bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Past or present? Differentiating California prehistoric native American remains from forensic cases: An empirical approach
Authors: Hughes Cris , Juarez Chelsey , Zephro Lauren , Fowler Gillian , Chacon Shirley
Published: July 2010

The goal of this project is to provide additional data and statistical analyses for differentiating between prehistoric/historic Native American remains and modern forensic cases that may be potentially confusing. Forensic anthropologists often receive requests from local law enforcement to infer whether skeletal remains are of forensic or non‐forensic significance. Skeletal remains of non‐forensic significance are commonly of Native American ancestry, but the empirical methods common for determining Native American affinity from skeletal remains have not been established for California prehistoric/historic Native Americans. Therefore, forensic anthropologists working in California lack empirical methods for not only identifying prehistoric California Native American remains, but also differentiating them from modern/forensic populations whose skeletal attributes are similar. In particular, skeletal remains of Latin American US immigrants of indigenous origins are becoming more present in the forensic anthropological laboratory, and can exhibit the same suite of skeletal traits classically used to identify Native American affinity. In this article, we initiate an investigation into this issue by analyzing both craniometric and morphoscopic data using a range of statistical methods for differentiating prehistoric Northern California Native Americans from modern Guatemalan Maya. Our discriminant analyses results indicate that by using nine craniometric variables, group classification is 87% correct. In addition, seven morphoscopic variables can predict group classification correctly for 77% of the sample. The results suggest that it is possible to differentiate between our two samples. Such a method contributes to the efficient and empirical determination of temporal and geographic affinity, allowing for the repartriation of Native American remains to their tribes, as well as the accurate analysis of forensically significant remains. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of navigational lock and dam structures on adjacent fish communities in a major river system
Authors: Argent D. G. , Kimmel W. G.
Published: July 2010

We assessed the effects of a series of navigational lock and dam (L/D) structures on the composition of their adjacent fish communities. The Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers of southwestern Pennsylvania contain 14 lock and dam installations, eight and six respectively, which transform their river corridors into a series of contiguous pools. We selected two targeted fish assemblages, large‐bodied fishes (>250 mm TL) susceptible to gill‐netting and small‐bodied benthic species captured by trawling, for assessment upstream and downstream of each L/D installation. Gill nets were fished for approximately 16 h/net, while trawls were performed across three parallel 2‐min hauls. A total of 56 samples were collected over the spring/summers, 2004–2008. Species richness, abundance and the Jaccard Coefficient of Community Similarity (JCS) were calculated for each targeted fish community. Small‐bodied species, particularly darters, were depauperate upstream L/D while abundant and diverse downstream L/D on the Allegheny River. However, Monongahela River upstream and downstream L/D communities were similar. Jaccard Coefficient of Similarity values were comparable for both targeted fish assemblages on the Monongahela River, but differed markedly among Allegheny sites. While JCS values of large‐bodied fish assemblages of both rivers were strongly correlated with lockage frequency, this pattern was not replicated among small‐bodied assemblages. The near doubling of yearly lockages on the Monongahela River compared with the Allegheny may account for the similarity of its upstream and downstream ichthyofauna. Serial L/D navigational facilities on a large river may alter biotic connectivity patterns through physical isolation of adjacent fish communities. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A framework for regional sustainability assessment: developing indicators for a Portuguese region
Authors: Coelho Pedro , Mascarenhas André , Vaz Paula , Dores Anabela , Ramos Tomás B.
Published: July 2010

Regional sustainability indicators are increasingly being developed. Their significance becomes obvious when important public policy‐making strategies are decentralized to regions or local governments. This research designed a framework for the development of regional sustainability indicators. Its main goal is to assess and report regional sustainability performance, incorporating a significant public participation component. When the proposed approach was tested in the Algarve region, it was found useful to engage a broad range of stakeholders in regional sustainability assessment. This case study is a practical example of how regional sustainability can be assessed as a dynamic participative process, involving multi‐stakeholders, to obtain a regional profile. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Potential use of the oligochaeteLimnodrilus profundicolaV., as a bioindicator of contaminant exposure
Authors: Ozdemir Adile , Duran Mustafa , Sen Alaattin
Published: July 2010

Cholinesterase (ChE) and ethoxyresorufin‐O‐deethylase (EROD) were of special interest to this study as these biochemical tools have been widely used for the determination of exposure to pollutants. In this study, the freshwater oligochaeteLimnodrilus profundicolawas tested for its potential as a bioindicator of freshwater pollution. For this purpose, the ChE and EROD activities ofL. profundicolaand the level of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) of water samples collected from different sites along the Curuksu stream on the Menderes River (the ancient Meander) running through south‐western Turkey were studied. First, these activities were characterized using, as model substrates, acetylthiocholine (ATC), propionylthiocholine (PTC), and butyrylthiocholine (BTC). Then, thein vivoeffects of insecticides and pollutants on these activities were investigated.L. profundicolawere exposed to various doses of methyl‐parathion, methomyl, and deltamethrin. Although significant inhibition of ChE was detected with each of the insecticides, the highest level of inhibition was observed with methyl‐parathion. In addition to the inhibition of ChE, the activity of EROD was induced by exposure to oil‐contaminated sediments. Thus, althoughL. profundicolahas a reputation for being very resistant to pollution (although it is not insensitive to it), we demonstrated that it may potentially be used as a bioindicator species for contaminant exposure when ChE and EROD are used as biomarkers. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 26: 37–44, 2011.
Maternal hyperoxygenation test in fetuses undergoing FETO for severe isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Done E. , Allegaert K. , Lewi P. , Jani J. , Gucciardo L. , Van Mieghem T. , Gratacos E. , Devlieger R. , Van Schoubroeck D. , Deprest J.
Published: July 2010

Objectives

To predict neonatal survival and pulmonary hypertension by measurement of fetal pulmonary artery reactivity to maternal hyperoxygenation in fetuses with severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia treated by fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion (FETO).

Methods

Thirty‐eight fetuses underwent FETO at around 28 weeks' gestation and the balloon was removed at 34 weeks in most cases. We performed a hyperoxygenation test and measured the lung‐to‐head ratio of each fetus before and after each procedure. Outcome measures were neonatal survival, occurrence of pulmonary hypertension and its response to inhaled nitric oxide (iNO).

Results

Fetuses that survived had a larger increase in lung size and decrease of resistance in the first branch of the main pulmonary artery than did those that died. Both measures were also predictive of pulmonary hypertension unresponsive to iNO. The hyperoxygenation test and lung‐to‐head ratio were both best predictive for neonatal survival when measured following removal of the balloon (P < 0.002). Discriminant analysis confirmed that these two parameters are independent predictors of outcome.

Conclusions

In fetuses undergoing FETO, pulmonary vascular reactivity in relation to oxygen and lung size are independent predictors of neonatal survival and pulmonary hypertension. The hyperoxygenation test merits further study in expectantly managed cases. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Implications of cycle length immediately after discontinuation of combined oral contraceptives on use of the Standard Days Method
Authors: Arévalo Marcos , Sinai Irit , Olivotti Bruna , Bahamondes Luis
Published: July 2010

Objective

To determine when after discontinuing the use of combined oral contraceptives (COC) women can start using the Standard Days Method (SDM)—a fertility awareness‐based family‐planning method that is appropriate only for women for whom most menstrual cycles last 26–32 days.

Methods

We reviewed data from the medical records of women who attended the Human Reproduction Unit at the University of Campinas, Brazil, between October 16, 1979, and May 5, 2006. The study population comprised women younger than 40 years of age who had recently switched from COC to copper intrauterine devices and whose clinical records contained the information necessary for determining the length of the first menstrual cycle immediately after discontinuing COC.

Results

In total, 47.2% of the 2845 women included in the study had a first post‐COC cycle of 26–32 days; 40.5% had a second cycle within that range.

Conclusion

A first post‐COC cycle within the 26–32‐day range did not predict a second cycle within range. Women discontinuing COC should not start using the SDM in their first or second post‐COC cycle, even if the first cycle falls within the stated range. Instead, they should use a backup method until they meet the necessary eligibility criteria.
Occurrence and genetic relatedness ofListeriaspp. in two brands of locally processed ready-to-eat meats in Trinidad
Authors: SYNE S. M. , RAMSUBHAG A. , ADESIYUN A. A.
Published: July 2010

Contamination of locally produced, ready-to-eat meats byListeriaspp. has been previously reported at one processing plant in Trinidad. However, the status of this pathogen in locally produced products sold at retail outlets is unknown. This study was conducted to establish whether there is a risk to consumers of locally processed meats caused by the presence ofListeriaspp., and whether a link exists between the presence of the pathogen in retail products and the manufacturing plant of one brand (B). Four hundred and eighty ready-to-eat meat products of two popular local brands (A and B) were collected from retail outlets and analysed for the presence ofListeriaspp. together with food samples and surfaces from one manufacturing plant (B). Eighty-eight of the retail products (18·3%) were contaminated withListeriaspp., of which, 52·3% wereL. innocua, 44·3% wereL. monocytogenesand 3·4% belonged to theL. seeligeri–L. welshimeri–L. ivanovii(Siwi) group.L. innocuawas found in 15 in-process food samples and on three surfaces of equipment at plant B. Four in-process food samples were also contaminated with Siwi isolates. Repetitive extragenic palindromic PCR DNA fingerprinting showed a possible association between strains of differentListeriaspp. and brand as well as with manufacturing plant B.
Noninvasive bipolar double-pulsed-field-gradient NMR reveals signatures for pore size and shape in polydisperse, randomly oriented, inhomogeneous porous media
Authors: Shemesh Noam , Özarslan Evren , Adiri Tal , Basser Peter J. , Cohen Yoram
Published: July 2010

Noninvasive characterization of pore size and shape in opaque porous media is a formidable challenge. NMR diffusion-diffraction patterns were found to be exceptionally useful for obtaining such morphological features, but only when pores are monodisperse and coherently placed. When locally anisotropic pores are randomly oriented, conventional diffusion NMR methods fail. Here, we present a simple, direct, and general approach to obtain both compartment size and shape even in such settings and even when pores are characterized by internal field gradients. Using controlled porous media, we show that the bipolar-double-pulsed-field-gradient (bp-d-PFG) methodology yields diffusion-diffraction patterns from which pore size can be directly obtained. Moreover, we show that pore shape, which cannot be obtained by conventional methods, can be directly inferred from the modulation of the signal in angular bp-d-PFG experiments. This new methodology significantly broadens the types of porous media that can be studied using noninvasive diffusion-diffraction NMR.
Analysis of ferroelectric polarization switching in (NH4)0.39K0.61NO3 films using nucleation limited switching model
Authors: Dabra Navneet , Hundal Jasbir S. , Nautiyal A. , Sekhar K. C. , Nath R.
Published: July 2010

The polarization switching transients of spray deposited ferroelectric (NH4)0.39K0.61NO3 (NKN) films has been analyzed with nucleation limited switching (NLS) model by considering domain growth limited process. The experimentally measured microscopic polarization switching curves fitted well with NLS model and the characteristic switching times obeyed the Lorentzian distribution function. The local field variation was found to be minimum at pulse amplitude 15 V, which makes the polarization reversal more probable. The value of spontaneous polarization, Ps and coercive field, Ec was found to be 6.58 μC/cm2 and 4.10 kV/cm, respectively. The value of Ps from the switching and P-E loop is in good agreement with each other. The field emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy images of the NKN film reveal the formation of nanoparticles of NKN.
Analysis of binding behavior between dynamic structures of a papain and the peptide consisting of 10 GLY residues
Authors: Nishiyama Katsuhiko
Published: July 2010

The binding of 10GLY to dynamic structures of papain was investigated by molecular dynamics and docking simulations. The binding free energies and sites were greatly fluctuated depending on the time and the binding was more stable and existed at the near site of active center when the structural changes in the highly flexible residues in papain were larger. Binding stability and sites would be significantly influenced by the highly flexible residues. Analysis of such residues would provide an important guideline for clarification of enzymatic activities and modification of structural dynamics of such residues would allow us to control enzymatic activities.
Embedding theory for excited states
Authors: Khait Yuriy G. , Hoffmann Mark R.
Published: July 2010

Using the technique of Perdew and Levy [Phys. Rev. B 31, 6264 (1985)], it is shown that both the density function theory (DFT)-in-DFT and wave function theory (WFT)-in-DFT embedding approaches are formally correct in studying not only the ground state but also a subset of the excited states of the total system. Without further approximations, the DFT-in-DFT embedding approach results in a pair of coupled Euler–Lagrange equations. In contrast to DFT-in-DFT, the WFT-in-DFT approach is shown to ensure a systematic description of excited states if such states are mainly related to excitations within the embedded subsystem. Possible ways for the practical realization of the WFT-in-DFT approach for studying excited states are briefly discussed.
Hysteresis reversion in graphene field-effect transistors
Authors: Liao Zhi-Min , Han Bing-Hong , Zhou Yang-Bo , Yu Da-Peng
Published: July 2010

To enhance performances of graphene/SiO2 based field-effect transistors (FETs), understanding of the transfer of carriers through the graphene/SiO2 interface is crucial. In this paper, we have studied the temperature dependent transfer characters of graphene FETs. Hysteresis loop is shown to be dominated by trapping/detrapping carriers through the graphene/SiO2 interface.
The sensitivity of drop motion due to the density and viscosity ratio
Authors: Ohta Mitsuhiro , Yamaguchi Shinya , Yoshida Yutaka , Sussman Mark
Published: July 2010

The effect of the density and viscosity ratio on the motion of single drops rising in immiscible liquids is computationally investigated. The density and viscosity ratio play an important role in droplet morphology, unstable droplet behavior, and terminal droplet characteristics. The numerical method used in this investigation is a coupled level-set and volume-of-fluid method together with a sharp interface treatment for the interfacial jump conditions. The computations assume an axisymmetric geometry. Drop rise motion is highly dependent on the viscosity ratio. The results reported in this paper augment the information provided by the correlation table for bubble rise motion by Bhaga and Weber [“Bubbles in viscous liquids: Shapes, wakes and velocities,” J. Fluid Mech. 105, 61 (1981)]. A drop-system with a large viscosity ratio is susceptible to exhibiting unstable motion in the large Eötvös number regions; an unstable drop can show complicated behavior with various breakup modes that are dependent on the Morton number. With regard to the effect of the density ratio, it is observed that the difference between a bubble and a drop with “equivalent” properties is not prominent except in the low Morton number regions. The results of investigating the effect of the density and viscosity ratio on drop motion indicate that the Morton number, Eötvös numbers, and viscosity ratio are the primary governing parameters and the density ratio is a secondary governing parameter.
Effect of state-selective reactive decay on the evolution of quantum systems
Authors: Shushin A. I.
Published: July 2010

The effect of state-selective reactive decay on the relaxation kinetics of quantum multistate systems is studied in detail in the Bloch–Redfield approach (BRA). The results are applied to the analysis of this effect in radical pair recombination kinetics. The BRA is shown to be able to describe quantitatively most important specific features of the recombination kinetics including those predicted by phenomenological treatment and by recently proposed approaches based on quantum measurement theories.
A multistage ab initio quantum wavepacket dynamics formalism for electronic structure and dynamics in open systems
Authors: Pacheco Alexander B. , Iyengar Srinivasan S.
Published: July 2010

We propose a multistage quantum wavepacket dynamical treatment for the study of delocalized electronic systems as well as electron transport through donor-bridge-acceptor systems such as those found in molecular-wire/electrode networks. The full donor-bridge-acceptor system is treated through a rigorous partitioning scheme that utilizes judiciously placed offsetting absorbing and emitting boundary conditions. These facilitate a computationally efficient and potentially accurate treatment of the long-range coupling interactions between the bridge and donor/acceptor systems and the associated open system boundary conditions. Time-independent forms of the associated, partitioned equations are also derived. In the time-independent form corresponding to the bridge system, coupling to donor and acceptor, that is long-range interactions, is completely accounted. For the time-dependent study, the quantum dynamics of the electronic flux through the bridge-donor/acceptor interface is constructed using an accurate and efficient representation of the discretized quantum-mechanical free-propagator. A model for an electrode-molecular wire-electrode system is used to test the accuracy of the scheme proposed. Transmission probability is obtained directly from the probability density of the electronic flux in the acceptor region. Conductivity through the molecular wire is computed using a wavepacket flux correlation function.
High Rayleigh number convection with double diffusive fingers
Authors: Hage E. , Tilgner A.
Published: July 2010

An electrodeposition cell is used to sustain a destabilizing concentration difference of copper ions in aqueous solution between the top and bottom boundaries of the cell. The resulting convecting motion is analogous to Rayleigh–Bénard convection at high Prandtl numbers. In addition, a stabilizing temperature gradient is imposed across the cell. Even for thermal buoyancy two orders of magnitude smaller than chemical buoyancy, the presence of the weak stabilizing gradient has a profound effect on the convection pattern. Double diffusive fingers appear in all cases. The size of these fingers and the flow velocities are independent of the height of the cell, but they depend on the ion concentration difference between top and bottom boundaries as well as on the imposed temperature gradient. The scaling of the mass transport is compatible with previous results on double diffusive convection.
Stress-strain relation in the collapse of Langmuir monolayer of a dimer of disk shaped moiety
Authors: Kumar Bharat , Suresh K. A. , Gupta Satyam K. , Kumar Sandeep
Published: July 2010

Langmuir monolayer of a novel molecule containing dimer of disk shaped moiety, viz., terephtalic acid bis-[6-(3,6,7,10,11-pentahexyloxy-triphenylen-2-yloxyl)-hexyl] ester (tp-dimer), was studied at air-water interface. The monolayer of the tp-dimer at air-water interface exhibited the coexistence of condensed and gas phases at large area per molecule which on compression transformed to a uniform condensed phase at lower area per molecule (1.80 nm2) and then collapsed at 1.67 nm2. The monolayer film transferred by Langmuir–Blodgett technique onto a hydrophilic silicon substrate was studied using an atomic force microscope. The topography image showed the film to be of height of about 1.5 nm corresponding to the edge-on configuration of the triphenylene moieties. We have studied the collapse of monolayer at air-water interface as a function of compression rate and temperature. We find that the collapse pressure increased with increase in the compression rate. The surface pressure of the monolayer is considered as stress and compression as strain. The strain rate is related to the collapse pressure by a power law similar to that found in the dendrimers. Our studies on the effect of temperature on the collapse pressure of tp-dimer monolayer showed that the collapse pressure decreased with increase in temperature. We have considered the Arrhenius temperature dependence of the strain rate and calculated the activation energy for the collapse of monolayer. Our analysis of the relative area loss as a function of time in the collapse region suggests that the monolayer collapses by the formation of nuclei of three-dimensional crystallites.
Microscopic dynamics of supercooled low weight alcohols
Authors: Palomar Ricardo , Sesé Gemma
Published: July 2010

Dynamical properties of low weight alcohols have been analyzed both in the liquid and the supercooled states. Realistic interatomic potential models for methanol and ethanol have been used. The influence of temperature on the hydrogen-bonded structure has been undertaken. Remarkable similarities have been obtained in both systems. Velocity autocorrelation functions have been evaluated for molecules participating in zero, one, and two hydrogen bonds at a wide range of temperatures. A backscattering area preceded by a shoulder has been identified as a signature of this function when evaluated for the subset of molecules that participate in two hydrogen bonds. Memory functions have also been evaluated. Their initial decay depends only slightly upon temperature. A more marked temperature dependence is observed for the nonassociated molecules. For them, reasonable agreement with the mode-coupling approach predictions has been encountered.
Embedding Shapes without Predefined Parts
Authors: Keles Hacer Yalim , Özkar Mine , Tari Sibel
Published: July 2010

For a practical computer implementation of part embedding in shapes that is also true to their continuous character and the shape grammar formalism, shapes and their boundaries are handled together in composite shape and label algebras. Temporary representations of shapes, termed ‘overcomplete graphs’, comprise boundary elements of shapes and how they are assembled, and are utilized in a two-phase algorithm that systematically searches for embedded parts. The associated implementation is developed to receive user-defined constraints for an interactive search. In particular, the user-defined reference shape extends the search to nondeterministic cases.
Diverse styles of submarine venting on the ultraslow spreading Mid-Cayman Rise
Authors: German C. R. , Bowen A. , Coleman M. L. , Honig D. L. , Huber J. A. , Jakuba M. V. , Kinsey J. C. , Kurz M. D. , Leroy S. , McDermott J. M. , de Lépinay B. Mercier , Nakamura K. , Seewald J. S. , Smith J. L. , Sylva S. P. , Van Dover C. L. , Whitcomb L. L. , Yoerger D. R.
Published: July 2010

Thirty years after the first discovery of high-temperature submarine venting, the vast majority of the global mid-ocean ridge remains unexplored for hydrothermal activity. Of particular interest are the world’s ultraslow spreading ridges that were the last to be demonstrated to host high-temperature venting but may host systems particularly relevant to prebiotic chemistry and the origins of life. Here we report evidence for previously unknown, diverse, and very deep hydrothermal vents along the ∼110 km long, ultraslow spreading Mid-Cayman Rise (MCR). Our data indicate that the MCR hosts at least three discrete hydrothermal sites, each representing a different type of water-rock interaction, including both mafic and ultramafic systems and, at ∼5,000 m, the deepest known hydrothermal vent. Although submarine hydrothermal circulation, in which seawater percolates through and reacts with host lithologies, occurs on all mid-ocean ridges, the diversity of vent types identified here and their relative geographic isolation make the MCR unique in the oceans. These new sites offer prospects for an expanded range of vent-fluid compositions, varieties of abiotic organic chemical synthesis and extremophile microorganisms, and unparalleled faunal biodiversity—all in close proximity.
Information delivery in prenatal genetic counseling
Authors: Zayts Olga , Kang M. Agnes
Published: July 2010

This paper examines the interactional accomplishment of information delivery in the context of prenatal genetic counselling (PGC) in Hong Kong. We argue that information delivery is structured as a joint activity between the healthcare provider and the patient, and the structure of the talk takes into account the patient’s experience and knowledge of medical issues. The healthcare provider ‘taps into’ the patient’s knowledge and experience by using what we call ‘initial inquiries’ as a means of introducing potentially new information. We define initial inquiries as a type of question-response sequence that initiates the speaker’s future action of information delivery. In this way, the information delivery is constructed as a joint activity and healthcare providers can also ‘tailor’ the information according to each individual patient. This study is part of a larger on-going interactional study of PGC based on video data recorded in a Prenatal Diagnostics and Counselling Department of one Hong Kong hospital between 2005 and 2008 and comprises more than 17 hours of recordings. We use a conversation analytic approach to examine the interactional organization of talk used in the accomplishment of information delivery.
Cortical Mechanics and Meiosis II Completion in Mammalian Oocytes Are Mediated by Myosin-II and Ezrin-Radixin-Moesin (ERM) Proteins
Authors: Larson Stephanie M. , Lee Hyo J. , Hung Pei-hsuan , Matthews Lauren M. , Robinson Douglas N. , Evans Janice P.
Published: July 2010

Cell division is inherently mechanical, with cell mechanics being a critical determinant governing the cell shape changes that accompany progression through the cell cycle. The mechanical properties of symmetrically dividing mitotic cells have been well characterized, whereas the contribution of cellular mechanics to the strikingly asymmetric divisions of female meiosis is very poorly understood. Progression of the mammalian oocyte through meiosis involves remodeling of the cortex and proper orientation of the meiotic spindle, and thus we hypothesized that cortical tension and stiffness would change through meiotic maturation and fertilization to facilitate and/or direct cellular remodeling. This work shows that tension in mouse oocytes drops about sixfold during meiotic maturation from prophase I to metaphase II and then increases ∼1.6-fold upon fertilization. The metaphase II egg is polarized, with tension differing ∼2.5-fold between the cortex over the meiotic spindle and the opposite cortex, suggesting that meiotic maturation is accompanied by assembly of a cortical domain with stiffer mechanics as part of the process to achieve asymmetric cytokinesis. We further demonstrate that actin, myosin-II, and the ERM (Ezrin/Radixin/Moesin) family of proteins are enriched in complementary cortical domains and mediate cellular mechanics in mammalian eggs. Manipulation of actin, myosin-II, and ERM function alters tension levels and also is associated with dramatic spindle abnormalities with completion of meiosis II after fertilization. Thus, myosin-II and ERM proteins modulate mechanical properties in oocytes, contributing to cell polarity and to completion of meiosis.
A Phosphatidic Acid Binding/Nuclear Localization Motif Determines Lipin1 Function in Lipid Metabolism and Adipogenesis
Authors: Ren Hongmei , Federico Lorenzo , Huang Huiyan , Sunkara Manjula , Drennan Tracy , Frohman Michael A. , Smyth Susan S. , Morris Andrew J.
Published: July 2010

Lipins are phosphatidic acid phosphatases with a pivotal role in regulation of triglyceride and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Lipin1 is also an amplifier of PGC-1α, a nuclear coactivator of PPAR-α responsive gene transcription. Lipins do not contain recognized membrane-association domains, but interaction of these enzymes with cellular membranes is necessary for access to their phospholipid substrate. We identified a role for a conserved polybasic amino acid motif in an N-terminal domain previously implicated as a determinant of nuclear localization in selective binding of lipin1β to phosphatidic acid, using blot overlay assays and model bilayer membranes. Studies using lipin1β polybasic motif variants establish that this region is also critical for nuclear import and raise the possibility that nuclear/cytoplasmic shuttling of lipin1β is regulated by PA. We used pharmacological agents and lipin1β polybasic motif mutants to explore the role of PA-mediated membrane association and nuclear localization on lipin1β function in phospholipid metabolism and adipogenic differentiation. We identify a role for the lipin1 polybasic motif as both a lipid binding motif and a primary nuclear localization sequence. These two functions are necessary for full expression of the biological activity of the protein in intracellular lipid metabolism and transcriptional control of adipogenesis.
Near‐Infrared Spectroscopic Method for Identification of Fusarium Head Blight Damage and Prediction of Deoxynivalenol in Single Wheat Kernels
Authors: Peiris K. H. S. , Pumphrey M. O. , Dong Y. , Maghirang E. B. , Berzonsky W. , Dowell F. E.
Published: July 2010

Fusarium Head Blight (FHB), or scab, can result in significant crop yield losses and contaminated grain in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Growing less susceptible cultivars is one of the most effective methods for managing FHB and for reducing deoxynivalenol (DON) levels in grain, but breeding programs lack a rapid and objective method for identifying the fungi and toxins. It is important to estimate proportions of sound kernels and Fusarium‐damaged kernels (FDK) in grain and to estimate DON levels of FDK to objectively assess the resistance of a cultivar. An automated single kernel near‐infrared (SKNIR) spectroscopic method for identification of FDK and for estimating DON levels was evaluated. The SKNIR system classified visually sound and FDK with an accuracy of 98.8 and 99.9%, respectively. The sound fraction had no or very little accumulation of DON. The FDK fraction was sorted into fractions with high or low DON content. The kernels identified as FDK by the SKNIR system had better correlation with other FHB assessment indices such as FHB severity, FHB incidence and kernels/g than visual FDK%. This technique can be successfully employed to nondestructively sort kernels with Fusarium damage and to estimate DON levels of those kernels. Single kernels could be predicted as having low (<60 ppm) or high (>60 ppm) DON with ≈96% accuracy. Single kernel DON levels of the high DON kernels could be estimated with R2 = 0.87 and standard error of prediction (SEP) of 60.8 ppm. Because the method is nondestructive, seeds may be saved for generation advancement. The automated method is rapid (1 kernel/sec) and sorting grains into several fractions depending on DON levels will provide breeders with more information than techniques that deliver average DON levels from bulk seed samples.
Evaluation of Verticillium Wilt Resistance in Mentha arvensis and M. longifolia Genotypes
Authors: Dung Jeremiah K. S. , Schroeder Brenda K. , Johnson Dennis A.
Published: July 2010

Verticillium wilt, caused by Verticillium dahliae, is a major constraint to mint (Mentha spp.) production in the United States, and the use of resistant cultivars is an important component of Verticillium wilt management. Two Mentha arvensis and four M. longifolia genotypes were evaluated for resistance to Verticillium wilt in the greenhouse using V. dahliae isolates obtained from different hosts and belonging to different vegetative compatibility groups. Isolates of V. dahliae obtained from peppermint (M. × piperita) caused significantly higher disease severity, plant mortality, and yield reduction than isolates obtained from other hosts. Disease severity, plant mortality, and pathogen incidence in aboveground stems were higher and yields lower in peppermint, the susceptible standard, compared with the resistant standard, native spearmint (M. spicata). Root-dip inoculations of M. arvensis and M. longifolia with isolates of V. dahliae obtained from peppermint produced severe symptoms; however, both species displayed the ability to recover from infection and produce asymptomatic growth from rhizomes. Both M. arvensis cultivars exhibited lower mean disease severity ratings following cutback and regrowth and were not significantly different than native spearmint. The restriction of pathogen movement in aboveground tissue and ability to recover from infection may be important components of V. dahliae resistance in perennial mint cropping systems.
Pyrosequencing Assessment of Soil Microbial Communities in Organic and Conventional Potato Farms
Authors: Sugiyama Akifumi , Vivanco Jorge M. , Jayanty Sastry S. , Manter Daniel K.
Published: July 2010

Organic farming is frequently touted as being beneficial to soil health by increasing microbial community diversity; however, contradictory results exist in the literature. In this study, we compared several organic and conventional potato farms in Colorado for differences in soil nutrients and microbial communities using 454 pyrosequencing of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene. Organic farms showed a slightly higher diversity and evenness within the microbial community compared with conventional farms. No difference in the number of observed or estimated total operational taxonomic units (OTUs) was observed between management strategies. However, the relative abundance of 16 OTUs (3% genetic distance) differed between the organic and conventional farms, with seven increasing and nine decreasing in organic farms. A variety of known potato fungal pathogens (e.g., Alternaria spp., Ulocladium spp., and Pythium ultimum) were detected in the soil, including three different OTUs (3% genetic distance) with a high homology to the early blight pathogen Alternaria solani. Relative abundance for Alternaria spp. was higher in conventional farms (relative abundance 30.15 versus 7.8%), whereas the relative abundance for P. ultimum was higher in organic farms (relative abundance 0.25 versus 0.05%). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction, using primers specific for A. solani, Phoma foveata, and Pythium ultimum, yielded similar results to the pyrosequencing, validating the use of pyrosequencing data for the quantification of OTU relative abundances.
Extreme lifespan of the human fish (
Proteus anguinus
): a challenge for ageing mechanisms
Authors: Voituron Yann , de Fraipont Michelle , Issartel Julien , Guillaume Olivier , Clobert Jean
Published: July 2010

Theories of extreme lifespan evolution in vertebrates commonly implicate large size and predator-free environments together with physiological characteristics like low metabolism and high protection against oxidative damages. Here, we show that the ‘human fish’ (olm,
Proteus anguinus
), a small cave salamander (weighing 15–20 g), has evolved an extreme life-history strategy with a predicted maximum lifespan of over 100 years, an adult average lifespan of 68.5 years, an age at sexual maturity of 15.6 years and lays, on average, 35 eggs every 12.5 years. Surprisingly, neither its basal metabolism nor antioxidant activities explain why this animal sits as an outlier in the amphibian size/longevity relationship. This species thus raises questions regarding ageing processes and constitutes a promising model for discovering mechanisms preventing senescence in vertebrates.
On constitutive descriptors of the biaxial mechanical behaviour of human abdominal aorta and aneurysms
Authors: Ferruzzi J. , Vorp D. A. , Humphrey J. D.
Published: July 2010

The abdominal aorta (AA) in older individuals can develop an aneurysm, which is of increasing concern in our ageing population. The structural integrity of the ageing aortic wall, and hence aneurysm, depends primarily on effective elastin and multiple families of oriented collagen fibres. In this paper, we show that a structurally motivated phenomenological ‘four-fibre family’ constitutive relation captures the biaxial mechanical behaviour of both the human AA, from ages less than 30 to over 60, and abdominal aortic aneurysms. Moreover, combining the statistical technique known as non-parametric bootstrap with a modal clustering method provides improved confidence intervals for estimated best-fit values of the eight associated constitutive parameters. It is suggested that this constitutive relation captures the well-known loss of structural integrity of elastic fibres owing to ageing and the development of abdominal aneurysms, and that it provides important insight needed to construct growth and remodelling models for aneurysms, which in turn promise to improve our ability to predict disease progression.
What is new in the epidemiology and pathogenesis of peptic ulcer?
Authors: MISIEWICZ J. J.
Published: July 2010

The old dictum‘no acid—no ulcer’is no longer a sufficient explanation of the pathogenesis of ulcer disease. The real question is‘if acid—why ulcer?’Although acid remains predominant, some of the other factors influencing ulcerogenesis are nocturnal acid secretion, pepsin enzyme subspecies, the mucus layer, bicarbonate level, prostaglandins, Campylobacter pylori infection, consumption of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, and smoking habits. Although the ulcer burden has been greatly reduced by the introduction of H2‐receptor antagonists, complications such as bleeding and perforation remain a problem, especially in the elderly. Medical treatment, in the form of H2‐receptor antagonists, is effective for many patients.
The relationship between plasma cortisol and gastric mucosa prostaglandin levels in rats with stress ulcers
Authors: GITLIN N. , GINN P. , KOBAYASHI K. , ARAKAWA T.
Published: July 2010

A correlation between the levels of plasma cortisol, gastric mucosal prostaglandins and the degree of gastric ulceration produced by stress in rats was examined. Four groups of rats were evaluated. Group A, the cold stressed group; group B, their controls; group C, those receiving intraperitoneal indomethacin; and group D, those receiving intraperitoneal saline. Group A developed stress ulcers and their gastric mucosal prostaglandin levels (prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostacyclin levels, as measured by its stable metabolite 6—keto‐prostaglandin F1α (6—keto‐PGF‐1α, but not thromboxane) were significantly reduced when compared with their respective non‐stressed controls. The plasma cortisol levels in both group A and B increased slightly in the first hour but there was no statistical difference between the two groups and there was no change at 2, 3 or 4 h of stress. Group C (indomethacin) also developed ulcers and had low gastric mucosal prostaglandin levels when compared with group D (saline). The plasma cortisol levels did not alter in either group C or D. It has been postulated that stress ulcers may involve the depletion of gastric mucosal prostaglandin levels which, in turn, may be a consequence of a higher plasma cortisol level. A decrease in gastric prostaglandins independent of any change of plasma cortisol levels was demonstrated in this study and the mechanism of production of stress gastric ulcers remains obscure.
Enprostil, a prostaglandin E2 analogue, in the treatment of duodenal ulcer; a multicentre' comparison with cimetidine
Authors: JAZRAWI R. P. , NORTHFIELD T. C. , REED P. I. , COCKEL R. , SCHILLER K. F. R. , BARKER E. S.
Published: July 2010

In a multicentre trial, 120 patients with endoscopically diagnosed duodenal ulcer were randomly allocated to treatment with either 35 μg enprostil b.d. or 400 mg cimetidine b.d. for up to 6 weeks on a double‐blind basis. After 6 weeks, 82% (42/51) of enprostil‐treated patients and 92% (44/48) of cimetidine‐treated patients were healed. Corresponding healing figures on an intention‐to‐treat basis were 70% and 76%. No significant differences were detected between treatments with respect to healing rates or symptom control at any time. Side‐effects were reported by 14 patients taking enprostil and 17 patients taking cimetidine; none were serious but they resulted in withdrawal of one and two patients respectively. Enprostil was found to be similar in efficacy and tolerance to cimetidine.
The timing of evening meal and ranitidine administration—effects on patterns of 24 hour intragastric acidity
Authors: ORR W. C. , FINN A. L. , ALLEN M. , ROBINSON M. G. , WILSON T.
Published: July 2010

Intragastric pH‐metry was utilized to assess the effect of the time of meal ingestion and ranitidine administration on 24‐h intragastric acidity. Twelve volunteers with a documented history of duodenal ulcer were studied in a four‐way crossover design. Subjects randomly received ranitidine at 18.00 and 22.00 hours, with and without food. Serial blood samples were collected and analysed for ranitidine by high pressure liquid chromatography. Over the interval of 18.00–0.700 hours, the mean hydrogen‐ion activity was significantly lower with the 18.00 hour dose than with the 22.00 hour dose (P≤ 0.05). There were no differences between the four treatments in median pH or mean hydrogen‐ion activity over the 23‐h study interval. There were no differences between treatments in peak ranitidine concentrations, time to peak concentration, area under the serum‐concentration time curve or elimination half‐life.
Short report: lipid and vitamin B12 malassimilation in pancreatic insufficiency
Authors: JØRGENSEN B. BANG , PEDERSEN N. THORSGAARD , WORNING H.
Published: July 2010

Patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency have steatorrhoea as well as vitamin B12 malassimilation. To investigate whether this is caused by the pancreatic insufficiency per se or whether intestinal bacterial overgrowth contributes to the condition, 10 patients with pancreatic steatorrhoea were studied. Intestinal culture was done. Lipid and vitamin B12 assimilation was estimated from faecal spot tests, using 14C‐triolein and 58Co‐vitamin B12 as tracers and 51CrCl3 as marker. Out of the 10 patients, 9 had either vitamin B12 malassimilation (n= 8), and/or bacterial overgrowth (n= 5). These 9 patients were retested with pancreatic enzyme therapy, with and without addition of the antibiotics metronidazole and cefalexin. The lipid assimilation was significantly increased by enzyme therapy but did not improve further on additional antibiotic treatment. The vitamin B12 assimilation did not improve significantly on enzyme therapy nor with additional antibiotic treatment.
Omeprazole versus famotidine in the short‐term treatment of duodenal ulcer disease
Authors: FAVE G. DELLE , ANNIBALE B. , FRANCESCHI M. , QUATRINI M. , CASSETTA M. R. , TORSOLI A.
Published: July 2010

The efficacy and safety of omeprazole, in 241 patients with active recurrent duodenal ulcer from 21 Italian centres, was studied in a multicentre double‐blind randomized trial comparing 20 mg omeprazole o.m. or 40 mg famotidine nocte with endoscopic examination, symptom recording, laboratory screening and gastrin assay. In a per protocol analysis, the duodenal ulcer healing rates for omeprazole and famotidine, documented by endoscopy, were 62% (68/109) and 33% (39/117) after 2 weeks of treatment (P < 0.001), 92% (96/104) and 80% (86/108) cumulative after 4 weeks (P < 0.05), and 99% (102/103) and 92% (96/104) after 6 weeks (P < 0.05), respectively. The results of this trial demonstrate that 20 mg omeprazole o.m. is superior to 40 mg famotidine nocte in duodenal ulcer healing.
Budesonide and prednisolone suppress peripheral blood natural killer cells in Crohn's disease
Authors: van IERSSEL A. J. H. M. , VAN DER SLUYS VEER A. , VERSPAGET H. W. , GRIFFIOEN G. , van HOGEZAND R. A. , LAMERS C. B. H. W.
Published: July 2010

Aim: To study the effect of oral budesonide and prednisolone on peripheral blood natural killer (NK) cell activity in patients with active ileocaecal Crohn's disease (Crohn's disease activity index, CDAI ≧ 200).

Methods: One group of patients was treated for 10 weeks with oral budesonide (n= 9; 9 mg/day), and another group of patients for the same period with prednisolone (n= 9; 40 mg/day). Budesonide was tapered to 6 mg/day after 8 weeks and prednisolone after 2 weeks to 5 mg/day in the last week. Before treatment, and at 2, 4 and 10 weeks of treatment, natural killer cell activity was determined with a 51Cr release assay, and the number of CD16+ NK cells by Fluoresence activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis.

Results: Budesonide, as well as prednisolone treatment, significantly decreased natural killer cell activity at weeks 2 and 4. This decrease was found to be accompanied by a similar decrease in the number of CD16+ NK cells. At 10 weeks, natural killer cell activity had almost returned to pre‐treatment levels in the budesonide group and was significantly higher than pre‐treatment levels in the prednisolone group. Disease activity was significantly decreased in all patients at week 2 until the end of the trial period.

Conclusion: Both budesonide and prednisolone treatment suppress peripheral blood natural killer cell activity of patients with active ileocaecal Crohn's disease by decreasing the numbers of CD16+ NK cells in the circulation.