bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plutino (15810) 1994 JR1, an accidental quasi-satellite of Pluto
Authors: de la Fuente Marcos C. , de la Fuente Marcos R.
Published: October 2012

In the Solar system, quasi-satellites move in a 1:1 mean motion resonance going around their host body like a retrograde satellite but their mutual separation is well beyond the Hill radius and the trajectory is not closed as they orbit the Sun, not the host body. Although they share the semi-major axis and the mean longitude of their host body, their eccentricity and inclination may be very different. So far, minor bodies temporarily trapped in the quasi-satellite dynamical state have been identified around Venus, the Earth, the dwarf planet (1) Ceres, the large asteroid (4) Vesta, Jupiter and Saturn. Using computer simulations, Tiscareno & Malhotra have predicted the existence of a small but significant population of minor bodies moving in a 1:1 mean motion resonance with Pluto. Here we show using N-body calculations that the plutino (15810) 1994 JR1 is currently an accidental quasi-satellite of Pluto and it will remain as such for nearly 350 000 years. By accidental we mean that the quasi-satellite phase is triggered (or terminated) not by a direct gravitational influence in the form of a discrete close encounter, but as a result of a resonance. The relative mean longitude of the plutino (15810) 1994 JR1 circulates with a superimposed libration resulting from the oscillation of the orbital period induced by the 2:3 mean motion resonance with Neptune. These quasi-satellite episodes are recurrent with a periodicity of nearly 2 Myr. This makes the plutino (15810) 1994 JR1 the first minor body moving in a 1:1 mean motion resonance with Pluto and the first quasi-satellite found in the trans-Neptunian region. It also makes Pluto the second dwarf planet, besides Ceres, to host a quasi-satellite. Our finding confirms that the quasi-satellite resonant phase is not restricted to small bodies orbiting major planets but is possible for dwarf planets/asteroids too. Moreover, the plutino (15810) 1994 JR1 could be considered as a possible secondary target for NASA's Pluto—Kuiper Belt Mission New Horizons after the main Pluto flyby in 2015. This opens the possibility of studying at first hand and for the first time a minor body in the quasi-satellite dynamical state.
Responsive regulation: A co‐author's appreciation
Authors: Ayres Ian
Published: October 2012

In this comment, I try to do three things: (i) set the record straight about the disproportionate contributions of my co‐author; (ii) briefly comment on the excellent articles byEtienne,Ford, andWesterman in this special issue; and (iii) describe how theResponsiveRegulationconcept of partial‐industry regulation might usefully be extended to tradable licenses and randomized regulation experiments.
Taking responsive regulation transnational: Strategies for international organizations
Authors: Abbott Kenneth W. , Snidal Duncan
Published: October 2012

Responsive Regulation(RR) introduced important new ways of thinking about regulation. ButRRwas designed for domestic settings in which a single agency had clear jurisdiction, full regulatory capacity, and extensive information, and could (contingently) deploy stringent sanctions against well‐defined targets. Under globalization, many regulatory problems have shifted to the transnational arena, characterized by multiple regulators, public and private, with limited capacities, authority, and information, and modest sanctioning ability; globalized production also renders the targets of regulation diffuse and difficult to identify.RRholds important lessons for transnational regulation, but it must be adapted to these challenging conditions. Some components of transnationalRRare already emerging, including numerous private and public–private schemes that regulate business through voluntary norms: “transnational regulatory standard‐setting” (TRSS). Alone, however,TRSSschemes face serious limitations. Intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) are best positioned to “takeRRtransnational” by supporting and working with the nascentTRSSsystem. Two regulatory strategies are particularly promising: collaboration and orchestration. In “regulatory collaboration,”IGOspromote business self‐regulation, much as inRR; they can escalate in response to defection by deploying reputational and market sanctions. In “orchestration,”IGOssupport and steer intermediaries, includingTRSSschemes andNGOs, which use their material and ideational capacities to regulate target behavior. Orchestration cumulates regulatory competencies, creates avenues of escalation, and provides many benefits ofRR“tripartism.”
The Hajj
Authors: Forde Andrea M.
Published: October 2012

Please cite this paper as: Forde. (2012) The Hajj. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(601), e72–e73.
Ecological restoration and enabling behavior: a new metaphorical lens?
Authors: Moore Kathleen D. , Moore Jonathan W.
Published: October 2012

Ecological restoration practices are changing rapidly, dramatically, and in complex ways, with higher and higher stakes both for the restoration industries themselves and for the future of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Even as ecosystem degradation has accelerated, restoration has grown into a transnational, multibillion dollar industry. These changes create an imperative for correspondingly rapid and dramatic changes in the metaphoric lenses through which we view restoration projects. In this Policy Perspectives paper, we explore a metaphor that views ecological restoration through the lens of co‐dependency theories about enabling behaviors in the lives of addicts. The metaphor raises questions about the nature of the relation between restoration practices and an industrial growth economy “addicted” to cheap fuel and consumer goods. It suggests some policy changes that might prevent development of co‐dependencies between restoration industries and ecologically destructive practices.
Rates of visual field progression in clinical glaucoma care
Authors: Heijl Anders , Buchholz Patricia , Norrgren Gunilla , Bengtsson Boel
Published: October 2012

Purpose:  To investigate rates of visual field progression and factors associated with progression rate in open‐angle glaucoma in clinical glaucoma care.

Methods:  We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients with manifest primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG) followed ≥ 5 years with ≥5 SITA Standard fields. Exclusion criteria were minimal. Demographics, intraocular pressure values (IOP), treatment and treatment changes, and visual field (VF) data were recorded. VF progression rates were calculated as slopes of mean deviation (MD) over time.

Results:  Five hundred and eighty‐three patients were eligible. Three hundred and sixty‐seven (62%) had POAG and 221 (38%) PEXG. Median MD at study start was −10.0 dB. Mean follow‐up time was 7.8 years (SD ± 1.2); mean number of VF tests was 8.9 (SD ± 2.8). Progression rates varied very much among patients with a mean of −0.80 dB/year (SD ± 0.82; median rate, −0.62), and 5.6% of patients progressed at rates worse than −2.5 dB per year A negative slope of MD values was observed in 89% of patients. Mean IOP of all visits decreased over the study period from 20.15 to 18.10 mmHg. Higher age and mean IOP, and more intensive treatment were associated with more rapid progression, while PEXG and IOP variation were not, if treatment intensity was taken into account.

Conclusion:  Rates of visual field progression in manifest glaucoma with field loss in ordinary clinical care were highly variable. Progression rates rapid enough to influence quality of life were common.
Price‐cap regulation and the scale and timing of investment
Authors: Evans Lewis , Guthrie Graeme
Published: October 2012

This article shows how scale economies affect regulated firms’ investment behavior and welfare‐maximizing regulation of price and quantity. Regulated firms invest in smaller, more frequent, increments than social planners, with greater investment distortions the greater the economies of scale. Regulators cap prices at lower levels than planners when economies of scale are moderate, and at higher levels when they are substantial. When quantity is also regulated, the average cost of building capacity increases but the price cap decreases. Immediately after firms make their initial investment, regulators want to transfer surplus from customers to shareholders by raising the price cap to induce additional investment.
Synthesis and Growth Mechanism of SiC/SiO2 Nanochains Heterostructure by Catalyst‐Free Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Wei Jian , Li Kezhi , Chen Jin , Yuan Hudie , He Geping , Yang Chunli
Published: October 2012

The SiC/SiO2 nanochains heterostructure with double amorphous layers was successfully synthesized by a catalyst‐free chemical vapor deposition process at 1280°C. The SiC/SiO2 nanochains experience an apparent regular periodic structure, whose SiO2 beads with diameters of about 160 nm are positioned on the SiC strings beside one another. Their growth mechanism could be mainly ascribed to Rayleigh instability and vapor‐solid mechanism. The double layers structure of amorphous silica on the surface of the strings results from the different silica deposition stages. SiC nanowires with diameters of 20–50 nm were also found accompanied with the SiC/SiO2 nanochains and not changed into the chains‐shaped morphology because of their small diameters and much higher additive surface pressure of bending silica melt layer on the nanowires.
Deconvolving Ferroelastic and Phase Transformation Toughening in Pb(Zr1−xTix)O3 and Pb1−yLay(Zr1−xTix)O3
Authors: Seo Yo‐Han , Webber Kyle G. , Benčan Andreja , Koruza Jurij , Malič Barbara , Kosec Marija , Rödel Jürgen
Published: October 2012

Ferroelastic toughening in Pb(Zr1−xTix)O3 (PZT) ceramics can be augmented by phase transformation toughening through the inclusion of partially stabilized TZ (PZT–ZrO2). In order to deconvolve both these toughening modes, cubic Pb1−yLay(Zr1−xTix)O3 (PLZT) with and without zirconia (PLZT–ZrO2) was characterized. R curve and stress–strain behavior yielded a quantification of strong toughening and a lack for switching propensity that could be contrasted to PZT and zirconia‐toughened PZT. A clear path for toughening of PZT for future application is therefore provided.
Formation Process of AlN Through Precursors and Its Application to Joining AlN Ceramics
Authors: Kai Ayako , Kamita Yasunobu , Miki Toshikatsu
Published: October 2012

Formation process of AlN from urea and aluminum chloride hexa‐hydrate (N/Al = 60) under nitrogen is investigated. An aluminum hexa‐urea complex crystallizes on mixing the two raw materials at room temperature. The complexes react with excess urea and/or its decomposed products, such as biuret above 160°C, and form an amorphous phase containing Al, N, C, and O around 400°C after releasing volatile products. The resultant amorphous phase undergoes changes as the temperature increases, and then crystalline carbon with a fullerene‐like XRD pattern forms at 850°C. AlN crystallization follows the decomposition of the fullerene‐like crystals. At the AlN precursor stage, a large number of radicals (g = 2.0029 and S = 1/2) are detected by ESR. The radicals are assumed to be due to dangling bonds with an unpaired electron in amorphous carbon. Joining AlN ceramics is conducted using the 850°C product at the AlN precursor stage as the filler material, and is successfully achieved at temperatures above 1000°C. The shear strengths of the joints formed at 1500°C are 88 ± 29 MPa.
Strain Evolution of Highly Asymmetric Polycrystalline Ferroelectric Ceramics via a Self‐Consistent Model and In Situ X‐Ray Diffraction
Authors: Tutuncu Goknur , Motahari Maziar , Bernier Joel , Varlioglu Mesut , Jones Jacob L. , Ustundag Ersan
Published: October 2012

Strain and texture evolution (domain switching) of polycrystalline, ferroelectric BaTiO3 was investigated in four‐point bending geometry. Lattice strains were measured by in situ synchrotron X‐ray diffraction to address problems related to modeling the constitutive behavior of highly asymmetric ferroelectrics. The hkl‐dependent strain measured by X‐ray diffraction was found to be smaller relative to both bulk strain measured by conventional, contact‐based techniques and elastically computed strain, and reasons for this inconsistency are discussed. A self‐consistent model with capabilities of quantifying domain switching and estimating hkl‐dependent strain is applied to allow a direct comparison with diffraction data.
Improved Cooperative Emission in Ytterbium‐Doped Oxyfluoride Glass‐Ceramics ContainingCaF2Nanocrystals
Authors: Imanieh Mohammad H. , Martín Inocencio R. , Eftekhari Yekta Bijan , Marghussian Vahak K. , Shakhesi Saeed
Published: October 2012

The effect of alumina content and heat treatment time, on microstructure and cooperative emission of oxyfluoride glass‐ceramics were investigated. Two values (1.8 and 2.18) were selected forSiO2/Al2O3ratio. The results indicated that alumina content had a significant effect on the phase separation and the viscosity of the glasses. Although crystallization happened in the glass withSiO2/Al2O3ratio of 2.18 via spinodal decomposition phase separation, the other glass was crystallized in a homogeneous glass phase. Accordingly, the size and volume concentration of nanoCaF2crystalline phase which precipitates during the heat treatment depends on the glass's alumina content. Furthermore, the crystal size was raised dramatically with duration of heat treatment time in the high‐containing aluminum oxide. In the other glass specimen, i.e., in the glass with aSiO2/Al2O3ratio of 2.18, only a slight increase in the crystal size was observed by raising the heat treatment time. Increasing the time of heat treatment led to the incorporation ofYb3+ions intoCaF2crystalline phase. Moreover, cooperative emission coming from a pair of excitedYb3+ions was obtained and increased significantly with the heat treatment time. The results showed that the optimum heat treatment time was 48 h.
Mixed Network Effect of Broadband Near‐Infrared Emission in Bi‐Doped B2O3‐GeO2 Glasses
Authors: Zhang Na , Sharafudeen K. N. , Dong Guoping , Peng Mingying , Qiu Jianrong
Published: October 2012

We report on the mixed network effect of broadband near‐infrared (NIR) emission of Bi‐doped borogermanate glasses. On excitation with 808 nm laser diode (LD) radiation, the fluorescence emission intensity at 1235 nm with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of about 200 nm was found to vary with B2O3 content, which agrees well with the variation tendency of the absorption intensity at 500 and 700 nm. The peak position and the intensity of the NIR emission depend strongly on the excitation wavelength. Two kinds of bismuth centers are proposed to coexist in the Bi‐doped borogermanate glasses: Bi0 and Bi+, which contribute to the NIR emissions at 1240 and 1095 nm, respectively.
Effect of the Sintering Additive on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Hi‐NicalonTM SiC Fibers in a HfB2 Matrix
Authors: Silvestroni Laura , Guicciardi Stefano , Nygren Mats , Melandri Cesare , Sciti Diletta
Published: October 2012

This study is focused on the effect of the sintering additive on the microstructure and properties of HfB2 composites reinforced with SiC Hi–Nicalon fibers. The materials were spark plasma sintered with addition of 5–10 vol% of Si3N4 or ZrSi2. The fibers morphology was examined using scanning and transmission electron microscopy and remarkable differences were observed depending on the additive. Local hardness and Young's modulus were measured by nanoindentation to investigate the fiber mechanical behavior. The introduction of 20 vol% SiC short fibers into the HfB2 matrix increased the fracture toughness up to 5.4 MPa m1/2 for the material sintered with ZrSi2. The room temperature flexural strength of the materials containing fibers slightly decreased when ZrSi2 was used, but with the addition of Si3N4 an improvement of more than the 40%, as compared to the unreinforced material was observed.
Investigation of the Structure and Electrical Properties of (KxNa0.96−xLi0.04)(Nb0.96−yTaySb0.04)O3 Piezoelectric Ceramics Modified with Manganese
Authors: Mgbemere Henry E. , Hinterstein Manuel , Schneider Gerold A.
Published: October 2012

The effect of high doping levels of manganese (Mn) on the structure and electrical properties of (KxNa1−x)NbO3 (KNN) ceramics containing Li, Ta, and Sb has been investigated. The samples were measured using synchrotron X‐ray diffraction whereas Rietveld refinement with Fullprof was used to determine the structural information as a function of temperature. Temperature‐dependent dielectric measurement was used to compare the phase transition temperatures. The results show that Mn decreases the temperature range of phase coexistence between the orthorhombic and tetragonal phase from ~180°C to ~120°C. The Curie temperature remained unchanged with Mn addition while the dielectric constant and dielectric loss increased with Mn addition. High amounts of Mn led to a reduction in both piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties. The remnant polarization, remnant strain, and piezoelectric coefficient values decreased from 24 μC/cm2, 0.000824, 338 ± 37 pm/V to 13 μC/cm2, 0,00014 and 208 ± 27 pm/V, respectively for the undoped and 5 mol% Mn‐doped sample.
Left Ventricular Scar Burden Specifies the Potential for Ventricular Arrhythmogenesis: An LGE‐CMR Study
Authors: SCOTT PAUL A. , ROSENGARTEN JAMES A. , MURDAY DAVID C. , PEEBLES CHARLES R. , HARDEN STEPHEN P. , CURZEN NICK P. , MORGAN JOHN M.
Published: October 2012

Late Gadolinium Enhancement and Arrhythmias. Introduction: The extent of left ventricular (LV) scar, characterized by late gadolinium enhancement cardiac MRI (LGE‐CMR), has been shown to predict the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) recipients. However, the specificity of LGE‐CMR for sudden cardiac death (SCD) versus non‐SCD is unclear. The aim of this retrospective, observational study was to evaluate this relationship in a cohort of ICD recipients.

Methods and Results

: We included consecutive patients who had undergone LGE‐CMR before ICD implantation over a 4‐year period (2006–2009). Scar (defined as myocardium with a signal intensity ≥50% of the maximum in scar tissue) was characterized in terms of percent scar and number of transmural LV scar segments in a 17‐segment model. The endpoints were appropriate ICD therapy and all‐cause mortality. Sixty‐four patients (average age 66 ± 11 years, 51 male, median LVEF 30%) were included. During 42 ± 13 months follow‐up, appropriate ICD therapy occurred in 28 patients (44%), and 14 patients (22%) died. Number of transmural scar segments (P = 0.005) and percentage LV scar (P = 0.03) were both significantly associated with appropriate ICD therapy. However, neither number of transmural scar segments (P = 0.32) or percent LV scar (P = 0.59) was significantly associated with all‐cause mortality.

Conclusion

: In this observational study, in medium‐term follow‐up, the extent of LV scar characterized by LGE‐CMR was strongly associated with the occurrence of spontaneous ventricular arrhythmias but not all‐cause mortality. We hypothesize that scar quantification by LGE‐CMR may be more specific for SCD than non‐SCD, and may prove a valuable tool for the selection of patients for ICD therapy. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 24, pp. 430‐436, April 2013)
Rethinking theory of mind in high‐functioning autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Scheeren Anke M. , de Rosnay Marc , Koot Hans M. , Begeer Sander
Published: October 2012

Background:  The sociocommunicative problems in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are traditionally linked to impairments in Theory of Mind (ToM), the ability to ascribe mental states to others. Although ToM impairments are consistently reported in young children with ASD, findings on more advanced ToM understanding in older individuals with high‐functioning ASD (HFASD) are less straightforward. Therefore, we assessed the advanced ToM abilities of a large sample of school‐aged children and adolescents with HFASD (n = 194; 6–20 years) and compared them to a typically developing (TD) comparison group (n = 60).

Methods:  Participants’ advanced ToM was assessed with five social stories containing second‐order false beliefs, display rules, double bluff, faux pas, and sarcasm.

Results:  Participants with HFASD performed equally well on each of the ToM stories as their TD peers. Consistent age effects were noticed with adolescents outperforming the children. Furthermore, advanced ToM was positively associated with participants’ age, verbal abilities, and general reasoning abilities.

Conclusions:  Counter to what the ToM theory of ASD would predict, school‐aged children and adolescents with HFASD seem to be able to master the theoretical principles of advanced mental state reasoning. However, they may still fail to apply these theoretical principles during everyday social interactions.
Comparison of efficacy and side‐effect profile of oral PUVA vs. oral PUVA sol in the treatment of vitiligo: a 36‐week prospective study
Authors: Singh S. , Khandpur S. , Sharma V.K. , Ramam M.
Published: October 2012

Background Both Oral PUVA and PUVA sol have been successfully used in vitiligo treatment. However, there is paucity of studies comparing the two therapies, especially under subtropical conditions of abundant sunlight where PUVA sol is more feasible.

Objectives To compare the efficacy and side effects of oral PUVA versus oral PUVA sol therapy in generalized vitiligo.

Methods Comparative prospective clinical trial conducted on consecutive patients of generalized vitiligo. Response to treatment was assessed using change in Lund & Browder (L & B) score for assessment of reduction in body surface area of involvement, patient global assessment (PGA) of improvement in vitiligo, investigator’s global assessment (IGA) of extent of repigmentation, and quality of life (QOL) assessment using Tjioe et al questionnaire.

Results Thirty five patients were recruited‐ 18 in PUVA and 17 in PUVA sol group. Mean percentage change in L & B score at 36 weeks was 46.4% in PUVA and 26.1% in PUVA sol group (P = 0.06), mean PGA score in PUVA was 4.58 ± 2.23 and in PUVA sol group was 6 ± 2.08 (P = 0.13), mean IGA score was 3.08 ± 1.68 in PUVA and 1.79 ± 0.57 in PUVA sol group (P = 0.11). QOL scores were significantly higher in PUVA group as compared to the PUVA sol group (P = 0.04). Side effects were comparable in two groups except for phototoxic side effects which were significantly more in PUVA group.

Conclusions PUVA is more efficacious than PUVA sol and also provides greater psychological benefit in treatment of generalized vitiligo but is associated with more phototoxic adverse effects.
Efficacy and safety of systemic methotrexate vs. acitretin in psoriasis patients with significant palmoplantar involvement: a prospective, randomized study
Authors: Janagond A.B. , Kanwar A.J. , Handa S.
Published: October 2012

Background  Palmoplantar psoriasis (PP) is a chronic, inflammatory and proliferative dermatosis of the palms and/or soles with significant morbidity. It is notoriously difficult to treat and unresponsive to traditional topical agents.

Material and methods  This was a prospective, randomized study involving 111 patients of psoriasis with significant palmoplantar disease. Patients meeting the eligibility criteria were randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups. Patients in Group I received methotrexate in doses of 0.4 mg/kg weekly, and patients in Group II received acitretin in doses of 0.5 mg/kg daily. Patients were evaluated by modified PPPASI (m‐PPPASI) score for palm and sole involvement at baseline, at two weekly intervals for the first 4 weeks and then four weekly for next 8 weeks. Treatment protocol was continued for a period till patient achieved 75% reduction in m‐PPPASI from baseline or 12 weeks whichever was earlier.

Results  There was a statistically significant difference in reduction of m‐PPPASI of patients on methotrexate at weeks 8 and 12. The mean m‐PPPASI at week 8 was 15.38 ± 6.08 in methotrexate group and 17.23 ± 5.25 in acitretin group (P = 0.04). The mean m‐PPPASI at week 12 was 10.30 ± 5.97 in methotrexate group and 12.40 ± 5.31 in acitretin group (P = 0.03). Marked improvement (m‐PPPASI 75) was achieved in 12 (24%) patients in methotrexate group compared with 4 (8%) in acitretin group which was statistically significant (P = 0.029). Adverse events were generally mild and were seen in 14 patients in methotrexate group and 15 patients in acitretin group (P = 0.080).

Conclusion  Methotrexate is relatively inexpensive, safe and efficacious drug for the treatment of psoriasis patients with significant palmoplantar involvement. Acitretin can be used as an alternative therapy and with a good safety profile.
Effects of Temperature and Moisture Variables on Brown Rust Epidemics in Sugarcane
Authors: Barrera Wilmer , Hoy Jeffrey , Li Bin
Published: October 2012

Epidemics of brown rust in sugarcane, caused by Puccinia melanocephala, vary in severity between seasons. Natural epidemics were studied to determine the effects of temperature and moisture variables on epidemic onset, severity and decline. Variables were monitored with disease severity in two cultivars, each grown at a different location in Louisiana. Maximum daily temperature was the variable most correlated with seasonal epidemic development and decline. Disease severity was high during 2009 and low during 2010. This contrast allowed evaluation of the effects of conducive and limiting environmental conditions on severity. Lower severity resulted from a combination of unfavourable temperature and leaf wetness conditions that delayed onset then reduced the rate of disease increase. An accumulation of 23–25 days with leaf wetness periods of at least 7 h after the daily minimum temperature exceeded 17°C preceded the onset of disease on young leaves in both severe and mild epidemics. Severe epidemics in both cultivars declined once maximum ambient daily temperature was 32°C or higher. Low and high limiting temperatures determined the initiation and decline of an epidemic, respectively, under Louisiana climatic conditions. The availability of leaf wetness was then an important determinant of disease severity during the epidemic.
Changes in cetacean presence, relative abundance and distribution over 20 years along a trans‐regional fixed line transect in the Central Tyrrhenian Sea
Authors: Arcangeli Antonella , Marini Luca , Crosti Roberto
Published: October 2012

From 1989 to 1992, systematic cetacean surveys were carried out twice weekly along a trans‐regional fixed transect in the Central Tyrrhenian Sea, utilising passenger ferries as research platforms. Using the same protocol and supervised by the same investigators, the research restarted in 2007, providing the opportunity to compare consistent data over a long 20‐year period. The monitored transect (Civitavecchia‐Golfo Aranci) runs along a strategic area just outside the southeastern border of the Pelagos Sanctuary. Over the last two decades, an increasing trend of temperature and salinity, in the deep and intermediate layers, has been documented in the region, as well as general changes over the Mediterranean basin. These changes, together with the increasing impact of some pressures (e.g. maritime traffic) may have led to changes in oceanographic and anthropogenic features and, subsequently, in cetacean presence and distribution. The research aimed to verify whether any changes occurred in the pattern of cetacean occurrence over the 20‐year period along the representative transect in the Central Tyrrhenian Sea. Data from 90 summer weekly runs undertaken in the 1990s were compared with data obtained from 95 runs undertaken in the 2000s. Each ferry run was considered an independent statistical unit: the encounter rate (ER = number of sightings per hour spent on effort) was calculated to compare relative abundance between periods, years and months. Spatial analysis was performed on geographical data using Kernel analysis to map the distribution of sightings. Logistic regression (GLM) was performed to compare habitat preference. Total encounter rate in the 1990s (ER = 0.59 ± CI 0.08) was significantly lower (P < 0.01) compared with the 2000s (ER = 0.94 ± CI 0.15). The same seven out of eight species known for their regular presence in the Mediterranean Sea were sighted in both the investigated periods. The most common species were striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) and common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Neither the pilot whale nor any other rare or occasional species were sighted during the 6 years of the study. Despite the time span, no dramatic changes were observed for any species, bar fin whale, in terms of distribution, relative abundance, group size or habitat preference. Sightings of fin whale have surprisingly increased (+300%, P< 0.001), and their spatial and temporal distribution and habitat preference showed a radical difference between the two periods. The 2000s surveys confirmed the existence of high density areas of cetaceans, especially of fin whale, and the consequent necessity of specific legislative acts for cetacean conservation.
Recent nonhybrid origin of sunflower ecotypes in a novel habitat
Authors: Andrew Rose L. , Kane Nolan C. , Baute Greg J. , Grassa Christopher J. , Rieseberg Loren H.
Published: October 2012

The genomics of local adaptation is an increasingly active field, providing insights into the forces driving ecological speciation and the repeatability of evolution. Demography and gene flow play an important role in determining the paths by which parallel evolution occurs and the genomic signatures of adaptation. In the annual sunflowers, hybridization between species has repeatedly led to the colonization of extreme habitats, such as sand dunes. In a new case of adaptation to sand dunes that occurs in populations of H. petiolaris growing at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve (Colorado), we wished to determine the age and long‐term migration patterns of the system, as well as its ancestry. We addressed these questions with restriction‐associated DNA (RAD) sequence data, aligned to a reference transcriptome. In an isolation with migration model using RAD sequences, coalescent analysis showed that the dune ecotype originated since the last ice age, which is very recent compared with the hybrid dune species, H. anomalus. Large effective population sizes and substantial numbers of gene migrants per generation between dune and nondune ecotypes explained the highly heterogeneous divergence observed among loci. Analysis of RAD‐derived SNPs identified heterogeneous divergence between the dune and nondune ecotypes, as well as identifying its nearest relative. Our results did not support the hypothesis that the dune ecotype has hybrid ancestry, suggesting that adaptation of sunflowers to dunes has occurred by multiple mechanisms. The ancestry and long‐term history of gene flow between incipient sunflower species provides valuable context for our understanding of ecological speciation and parallel adaptation.
A role for topoisomeraseIIIinEscherichia colichromosome segregation
Authors: Perez‐Cheeks Brenda A. , Lee Chong , Hayama Ryo , Marians Kenneth J.
Published: October 2012

The cellular function ofEscherichia colitopoisomeraseIIIremains elusive. We show that rescue of temperature‐sensitive mutants inparEandparC(encoding the subunits of the chromosomal decatenase topoisomeraseIV) at restrictive temperatures by high‐copy suppressors is strictly dependent ontopB(encoding topoisomeraseIII). Double mutants ofparEΔtopBandparCΔtopBwere barely viable, grew slowly, and were defective in chromosome segregation at permissive temperatures. ThetopBmutant phenotype did not result from accumulation of toxic recombination intermediates, because it was not relieved by mutations in eitherrecQorrecA. In addition, in an otherwise wild‐type genetic background,ΔtopBcells treated with the typeIItopoisomerase inhibitor novobiocin displayed aberrant chromosome segregation. This novobiocin sensitivity was attributable to an increased demand for topoisomeraseIVand is unlikely to define a new role for topoisomeraseIII; therefore, these results suggest that topoisomeraseIIIparticipates in orderly and efficient chromosome segregation inE. coli.
Sonographic demonstration of human small intestinal migrating motor complex phase III
Authors: Liu C. J. , Huang S. C. , Huang Y. C. , Liu C. Y. , Chen H. I.
Published: October 2012

Background  Migrating motor complex phase III (MMC phase III) of intestine is an important physiological mechanism traditionally recognized by myoelectric recordings or pressure tracings. Direct imaging is difficult and sonographic visualization in human has not been reported.

Methods  We have demonstrated this unique phenomenon in three patients who underwent abdominal sonographic examinations. Characteristic images were recorded by videotape and both spatial and temporal features were analyzed.

Key Results  Occurrences of multiple equally spaced, rhythmic intestinal contractions were observed. Parameters including wave frequency, propagation velocity, and duration of the events agreed with those of the well‐known phase III. The presence of distinct cyclic patterns observed in two and abolition by meal in the other patient further support our conclusion.

Conclusions & Inferences  We conclude that the migrating waves observed in our study represent the human MMC phase III. This unique finding in human subjects merits further investigation.
Eliminating the purple acid phosphatase AtPAP26 in Arabidopsis thaliana delays leaf senescence and impairs phosphorus remobilization
Authors: Robinson Whitney D. , Carson Ira , Ying Sheng , Ellis Kaya , Plaxton William C.
Published: October 2012

Limitation of crop productivity by suboptimal phosphorus (P) nutrition is a widespread concern. Enhanced crop P‐use efficiency could be achieved by improving P remobilization from senescing leaves to developing tissues and seeds. Transcriptomic studies indicate that hundreds of Arabidopsis thaliana genes are up‐regulated during leaf senescence, including that encoding the purple acid phosphatase (PAP) AtPAP26 (At5g34850).

In this study, biochemical and functional genomic tools were integrated to test the hypothesis that AtPAP26 participates in P remobilization during leaf senescence.

An eightfold increase in acid phosphatase activity of senescing leaves was correlated with the accumulation of AtPAP26 transcripts and immunoreactive AtPAP26 polypeptides. Senescing leaves of an atpap26 T‐DNA insertion mutant displayed a > 90% decrease in acid phosphatase activity, markedly impaired P remobilization efficiency and delayed senescence. This was paralleled by reduced seed total P concentrations and germination rates.

These results demonstrate that AtPAP26 loss of function causes dramatic effects that cannot be compensated for by any other PAP isozyme, even though Arabidopsis contains 29 different PAP genes. Our current and earlier studies establish that AtPAP26 not only helps to scavenge P from organic P sources when Arabidopsis is cultivated in inorganic orthophosphate (Pi)‐deficient soils, but also has an important P remobilization function during leaf senescence.
Pretransplant six‐minute walk test predicts peri‐ and post‐operative outcomes after pediatric lung transplantation
Authors: Yimlamai Dean , Freiberger Dawn A. , Gould Anne , Zhou Jing , Boyer Debra
Published: October 2012

The purpose of the pretransplant assessment in lung transplantation is to determine a patient's need for transplant as well as their potential survival post‐procedure. In 2005, the UNOS introduced the LAS, a calculation based on multiple physiologic measures to determine need and likelihood for survival. Measures include NYHA class and the 6‐MWT. Some adult studies indicate a positive correlation with 6‐MWT and waiting list survival. In pediatric/adolescent patients, there are minimal data regarding the predictive value of physiologic markers in either wait list survival or post‐transplant outcome. A retrospective cohort study of 60 consecutive lung transplantations from 1990 to 2008 was performed at a pediatric tertiary care facility. Functional pretransplant assessments were abstracted from the medical record and compared with outcomes after transplantation. Results: a 6‐MWT of >1000 ft (305 m) prior to transplantation correlated with a shorter ICU stay (7 vs. 11 days, p = 0.046) and fewer days of mechanical ventilation (2 vs. 4, p = 0.04). A pretransplant 6‐MWT greater than 750 ft (229 m) correlated with shorter overall hospitalization (37 vs. 20 days, p = 0.03). Measuring pretransplant 6‐MWT tests for pediatric patients is valuable in predicting peri‐operative outcomes after lung transplantation.
Quantitative Evaluation of Reference Genes for Real‐Time PCR During In Vitro Maturation of Ovine Oocytes
Authors: O'Connor T , Wilmut I , Taylor J
Published: October 2012

Contents

Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT‐qPCR) is a powerful molecular technique that enables gene expression studies to be performed on extremely small samples such as oocytes and pre‐implantation embryos. However, the high sensitivity of this technique requires that to prevent bias in expression data interpretation, the reference genes used for normalization are fully validated before use. Difficulties in choosing a reference gene are further compounded by the variable RNA content of the maturing oocyte. In the present study, we evaluated eight commonly used reference genes such as ACTB, GAPDH, H2AFZ, HPRT1, PPIA, SDHA, TUBB and YWHAZ and for sheep oocyte RT‐qPCR before and after in vitro maturation. We have also compared different cDNA priming strategies using random hexamers or oligo‐dT. GeNorm analysis of the results identified the most reliable genes for normalization to be SDHA, TUBB and PPIA when oocyte cDNA was made with random hexamers, and YWHAZ, TUBB and SDHA when oligo‐dT primers were used (H2AFZ and HPRT1 were excluded from the geNorm analysis). Interestingly, the analysis revealed that the least stable genes were ACTB and GAPDH, which are the conventional ‘housekeeping’ genes used in many studies. We recommend the use of three reference genes to calculate a normalization factor to accurately quantify transcript abundance in sheep oocytes and these vary with the cDNA priming strategy employed.
From Basic Biology to Randomized Clinical Trial: The Beta Radiation for ArterioVenous Graft Outflow Stenosis (BRAVO II)
Authors: Roy‐Chaudhury Prabir , Arnold Perry , Seigel Jeff , Misra Sanjay
Published: October 2012

The BRAVO‐II study was a randomized controlled study of endovascular radiation therapy as compared to sham radiation therapy, following angioplasty of a thrombosed PRFE graft. The results did not show a benefit of endovascular radiation therapy, albeit in the context of an early termination of the study at less than 50% enrollment due to business reasons. Emphasis is laid on the fact that there may still be a role for radiation therapy in specific clinical settings associated with dialysis vascular access dysfunction.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease in CKD Patients
Authors: Yevzlin Alexander S. , Gimelli Giorgio
Published: October 2012

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a cardiovascular disease risk equivalent and is a common problem in chronic kidney disease patients. Unlike in the general population, PAD in CKD occurs due to medial calcification as opposed to intimal atherosclerotic process. PAD intervention should be performed in select symptomatic patients, as described by the guidelines, and CVD risk factor modification should occur in all CKD patient, regardless of the presence of PAD. As a discipline, Interventional Nephrology has emerged out of a desire to create better outcomes for our patients and to “fix a problem.” The core values of our discipline have evolved out of this fundamental desire to meet an unmet clinical need, to provide insight into a disease state specific to our patients, and to offer clinical/academic excellence in doing so. We must endeavor to follow a similar path in our approach to PAD. The purpose of this review is to educate interventional nephrologists in the diagnosis and treatment of PAD in their CKD patients.
Two new alleles, HLA‐DRB1*11:64 and HLA‐DRB1*04:67 identified in Chinese individuals
Authors: Wang D. , Li W. , Wang L. , Xiaoyan S. , Zhixin Z.
Published: October 2012

Two new HLA‐DRB1 alleles differing from their closet‐related alleles by nucleotide mutations in exon 2, DRB1*11:64 and DRB1*04:67, were identified.
Cholinergic control of the cerebral vasculature in humans
Authors: Hamner J. W. , Tan Can Ozan , Tzeng Yu‐Chieh , Taylor J. Andrew
Published: October 2012

Key points

Cerebral autoregulation maintains cerebral perfusion relatively constant in the face of slow changes in arterial pressure, but is less effective against more rapid changes (i.e. functions as a ‘high‐pass’ filter).

While thought to be maintained mainly through myogenic adjustments to changes in transmural pressure, recent work has highlighted a possibility of active autonomic involvement in cerebral autoregulation.

In this study we examined the cerebrovascular effects of cholinergic blockade on nine healthy volunteers during the application of oscillatory lower body pressure at six frequencies from 0.03 to 0.08 Hz.

Cholinergic blockade impaired autoregulation at frequencies above 0.04 Hz, suggesting a role for active cholinergic vasodilatation in the maintenance of cerebral perfusion.

Abstract Despite growing evidence of autonomic nervous system involvement in the regulation of cerebral blood flow, the specific contribution of cholinergic vasodilatation to cerebral autoregulation remains unknown. We examined cerebral and forearm blood flow responses to augmented arterial pressure oscillations with and without cholinergic blockade. Oscillatory lower body negative pressure was applied at six frequencies from 0.03 to 0.08 Hz in nine healthy subjects with and without cholinergic blockade via glycopyrrolate. Cholinergic blockade increased cross‐spectral coherence between arterial pressure and cerebral flow at all frequencies except 0.03 Hz and increased the transfer function gain at frequencies above 0.05 Hz. In contrast, gain between pressure and forearm flow increased only at frequencies below 0.06 Hz. These data demonstrate that the cholinergic system plays an active and unique role in cerebral autoregulation. The frequency region and magnitude of effect is very similar to what has been seen with sympathetic blockade, indicating a possible balance between the two reflexes to most effectively respond to rising and falling pressure. These findings might have implications for the role of dysfunction in autonomic control of the vasculature in cerebrovascular disease states.
The Hedgehog Signal Transduction Network
Authors: Robbins David J. , Fei Dennis Liang , Riobo Natalia A.
Published: October 2012

The Hedgehog network includes canonical and noncanonical signaling modules important for development, homeostasis, and disease.
The Temporal Pattern of Stimulation Determines the Extent and Duration of MAPK Activation in a
Caenorhabditis elegans
Sensory Neuron
Authors: Tomida Taichiro , Oda Shigekazu , Takekawa Mutsuhiro , Iino Yuichi , Saito Haruo
Published: October 2012

Live-cell imaging in nematodes reveals the complex responses of a mitogen-activated protein kinase to neuronal stimulation.
Cheat Control
Authors: Ash Caroline
Published: October 2012

Cooperating groups of bacteria resist infiltration by noncooperating cheats by co-regulating shared and individual products.
Stability of Colistimethate Sodium in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Healan A. M. , Gray W. , Fuchs E. J. , Griffiss J. M. , Salata R. A. , Blumer J.
Published: October 2012

Colistimethate sodium, increasingly used to treat multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections, spontaneously hydrolyzes to form colistin A (polymyxin E1) and B (polymyxin E2/B) when mixed with water. High levels of these active breakdown products at the time of administration have been associated with nephrotoxicity and even death. In this study, reconstituted colistimethate sodium was shown to be stable (<1.0% colistin A/B formation) for up to 24 h when stored at 21, 0, −20, and −70°C.
In Vitro
Activities of Antibiotics and Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides Alone and in Combination against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms
Authors: Mataraci Emel , Dosler Sibel
Published: October 2012

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) strains are most often found as hospital- and community-acquired infections. The danger of MRSA infections results from not only the emergence of multidrug resistance but also the occurrence of bacteria that form strong biofilms. We investigated the
in vitro
activities of antibiotics (daptomycin, linezolid, teichoplanine, azithromycin, and ciprofloxacin) and antimicrobial cationic peptides {AMPs; indolicidin, CAMA [cecropin (1-7)–melittin A (2-9) amide], and nisin} alone or in combination against MRSA ATCC 43300 biofilms. The MICs and minimum biofilm eradication concentrations (MBECs) were determined by the broth microdilution technique. Antibiotic and AMP combinations were assessed using the checkerboard technique. For MRSA planktonic cells, MICs of antibiotics and AMPs ranged between 0.125 and 512 and 8 and 16 mg/liter, respectively, and the MBEC values were between 512 and 5,120 and 640 mg/liter, respectively. With a fractional inhibitory concentration of ≤0.5 as the borderline, synergistic interactions against MRSA biofilms were frequent with almost all antibiotic-antibiotic and antibiotic-AMP combinations. Against planktonic cells, they generally had an additive effect. No antagonism was observed. All of the antibiotics, AMPs, and their combinations were able to inhibit the attachment of bacteria at 1/10 MIC and biofilm formation at 1× MIC. Biofilm-associated MRSA was not affected by therapeutically achievable concentrations of antimicrobial agents. Use of a combination of antimicrobial agents can provide a synergistic effect, which rapidly enhances antibiofilm activity and may help prevent or delay the emergence of resistance. AMPs seem to be good candidates for further investigations in the treatment of MRSA biofilms, alone or in combination with antibiotics.
Comparative Sequence Analysis of a Multidrug-Resistant Plasmid from Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: del Castillo Carmelo S. , Hikima Jun-ichi , Jang Ho-Bin , Nho Seong-Won , Jung Tae-Sung , Wongtavatchai Janenuj , Kondo Hidehiro , Hirono Ikuo , Takeyama Haruko , Aoki Takashi
Published: October 2012

Aeromonas hydrophila
is a pathogenic bacterium that has been implicated in fish, animal, and human disease. Recently, a multidrug resistance (MDR) plasmid, pR148, was isolated from
A. hydrophila
obtained from a tilapia (
Oreochromis niloticus
) farm in Thailand. pR148 is a 165,906-bp circular plasmid containing 147 coding regions showing highest similarity to pNDM-1_Dok1, an MDR plasmid isolated from a human pathogen. pR148 was also very similar to other IncA/C plasmids isolated from humans, animals, food, and fish. pR148 contains a mercuric resistance operon and encodes the complete set of genes for the type 4 secretion system. pR148 encodes a Tn
21
type transposon. This transposon contains the drug resistance genes
qacH
,
bla
OXA-10
,
aadA1
, and
sul1
in a class 1 integron;
tetA
and
tetR
in transposon Tn
1721
; and
catA2
and a duplicate
sul1
in a locus showing 100% similarity to IncU plasmids isolated from fish. The
bla
OXA-10
and
aadA1
genes showed 100% similarity to those from the
Acinetobacter baumannii
AYE genome. The similarity of pR148 to a human pathogen-derived plasmid indicates that the plasmids were either transferred between different genera or that they are derived from a common origin. Previous studies have shown that IncA/C plasmids retain a conserved backbone, while the accessory region points to lateral gene transfer. These observations point out the dangers of indiscriminate use of antibiotics in humans and in animals and the necessity of understanding how drug resistance determinants are disseminated and transferred.