bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
siRNA‐mediated knock‐down of ZnT3 and ZnT8 affects production and secretion of insulin and apoptosis in INS‐1E cells
Authors: PETERSEN ANDREAS B. , SMIDT KAMILLE , MAGNUSSON NILS E. , MOORE FABRICE , EGEFJORD LÆRKE , RUNGBY JØRGEN
Published: December 2010

Petersen AB, Smidt K, Magnusson NE, Moore F, Egefjord L, Rungby J. siRNA‐mediated knock‐down of ZnT3 and ZnT8 affects production and secretion of insulin and apoptosis in INS‐1E cells. APMIS 2010; 119: 93–102.

Zinc is essential for the crystallization of insulin in pancreatic β‐cells and is thought to induce apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner, thereby regulating β‐cell mass. Therefore, a tight intracellular regulation of Zn2+ is required. The zinc‐transporter family SLC30A is an important factor in the regulation of zinc homeostasis. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the zinc transporters ZnT3 and ZnT8 on insulin metabolism and apoptosis. Both these proteins are present in pancreatic β‐cells and have been linked to diabetes. The objective of our study was to perform a considerable siRNA‐mediated knock‐down of ZnT3 and ZnT8 in INS‐1E cells, a pancreatic β‐cell model, and afterwards examine the impact on cell viability and insulin metabolism. Increased levels of apoptosis were observed after knock‐down of both ZnT3 and ZnT8. Insulin secretion was significantly reduced by ZnT3 knock‐down, whereas knock‐down of ZnT8 resulted in increased intracellular content of insulin accompanied by a relatively lowered secretion. Both zinc transporters in this way seem to play a role in β‐cell survival and the ability of these cells to react appropriately to surrounding glucose concentrations.
A porcine model of acute, haematogenous, localized osteomyelitis due to Staphylococcus aureus: a pathomorphological study
Authors: JOHANSEN LOUISE KRUSE , FREES DORTE , AALBÆK BENT , KOCH JANNE , IBURG TINE , NIELSEN OLE LERBERG , LEIFSSON PALL SKULI , JENSEN HENRIK ELVANG
Published: December 2010

Johansen LK, Frees D, Aalbæk B, Koch J, Iburg T, Nielsen OL, Leifsson PS, Jensen HE. A porcine model of acute, haematogenous, localized osteomyelitis due to Staphylococcus aureus: a pathomorphological study, APMIS 2010; 119: 111–8.

A porcine model of acute, haematogenous, localized osteomyelitis was established. Serial dilutions of Staphylococcus aureus [5–50–500–5000–50 000 CFU/kg body weight (BW) suspended in saline or saline alone] were inoculated into the right brachial artery of pigs (BW 15 kg) separated into six groups of two animals. During the infection, blood was collected for cultivation, and after the animals were killed from day 5 to 15, they were necropsied and tissues were sampled for histopathology. Animals receiving ≤500 CFU/kg BW were free of lesions. Pigs inoculated with 5000 and 50 000 CFU/kg BW only developed microabscesses in bones of the infected legs. In the centre of microabscesses, S. aureus was regularly demonstrated together with necrotic neutrophils. Often, bone lesions resulted in trabecular osteonecrosis. The present localized model of acute haematogenous osteomyelitis revealed a pattern of development and presence of lesions similar to the situation in children. Therefore, this model should be reliably applied in studies of this disease with respect to e.g. pathophysiology and pathomorphology. Moreover, because of the regional containment of the infection to a defined number of bones, the model should be applicable also for screening of new therapy strategies.
Effect of xylitol and other carbon sources on Streptococcus pneumoniae biofilm formation and gene expression in vitro
Authors: KUROLA PAULA , TAPIAINEN TERHI , SEVANDER JENNY , KAIJALAINEN TARJA , LEINONEN MAIJA , UHARI MATTI , SAUKKORIIPI ANNIKA
Published: December 2010

Kurola P, Tapiainen T, Sevander J, Kaijalainen T, Leinonen M, Uhari M, Saukkoriipi A. Effect of xylitol and other carbon sources on Streptococcus pneumoniae biofilm formation and gene expression in vitro. APMIS 2010; 119: 135–42.

Xylitol inhibits the growth of Streptococcus pneumoniae. In clinical trials, xylitol decreased the occurrence of acute otitis media in day‐care children, but did not decrease nasopharyngeal carriage of pneumococci. We hypothesized that xylitol inhibits biofilm formation of pneumococci, and measured biofilm formation and gene expression levels of the capsule gene cpsB and two other genes: autolysin encoding gene lytA and competence gene comA in different growth media in vitro. Twenty pneumococcal isolates were grown on polystyrene plates for 18 h in test media containing 0.5% xylitol, 0.5% glucose, 0.5% xylitol and 0.5% glucose, 0.5% fructose, 0.5% xylitol and 0.5% fructose or brain heart infusion (BHI) medium supplemented with 10% horse serum. Gene expression levels were measured after 5 h of growth using a relative quantification method with calibrator normalization. Exposure to xylitol lowered OD values, which were used as an indication of biofilm, compared with BHI medium, but when the medium was supplemented with glucose or fructose, biofilm formation was enhanced and the inhibitory effect of xylitol on biofilm formation was not observed. Xylitol also lowered lytA expression levels. Changes in biofilm formation in response to different sugar compounds may partly explain the efficacy of xylitol to prevent acute otitis media in previous clinical trials.
Can wind help explain seasonal differences in avian migration speed?
Authors: Kemp Michael U. , Shamoun‐Baranes Judy , Van Gasteren Hans , Bouten Willem , Van Loon E. Emiel
Published: December 2010

A bird's ground speed is influenced by the wind conditions it encounters. Wind conditions, although variable, are not entirely random. Instead, wind exhibits persistent spatial and temporal dynamics described by the general circulation of the atmosphere. As such, in certain geographical areas wind's assistance (or hindrance) on migratory flight is also persistent, being dependent upon the bird's migratory direction in relation to prevailing wind conditions. We propose that, considering the western migration route of nocturnal migrants through Europe, winds should be more supportive in spring than in autumn. Thus, we expect higher ground speeds, contributing to higher overall migration speeds, in spring. To test whether winds were more supportive in spring than autumn, we quantified monthly wind conditions within western Europe relative to the seasonal direction of migration using 30 years (1978–2008) of wind data from the NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis dataset. We found that supporting winds were significantly more frequent for spring migration compared to autumn and up to twice as frequent at higher altitudes. We then analyzed three years (2006–2008) of nocturnal migratory ground speeds measured with radar in the Netherlands which confirmed higher ground speeds in spring than autumn. This seasonal difference in ground speed suggests a 16.9% increase in migration speed from autumn to spring. These results stress the importance of considering the specific wind conditions experienced by birds when interpreting migration speed. We provide a simple methodological approach enabling researchers to quantify regional wind conditions for any geographic area and time period of interest.
Similar patterns of age‐specific reproduction in an island and mainland population of great titsParus major
Authors: Bouwhuis Sandra , Van Noordwijk Arie J. , Sheldon Ben C. , Verhulst Simon , Visser Marcel E.
Published: December 2010

The process of ageing was long thought to be too infrequent to affect life‐histories in natural populations. Long‐term studies have, however, recently demonstrated ageing to be ubiquitous even in the wild, although confounding factors, such as emigration instead of mortality, or inter‐population variation in rates of ageing have seldom been addressed. Here, we present analyses of female age‐specific reproductive performance in a Dutch island population of great titsParus major. For this population with limited connectivity to surrounding areas, we show that, between individuals, reproductive lifespan positively co‐varies with recruit production, while within individuals performance improves up to 3 years of age, after which it gradually declines. We also show these patterns to be strikingly similar to those recently found in a less isolated British mainland population of great tits, characterised by different environmental conditions and life‐history strategies, in particular the frequency of multiple breeding. Our results therefore suggest patterns of age‐specific reproductive performance to be robust to both environmental and life‐history variation.
No detected effect of moult on feather bacterial loads in mallards Anas platyrhynchos
Authors: Giraudeau Mathieu , Czirják Gábor Á. , Duval Camille. , Guiterrez Claude , Bretagnolle Vincent , Heeb Philipp
Published: December 2010

Feathers play an important role in many aspects of avian life histories, for exampling acting in thermoregulation, communication and flight. Damaged feathers may reduce the ability to perform these functions, so there are likely fitness costs for individuals possessing damaged plumage. Recently, descriptive studies provided evidence that birds carry feather‐degrading bacteria on their plumage. These bacteria have the ability to degrade feathers, rapidly under laboratory conditions, more slowly under field conditions. If such feather‐degrading bacteria reduce avian fitness, natural selection should favour the evolution of anti‐bacterial defences. Moult has been suggested as one such defence. Here we test this prediction with mallards, Anas platyrhynchos, and the use of repeated measures of total cultivable and feather‐degrading bacterial loads on the same birds before, during and after moult. We found that moult had no significant effect on total cultivable and feather‐degrading bacterial loads on feathers. Our results show that the bacterial contamination that takes place after moult overrides the potential role of moult as a mechanism to reduce feather bacterial loads.
Do parasitic common goldeneyeBucephala clangulafemales choose nests on the basis of host traits or nest site traits?
Authors: Paasivaara Antti , Rutila Jarkko , Pöysä Hannu , Runko Pentti
Published: December 2010

Conspecific brood parasitism (CBP) is an important alternative breeding strategy for gaining reproductive output in birds. While interactions between hosts and parasites and consequences of CBP to breeding success of both parties have been studied a lot, the roles of host characteristics and nest site characteristics in CBP have received less attention. We studied the relative importance of host‐related traits, such as female condition and breeding experience, and nest‐site‐related factors, such as overall nest site preference and occupation rate, in explaining the occurrence of CBP in a common goldeneyeBucephala clangulapopulation. We used spatially and temporally extensive data sets, analysed the data with generalized linear mixed models that allowed us to account for the non‐independency of individual nesting attempts across females and nesting sites, and used an information theoretic approach in model selection and inference. About half of the nests were parasitized annually during the seven year study period. The occurrence of CBP decreased with advancement of the breeding season but late nests were also frequently parasitized. We found that the occurrence of CBP was better explained by nest‐site characteristics than host traits, implying that parasitic females target a given nest based on factors related to the nest site itself rather than on the host. Our results suggest that more attention should be paid to factors associated with nest site attractiveness and quality when studying laying decisions of parasites and the occurrence of CBP in general.
Stopping vs. staging: the difference between a hop and a jump
Authors: Warnock Nils
Published: December 2010

Places where migrant birds stop to rest, drink, and eat at are often described as either stopover or staging sites. Attempts have been made to differentiate between these two terms but they are frequently used interchangeably. Some authors have equated staging sites with sites that attract large concentrations (many thousands) of birds, a definition that others have expanded to include long stopover durations and significant rates of refueling on predictable, abundant prey. It has also been suggested that birds using staging sites are those that employ a jumping strategy during migration. I argue that while all sites where birds rest and feed during migration are stopover sites, further classification of stopover sites is of ecological and conservation value. I propose that sites with abundant, predictable food resources where birds prepare for an energetic challenge (usually a long flight over a barrier such as an ocean or a desert) requiring substantial fuel stores and physiological changes without which significant fitness costs are incurred are most appropriately described as staging sites.
Limited inbreeding depression in a bottlenecked population is age but not environment dependent
Authors: Laws Rebecca J. , Townsend Sheena M. , Nakagawa Shinichi , Jamieson Ian G.
Published: December 2010

Inbreeding depression is known to vary greatly between populations and among species. Some of this variation is due to differences in genetic load between populations, while some is due to differences in the environment (e.g. local weather conditions) or demography of the population (e.g. age structure and breeding experience) in which inbreeding is expressed. Although the effects of these factors in isolation are well understood, there is still relatively little known about the interface between inbreeding on one hand, and environment and demography on the other in wild populations. We examined how environmental and demographic factors mediated the effects of inbreeding in a threatened species of bird. The Stewart Island robin, Petroica australis rakiura, has been subjected to a prolonged bottleneck for over 150 years. A complete pedigree of a reintroduced island population, extending back seven seasons to its founding, was available for analysis along with survival data (at the level of the brood) obtained from intensive monitoring over two breeding seasons. We found no strong support that the degree to which a brood was inbred affected its survival at either the hatching, fledging or recruitment stages. The inbreeding coefficient of the mother did have an effect on brood survival when analysed over all three life history stages, but only as a result of an interaction with female age, with broods of one‐year‐old inbred females suffering greater mortality than those of older inbred females. Although habitat type, temperature, rainfall and year were the best predictors of brood survival for most life history stages, their effects were weak and there were no interactions with inbreeding. Furthermore, there was no strong evidence of inbreeding depression associated with two periods of severe weather. This population is atypical in that inbreeding depression appears to be weak even under severe environmental conditions, and may be indicative that this bottlenecked population has either reduced genetic load or has fixed deleterious alleles.
Early HIV‐1 Target Cells in Human Vaginal and Ectocervical Mucosa
Authors: Shen Ruizhong , Richter Holly E. , Smith Phillip D.
Published: December 2010

Citation Shen R, Richter HE, Smith PD. Early HIV‐1 target cells in human vaginal and ectocervical mucosa. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 65: 261–267

After translocation through the pleuristratified epithelium of the lower female genital tract, HIV‐1 encounters potential target mononuclear cells in the lamina propria of the vagina and ectocervix. Here we show that each major type of genital mononuclear cells, including dendritic cells (DCs), macrophages and lymphocytes, are susceptible to HIV‐1 in vitro. Among suspensions of vaginal and ectocervical mononuclear cells, DCs were the first cells to take up virus, containing GFP‐tagged virions as early as 15 min after exposure. At 2 hr after exposure, DCs still contained the largest proportion of HIV‐1+ cells compared to lamina propria macrophages and lymphocytes from the same mucosal compartment. By 4 days, however, lymphocytes from both vaginal and ectocervical mucosa supported the highest level of HIV‐1 replication. Genital macrophages from the same mucosal tissues also were permissive to HIV‐1, in sharp contrast to intestinal macrophages, which we have shown previously do not support HIV‐1 replication. Thus, among human vaginal and ectocervical mononuclear target cells, DCs are the first to take up HIV‐1 and T cells support the most robust viral replication. Further characterization of the parameters of HIV‐1 infection in genital mononuclear cells will enhance our understanding of HIV‐1 infection in the female genital tract.
Effects of Calcium Gluconate on Experimental Periodontitis and Alveolar Bone Loss in Rats
Authors: Ku Sae Kwang , Cho Hyung Rae , Sung Yun Sub , Kang Su Jin , Lee Young Joon
Published: December 2010

Abstract:  We examined the effects of calcium gluconate, an anti‐inflammatory calcium salt, on ligature‐induced experimental periodontitis and related alveolar bone loss. Calcium gluconate was orally administered daily for 10 days at 250, 125 or 62.5 mg/kg, beginning 1 day after ligation. We recorded changes in body‐weight and alveolar bone loss and quantified the anti‐inflammatory effects of calcium gluconate by measuring levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), IL‐1β and TNF‐α. We also evaluated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration as a measure of antioxidant effects. Ligature placement produced a marked decrease in body‐weight, increased alveolar bone loss, and led to increased MPO, IL‐1β, TNF‐α and MDA concentrations, as well as elevated iNOS activity, increased inflammatory cell infiltration and decreased collagen fibre content in gingival tissue. Histopathology revealed decreased alveolar bone volume, increased osteoclast cell numbers and activity, and an elevated percentage of osteclasts on the alveolar bone surface. The effects of ligature placement were significantly and dose‐dependently inhibited by 10 days of daily oral treatment with 250 and 125 mg/kg of calcium gluconate. The results suggest that 10 days daily oral treatment with calcium gluconate effectively inhibits ligature placement‐induced periodontitis and related alveolar bone loss via antioxidant effects.
Overview of Regular Dialysis Treatment in Japan (as of 31 December 2008)
Authors: Nakai Shigeru , Suzuki Kazuyuki , Masakane Ikuto , Wada Atsushi , Itami Noritomo , Ogata Satoshi , Kimata Naoki , Shigematsu Takashi , Shinoda Toshio , Syouji Tetsuo , Taniguchi Masatomo , Tsuchida Kenji , Nakamoto Hidetomo , Nishi Shinichi , Nishi Hiroshi , Hashimoto Seiji , Hasegawa Takeshi , Hanafusa Norio , Hamano Takayuki , Fujii Naohiko , Marubayashi Seiji , Morita Osamu , Yamagata Kunihiro , Wakai Kenji , Watanabe Yuzo , Iseki Kunitoshi , Tsubakihara Yoshiharu
Published: December 2010

A nationwide statistical survey of 4124 dialysis facilities was conducted at the end of 2008 and 4081 facilities (99.0%) responded. The number of patients undergoing dialysis at the end of 2008 was determined to be 283 421, an increase of 8179 patients (3.0%) compared with that at the end of 2007. The number of dialysis patients per million at the end of 2008 was 2220. The crude death rate of dialysis patients from the end of 2007 to the end of 2008 was 9.8%. The mean age of the new patients begun on dialysis was 67.2 years and the mean age of the entire dialysis patient population was 65.3 years. For the primary diseases of the new patients begun on dialysis, the percentages of patients with diabetic nephropathy and chronic glomerulonephritis were 43.3% and 22.8%, respectively. Among the facilities that measured bacterial count in the dialysate solution in 2008, 52.0% of facilities ensured that a minimum dialysate solution volume of 10 mL was sampled. Among the patients treated by facility dialysis, 95.4% of patients were treated three times a week, and the average time required for one treatment was 3.92 ± 0.53 (SD) h. The average amounts of blood flow and dialysate solution flow were 197 ± 31 and 487 ± 33 mL/min, respectively. The number of patients using a polysulfone membrane dialyzer was the largest (50.7%) and the average membrane area was 1.63 ± 0.35 m2. According to the classification of dialyzers by function, the number of patients using a type IV dialyzer was the largest (80.3%). The average concentrations of each electrolyte before treatment in patients treated with blood purification by extracorporeal circulation were 138.8 ± 3.3 mEq/L for serum sodium, 4.96 ± 0.81 mEq/L for serum potassium, 102.1 ± 3.1 mEq/L for serum chloride, and 20.7 ± 3.0 mEq/L for HCO3‐; the average serum pH was 7.35 ± 0.05. Regarding the type of vascular access in patients treated by facility dialysis, in 89.7% of patients an arteriovenous fistula was used and in 7.1% an arteriovenous graft was used. The percentage of hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐positive patients who were HCV‐negative in 2007 was 1.04%; the percentage is particularly high in patients with a period of dialysis of 20 years or longer. The risk of becoming HCV‐positive was high in patients with low serum creatinine, serum albumin, and serum total cholesterol levels, and/or a low body mass index before beginning dialysis.
Morphometric characteristics and chromatin integrity of spermatozoa in three Italian dog breeds
Authors: Lange‐Consiglio A. , Antonucci N. , Manes S. , Corradetti B. , Cremonesi F. , Bizzaro D.
Published: December 2010

Objectives:Studies in many species indicate that variation of spermatozoan head morphology is a sensitive biomarker for abnormal chromatin structure and resultant clinical fertility. This preliminary study evaluated spermatozoan head morphometry in different dog breeds and assessed whether morphometric parameters could reflect spermatozoan DNA fragmentation in dogs.

Methods:Spermatozoan morphometry and DNA quality (measured by TUNEL flow cytometry) were assessed in semen from 11 dogs of three Italian breeds (Cirneco dell’Etna, Piccolo Levriero Italiano and Segugio Maremmano).

Results:Morphometric data showed that Segugio dogs had significantly larger (33·67%) spermatozoa and that Piccolo Levrieros had a higher incidence of long (46·75%) and elliptical spermatozoan heads (11·5%) when compared with the samples from other breeds. Moreover, the predominance of elliptical spermatozoa in one dog (23%) was significantly related to the percentage of spermatozoa with fragmented DNA (12·6%), whereas in another dog, where no more than 1% of spermatozoa was elliptical, only 0·36% of spermatozoa had damaged DNA. It is noteworthy that the breeding record of the former dog in the previous 12 months showed poor fertility and fecundity.

ClinicalSignificance:These data suggest that spermatozoan head morphometry could be breed related and that there is a significant correlation between DNA fragmentation and elliptical spermatozoa in individual animals. This finding, albeit limited in our study to a single case, is possibly related to clinical infertility.
Monitoring tigers with confidence
Authors: LINKIE Matthew , GUILLERA‐ARROITA Gurutzeta , SMITH Joseph , RAYAN D. Mark
Published: December 2010

With only 5% of the world's wild tigers (Panthera tigrisLinnaeus, 1758) remaining since the last century, conservationists urgently need to know whether or not the management strategies currently being employed are effectively protecting these tigers. This knowledge is contingent on the ability to reliably monitor tiger populations, or subsets, over space and time. In the this paper, we focus on the 2 seminal methodologies (camera trap and occupancy surveys) that have enabled the monitoring of tiger populations with greater confidence. Specifically, we: (i) describe their statistical theory and application in the field; (ii) discuss issues associated with their survey designs and state variable modeling; and, (iii) discuss their future directions. These methods have had an unprecedented influence on increasing statistical rigor within tiger surveys and, also, surveys of other carnivore species. Nevertheless, only 2 published camera trap studies have gone beyond single baseline assessments and actually monitored population trends. For low density tiger populations (e.g. <1 adult tiger/100 km2) obtaining sufficient precision for state variable estimates from camera trapping remains a challenge because of insufficient detection probabilities and/or sample sizes. Occupancy surveys have overcome this problem by redefining the sampling unit (e.g. grid cells and not individual tigers). Current research is focusing on developing spatially explicit capture‐mark‐recapture models and estimating abundance indices from landscape‐scale occupancy surveys, as well as the use of genetic information for identifying and monitoring tigers. The widespread application of these monitoring methods in the field now enables complementary studies on the impact of the different threats to tiger populations and their response to varying management intervention.
Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae): A review of conservation status
Authors: WIBISONO Hariyo T. , PUSPARINI Wulan
Published: December 2010

The majority of wild Sumatran tigers are believed to live in 12 Tiger Conservation Landscapes covering approximately 88 000 km2. However, the actual distribution of tigers across Sumatra has never been accurately mapped. Over the past 20 years, conservation efforts focused on the Sumatran tigers have increased, but the population continues to decline as a result of several key threats. To identify the status of the Sumatran tiger distribution across the island, an island‐wide questionnaire survey comprised of 35 respondents from various backgrounds was conducted between May and June 2010. The survey found that Sumatran tigers are positively present in 27 habitat patches larger than 250 km2 and possibly present in another 2. In addition, a review on major published studies on the Sumatran tiger was conducted to identify the current conservation status of the Sumatran tiger. Collectively, these studies have identified several key factors that have contributed to the decline of Sumatran tiger populations, including: forest habitat fragmentation and loss, direct killing of tigers and their prey, and the retaliatory killing of tigers due to conflict with villagers. The present paper provides management authorities and the international community with a recent assessment and a base map of the actual distribution of Sumatran tigers as well as a general overview on the current status and possible future conservation challenges of Sumatran tiger management.
Historic distribution and recent loss of tigers in China
Authors: KANG Aili , XIE Yan , TANG Jirong , SANDERSON Eric W. , GINSBERG Joshua R. , ZHANG Endi
Published: December 2010

Historical records can provide important evidence of changes in distributions of wildlife species. Here we discuss the distribution of the tiger (Panthera tigris Linnaeus, 1758) over the past 2000 years in China based on 2635 historical records. We also compare tiger distributions outlined in these records with ecosystem type maps. Throughout this time period, tigers maintained a broad distribution across 7 biomes (from forests to deserts). However, in recent decades the range has been significantly condensed. Today, only 2 populations remain, neither of which is independently viable. Tigers have completely disappeared from the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests of central China, a region that was traditionally their most important biome in China. The continued presence of wild tigers in China is highly dependent on significant conservation measures.
A Review of Experimental and Modeling Techniques to Determine Properties of Biopolymer‐Based Nanocomposites
Authors: Kumar P. , Sandeep K.P. , Alavi S. , Truong V.D.
Published: December 2010

Abstract: The nonbiodegradable and nonrenewable nature of plastic packaging has led to a renewed interest in packaging materials based on bio‐nanocomposites (biopolymer matrix reinforced with nanoparticles such as layered silicates). One of the reasons for unique properties of bio‐nanocomposites is the difference in physics at nanoscale as compared to that at macroscale. Therefore, the effect of nanoscale on the properties of bio‐nanocomposites is discussed. Properties of bio‐nanocomposites are governed by the extent of dispersion of nanoparticles in the biopolymer matrix and interaction between nanoparticles and the biopolymer. Selection of proper technique to determine properties of these bio‐nanocomposites is very critical in assessing their performance. Experimental techniques (tensile testing, barrier property measurement, dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, rheological measurement) to determine the mechanical, barrier, thermal, and rheological properties of bio‐nanocomposites are discussed in terms of methodology, interpretation of results, and application in studying the properties of bio‐nanocomposites. Mathematical modeling plays an important role in predicting the properties of bio‐nanocomposites and comparing them to the measured properties. This comparison helps in better understanding the mechanism for much improved properties of bio‐nanocomposites. Mathematical modeling is also helpful in understanding the effects of different parameters on the properties of bio‐nanocomposites. Therefore, the article describes mathematical modeling of mechanical and barrier properties of bio‐nanocomposites using analytical micromechanics.
Effect of Refrigerated and Frozen Storage on the Survival of Campylobacter jejuni in Cooked Chicken Meat Breast
Authors: Eideh Ala’a M. F. , Al‐Qadiri Hamzah M.
Published: December 2010

Abstract:  This experimental work aimed to examine the survivability of Campylobacter jejuni in cooked chicken breast under several conditions: storage for 1, 3, and 7 d at refrigerated temperatures (4 °C) and for 20 d at frozen temperatures (−18 °C). In addition, storage at ambient temperature (26 to 28 °C) was involved. Chicken samples were inoculated with a mixed culture of C. jejuni strains (ATCC: 29428 and 33219) of known concentrations (50 and 500 CFU/g). Bacterial cells were recovered and enumerated using standard procedure (Preston method). Bacteria were not detected in the majority of samples stored at ambient temperature. Refrigeration reduced survivals in 95, 90, and 77.5% for samples inoculated with 500 CFU/g and kept for 1, 3, and 7 d, respectively. The maximum reduction reached 1 log10 cycle for all refrigeration durations. It was observed that bacteria died in 17.5% of samples kept for 7 d at 4 °C. However, survivors in samples inoculated with 50 CFU/g were not detected in 50, 65, and 55% of samples kept for 1, 3, and 7 d, respectively. Freezing rendered survivors not detectable in 70% of samples inoculated with 50 CFU/g, while survived viable counts were reduced in 92.5% of samples inoculated with 500 CFU/g. These findings suggested that C. jejuni could be killed or just sublethally injured with or without reduction in viable counts under the investigated storage temperatures, which may indicate the ability of this bacterium to survive in chicken meat stored under refrigerated and frozen conditions.
Cerebral air embolism complicating CT‐guided trans‐thoracic needle biopsy of the lung
Authors: Thomas Rajesh , Thangakunam Balamugesh , Cherian Rekha Alev , Gupta Richa , Christopher Devasahayam Jesudas
Published: December 2010

Background and Aims:  Systemic air embolism is recognized as a rare but potentially fatal complication of trans‐thoracic needle biopsy of the lung.

Methods:  We report the case of a young female who developed fatal cerebral air embolism following computed tomography (CT) guided needle biopsy of a lung mass.

Results:  Immediately after the procedure, the patient went into cardio‐respiratory arrest. Despite adequate resuscitation and ventilatory support, she showed little recovery in her neurological status and subsequently died. CT scan of the brain confirmed cerebral arterial air embolism.

Conclusion:  Radiologists and physicians need to be aware of this rare but potentially fatal complication of needle lung biopsy.

Please cite this paper as: Thomas R, Thangakunam B, Cherian R Gupta R and Christopher DJ. Cerebral air embolism complicating CT‐guided trans‐thoracic needle biopsy of the lung. Clin Respir J 2011; 5: e1–e3.
Wentsaiboea tiandengensis sp. nov. and W. luochengensis sp. nov. (Gesneriaceae) from Karst caves in Guangxi, southern China
Authors: Liu Yan , Xu Wei‐Bin , Pan Bo
Published: December 2010

Two new species of Gesneriaceae, Wentsaiboea tiandengensis Yan Liu & B. Pan and Wentsaiboea luochengensis Yan Liu & W. B. Xu from Karst caves in Guangxi, China are described and illustrated. Wentsaiboea tiandengensis resembles W. renifolia, but differs in the leaf blade being cordate or broadly ovate, the margin crenate or repand, with conspicuous pinnate veins 3–5 on each side, corolla throat constricted, corolla lobes ovate with apex acute, staminodes 3, and ovary broadly ovoid. Wentsaiboea luochengensis is similar to W. renifolia, but can be distinguished from the latter by the coriaceous leaf blade with 2–3 inconspicuous pinnate veins on each side, elliptic or broadly ovate to sub‐rotund in shape, with sub‐entire margin and attenuate to cuneate or sub‐rotund base, broadly ovate or sub‐rotund corolla lobes, rotund or obtuse apex, and 3 staminodes.
Exploring the Language–Culture Nexus through GermanKabarett
Authors: Bell Michele Ricci
Published: December 2010

As a contribution toward envisioning how translingual and transcultural competence may be realized in the foreign language classroom, this article shows that GermanKabarettserves as especially suitable material for facilitating students’ awareness of language as a tool with which to access culture and as an integral aspect of culture itself. I discuss materials, methods and outcomes of my course “Flashy Erotics to Forbidden Laughter: GermanKabarettthrough the 20thCentury,” unfolding the ways thatKabarettspeaks to a vast array of cultural discourses, engaging the language‐culture nexus on the textual and performative levels.
The Long and the Short of It: The Use of Short Films in the German Classroom
Authors: Sundquist John
Published: December 2010

This article focuses on the benefits of using short film in the German classroom at the secondary or post‐secondary level. The article addresses a number of characteristics of short films that lend themselves well to the classroom, including their abbreviated length, artistic innovation, and compact storytelling. In addition to discussing specific examples of German films that can be used in various instructional contexts, we also demonstrate how German short films can be used as part of an overarching course theme that fits into the framework of the national Standards for Foreign Language Learning.
Developing Professional Consensus on the Teaching of Culture: Report on a Survey of Secondary and Postsecondary German Teachers1
Authors: Schulz Renate A. , Ganz Alexander
Published: December 2010

This article reports the results of a survey, conducted in fall 2009 on behalf of the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG), to explore German teachers’ perceptions regarding their preparation in the area of culture teaching, what components they considered essential in developing cultural understanding in their students, and what materials they found useful in developing cultural literacy in the German classroom. A two‐part questionnaire, soliciting quantitative as well as qualitative data, was distributed electronically to 2500 AATG members. The response rate was 31%, including 469 respondents from the pre‐collegiate levels and 277 respondents from the post‐secondary level.
Online Assignments: Free Web 2.0 Tools in German Language Classes
Authors: Lornsen Thomas
Published: December 2010

Recent research suggests that the old notions of digital natives and immigrants have to be reconsidered, since today digital media skills vary considerably among students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. However, instructors can help to level the playing field by incorporating free and comprehensible Web 2.0 tools into their teaching. This paper introduces and discusses a number of online applications for collaborative writing, mind‐mapping, as well as the creation of comics, cartoons, posters and presentations. The suggested sample activities focus on user‐friendliness, easy implementation into Class Management Systems and pedagogical value for L2‐teaching.
Platelet-Rich Plasma in Upper Limb Conditions
Authors: Peerbooms Joost C. , Gosens Taco
Published: December 2010

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous platelet concentrate. It has been used since 1990 in dental and facial reconstructive surgery and its application in other areas is increasing rapidly as a result of the presumably positive effects on bone, muscle and tendon regeneration as well as wound healing. Recently, we have learned more about growth factors that play an important role in the healing process. In vitro studies show that growth factors released by platelets have a positive effect on the healing of soft tissue. Despite the presence of minimal clinical evidence, the application of PRP for upper limb conditions has increased. The medical industry promotes the application of PRP significantly. Several randomized studies are currently implemented, although we have to be careful with the use of PRP for upper limb conditions until ‘higher level’ research is published.
Model of molecular structure of the insoluble organic matter isolated from Murchison meteorite
Authors: DERENNE Sylvie , ROBERT François
Published: December 2010

Abstract– The molecular structure of the insoluble organic matter (IOM) from Murchison meteorite has been investigated by our group for several years using a large set of analytical methods including various spectroscopies (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, electron paramagnetic resonance, X‐ray absorption near‐edge spectroscopy), high resolution electron microscopy, and thermal (pyrolyses in the presence or not of tetramethylammonium hydroxide) and chemical (RuO4 oxidation) degradations. Taken together, these techniques provided a wealth of qualitative and quantitative information, from which we derived 11 elemental and molecular parameters on the same IOM residue. In addition to the basic elemental composition, these parameters describe the distribution of the different types of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur atoms as well as the size of the polyaromatic units. For this molecular structure, we therefore propose a model which fits with these 11 molecular quantitative parameters. Several cosmochemical implications are derived from this structure. Based on the fact that aromatic moieties are highly substituted and aliphatic chains highly branched, it can be anticipated that the synthesis of this IOM occurred through successive additions of single carbon units in the gas‐phase ending by a spontaneous cyclization for chain length ≥7 C. As a whole, these observations favor an organosynthesis in the solar T‐Tauri disk.
Efficient Model Development for an Assembled Rotor of an Induction Motor Using a Condensed Modal Functional
Authors: Mogenier Guillaume , Baranger Thouraya N. , Dufour Régis , Durantay Lionel , Baras Nicolas
Published: December 2010

In order to predict the lateral rotordynamics of a high-speed induction motor, an optimization procedure is proposed for identifying the equivalent constitutive properties especially those of the magnetic core: an assembly of lamination stack, tie rods, and short-circuit rods. Modal parameters predicted by a finite element (FE) branched model based mainly on beam and disk elements and measured on an induction motor are included in an original energy functional. The minimization of this functional by using the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm permits extracting the equivalent constitutive properties of the lamination stack.
Nonlinear Dynamic Responses of Elastic Structures With Two Rectangular Liquid Tanks Subjected to Horizontal Excitation
Authors: Ikeda Takashi
Published: December 2010

Nonlinear vibrations of an elastic structure with two partially filled liquid tanks subjected to horizontal harmonic excitation are investigated. The natural frequencies of the structure and sloshing satisfy the tuning condition 1:1:1 when tuned liquid dampers are used. The equations of motion for the structure and the modal equations of motion for the first, second, and third sloshing modes are derived by using Galerkin’s method, taking into account the nonlinearity of the sloshing. Then, van der Pol’s method is employed to determine the frequency response curves. It is found in calculating the frequency response curves that pitchfork bifurcation can occur followed by “localization phenomenon” for a specific excitation frequency range. During this range, sloshing occurs at different amplitudes in the two tanks, even if the dimensions of both tanks are identical. Furthermore, Hopf bifurcation may occur followed by amplitude- and phase-modulated motions including chaotic vibrations. In addition, Lyapunov exponents are calculated to prove the occurrence of both amplitude-modulated motions and chaotic vibrations. Bifurcation sets are also calculated to show the influence of the system parameters on the frequency response. Experiments were conducted to confirm the validity of the theoretical results. It was found that the theoretical results were in good agreement with the experimental data.
Multistage Adomian Decomposition Method for Solving NLP Problems Over a Nonlinear Fractional Dynamical System
Authors: Evirgen Fırat , Özdemir Necati
Published: December 2010

This paper deals with implementation of the multistage Adomian decomposition method (MADM) to solve a class of nonlinear programming (NLP) problems, which are reformulated with a nonlinear system of fractional differential equations. The multistage strategy is used to investigate the relation between an equilibrium point of the fractional order dynamical system and an optimal solution of the NLP problem. The preference of the method lies in the fact that the multistage strategy gives this relation in an arbitrary longtime interval, while the Adomian decomposition method (ADM) gives the optimal solution just only in the neighborhood of the initial time. The numerical results taken by the fractional order MADM show that these results are compatible with the solution of NLP problem rather than the ADM. Furthermore, in some cases the fractional order MADM can perform more rapid convergency to the optimal solution of optimization problem than the integer order ones.
Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Performance With Cross-Flow Roughness
Authors: Christman Kimberly L. , Jensen Michael K.
Published: December 2010

To increase power per unit volume in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), the mono-block-layer-built SOFC used an innovative shape to increase active surface area. The objective of this study is to increase reaction area in a planar fuel cell while avoiding the negative aspects of large thermal gradients, Ohmic loss, and concentration loss by using a common heat transfer enhancement technique (i.e., cross-flow roughness). A numerical model developed with the commercial software FLUENT was used to compare the effects of four rib geometries, such as rib shape, rib spacing, and rib area, on performance under conditions simulating the flow in a typical SOFC. Cross-flow roughness geometries had minimal effect on mixing but increased active area of the cells, resulting in improved performance while maintaining similar thermal gradients and current path lengths to the standard planar fuel cell geometry.
A New High Voltage Impedance Spectrometer for the Diagnostics of Fuel Cell Stacks
Authors: Wasterlain Sébastien , Harel Fabien , Candusso Denis , Hissel Daniel , François Xavier
Published: December 2010

This paper presents a novel architecture of an impedance spectrometer dedicated to the characterization and diagnostics of large fuel cell stacks operated in galvanostatic mode. The validation tests are first performed on a single proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Then, experiments are carried out on a 20-cell PEMFC stack delivering more significant power levels. The proposed impedancemeter allows spectrum measurements on cells located in the middle of the stack, where common mode potentials are usually too high for commercial devices. Moreover, the impedances of different individual cells in the stack are acquired with a synchronous measurement reference (global stack impedance). This capability allows distinguishing any singular cell behavior or drift effect of operational parameters (e.g., stack temperature and polarization current).
Through-Plane Thermal Conductivity of PEMFC Porous Transport Layers
Authors: Burheim Odne S. , Pharoah Jon G. , Lampert Hannah , Vie Preben J. S. , Kjelstrup Signe
Published: December 2010

We report the through-plane thermal conductivities of the several widely used carbon porous transport layers (PTLs) and their thermal contact resistance to an aluminum polarization plate. We report these values both for wet and dry samples and at different compaction pressures. We show that depending on the type of PTL and the existence of residual water, the thermal conductivity of the materials varies from 0.15 W K−1 m−1 to 1.6 W K−1 m−1, one order of magnitude. This behavior is the same for the contact resistance varying from 0.8 m2 K W−1 to 11×10−4 m2 K W−1. For dry PTLs, the thermal conductivity decreases with increasing polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) content and increases with residual water. These effects are explained by the behavior of air, water, and PTFE in between the PTL fibers. It is also found that Toray papers of differing thickness exhibit different thermal conductivities.
Computation of the Optimal Normal Load for a Mistuned and Frictionally Damped Bladed Disk Assembly Under Different Types of Excitation
Authors: Cha Douksoon , Sinha Alok
Published: December 2010

Using nondimensional variables, the performances of friction dampers of a mistuned bladed disk assembly are examined for different types of excitation: white noise excitation, independent narrow band random excitation, and sinusoidal excitation with unknown amplitudes. Based on the harmonic balance method, an analytical technique is developed to compute the statistics of response for sinusoidal excitation with unknown amplitudes. The performances of blade-to-blade and blade-to-ground dampers are compared under different types of excitation. It is found that the nondimensional optimal normal loads of friction dampers are almost independent of the nature of excitation. Therefore, optimal normal loads of friction dampers can be chosen without any knowledge of the nature of excitation.
Hyperelastic Constitutive Modeling of Hexagonal Honeycombs Subjected to In-Plane Shear Loading
Authors: Ju Jaehyung , Summers Joshua D.
Published: December 2010

The in-plane flexible shear property of hexagonal honeycombs may be useful for the compliant structural applications. In this paper, hyperelastic strain energy functions are developed for a finite in-plane shear deformation of hexagonal honeycombs over a constituent material’s elastic range. Effective shear stress-strain curves of hexagonal structures and local cell wall deformation are investigated using the finite element based homogenization method. The hyperelastic models, which are only related to the effective properties of a honeycomb, may not be good enough to capture the nonlinear behavior at a high macroscopic shear strain level. The primary microscopic cell wall deformation mode under macroscopic in-plane shear loading was identified to be the bending of the vertical cell wall h, which is perpendicular to the macroscopic loading direction. The re-entrant hexagonal structures having a negative Poisson’s ratio shows a high macroscopic shear flexible property associated with the high h when the honeycombs are designed to have the same macroscopic shear modulus.