bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characterization of phenylsiloxane‐modified bismaleimide/barbituric acid‐based polymers with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane as the coupling agent
Authors: Pham Quoc‐Thai , Hsu Jung‐Mu , Pan Jing‐Pin , Wang Tsung‐Hsiung , Chern Chorng‐Shyan
Published: October 2012

The preparation and characterization of phenylsiloxane (PhSLX)‐modified N,N′‐bismaleimide‐4,4′‐diphenylmethane (BMI)/barbituric acid (BTA) (10/1 mol/mol) oligomers are described. 3‐Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) was used as the coupling agent. The resultant hybrid BMI/BTA‐APTES‐PhSLX polymers were characterized primarily using thermogravimetric analysis in combination with differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared measurements. The thermal stability of the BMI/BTA oligomer was improved significantly by incorporation of a small amount (20–30 wt%) of the copolymer of PhSLX and APTES (PASi). After adequate post‐curing reactions, the PASi‐modified BMI/BTA oligomers (HYBRID20 and HYBRID30 containing 20 and 30 wt% PASi, respectively) exhibited greatly reduced thermal degradation rates in the temperature range 300–800 °C and an increased level of residues at 800 °C as compared to the native BMI/BTA oligomer. This was further confirmed by thermal degradation kinetic studies, in which the activation energies for the thermal degradation reactions of the cured PASi‐modified BMI/BTA oligomers were shown to be higher than that of the pristine BMI/BTA oligomer. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Resonant soft x‐ray scattering and reflectivity study of the phase‐separated structure of thin poly(styrene‐b‐methyl methacrylate) films
Authors: Welch Cynthia F. , Hjelm Rex P. , Mang Joseph T. , Hawley Marilyn E. , Wrobleski Debra A. , Bruce Orler E. , Kortright Jeffrey B.
Published: October 2012

Combined soft X‐ray scattering and reflectometry techniques promise analysis of polymer thin film domain structure and composition without resorting to chemical modification or isotopic labeling. This work explores the capabilities of these techniques in polymer films of poly(styrene‐b‐methyl methacrylate) (P(S‐b‐MMA)). The results demonstrate that the techniques give detailed information on the domain structure of thin films using well‐known modeling procedures. Discrepancies were noted between the X‐ray optical parameters that are needed to best fit the reflectivity data to the model and the expected parameters. The sources of these discrepancies are discussed in terms of instrument configuration parameters, sample attributes, and, particularly, anisotropy of the chromophore parameters. The results show that fitting the soft X‐ray reflectivity data is much more sensitive to these X‐ray optical parameters than the soft X‐ray scattering data. Nevertheless, fits to both types of data yield quantitative measures of the polymer film's lamellar morphology that are consistent with each other and with literature values. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2013
Raman spectroscopy of isotopically labeled two‐layer graphene
Authors: Kalbac Martin , Kong Jing , Kavan Ladislav , Dresselhaus Mildred S.
Published: October 2012

A detailed understanding of graphene properties both in its neutral and doped states is an important prerequisite for applications of this new material in electronic devices. We used electrochemical doping to study the influence of charge on isotopically labeled two‐layer graphene. No change of the G mode intensity was observed at electrode potentials between −1.5 and 1 V. At high positive electrode potentials (>1 V) we observed enhancement of the G mode intensity due to partial removal of interfering resonant transitions. Hence, we confirmed that in case of absence of the enhancement due to a specific orientation between the two layers the Raman spectroelectrochemistry of non‐stacked two‐layer graphene mimics that of one‐layer graphene.
The role of exciton‐photon coupling in the temporal behaviour of a quantum dot‐photonic crystal microcavity system
Authors: Mehdizadeh Akram , Vala Ali Soltani , Shojaei Saeid , Kalafi Manouchehr
Published: October 2012

Here, we study the dynamics features of an experimentally realized system of InAs/GaAs quantum dot‐photonic crystal microcavity coupling. In our calculation, exciton state and cavity modes are obtained by variational method and open source GME code, respectively. The excitons in QD treated as bosons which corresponds to linear regime. Temporal behavior is characterized by the first and second‐order correlation functions. Results show how the emission represents bunching and strong‐weak coupling cross over, as well (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Crystal growth and scintillation properties of Ce, Pr and Eu doped La2.5Lu2.5Ga3O12 single crystals
Authors: Kamada Kei , Ogino Hiraku , Yanagida Takayuki , Yoshikawa Akira
Published: October 2012

In this work, scintillation properties of Ce1%, Pr1%, Eu1% and non‐doped La3‐xLu2+xGa3O12 (LLGG) single crystals were evaluated. At first, in order to investigate single phase region of La3‐xLu2+xGa3O12, crystal growth was carried out for undoped LLGG crystal. After that, Ce1%, Pr1% and Eu1% doped La2.5Lu2.5Ga3O12 crystals were grown by the μ‐PD method. Radioluminescence spectra and photoluminescence decay curve of these crystals ware measured. Energy spectra were collected under 5.5 MeV α‐ray excitation (241Am source) and detected by an PMT R7600U (Hamamatsu) in order to determine light yield. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optical properties of InGaN/GaN nanocolumns in yellow‐to‐red region
Authors: Naka Joji , Inose Yuta , Kunugita Hideyuki , Ramesh Vadivelu , Kikuchi Akihiko , Kishino Katsumi , Ema Kazuhiro
Published: October 2012

The optical properties of InGaN/GaN multiple‐quantum‐well (MQW) nanocolumns whose emission wavelength is in the yellow‐to‐red region (2.1 ∼ 2.3 eV) have been investigated using time‐resolved photoluminescence (PL) measurements. The analysis of the PL decay curves using a stretched exponential function shows that the radiative and nonradiative rates in the red region are almost the same as those in the yellow region. Long‐lived migrating carriers also contribute the strong PL intensity in the red region. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The effect of different oxidative growth conditions on the scintillation properties of Ce:Gd3Al3Ga2O12 crystal
Authors: Suzuki Akira , Kurosawa Shunsuke , Pejchal Jan , Babin Vladimir , Fujimoto Yutaka , Yamaji Akihiro , Seki Mafuyu , Futami Yoshisuke , Yokota Yuui , Yubuta Kunio , Shishido Toetsu , Kikuchi Masae , Nikl Martin , Yoshikawa Akira
Published: October 2012

Ce‐doped Gd3Al3Ga2O12 (Ce:GAGG) crystal shows good scintillation performances, especially high light yield. However, its scintillation decay contains slower components. Such phenomenon is due to the delayed radiative recombination process which is caused by trapping effects in the transport stage of scintillation mechanism. Various defects including oxygen vacancy can give rise to shallow traps in the forbidden gap of the material which can cause such phenomena. To study the influence of such oxygen defects, 0.2‐mol% Ce‐doped GAGG single crystals were grown by Floating Zone method using growth atmosphere with different oxygen concentrations. The optical and scintillation properties of the crystals were examined. The light yield and emission wavelength of these samples did not depend on the oxygen content in the growth atmosphere. On the other hand, scintillation decays of the samples grown under the high oxygen concentrations (100 and 40% oxygen) were faster than that of the sample grown under the lower concentration (20%). Oxygen content in the growth atmosphere thus appears an important parameter in the optimization of the growth process of these materials (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Excitonic Rabi oscillations in self‐assembled quantum dots studied by photon echoes
Authors: Asakura Kenta , Mitsumori Yasuyoshi , Kosaka Hideo , Edamatsu Keiichi , Akahane Kouichi , Yamamoto Naokatsu , Sasaki Masahide , Ohtani Naoki
Published: October 2012

We report the excitonic Rabi oscillations in self assembled quantum dots observed by photon echo spectroscopy. The amplitude of the observed Rabi oscillations increases with the pulse area, which is different from the results of previous reports.

A numerical calculation of the Rabi oscillations including the local field effect in a quantum dot well reproduces the experimental oscillations, indicating that the local field effect is one of the important origins of the modification of the Rabi oscillations in quantum dots (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Yeast Hydrolysate Protects Cartilage via Stimulation of Type II Collagen Synthesis and Suppression of MMP‐13 Production
Authors: Lee Hyun‐Sun , Park So Yeon , Park Yooheon , Bae Song Hwan , Suh Hyung Joo
Published: October 2012

Type II collagen (COL II) is one of the primary components of hyaline cartilage and plays a key role in maintaining chondrocyte function. COL II is the principal target of destruction, and matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) have a major role in arthritis. In the present study, we investigated the chondroctye protection effects of specific fraction of yeast hydrolysate ((10–30 kDa molecular weight peptides). The mRNA expression of COL II was significantly increased in the YH‐treated group compared to the control at concentrations above 50 µg/ml, respectively. The 200 µg/ml YH‐treated group (3.43 ± 0.23 µg/ml) showed significantly reduced glycosaminoglycan (GAG) degradation relative to that in the interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β)‐treated control group (4.72 ± 0.05 µg/ml). In the YH‐treated group, MMP‐13 level was significantly decreased in a dose‐dependent manner compared to the IL‐1β‐treated group without YH treatment. However, MMP‐1 and MMP‐3 level were not different from that of control. Under the same conditions, we also examined mRNA levels of COL II. The mRNA expression of COL II was significantly higher in the YH‐treated group than in the IL‐1β‐treated control group at concentrations above 100 µg/ml. In conclusion, YH stimulated COL II synthesis and significantly inhibited MMP‐13 and GAG degradation caused by IL‐1β treatment. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How large is large: estimating ecologically meaningful isotopic differences in observational studies of wild animals
Authors: Authier Matthieu , Dragon Anne‐Cécile , Cherel Yves , Guinet Christophe
Published: October 2012

RATIONALE

In ecological studies of wildlife movements and foraging, bio‐logging and isotopic data are routinely collected and increasingly analyzed in tandem. Such analyses have two shortcomings: (1) small sample size linked with the number of telemetric tags that can be deployed, and (2) the observational nature of isotopic gradients. Wildlife ecologists are thus put in a statistical conundrum known as the small n, large p problem.

METHODS

Using shrinkage regression, which directly addresses the issue of accurately estimating effects from sparse data, we studied what counts as a biologically meaningful isotopic difference (a prerequisite to delineate isoscapes) in the southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina), a large and elusive marine predator.

RESULTS

Seals foraging in Antarctic waters had a lower carbon isotopic value (by ≈ 2‰) than seals foraging either in the interfrontal zone or on the Kerguelen Plateau. The latter two foraging strategies were indistinguishable on the sole basis of δ13C values with our data.

CONCLUSIONS

Shrinkage regression is a conservative statistical technique that has wide applicability in isotopic ecology to help separate robust biological signals from noise. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry molecular‐level structural characterisation of novel phenoxycarboxylic acid–oligo(3‐hydroxybutyrate) conjugates with potential agricultural applications
Authors: Kwiecień Iwona , Adamus Grażyna , Kowalczuk Marek
Published: October 2012

RATIONALE

Due to the low resistance of forms of pesticides to environmental conditions, agrochemicals frequently do not reach their objective, which may cause environmental pollution. The minimisation of the adverse effects of pesticides requires the development of a system for their long‐term controlled release. In the present work, we report the synthesis and structural studies of novel controlled‐release pesticide–oligo‐3‐hydroxybutyrate systems with potential agricultural applications.

METHODS

The novel controlled‐release pesticide–oligo(3‐hydroxybutyrate) systems were obtained via the anionic ring‐opening oligomerisation of (R,S)‐β‐butyrolactone initiated by the potassium salt of selected pesticides. Electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI‐MSn) analyses in positive‐ion mode, supported by 1H NMR results, were used for the structural characterisation of the obtained conjugates. The presence of the respective pesticides in an unchanged form associated with oligo–3‐hydroxybutyrate chains was confirmed by ESI‐MS/MS experiments performed for selected pesticide–oligo(3‐hydroxybutyrate) ions and by the subsequent investigation of their fragmentation pathways.

RESULTS

The structures of the resulting conjugates were established at the molecular level with the aid of ESI‐MSn. The presence of one and two chlorine atoms (derived from MCPA and 2,4‐D pesticides) in the conjugates studied was confirmed by comparison of the calculated and experimental isotopic profiles for the selected ions of the respective conjugates. The fragmentation of the selected ions of the resulting conjugates confirmed that the respective pesticides are covalently bonded with oligo(3‐hydroxybutyrate) through a hydrolysable ester bond.

CONCLUSIONS

An analytical method has been developed for the characterisation of new pesticide–oligo(3‐hydroxybutyrate) conjugates. A detailed NMR and MS structural characterisation of the designed controlled‐release system of the pesticides was performed. These results are important in the analysis of designed biodegradable polymeric conjugates with potential agricultural applications. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrogen scrambling in non‐covalent complexes of peptides
Authors: Modzel Maciej , Stefanowicz Piotr , Szewczuk Zbigniew
Published: October 2012

RATIONALE

Mass spectrometry analysis combined with hydrogen‐deuterium exchange (HDX‐MS) is arising as a tool for quick analysis of native protein conformation. However, during collision‐induced dissociation (CID) the spatial distribution of deuterium is not always conserved. It is therefore important to find out how hydrogen scrambling occurs – this study concentrates on the possibility of scrambling between amino acid residues spatially close together, but not connected by covalent bonds.

METHODS

Peptides used in this study were synthesized by Fmoc strategy. Deuteration occurred in ammonia formate solution in D2O. Non‐covalent complexes consisting of a deuterated and a non‐deuterated peptide were analyzed by electrospray ionization (ESI) Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT‐ICR‐MS) with quadrupole mass filter. Low‐energy CID was used for complex dissociation.

RESULTS

The complexes were isolated on a quadrupole and subjected to CID to cause dissociation. The deuterium distribution before and after the dissociation of a non‐covalent complex to its components was measured. The study revealed that no significant scrambling occurred between the constituents of the complexes – the degree of scrambling did not exceed 10%.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained for the complexes should be similar to those for protein parts spatially close together – hydrogen scrambling between them should be negligible. The knowledge that almost all the scrambling occurs along peptide chains gives a better insight into the mechanism of HDX inside a protein. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nucleic acid binding surface and dimer interface revealed by CRISPR‐associated CasB protein structures
Authors: Nam Ki Hyun , Huang Qingqiu , Ke Ailong
Published: October 2012

TfuCasB1
and
TfuCasB1
bind by molecular sieving (View Interaction: 1, 2)
Changes in sexual desire and activity during pregnancy among women in Shahroud, Iran
Authors: Babazadeh Raheleh , Mirzaii Khadijeh , Masomi Zahra
Published: October 2012

Objective

To evaluate women's perception of sexual activity during pregnancy in Shahroud, Iran.

Methods

Data were gathered during 4 semi‐structured group interviews with 33 pregnant women attending 2 obstetric outpatient clinics of a teaching hospital in Shahroud. The interviewers taped the interviews, coded and categorized their content, and performed a qualitative content analysis.

Results

Most women reported a decrease in sexual desire and frequency of intercourse during pregnancy (69.7% and 81.8%, respectively). Sexual desire, however, increased for 18.2% of the women. Some felt that accepting intercourse prevented spousal infidelity, but 65.2% worried that it might cause injury to the fetus. Only 24.2% received information on the advisability of sexual activity during pregnancy from their physicians or midwives, and the other 75.8% sensed that they should discuss the topic with a professional but were not comfortable starting the conversation.

Conclusion

Along with excessive anxiety, insufficient information is the major reason why sexual intercourse is often considered dangerous, and sometimes avoided, during pregnancy in Iran. Healthcare professionals, especially midwives, should educate and counsel women, and reassure them that intercourse is safe in women with healthy pregnancies.
Laparoscopic radiofrequency volumetric thermal ablation of uterine myomas with 12 months of follow‐up
Authors: Robles Rodolfo , Aguirre Vicente A. , Argueta Ana I. , Guerrero Maria R.
Published: October 2012

Objective

To confirm the results of an earlier study assessing the safety and efficacy of a laparoscopic radiofrequency volumetric thermal ablation (RFVTA) system among women with symptomatic myomas.

Methods

In a prospective study at the Hospital of Francisco Marroquin University, Guatemala City, consecutive premenopausal women with symptomatic myomas seeking uterine‐sparing treatment were enrolled between August 2008 and July 2011. The women were treated by RFVTA. Uterine fibroid symptom and health‐related quality‐of‐life (UFS‐QOL) questionnaires were completed at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months.

Results

Among 114 women screened, 36 were enrolled (ages 33–51 years), and 35 were followed for 12 months. Symptom severity scores reduced significantly (P < 0.05): baseline (63.3), 3 months (23.1), 6 months (15.4), 12 months (9.6). Health‐related quality‐of‐life scores improved significantly (P < 0.05): baseline (37.3), 3 months (79.9), 6 months (85.1), 12 months (87.7). The mean ± SD difference in uterine volume from baseline (215.2 ± 117.9 cm3) to 12 months (167.0 ± 120.8 cm3) was 48.2 cm3 (95% CI: − 22.8 to 119.2; P = 0.192). Nine adverse events among 8 individuals were minor and unrelated to the procedure.

Conclusion

RFVTA of fibroids resulted in significantly improved symptom severity and quality‐of‐life scores and provides an outpatient uterine‐sparing option for treatment of myomas.
Self‐reported natural history of recurrent prolapse among women presenting to a tertiary care center
Authors: Johnson Payton , Larson Kindra A. , Hsu Yvonne , Fenner Dee E. , Morgan Daniel , DeLancey John O.L.
Published: October 2012

Objective

To describe the characteristics of recurrent pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Methods

A convenience sample of patients presenting with recurrent POP symptoms between October 2007 and February 2010 completed questionnaires. The survey focused on timing of recurrence(s), symptoms, and demographics.

Results

Ninety‐seven women completed questionnaires. Thirty‐four (35.1%) had undergone multiple prior treatments. Overall, 23 of 76 (30.3%) women had not informed their surgeon of the recurrence. Twenty‐seven of 59 (45.8%) women reported that their symptoms were the same as before treatment, whereas 23 of 59 (39.0%) reported more severe symptoms. POP was considered to be persistent if symptoms returned within 3 months, and recurrent if symptom relief exceeded 3 months. After primary surgery, 28 of 79 (35.4%) cases were considered to be persistent, whereas 51 (64.6%) cases were recurrent. Similar percentages were seen after second and third treatments.

Conclusion

Overall, 35% of participants experienced early return of symptoms. Almost one‐third of participants had not informed their surgeon of the recurrence, indicating that there may not be an accurate self‐assessment of outcome in the absence of careful follow‐up.
An inflatable ergonomic 3‐chamber fundal pressure belt to assist vaginal delivery
Authors: Acanfora Luisa , Rampon Michela , Filippeschi Marco , Marchi Marco , Montisci Massimo , Viel Guido , Cosmi Erich
Published: October 2012

Objective

To evaluate whether Baby‐guard—a new medical device with an ergonomic 3‐chamber inflatable abdominal belt—can reduce complications associated with vaginal delivery.

Methods

A randomized controlled single‐blind prospective study of 80 pregnant women delivering at term was conducted at San Giuseppe Hospital, Empoli, Italy. In the study group (n = 40), the abdominal belt was inflated to optimal therapeutic pressures. In the control group (n = 40), the abdominal belt was inflated to minimal, non‐therapeutic pressures. Factors relating to maternal, fetal, and labor complications during vaginal delivery were evaluated.

Results

Compared with the control group, women in the study group experienced a lower incidence of perineal and cervical lacerations (P < 0.001); reduced use of the Kristeller maneuver (P < 0.001); shorter duration of the second stage of labor (P < 0.001); less psychologic and physical fatigue (P < 0.001); fewer maternal requests for cesarean delivery during labor (P < 0.001); fewer vacuum extractions (P < 0.01); and fewer cesarean deliveries (P < 0.02). No neonatal intensive care unit admissions were recorded in the study group versus 7 in the control group (P < 0.012).

Conclusion

Use of the ergonomic 3‐chamber inflatable abdominal belt system reduced the incidence of risks associated with vaginal labor.

Clinical trials.gov identifier: NCT01566331.
Comparison of three data mining models for predicting diabetes or prediabetes by risk factors
Authors: Meng Xue‐Hui , Huang Yi‐Xiang , Rao Dong‐Ping , Zhang Qiu , Liu Qing
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of logistic regression, artificial neural networks (ANNs) and decision tree models for predicting diabetes or prediabetes using common risk factors. Participants came from two communities in Guangzhou, China; 735 patients confirmed to have diabetes or prediabetes and 752 normal controls were recruited. A standard questionnaire was administered to obtain information on demographic characteristics, family diabetes history, anthropometric measurements and lifestyle risk factors. Then we developed three predictive models using 12 input variables and one output variable from the questionnaire information; we evaluated the three models in terms of their accuracy, sensitivity and specificity. The logistic regression model achieved a classification accuracy of 76.13% with a sensitivity of 79.59% and a specificity of 72.74%. The ANN model reached a classification accuracy of 73.23% with a sensitivity of 82.18% and a specificity of 64.49%; and the decision tree (C5.0) achieved a classification accuracy of 77.87% with a sensitivity of 80.68% and specificity of 75.13%. The decision tree model (C5.0) had the best classification accuracy, followed by the logistic regression model, and the ANN gave the lowest accuracy.
Special solutions to a compact equation for deep-water gravity waves
Authors: Fedele Francesco , Dutykh Denys
Published: October 2012

Dyachenko & Zakharov (J. Expl Theor. Phys. Lett., vol. 93, 2011, pp. 701–705) recently derived a compact form of the well-known Zakharov integro-differential equation for the third-order Hamiltonian dynamics of a potential flow of an incompressible, infinitely deep fluid with a free surface. Special travelling wave solutions of this compact equation are numerically constructed using the Petviashvili method. Their stability properties are also investigated. In particular, unstable travelling waves with wedge-type singularities, namely peakons, are numerically discovered. To gain insight into the properties of these singular solutions, we also consider the academic case of a perturbed version of the compact equation, for which analytical peakons with exponential shape are derived. Finally, by means of an accurate Fourier-type spectral scheme it is found that smooth solitary waves appear to collide elastically, suggesting the integrability of the Zakharov equation.
Does oestradiol attenuate the damaging effects of a fructose-rich diet on cardiac Akt/endothelial nitric oxide synthase signalling?
Authors: Romic Snjezana , Tepavcevic Snezana , Zakula Zorica , Milosavljevic Tijana , Stojiljkovic Mojca , Zivkovic Maja , Popovic Milan , Stankovic Aleksandra , Koricanac Goran
Published: October 2012

Fructose-rich diets (FRD) cause cardiac insulin resistance manifested by impairment of Akt/endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) signalling. In contrast, oestradiol (E2) activates this signalling pathway in the heart. To study the ability of E2 to revert the detrimental effect of fructose on cardiac Akt/eNOS, female rats were subjected to a FRD and ovariectomy followed with or without E2 replacement. We also analysed the effects of the FRD and E2 on cardiac extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk 1/2) signalling related to their role in cardiac hypertrophy development. Expression of Akt, eNOS and Erk 1/2, as well as regulatory phosphorylations of these molecules were determined. The protein expression of cardiac Akt and eNOS was not affected by the diet or E2 treatment. However, the FRD was accompanied by a decrease in Akt phosphorylation at Ser473 and Thr308, and eNOS at Ser1177, while the phosphorylation of eNOS at Thr495 was increased. E2 replacement in ovariectomised fructose-fed rats caused a reversion of the diet effect on Akt and eNOS serine phosphorylation, but mostly had no effect on threonine phosphorylation of the molecules. The FRD and E2 treatment did not influence Erk 1/2 expression and phosphorylation and heart mass as well. The data show that E2 selectively suppress the negative effects of a FRD on Akt/eNOS signalling and probably point to the different effects of E2 on kinase/phosphatase pathways responsible for phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of Akt and eNOS. Furthermore, the results suggest that the heart of females in the reproductive period is partially protected against the damaging effects of increased fructose intake.
Climatic and tectonic controls on the sedimentary processes of an alluvial fan of the western Ganga Plain, India
Authors: GOSWAMI PRADEEP K. , MISHRA JAY K.
Published: October 2012

Detailed facies analysis and morphotectonic investigations of the Malin River's alluvial fan in the western Ganga Plain, India, reveal that the morphology of the fan is largely tectonically controlled whereas the sedimentary processes are mainly climatically controlled. The sedimentation occurred in two distinct evolutionary cycles which are separated by a time gap. The older cycle deposited thick gravelly units up to the distal-fan area, whereas the sediment fill of the younger cycle is gavel-dominated in the proximal-fan area, gravel–sand dominated in the middle-fan area and sand–mud dominated in the distal-fan area. The gravels of the older cycle were emplaced by intense sediment gravity flows during periods of strengthened monsoon and steeper regional gradient. During the younger cycle, the proximal to distal parts of the fan were dominated by different sedimentary processes. This was a time of relatively weaker monsoon and gentler regional slopes, when gravels could travel only up to the middle-fan area. The gravels in the proximal-fan area have mainly been deposited by sediment gravity flows and channel processes; in the middle-fan area channel processes, sheetfloods and sediment gravity flows have been the main sedimentary processes; and in the distal-fan area fluvial processes of channel migration and overbank deposition have been the main sedimentary processes.
A case report of Brugian filariasis outside an endemic area in Thailand
Authors: Yokmek S. , Warunyuwong W. , Rojanapanus S. , Jiraamornimit C. , Boitano J.J. , Wongkamchai S.
Published: October 2012

A 2-year-old boy living outside the endemic area of lymphatic filariasis in Surat Thani Province, Thailand, developed a high fever. To investigate the cause of his presenting symptoms, blood was collected and microfilariae were detected and identified asBrugia malayiusing thick blood smear staining. The sources of the infection were investigated. Microfilariae from two domestic cats residing in the boy's village were detected and identified asB. pahangiusing a high-resolution melting real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. The possible sources of this cryptic infection are discussed.
Discovery of Paragonimus skrjabini in Vietnam and its phylogenetic status in the Paragonimus skrjabini complex
Authors: Doanh P.N. , Hien H.V. , Nonaka N. , Horii Y. , Nawa Y.
Published: October 2012

Two members of the Paragonimus skrjabini complex, P. skrjabini and P. miyazakii, are now considered as two sub-species, P. skrjabini skrjabini and P. skrjabini miyazakii. They are well known as important pathogens for human paragonimiasis in China and Japan. Recently, members of this species complex have been reported from India. Here we report the first discovery of P. skrjabini from freshwater crab hosts in Thanh Hoa province, Vietnam. For morphological and molecular phylogenetic studies, adult worms were obtained by experimental infection in cats and dogs. Molecular analyses of metacercariae and adults revealed that the P. skrjabini population from Thanh Hoa, Vietnam was almost completely identical with that from Yunnan province, China. Those populations from Thanh Hoa, Vietnam and Yunnan, China and those from Manipur, India were significantly different from P. skrjabini populations reported from other localities of China in cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) gene sequences, indicating considerable genetic variation within the P. skrjabini complex. Moreover, low bootstrap values in the CO1 tree suggested that more variant genotypes belonging to P. skrjabini complex may be found in other Asian countries in between Vietnam and India, such as Myanmar, Laos and Thailand. Since P. skrjabini is known as a pathogen for humans, paragonimiasis cases caused by P. skrjabini might be found in Vietnam and other Asian countries.
Retrospective, cross-sectional review of delayed discharge after paediatric tracheostomy
Authors: Rafferty A , Knight D , Bew S , Knight L
Published: October 2012

Objectives:

To investigate reasons for prolonged hospitalisation of children with tracheostomies once they are medically fit for discharge.

Methods:

Retrospective, cross-sectional study of 101 children undergoing tracheostomy between 2000 and 2010.

Results:

Of the study patients, 44.6 per cent did not spend any time in hospital once medically fit, 19.8 per cent spent up to two weeks, 12.9 per cent spent between two weeks and one month, and 22.8 per cent spent over one month. Of the 56 cases with delayed discharge, the majority (22 children, 39.3 per cent) were delayed due to time taken obtaining parental competencies in tracheostomy management. A number of external factors were identified in these delays: parental substance abuse; single parenting; concerns about parenting ability, and English not being the parents' first language.

Conclusion:

Paediatric tracheostomy may lead to prolonged hospitalisation, but this is often influenced by social factors. Better use of dedicated specialist paediatric tracheostomy nurses may reduce unnecessary hospitalisation.
Further new species of Menegazzia (Parmeliaceae, Lecanorales)
Authors: KANTVILAS Gintaras
Published: October 2012

Three new species of Menegazzia are described and illustrated, and their relationships and affinities to other species in the genus discussed. Menegazziabjerkeana Kantvilas is an isidiate species from the coastal ranges of New South Wales; M. brattii Kantvilas is an eight-spored species related to the widespread M. pertransita (Müll. Arg.) R. Sant., and is endemic to Kerguelen Island; and M. gallowayi Kantvilas is an eight-spored species from South Island, New Zealand. Menegazzia sanguinascens (Räsänen) R. Sant. is recorded from Kerguelen for the first time.
New taxa, reports, and names of lichenized and lichenicolous fungi, mainly from the Scottish Highlands
Authors: FRYDAY Alan M. , COPPINS Brian J.
Published: October 2012

The new taxaCliostomum subtenerum, Dactylospora suburceolata, Fuscidea oceanica, Lecania granulata, Lecidea herteliana,andRopalospora lugubrisf.sorediataare described from collections made from Scotland and Wales. Outside the British Isles,D. suburceolatais also known from Switzerland,L. hertelianafrom NE North America andR. lugubrisf.sorediatafrom Sweden and NE North America. In addition,Lecidea luteoatraNyl. belongs to theLecanora marginatagroup and the nameLecanora viridiatra(Stenh.) Nyl. is taken up for this species,Peterjamesia sorediatais transferred toRoccellographa, andRopalospora atroumbrinais included in the synonymy ofR. lugubrisf.sorediata.
A new Placopyrenium (Verrucariaceae) from Turkey
Authors: APTROOT André , YAZICI Kenan
Published: October 2012

The new species Placopyrenium bullatum is described from limestone in Turkey. It is characterized by the immersed ascomata, the areolate and bullate thallus, the often blackened exciple and the 1-septate ascospores. It resembles P. iranicum, but differs by the 1-septate ascospores, the dark exciple and the black mottled medulla.
Occurrence of high tyrosinase activity in the non-Peltigeralean lichenDermatocarponminiatum(L.) W. Mann
Authors: BECKETT Richard P. , MINIBAYEVA Farida V. , LIERS Christiane
Published: October 2012

In our earlier work, we demonstrated the presence of the multicopper oxidases tyrosinase and laccase in the cell walls of lichens from thePeltigerales, while these enzymes appeared to be absent in lichens from other orders. Likely roles for tyrosinase in lichens include melanin synthesis, the generation of quinones needed for laccase-mediated redox cycling, and the removal of harmful reactive molecules formed by this cycling. Non-Peltigeralean lichens will not need tyrosinase to detoxify laccase-generated radicals. However, many non-Peltigeralean lichens are often heavily melanized. Apparent absence of tyrosinase activity in these species prompted us to suggest that, in these lichens, melanins are probably synthesized by the polyketide pathway, which does not involve tyrosinase. Here, we surveyed intracellular tyrosinase activity in thallus homogenates from a range of lichens. Results showed that Peltigeralean species generally have much higher activities than species from other orders. However, the non-Peltigeralean lichenDermatocarpon miniatumdisplays significant tyrosinase activity. InD. miniatum, tyrosinase differs from the corresponding enzyme from Peltigeralean lichens with respect to cellular location, substratum specificity, stability and pH optimum. Furthermore, unlike Peltigeralean lichens, inD. miniatumtyrosinase activity increased strongly following the rehydration of dry thalli. These differences are possibly a consequence of the role of tyrosinase in melanin synthesis rather than laccase-mediated redox cycling.
New and interesting lichens from the Caxiuanã National Forest in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: SILVA CÁCERES Marcela Eugenia da , SANTOS VIEIRA Tamires dos , DE JESUS Luciana Santos , LÜCKING Robert
Published: October 2012

As part of an ongoing inventory of the lichenized mycota of the Caxiuanã National Forest, at Ferreira Penna Research Station in the Brazilian Amazon, two species of lichenized fungi are described as new and four new combinations are introduced:Ampliotrema megalostoma(Müll. Arg.) M. Cáceres & Lücking comb. nov.,Graphis brachylirellataM. Cáceres & Lücking sp. nov.,Malmidea leucograniferaM. Cáceres & Lücking sp. nov.,Ocellularia conformalis(Kremp.) M. Cáceres & Lücking comb. nov.,Redingeria microspora(Zahlbr.) M. Cáceres & Lücking comb. nov., andSarcographa megistocarpa(Leight.) M. Cáceres & Lücking comb. nov.
ITS rDNA data confirm a delimitation ofBacidina arnoldianaandB. sulphurellaand support a description of a new species within the genusBacidina
Authors: CZARNOTA Paweł , GUZOW-KRZEMIŃSKA Beata
Published: October 2012

Bacidina flavoleprosais described as a new species from the Czech Republic. Its position within the genus is supported by phylogenetic inferences of ITS rDNA sequences from its holotype and many other representatives ofBacidias. lat., including newly sequencedBacidina sulphurella,B. adastraandB. neosquamulosa,as well as additional sequences ofB. arnoldiana. ITS data also support the recent delimitation ofB. arnoldianaandB. sulphurellabased on the shape of conidia and ecological preferences.
A record of the genusTrochochaeta(Polychaeta) in the southern hemisphere with description of a new species
Authors: Bochert Ralf , Zettler Michael L.
Published: October 2012

The small polychaete family Trochochaetidae is monogeneric and had been recorded almost exclusively in the northern hemisphere before this study. During a benthic investigation in the coastal shelf zone off Angola at 15°S several specimens were collected from 84 m depth differing from other members of the family and we described it as a new species herein. The only known African species so far wasTrochochaeta kirkegaardifrom the eastern Atlantic.Trochochaeta ankeaesp. nov. is characterized by having four minute eyes, a small conical antenna, a nuchal crest projecting through chaetiger 2, by lacking notochaetae on chaetiger 2, by having acicular spines on neuropodia 2 and 3 and a pair of conical papillae ventral on abdomen. A key to all 11 known species (including an unnamed one) is given.
Sperm morphology of two species of Olivancillaria (Gastropoda: Olividae) from the south-western Atlantic
Authors: Teso Valeria , Giménez Juliana
Published: October 2012

Sperm ultrastructure in two species of the marine snail family Olividae is examined. Euspermatozoa of both species are composed of a conical, membrane-bound acrosomal vesicle; an axial rod and a basal plate similar in both species; a solid and highly electron-dense nucleus; an elongate midpiece consisting of the axoneme sheathed by helical mitochondrial elements; an elongate glycogen piece; a double electron-dense ring at the junction of the midpiece and glycogen piece; and a free tail region. The slight narrowing in the acrosomal vesicle invagination is situated in different levels between Olivancillaria deshayesiana and Olivancillaria carcellesi. This morphology could be considered as a specific character. The length of the nucleus in O. carcellesi and in O. deshayesiana is shorter than that of other neogastropods, and could be diagnostic at family level.
Ontogenetic changes in heterogeneity of parasite communities of fish: disentangling the relative role of compositional versus abundance variability
Authors: TIMI J. T. , LANFRANCHI A. L.
Published: October 2012

In order to determine how much of the variability in parasite assemblages is driven by differences in composition or in abundance we used multivariate dispersions (average distance from infracommunities to their size class centroid in the multivariate space) as a measurement ofβ-diversity in infracommunities ofConger orbignianus, applying a set of dissimilarity measures with different degrees of emphasis on composition versus relative abundance information. To evaluate comparatively the rate of such changes, we also analysed the effect of host size by regressing differences inβ-diversity among size classes against differences in mean fish size. Multivariate dispersions varied along an ontogenetic gradient, its significance depending on the measurement used. Larger fish showed higher richness and abundance; however, smaller fish displayed lower variations in abundance but higher in composition. This could be caused by stochastic encounters at low densities due to the overdispersion of parasites in previous hosts. As fish grow, the composition of their parasite assemblages becomes homogenized by repeated exposure, with abundance thus arising as the main source of variability. Both variables act at different rates, with the exponential decay in the compositional variability as differences in fish size increase being about twice as steep as the decay in abundance variability, indicating that compositional homogeneity is reached faster than abundance heterogeneity as fish grow. Discerning between both variables is crucial in order to understand how community structure is formed by size-dependent variability of host populations.
Raw grated beetroot linked to several outbreaks of sudden-onset gastrointestinal illness, Finland 2010
Authors: JACKS A. , TOIKKANEN S. , PIHLAJASAARI A. , JOHANSSON T. , HAKKINEN M. , HEMMINKI K. , HOKKANEN P. , KÄPYAHO A. , KÄRNÄ A. , VALKOLA K. , NISKANEN T. , TAKKINEN J. , KUUSI M. , RIMHANEN-FINNE R.
Published: October 2012

In 2010, 7/44 (16%) reported foodborne outbreaks in Finland were linked with raw beetroot consumption. We reviewed data from the national outbreak registry in order to hypothesize the aetiology of illness and to prevent further outbreaks. In the seven outbreaks, 124 cases among 623 respondents were identified. Consumption of raw beetroot was strongly associated with gastrointestinal illness (relative risk 8·99, 95% confidence interval 6·06–13·35). The illness was characterized by sudden onset of gastrointestinal symptoms; the median incubation time was 40 min and duration of illness 5 h. No common foodborne pathogens or toxins were found in either clinical or beetroot samples, but all tested beetroot samples were of poor quality according to total bacterial counts. Beta-haemolytic Pseudomonas fluorescens was detected in several beetroot samples but its effect on human health is unknown. No outbreaks were reported after the Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira advised against serving raw beetroot in institutional canteens.
Genotype replacement within serotype 23FStreptococcus pneumoniaein Beijing, China: characterization of serotype 23F
Authors: MA X. , YAO K. H. , YU S. J. , ZHOU L. , LI Q. H. , SHI W. , HE M. M. , YANG Y. H.
Published: October 2012

We investigated the genetic structure of 99 isolates of serotype 23FStreptococcus pneumoniaefrom children with acute respiratory infections collected over two periods from 1997 to 2006, and 2010. All isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and amoxicillin–clavulanic acid; 97 were resistant to erythromycin, 95 of which carried theermBgene and two carried bothmefA/EandermBgenes. Multidrug resistance to three or more classes of antibiotics was exhibited by 90 isolates. Sequence types ST342 and ST81 were the most frequent in 1997–2006 and 2010, respectively. All CC81 isolates were non-susceptible to β-lactam antibiotics and had higher minimum inhibitory concentration values for penicillin than other clone complexes and sequence types. The increased β-lactam antibiotic resistance may have resulted from the replacement of multidrug-resistant clones related to ST81. Long-term studies onS. pneumoniaeserotype 23F, especially the ST81 clone, should be conducted to better understand the epidemiological picture of this pathogen in China.
Epistemic aspects of representative government
Authors: Goodin Robert E. , Spiekermann Kai
Published: October 2012

The Federalist, justifying the Electoral College to elect the president, claimed that a small group of more informed individuals would make a better decision than the general mass. But the Condorcet Jury Theorem tells us that the more independent, better-than-random voters there are, the more likely it will be that the majority among them will be correct. The question thus arises as to how much better, on average, members of the smaller group would have to be to compensate for the epistemic costs of making decisions on the basis of that many fewer votes. This question is explored in the contexts of referendum democracy, delegate-style representative democracy, and trustee-style representative democracy.
Low‐latitude mesospheric turbulence investigated using coordinated MST radar and rocket‐borne observations from India
Authors: Chandra H. , Sinha H. S. S. , Patra A. K. , Das U. , Selvaraj D. , Misra R. N. , Datta J.
Published: October 2012

In this paper we present and discuss observational results on low‐latitude mesospheric turbulence obtained from a coordinated experiment made using a Langmuir probe (LP) onboard a rocket launched from Sriharikota (13.6°N, 80.2°E) and the mesosphere‐stratosphere‐troposphere (MST) radar from Gadanki (13.5°N, 79.2°E) on 8 April 2005. The LP detected electron density irregularities, with scale sizes in the range of about 1 m to 1 km, in three height regions: one region in between 69.6 and 72 km and the other two around 75 km and 78 km each having thickness of less than 1 km. The MST radar observations, however, showed two distinct scattering layers, one around 66 km and another around 75 km. The wave number spectra of the in situ observations, except for those of 69.6–72 km, and radar observed spectral parameters clearly suggest that the electron density fluctuations detected by the LP and those responsible for the radar echoes are of turbulence origin. Energy dissipation rates estimated from both rocket‐borne in situ measurements and radar observed spectral width are found to be in the range of 1–70 mWkg−1. The RMS turbulent velocities estimated from the two observations are found to be <3 m s−1. Further, the energy dissipation rates and RMS turbulent velocities estimated for the height region of ∼75 km which is common in the in situ and radar data and not reported earlier, are found to be in good agreement with each other. The energy dissipation rates are compared critically with those reported earlier, and the radar‐rocket observations are discussed in the light of current understanding of the low‐latitude mesospheric echoes.
Satellite‐based detection and monitoring of phytoplankton blooms along the Oregon coast
Authors: McKibben S. M. , Strutton P. G. , Foley D. G. , Peterson T. D. , White A. E.
Published: October 2012

We have applied a normalized difference algorithm to 8 day composite chlorophyll‐a (CHL) and fluorescence line height (FLH) imagery obtained from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer aboard the Aqua spacecraft in order to detect and monitor phytoplankton blooms in the Oregon coastal region. The resulting bloom products, termed CHLrel and FLHrel, respectively, describe the onset and advection of algal blooms as a function of the percent relative change observed in standard 8 day CHL or FLH imagery over time. Bloom product performance was optimized to consider local time scales of biological variability (days) and cloud cover. Comparison of CHLrel and FLHrelretrievals to in situ mooring data collected off the central Oregon coast from summer 2009 through winter 2010 shows that the products are a robust means to detect bloom events during the summer upwelling season. Evaluation of winter performance was inconclusive due to persistent cloud cover and limited in situ chl‐a records. Pairing the products with coincident in situ physical proxies provides a tool to elucidate the conditions that induce bloom onset and identify the physical mechanisms that affect bloom advection, persistence, and decay. These products offer an excellent foundation for remote bloom detection and monitoring in this region, and the methods developed herein are applicable to any region with sufficient CHL and FLH coverage.