authors: Mathison R. M. , Haldeman C. W. , Dunn M. G.
Published: May 2011

As controlled laboratory experiments using full-stage turbines are expanded to replicate more of the complicated flow features associated with real engines, it is important to understand the influence of the vane inlet temperature profile on the high-pressure vane and blade heat transfer as well as its interaction with film cooling. The temperature distribution of the incoming fluid governs not only the input conditions to the boundary layer but also the overall fluid migration. Both of these mechanisms have a strong influence on surface heat flux and therefore component life predictions. To better understand the role of the inlet temperature profile, an electrically heated combustor emulator capable of generating uniform, radial, or hot streak temperature profiles at the high-pressure turbine vane inlet has been designed, constructed, and operated over a wide range of conditions. The device is shown to introduce a negligible pressure distortion while generating the inlet temperature conditions for a stage-and-a-half turbine operating at design-corrected conditions. For the measurements described here, the vane is fully cooled and the rotor purge flow is active, but the blades are uncooled. Detailed temperature measurements are obtained at rake locations upstream and downstream of the turbine stage as well as at the leading edge and platform of the blade in order to characterize the inlet temperature profile and its migration. The use of miniature butt-welded thermocouples at the leading edge and on the platform (protruding into the flow) on a rotating blade is a novel method of mapping a temperature profile. These measurements show that the reduction in fluid temperature due to cooling is similar in magnitude for both uniform and radial vane inlet temperature profiles.
Ferrocene and Inconel assisted growth of dense carbon nanotube forests on copper foils
Authors: Atthipalli Gowtam , Epur Rigved , Kumta Prashant N. , Gray Jennifer L.
Published: May 2011

Aligned growth of carbon nanotubes on copper substrates has been achieved using a nickel-based catalyst, Inconel, which is first deposited on the copper foil substrate before the growth of nanotubes via thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD). An additional catalyst, iron, is supplied by mixing ferrocene with the carbon feedstock, xylene, during the CVD growth. For specific ranges of the film thickness, 10–12 nm, and under certain growth conditions, dense, aligned growth of carbon nanotubes is observed. This technique represents a relatively simple process for direct growth of carbon nanotubes on copper substrates without the need for additional barrier layers and plasma-enhanced CVD techniques. Scanning electron microscopy was used to qualitatively evaluate the density of the nanotubes and the tendency to align in a direction perpendicular to the substrates. Transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy were used to examine the structure and quality of the nanotubes, as well as the composition of the catalyst particles.
Fabrication of ordered Au nanodot arrays utilizing anodic aluminum oxide templates formed on Si substrate
Authors: Kwon Namyong , Kim Namkyu , Yeon Jekwan , Yeom Geunyoung , Chung Ilsub
Published: May 2011

The authors have fabricated Au nanodot arrays using anodic aluminum oxide (AAO). Two types of AAO, namely, hexagonal and matrix pores, were used as a template for Au deposition. Au nanodots with a controlled size between 20 and 80 nm were obtained by changing the pore size in the AAO template. AAO templates of 200 nm thick were fabricated using two-step anodization. Al films of 150 nm thick grown on Si (100) substrates were indented using the nanoimprint method prior to the anodization for the matrix array of AAO. In addition, for smaller size pores, neutral beam etching was used to remove the barrier layer. The pore size was extracted from the image analysis to the images obtained by field emission secondary electron microscopy.
Growth and transport studies of BaMn2As2 thin films
Authors: Dung Dang Duc , Feng Wuwei , Cho Sunglae
Published: May 2011

Epitaxial BaMn2As2 thin films were grown on GaAs(001) using molecular beam epitaxy. The samples exhibited temperature-dependent resistivity, a behavior typical of semiconductors. Activation energies for samples grown at 350, 450, and 550 °C were 24.1, 24.3, and 51.9 meV, respectively. Holes are the dominant carrier for the samples grown at 450 and 550 °C, while electrons are the dominant carrier for the sample grown at 350 °C. Negative magnetoresistance was obtained at low temperature and became positive at high temperature, which was attributed to MnAs nanoclusters.
Effects of silicon nitride passivation on isolation-blocking voltage in algan/gan high electron mobility transistors
Authors: Lo Chien-Fong , Kang T. S. , Liu L. , Ren F. , Pearton S. J. , Kim Jinhyung , Jang S. , Laboutin O. , Cao Y. , Johnson J. W.
Published: May 2011

The effects of plasma enhanced vapor deposited silicon nitride (SiNx) passivation layer thickness and the spacing between the contact windows openings in the SiNx layer on the isolation-blocking voltage of nitrogen ion implanted AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors were studied. The isolation-blocking voltage was proportional to the thickness of the SiNx passivation layer. Early breakdown was observed for the samples without thick enough SiNx due to surface breakdown. The device was permanently damaged after the occurrence of this early breakdown. The dependence of the isolation-blocking voltage on the SiNx thickness was also modeled and the general trends of the simulated results were in good agreement with the experiment data. The effect of rf power used for depositing the SiNx layer on the isolation-blocking voltage was also studied. Ion bombardments during the SiNx deposition could cause the reduction of breakdown voltage. By employing optimized SiNx passivation conditions, a saturation drain current and a drain breakdown voltage of 300 mA/mm and 1000 V, respectively, for HEMTs with gate dimension of 1×200 μm2 and gate to drain distance of 37.5 μm were achieved.
Understanding PPAR-γ Action—Just Use Your Brain!
Authors: Evans-Molina Carmella
Published: May 2011

PPAR-γ action in the brain explains thiazolidinedione-related weight gain and is required for thiazolidinedione's effects to improve hepatic insulin sensitivity.
Construction–Deconstruction–Reconstruction
Authors: Skelly Christopher L.
Published: May 2011

Tissue-engineered allogeneic blood vessels have potential in cardiac bypass surgery.
Science Translational Medicine
Podcast: 25 May 2011
Authors: Paul Steven M. , Smith Orla
Published: May 2011

A conversation with Steven M. Paul about a designer therapeutic antibody with potential for treating Alzheimer’s disease.
Diversion of the Immune Response to Neisseria gonorrhoeae from Th17 to Th1/Th2 by Treatment with Anti-Transforming Growth Factor β Antibody Generates Immunological Memory and Protective Immunity
Authors: Liu Yingru , Russell Michael W.
Published: May 2011

The immune response to
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
is poorly understood, but its extensive antigenic variability and resistance to complement are thought to allow it to evade destruction by the host’s immune defenses. We propose that
N. gonorrhoeae
also avoids inducing protective immune responses in the first place. We previously found that
N. gonorrhoeae
induces interleukin-17 (IL-17)-dependent innate responses in mice and suppresses Th1/Th2-dependent adaptive responses in murine cells
in vitro
through the induction of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). In this study using a murine model of vaginal gonococcal infection, mice treated with anti-TGF-β antibody during primary infection showed accelerated clearance of
N. gonorrhoeae
, with incipient development of Th1 and Th2 responses and diminished Th17 responses in genital tract tissue. Upon secondary reinfection, mice that had been treated with anti-TGF-β during primary infection showed anamnestic recall of both Th1 and Th2 responses, with the development of antigonococcal antibodies in sera and secretions, and enhanced resistance to reinfection. In mouse knockout strains defective in Th1 or Th2 responses, accelerated clearance of primary infection due to anti-TGF-β treatment was dependent on Th1 activity but not Th2 activity, whereas resistance to secondary infection resulting from anti-TGF-β treatment during primary infection was due to both Th1- and Th2-dependent memory responses. We propose that
N. gonorrhoeae
proactively elicits Th17-driven innate responses that it can resist and concomitantly suppresses Th1/Th2-driven specific adaptive immunity that would protect the host. Blockade of TGF-β reverses this pattern of host immune responsiveness and facilitates the emergence of protective antigonococcal immunity.

IMPORTANCE
Pathogen-host interactions during infectious disease are conventionally thought of as two-way reactions, that of the host against the pathogen and vice versa, with the outcome dependent on which one ultimately prevails. We propose that
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
, a pathogen that has become extremely well adapted to its exclusive human host, proactively directs the manner in which the host responds in ways that are beneficial to its own survival but detrimental to the host. Gonorrhea is a widely prevalent sexually transmitted infection, and naturally occurring gonococcal strains are becoming resistant to most available antibiotics, yet no effective vaccine has been developed. These new insights into the immune response to
N. gonorrhoeae
should lead to novel therapeutic strategies and facilitate new approaches to vaccine development.
40Ar/39Ar age of the Lonar crater and consequence for the geochronology of planetary impacts
Authors: Jourdan F. , Moynier F. , Koeberl C. , Eroglu S.
Published: May 2011

Asteroid impacts play an important role in the evolution of planetary surfaces. In the inner solar system, the large majority of impacts occur on bodies (e.g., asteroids, the Moon, Mars) covered by primitive igneous rocks. However, most of the impacts recorded on Earth occur on different rock types and are poor proxies for planetary impacts. The Lonar crater is a 1.88-km-diameter, Quaternary age crater (Fig. 1) located on the ca. 66 Ma Deccan basaltic traps in Maharashtra (India), and is one of the very few craters on Earth emplaced directly on basaltic lava flows. We carried out 12 40Ar/39Ar step-heating experiments on 4 melt rock samples in order to (1) obtain a precise age for the Lonar crater; (2) study the response of isotopic chronometers during impacts on mafic target rocks; and (3) better understand the dating of extraterrestrial impact craters. We obtained 10 plateau and 9 inverse isochron ages on various aliquots. Combination of selected data into a global inverse isochron yielded an age of 570 ± 47 ka (MSWD = 1.1; P = 0.24). In comparison, previous nonisotopic investigations on rocks thought to be affected by secondary processes yielded a range of much younger ages (ca. 12–62 ka). The measured 40Ar/36Ar trapped values offer a direct comparison with the atmospheric benchmark value and allow us to test the inherited 40Ar* degassing capacity of basaltic impact melt rocks. The 40Ar/36Ar ratio of 296.5 ± 1.7 is indistinguishable from the atmospheric composition and suggests that inherited 40Ar* is absent from the melt rock. This result substantiates diffusion models that predict a near-complete degassing of low-viscosity melt (e.g., basalts) during impact, and demonstrates for the first time that inherited 40Ar* is less problematic for 40Ar/39Ar dating of impact events in basaltic igneous rocks compared to Si-rich rocks. These results provide direct evidence that basaltic melt rocks are excellent candidates for recording the timing of planetary impact events and, as far as dating is concerned, should be the preferred targets of sample recovery by future missions.
Whole-edifice ice volume change A.D. 1970 to 2007/2008 at Mount Rainier, Washington, based on LiDAR surveying
Authors: Sisson T.W. , Robinson J.E. , Swinney D.D.
Published: May 2011

Net changes in thickness and volume of glacial ice and perennial snow at Mount Rainier, Washington State, have been mapped over the entire edifice by differencing between a high-resolution LiDAR (light detection and ranging) topographic survey of September–October 2007/2008 and the 10 m lateral resolution U.S. Geological Survey digital elevation model derived from September 1970 aerial photography. Excepting the large Emmons and Winthrop Glaciers, all of Mount Rainier's glaciers thinned and retreated in their terminal regions, with substantial thinning mainly at elevations <2000 m and the greatest thinning on south-facing glaciers. Mount Rainier's glaciers and snowfields also lost volume over the interval, excepting the east-flank Fryingpan and Emmons Glaciers and minor near-summit snowfields; maximum volume losses were centered from ∼1750 m (north flank) to ∼2250 m (south flank) elevation. The greatest single volume loss was from the Carbon Glacier, despite its northward aspect, due to its sizeable area at <2000 m elevation. Overall, Mount Rainier lost ∼14 vol% glacial ice and perennial snow over the 37 to 38 yr interval between surveys. Enhanced thinning of south-flank glaciers may be meltback from the high snowfall period of the mid-1940s to mid-1970s associated with the cool phase of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation.
Evolution of a Pharaonic harbor on the Red Sea: Implications for coastal response to changes in sea level and climate
Authors: Hein Christopher J. , FitzGerald Duncan M. , Milne Glenn A. , Bard Kathryn , Fattovich Rodolfo
Published: May 2011

The evolution of coastal systems during the Holocene resulted from complex interactions and temporal shifts in the relative contribution of sea-level changes, climate change, and sedimentary processes. Along the Red Sea Coast, a 0.5–2 m highstand of sea level at 5 ka can be directly attributed to far-field effects resulting from the reduction in land ice following the last glacial maximum. At the ancient Egyptian harbor of Mersa/Wadi Gawasis, the site of the world's oldest archaeological evidence of long-distance seafaring, stratigraphic and geomorphologic evidence has been identified for this highstand. Here, wadi sediment input, enhanced by a period of wetter climate of the African Humid Period (early to mid- Holocene), forced the closure of coastal embayments, despite ongoing, relatively rapid sea-level rise. A stable, shallow bay persisted at Mersa/Wadi Gawasis as a result of coincidental aridization and a highstand of sea level during the mid-Holocene. This bay served as the primary harbor for ancient Egyptian trade along the Red Sea coast. During the late Holocene, shoreline progradation was dominated by sea-level fall, driven by isostatic processes. These results demonstrate the interplay of various global (sea level), regional (climate, sea level), and local (sedimentation, bathymetry) controls on the coastal evolution of the Red Sea and how these controls dictated the response of a complex civilization. Furthermore, they highlight the crucial role played by sedimentation in governing coastal response to changing sea levels.
Diamond and coesite discovered in Saxony-type granulite: Solution to the Variscan garnet peridotite enigma
Authors: Kotková Jana , O'Brien Patrick J. , Ziemann Martin A.
Published: May 2011

The pressures required for diamond and coesite formation far exceed conditions reached by even the deepest present-day orogenic crustal roots. Therefore the occurrence of metamorphosed continental crust containing these minerals requires processes other than crustal thickening to have operated in the past. Here we report the first in situ finding of diamond and coesite, characterized by micro-Raman spectroscopy, in high-pressure granulites otherwise indistinguishable from granulites found associated with garnet peridotite throughout the European Variscides. Our discovery confirms the provenance of Europe's first reliable diamond, the “Bohemian diamond,” found in A.D. 1870, and also represents the first robust evidence for ultrahigh-pressure conditions in a major Variscan crustal rock type. A process of deep continental subduction is required to explain the metamorphic pressures and the granulite–garnet peridotite association, and thus tectonometamorphic models for these rocks involving a deep orogenic crustal root need to be significantly modified.
Major oceanic redox condition change correlated with the rebound of marine animal diversity during the Late Ordovician
Authors: Zhang Tonggang , Trela Wieslaw , Jiang Shao-Yong , Nielsen Jesper K. , Shen Yanan
Published: May 2011

To understand probable influences of environmental changes on the decrease and rebound of biodiversity during the Late Ordovician, a detailed analysis of total organic carbon (TOC), pyrite, V/(V + Ni) ratios, and S isotopic compositions of pyrite in the Late Ordovician sediments from Poland was performed. The significant enrichments of TOC and pyrite as well as high V/(V + Ni) ratios (>0.6) for the Jeleniów Formation of the latest Darriwilian to middle Katian Stages provide evidence for predominant anoxic bottom-water conditions. In contrast, low TOC and pyrite as well as low V/(V + Ni) ratios for the Wólka Formation of late Katian age indicate oxic depositional conditions. The S isotopic data are consistent with the interpretations of oceanic redox conditions based on multiple proxies for paleoredox. The results from the Baltica area reveal a major oceanic redox condition change during the late Katian and suggest that oceanic oxygenation may have contributed to the rebound of marine animal diversity during the Late Ordovician.
Estimating surface roughness of terrestrial laser scan data using orthogonal distance regression
Authors: Pollyea Ryan M. , Fairley Jerry P.
Published: May 2011

With the increasing accessibility of terrestrial light detection and ranging scanners (LiDAR), generating tools to elicit meaningful information from high-density point cloud data has become of paramount importance. Surface roughness is one metric that has gained popularity, largely due to the accuracy and density of LiDAR-derived point cloud data. Surface roughness is typically defined as a spread of point distances from a reference datum, the standard deviation of point distances from a model surface being a commonly employed model. Unfortunately, a recent literature review has found that existing surface roughness models are far from standardized and may be prone to error resulting from underlying surface topography. In the research presented here, we develop a surface roughness model that is robust to underlying topographic variability by segmenting the point cloud with a three-dimensional regular grid, establishing local (grid cell) reference planes by orthogonal distance regression, and estimating the surface roughness of each grid cell as the standard deviation of orthogonal point-to-plane distances. This surface roughness model is employed to identify fracture and rubble zone distributions within a terrestrial LiDAR scan from a basalt outcrop in southeast Idaho, and the results are compared to a more common model based on ordinary least-squares plane fitting. Results indicate that the orthogonal regression model is robust to outcrop orientation and that the ordinary least-squares model systematically overestimates surface roughness by contaminating estimates with spatially correlated errors that increase with decreasing grid size.
Column collapse and generation of pyroclastic density currents during the A.D. 79 eruption of Vesuvius: The role of pyroclast density
Authors: Shea Thomas , Gurioli Lucia , Houghton Bruce F. , Cioni Raffaello , Cashman Katharine V.
Published: May 2011

The Plinian columns formed during the magmatic phase of the A.D. 79 eruption of Vesuvius alternated several times between fully stable, buoyantly rising regimes and unstable regimes of partial or total collapse. Six pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) were produced during unstable regimes, and ultimately caused the destruction of Roman towns around the volcano. Through new measurements of juvenile clast density and estimations of ascent parameters, we show that four partial collapses were likely triggered by increases in the abundance of dense juvenile clasts within the eruptive column. In contrast, the total collapse probably occurred in response to an increase in the wall-rock content injected into the plume during a progressive widening of the conduit. A sixth low-energy, small collapse resulted from high abundances in both dense juvenile clasts and wall-rock material. Simulations of eruption column behavior already account for the effects of variations in conduit radius, mass discharge rate, and particle size, but have yet to include variable clast density and wall-rock abundance that cause temporal variations in plume density. Our results suggest that both parameters can exert a significant control on the potential for generation of PDCs.
Geological record of ice shelf break-up and grounding line retreat, Pine Island Bay, West Antarctica
Authors: Jakobsson Martin , Anderson John B. , Nitsche Frank O. , Dowdeswell Julian A. , Gyllencreutz Richard , Kirchner Nina , Mohammad Rezwan , O'Regan Matthew , Alley Richard B. , Anandakrishnan Sridhar , Eriksson Björn , Kirshner Alexandra , Fernandez Rodrigo , Stolldorf Travis , Totten Rebecca , Majewski Wojciech
Published: May 2011

The catastrophic break-ups of the floating Larsen A and B ice shelves (Antarctica) in 1995 and 2002 and associated acceleration of glaciers that flowed into these ice shelves were among the most dramatic glaciological events observed in historical time. This raises a question about the larger West Antarctic ice shelves. Do these shelves, with their much greater glacial discharge, have a history of collapse? Here we describe features from the seafloor in Pine Island Bay, West Antarctica, which we interpret as having been formed during a massive ice shelf break-up and associated grounding line retreat. This evidence exists in the form of seafloor landforms that we argue were produced daily as a consequence of tidally influenced motion of mega-icebergs maintained upright in an iceberg armada produced from the disintegrating ice shelf and retreating grounding line. The break-up occurred prior to ca. 12 ka and was likely a response to rapid sea-level rise or ocean warming at that time.
Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis in bioaerosols after depopulation and cleaning of two cattle barns
Authors: Eisenberg S. , Nielen M. , Hoeboer J. , Bouman M. , Heederik D. , Koets A.
Published: May 2011

Settled dust samples were collected on a commercial dairy farm in the Netherlands with a high prevalence of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) (barn A) and on a Dutch experimental cattle farm (barn B) stocked with cattle confirmed to be MAP shedders. Barns were sampled while animals were present, after both barns were destocked and cleaned by cold high‐pressure cleaning, and after being kept empty for two weeks (barn A) or after additional disinfection (barn B). MAP DNA was detected by IS900 real‐time PCR and viable MAP were detected by liquid culture. MAP DNA was detected in 78 per cent of samples from barn A and 86 per cent of samples from barn B collected while animals were still present. Viable MAP was detected in six of nine samples from barn A and in three of seven samples from barn B. After cold high‐pressure cleaning, viable MAP could be detected in only two samples from each barn. After leaving barn A empty for two weeks, and following additional disinfection of barn B, no viable MAP could be detected in any settled dust sample.
FUSION OF 6He+238U SYSTEM: HALO AND BREAKUP EFFECTS
Authors: DUHAN SUKHVINDER S. , SINGH MANJEET , KHARAB RAJESH , SHARMA H. C.
Published: May 2011

We have studied the role of spatial extension (Halo structure) of 6 He and that of breakup reaction channel in the fusion of 6 He +238 U system. The breakup channel effects are taken into account within the framework of the dynamic polarisation potential approach. It has been found that the fusion cross section enhances due to the static effects of spatial extension of the projectile in the entire energy region. The breakup effects, however, results in the above barrier suppression and below barrier small enhancement in the fusion cross section. The matching between the data and the predictions improves significantly by the inclusion of both static and breakup effects.