bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine learning identifies specific habitats associated with genetic connectivity in Hyla squirella
Authors: HETHER T. D. , HOFFMAN E. A.
Published: April 2012

The goal of this study was to identify and differentiate the influence of multiple habitat types that span a spectrum of suitability for Hyla squirella, a widespread frog species that occurs in a broad range of habitat types. We collected microsatellite data from 675 samples representing 20 localities from the southeastern USA and used machine‐learning methodologies to identify significant habitat features associated with genetic structure. In simulation, we confirm that our machine‐learning algorithm can successfully identify landscape features responsible for generating between‐population genetic differentiation, suggesting that it can be a useful hypothesis‐generating tool for landscape genetics. In our study system, we found that H. squirella were spatially structured and models including specific habitat types (i.e. upland oak forest and urbanization) consistently explained more variation in genetic distance (median pR2 = 47.78) than spatial distance alone (median pR2 = 23.81). Moreover, we estimate the relative importance that spatial distance, upland oak and urbanized habitat have in explaining genetic structure of H. squirella. We discuss how these habitat types may mechanistically facilitate dispersal in H. squirella. This study provides empirical support for the hypothesis that habitat‐use can be an informative correlate of genetic differentiation, even for species that occur in a wide range of habitats.
There is more than one way to skin a G matrix
Authors: ROFF D. A. , PROKKOLA J. M. , KRAMS I. , RANTALA M. J.
Published: April 2012

Because of its importance in directing evolutionary trajectories, there has been considerable interest in comparing variation among genetic variance–covariance (G) matrices. Numerous statistical approaches have been suggested but no general analysis of the relationship among these methods has previously been published. In this study, we used data from a half‐sib experiment and simulations to explore the results of applying eight tests (T method, modified Mantel test, Bartlett’s test, Flury hierarchy, jackknife‐manova, jackknife‐eigenvalue test, random skewers, selection skewers). Whereas a randomization approach produced acceptable estimates, those from a bootstrap were typically unacceptable and we recommend randomization as the preferred method. All methods except the jackknife‐eigenvalue test gave similar results although a fine‐scale analysis suggested that the former group can be subdivided into two or possibly three groups, hierarchical tests, skewers and the rest (jackknife‐manova, modified Mantel, T method, probably Bartlett’s). An advantage of the jackknife methods is that they permit tests of association with other factors, such as in this case, temperature and sex. We recommend applying all the tests described in this article, with the exception of the T method, and provide R functions for this purpose.
Patent foramen ovale, dialysis and microembolization
Authors: GEORGE SUDHAKAR , HOLT STEPHEN , HILDICK‐SMITH DAVID
Published: April 2012

Background:  Haemodialysis (HD) circuits are known to produce microemboli. Patent foramen ovale (PFO) may be important in HD patients by allowing right to left intracardiac shunting of microemboli (blood clots or microbubbles), which may pass into the cerebral circulation.

Methods:  We undertook bubble contrast transthoracic echocardiography to identify PFO in HD patients and in a control population of peritoneal dialysis patients. We interrogated draining arteriovenous fistulae to confirm that microemboli are created during HD. We then undertook transcranial Doppler scanning of the middle cerebral artery before and during dialysis, with and without Valsalva augmentation, to detect cerebral microemboli in HD patients and in the control group.

Results:  Eighty patients (age 60.4 ± 15.0 years) were recruited to the study. In 12 of 51 HD patients and five of 29 peritoneal dialysis patients a PFO was found (21.3%). Ultrasound scanning of draining arteriovenous fistulae showed a significant difference in the number of microemboli before (1.63 ± 3.47 hits per 5 min) and during (31.6 ± 28.9 hits per 5 min) HD (P = 0.012). However, there was no evidence of microembolization to the middle cerebral artery before or during HD in the study or control groups.

Conclusions:  Although microemboli are detectable in the draining arteriovenous fistulae of patients undergoing HD, there was no evidence of cerebral microembolization in the middle cerebral artery during HD in those with or without a PFO. The results contrast with previous reports demonstrating microemboli in the carotid circulation during HD.
The best time to acquire new skills: age‐related differences in implicit sequence learning across the human lifespan
Authors: Janacsek Karolina , Fiser József , Nemeth Dezso
Published: April 2012

Implicit skill learning underlies obtaining not only motor, but also cognitive and social skills through the life of an individual. Yet, the ontogenetic changes in humans’ implicit learning abilities have not yet been characterized, and, thus, their role in acquiring new knowledge efficiently during development is unknown. We investigated such learning across the lifespan, between 4 and 85 years of age with an implicit probabilistic sequence learning task, and we found that the difference in implicitly learning high‐ vs. low‐probability events – measured by raw reaction time (RT) – exhibited a rapid decrement around age of 12. Accuracy andz‐transformed data showed partially different developmental curves, suggesting a re‐evaluation of analysis methods in developmental research. The decrement in raw RT differences supports an extension of the traditional two‐stage lifespan skill acquisition model: in addition to a decline above the age 60 reported in earlier studies, sensitivity to raw probabilities and, therefore, acquiring new skills is significantly more effective until early adolescence than later in life. These results suggest that due to developmental changes in early adolescence, implicit skill learning processes undergo a marked shift in weighting raw probabilities vs. more complex interpretations of events, which, with appropriate timing, prove to be an optimal strategy for human skill learning.
A PROBLEM ABOUT THE MORALITY OF SOME COMMON FORMS OF PRAYER
Authors: Smilansky Saul
Published: April 2012

At a time of acute danger, people commonly petition God for help for themselves or their loved ones; such as praying that an avalanche heading in one's direction be diverted, or that an organ donor be found for one's dying child. Such prayer seems natural and, indeed, for believers, reasonable and acceptable. It seems perverse to condemn such typical prayer, as wrong. But once we closely examine what is actually happening in such situations, we shall see that frequently prayer of this sort is morally problematic. I argue that such prayer ought to be seen as a form of action (rather than, say, mere hope), thereby needing to meet the higher moral standards that apply to actions; and that the assumption of the benevolence of the deity does not suffice to make such prayer legitimate.
A Partnership with Dictatorship: Explaining the Paradigm Shift in European Union Policy towards Belarus*
Authors: BOSSE GISELLE
Published: April 2012

The European Union's policies towards autocratic regimes have come under renewed scrutiny following the popular uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in the spring of 2011, and the pressure on the EU to revise its approach towards the region has been growing. Over decades, the EU had pursued a policy of pragmatic engagement with autocratic regimes for stability in the region, to the detriment of democracy promotion. This article examines the EU's policy towards Belarus, often labelled the ‘last dictatorship’ in Europe, and demonstrates that the EU has not just pursued pragmatic politics in the MENA – it has also gradually moved from democracy promotion towards interest‐based functional co‐operation in its relations with the most ‘reluctant democratizer’ in eastern Europe. It is argued here that the case of Belarus and other states with autocratic leanings in eastern Europe are examples of an increasingly institutionalized pragmatic approach of the EU towards autocratic regimes, which is likely to dominate its policies in years to come – notwithstanding the recent events in the MENA.
Soil conservation on road embankments using palm‐mat geotextiles: field studies in Lithuania
Authors: Jankauskas B. , Jankauskiene G. , Fullen M. A.
Published: April 2012

The application of geotextile mats constructed from the palm leaves of Borassus aethiopum (Borassus) and Mauritia flexuosa (Buriti) was investigated in field experiments. The use of geotextiles caused improved soil moisture storage during dry summer periods on a steep (21–25°) roadside slope in Lithuania. The enhanced soil moisture under the Borassus and Buriti mats encouraged better root development of perennial grasses, increased the number and weight of earthworms and increased the dry biomass of perennial grasses by 50.5 and 18.2%, respectively, compared with a grassland control. The mean rate of water erosion from bare soil during the study period from 17/04/2007 to 11/12/2008 was 33.21 Mg/ha. The cover of palm‐mat geotextiles decreased soil losses from bare fallow soil by 94.8–91.1%. An erosion rate of 0.85 Mg/ha over this 21‐month period was measured on the slope under perennial grasses without geotextile cover. Application of geotextile cover on perennial grasses completely prevented soil erosion by water. Therefore, use of geotextiles has clear soil and water conservation benefits on industrial slopes susceptible to erosion. The use of geotextiles has multiple benefits including soil conservation, the improvement of plant growth conditions and the encouragement of earthworm populations.
Evaluation of transvesical intra‐abdominal pressure measurement in hospitalized dogs
Authors: Fetner Melissa , Prittie Jennifer
Published: April 2012

Objectives

To (1) evaluate intra‐abdominal pressure (IAP) measurements in dogs with possible risk factors for the development of intra‐abdominal hypertension (IAH); (2) determine intra‐observer variability of IAP measurements; and (3) determine interobserver variability of IAP measurements.

Design

Prospective, observational, pilot study.

Setting

Veterinary teaching hospital.

Animals

Fourteen client‐owned dogs, requiring urinary catheterization, admitted to the ICU.

Interventions

Using the risk factors for IAH established for human patients as defined by the World Society of Abdominal Compartment Syndrome, dogs were assigned to either an IAH risk or no risk group. A commercially available IAP monitoring system was used to obtain 3 direct, transvesical IAP measurements. The primary investigator obtained the first 2 IAP measurements. A secondary investigator obtained the third IAP measurement.

Measurements and Main Results

Dogs in the IAH risk group (n = 9/14) had significantly higher mean IAPs (9.4 ± 3.4 mm Hg) than dogs in the no risk group (n = 5/14; 4.1 ± 0.9 mm Hg) (P < 0.05). Measurements recorded by the primary investigator were compared to determine intra‐observer variability. Pearson's correlation coefficient was 0.98 (P < 0.0001). Bland‐Altman analysis determined a mean difference in IAP measurements of –0.3 mm Hg (95% confidence interval from 0.13 to –0.71 mm Hg) indicating an intra‐observer variability of less than 0.8 mm Hg. Measurements recorded by the primary and secondary investigator were compared to determine interobserver variability. Pearson's correlation coefficient was 0.95 (P < 0.0001). Bland‐Altman analysis determined a mean difference in IAP measurements of 0 mm Hg (95% confidence interval from 1.1 to –1.1 mm Hg) indicating an interobserver variability of less than 2.0 mm Hg.

Conclusions

Dogs with predefined human risk factors for IAH had higher IAP than dogs without risk factors. IAP monitoring appears to have low variability within and across observers.
Physical Activity and Physical Function in Older Adults: The 45 and Up Study
Authors: Yorston Lisa C. , Kolt Gregory S. , Rosenkranz Richard R.
Published: April 2012

Objectives

To determine the strength of the relationship between physical activity and physical function in older adults.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Setting

The 45 and Up Study baseline questionnaire, New South Wales, Australia.

Participants

Ninety‐one thousand three hundred seventy‐five Australian men and women aged 65 and older from the 45 and Up Study.

Measurements

Physical activity engagement (Active Australia Survey), physical function (Medical Outcomes Study Physical Functioning), psychological distress (Kessler‐10), and self‐reported age, smoking history, education, height, and weight were all measured.

Results

Higher levels of physical activity were associated with better physical function in older adults (correlation coefficient = 0.166, P < .001). Participants engaging in higher levels of physical activity had progressively lower likelihoods of functional limitation (middle tertile: odds ratio (OR) = 0.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.38–0.41; highest tertile: OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.27–0.29). This relationship remained significant, but weakened slightly, when adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking history, psychological distress, and educational attainment (middle tertile: adjusted OR (AOR) = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.46–0.50; highest tertile: AOR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.34–0.37).

Conclusion

There is a significant, positive relationship between physical activity and physical function in older adults, with older adults who are more physically active being less likely to experience functional limitation than their more‐sedentary counterparts. Level of engagement in physical activity is an important predictor of physical function in older adults.
How to Avoid Development of AV block during RF Ablation: Anatomical and Electrophysiological Analyses at the Time of AV Node Ablation
Authors: GONDO TAKEKI , YOSHIDA TERUHISA , INAGE TOMOHITO , TAKEUCHI TOMOHIRO , FUKUDA YUJIRO , TAKII EIICHI , HARAGUCHI GO , IMAIZUMI TSUTOMU
Published: April 2012

Background:

With an aim to identify risk factors that can serve for prevention of atrioventricular (AV) block (AVB) during radiofrequency (RF) ablation, we conducted anatomical and electrophysiological investigations at the time of AV node ablation (AVNA).

Methods and Results:

Ten patients who underwent AVNA were enrolled. RF energy was delivered from posterior region of septal annulus of the tricuspid valve to the His bundle potential (HBP) recording site using a stepwise approach. In each delivery, atrial/ventricle potential amplitude ratio (A/V ratio), HBP, and juctional ectopy (JE) that appeared during RF delivery were evaluated. Furthermore, fluoroscopic distance between ablation site and HBP recording site (anatomical H‐ABL distance) and electrophysiological H‐ABL interval were measured. HBP was recorded in 25 of total 70 RF deliveries. When HBP was recorded, the A/V ratio was significantly greater in the group with AVB than without AVB (1.6 ± 2.3 mV vs 0.1 ± 0.2 mV, P = 0.02). The minimum cycle length (CL) of JE was significantly shorter in the group with AVB than without AVB (438 ± 112 ms vs 557 ± 178, ms, P = 0.04). AVB developed frequently when H‐ABL distance was less than 15 mm from right anterior oblique view 30° and 12 mm from left anterior oblique view 45° and when H‐ABL interval was less than 10 ms. AVB did not develop over the above values.

Conclusions:

HBP with high A/V ratio, JE with short CL, short H‐ABL distance, and short H‐ABL interval of less than 10 ms should be avoided to prevent AVB during RF ablation at the near site of AV node. (PACE 2012;XX:1–7)
Feasibility of Conjunctival Hemodynamic Measurements in Rabbits: Reproducibility, Validity, and Response to Acute Hypotension
Authors: GAYNES BRUCE , TENG PANG‐YU , WANEK JUSTIN , SHAHIDI MAHNAZ
Published: April 2012

Please cite this paper as: Gaynes B, Teng P‐Y, Wanek J, Shahidi M. Feasibility of conjunctival hemodynamic measurements in rabbits: reproducibility, validity, and response to acute hypotension. Microcirculation 19: 521–529, 2012.

Objective:  To evaluate the feasibility of conjunctival hemodynamic measurements based on assessment of reproducibility, validity, and response to acute hypotension.

Methods:  Image sequences of the conjunctival microvasculature of rabbits were captured using a slit lamp biomicroscope under a steady‐state condition, after topical administration of phenylephrine, and after intravenous administration of esmolol. Venous hemodynamic parameters (diameter, blood velocity, blood flow, and wall shear stress) were derived.

Results:  Conjunctival venous diameters ranged from 9 to 34 μm and blood velocities ranged from 0.08 to 0.95 mm/s. Coefficients of variation of venous diameter and blood velocity measurements were, on average, 6% and 14%, respectively. Automated and manual measurements of venous diameter and velocity were highly correlated (R = 0.97; p < 0.001; n = 16). With phenylephrine administration, diameter and velocity were reduced by 21% and 69%, respectively. Following esmolol administration, blood pressure was reduced with a concomitant decrease in velocity, followed by recovery to baseline. Venous blood velocity, flow, and WSS were correlated with blood pressure (R ≥ 0.52; p ≤ 0.01).

Conclusions:  The feasibility of quantifying alterations in microvascular hemodynamics in the bulbar conjunctiva was established. The method is of potential value in evaluating microcirculatory hemodynamics related to cardiovascular function.
Expression pattern of PLUNC proteins as an auxiliary tool for the diagnosis of high‐grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the salivary gland
Authors: González‐Arriagada Wilfredo A. , Santos‐Silva Alan R. , Ito Fabio A. , Vargas Pablo A. , Speight Paul M. , Bingle Lynne , Lopes Marcio A.
Published: April 2012

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 589–597

Background:  Mucoepidermoid carcinomas are the most frequent malignant neoplasia of the salivary glands and are histologically classified as low, intermediate, and high grade. At present, histochemical stains such as periodic acid‐Schiff or mucicarmine are useful tools in making a diagnosis. Recently, expression of the PLUNC proteins has been described in mucin‐producing salivary gland tumors, with the suggestion that they could provide a powerful tool for the diagnosis of difficult cases.

Methods:  This study evaluates the expression of PLUNC proteins in 30 cases of salivary gland mucoepidermoid carcinomas. Tumors were reviewed and classified according to histological grade. Periodic acid‐Schiff, mucicarmine, and immunohistochemical staining for SPLUNC1, LPLUNC1, SPLUNC2, and LPLUNC2 were carried out. Immunostaining was classified as positive or negative.

Results:  The majority of the tumors (63%) were classified as low grade, 13% were intermediate grade, and 23% were high grade. SPLUNC1 (90%) and LPLUNC1 (93%) were positive in the majority of cases, mainly in mucous cells, mucin plugs, and intermediate cells. SPLUNC2 and LPLUNC2 did not present significative expression within the tumors; however, LPLUNC2 was found to stain positively in mast cells in 83% of the samples.

Conclusions:  SPLUNC1 and LPLUNC1 showed a similar pattern of expression and could prove useful in the diagnosis of high‐grade cases because of the differential staining in intermediate and epidermoid cells. The expression of LPLUNC2 in mast cells has not previously been reported, but further studies are necessary to validate this finding and to determine its significance.
Vacuolar Degradation of Two Integral Plasma Membrane Proteins, AtLRR84A and OsSCAMP1, Is Cargo Ubiquitination‐Independent and Prevacuolar Compartment‐Mediated in Plant Cells
Authors: Cai Yi , Zhuang Xiaohong , Wang Junqi , Wang Hao , Lam Sheung Kwan , Gao Caiji , Wang Xiangfeng , Jiang Liwen
Published: April 2012

In plant cells, how integral plasma membrane (PM) proteins are degraded in a cargo ubiquitination‐independent manner remains elusive. Here, we studied the degradative pathway of two plant PM proteins: AtLRR84A, a type I integral membrane protein belonging to the leucine‐rich repeat receptor‐like kinase protein family, and OsSCAMP1 (rice secretory carrier membrane protein 1), a tetraspan transmembrane protein located on the PM and trans‐Golgi network (TGN) or early endosome (EE). Using wortmannin and ARA7(Q69L) mutant that could enlarge the multivesicular body (MVB) or prevacuolar compartment (PVC) as tools, we demonstrated that, when expressed as green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusions in tobacco BY‐2 or Arabidopsis protoplasts, both AtLRR84A and OsSCAMP1 were degraded in the lytic vacuole via the internal vesicles of MVB/PVC in a cargo ubiquitination‐independent manner. Such MVB/PVC‐mediated vacuolar degradation of PM proteins was further supported by immunocytochemical electron microscopy (immunoEM) study showing the labeling of the fusions on the internal vesicles of the PVC/MVB. Thus, cargo ubiquitination‐independent and PVC‐mediated degradation of PM proteins in the vacuole is functionally operated in plant cells.
Evaluation of oral health related to body mass index
Authors: Benguigui C , Bongard V , Ruidavets J‐B , Sixou M , Chamontin B , Ferrières J , Amar J
Published: April 2012

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 748–755

Objective:  Poor oral health has previously been related to high body mass index (BMI). We aimed at exploring the link between BMI and several oral health markers, after adjustment for dietary patterns and plasma insulin, both of which could act as mediators.

Subjects and Methods:  Dental examination was performed in a sample of 186 French subjects aged 35–64 years and selected from the general population to assess number of missing teeth, periodontitis, clinical attachment loss (CAL), probing pocket depth (PD), gingival index (GI) and plaque index (PI). Data collection also included a food‐frequency questionnaire. BMI (considered as outcome variable) was categorized into quartiles, and as BMI<25; 25 ≤BMI<30; and BMI ≥ 30 kg m−2.

Results:  After adjustment for age, gender, education level, smoking, physical activity, energy intake and C‐reactive protein, BMI was statistically associated with missing teeth, PD and PI, but not with CAL, GI or periodontitis. After additional adjustment for ‘high‐carbohydrate’ diet and plasma insulin or HOMA (homeostasis model assessment) index for insulin resistance, the statistical relationship between BMI and oral variables remained significant only for PD and PI.

Conclusions:  Plaque index, reflecting dental plaque, and PD, closely linked with periodontal inflammation and infection, are statistically associated with high BMI and obesity, independently of dietary patterns and insulin resistance.
Disulfide bond formation network in the three biological kingdoms, bacteria, fungi and mammals
Authors: Sato Yoshimi , Inaba Kenji
Published: April 2012

Almost all organisms, from bacteria to humans, possess catalytic systems that promote disulfide bond formation‐coupled protein folding, i.e. oxidative protein folding. These systems are necessary for the biosynthesis of many secretory and membrane proteins, such as antibodies, major histocompatibility complex molecules, growth factors, and insulin. Over the last decade, structural studies have made striking progress in this field of research, identifying how oxidative systems operate in a specific and regulated manner to maintain redox and protein homeostasis within cells. Interestingly, more and more novel catalysts that promote disulfide bond formation have been discovered in mammals, suggesting that the oxidative protein folding network is even more complicated in higher eukaryotes than previously thought. This review highlights the physiological roles and molecular bases of the disulfide bond formation pathways that have evolved in the bacterial periplasm and the endoplasmic reticulum of fungi and mammals. Accumulating knowledge about disulfide bond formation networks widely distributed throughout the biological kingdom has significantly advanced our understanding of the cellular mechanisms dedicated to protein quality control.
HSP60 is transported through the secretory pathway of 3‐MCA‐induced fibrosarcoma tumour cells and undergoes N‐glycosylation
Authors: Hayoun Dana , Kapp Tsachi , Edri‐Brami Meital , Ventura Tomer , Cohen Merav , Avidan Avi , Lichtenstein Rachel G.
Published: April 2012

There is increasing evidence localizes the mitochondrial chaperone heat shock protein (HSP)60, outside the cell, where it mediates interactions between immune cells and other body tissues. However, the mechanisms by which HSP60 is secreted into the extracellular environment are not fully understood. Recent studies have shown that HSP60 is actively released by a nonconventional secretion mechanism, the lipid raft–exosome pathway. In the present study, we show for the first time that HSP60, produced by 3‐methylcholantrene‐induced fibrosarcoma tumour cells, is secreted through the conventional endoplasmic reticulum–Golgi secretory pathway. Confocal microscopy using anti‐TGN38 and anti‐HSP60 antibodies together with monensin, a Golgi transport inhibitor, demonstrated the relocation of HSP60 to the Golgi of malignant cells but not primary fibroblast cells subjected to heat shock or fibroblast cell lines. Transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry and cell fractionation of cell treated with brefeldin A, an inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum to Golgi protein transport, further indicated that HSP60 is present both in the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi complex of malignant cells. We found a single mRNA with a mitochondrial targeting sequence encoding for HSP60 in the malignant cells but two HSP60 translation products, namely the native unmodified protein and a protein post‐translationally modified by N‐glycosylation. The N‐glycans observed were composed of high‐mannose structures and bi‐, tri‐ and tetra‐antennary complex type structures occupying sites of the three potential glycosylation sites present on HSP60. Accordingly, we propose that HSP60 in malignant cells is transported through the endoplasmic reticulum–Golgi secretion pathway, where it acquires N‐glycans, and thus can affect the immunological properties of the proteins in the tumour microenvironment.

Structured digital abstract

 Grp94 and Hsp60 colocalize by cosedimentation through density gradient (View interaction)
Primary hepatic angiosarcoma: A retrospective analysis of 6 cases
Authors: DUAN Xiao Feng , LI Qiang
Published: April 2012

OBJECTIVE:  The aim of this study was to define the clinical features and surgical treatment outcomes of patients with primary hepatic angiosarcoma.

METHODS:  Data of the 6 patients diagnosed with primary hepatic angiosarcoma in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from January 1999 to December 2005 were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS:  The median age of the patients was 49 years (range 45–78 years) with a male predominance. Laboratory tests showed a mild elevation of α‐fetoprotein in 2 patients, and 2 had both hepatitis B and C. Liver resection was performed in all patients. For the 5 patients who received curative liver resection, the median follow‐up duration was 41 months (range 23–84 months) and the overall 1‐year, 3‐year and 5‐year survival rates were 100.0%, 80.0% and 40.0%, respectively. One patient who underwent a palliative operation died of tumor progression a month after operation.

CONCLUSION:  Early diagnosis is necessary and complete surgical resection is the key to improve prognosis.
Two highly informative dinucleotide SSR multiplexes for the conifer Larix decidua (European larch)
Authors: WAGNER STEFANIE , GERBER SOPHIE , PETIT RÉMY J.
Published: April 2012

We have designed two highly polymorphic microsatellite multiplexes for Larix decidua Mill (European larch), a coniferous tree species with a fragmented distribution across Europe. The multiplexes combine microsatellites previously designed for the sister species L. kaempferi and newly identified microsatellites obtained by pyrosequencing of an enriched microsatellite library and subsequent marker candidate selection. As we wanted to target highly polymorphic markers, only microsatellite motifs with a high number of repeats (≥12) were selected. An important proportion of the marker candidates presented multiple bands, bad amplification or insufficient polymorphism. Such difficulties were expected owing to the large genome size of the studied species. Our strategy for marker validation followed most recent recommendations for microsatellite development, for example verifying marker quality in terms of polymorphism and accurate allele binning before multiplexing. The most promising loci were combined in two multiplexes, a 7‐plex and a 6‐plex. These were tested on a sample of 413 individuals from 18 populations distributed across the natural range. The 13 loci had from 9 to 36 alleles. Markers were successfully tested in another laboratory, confirming robustness of the marker protocols. We also tested transferability on six other larch species from Asia and North America. Overall, this study shows that, even in species with large genome size and relatively low overall polymorphism, microsatellites can be successfully developed using next‐generation sequencing technologies, provided that some additional precautions are taken compared to species lacking these characteristics.
Non‐edible oil seed producing Calophyllum inophyllum ideal for India's future biofuel development
Authors: Agoramoorthy Govindasamy , Sarnaik Jayant , Mungikar Rahul , Punde Sameer , Hsu Minna J.
Published: April 2012

The impending climate change crisis has stimulated enormous interest in the development of biofuel globally. The supporters of biofuel hail that it is naturally carbon‐neutral whereas the critiques argue that the large‐scale plantations and production of biofuel based on Jatropha can not only strain agricultural resources but also threaten future food security. India's subsistence farmers are often faced with challenges and constraints of poverty. Foremost among the challenges are the marginal environmental conditions for agriculture often influenced by erratic rainfall, drought, poor soil quality, and unreliable irrigation water supply. In this article, we have presented a case study on the potential to use nonedible seeds from naturally occurring tree species, Calophyllum inophyllum to meet the increasing demand for biofuel production in India.
Use of intraoperative cell salvage in neurosurgery
Authors: ROBERTS HELEN , CARROLL CRAIG
Published: April 2012

Intraoperative cell salvage (ICS) is widely used in many surgical specialties, but uptake in neurosurgery has been slow. Little direct evidence exists to support the use of ICS in neurosurgical procedures; however, studies suggest that ICS may be safe and cost‐effective in intracranial surgery and spinal fusion. Nationwide ICS is used in less than 50% of neurosurgical centers often without clear local guidance. It is most commonly used in major spinal surgery and least often surgery for intracranial glioma or metastatic deposits. The major barriers to more widespread introduction of ICS appear to be concern about tumor dissemination in cases of malignancy, lack of trained staff to use the machinery and perceived lack of necessity. Some evidence suggests that when ICS is used in tumor resection surgery, meningioma (benign) cells are less likely to be detectable in salvaged blood than glioblastoma (malignant) cells but, in contrast to other surgical subspecialties, the use of leukocyte depletion filters to remove tumor cells has not been investigated and the impact of ICS usage on tumor recurrence and long‐term survival rates is unknown. The unpredictable nature of blood loss in neurosurgery means that many units do not use ICS routinely even though hemorrhage is often rapid and substantial when it does occur. No nationally recognized guidelines currently exist to support the use of ICS specifically in neurosurgical procedures although the majority of UK neuroanesthetists feel that a standards document would be beneficial.
The Role of Revenue‐Focused Managerial Performance Measures in Supply Chain Coordination
Authors: Chen Liwen , Gilbert Stephen M. , Xu Xiaohui
Published: April 2012

Many firms employ revenue‐focused managerial performance measures (RF‐MPMs) that cause managers to worry more about revenues than about costs. Although this can seemingly misalign the interests of a manager, we show that the use of such measures can help supply chain partners to overcome hold‐up issues with respect to capacity and promotion investments. We develop a game theoretic model in which two supply chain partners engage in repeated interactions in which the supplier invests in capacity and the buyer invests in demand promotion. Following the realization of demand in each period, the two firms negotiate over the output quantity and wholesale price. The novelty of our model is that we allow the owners of each firm to delegate decision‐making power and negotiating responsibility to a free‐agent manager. We characterize the conditions under which the owners of both firms employ RF‐MPMs in equilibrium and benefit from doing so. For a special case of our model, we show that for the owners of the buyer, an RF‐MPM is equivalent to a price only relational contract, and that it complements a price and quantity relational contract as a mechanism for mitigating hold‐up issues.
A Nonatomic‐Game Approach to Dynamic Pricing under Competition
Authors: Yang Jian , Xia Yusen
Published: April 2012

We study a revenue management problem involving competing firms. We assume the presence of a continuum of infinitesimal firms where no individual firm has any discernable influence over the evolution of the overall market condition. Under this nonatomic‐game approach, the unanimous adoption of an equilibrium pricing policy by all firms will yield a market‐condition process that in turn will elicit the said policy as one of the best individual responses. For both deterministic‐ and stochastic‐demand cases, we show the existence of equilibrium pricing policies that exhibit well‐behaving monotone trends. Our computational study reveals many useful insights, including the fact that only a reasonable number of firms are needed for our approach to produce near‐rational pricing policies.
Nonsuicidal Self‐Injury: Relationship to Behavioral and Self‐Rating Measures of Impulsivity and Self‐Aggression
Authors: Mc Closkey Michael S. , Look Amy E. , Chen Eunice Y. , Pajoumand Golnaz , Berman Mitchell E.
Published: April 2012

Previous research using self‐report measures has shown an association between nonsuicidal self‐injurious behavior (NSSI) and impulsive tendencies. However, self‐injurers have not been shown to be different from comparison groups on laboratory tasks putatively assessing impulsive behavior. One explanation for these contradictory findings is that self‐report and laboratory measures of impulsive behavior tap into distinct but related constructs. Moreover, performance on laboratory measures of impulsive behavior can be influenced by myriad contextual and affective factors not present during past self‐reported NSSI events. Accordingly, a relationship between behavioral tasks of impulsivity and self‐injurious behavior could emerge if both are assessed relatively close in time under controlled laboratory conditions. To test this possibility, both self‐ratings and laboratory task measures of self‐injurious and impulsive behavior were employed in the current study. This multi‐modal assessment approach revealed that self‐rated impulsivity was associated with both self‐report and behavioral measures of self‐injurious behavior. Moreover, behavioral measures of impulsivity were associated with self‐injurious behavior, but not NSSI history. These results provide support for the notion that a multi‐modal approach to assessing self‐injurious behavior is important for better understanding the correlates of nonsuicidal self‐injury.
Almost sure asymptotic stability analysis of the θ-Maruyama method applied to a test system with stabilising and destabilising stochastic perturbations
Authors: Berkolaiko Gregory , Buckwar Evelyn , Kelly Cónall , Rodkina Alexandra
Published: April 2012

We perform an almost sure linear stability analysis of the θ-Maruyama method, selecting as our test equation a two-dimensional system of Itô differential equations with diagonal drift coefficient and two independent stochastic perturbations which capture the stabilising and destabilising roles of feedback geometry in the almost sure asymptotic stability of the equilibrium solution. For small values of the constant step-size parameter, we derive close-to-sharp conditions for the almost sure asymptotic stability and instability of the equilibrium solution of the discretisation that match those of the original test system. Our investigation demonstrates the use of a discrete form of the Itô formula in the context of an almost sure linear stability analysis.
Testing commutativity of a group and the power of randomization
Authors: Pak Igor
Published: April 2012

Let G be a group generated by k elements, G=〈g1,…,gk〉, with group operations (multiplication, inversion and comparison with identity) performed by a black box. We prove that one can test whether the group G is abelian at a cost of O(k) group operations. On the other hand, we show that a deterministic approach requires Ω(k2) group operations.
Products of three pairwise coprime integers in short intervals
Authors: Islam Asim
Published: April 2012

The existence of products of three pairwise coprime integers is investigated in short intervals of the form $(x,x+x^{\frac 12} ]$. A general theorem is proved which shows that such integer products exist provided there is a bound on the product of any two of them. A particular case of relevance to elliptic curve cryptography, where all three integers are of order $x^{\frac 13}$, is presented as a corollary to this result.
Nonlinear Bending Mechanics of Hygroscopic Liquid Crystal Polymer Networks
Authors: Hays M. R. , Wang H. , Oates W. S.
Published: April 2012

A chemically responsive liquid crystal polymer network is experimentally characterized and compared to a nonlinear constitutive model and integrated into a finite element shell model. The constitutive model and large deformation shell model are used to understand water vapor induced bending. This class of materials is hygroscopic and can exhibit large bending as water vapor is absorbed into one side of the liquid crystal network (LCN) film. This gives rise to deflection away from the water vapor source which provides unique sensing and actuation characteristics for chemical and biomedical applications. The constitutive behavior is modeled by coupling chemical absorption with nonlinear continuum mechanics to predict how water vapor absorption affects bending deformation. In order to correlate the model with experiments, a micro-Newton measuring device was designed and tested to quantify bending forces generated by the LCN. Forces that range between 1 and 8 μN were measured as a function of the distance between the water vapor source and the LCN. The experiments and model comparisons provide important insight into linear and nonlinear chemically induced bending for a number of applications such as microfluidic chemical and biological sensors.
The Dynamical Functional Particle Method: An Approach for Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Edvardsson Sverker , Gulliksson M. , Persson J.
Published: April 2012

The present work is concerned with new ideas of potential value for solving differential equations. First, a brief introduction to particle methods in mechanics is made by revisiting the vibrating string. The full case of nonlinear motion is studied and the corresponding nonlinear differential equations are derived. It is suggested that the particle origin of these equations is of more general interest than usually considered. A novel possibility to develop particle methods for solving differential equations in a direct way is investigated. The dynamical functional particle method (DFPM) is developed as a solution method for boundary value problems. DFPM is based on the concept of an interaction functional as a dynamical force field acting on quasi particles. The approach is not limited to linear equations. We exemplify by applying DFPM to several linear Schrödinger type of problems as well as a nonlinear case. It is seen that DFPM performs very well in comparison with some standard numerical libraries. In all cases, the convergence rates are exponential in time.
Durability of an Elastic Bar Under Tension With Linear or Nonlinear Relationship Between Corrosion Rate and Stress
Authors: Elishakoff Isaac , Ghyselinck Guillaume , Miglis Yohann
Published: April 2012

In this study we investigate the durability of a bar subjected to tension in the presence of corrosion. Various possible relationships are considered between the corrosion velocity and stress. We concentrate on linear, quadratic, purely cubic, and general cubic relationships. Closed-form expressions are obtained for the structure’s durability, which is identified with time to failure, with failure defined as the stress reaching the yield level. Among other things, we evaluate the validity of the assumption that the average diameter of the bar remains constant, as suggested by Dolinskii (1967, “Analysis of Loaded Tubes Subjected to Corrosion,” Khimicheskoe I Neftianoe Mashinostroenie (Chemical and Oil Machinery), 2, pp. 9–10, (in Russian)). We show that in certain circumstances this assumption may lead to an unacceptably large error.
Multiobjective Hybrid Optimization–Antioptimization for Force Design of Tensegrity Structures
Authors: Ohsaki Makoto , Zhang Jingyao , Elishakoff Isaac
Published: April 2012

Properties of Pareto optimal solutions considering bounded uncertainty are first investigated using an illustrative example of a simple truss. It is shown that the nominal values of the Pareto optimal solutions considering uncertainty are slightly different from those without considering uncertainty. Next a hybrid approach of multiobjective optimization and antioptimization is presented for force design of tensegrity structures. We maximize the lowest eigenvalue of the tangent stiffness matrix and minimize the deviation of forces from the specified target distribution. These objective functions are defined as the worst values due to the possible errors in the fabrication and construction processes. The Pareto optimal solutions are found by solving the two-level optimization–antioptimization problems using a nonlinear programming approach for the upper optimization problem and enumeration of the vertices of the uncertain region for the lower antioptimization problem.
A Major Genome Region Underlying Artemisinin Resistance in Malaria
Authors: Cheeseman Ian H. , Miller Becky A. , Nair Shalini , Nkhoma Standwell , Tan Asako , Tan John C. , Al Saai Salma , Phyo Aung Pyae , Moo Carit Ler , Lwin Khin Maung , McGready Rose , Ashley Elizabeth , Imwong Mallika , Stepniewska Kasia , Yi Poravuth , Dondorp Arjen M. , Mayxay Mayfong , Newton Paul N. , White Nicholas J. , Nosten François , Ferdig Michael T. , Anderson Timothy J. C.
Published: April 2012

Narrowing Down Artemisinin Resistance

Knowing that antimalarial drug resistance is characterized by selective sweeps and reduced diversity around resistance mutations,

Cheeseman
et al.

(p.
79
) looked for signatures of selection in a modified genome-wide association study in parasite populations from Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. Thirty-three regions showed evidence of selection and enrichment of known antimalarial resistance genes. Fine-mapping of parasite samples taken during the past decade narrowed the association down to a 35-kb region of seven genes on chromosome 13 that seemed to explain at least 35% of the observed reduction in parasite clearance rate. However, the absence of strong candidate mutations suggests the involvement of noncoding regulatory mutations.
Rebuilding the Thymus
Authors: Bhandoola Avinash , Artis David
Published: April 2012

Innate lymphoid cells play a role in regenerating the thymus and restoring T cell development.
In Former Yugoslavia, Academies Keep Fighting
Authors: Tatalović Mićo
Published: April 2012

Twenty years after Yugoslavia's bloody breakup, academies that are nominally about science and arts are often still players in political fights.
Evaluation of Influenza Virus A/H3N2 and B Vaccines on the Basis of Cross-Reactivity of Postvaccination Human Serum Antibodies against Influenza Viruses A/H3N2 and B Isolated in MDCK Cells and Embryonated Hen Eggs
Authors: Kishida Noriko , Fujisaki Seiichiro , Yokoyama Masaru , Sato Hironori , Saito Reiko , Ikematsu Hideyuki , Xu Hong , Takashita Emi , Tashiro Masato , Takao Shinichi , Yano Takuya , Suga Tomoko , Kawakami Chiharu , Yamamoto Miwako , Kajiyama Keiko , Saito Hiroyuki , Shimada Shin'ichi , Watanabe Sumi , Aoki Satomi , Taira Katsuya , Kon Miyako , Lin Jih-Hui , Odagiri Takato
Published: April 2012

The vaccine strains against influenza virus A/H3N2 for the 2010-2011 season and influenza virus B for the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 seasons in Japan are a high-growth reassortant A/Victoria/210/2009 (X-187) strain and an egg-adapted B/Brisbane/60/2008 (Victoria lineage) strain, respectively. Hemagglutination inhibition (HI) tests with postinfection ferret antisera indicated that the antisera raised against the X-187 and egg-adapted B/Brisbane/60/2008 vaccine production strains poorly inhibited recent epidemic isolates of MDCK-grown A/H3N2 and B/Victoria lineage viruses, respectively. The low reactivity of the ferret antisera may be attributable to changes in the hemagglutinin (HA) protein of production strains during egg adaptation. To evaluate the efficacy of A/H3N2 and B vaccines, the cross-reactivities of postvaccination human serum antibodies against A/H3N2 and B/Victoria lineage epidemic isolates were assessed by a comparison of the geometric mean titers (GMTs) of HI and neutralization (NT) tests. Serum antibodies elicited by the X-187 vaccine had low cross-reactivity to both MDCK- and egg-grown A/H3N2 isolates by HI test and narrow cross-reactivity by NT test in all age groups. On the other hand, the GMTs to B viruses detected by HI test were below the marginal level, so the cross-reactivity was assessed by NT test. The serum neutralizing antibodies elicited by the B/Brisbane/60/2008 vaccine reacted well with egg-grown B viruses but exhibited remarkably low reactivity to MDCK-grown B viruses. The results of these human serological studies suggest that the influenza A/H3N2 vaccine for the 2010-2011 season and B vaccine for the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 seasons may possess insufficient efficacy and low efficacy, respectively.
Use of Urine with Nested PCR Targeting the Flagellin Gene (
fliC
) for Diagnosis of Typhoid Fever
Authors: Kumar Gopal , Pratap Chandra Bhan , Mishra Om Prakash , Kumar Kailash , Nath Gopal
Published: April 2012

This study was planned to evaluate the efficacy of the use of nested PCR with a large volume of easily available urine as an effort to devise a test that can meet the levels necessary to be considered a gold standard for the diagnosis of typhoid fever. A total of 60 subjects with suspected cases of typhoid fever and 20 apparently healthy control subjects were included in the study. The study period extended from March 2010 to June 2011. Blood, urine, and stool specimens were collected from the participating individuals. Nested PCR was done targeting the flagellin gene (
fliC
) of
Salmonella enterica
subspecies
enterica
serotype Typhi. Specimens in all three categories could be collected from 22 of the subjects with suspected cases of typhoid fever; 21 of the 22 urine samples (95.4%) yielded a desired amplicon of 343 bp, whereas none of the urine samples collected from the 20 control subjects (0%) yielded the amplicon. The analyses of blood and stool samples were found to be inferior to urine sample analysis in sensitivity, with detection rates of 90.9% and 68.1%, respectively. Culture isolation was observed to display very poor sensitivity (31.8%). A large volume of urine may be the ideal specimen for PCR-based detection of typhoid fever.