bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary Supplements for Diabetes: An Evaluation of Commonly Used Products
Authors: Shane-McWhorter Laura
Published: November 2009

In Brief

Individuals with diabetes are more likely than those without diabetes to use different modalities that may not be considered part of mainstream allopathic or conventional medicine. Many dietary supplements of botanical and nonbotanical origin are available over the counter to treat diabetes or its comorbidities. Clinicians must maintain a respectful attitude toward patients' health care values and beliefs, encourage open dialogue, and provide accurate, nonjudgmental information about different supplements. It is essential that clinicians stay informed about dietary supplements to evaluate whether side effects or potential interactions among medications, dietary supplements, medical conditions, or nutrients may occur.
The Role of Micronutrients in Managing Diabetes
Authors: Chehade Joe M. , Sheikh-Ali Mae , Mooradian Arshag D.
Published: November 2009

In Brief

With the exceptions of folate for prevention of birth defects and calcium for prevention of bone disease, currently there is no evidence of benefit from vitamin or mineral supplementation in diabetic patients without underlying deficiencies. Given the recent revelations about antioxidant vitamins, it is prudent to refrain from using vitamin E, vitamin C, or vitamin A in excess of the Dietary Reference Intakes.
Alternative Forms of Exercise Training as Complementary Therapy in the Prevention and Management of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Bronas Ulf G. , Treat-Jacobson Diane , Painter Patricia
Published: November 2009

In Brief

This review explores the available evidence for the benefits of performing conventional (cardiovascular, resistance, and combined) or alternative forms of exercise training (yoga, tai chi, and qigong) on glycemic control for individuals with impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes. Based on the available evidence, it appears that a combined cardiovascular and resistance exercise training program should be part of a comprehensive treatment program for the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes, as recommended by American Diabetes Association guidelines.
Reply to the comments on: ”Series solution of hydromagnetic flow and heat transfer with Hall effect in a second grade fluid over a stretching sheet”
Authors: Zaman Haider , Ayub Muhammad
Published: November 2009

In this reply to comment on ”Series solution of hydromagnetic flow and heat transfer with Hall effect in a second grade fluid over a stretching sheet” by R. A. Van Gorder and K. Vajravelu manuscript [R. A. Van Gorder, K. Vajravelu, Cent. Eur. J. Phys., DOI:10. 2478/s11534-009-0145-2], we once again claim that the governing similarity equations of Vajravelu and Roper [K. Vajravelu, T. Roper, Int. J. Nonlin. Mech. 34, 1031 (1999)] are incorrect and our claim in [M. Ayub, H. Zaman, M. Ahmad, Cent. Eur. J. Phys. 8, 135 (2010)] is true. For the literature providing justification regarding this issue is discussed in detail.
Molecular dynamics simulation of zirconia melting
Authors: Davis Sergio , Belonoshko Anatoly , Rosengren Anders , Duin Adri , Johansson Börje
Published: November 2009

The melting point for the tetragonal and cubic phases of zirconia (ZrO2) was computed using Z-method microcanonical molecular dynamics simulations for two different interaction models: the empirical Lewis-Catlow potential versus the relatively new reactive force field (ReaxFF) model. While both models reproduce the stability of the cubic phase over the tetragonal phase at high temperatures, ReaxFF also gives approximately the correct melting point, around 2900 K, whereas the Lewis-Catlow estimate is above 6000 K.
New parameters of many-body potentials: studying the thermal and mechanical properties of noble metals
Authors: Qi Xin , Yan Xue-Song , Yang Lei
Published: November 2009

New parameters of nearest-neighbor EAM (1N-EAM), n-th neighbor EAM (NN-EAM), and the second-moment approximation to the tight-binding (TB-SMA) potentials are obtained by fitting experimental data at different temperatures. In comparison with the available many-body potentials, our results suggest that the 1N-EAM potential with the new parameters is the best description of atomic interactions in studying the thermal expansion of noble metals. For mechanical properties, it is suggested that the elastic constants should be calculated in the experimental zero-stress states for all three potentials. Furthermore, for NNEAM and TB-SMA potentials, the calculated results approach the experimental data as the range of the atomic interaction increases from the first-neighbor to the sixth-neighbor distance.
Mutations leading to drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in Ukraine
Authors: Antonenko Kate , Kresyun Valentin , Antonenko Peter
Published: November 2009

The goal of this research was detection of the drug-resistance level of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in the Odesa region of Southwest Ukraine, investigation of the level of mutation in katG and rpoB genes for M. tuberculosis with polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and spread of these mutations in different groups of patients with tuberculosis. An extremely high level of primary and acquired resistance of M. tuberculosis to first-line antituberculosis drugs has been found in the Southwest region of Ukraine. The PCR method has proved to have high sensitivity in the detection of mutations in katG and rpoB genes. The data showed significant spreading of M. tuberculosis strains with mutations in katG and rpoB genes in penitentiaries and an increased level of these mutations during tuberculosis treatment. The presence of mutations in rpoB and katG genes was associated with a more severe course of tuberculosis, increased risk of treatment default, persistence of positive smears on microscopy at discharge, and poor closing of tuberculous cavities. Extremely high level of mutations in the rpoB and katG genes of M. tuberculosis was observed in Beijing family strains. Our findings support the capability of the PCR method to detect M. tuberculosis that is resistant to drugs such as isoniazid and rifampicin.
Spontaneous involution of Rathke cleft cysts: is it rare or just underreported?
Authors: Amhaz Hassan H. , Chamoun Roukoz B. , Waguespack Steven G. , Shah Komal , McCutcheon Ian E.
Published: November 2009

Rathke cleft cysts (RCCs) are benign cystic lesions of the sella that arise from the remnants of Rathke pouch. Although most are asymptomatic, symptoms can result from mass effect and commonly include headache, endocrinopathy, or visual field disturbance. Although asymptomatic patients undergo conservative treatment, patients with symptoms are typically treated surgically. The authors report 9 patients with symptomatic cystic sellar lesions and imaging characteristics consistent with an RCC; in all cases there was spontaneous involution of the lesions, and in 5 of 7 patients presenting with headache the symptom resolved. Spontaneous involution of an RCC may be more common than the paucity of prior reports would suggest, especially because the natural history of both symptomatic and asymptomatic RCCs is poorly understood. The potential for spontaneous involution, together with the clinical course of the patients reported here, supports a conservative approach for patients with symptomatic RCCs presenting solely with headache.
Acute extracranial-intracranial bypass using a radial artery graft along with trapping of a ruptured blood blister–like aneurysm of the internal carotid artery
Authors: Kamijo Koji , Matsui Toru
Published: November 2009

Object

Fragile aneurysm walls and poorly defined necks render the surgical treatment of blood blister–like aneurysms (BBAs) located at nonbranching sites of the supraclinoid internal carotid artery extremely challenging. Such aneurysms have a remarkable tendency to rupture during surgery, especially during the acute period. The authors describe the clinical course of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) caused by BBA rupture and emphasize the value of internal carotid artery trapping combined with high-flow extracranial-intracranial (trapping/EC-IC) bypass during the acute period following SAH.

Methods

The authors analyzed the clinical records of 7 consecutive female patients with a mean age of 61 years (range 51–77 years) who had been treated between January 2006 and December 2008 at their institute.

Results

All 7 patients presented with SAHs corresponding to Fisher Grade 3 and World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Grades II, III, IV, and V in 3, 1, 2, and 1 patient, respectively. Surgery was postponed in the 3 patients, including 1 in whom the trapping/EC-IC bypass procedure was performed during the chronic period. Two of the 3 patients in whom surgery was postponed experienced preoperative rebleeding, and repeated angiography revealed remarkable enlargement of the aneurysm; both of these patients died before surgery could be performed. The remaining 4 patients underwent trapping/EC-IC bypass during the acute period following SAH. The outcome was excellent (Glasgow Outcome Scale Scores 5), and postoperative angiography demonstrated complete obliteration of the BBA as well as good graft patency in all 5 patients who underwent trapping/EC-IC bypass. Intraoperative bleeding from the BBAs never occurred in any of these 5 patients.

Conclusions

Ruptured BBAs were successfully treated with a trapping/EC-IC bypass during the acute SAH period. This surgical strategy for treating BBAs during the acute period might be a promising option for these rare but high-risk lesions.
On the Structural Non-identifiability of Flexible Branched Polymers
Authors: Nitta Koh-hei
Published: November 2009

The dynamics and statics of flexible polymer chains are based on their conformational entropy, resulting in the properties of isolated polymer chains with any branching potentially being characterized by Gaussian chain models. According to the graph-theoretical approach, the dynamics and statics of Gaussian chains can be expressed as a set of eigenvalues of their Laplacian matrix. As such, the existence of Laplacian cospectral trees allows the structural nonidentifiability of any branched flexible polymer.
Electromagnetic Interference on Large Wind Turbines
Authors: Krug Florian , Lewke Bastian
Published: November 2009

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) can both affect and be transmitted by mega-watt wind turbines. This paper provides a general overview on EMI with respect to mega-watt wind turbines. Possibilities of measuring all types of electromagnetic interference are shown. Electromagnetic fields resulting from a GSM transmitter mounted on a mega-watt wind turbine will be analyzed in detail. This cellular system operates as a real-time communication link. The method-of-moments is used to analytically describe the electro-magnetic fields. The electromagnetic interference will be analyzed under the given boundary condition with a commercial simulation tool. Different transmitter positions are judged on the basis of their radiation patterns. The principal EMI mechanisms are described and taken into consideration.
An Empirical Algorithm for Estimating Agricultural and Riparian Evapotranspiration Using MODIS Enhanced Vegetation Index and Ground Measurements of ET. II. Application to the Lower Colorado River, U.S.
Authors: Murray R. Scott , Nagler Pamela L. , Morino Kiyomi , Glenn Edward P.
Published: November 2009

Large quantities of water are consumed by irrigated crops and riparian vegetation in western U.S. irrigation districts. Remote sensing methods for estimating evaporative water losses by soil and vegetation (evapotranspiration, ET) over wide river stretches are needed to allocate water for agricultural and environmental needs. We used the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) from MODIS sensors on the Terra satellite to scale ET over agricultural and riparian areas along the Lower Colorado River in the southwestern U.S., using a linear regression equation between ET of riparian plants and alfalfa measured on the ground, and meteorological and remote sensing data, with an error or uncertainty of about 20%. The algorithm was applied to irrigation districts and riparian areas from Lake Mead to the U.S./Mexico border. The results for agricultural crops were similar to results produced by crop coefficients developed for the irrigation districts along the river. However, riparian ET was only half as great as crop coefficient estimates set by expert opinion, equal to about 40% of reference crop evapotranspiration. Based on reported acreages in 2007, agricultural crops (146,473 ha) consumed 2.2 × 109 m3 yr−1 of water. All riparian shrubs and trees (47,014 ha) consumed 3.8 × 108 m3 yr−1, of which saltcedar, the dominant riparian shrub (25,044 ha), consumed 1.8 × 108 m3 yr−1, about 1% of the annual flow of the river. This method could supplement existing protocols for estimating ET by providing an estimate based on the actual state of the canopy as determined by frequent-return satellite data.
Deterioration of the granitic stones of main front of the Vila Real Cathedral (N of Portugal)
Authors: Machado B. , Gomes M. E. P. , Suárez del Río L. M.
Published: November 2009

The cathedral of Vila Real (North of Portugal) is located in the city centre and at least four regional two-mica granites were used in its construction. A petrographic study of these granites concluded that the stones had different degrees of alterations. The identification of some physical properties of the granites –open porosity, real and apparent density, free water absorption, porometry and capillary transmission– confirms their susceptibility to degrees of weathering. A recent cleaning intervention was made and several types of deterioration were visible in the monument‚s stones, namely: granular disintegration, some thin black layers, plates, flakes and black crusts, especially in the main front exposed to SW. Granular disintegration is the most important deterioration process and is responsible for the loss of material in the most-affected stones; it is also related to the presence of small amounts of highly soluble salts such as halite and nitrates and to solar exposure.
Optical microscope and SEM evaluation of roofing slate fissility and durability
Authors: Gómez-Fernández F. , Castaño M. A. , Bauluz B. , Ward C. R.
Published: November 2009

The fissility and durability of representative samples of commercial roofing slates from ten deposits in the NW of Spain have been evaluated using transmitted and reflectedlight optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, chemical testing and geomechanical procedures.

The dominant sulphides in the different slate samples are pyrite and pyrrhotite, the weathering potential of which can be highly variable. The dominant carbonate mineral is ankerite, which explains the low reactivity of these slates in acidic media. The minimum commercial plate thickness varies between 3.5 and 5 mm, depending on the microtexture of the rock.

The methodology used in this paper is proposed in order to eliminate the subjectivity of input data that are used in current methods of evaluation and modelling of slate deposits, thus producing an improvement in the profitability of mining operations and a reduction in waste materials.
Facile Controlled Synthesis and Spectroscopy of CdS1−xSex Alloy and (CdS)1−x@(CdSe)x Core–Shell Nanotetrapods
Authors: Kim Mee Rahn , Park Sun‐Young , Jang Du‐Jeon
Published: November 2009

Nanotetrapods of alloy CdS1−xSex and core–shell (CdS)1−x@(CdSe)x are fabricated easily in water using ethylenediamine as a solvent‐coordinating molecular template, and then their optical properties are investigated using diverse static and time‐resolved spectroscopic methods. The arms of the alloy nanotetrapods have single‐crystalline structures of CdS1−xSex without showing staking faults, while the arms of the core–shell nanotetrapods display polycrystalline shell structures of CdSe. The optical properties of CdS1−xSex, where Se atoms are isolated in the CdS lattice, are very different from those of (CdS)1−x@(CdSe)x, where banded CdSe passivates the CdS core. Compared with pure CdS nanotetrapods, the photoluminescence of CdS0.9Se0.1 shifts to the red by 40 nm, whereas that of (CdS)0.9@(CdSe)0.1 does so only by 5 nm. Although the mean luminescence lifetime of alloy CdS1−xSex is shorter than that of pure CdS, it is still much longer than that of core‐shell (CdS)1−x@(CdSe)x.
Modification of Innervation Pattern by Fluoroquinolone Treatment in the Rat Salivary Glands
Authors: Kelentey Barna , Deak Adam , Zelles Tivadar , Matesz Klara , Földes Istvan , Veress Gabor , Bacskai Timea
Published: November 2009

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (FQAs) are widely used in dental and medical therapy. Despite their known severe adverse actions on the central and peripheral nervous system, little attention has been directed toward the potential toxic side effects of these compounds on the oral tissues. As the saliva secretion is controlled by the nervous system and neuropeptides, the neurotoxic effect of pefloxacin (PEF), a representative member of FQAs, was studied in rats in the present work. Previously, we demonstrated a significant weight loss of parotid gland tissue, a marked decrease in 3H‐thymidine incorporation, a decreased volume of saliva and amylase activity of the glandular tissue in response to PEF. Animals received intraperitoneal injection of PEF (20 mg/100 g body weight daily) for 3 and 7 days. Normal histology, and neurofilament 200, substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene‐related polypeptide (CGRP) containing nerve fibers were detected with immunohistochemical methods. A marked decrease of the weights in salivary glands and the acinar diameters were measured. Similarly, a strong and significant decrease of the number of SP and CGRP containing nerve fibers were detected. These findings suggest that the impaired morphology and innervation pattern of salivary glands is related to the neurotoxic adverse effect of FQA treatment. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The circadian timing system in the brain of the fifth larval instar ofRhodnius prolixus(hemiptera)
Authors: Vafopoulou Xanthe , Terry Katherine L. , Steel Colin G.H.
Published: November 2009

The brain of larvalRhodnius prolixusreleases neurohormones with a circadian rhythm, indicating that a clock system exists in the larval brain. Larvae also possess a circadian locomotor rhythm. The present paper is a detailed analysis of the distribution and axonal projections of circadian clock cells in the brain of the fifth larval instar. Clock cells are identified as neurons that exhibit circadian cycling of both PER and TIM proteins. A group of eight lateral clock neurons (LNs) in the proximal optic lobe also contain pigment‐dispersing factor (PDF) throughout their axons, enabling their detailed projections to be traced. LNs project to the accessory medulla and thence laterally toward the compound eye and medially into a massive area of arborizations in the anterior protocerebrum. Fine branches radiate from this area to most of the protocerebrum. A second group of clock cells (dorsal neurons [DNs]), situated in the posterior dorsal protocerebrum, are devoid of PDF. The DNs receive two fine axons from the LNs, indicating that clock cells throughout the brain are integrated into a timing network. Two axons of the LNs cross the midline, presumably coordinating the clock networks of left and right sides. The neuroarchitecture of this timing system is much more elaborate than any previously described for a larval insect and is very similar to those described in adult insects. This is the first report that an insect timing system regulates rhythmicity in both the endocrine system and behavior, implying extensive functional parallels with the mammalian suprachiasmatic nucleus. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:1264–1282, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrastructural relationships between cortical, thalamic, and amygdala glutamatergic inputs and group I metabotropic glutamate receptors in the rat accumbens
Authors: Mitrano D.A. , Pare J.‐F. , Smith Y.
Published: November 2009

Changes in glutamatergic transmission in the nucleus accumbens play a key role in mediating reward‐related behaviors and addiction to psychostimulants. Glutamatergic inputs to the accumbens originate from multiple sources, including the prefrontal cortex, basolateral amygdala, and midline thalamus. The group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are found throughout the core and shell of the nucleus accumbens, but their localization and function at specific glutamatergic synapses remain unknown. To further characterize the substrate that underlies group I mGluR functions in the accumbens, we combined anterograde tract tracing method with electron microscopy immunocytochemistry to study the ultrastructural relationships between specific glutamatergic afferents and mGluR1a‐ or mGluR5‐containing neurons in the rat nucleus accumbens. Although cortical, thalamic, and amygdala glutamatergic terminals contact both mGluR1a‐ and mGluR5‐immunoreactive dendrites and spines in the shell and core of the accumbens, they do so to varying degrees. Overall, glutamatergic terminals contact mGluR1a‐positive spines about 30% of the time, whereas they form synapses twice as frequently with mGluR5‐labeled spines. At the subsynaptic level, mGluR5 is more frequently expressed perisynaptically and closer to the edges of glutamatergic axospinous synapses than mGluR1a, suggesting a differential degree of activation of the two group I mGluRs by transmitter spillover from glutamatergic synapses in the rat accumbens. These results lay the foundation for a deeper understanding of group I mGluR‐mediated effects in the ventral striatum, and their potential therapeutic benefits in drug addiction and other neuropsychiatric changes in reward‐related behaviors. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:1315–1329, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regional heterogeneity in astrocyte responses following contusive spinal cord injury in mice
Authors: White Robin E. , McTigue Dana M. , Jakeman Lyn B.
Published: November 2009

Astrocytes and their precursors respond to spinal cord injury (SCI) by proliferating, migrating, and altering phenotype. This contributes to glial scar formation at the lesion border and gliosis in spared gray and white matter. The present study was undertaken to evaluate astrocyte changes over time and determine when and where interventions might be targeted to alter the astrocyte response. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was administered to mice 3 days after SCI, and cells expressing BrdU and the astrocyte marker, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), were counted at 3, 7, and 49 days post‐injury (DPI). BrdU‐labeled cells accumulated at the lesion border by 7 DPI and approximately half of these expressed GFAP. In spared white matter, the total number of BrdU+ cells decreased, while the percentage of BrdU+ cells expressing GFAP increased at 49 DPI. Phenotypic changes were examined using the progenitor marker nestin, the radial glial marker, brain lipid binding protein (BLBP), and GFAP. Nestin was upregulated by 3 DPI and declined between 7 and 49 DPI in all regions, and GFAP increased and remained above naïve levels at all timepoints. BLBP increased early and remained high along the lesion border and spared white matter, but was expressed transiently by cells lining the central canal and in a unique population of small cells found within the lesion and in gray matter rostral and caudal to the border. The results demonstrate that the astrocyte response to SCI is regionally heterogeneous, and suggests astrocyte populations that could be targeted by interventions. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:1370–1390, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New method for calcium on the ADVIA analyzer is free from interference of gadolinium‐type contrast agents
Authors: Datta Pradip , Dasgupta Amitava
Published: November 2009

Recently, Siemens Diagnostics released a new calcium assay (CA_2) based on complex formation of calcium with Arsenazo III dye for use on the three automated, random access ADVIA Chemistry analyzers (1650, 2400, and 1200). We evaluated this method for analytical performance as well as potential interference from gadolinium‐containing magnetic contrast agents. With Siemens Chemistry serum and urine controls, 2‐levels each, the imprecision for the new method was (n=40 each): within‐run and total CV of <2.2 and <3.8%, respectively, over all three platforms. The analytical range/linearity of the method (all three systems) was 1–16 mg/dl (serum or plasma) and 1–32 mg/dl (urine). The new method on all three platforms correlated well with a reference (Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy) method (n=61, range 4.03–10.30 mg/dl). The ADVIA 1650 CA_2 method also correlated well with the Roche Modular system® Calcium method. The new method showed <10% interference with unconjugated or conjugated bilirubin (50 mg/dl), hemoglobin (1,000 mg/dl), lipids (1,000 mg/dl), and two magnetic resonance contrast agents containing Gadolinium (OptiMARK® 1 mmol/l and Omniscan 1.5 mmol/l). On the contrary, the Roche Calcium method showed significant negative interference with gadolinium‐containing contrast agents. We conclude that the ADVIA Ca_2 method can measure serum, plasma, or urine calcium concentrations accurately and is also free from interferences of gadolinium‐containing agents. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 23:399–403, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estimating 10000‐year return values from short time series
Authors: van den Brink H. W. , Können G. P.
Published: November 2009

The distribution of outliers is used as a tool for finding the extreme value distribution of meteorological parameters and to provide return values for large return periods from short records. Its potential is demonstrated for five cases. For extreme winds in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) the method shows that appropriately transformed annual maximum wind speeds can be described by a Gumbel distribution; for extreme waves it rejects the proposed adoption of an exponential distribution and points to a Gumbel distribution; for extreme daily European precipitation R it confirms the theoretically predicted value k = 2/3 in its Weibull distribution and it also justifies the application of the Gumbel distribution to R2/3 up to return periods of about 50 000 years; for seasonal precipitation in the Netherlands it highlights enhanced extreme precipitation in the coastal area in December‐January‐February (DJF) and failure of the k = 2/3 hypothesis outside June‐July‐August (JJA); for sea levels in the Southern North Sea it points to the Gumbel distribution and provides improved estimates for the 104‐return value of the sea level at coastal stations, which is elaborated for the Dutch tidal station Scheveningen. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Effects of environmental gradients on the performances of four dominant plants in a Chinese saltmarsh: implications for plant zonation
Authors: Wang Cheng Haun , Lu Meng , Yang Bo , Yang Qiang , Zhang Xiao Dong , Hara Toshihiko , Li Bo
Published: November 2009

Physical conditions and biotic interactions are believed to be the determinants of plant zonation in saltmarshes. However, in rapidly developing estuarine marshes, succession is regarded as the primary process responsible for plant zonation and it is controlled mainly by environmental factors. Salinity and inundation are two important factors responsible for the distribution pattern of dominant plants in coastal saltmarshes. Here we conducted a common garden experiment as well as a field transplanting to examine the responses of four dominant saltmarsh plants (native Scirpus mariqueter, Scirpus triqueter and Phragmites australis, and exotic Spartina alterniflora) in the Yangtze River estuary to environmental gradients, which may help us understand their current and potential zonation. The results showed that Scirpus adapted to freshwater and less inundated habitats, Phragmites performed well in brackish or freshwater environments with less inundation, and Spartina tolerated the highest salinity and deepest inundation. In the harshest environments (the highest salinity and water level), only Spartina performed well. In the mild environments, however, there were only minor differences in the performances among the four species. The potential ranges of Phragmites and Spartina were predicted to be larger than their current ones, and their lower boundaries might be set by tidal scour rather than edaphic factors. With the saltmarsh succession, invasive Spartina in the Yangtze River estuary might ultimately replace Scirpus, and alter the zonal patterns of native saltmarsh plants, which will lead to severe ecosystem consequences. Thus, proper management measures (e.g., repeated mowing) need to be implemented to control this invasive exotic plant, and restore the vulnerable ecosystems invaded by Spartina in the Yangtze River estuary.
Lipase‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Saccharide–Fatty Acid Esters Using Suspensions of Saccharide Crystals in Solvent‐Free Media
Authors: Ye Ran , Pyo Sang‐Hyun , Hayes Douglas G.
Published: November 2009

Saccharide–fatty acid esters, important biobased and biodegradable emulsifiers in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, were produced with high yields and productivity via immobilized Rhizomucor miehei lipase‐catalyzed esterification in solvent‐free systems at 65 °C. Preliminary experiments demonstrated high rates of reaction occurred in the presence of acetone near or above its boiling point, due to the formation of 10–200 μm suspensions of saccharide particles. Subsequently, a two‐step process was developed to produce a solvent‐free supersaturated solution of 1.5–2.0 wt% saccharide that remained stable for ≥10–12 h. The solvent‐free suspensions were used in a bioreactor system at 65 °C, consisting of a reservoir open to the atmosphere that contained molecular sieves, a peristaltic pump, and a packed bed bioreactor, operated under continuous recirculation. At 10 h intervals, suspensions were re‐formed by treating the substrate/product mixture with additional acyl acceptor and applying strong agitation. Using this system and approach, a product mixture containing 88% fructose oleate was formed, of which 92% was monoester, within 6 days. This equates to a productivity of 0.2 mmol h−1 g−1, which is similar to values reported for synthesis in the presence of solvent.
A new approach to the Suzuki groups
Authors: WILSON ROBERT A.
Published: November 2009

There are many constructions of the Suzuki groups in the literature (see for example Suzuki's original paper [3], as well as [1, 2, 4]), and one needs to make a strong case to justify publishing another. Yet I believe the construction below is sufficiently new and sufficiently elementary that in time it will come to be regarded as the standard construction.
Conservation of the Alpines Steinschaf
Authors: Mendel C. , Feldmann A. , Ketterle N.
Published: November 2009

The Alpines Steinschaf is an old and traditional sheep breed living in the Alps for several hundred years. In 1985 only a few small flocks of this breed could be identified in special alpine regions in Germany. A breeding programme was established by some interested breeders and official breeding organisations. To maintain rare breeds for the future, it is necessary to develop special programmes for their use and marketing. In 2004 the breeders in Germany and Austria created a programme to market high quality products made of Alpines Steinschaf wool. The project ran very successfully, and the population of the Alpines Steinschaf has been increasing annually since then.
Asymmetries in the moisture origin of Antarctic precipitation
Authors: Sodemann Harald , Stohl Andreas
Published: November 2009

The seasonality of moisture sources for precipitation in Antarctica is studied with a Lagrangian moisture source diagnostic. Moisture origin for precipitation in Antarctica has strongly asymmetric properties, which are related to the Antarctic topography, seasonal sea ice coverage, and the land/ocean contrasts in the mid‐latitudes of the southern hemisphere. The highest altitudes of the East Antarctic ice shield, where major ice cores have been drilled, have mean source latitudes of 45–40°S year‐round. This finding contrasts to results from previous Lagrangian studies which detected a more southerly moisture origin due to too short trajectories. Now, results from Lagrangian moisture source diagnostics are consistent with findings from general circulation models with tagged tracers. Thus, both approaches can serve as a common benchmark for the interpretation of moisture source indicators based on stable isotopes, such as deuterium excess, in Antarctic ice cores.
The genetics of colored sequence synesthesia: Evidence of linkage to chromosome 16q and genetic heterogeneity for the condition
Authors: Nelson Stephanie , Avidan Nili , Sarma Anand , Tushe Rejnal , Milewicz Dianna , Lee Kwanghyuk , Bray Molly , Leal Suzanne , Eagleman David
Published: November 2009

Synesthesia is a perceptual condition in which normal sensory stimulation can trigger anomalous sensory experiences. For example, synesthetes may experience colors in response to sounds, tastes in response to words, or smells in response to touch. We here focus on colored sequence synesthesia, in which color experiences are triggered by learned ordinal sequences such as letters, numbers, weekdays and months. Although synesthesia has been noted in the scientific literature for over a century, it is understood only at the level of the phenomenology, and not at the molecular and neural levels. We have performed a linkage analysis to identify the first genetic loci responsible for the increased neural crosstalk underlying colored sequence synesthesia. Our analysis has identified a 23 MB region on chromosome 16 as a putative locus for the trait. Our data provide the first step in understanding neural crosstalk from its molecular basis to its behavioral consequences, opening a new inroad into the understanding of the multisensory brain.
Kinetics and morphology of cluster growth in a model of short-range attractive colloids
Authors: Khan Siddique J. , Sorensen C. M. , Chakrabarti A.
Published: November 2009

We present results from detailed three-dimensional Brownian dynamics simulations of the self-assembly process in quenched short-range attractive colloids. Clusters obtained in the simulations range from dense faceted crystals to fractal aggregates which show ramified morphology on large length scales but close-packed crystalline morphology on short length scales. For low volume fractions of the colloids, the morphology and crystal structure of a nucleating cluster are studied at various times after the quench. As the volume fraction of the colloids is increased, growth of clusters is controlled by cluster diffusion and cluster-cluster interactions. For shallower quenches and low volume fractions, clusters are compact and the growth-law exponent agrees well with Binder–Stauffer predictions and with recent experimental results. As the volume fraction is increased, clusters do not completely coalesce when they meet each other and the kinetics crosses over to diffusion-limited cluster-cluster aggregation (DLCA) limit. For deeper quenches, clusters are fractals even at low volume fractions and the growth kinetics asymptotically reaches the irreversible DLCA case.
Numerical simulation of liquid sloshing in a partially filled container with inclusion of compressibility effects
Authors: Chen Y. G. , Price W. G.
Published: November 2009

A numerical scheme of study is developed to model compressible two-fluid flows simulating liquid sloshing in a partially filled tank. For a two-fluid system separated by an interface as in the case of sloshing, not only a Mach-uniform scheme is required but also an effective way to eliminate unphysical numerical oscillations near the interface. By introducing a preconditioner, the governing equations expressed in terms of primitive variables are solved for both fluids (i.e., water, air, gas, etc.) in a unified manner. In order to keep the interface sharp and to eliminate unphysical numerical oscillations in unsteady fluid flows, the nonconservative implicit split coefficient matrix method is modified to construct a flux-difference splitting scheme in the dual-time formulation. The proposed numerical model is evaluated by comparisons between numerical results and measured data for sloshing in an 80% filled rectangular tank excited at resonance frequency. Through similar comparisons, the investigation is further extended by examining sloshing flows excited by forced sway motions in two different rectangular tanks with 20% and 83% filling ratios. These examples demonstrate that the proposed method is suitable to capture induced free surface waves and to evaluate sloshing pressure loads acting on the tank walls and ceiling.
Population characteristics of house mice (Mus musculus) on southern Yorke Peninsula, South Australia
Authors: Waudby Helen P.
Published: November 2009

Seasonal population characteristics of house mice (Mus musculus), including the effect of season on body mass, were studied at Innes National Park, southern Yorke Peninsula. Mice were caught with Elliott traps, ear-notched, and released. Over 1550 trap-nights (January to December 2006, excluding May), 202 mice were caught. The overall capture success rate was 13.03 mice per 100 trap-nights. The recapture rate was 42.57%. Body mass of adult house mice varied significantly among seasons (P = 0.009). In particular, mouse body mass varied between autumn and winter (P = 0.018), and spring and winter (P = 0.023). The body mass of mice captured in autumn and then recaptured in winter was also significantly different (P = 0.006). This study is the first published for M. musculus population characteristics on Yorke Peninsula and adds to the relatively limited information available on house mouse populations in non-agricultural habitats.
Using the diet of the barn owl (Tyto alba) as an indicator of small vertebrate abundance in the Channel Country, south-western Queensland
Authors: McDowell Matthew C. , Medlin Graham C.
Published: November 2009

The diet of the barn owl (Tyto alba) was determined by analysing pellets and bulk pellet debris found in the ruins of Baryulah Homestead, south-western Queensland. Nine species of mammal, at least eight bird, five reptile and three frog species were identified. The majority of prey consisted of small mammals and was dominated by Mus musculus, which accounted for almost 40 Prey Unit percent (PU%) of all prey. Rattus villosissimus was an important secondary prey species, which, due to its comparatively large mass, contributed 21.79 PU%. Other native mammals were present in low frequency only. Reptiles (primarily geckos) were more abundant than expected, collectively contributing >15 PU%, suggesting that they were an important component of the barn owl’s diet.
Use of fauna road-crossing structures in north-eastern New South Wales
Authors: Hayes Ian F. , Goldingay Ross L.
Published: November 2009

The vast network of roads around the world has had a significant effect on wildlife and ecosystems through habitat fragmentation, reduced dispersal and mortality by collision with vehicles. Road agencies worldwide now frequently install dedicated structures to facilitate the safe crossing of roads by wildlife. We conducted surveys to determine the use of dedicated wildlife overpasses and nearby underpasses at two locations on the Pacific Highway in north-eastern New South Wales. Road-kill surveys were conducted to provide some understanding of the species commonly killed and whether the rate of road-kill was lower at one location where crossing-structures were located. Use of the crossing-structures by wildlife was monitored with sand-transects. The most frequent users were macropods, bandicoots and rodents. Macropods made greater use of overpasses (n = 104 tracks) than underpasses (n = 36), whereas underpasses were used more by bandicoots (n = 87) and rodents (n = 82) than were overpasses (n = 28, n = 15, respectively). We identified 78 road-kills of 21 species on two sections of the Pacific Highway over a 7-week period. Bandicoots (n = 16) and macropods (n = 9) were the most frequently observed victims. The mortality of wildlife was lower along the highway section with the crossing-structures (0.04 road-kills km–1) than it was along the highway section without structures (0.15 road-kills km–1). The lack of replication precludes any firm conclusion that the crossing-structures reduced road mortality but the high level of use of the crossing-structures by species that were common victims of road-kill suggests an influence.
Fate of wild-caught Antechinus flavipes released after physiological experiments
Authors: Cooper C. E. , Vernes K. , Cooper T.
Published: November 2009

Animals may be released into the wild for introduction, translocation or rehabilitation programs. Often, released animals do not survive or reproduce as well as wild conspecifics. Another circumstance whereby animals may be released is the return to the wild of research subjects, and although these animals may be expected to fare better than those from introduction, translocation or rehabilitation programs, there is little information regarding their subsequent survival and reproduction. We examine here the survivorship and reproductive success of five (one male, four female) yellow-footed antechinus (Antechinus flavipes) released back into the wild after being held in captivity for approximately one week for physiological experiments. Three of the four female Antechinus were recaptured after release and, on inspection, all three had 10 pouch young. Survivorship after release of antechinus held in captivity (0.75) was not different from the population as a whole, which ranged between 0.5 and 1.0. We therefore present unequivocal evidence that Antechinus released into the wild after physiological experiments can successfully survive and reproduce. This information is important for wildlife managers and animal ethics committees when considering the fate of ex-research animals.
Live imaging of rapid chromosome movements in meiotic prophase I in maize
Authors: Sheehan Moira J. , Pawlowski Wojciech P.
Published: November 2009

The ability of chromosomes to move across the nuclear space is essential for the reorganization of the nucleus that takes place in early meiotic prophase. Chromosome dynamics of prophase I have been studied in budding and fission yeasts, but little is known about this process in higher eukaryotes, where genomes and chromosomes are much larger and meiosis takes a longer time to complete. This knowledge gap has been mainly caused by difficulties in culturing isolated live meiocytes of multicellular eukaryotes. To study the nuclear dynamics during meiotic prophase in maize, we established a system to observe live meiocytes inside intact anthers. We found that maize chromosomes exhibited extremely dynamic and complex motility in zygonema and pachynema. The movement patterns differed dramatically between the two stages. Chromosome movements included rotations of the entire chromatin and movements of individual chromosome segments, which were mostly telomere-led. Chromosome motility was coincident with dynamic deformations of the nuclear envelope. Both, chromosome and nuclear envelope motility depended on actin microfilaments as well as tubulin. The complexity of the nuclear movements implies that several different mechanisms affect chromosome motility in early meiotic prophase in maize. We propose that the vigorous nuclear motility provides a mechanism for homologous loci to find each other during zygonema.
Distribution, diversity, evolution, and survival of
Helitrons
in the maize genome
Authors: Yang Lixing , Bennetzen Jeffrey L.
Published: November 2009

Homology and structure-based approaches were used to identify
Helitrons
in the genome of maize inbred B73. A total of 1,930 intact
Helitrons
from eight families (62 subfamilies) and >20,000
Helitron
fragments were identified, accounting for ≈2.2% of the B73 genome. Transposition of at least one of these families is ongoing, but the most prominent burst of amplification activity was ≈250,000 years ago. Sixty percent of maize
Helitrons
were found to have captured fragments of nuclear genes (≈840 different fragment acquisitions, with tens of thousands of predicted gene fragments inside
Helitrons
within the B73 assembly). Most acquired gene fragments are undergoing random drift, but 4% were calculated to be under purifying selection, whereas another 4% exhibit apparent adaptive selection, suggesting beneficial effects for the host or
Helitron
transposition/retention. Gene fragment capture is frequent in some
Helitron
subfamilies, with as many as 10 unlinked genes providing DNA inserts within a single element. Gene fragment acquisition appears to positively influence element survival and/or ability of the
Helitron
to acquire additional gene fragments.
Helitrons
with gene fragment captures in the antisense orientation have a lesser chance of survival.
Helitron
distribution in maize exhibits severe biases, including preferential accumulation in relatively gene-rich regions. Insertions, however, are not usually found inside genes. Rather,
Helitrons
preferentially insert near (but not into) other
Helitrons
. This biased accumulation is not caused by a preference for
cis
or nearby transposition, suggesting a specific association between
Helitron
integration functions and unknown chromatin characteristics that specifically mark
Helitrons
.
Food‐restriction in obese dyslipidaemic diabetic mice partially restores basal contractility but not contractile reserve
Authors: Van den Bergh An , Vangheluwe Peter , Vanderper Annelies , Carmeliet Peter , Wuytack Frank , Janssens Stefan , Flameng Willem , Holvoet Paul , Herijgers Paul
Published: November 2009

Aims

Weight reduction programmes in morbidly obese, diabetic, and hyperlipidaemic subjects usually improve cardiac load and subsequently reverse hypertrophy. However, their effect on contractile dysfunction and impaired cardiac functional reserve is unknown.

Methods and results

The effect of food‐restriction‐induced weight loss on in vivo cardiac contractility before and during beta‐adrenergic stimulation was assessed using left ventricular pressure–volume analysis in a mouse model featuring obesity and Type II diabetes (ob/ob), obesity, Type II diabetes, atherogenic dyslipidaemia, and hypertension (LDLR−/−;ob/ob), or wild‐type. In addition, sarcoendoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ reuptake, interstitial collagen accumulation, and aortic atherosclerosis were measured. Food‐restriction resulted in a 54% lower weight. Weight loss largely normalized pre‐ and afterload in both ob/ob and LDLR−/−;ob/ob mice. Contractility and relaxation improved after weight loss, partly explained by improved SR Ca2+ reuptake. Ventricular–vascular stiffening, interstitial collagen accumulation, and aortic atherosclerosis were less in food‐restricted than in free‐fed LDLR−/−;ob/ob mice. In contrast, cardiac reserve was similarly impaired in free‐fed and food‐restricted ob/ob and LDLR−/−;ob/ob mice.

Conclusion

Food‐restriction in obese diabetic mice leads to improved cardiac performance by diminishing cardiac load and by ameliorating the intrinsic contractile properties of the cardiac muscle. However, cardiac reserve under dobutamine stimulation did not increase.
Implications of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) During Public Health Emergencies and on Alternate Sites of Care
Authors: Roszak Andrew R. , Jensen Frances R. , Wild Richard E. , Yeskey Kevin , Handrigan Michael T.
Published: November 2009

Hospitals throughout the country are using innovative strategies to accommodate the surge of patients brought on by the novel H1N1 virus. One strategy has been to help decompress the amount of patients seeking care within emergency departments by using alternate sites of care, such as tents, parking lots, and community centers as triage, staging, and screening areas. As at any other time an individual presents on hospital property, hospitals and providers must be mindful of the requirements of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act. In this article we review the act and its implications during public health emergencies, with a particular focus on its implications on alternative sites of care. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2009;3(Suppl 2):S172–S175)