bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Note: New feedthrough insulation method for the dielectric spectroscopy under ultrahigh pressure conditions
Authors: Mierzwa Michal , Pawlus Sebastian , Paluch Marian , Zioło Jerzy , Szulc Andrzej
Published: June 2010

We present a new technique to prepare insulated channels for the high pressure cell used in broadband dielectric spectroscopy. The cell resists corrosion or other chemical reactions from the reactive sample liquids. The cell maintains electrical insulation between electrode contacts better than 100 GΩ as well as good mechanical properties in broad temperature range of −80to+100 °C and under extremely high pressures up to 1.8 GPa.
Correction of the viscous drag induced errors in macromolecular manipulation experiments using atomic force microscope
Authors: Liu Runcong , Roman Marisa , Yang Guoliang
Published: June 2010

We describe a method to correct the errors induced by viscous drag on the cantilever in macromolecular manipulation experiments using the atomic force microscope. The cantilever experiences a viscous drag force in these experiments because of its motion relative to the surrounding liquid. This viscous force superimposes onto the force generated by the macromolecule under study, causing ambiguity in the experimental data. To remove this artifact, we analyzed the motions of the cantilever and the liquid in macromolecular manipulation experiments, and developed a novel model to treat the viscous drag on the cantilever as the superposition of the viscous force on a static cantilever in a moving liquid and that on a bending cantilever in a static liquid. The viscous force was measured under both conditions and the results were used to correct the viscous drag induced errors from the experimental data. The method will be useful for many other cantilever based techniques, especially when high viscosity and high cantilever speed are involved.
On the feasibility of neurocurrent imaging by low-field nuclear magnetic resonance
Authors: Burghoff Martin , Albrecht Hans-Helge , Hartwig Stefan , Hilschenz Ingo , Körber Rainer , Höfner Nora , Scheer Hans-Jürgen , Voigt Jens , Trahms Lutz , Curio Gabriel
Published: June 2010

We describe a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer operating at 20 μT with a frequency resolution of 2 mHz to determine the intrinsic linewidth of the proton resonance in the human brain to be about 3 Hz. Using the same system we measured a biomagnetic field of 0.5 to 1 pT amplitude, which was generated by sustained brain activity evoked during repetitive median nerve stimulation. From these data, the effect of neuronal currents on the proton NMR signal was estimated. We conclude that neuronal currents may cause a measurable shift of the proton NMR line of brain tissue in low-fields.
Directed rebounding of droplets by microscale surface roughness gradients
Authors: Malouin Bernard A. , Koratkar Nikhil A. , Hirsa Amir H. , Wang Zuankai
Published: June 2010

Impact dynamics of water droplets on superhydrophobic surfaces with different textures are known to vary dramatically, from total rebounding to complete sticking. Here we show that droplet rebounding on textured surfaces can be significantly influenced by the uniformity of the surface roughness. By engineering nonuniform textures (i.e., roughness gradients) on the surface, we are able to not only manipulate the axial rebound of the droplet, but also introduce a prescribed lateral component to the rebound trajectory. The measured directed rebounding is shown to fit a simple model balancing droplet inertia against the Young’s force imbalance from side to side.
Reduction of the transverse effective charge of optical phonons in ZnO under pressure
Authors: Reparaz J. S. , Muniz L. R. , Wagner M. R. , Goñi A. R. , Alonso M. I. , Hoffmann A. , Meyer B. K.
Published: June 2010

From Raman scattering on a-plane wurtzite ZnO crystals we obtained a decreasing splitting between longitudinal and transversal optical phonons with A1 and E1 symmetry as a function of hydrostatic pressure up to 5.5 GPa. Consequently, the transverse effective charge (eT∗) exhibits a strong reduction with increasing pressure, yielding 2.17–14.6×10−3 P/GPa and 2.04–13.7×10−3 P/GPa (in units of the elementary charge) for the A1 and E1 phonons, respectively. We find a clear systematic in the linear pressure coefficient of eT∗ with bond polarity for the series of wide-band gap semiconductors SiC, AlN, GaN, and ZnO.
Microstructure of gallium nitride films grown on silicon (110)
Authors: Ruiz-Zepeda F. , Contreras O. , Dadgar A. , Krost A.
Published: June 2010

The microstructure of GaN layers grown on Si(110) is studied by transmission electron microscopy. The GaN layers were grown by metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy using low-temperature AlN interlayers and a high-temperature AlN seed layer. Anisotropic misfit strain originating at the AlN/Si(110) interface is notably reflected in the microstructure of the GaN layers. The stress produced in GaN/Si(110) films is relieved by bending of edge type threading dislocations over the basal plane, generating horizontal segments aligned all along the closely lattice matched direction [11¯00]. It is proposed that the horizontal defects are generated by a driven force with glide- and climb-components manifested on some of the prismatic slip planes of GaN. The general mechanism of the change in the propagation direction of dislocations is discussed.
Enhancing optical switching with coherent control
Authors: Sandhu Sunil , Povinelli Michelle L. , Fan Shanhui
Published: June 2010

We show that coherent control can enhance the peak pulse energy coupled into a photonic crystal (PC) resonator system. We then demonstrate two applications of this coherent control technique in a bistable PC device, namely, the reduction in input power required to switch between its bistable states and the use of phase switching to switch between its bistable states.
The activity and osmotic coefficients of aqueous calcium chloride at 298.15 K
Authors: Staples Bert R. , Nuttall Ralph L.
Published: June 2010

A critical evaluation of the mean activity, γ., and osmotic coefficients, γ±, and osmotic coefficients, ∮, of aqueous calcium chloride at 298.15 K is presented for the concentration range of 0 to 10 mol⋅kg−1. Osmotic coefficients were calculated from direct vapor pressure measurements, from isopiestic measurements or from freezing point depression measurements. Activity coefficients were calculated from electro-motive force measurements of galvanic cells, both without liquid-junction and with transference, and from diffusion data. A non-linear least-squares program was used to fit data from all sources using both ∮ and in γ± as a function of molality. An eight-parameter extended Debye-Huckel equation describes the osmotic coefficient, the mean activity coefficient, and the excess free energy as a function of molality. The scientific literature has been covered through July 1976.
NMR spectral data: A compilation of aromatic proton chemical shifts in mono- and di-substituted benzenes
Authors: Shapiro B. L. , Mohrmann L. E.
Published: June 2010

NMR chemical shifts for protons directly attached to mono- and di-substituted benzenes are compiled from the literature. Data for 1053 sets of data are presented. The data have been examined for reliability using criteria which include high spectral quality, rigorous experimental technique, and sufficient description in assure correct interpretation of results. The data, presented in tabular form include compound name and formula, solvent employed, concentration, temperature, chemical shift, and observation frequency. Other NMR-related data are not given. An author index is included. The data and references cover the literature to June 1976.
Energy levels of vanadium, V I through V XXIII
Authors: Sugar Jack , Corliss Charles
Published: June 2010

The energy levels of the vanadium atom in all of its stages of ionization, as derived from the analyses of atomic spectra, have been critically compiled. In cases where only line classifications are given in the literature, level values have been derived. The percentages for the two leading components of the calculated eigenvectors of the levels are given where available. Ionization energies and experimental g-values are also given.
Thermal conductivity of ten selected binary alloy systems
Authors: Ho C. Y. , Ackerman M. W. , Wu K. Y. , Oh S. G. , Havill T. N.
Published: June 2010

This work reviews and discuss the available data and information on the thermal conductivity of ten selected binary alloy systems and presents the recommended values resulting from critical evaluation, analysis, and synthesis of the available data. The ten binary alloy systems selected are the systems of aluminum-copper, aluminum-magnesium, copper-gold, copper-nickel, copper-palladium; copper-zinc, gold-palladium, gold-silver, iron-nickel, and silver-palladium. The recommended values given include values of the total thermal conductivity, electronic thermal conductivity, and lattice thermal conductivity. The uncertainty of the values is generally of the order of ±10%. The values for each of the alloy systems except two are given for 25 alloy compositions: 0.5, 1, 3, 5, 10(5)95,97,99, and 99.5%. For most of the alloy compositions, the values cover the temperature range from 4 K to the solidus temperature or 1200 K. In addition, reliable methods for the estimation of the electronic and lattice thermal conductivities of alloys have been developed in this study.
Ideal gas thermodynamic properties of CH4−(a+b+c+d)FaClbBrcId Halomethanes
Authors: Kudchadker Shanti A. , Kudchadker Arvind P.
Published: June 2010

The available molecular parameters, fundamental frequencies, and enthalpies of formation at 298.15K (ΔHf ° (298) for halomethanes of the type CH4−(a+b+c+d)FaClbBrcId have been critically evaluated and recommended values selected. Molecular parameters and ΔHf ° (298) for some halomethanes have been estimated as the experimental values for these compounds are not available. This information has been utilized to calculate the ideal gas thermodynamic properties Cp°, S°, H°−H°0,−(G°−H0°)/T, ΔHf °, ΔGf °, and logKf from 0 to 1500 K and at a pressure of one atmosphere using the rigid rotor-harmonic oscillator approximation for the following compounds: CH2FBr, CH2ClBr, CH2CH, CH2BrI, CHF2Br, CHFClBr, CHFBr2, CHCl2Br, CHClBr2, CF3Br, CF3I, CF2ClBr, CF2Br2, , CF2I2, CFCl2Br, CFClBr2, CFBr3, CCl2Br, CCl3I, CCl2Br2, CClBr3.
Microwave spectra of molecules of astrophysical interest. XVI. Methyl formate
Authors: Bauder A.
Published: June 2010

The microwave spectrum of methyl formate is critically reviewed for information applicable to radio astronomy. The review is based on new laboratory measurements in the frequency range from 8 GHz to 58 GHz. Molecular data such as the derived rotational constants, centrifugal distortion parameters, internal rotation parameters, electric dipole moment and molecular structure are tabulated. Since the primary objective is to provide microwave spectral transitions applicable to radio astronomy observations, the review encompasses only the ground state rotational spectrum of the most abundant isotopic form of methyl formate, H12C16O2CH3. While all measured transitions are included, the predicted transitions were limited to J?12 in the range of 900 MHz to 250 GHz.
Energy levels of calcium, Ca I through Ca XX
Authors: Sugar Jack , Corliss Charles
Published: June 2010

The energy levels of the calcium atom in all of its stages of ionization, as derived from the analyses of atomic spectra, have been critically compiled. In cases where only line classifications are reported in the literature, level values have been derived. Electron configurations, term designations, J-values, experimental g-values, and ionization energies are included. Calculated percentages of the two leading components of the eigenvectors of the levels are given.
Energy levels of magnesium, Mg I through Mg XII
Authors: Martin W. C. , Zalubas Romuald
Published: June 2010

Energy level data are given for the atom and all positive ions of magnesium (Z=12). These data have been critically compiled, mainly from published material on measurements and analyses of the optical spectra. We have derived or recalculated the levels for a number of the ions. In addition to the level value in cm−1 and the parity, the J value and the configuration and term assignments are listed if known. Leading percentages from the calculated eigenvectors are tabulated wherever available. Ionization energies are given for all spectra.
Energy levels of scandium, Sc i through Sc x
x
i
Authors: Sugar Jack , Corliss Charles
Published: June 2010

The energy levels of the scandium atom in all of its stages of ionization, as derived from the analyses of atomic spectra, have been critically compiled. In cases where only line classifications are reported in the literature, level values have been derived. Electron configurations, term designations, J-values, experimental g-values, and ionization energies are included. Calculated percentages of the two leading components of the eigenvectors of the levels are given, where available.
Refractive index of silicon and germanium and its wavelength and temperature derivatives
Authors: Li H. H.
Published: June 2010

Refractive index data for silicon and germanium were searched, compiled, and analyzed. Recommended values of refractive index for the transparent spectral region were generated in the ranges 1.2 to 14 μm and 100–740 K for silicon, and 1.9 to 16 μm and 100–550 K for germanium. Generation of these values was based on a dispersion equation which best fits selected data sets covering wide temperature and wavelength ranges. Temperature derivative of refractive index was simply calculated from the first derivative of the equation with respect to temperature. The results are in concordance with the existing dn/dT data.
The Anglo-Leasing corruption scandal in Kenya: the politics of international and domestic pressures and counter-pressures
Authors: Bachelard Jérôme
                      Y.
Published: June 2010

Mwai Kibaki's election in 2002 raised enormous hopes: after 24 years' repressive and corrupt rule by his predecessor Daniel Arap Moi, an apparently reformist opposition leader had been democratically elected president. The fight against corruption stood high among his electoral promises. Unfortunately, a year and a half after his election, the enormous Anglo-Leasing corruption scandal, and Kibaki's failure to prosecute the ministers involved, marked the end of the anti-corruption war. Building on existing Kenyan literature and international relations scholarship on transnational advocacy networks, this article systematically analyses the impact of both international and domestic pressures exerted on Kibaki to fight corruption. It confirms that this combination of pressures explains Kibaki's initial dismissal of the ministers involved. However, analysis of the ‘counter-pressures’ is also necessary to understand the crisis in all its complexity. Desperately seeking electoral support for the 2007 election, Kibaki acquiesced to ethnically based counter-pressures exerted by the dismissed ministers, and reinstated them.
Comments on Reviewing Adolescent Literacy Reports: Key Components and Critical Questions
Authors: Moje Elizabeth Birr
Published: June 2010

I will begin my comments on Reviewing Adolescent Literacy Reports: Key Components and Critical Questions by commending the authors for taking on this rather massive project. The project required not only locating and reading the many lengthy reports that exist on adolescent literacy but also sifting through the numerous claims, ideas, and suggestions in each report to offer an analysis of dominant themes. Faggella-Luby, Ware, and Capozzoli discerned a two-pronged focus on (a) improving teaching and assessment practices, and (b) changing infrastructures of secondary schooling to support those practices. I concur with their analysis. The reports I have read and the panels on which I have served tend to acknowledge the critical need to change not only practice inside the classroom but also the structures that support and constrain excellent teaching and assessment practice. That is a good thing; it is wise of policy makers, researchers, administrators, and teachers to think in terms of both practice and structure. I suggest, however, that two additional dimensions must be considered if educators are to make change in secondary school literacy teaching and adolescent literacy learning: 1) history, and 2) the role of social and cultural norms and practices in changing practice and structure.
Optically stimulated phosphorescence in quartz over the millisecond to second time scale: insights into the role of shallow traps in delaying luminescent recombination
Authors: Ankjærgaard C , Jain M
Published: June 2010

Time-resolved optically stimulated luminescence (TR-OSL) curves from quartz are usually measured over a few hundred microseconds because this time range best illustrates the main component in quartz which lies in the range 30–45 µs. In this study we present the decay form of quartz TR-OSL and optically stimulated phosphorescence (OSP) covering over 8 orders of magnitude from 50 ns to ∼8 s. A detailed characterization of the previously unstudied slowly decaying signals (millisecond–second time scales) is undertaken to understand the origin of these components and the role of re-trapping following optical stimulation. We present preheat and stimulation temperature dependence for both the TR-OSL and OSP curves in these time ranges and use the latter data to determine the E and s values for the participating shallow traps. We observe an abnormal decay behaviour seen as a sudden increase in the decay rate (a ‘kink’) conspicuous at about 2–3 s in the OSP curves measured at 75 and 100 °C. We satisfactorily reproduce this behaviour with a numerically solved kinetic model consisting of four energy levels. The physical interpretation of the kinetic rate equations is discussed in terms of a three trap–one centre model or a one trap–two centres model involving localized charge transfer.
Conceptual analysis of a tokamak reactor with lithium dust jet
Authors: Kuteev B.V. , Sergeev V.Yu. , Krylov S.V. , Skokov V.G. , Timokhin V.M.
Published: June 2010

The steady-state operation of tokamak reactors requires radiating a substantial part of the fusion energy dissipated in plasma to make more uniform the heat loads onto the first wall and to reduce the erosion of the divertor plates. One of the approaches to realize this goal uses injection of lithium dust jet into the scrape-off layer (SOL). A quantitative conceptual analysis of the reactor parameters with lithium dust jet injection is presented here. The effects of the lithium on the core and SOL plasma are considered. The first results of developing the lithium jet injection technology and its application to the T-10 tokamak are also presented.
Age validation in common octopus Octopus vulgaris using stylet increment analysis
Authors: Hermosilla Consuelo A. , Rocha Francisco , Fiorito Graziano , González Ángel F. , Guerra Ángel
Published: June 2010

Hermosilla, C. A., Rocha, F., Fiorito, G., González, Á. F., and Guerra, Á. 2010. Age validation in common octopus Octopus vulgaris using stylet increment analysis. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 67: 1458–1463. Daily periodicity of growth increments in stylets was validated in wild-caught Octopus vulgaris maintained under controlled conditions. It was corroborated by staining the stylets either with oxytetracycline (OTC) or tetracycline (TC), and comparing the number of rings produced with the number of days elapsed. In all, 19 animals (10 males and 9 females; 680–1470 g body weight, BW) were injected with OTC in Vigo (mean 124 mg kg−1), and another six animals (1 male and 5 females; 248–570 g BW) with TC at Naples (mean 120 mg kg−1). The animals were successfully maintained in captivity until sacrificed for up to 6 (one animal), 9 (one animal), 18 (the six animals from Naples), and 21 (17 animals) days. The number of increments counted in transverse stylet sections was 18.9 ± 1.4 and 20.5 ± 1.5 for octopuses maintained for 18 and 21 d, respectively. The mean rate of increment formation was 1.02 increments per day, suggesting a periodicity of 1 increment per day in the stylet. Consequently, the results successfully validate daily increment deposition in O. vulgaris stylets in the size range analysed.
Physicochemical and Pharmaceutical Properties of Cross‐Linked Carboxymethyl Rice Starch Prepared by a Simultaneous Dual Reaction
Authors: Kittipongpatana Ornanong S. , Chaitep Waree , Kittipongpatana Nisit
Published: June 2010

Cross‐linked carboxymethyl rice starches (CL‐CMRS) were prepared from reactions between a native Klong Luang 1 (KL1) rice starch and varied concentrations (2.5–15% w/w) of sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP) in simultaneous carboxymethylation and cross‐linking reactions set up using methanol as a solvent. Physicochemical as well as pharmaceutical properties of CL‐CMRS were evaluated in relation to the amount of STMP used and the degree of cross‐linking (DCx). At a low DCx, the viscosity of CMRS solution was enhanced through the formation of cross‐linked polymeric network and chain entanglement. At higher concentrations in the preparation reaction, STMP caused proportional decreases in the water solubility and ≤70‐fold of the solution viscosity, but promoted swelling and water uptake of the modified starches. Rheological behavior of the nonsoluble but swellable CL‐CMRS was similar to that of commercial superdisintegrants sodium starch glycolate (SSG), and cross‐carmellose sodium (CCS). The swelling and water uptake of CL‐CMRS were 5–7 and 6–25 times higher, respectively, than that of the native starch. Disintegration test of tablets containing 1 and 3% w/w of native and modified rice starches showed that M‐KL1‐5 and M‐KL1‐10 could be developed as tablet disintegrants.
Albumin Significantly Affects Pasting and Textural Characteristics of Rice Flour
Authors: Baxter Graeme , Zhao Jian , Blanchard Christopher
Published: June 2010

The influence of albumin on the pasting and rheological properties of rice flour was investigated. Albumin was removed from the flour of three rice cultivars (Amaroo, Opus, and Langi) by water extraction and the pasting profile of the albumin‐depleted flour was analyzed using the Rapid ViscoAnalyser (RVA). Removal of albumin resulted in a significant (P < 0.5) decline in all the pasting parameters measured. When the extracted albumin was added to pure rice starch, exactly opposite trends occurred. The concentration of albumin in rice starch had a positive linear relationship with all pasting parameters measured. When the gels formed after RVA analyses were analyzed using the TA‐TX2 texture analyzer, the concentration of albumin had a positive linear relationship with hardness, but a near linear negative relationship with adhesiveness. The presence of albumin in rice starch slowed the uptake of water by starch in the initial stages of cooking, but the water uptake accelerated in later stages, and the final water absorption was higher in the samples containing albumin than in pure starch. The water‐soluble nature of albumin suggests that protein‐water‐starch interactions could be responsible for its effect on the physical properties of rice.
Is there a need for a ‘100 questions exercise’ to enhance fisheries and aquatic conservation, policy, management and research? Lessons from a global 100 questions exercise on conservation of biodiversity
Authors: Cooke S. J. , Danylchuk A. J. , Kaiser M. J. , Rudd M. A.
Published: June 2010

Recent global and regional exercises have been undertaken to identify 100 questions of relevance to policy makers that, if answered, would improve decision making and conservation actions. These were intentionally broad, but all included themes and questions of relevance to aquatic and fisheries professionals (e.g. exploitation, habitat alteration, effectiveness of protected areas, migratory connectivity and environmental effects of aquaculture). Here, the content of the global 100 question exercise relevant to aquatic and fisheries issues is summarized and a critical analysis is provided. Many of the questions addressed in apparently unrelated themes and topics (e.g. terrestrial, agriculture and energy policy) have potential relevance to fisheries and aquatic habitats, which underlines the connectivity between terrestrial and aquatic realms. Given the intimate link between aquatic environmental problems and human activities (including culture and economics), greater understanding of the human dimension is required to inform decision making. Stakeholder perspectives need to be included as a core component of the fisheries management triangle (i.e. managing fish, habitat and people). The benefits and risks of conducting a global 100 questions exercise with an exclusive focus on questions of relevance to fisheries and aquatic practitioners are also considered. There is no question that evidence‐based approaches to conservation are essential for addressing the many threats that face aquatic ecosystems and reverse the imperilment trends among ichthyofauna. It is still unclear, however, as to the extent to which 100 questions exercises will help to achieve conservation and management targets for aquatic resources. A global 100 questions exercise that focused on fisheries and aquatic issues would certainly help to generate interest and awareness sufficient to justify such an exercise.
Transforming growth factor beta 1 plays an important role in inducing CD4+CD25+forhead box P3+ regulatory T cells by mast cells
Authors: Zhang W , Wu K , He W , Gao Y , Huang W , Lin X , Cai L , Fang Z , Zhou Q , Luo Z , Chen Z K , Zhou H
Published: June 2010

The role of mast cells (MCs) in the generation of adaptive immune responses especially in the transplant immune responses is far from being resolved. It is reported that mast cells are essential intermediaries in regulatory T cell (Treg) transplant tolerance, but the mechanism has not been clarified. To investigate whether bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) can induce Tregs by expressing transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) in vitro, bone marrow cells obtained from C57BL/6 (H-2b) mice were cultured with interleukin (IL)-3 (10 ng/ml) and stem cell factor (SCF) (10 ng/ml) for 4 weeks. The purity of BMMCs was measured by flow cytometry. The BMMCs were then co-cultured with C57BL/6 T cells at ratios of 1:2, 1:1 and 2:1. Anti-CD3, anti-CD28 and IL-2 were administered into the co-culture system with (experiment groups) or without (control groups) TGF-β1 neutralizing antibody. The percentages of CD4+CD25+forkhead box P3 (FoxP3)+ Tregs in the co-cultured system were analysed by flow cytometry on day 5. The Treg percentages were significantly higher in all the experiment groups compared to the control groups. These changes were deduced by applying TGF-β1 neutralizing antibody into the co-culture system. Our results indicated that the CD4+ T cells can be induced into CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T cells by BMMCs via TGF-β1.
Fine‐scale movements of the swordfish Xiphias gladius in the Southern California Bight
Authors: SEPULVEDA CHUGEY A. , KNIGHT ASHLEY , NASBY‐LUCAS NICOLE , DOMEIER MICHAEL L.
Published: June 2010

This study reports on the fine‐scale movements of swordfish (Xiphias gladius) outfitted with pop‐off satellite archival transmitters (PSATs) in the Southern California Bight (SCB). PSATs were deployed on basking swordfish using traditional harpoon methods from 2004 to 2006. Transmitters were programmed for short‐term deployment (2–90 days) and re‐acquired using a signal direction finder. High‐resolution (min−1) depth and temperature data from nine swordfish (approximately 45–120 kg) were collected (>193 days). All swordfish displayed diurnal vertical movements similar to those reported for other geographic locations. The dominant diurnal movement pattern entailed swordfish remaining below the thermocline (>68 ± 15 m) during the day and near the surface, within the upper‐mixed layer, at night. Collectively, the average daytime depth (±SE) was 273 ± 11 m and the average night depth 31 ± 5 m. Three distinct vertical behaviors were recorded: 35% of the records following a strict diurnal pattern, with the entire day below the thermocline and the entire night near the surface; 52% of the records revealed routine surface‐basking events during the day, with an otherwise similar distribution at night; and 13% of the records exhibited surface‐oriented activity during the day and night. Surface basking (<3 m during the day) was recorded for eight individuals and occurred on 131 of the 193 days (68% of the dataset). Collectively, surface basking accounted for 8% of the total daytime records. The relevance of these vertical behaviors to SCB fisheries is discussed.
Habitat use of cownose rays (Rhinoptera bonasus) in a highly productive, hypoxic continental shelf ecosystem
Authors: CRAIG J. K. , GILLIKIN P. C. , MAGELNICKI M. A. , MAY L. N.
Published: June 2010

Highly productive surface waters and hypoxic (dissolved oxygen, DO ≤ 2.0 mg L−1) bottom waters develop seasonally on the northwestern Gulf of Mexico continental shelf due to nutrient and freshwater inputs from the Mississippi‐Atchafalaya River system. We investigated the spatial distribution of the cownose ray (Rhinoptera bonasus), a highly mobile, bentho‐pelagic species that is a seasonal resident of the shelf, in relation to surface chlorophyll, bottom‐water hypoxia, and other environmental variables (salinity, temperature, depth). We used synoptic trawl and aerial surveys to investigate ray distributions at both shelfwide (100–1000s km) and local (5–50 km) spatial scales. Shelfwide sampling indicated that rays were associated with regions of high surface chlorophyll and low bottom salinity and DO, conditions characterizing the Mississippi‐Atchafalaya plume region. Local sampling in and around the hypoxic zone indicated that rays preferred habitats where bottom waters were hypoxic but they primarily occupied normoxic (DO > 2.0 mg L−1) waters above the bottom hypoxic layer. Stomach fullness and diet composition were similar between rays sampled in habitats with hypoxic versus normoxic bottom waters. These results indicate that cownose rays are strongly associated with riverine‐influenced regions of the shelf and preferentially use habitats with hypoxic bottom waters, perhaps for benthic foraging. Collectively, our results highlight the importance of considering the responses of mobile species to enhanced productivity and to hypoxia‐induced habitat degradation, which are both the products of coastal eutrophication.
Application of the 3D magnetotelluric inversion code in a geologically complex area
Authors: Xiao Qibin , Cai Xinping , Xu Xingwang , Liang Guanghe , Zhang Baolin
Published: June 2010

The WSINV3DMT code makes the implementation of 3D inversion of magnetotelluric data feasible using a single PC. Audio‐magnetotelluric data were collected along two profiles in a Cu‐Ni mining area in Xinjiang, China, where the apparent resistivity and phase curves, the phase tensors and the magnetic induction vectors indicate a complex 3D conductivity structure. 3D inversions were carried out to reveal the electrical structure of the area. The final 3D model is selected from the inversion results using different initial Lagrange values and steps. The relatively low root‐mean‐square (rms) misfit and model norm indicate a reliable electrical model. The final model includes four types of low resistivity areas, the first ones coincide with the known location of an orebody and further forward modelling indicates that they are not in full connectivity to form a low resistivity zone. The second ones are not controlled by magnetotelluric sites and embody little information of the observed data, they are considered as tedious structures. The third one is near to the regional Kangguer fault and should be treated carefully considering the effect of the fault. The last ones are isolated and existing at a limited level as the first ones, they should be paid more attention to.
Bioclimate envelope model predictions for natural resource management: dealing with uncertainty
Authors: Mbogga Michael S. , Wang Xianli , Hamann Andreas
Published: June 2010

1. Bioclimate envelope models are widely used to predict the potential distribution of species under climate change, but they are conceptually also suitable to match policies and practices to anticipated or observed climate change, for example through species choice in reforestation. Projections of bioclimate envelope models, however, come with large uncertainties due to different climate change scenarios, modelling methods and other factors.

2  In this paper we present a novel approach to evaluate uncertainty in model‐based recommendations for natural resource management. Rather than evaluating variability in modelling results as a whole, we extract a particular statistic of interest from multiple model runs, e.g. species suitability for a particular reforestation site. Then, this statistic is subjected to analysis of variance, aiming to narrow the range of projections that practitioners need to consider.

3. In four case studies for western Canada we evaluate five sources of uncertainty with two to five treatment levels, including modelling methods, interpolation type for climate data, inclusion of topo‐edaphic variables, choice of general circulation models, and choice of emission scenarios. As dependent variables, we evaluate changes to tree species habitat and ecosystem distributions under 144 treatment combinations.

4. For these case studies, we find that the inclusion of topo‐edaphic variables as predictors reduces projected habitat shifts by a quarter, and general circulation models had major main effects. Our contrasting modelling approaches primarily contributed to uncertainty through interaction terms with climate change predictions, i.e. the methods behaved differently for particular climate change scenarios (e.g. warm & moist scenarios) but similar for others.

5. Synthesis and applications. Partitioning of variance components helps with the interpretation of modelling results and reveals how models can most efficiently be improved. Quantifying variance components for main effects and interactions among sources of uncertainty also offers researchers the opportunity to filter out biologically and statistically unreasonable modelling results, providing practitioners with an improved range of predictions for climate‐informed natural resource management.
Insights into the function of the WhiB‐like protein of mycobacteriophage TM4 – a transcriptional inhibitor of WhiB2
Authors: Rybniker Jan , Nowag Angela , Van Gumpel Edeltraud , Nissen Nicole , Robinson Nirmal , Plum Georg , Hartmann Pia
Published: June 2010

WhiB‐like proteins of actinomycetes are known to co‐ordinate iron‐sulfur (Fe‐S) clusters and are believed to have regulatory functions in many essential bacterial processes. The systematic determination of the genome sequences of mycobacteriophages has revealed the presence of several whiB‐like genes in these viruses. Here we focussed on the WhiB‐like protein of mycobacteriophage TM4, WhiBTM4. We provide evidence that this viral protein is capable of co‐ordinating a Fe‐S cluster. The UV‐visible absorption spectra obtained from freshly purified and reconstituted WhiBTM4 were consistent with the presence of an oxygen sensitive [2Fe‐2S] cluster. Expression of WhiBTM4 in the mycobacterial host led to hindered septation resembling a WhiB2 knockout phenotype whereas basal expression of WhiBTM4 led to superinfection exclusion. The quantification of mRNA‐levels during phage infection showed that whiBTM4 is a highly transcribed early phage gene and a dominant negative regulator of WhiB2. Strikingly, both apo‐WhiB2 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and apo‐WhiBTM4 were capable of binding to the conserved promoter region upstream of the whiB2 gene indicating that WhiB2 regulates its own synthesis which is inhibited in the presence of WhiBTM4. Thus, we provide substantial evidence supporting the hypothesis of viral and bacterial WhiB proteins being important Fe‐S containing transcriptional regulators with DNA‐binding capability.
Fine‐scale spatial genetic structure and gene flow in a small, fragmented population of Sinojackia rehderiana (Styracaceae), an endangered tree species endemic to China
Authors: Yao X. , Zhang J. , Ye Q. , Huang H.
Published: June 2010

Populations of Sinojackia rehderiana are highly threatened and have small and scattered distribution due to habitat fragmentation and human activities. Understanding changes in genetic diversity, the fine‐scale spatial genetic structure (SGS) at different life stages and gene flow of S. rehderiana is critical for developing successful conservation strategies for fragmented populations of this endangered species. In this study, 208 adults, 114 juveniles and 136 seedlings in a 50 × 100‐m transect within an old‐growth forest were mapped and genotyped using eight microsatellite makers to investigate the genetic diversity and SGS of this species. No significant differences in genetic diversity among different life‐history stages were found. However, a significant heterozygote deficiency in adults and seedlings may result from substantial biparental inbreeding. Significant fine‐scale spatial structure was found in different life‐history stages within 19 m, suggesting that seed dispersal mainly occurred near a mother tree. Both historical and contemporary estimates of gene flow (13.06 and 16.77 m) indicated short‐distance gene dispersal in isolated populations of S. rehderiana. The consistent spatial structure revealed in different life stages is most likely the result of limited gene flow. Our results have important implications for conservation of extant populations of S. rehderiana. Measures for promoting pollen flow should be taken for in situ conservation. The presence of a SGS in fragmented populations implies that seeds for ex situ conservation should be collected from trees at least 19‐m apart to reduce genetic similarity between neighbouring individuals.
Effects of Chemical Activation Treatment on Development of Swamp Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Oocytes Matured In Vitro and Fertilized by Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
Authors: Liang YY , Ye DN , Laowtammathron C , Phermthai T , Nagai T , Somfai T , Parnpai R
Published: June 2010

Contents

The objective of this study was to optimize the activation protocol for buffalo oocytes after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The release of the second polar body (PB) at 3, 6 and 9 h after ICSI of in‐vitro matured oocytes activated either with 5 μm ionomycin (Io) or with 7% ethanol (EtOH) was preliminary examined. The highest rate of second PB extrusion occurred at 3 h of activation, and the second PB extrusion in EtOH group was significantly higher than that in Io group. Oocytes that extruded the second PB were selected and cultured either with 1.9 mm 6‐dimethylaminopurine (6‐DMAP) for 3 h or with 10 μg/ml cycloheximide (CHX) for 5 h. Significantly higher rate of oocytes formed 2 pronuclei in EtOH combined with CHX (EtOH + CHX) (62%) group compared to those of Io + CHX (42%) and EtOH + 6‐DMAP (48%) groups (p < 0.01) whereas Io + 6‐DMAP group showed intermediate value (58%). Significantly higher blastocyst formation rates were obtained in Io + 6‐DMAP (29%) and EtOH + CHX (24%) groups than in Io + CHX (6%) and EtOH + 6‐DMAP (17%) groups. Our results indicate that buffalo ICSI oocytes are effectively activated by combination treatment of Io with 6‐DMAP and EtOH with CHX resulting in the highest cleavage and blastocyst formation rates.
Percutaneous maintenance and salvage of dysfunctional arteriovenous fistulae and grafts by nephrologists in Australia
Authors: MANTHA MURTY , KILLEN JOHN P , BAER RICHARD , MOFFAT JANICE
Published: June 2010

Aim:  Percutaneous endovascular procedures can maintain and salvage dysfunctional arteriovenous fistulae and grafts used in haemodialysis. The aim of this study is to report the experience of nephrologists from a single centre in Australia with these procedures.

Methods:  A total of 187 consecutive percutaneous vascular procedures (angioplasty, angioplasty ± thrombolysis, stent placement and accessory vein ligation) were performed in 100 haemodialysis patients with dysfunctional arteriovenous fistulae and grafts between January 2006 and July 2009 in a single centre. All relevant clinical and radiological data collected during this period were reviewed retrospectively. Post patency rates were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results:  The clinical and anatomic success rates were 93% (172 of 184 interventions) and 91% (169 of 184 interventions), respectively. The overall complication rate was 5.9%. A major complication leading to access loss occurred in one patient (0.5%). The primary patency rates at 6, 12 and 18 months were 72%, 55% and 47%, respectively. The secondary patency rates at 6, 12 and 18 months were 96%, 93% and 90%, respectively. The mean cumulative patency was 36.8 months ± SE 1.27 (95%CI 36.8–39.3). The mean fluoroscopy screening time was 11.5 ± 8.5 min.

Conclusion:  This study demonstrates that high anatomic success and excellent patency rates can be obtained with percutaneous endovascular procedures and that appropriately trained interventional nephrologists can perform these procedures safely and effectively.
Progression of graft fibrosis under mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor‐based regimen
Authors: YILMAZ MUMTAZ , NART AHMET , SEN SAIT , TASLI FUNDA , USLU ADAM , HUR ENDER , OZKAHYA MEHMET , HOSCOSKUN CUNEYT , TOZ HUSEYIN
Published: June 2010

Aim:  Nephrotoxic potential of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi) is different from calcineurin inhibitors (CNI). The aim of this study is to investigate the interstitial fibrosis (ci) and tubular atrophy (ct) progression from the baseline to first year under a mTORi‐based, CNI‐free regimen.

Methods:  Thirty‐five kidney transplant recipients who had to have adequate baseline and first year protocol biopsy were enrolled. Exclusion criteria were: the replacement of CNI at any time; acute deterioration in allograft functions; and serum creatinine level above 3 mg/dL at 12 months. Banff criteria were used for histopathological classification. Progression was defined as delta ci + ct ≥ 2 (difference between 12th month and baseline).

Results:  Mean age of patients and donors were 34 ± 11 and 49 ± 10 years. Twelve patients had delayed graft function (DGF). The maintenance regimen consisted of sirolimus (n = 24) and everolimus (n = 11) with mycophenolate mofetil and steroids. Incidence of acute rejection was 25.7%. At baseline, the incidence of nil and mild fibrosis were 80% and 20%, respectively. At 12 months, 17.1% of patients had moderate, 40% had mild and 42.9% had nil fibrosis. Histological progression from baseline to first year was present in 34% of patients. In multivariate analysis the presence of DGF (P = 0.018) and deceased donor type (P = 0.011) were the most important predictors for fibrosis progression.

Conclusion:  Progression of graft fibrosis may be seen in one‐third of patients under a mTORi‐based regimen particularly manifested in deceased donor recipients with subsequent DGF.
High incidence and recurrence of transitional cell carcinoma in Taiwanese patients with end‐stage renal disease
Authors: WANG TSUNG‐YANG , HU CHIA‐JUNG , KUO CHIN‐WEI , CHEN YU , LIN JA‐LIANG , YANG CHIH‐WEI , YEN TZUNG‐HAI
Published: June 2010

Aim:  This study examines the epidemiology of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) population from Taiwan, the area with the highest incidence and prevalence of ESRD.

Methods:  A total of 98 out of 10 890 ESRD patients were referred for management of TCC between 2000 and 2008. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected and patient mortality and tumour recurrence rates were analyzed.

Results:  TCC patients were aged 61.4 ± 10.2 years and 66.3% were female. The average time from initiation of dialysis to tumour detection was 51.2 ± 36.4 months. Hypertensive nephrosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, chronic glomerulonephritis and unknown aetiology accounted for 25.5%, 20.4%, 22.4% and 31.6% of the causes of renal failure, respectively. The aetiology of renal failure for the 31.6% of patients was unclear, but chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis following long‐term consumption of Chinese herbs (19.4%) or analgesic compounds (3.1%) was considered in some patients. Almost all (98.0%) patients presented with gross haematuria. Most TCC were in early stage (stage 0, 3.1%; stage I, 56.1%) during diagnosis. At the end of this study, 17 of 98 (17.3%) patients died. Multivariate Cox regression analysis found that age (odds ratio = 1.140, 95% confidence interval = 1.049–1.239, P = 0.002) and tumour pain (odds ratio = 0.234, 95% confidence interval = 0.057–0.961, P = 0.044) were significant risk factors for all‐cause mortality. Furthermore, 35.7% of TCC recurred during follow up. The 5 year patient and tumour‐free survival rates were 72.4% and 14.4%, respectively.

Conclusion:  The data shows that Taiwanese patients with ESRD had high incidence (0.9%) and recurrence (35.7%) of TCC.
Glossopharyngeal insufflation causes lung injury in trained breath‐hold divers
Authors: CHUNG Steven C.S. , SECCOMBE Leigh M. , JENKINS Christine R. , FRATER Clayton J. , RIDLEY Lloyd J. , PETERS Matthew J.
Published: June 2010

Background and objective:  Glossopharyngeal insufflation (GI) is a technique practised by competitive breath‐hold divers to enhance their performance. Using the oropharyngeal musculature, air is pumped into the lungs to increase the lung volume above physiological TLC. Experienced breath‐hold divers can increase their lung volumes by up to 3 L. Although the potential for lung injury is evident, there is limited information available. The aim of this study was to examine whether there is any evidence of lung injury following GI, independent of diving.

Methods:  Six male, competitive breath‐hold divers were studied. CT of the thorax was performed during breath‐holding at supramaximal lung volumes following GI (CTGI), and subsequently at baseline TLC (CTTLC). CT scans were performed a minimum of 3 days apart. Images were analysed for evidence of pneumomediastinum or pneumothorax by investigators who were blinded to the procedure.

Results:  None of the subjects showed symptoms or signs of pneumomediastinum. However, in five of six subjects a pneumomediastinum was detected during the CTGI. In three subjects a pneumomediastinum was detected on the CTGI, but had resolved by the time of the CTTLC. In two subjects a pneumomediastinum was seen on both the CTGI and the CTTLC, and these were larger on the day that a maximal GI manoeuvre had been performed. The single subject, in whom a pneumomediastinum was not detected, was demonstrated separately to not be proficient at GI.

Conclusions:  Barotrauma was observed in breath‐hold divers who increased their lung volumes by GI. The long‐term effects of this barotrauma are uncertain and longitudinal studies are required to assess cumulative lung damage.