bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chagas Disease: Increased Parasitemia during Pregnancy Detected by Hemoculture
Authors: da Rocha Siriano Liliane , Luquetti Alejandro Ostermayer , Avelar Juliana Boaventura , Marra Neusa Leal , de Castro Ana Maria
Published: April 2011

One hundred fifty-two Trypanosoma cruzi seropositive women were submitted to a single hemoculture; 101 were pregnant, and 51 were not pregnant. Seven tubes from each individual were harvested with liver infusion tryptose (LIT) medium and observed monthly until the fifth month. Hemocultures were positive in 50% (76 of 152) of the women. Results showed that the positivity was 29.4% (15 of 51) among non-pregnant women and 60.4% (61 of 101) in pregnant women (P < 0.05). In relation to gestational age, there were significant differences in positivity, with a higher proportion of women with positive hemocultures (20 of 25) before 21 weeks and lower after 30 weeks (10 of 21; P = 0.02). We conclude that pregnancy enhances the parasitemia in Chagas disease, with a higher effect early in pregnancy.
Serologic Diagnosis of Human Taenia solium Cysticercosis by Using Recombinant and Synthetic Antigens in QuickELISA™
Authors: Lee Yeuk-Mui , Handali Sukwan , Hancock Kathy , Pattabhi Sowmya , Kovalenko Victor A. , Levin Andrew , Rodriguez Silvia , Lin Sehching , Scheel Christina M. , Gonzalez Armando E. , Gilman Robert H. , Garcia Hector H. , Tsang Victor C. W.
Published: April 2011

Diagnosis of Taenia solium cysticercosis is an important component in the control and elimination of cysticercosis and taeniasis. New detection assays using recombinant and synthetic antigens originating from the lentil lectin-purified glycoproteins (LLGPs) of T. solium cysticerci were developed in a QuickELISA™ format. We analyzed a panel of 474 serum samples composed of 108 serum samples from donors with two or more viable cysts, 252 serum samples from persons with other parasitic infections, and 114 serum samples from persons with no documented illnesses. The sensitivities and specificities of T24H QuickELISA™, GP50 QuickELISA™, and Ts18var1 QuickELISA™ were 96.3% and 99.2%, 93.5% and 98.6%, and 89.8% and 96.4%, respectively, for detecting cases with multiple, viable cysts. T24H QuickELISA™ performs best among the three assays, and has sensitivity and specificity values comparable to those of the LLGP enzyme-linked immunosorbent blot. The QuickELISA™ are simple, rapid quantitative methods for detecting antibodies specific for T. solium cysticerci antigens.
Rift Valley Fever Virus Infection in African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) Herds in Rural South Africa: Evidence of Interepidemic Transmission
Authors: LaBeaud A. Desirée , Cross Paul C. , Getz Wayne M. , Glinka Allison , King Charles H.
Published: April 2011

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is an emerging biodefense pathogen that poses significant threats to human and livestock health. To date, the interepidemic reservoirs of RVFV are not well defined. In a longitudinal survey of infectious diseases among African buffalo during 2000–2006, 550 buffalo were tested for antibodies against RVFV in 820 capture events in 302 georeferenced locations in Kruger National Park, South Africa. Overall, 115 buffalo (21%) were seropositive. Seroprevalence of RVFV was highest (32%) in the first study year, and decreased progressively in subsequent years, but had no detectable impact on survival. Nine (7%) of 126 resampled, initially seronegative animals seroconverted during periods outside any reported regional RVFV outbreaks. Seroconversions for RVFV were detected in significant temporal clusters during 2001–2003 and in 2004. These findings highlight the potential importance of wildlife as reservoirs for RVFV and interepidemic RVFV transmission in perpetuating regional RVFV transmission risk.
Doxycycline for Malaria Chemoprophylaxis and Treatment: Report from the CDC Expert Meeting on Malaria Chemoprophylaxis
Authors: Tan Kathrine R. , Magill Alan J. , Parise Monica E. , Arguin Paul M.
Published: April 2011

Doxycycline, a synthetically derived tetracycline, is a partially efficacious causal prophylactic (liver stage of Plasmodium) drug and a slow acting blood schizontocidal agent highly effective for the prevention of malaria. When used in conjunction with a fast acting schizontocidal agent, it is also highly effective for malaria treatment. Doxycycline is especially useful as a prophylaxis in areas with chloroquine and multidrug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Although not recommended for pregnant women and children < 8 years of age, severe adverse events are rarely reported for doxycycline. This report examines the evidence behind current recommendations for the use of doxycycline for malaria and summarizes the available literature on its safety and tolerability.
Who Is a Typical Patient with Visceral Leishmaniasis? Characterizing the Demographic and Nutritional Profile of Patients in Brazil, East Africa, and South Asia
Authors: Harhay Michael O. , Olliaro Piero L. , Vaillant Michel , Chappuis François , Lima María Angeles , Ritmeijer Koert , Costa Carlos Henrique , Costa Dorcas Lamounier , Rijal Suman , Sundar Shyam , Balasegaram Manica
Published: April 2011

Drug-dosing recommendations for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) treatment are based on the patients' weight or age. A current lack of demographic and anthropometric data on patients hinders (1) the ability of health providers to properly prepare for patient management, (2) an informed drug procurement for disease control, and (3) the design of clinical trials and development of new drug therapies in the different endemic areas. We present information about the age, gender, weight, and height of 29,570 consecutive VL patients presenting to 20 locations in six geographic endemic regions of Brazil, East Africa, Nepal, and India between 1997 and 2009. Our compilation shows substantial heterogeneity in the types of patients seeking care for VL at the clinics within the different locations. This suggests that drug development, procurement, and perhaps even treatment protocols, such as the use of the potentially teratogenic drug miltefosine, may require distinct strategies in these geographic settings.
Imported Plasmodium knowlesi Malaria in a French Tourist Returning from Thailand
Authors: Berry Antoine , Iriart Xavier , Wilhelm Nathalie , Valentin Alexis , Cassaing Sophie , Witkowski Benoit , Benoit-Vical Françoise , Menard Sandie , Olagnier David , Fillaux Judith , Sire Stephane , Coustumier Alain Le , Magnaval Jean-François
Published: April 2011

We report a case of imported Plasmodium knowlesi malaria in a French tourist following a vacation in Thailand. This case shows, first, tourists may contract knowlesi malaria even only staying on the beach and second, the diagnosis remains difficult, even with polymerase chain reaction methods.
On the potential contribution of open lead particle emissions to the central Arctic aerosol concentration
Authors: Held A. , Brooks I. M. , Leck C. , Tjernström M.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. We present direct eddy covariance measurements of aerosol number fluxes, dominated by sub-50 nm particles, at the edge of an ice floe drifting in the central Arctic Ocean. The measurements were made during the ice-breaker borne ASCOS (Arctic Summer Cloud Ocean Study) expedition in August 2008 between 2°–10° W longitude and 87°–87.5° N latitude. The median aerosol transfer velocities over different surface types (open water leads, ice ridges, snow and ice surfaces) ranged from 0.27 to 0.68 mm s−1 during deposition-dominated episodes. Emission periods were observed more frequently over the open lead, while the snow behaved primarily as a deposition surface. Directly measured aerosol fluxes were compared with particle deposition parameterizations in order to estimate the emission flux from the observed net aerosol flux. Finally, the contribution of the open lead particle source to atmospheric variations in particle number concentration was evaluated and compared with the observed temporal evolution of particle number. The direct emission of aerosol particles from the open lead can explain only 5–10% of the observed particle number variation in the mixing layer close to the surface.
Diurnal variation of short-period (20–120 min) gravity waves in the equatorial Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere and its relation to deep tropical convection
Authors: Venkateswara Rao N. , Shibagaki Y. , Tsuda T.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. We study short period gravity waves (20–120 min) in the equatorial Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere (MLT) using a Medium Frequency (MF) radar at Pameungpeuk (7.4° S, 107.4° E), Indonesia. In particular, we study local time and seasonal variation of the gravity wave variance and its relation to tropical convection. The gravity wave variance at 88 km enhances between 20:00 LT and 07:00 LT, with a peak at 02:00–03:00 LT. The enhancement is mainly observed during February–April and September–October and shows inter-annual variability. Convective activity over the same location persists from 16:00–21:00 LT with a peak activity ~18:00 LT and enhances between November–April. Time delay between the peak of convection and that of gravity wave activity ranges 1–15 h, which is consistent with theoretical calculations and previous reports based on reverse ray tracing analysis.
A Non-Linear Mixed Spectral Finite-Difference 3-D model for planetary boundary-layer flow over complex terrain
Authors: Weng W. , Taylor P. A.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. The Non-Linear Mixed Spectral Finite-Difference (NLMSFD) model for surface boundary-layer flow over complex terrain has been extended to planetary boundary-layer flow over topography. Comparisons are made between this new version and the surface layer model. The model is also applied to simulate an Askervein experimental case. The results are discussed and compared with the observed field data.
Investigation of TEC and VLF space measurements associated to L'Aquila (Italy) earthquakes
Authors: Stangl G. , Boudjada M. Y. , Biagi P. F. , Krauss S. , Maier A. , Schwingenschuh K. , Al-Haddad E. , Parrot M. , Voller W.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. In this study, we report on Total Electron Content (TEC) and Very Low Frequency (VLF) space measurements derived from Global Positioning System (GPS) and DEMETER satellites, respectively. These measurements are associated with the earthquake (EQ) of a magnitude of 6.3, which occurred on 6 April 2009, in L'Aquila (Italy). Anomaly features are derived from the analysis of TEC and VLF observations recorded two weeks before and after the seismic event occurrence. A TEC map with an interpolated regional pixel resolution of 1° × 1° × 15 min in latitude, longitude and time was generated, allowing for the checking of a possible presence of disturbances over the L'Aquila region. This analysis is combined with the study of the time profile associated to the VLF flux density variations recorded by the Instrument Champ Electrique (ICE) experiment on-board DEMETER satellite. We discuss, on the one hand, the combination efficiency of the electronic density and the VLF electromagnetic measurements and, on the other hand, the difficulty to distinguish between global effects and regional ones related to the earthquake.
New zircon data supporting models of short-lived igneous activity at 1.89 Ga in the western Skellefte District, central Fennoscandian Shield
Authors: Skyttä P. , Hermansson T. , Andersson J. , Weihed P.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. New U-Th-Pb zircon data (SIMS) from three intrusive phases of the Palaeoproterozoic Viterliden intrusion in the western Skellefte District, central Fennoscandian Shield, dates igneous emplacement in a narrow time interval at about 1.89 Ga. A locally occurring quartz-plagioclase porphyritic tonalite, here dated at 1889 ± 3 Ma, is, based on the new age data and field evidence, considered the youngest of the intrusive units. This supports an existing interpretation of its fault-controlled emplacement after intrusion of the dominating hornblende-tonalite units, in this study dated at 1892 ± 3 Ma. The Viterliden magmatism was synchronous with the oldest units of the Jörn type early-orogenic intrusions in the eastern part of the district (1.89–1.88 Ga; cf. Gonzàles Roldán, 2010). A U-Pb zircon age for a felsic metavolcanic rock from the hanging-wall to the Kristineberg VMS deposit, immediately south of the Viterliden intrusion, is in this study constrained in the 1.89–1.88 Ga time interval. It provides a minimum age for the Kristineberg ore deposit and suggests contemporaneous igneous/volcanic activity throughout the Skellefte District. Furthermore, it supports the view that the Skellefte Group defines a laterally continuous belt throughout this "ore district". Tentative correlation of the 1889 ± 3 Ma quartz-plagioclase porphyritic tonalite with the Kristineberg "mine porphyry", which cuts the altered ore-hosting metavolcanic rocks, further constrain the minimum age for ore deposition at 1889 ± 3 Ma. Based on the new age determinations, the Viterliden intrusion may equally well have intruded into, or locally acted as a basement for the ore-hosting Skellefte Group volcanic rocks.
Staling of bakery products
Authors: Magala Michal , Kohajdová Zlatica , Karovičová Jolana
Published: April 2011

The aim of this work was to write down a review article about various aspects connected with staling of bakery products. Shelf life is directly associated with the staling process, which depends on the composition of bakery products and important are storage conditions as well. In the article are described particular components (starch, nonstarch polysacharides, water ) and how they affect the staling process. Generally during staling of bakery products occur  processes related with starch retrogradation, moisture redistribution from the crumb to the crust and other interactions between components. Staling process could be delayed by using various bakery improvers like enzymes, hydrocolloids, emulgators and other compounds. Also useful is the application of suitable packaging techniques.
Nutrigenomics analyze of expression of extracellular leptin receptor by the following essential oil monitoring at the avian models
Authors: Mrázová Ľubica , Židek Radoslav , Angelovičová Mária , Tkáčová Jana , Kliment Martin , Kráľ Martin , Bajzí­k Pavol
Published: April 2011

Leptin gene was identified in 1994 by positional cloning. His mutation is considered extreme obesity surface phenotype and infertility in ob/ob mice. Most of the research, which followed the discovery of this hormone, focused on the role of leptin in regulating body weight,  in order to clarify the pathophysiology of obesity. Many research results show that leptin is not only important in regulating food intake and energy balance, but also performs functions such as metabolic and neuroendocrine hormone. Using herbs and essential oils depends on their antimicrobial activity. Most plants have favorable multifunctional properties, which are the specific content of bioactive components. Some authors characterize fytogénne substance such as natural substancese plant origin, which leave no residues in animal products and is not necessary to keep the trade period before slaughter animals. Analyses suggest that the structural function of the receptor exists as a dimer constructively in the plasma membrane. Each receptor dimer pair is reversibly bound to one molecule of leptin. When bound, signaling pathways are responsible for beginning the activation receptor associated Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and tyrosine phosphorylation of two key residues in the intracellular part of receptor.
Studies of chosen toxic elements concentration in multiflower bee honey
Authors: Roman Adam , Popiela Ewa
Published: April 2011

The aim of the study was to determine the bioaccumulation level of chosen toxic elements (Zn, Cu, Pb, As and Cd) in multiflower honey collected from Brzeg area. Biological material (honey) was mineralized using the microwave technique at an elevated pressure in the microprocessor station of pressure in the type Mars 5. Quantitative analysis of elements (As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) was performed by plasma spectrometry method using a Varian ICP-AES apparatus. The presence of toxic elements was determined in examined biological materials. The elements fallowed the fallowing decreasing order with respect to their content of honey: Zn>Cu>Pb>As>Cd. The average concentrations of studied elements observed in multi-flower honey were as follows: 6.24 mg.kg-1 of zinc, 2.75 mg.kg-1 of copper, 0.53, 0.071, 0.042 mg.kg-1of lead, arsenic and cadmium, respectively. Lead was the most problematic in bee honey because its average content exceeded the maximum acceptable concentration. Additionally, this metal concentration was 60% higher in studied samples than allowable standard of lead content.
Nutrigenomic analysis of C677T mutation of MTHFR gene in Slovak population
Authors: Židek Radoslav , Golian Jozef , Bulla Jozef
Published: April 2011

Total of 124 individuals originated from Slovak Republic has been nutrignomically analysed. Analysis was focused to mutation C677T of MTHFR gene detection and analysis of mutant genotypes frequency. Observed frequency of allele 677C was 0.6998 and allelic frequency of mutant variant 677T was 0.3992. Genotype frequency of mutant heterozygotes with 71% activity of MTHFR enzyme was 0,391 and mutant homozygotes with 33% MTHFR enzyme activity was 0.153. Result shows 64% of Slovak has decreased activity of enzyme MTHFR, and 14.3% of Slovak has predisposition to cancer, cardio vascular diseases, loss of fertility and many others complications according to improper nutrition, low folic acid and B12 vitamin intake.
Microbial biofilms produced by pseudomonas fluorescens on solid surfaces
Authors: Čapla Jozef , Zajác Peter , Golian Jozef , Bajzí­k Pavol , Zeleňáková Lucia , Vietoris Vladimí­r , Kozelová Dagmar
Published: April 2011

A biofilm is a complex aggregation of microorganisms growing on a solid substrate. Biofilms are characterized by structural heterogeneity, genetic diversity, complex community interactions, and an extracellular matrix of polymeric substances. The experimental part was focused on the adhesion of bacterial cells under static conditions and testing the effectiveness of disinfectants on created biofilm. In laboratory conditions we prepared and formed the bacterial biofilms Pseudomonas fluorescens in the four test surfaces of stainless steel, glass and plastic materials - PE (polyethylene) and EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer). Over the next 72 hours and 72 hours were observed numbers of adhesion bacterial cells of P. fluorescens on solid surfaces of tested materials. The highest values adhesion cells reached P. fluorescens cells after 72 hours of cultivation on plastic surfaces, where  was increased in adhesion bacterial cells for EPDM in the values of 105 CFU/cm2 and for PE up to 106 CFU/cm2. The subsequent repeated 72-hour cultivation P. fluorescens was an increase (growth) in the number of adhesion bacterial cells to all tested surfaces.
Pinker, The Core Story in the Prologue–Epilogue of the Book of
Job
Authors: Pinker Aron
Published: April 2011

Textual and thematic evidence indicates that the Prologue
and Epilogue in Job are an elaboration of an ancient core story of hope. The
elaboration and expansion of the core story are intended to provide a setting
for presenting a range of positions on personal retribution. An attempt is made
to glean the ancient core story from the MT.
Rodent Models of Depression: Forced Swim and Tail Suspension Behavioral Despair Tests in Rats and Mice
Authors: Castagné Vincent , Moser Paul , Roux Sylvain , Porsolt Roger D.
Published: April 2011

The development of antidepressants requires simple rodent behavioral tests for initial screening before undertaking more complex preclinical tests and clinical evaluation. Presented in the unit are two widely used screening tests used for antidepressants, the forced swim (also termed behavioral despair) test in the rat and mouse, and the tail suspension test in the mouse. These tests have good predictive validity and allow rapid and economical detection of substances with potential antidepressant‐like activity. The behavioral despair and the tail suspension tests are based on the same principle: measurement of the duration of immobility when rodents are exposed to an inescapable situation. The majority of clinically used antidepressants decrease the duration of immobility. Antidepressants also increase the latency to immobility, and this additional measure can increase the sensitivity of the behavioral despair test in the mouse for certain classes of antidepressant. Testing of new substances in the behavioral despair and tail suspension tests allows a simple assessment of their potential antidepressant activity by the measurement of their effect on immobility. Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 55:8.10A.1‐8.10A.14. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Quantitative Assessment of Macrophage Functions in Repair and Fibrosis
Authors: Wynn Thomas A. , Barron Luke , Thompson Robert W. , Madala Satish K. , Wilson Mark S. , Cheever Allen W. , Ramalingam Thirumalai
Published: April 2011

Macrophages play key roles in wound repair and fibrosis by regulating extracellular matrix turnover. Macrophages can process matrix components themselves, but also recruit and alter the functions of other cell types that directly build or degrade extracellular matrix. Classically activated macrophages (CAM, also called M1) tend to promote tissue injury while alternatively activated macrophages (AAM, also called M2) are often linked with the mechanisms of wound repair and fibrosis. However, rather than promoting collagen deposition, recent studies suggest that arginase‐1‐expressing AAM suppress chronic inflammation and fibrosis by inhibiting antigen‐specific T cell responses. This unit describes methods to measure arginase activity in macrophages and whole tissues as well as assays to quantify the T cell suppressive activity of AAMs. Modified hydroxyproline and soluble collagen assays that can be used to quantify collagen levels in tissues and brochoalveolar lavage fluid are also described. The protocols in this unit should provide the investigator with all the necessary information required to measure arginase activity and to correlate the observed activity with the progression and resolution of fibrosis. Curr. Protoc. Immunol. 93:14.22.1‐14.22.12. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Measurement of Macrophage‐Mediated Killing of Intracellular Bacteria, Including Francisella and Mycobacteria
Authors: Elkins Karen L. , Cowley Siobhán C. , Conlan J. Wayne
Published: April 2011

Macrophages activated by T cell cytokines are a critical defense mechanism against intracellular bacterial pathogens. This unit presents two general methods for assessing the capacity of mouse macrophages, activated with either soluble cytokines or whole immune T lymphocytes, to control or reduce numbers of intracellular bacteria residing within them. “Measurement of killing” is inferred from a reduction in the number of colony‐forming units (cfu) of bacteria at the end of a culture period, compared to the input numbers of cfu at initiation of culture, to the peak numbers of cfu measured during culture, or to a control group in which killing is expected to be poor. Curr. Protoc. Immunol. 93:14.25.1‐14.25.13. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Infection of Mice with Francisella as an Immunological Model
Authors: Conlan J. Wayne , Chen Wangxue , Bosio Catharine M. , Cowley Siobhán C. , Elkins Karen L.
Published: April 2011

This unit describes the utility of various mouse models of infection for studying pathogenesis and adaptive immune responses to the facultative intracellular bacteria pathogen Francisella tularensis. By judicious use of different combinations of mouse and bacterial strains, as well as different routes of infection, murine tularemia models may be used to explore a complete picture of F. tularensis infection and immunity. Moreover, studies using Francisella, particularly the Live Vaccine Strain (LVS), serve as a convenient and tractable model system that appears to be representative of mammalian host responses to intracellular pathogens in general. Curr. Protoc. Immunol. 93:19.14.1‐19.14.16. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Critical Aspects in Analysis of Cellular DNA Content
Authors: Darzynkiewicz Zbigniew
Published: April 2011

This unit covers general aspects of DNA content analysis and provides introductory or complementary information to the specific protocols of DNA content assessment in this chapter. It describes principles of DNA content analysis and outlines difficulties and pitfalls common to these methods. It also reviews methods of DNA staining in live, permeabilized, and fixed cells, and in cell nuclei isolated from paraffin‐embedded tissues, as well as the approaches to stain DNA concurrently with cell immunophenotype. This unit addresses factors affecting accuracy of DNA measurement, such as chromatin features restricting accessibility of fluorochromes to DNA, stoichiometry of interaction with DNA, and “mass action law” characterizing binding to DNA in relation to unbound fluorochrome concentration. It also describes controls to ensure accuracy and quality control of DNA content determination and principles of DNA ploidy assessment. Because many aspects of DNA content analysis are common to protocols in UNITS 7.3, 7.6, 7.16, 7.20, 7.23, & 7.25, certain parts of this unit provide information redundant with commentaries in these units. Curr. Protoc. Cytom. 56:7.2.1‐7.2.8. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
High‐Resolution Cell Cycle and DNA Ploidy Analysis in Tissue Samples
Authors: Heinlein Christina , Speidel Daniel
Published: April 2011

This unit describes an easy, rapid, and universal procedure to process fresh and nitrogen‐frozen tissue specimens for high‐resolution cell cycle and DNA ploidy analysis. Unlike other protocols, this procedure does not require treating tissues with enzymes, detergents, or other plasma membrane–lysing chemicals, but it achieves tissue dispersion by a simple two‐step mechanical process that can be performed in ∼5 min. Resulting single‐cell suspensions are fixed with ethanol, stained with propidium iodide, and subjected to flow cytometric DNA content analysis. The method can be applied without any alterations to all tissue types (except bones) derived from several species and results in highly reproducible cell cycle profiles of excellent resolution. The described protocol can be used to reliably and accurately detect subtle cell cycle and ploidy alterations in tissue specimens, including cell cycle arrest, aneuploidy, and apoptosis/necrosis‐associated DNA fragmentation. Curr. Protoc. Cytom. 56:7.39.1‐7.39.11. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Identification for passive robust fault detection using zonotope‐based set‐membership approaches
Authors: Blesa Joaquim , Puig Vicenç , Saludes Jordi
Published: April 2011

In this paper, the problem of identification for passive robust fault detection, when a bounded description of the modelling uncertainty is considered, is addressed. Two set‐membership identification methods are introduced to address this problem: the interval predictor and bounded error approaches. These two identification approaches naturally lead to two robust fault detection tests: the direct and inverse tests, respectively, which are also introduced and discussed. Implementation algorithms make use of a zonotope to approximate the parameter uncertainty set. Moreover, underlying hypothesis of both approaches is discussed and applicability conditions are stated. A case study based on a four‐tank system is used to illustrate the applicability and the properties of the two identification approaches as well as the corresponding fault detection. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dolphins and coastal fisheries within a marine protected area: mismatch between dolphin occurrence and reported depredation
Authors: Bearzi G. , Bonizzoni S. , Gonzalvo J.
Published: April 2011

Dolphins are often blamed for reducing fisheries catches and may be killed in retaliation. Depredation of fishing gear in coastal Mediterranean waters is normally caused by bottlenose dolphins. Economic impact, however, may be modest even within areas of reportedly acute conflict.

Boat surveys and interviews were conducted to investigate dolphin occurrence and interactions with fisheries within the 167 km2 Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area (MPA) in southern Italy. Based on 69 interviews with fishermen using bottom‐set trammel and gill nets, there was reportedly a high occurrence of depredation by bottlenose dolphins. Depredation was reported by 92% of the fishermen operating in or near the MPA, and 67% of them claimed an economic cost in excess of €1000 per year, with a mean reported cost of €2561: a higher impact than in other Mediterranean studies.

According to local fishermen, dolphin occurrence and depredation peaked in spring and autumn, coincident with the study's surveys at sea. Dedicated visual surveys totalling 1255 km of effort, however, resulted in no encounters with cetaceans. Information from interviews and boat surveys was therefore contradictory, suggesting that reports of acute depredation do not imply a constant presence of dolphins within the MPA.

While depredation in the MPA might be caused by wide‐ranging dolphins or incursions occurring overnight, damage may well be overestimated or over‐reported. As local fishermen had previously benefited from subsidies, interviews made during this study could be perceived by some as an opportunity to influence future decision‐making regarding monetary compensation for the impact of depredation.

Evidence from interviews also indicated that species and factors other than dolphins were responsible for part of the damage. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Zerstörende Belastungsversuche zur Untersuchung des Schubtragverhaltens von vorgespannten Trägern einer Straßenbrücke
Authors: Vill Markus , Torghele Harald , Brunner Helmut , Kollegger Johann
Published: April 2011

Ab dem Beginn der 1950er Jahre wurde auch in Österreich Spannbeton vermehrt für den Bau von Brückentragwerken eingesetzt. In den Verkehrsnetzen der Schiene und Straße befindet sich eine Vielzahl an Tragwerken, die in diesem Zeitraum errichtet wurden und im Vergleich zu den heutigen Normenwerken geringere Schubbewehrungsgrade aufweisen. Hierbei stellt sich nun die Frage, ob ausreichende Zuverlässigkeit hinsichtlich der Tragfähigkeit nach dem heutigen Stand der Technik vorausgesetzt werden kann. Zur Sicherstellung eines zielgerichteten Einsatzes der Finanzbudgets für Reinvestitionsmaßnahmen und zur Gewährleistung einer hohen Zuverlässigkeit ist es notwendig, Untersuchungen durchzuführen, die Erkenntnisse darüber geben, welches Tragverhalten bei älteren Brücken vorhanden ist und wie sich das Versagen ankündigt.

Im Zuge des Abbruchs einer Straßenbrücke erhielt das Institut für Tragkonstruktionen – Betonbau der TU Wien im Jahr 2005 den Auftrag, zerstörenden Versuche zum Schubtragverhalten durchzuführen. Der vorliegende Beitrag beinhaltet eine Beschreibung des Brückenobjektes, die Ergebnisse der Versuche, einen Vergleich mit den rechnerischen Schubtragfähigkeiten nach den heutigen Normenwerken und die Ergebnisse einer nichtlinearen Finite‐Elemente‐Berechnung der Versuche.

Ultimate Load Tests on Girders Concerning the Shear Load Behaviour of a Prestressed Road Bridge

At the beginning of the 1950s, the use of prestressed concrete for bridge structures rapidly increased. Many of these structures, which are still in use, have less shear reinforcement than required by current codes. Therefore, the question arises whether sufficient load‐carrying‐capacity (according to the state of the art) can still be ensured or not. In the course of the destruction of a bridge, which was built in the year 1952, the Institute for Structural Engineering at Vienna University of Technology got the possibility to carry out tests concerning the shear load carrying capacity of the continuous beam of a bridge construction. The beams were removed during the demolition work of the bridge. The article contains a description of the bridge structure, the results of the load tests, a comparison of the calculated shear load capacity with the measured loads and the results of a non‐linear finite‐element‐simulation of the tests.
Asymmetric Diels–Alder reaction involving chiral benzimidazoles as organocatalysts
Authors: Mirgane Nitin A. , Karnik Anil V.
Published: April 2011

(S)‐(−)‐2‐(α‐hydroxyethyl)‐benzimidazole and (S)‐(+)‐2‐(α‐hydroxybenzyl)‐benzimidazole work as chiral Brønsted bases (BBs) in Diels–Alder reaction between anthrone and maleimides under mild reaction condition. These chiral BBs cause asymmetric induction. Chirality, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of Electronic Prescription on Attainment of Cholesterol Goals
Authors: Michelis Katherine C. , Hassouna Bassel , Owlia Mina , Kelahan Linda , Young Heather A. , Choi Brian G.
Published: April 2011

Background:

Although recent federal mandate provides incentives for physicians to use electronic prescribing (e‐prescribing), clinical end points to support its use are lacking.

Hypothesis:

E‐prescribing should improve low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) goal attainment.

Methods:

In this retrospective cohort study, we queried the electronic medical records (Allscripts Electronic Health Record [EHR]) of a multispecialty outpatient academic medical practice to identify patient encounters during which consecutive lipid panels were drawn in 2007 (n = 2218). The EHR did not include a clinical decision tool for guideline adherence but did include formulary decision support (FDS), which informs physicians about drug costs specific to each patient. Logistic regression was used to examine whether the odds of reaching LDL goal were influenced by e‐prescribing and adjusted for characteristics known to affect prescribing patterns and goal attainment.

Results:

Of 796 patients not at LDL goal at baseline, 49% (n = 393) were at goal at follow‐up. Patients receiving an e‐prescription with FDS were 59% more likely to achieve LDL goal than those with a manual prescription (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12–2.25). Superior LDL goal attainment may be from lower cost of medications; patients with an e‐prescription were significantly more likely to receive a generic statin than patients with a manual prescription (38% vs 22.9%; P = 0.0004), and for each $10 increase in prescription price, the likelihood of being at goal decreased by 5% (odds ratio = 0.95; 95% CI: 0.93–0.98).

Conclusions:

Our study is the first to demonstrate that e‐prescribing with FDS is associated with improved LDL goal attainment. Therefore, e‐prescribing can deliver tangible clinical gains to patients, likely from improved adherence to more affordable treatment. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Presented at American College of Cardiology Meeting, Atlanta, Georgia, March 14, 2010.

This work was supported in part by the W. T. Gill Jr. Fellowship, George Washington University. The authors have no other funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Syncope in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Authors: Smith Jason A. , Karalis Dean G. , Rosso Andrea L. , Grothusen John R. , Hessen Scott E. , Schwartzman Robert J.
Published: April 2011

Background:

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a debilitating pain syndrome characterized clinically by severe pain along with signs and symptoms of autonomic dysfunction. Presyncope and syncope are common in these patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cause of these symptoms in these patients.

Hypothesis:

Patients with CRPS are more prone to presyncope and syncope as evidenced by head‐up tilt table testing (HUTT).

Methods:

Patients with CRPS underwent a complete cardiac evaluation that included a 12‐lead electrocardiogram, 2‐dimensional echocardiography, 24‐hour Holter monitoring, and HUTT.

Results:

Seventy‐four patients with CRPS were evaluated. Eight CRPS patients (10%) could not complete a HUTT due to pain. Of the 66 CRPS patients who completed a HUTT, 15 (37.9%) reported pretest symptoms of presyncope or syncope. Twenty‐eight CRPS patients (42.4%) had a positive HUTT. CRPS patients with lower limb involvement were more likely to have vasovagal syncope or orthostasis on HUTT than those with upper extremity or total body involvement (12 of 18 [67%] vs 16 of 48 [33%]; P = 0.015).

Conclusions:

Syncope is common in patients with CRPS, especially with lower limb involvement. Autonomic dysregulation of the lower extremities leads to impaired sympathetic vasoconstriction and venous pooling, which can predispose these patients to syncope. Physician awareness of this syndrome will lead to improved recognition and treatment of their symptoms of presyncope or syncope. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Gas Exchange in Disease: Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Cystic Fibrosis, and Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Young Iven H. , Bye Peter T.P.
Published: April 2011

Ventilation‐perfusion (a/) inequality is the underlying abnormality determining hypoxemia and hypercapnia in lung diseases. Hypoxemia in asthma is characterized by the presence of lowa/units, which persist despite improvement in airway function after an attack. This hypoxemia is generally attenuated by compensatory redistribution of blood flow mediated by hypoxic vasoconstriction and changes in cardiac output, however, mediator release and bronchodilator therapy may cause deterioration. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have more complex patterns ofa/inequality, which appear more fixed, and changes in blood flow and ventilation have less benefit in improving gas exchange efficiency. The inability of ventilation to match increasing cardiac output limits exercise capacity as the disease progresses. Deteriorating hypoxemia during exacerbations reflects the falling mixed venous oxygen tension from increased respiratory muscle activity, which is not compensated by any redistribution ofa/ratios. Shunt is not a feature of any of these diseases. Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) have no substantial shunt when managed according to modern treatment regimens. Interstitial lung diseases demonstrate impaired oxygen diffusion across the alveolar‐capillary barrier, particularly during exercise, althougha/inequality still accounts for most of the gas exchange abnormality. Hypoxemia may limit exercise capacity in these diseases and in CF. Persistent hypercapnic respiratory failure is a feature of advancing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and CF, closely associated with sleep disordered breathing, which is not a prominent feature of the other diseases. Better understanding of the mechanisms of hypercapnic respiratory failure, and of the detailed mechanisms controlling the distribution of ventilation and blood flow in the lung, are high priorities for future research. © 2011 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol1:663‐697, 2011.
Physiology of Endothelin and the Kidney
Authors: Kohan Donald E. , Inscho Edward W. , Wesson Donald , Pollock David M.
Published: April 2011

Since its discovery in 1988 as an endothelial cell‐derived peptide that exerts the most potent vasoconstriction of any known endogenous compound, endothelin (ET) has emerged as an important regulator of renal physiology and pathophysiology. This review focuses on how the ET system impacts renal function in health; it is apparent that ET regulates multiple aspects of kidney function. These include modulation of glomerular filtration rate and renal blood flow, control of renin release, and regulation of transport of sodium, water, protons, and bicarbonate. These effects are exerted through ET interactions with almost every cell type in the kidney, including mesangial cells, podocytes, endothelium, vascular smooth muscle, every section of the nephron, and renal nerves. In addition, while not the subject of the current review, ET can also indirectly affect renal function through modulation of extrarenal systems, including the vasculature, nervous system, adrenal gland, circulating hormones, and the heart. As will become apparent, these pleiotropic effects of ET are of fundamental physiologic importance in the control of renal function in health. In addition, to help put these effects into perspective, we will also discuss, albeit to a relatively limited extent, how alterations in the ET system can contribute to hypertension and kidney disease. © 2011 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol1:883‐919, 2011.
Reactive Oxygen Species: Impact on Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Powers Scott K. , Ji Li Li , Kavazis Andreas N. , Jackson Malcolm J.
Published: April 2011

It is well established that contracting muscles produce both reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Although the sources of oxidant production during exercise continue to be debated, growing evidence suggests that mitochondria are not the dominant source. Regardless of the sources of oxidants in contracting muscles, intense and prolonged exercise can result in oxidative damage to both proteins and lipids in the contracting myocytes. Further, oxidants regulate numerous cell signaling pathways and modulate the expression of many genes. This oxidant‐mediated change in gene expression involves changes at transcriptional, mRNA stability, and signal transduction levels. Furthermore, numerous products associated with oxidant‐modulated genes have been identified and include antioxidant enzymes, stress proteins, and mitochondrial electron transport proteins. Interestingly, low and physiological levels of reactive oxygen species are required for normal force production in skeletal muscle, but high levels of reactive oxygen species result in contractile dysfunction and fatigue. Ongoing research continues to explore the redox‐sensitive targets in muscle that are responsible for both redox regulation of muscle adaptation and oxidant‐mediated muscle fatigue. © 2011 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol1:941‐969, 2011.
Interplay between phase formation mechanisms and magnetism in the Sr2FeMoO6–δ metal‐oxide compound
Authors: Kalanda N. , Demyanov S. , Masselink W. , Mogilatenko A. , Chashnikova M. , Sobolev N. , Fedosenko O.
Published: April 2011

Double perovskites with the structural formula A2BB′O6±δ, especially the strontium ferromolybdate Sr2FeMoO6–δ, have attracted a lot of attention due to their unique magnetic and electrical properties and a possible application in spintronic devices. However, a strict correlation between the functional characteristics of Sr2FeMoO6–δ and its synthesis technology has been lacking up to date. Thus, we have studied in the present work the crystallization kinetics of Sr2FeMoO6–δ using reagents with different pre‐history as well as the structural and magnetic properties of the obtained compounds. Differences in the crystallization kinetics as well as higher magnetic inhomogeneity of Sr2FeMoO6–δ synthesised from a mixture of MoO3, Fe2O3, SrCO3 in comparison with the compound synthesised from the SrFeO2.5 and SrMoO4–y precursors have been found and interpreted. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Stage B work‐hardening of magnesium single crystals
Authors: Sułkowski B. , Chulist R. , Beausir B. , Skrotzki W. , Mikułowski B.
Published: April 2011

The change in microstructure during tensile deformation of magnesium single crystals by basal slip was studied with electron backscatter diffraction in the scanning electron microscope. Two samples were plastically deformed up to shear strains of 0.37 and 1.28 belonging to work‐hardening stages A and B, respectively. The results show that the local misorientations resulting from rotations around the <10$ \bar 1 $0> axis strongly increase the work‐hardening coefficient in stage B. The mechanism of work‐hardening in stage B is discussed with respect to subgrain formation. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Photoluminescence and radiation damage in W, Mg, Ca doped Bi4Ge3O12 crystals
Authors: Yu Pingsheng , Su Liangbi , Tang Huili , Zhao Hengyu , Guo Xin , Yang Qiuhong , Xu Jun
Published: April 2011

Spectral properties and radiation damage in W, Mg and Ca doped Bi4Ge3O12 (W:BGO, Mg:BGO, Ca:BGO) crystals before and after thermal treatment and gamma‐ray (γ‐) or ultraviolet (UV) radiation were studied. The absorption and the photoluminescence (PL) spectra of doped BGO crystals in visible region were measured. Before γ or UV radiation, the emission intensity of W:BGO crystal is stronger than that of pure BGO at about 500 nm. After γ radiation (10k Gy), the emission intensities of doped BGO are all weaker than pure BGO under identically condition. However, the emission intensity of W:BGO is stronger than that of pure BGO after UV exposure (10k Gy). Thermal treated (annealed in N2 at 550 °C for 6 h) W:BGO has shown a much stronger emission intensity than others. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
High spatial resolution semi‐automatic crystallite orientation and phase mapping of nanocrystals in transmission electron microscopes
Authors: Moeck P. , Rouvimov S. , Rauch E. F. , Véron M. , Kirmse H. , Häusler I. , Neumann W. , Bultreys D. , Maniette Y. , Nicolopoulos S.
Published: April 2011

A semi‐automatic technique for the mapping of nanocrystal phases and orientations in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) is described. It is based primarily on the projected reciprocal lattice geometry, but also utilizes the intensity of reflections that are extracted from precession‐enhanced electron diffraction spot patterns of polycrystalline materials and multi‐material composites. At the core of the method, experimental (precession‐enhanced) electron diffraction spot patterns are cross correlated with pre‐calculated templates for a set of model structures. The required hardware facilitates a scanning‐precession movement of the primary electron beam on the polycrystalline and/or multi‐material sample and can be interfaced to any newer or older mid‐voltage TEM. The software that goes with this hardware is so flexible in its intake of experimental data that it can also create crystallite orientation and phase maps of nanocrystals from the amplitude part of Fourier transforms of high resolution TEM images. Experimentally obtained crystallite orientation and phase maps are shown for a clausthalite nanocrystal powder sample, polycrystalline aluminum and copper films, fine‐grained palladium films, as well as MnAs crystallites that are partly embedded in a GaAs wafer. Comprehensive open‐access and commercial crystallographic databases that may provide reference data in support of the nanocrystal phase identification process of the software are briefly mentioned. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis of spindle‐shaped α‐FeOOH and α‐Fe2O3 nanocrystals
Authors: Liang Jun , Luo Min , Yang Caihong , Fang Junzhuo , Li Li
Published: April 2011

Spindle‐shaped α‐FeOOH nanocrystals were facilely synthesized using a poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP)‐assisted route under hydrothermal conditions. The chemical compositions and morphol‐ogies of the as‐prepared samples were characterized in detail by X‐ray power diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The experimental results reveal that these spindle‐shaped α‐FeOOH nanocrystals have self‐organized into assemblies with hierarchical nanostructures. The crucial roles of PVP in the hydrothermal synthesis of hierarchical α‐FeOOH nanostructures were discussed. The possible formation mechanism was also suggested. Moreover, the spindle‐shaped α‐Fe2O3 nanocrystals could be easily obtained after calcining the α‐FeOOH prepared by the PVP‐assisted hydrothermal process. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)