bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of the geological history of the Trans‐Mexican Volcanic Belt on the diversification of Nolina parviflora (Asparagaceae: Nolinoideae)
Authors: Ruiz‐Sanchez Eduardo , Specht Chelsea D.
Published: January 2013

Aim

Our aims were to determine the pattern of genetic variation in the endemic shrub Nolina parviflora, and to evaluate the influence of the geological history of the Trans‐Mexican Volcanic Belt (TMVB) and nearby mountainous regions on plant population divergence.

Location

Trans‐Mexican Volcanic Belt, Sierra Madre Occidental, Sierra Madre Oriental and Sierra Madre del Sur mountain ranges in Mexico.

Methods

Twenty‐eight populations (210 individuals) were sequenced for one nuclear (rpb2) and two chloroplast (trnL–F and psbA–trnH) DNA markers. Intraspecific phylogenetic relationships among haplotypes were reconstructed, and molecular dating, population genetic analyses and group testing were performed on the data. Isolation‐by‐distance analysis was conducted for the populations spanning the distribution of the species.

Results

Twenty‐four chloroplast marker haplotypes and 36 rpb2 haplotypes were recovered from the populations sampled. The combined marker phylogeny indicates the presence of two well‐supported clades within the N. parviflora populations. Clade 1 includes populations from Jalisco and Zacatecas and Clade 2 comprises the remaining populations. We found an east–west geographical pattern of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) haplotype distribution, indicating a lack of gene flow between these two regions. Divergence time estimates indicate an Oligocene to mid‐Miocene divergence between Nolina and Dasylirion. Divergence estimates for Clade 1 are from the mid‐Miocene to early Pleistocene, and for Clade 2 from the early Miocene to mid‐Pliocene. Values of cpDNA GST (0.702) indicate a strong population structure and differentiation. A spatial analysis of molecular variance indicates 11 groups among the sampled populations and detects various well‐supported geographical barriers.

Main conclusions

Divergence time estimates suggest a correlation between the time of divergence between distinct N. parviflora populations and periods of uplift in the TMVB. We infer that the orogeny of this mountain range played an important role in driving the diversification of plant populations in central Mexico by creating topographical barriers that limited gene flow.
Inferred global connectivity of whale shark Rhincodon typus populations
Authors: Sequeira A. M. M. , Mellin C. , Meekan M. G. , Sims D. W. , Bradshaw C. J. A.
Published: January 2013

Ten years have passed since the last synopsis of whale shark Rhincodon typus biogeography. While a recent review of the species' biology and ecology summarized the vast data collected since then, it is clear that information on population geographic connectivity, migration and demography of R. typus is still limited and scattered. Understanding R. typus migratory behaviour is central to its conservation management considering the genetic evidence suggesting local aggregations are connected at the generational scale over entire ocean basins. By collating available data on sightings, tracked movements and distribution information, this review provides evidence for the hypothesis of broad‐scale connectivity among populations, and generates a model describing how the world's R. typus are part of a single, global meta‐population. Rhincodon typus occurrence timings and distribution patterns make possible a connection between several aggregation sites in the Indian Ocean. The present conceptual model and validating data lend support to the hypothesis that R. typus are able to move among the three largest ocean basins with a minimum total travelling time of around 2–4 years. The model provides a worldwide perspective of possible R. typus migration routes, and suggests a modified focus for additional research to test its predictions. The framework can be used to trim the hypotheses for R. typus movements and aggregation timings, thereby isolating possible mating and breeding areas that are currently unknown. This will assist endeavours to predict the longer‐term response of the species to ocean warming and changing patterns of human‐induced mortality.
Exploring experiences and understandings of pain in adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Findlay L. , Williams A. C. de C. , Scior K.
Published: January 2013

Background

People with intellectual disabilities (ID) are at risk that their health problems, many of which cause pain, go unrecognised and untreated. Their understanding and personal experiences of pain have received little research attention.

Method

Information was collected from 15 adults with ID using semi‐structured interviews about their experiences and understanding of pain. Transcripts were analysed using content analysis.

Results

Participants described pain using negative meanings and strong imagery, with various causes of pain suggested, but said little about how they coped with pain. Participants varied in whether they reported pains to carers, some choosing to hide the experience. There seemed a general belief that others can tell when someone is in pain.

Conclusions

Conversations regarding pain with adults with ID are a real challenge; health‐care staff need to think carefully about the questions they ask. Possessing verbal skills cannot be taken as an indication that pain will be communicated.
Trading Complex Assets
Authors: CARLIN BRUCE IAN , KOGAN SHIMON , LOWERY RICHARD
Published: January 2013

We perform an experimental study to assess the effect of complexity on asset trading. We find that higher complexity leads to increased price volatility, lower liquidity, and decreased trade efficiency especially when repeated bargaining takes place. However, the channel through which complexity acts is not simply due to the added noise induced by estimation error. Rather, complexity alters the bidding strategies used by traders, making them less inclined to trade, even when we control for estimation error across treatments. As such, it appears that adverse selection plays an important role in explaining the trading abnormalities caused by complexity.
Determinants of change in oral health‐related quality of life over 7 years among older Japanese
Authors: Enoki K. , Ikebe K. , Matsuda K.‐I. , Yoshida M. , Maeda Y. , Thomson W. M.
Published: January 2013

Because there are more elderly people than ever before and because they are living for longer periods of time, it is essential to understand the determinants of healthy ageing. This study examined changes in oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) among Japanese elderly over a 7‐year period. A sample of independently living individuals (aged 60+ years) underwent a questionnaire and dental examination at baseline and 7 years afterwards. The Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) was used to assess the impact of oral conditions. Occlusal force and salivary flow were also assessed. Of the 411 participants assessed at baseline, 130 (31·6%) accepted to participate after 7 years. There were no significant differences between those lost to follow‐up and those assessed at 7 years, except that a higher proportion of the latter rated their baseline general health as good. Among the latter, the overall mean GOHAI score did not change significantly (11·8 at baseline and 11·1 at follow‐up; P = 0·16). However, after controlling for age, gender and baseline GOHAI score, participants who had lost teeth or experienced a decline in occlusal force after 7 years had higher follow‐up GOHAI scores (indicating poorer OHRQoL). Unfavourable changes in clinical oral status over time are reflected in poorer self‐rated oral health.
Melatonin mediates protective effects on inflammatory response induced by interleukin‐1 beta in human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Liu Xiaozhen , Gong Yihong , Xiong Ke , Ye Yun , Xiong Yuanyan , Zhuang Zhengfei , Luo Yuxi , Jiang Qing , He Fan
Published: January 2013

Joint diseases like osteoarthritis usually are accompanied with inflammatory processes, in which pro‐inflammatory cytokines mediate the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and compromise survival of subchondral osteoblasts. Melatonin is capable of manipulating bone formation and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The aim of this work was to investigate the anti‐inflammatory effect of melatonin on MSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in the absence or presence of interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β), which was used to induce inflammation. Our data showed that melatonin improved cell viability and reduced ROS generation in MSCs in a dose‐dependent manner. When exposed to 10 ng/mL IL‐1β, various concentrations of melatonin resulted in significant reduction of ROS by 34.9% averagely. Luzindole as a melatonin receptor antagonist reversed the anti‐oxidant effect of melatonin in MSCs with co‐exposure to IL‐1β. Real‐time RT‐PCR data suggested that melatonin treatment up‐regulated the expression of CuZnSOD and MnSOD, while down‐regulated the expression of Bax. To investigate the effect of melatonin on osteogenesis, MSCs were cultured in osteogenic differentiation medium supplemented with IL‐1β, melatonin, or luzindole. After exposed to IL‐1β for 21 days, 1 μm melatonin treatment significantly increased the levels of type I collagen, ALP, and osteocalcin, and 100 μm melatonin treatment yielded the highest level of osteopontin. Our study demonstrated that melatonin maintained MSC survival and promoted osteogenic differentiation in inflammatory environment induced by IL‐1β, suggesting melatonin treatment could be a promising method for bone regenerative engineering in future studies.
Discrepancies between net particulate carbon production and 13C‐labelled bicarbonate uptake by Alexandrium catenella (Dinophyceae): grazing controls the balance between autotrophic and non autotrophic carbon acquisition1
Authors: Collos Yves , Jauzein Cécile , Laabir Mohamed , Vaquer André
Published: January 2013

Inorganic carbon uptake by Alexandrium catenella estimated from incorporation of 13C labelled bicarbonate (an estimate of carbon gain by autotrophy) was compared to increases in particulate carbon (PC) that integrate all processes leading to carbon gain by cells (autotrophy, heterotrophy, mixotrophy). During blooms of A. catenella in the field, the 13C tracer technique could account for only 47% (range 29%–59%) of the increase in PC in conventional 24 h incubations. From dilution experiments, the ratio of PC increases to bicarbonate uptake was related significantly and positively to the grazing rate, indicating that dissolved organic carbon contributes to growth as a direct function of grazing activity. In addition, as grazing rate increases, the contribution of dissolved inorganic carbon uptake to carbon‐based growth decreases in a linear way (from 56% to 33% of total C acquisition) and the contribution of non autotrophic processes increases (from 54% to 67%). Thus, grazing appears to closely control the balance between autotrophic and non autotrophic processes leading to carbon acquisition by natural populations of A. catenella.
Periodontal disease and gene‐expression levels of metalloendopeptidases in human buccal mucosal epithelium
Authors: Kinoshita N. , Awano S. , Yoshida A. , Soh I. , Ansai T.
Published: January 2013

Background and Objective

Endopeptidases, such as neutral endopeptidase (NEP), endothelin‐converting enzyme‐1 (ECE‐1) and a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17), are believed to have various important roles in oral mucosal and epidermal tissue for the regulation of defensive biological responses in the oral cavity, and their expression and activity are influenced by various factors, including oral diseases. However, knowledge concerning these endopeptidases in the oral cavity has been minimal until now. This study focused on three metalloendopeptidases – NEP, ECE‐1 and ADAM17 – in the oral buccal mucosal epithelium of patients with periodontal diseases and investigated the relationship between their gene‐expression levels and periodontal disease.

Material and Methods

The levels of expression of NEP, ECE‐1 and ADAM17 mRNAs in tissue samples collected from the oral buccal mucosal epithelium of 61 patients were investigated by relative quantification using real‐time RT‐PCR analysis. information on oral and systemic health was obtained from the clinical record of each patient.

Results

Among the three groups, classified based on the diagnosis of periodontal diseases (healthy/gingivitis, early periodontitis and moderate/advanced periodontitis), the relative expression level of NEP mRNA was significantly increased in the early periodontitis group and in the moderate/advanced periodontitis group compared with that in the healthy/gingivitis group. Moreover, the relative expression levels of ECE1 and ADAM17 mRNAs were significantly increased in the moderate/advanced periodontitis group compared with those in the healthy/gingivitis group. The correlation coefficients between the mean relative expression levels of NEP and ECE1 mRNAs, NEP and ADAM17 mRNAs, and ECE1 and ADAM17 mRNAs were r = 0.758, r = 0.707 and r = 0.934, respectively (p < 0.001). Furthermore, among the oral‐related factors, there was a significant correlation between the number of sites with probing pocket depths of more than 4 mm and of more than 6 mm and the relative expression levels of NEP, ECE1 and ADAM17 mRNAs. In stepwise logistic regression models, high relative expression levels of ECE1 and ADAM17 mRNAs were significantly associated with moderate/advanced periodontitis.

Conclusion

The present study suggests that the severity of periodontal disease may be associated with the expression of metalloendopeptidase genes, including NEP, ECE1 and ADAM17, in the buccal mucosal epithelium.
Emergence and Reduction
Authors: Le Boutillier Shaun
Published: January 2013

The question of the ontological status of social wholes has been formative to the development of key positions and debates within modern social theory. Intrinsic to this is the contested meaning of the concept of emergence and the idea that the collective whole is in some way more than the sum of its parts. This claim, in its contemporary form, gives exaggerated importance to a simple truism of re‐description that concerns all wholes. In this paper I argue that a better way to test the ontological status of wholes is to ask whether their causal properties can be reduced to the qualities of their parts. If reduction is possible the ontological status of emergent wholes is diminished. A close analysis of William Wimsatt's definition, conceptualisation, and characterisation of emergent phenomena provides an understanding of the relationship between wholes and their parts and suggests, also, that the properties of collective phenomena of a social kind reduce to the activities of people. Social wholes and their parts reside in the same mode (or level) of organisation. This paper concludes by employing Jaegwon Kim's method of ‘functional reduction’ to demonstrate how to reduce the qualities of wholes to those of their parts.
Impact of climate changes from Middle Miocene onwards on evolutionary diversification in Eurasia: Insights from the mesobuthid scorpions
Authors: Shi Cheng‐Min , Ji Ya‐Jie , Liu Lin , Wang Lei , Zhang De‐Xing
Published: January 2013

The aridification from Middle Miocene onwards has transformed the Asian interior into an arid environment, and the Pleistocene glacial–interglacial oscillations exerted further ecological impact. Therefore, both aridification and glaciation would have considerably influenced the evolution of many mid‐latitude species in temperate Asia. Here, we tested this perspective by a phylogeographic study of the mesobuthid scorpions across temperate Asia using one mitochondrial and three nuclear genes. Concordant mitochondrial and nuclear gene trees were obtained, which are consistent with species tree inferred using a Bayesian approach. The age of the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of all the studied scorpions was estimated to be 12.49 Ma (late Middle Miocene); Mesobuthus eupeus diverged from the clade composing Mesobuthus caucasicus and Mesobuthus martensii in early Late Miocene (10.21 Ma); M. martensii diverged from M. caucasicus at 5.53 Ma in Late Miocene. The estimated MRCA ages of M. martensii and the Chinese lineage of M. eupeus were 2.37 and 0.68 Ma, respectively. Central Asia was identified as the ancestral area for the lineage leading to M. martensii and M. caucasicus and the Chinese lineage of M. eupeus. The ancestral habitat of the genus Mesobuthus is likely to have been characterized by an arid environment; a shift towards more humid habitat occurred in the MRCA of M. martensii and a lineage of M. caucasicus, finally leading to the adaptation of M. martensii to humid environment. Our data strongly support the idea that the stepwise intensified aridifications from Mid‐Miocene onwards drove the diversification of mesobuthid scorpions, and suggest that M. martensii and M. eupeus observed today in China originated from an ancestral lineage distributed in Central Asia. Both the colonization and the ensuing evolution of these species in East Asia appear to have been further moulded by Quaternary glaciations.
Demographic and population‐genetic tests provide mixed support for the abundant centre hypothesis in the endemic plant Leavenworthia stylosa
Authors: Dixon Andrea L. , Herlihy Christopher R. , Busch Jeremiah W.
Published: January 2013

The abundant centre hypothesis (ACH) assumes that population abundance, population size, density and per‐capita reproductive output should peak at the centre of a species' geographic range and decline towards the periphery. Increased isolation among and decreased reproductive output within edge populations should reduce within‐population genetic diversity and increase genetic differentiation among edge relative to central populations. The ACH also predicts asymmetrical gene flow, with net movement of migrants from the centre to edges. We evaluated these ecological assumptions and population‐genetic predictions in the endemic flowering plant Leavenworthia stylosa. Although populations were more spatially isolated near range edges, the geographic centre was surrounded by and not coincident with areas of peak population abundance, and plant density increased towards range edges. Per‐capita seed number was not associated with distance to the range centre, but seed number/m2 increased near range edges. In support of ACH predictions, allelic diversity at 12 microsatellite loci declined with distance from the range centre, and pairwise FST values were higher between edge populations than between central populations. Coalescent analyses confirmed that gene flow was most infrequent between edge populations, but there was not an asymmetric pattern of gene flow predicted by the ACH. This study shows that among‐population demographic variability largely did not support the ACH, while patterns of genetic diversity, differentiation and gene flow were generally consistent with its predictions. Such mixed support has frequently been observed in tests of the ACH and raises concerns regarding the generality of this hypothesis for species range limits.
Repairing Trust to Preserve Balance: A Balance‐Theoretic Approach to Trust Breach and Repair in Groups
Authors: Brodt Susan E. , Neville Lukas
Published: January 2013

We draw on balance theory (Heider, 1958) to better understand trust breach in its social context. By focusing on the motive to preserve balanced relationships within groups, we present a novel view on how and when trust repair is likely to occur in teams and workgroups. We also argue why such balanced states are likely to be more than just transitory, and why people attempt to rebalance systems rendered imbalanced by a breach. In addition, by examining the balance motive in trust relations, we conjecture about when trust judgments and behavior are likely to converge (or diverge) among the members of teams and work groups. Our approach contributes to an emerging stream of literature on the role of third parties and social groups on conflict and trust in teams and workgroups. Throughout our analysis, we offer propositions to guide subsequent empirical research.
Are ectomycorrhizal fungi alleviating or aggravating nitrogen limitation of tree growth in boreal forests?
Authors: Näsholm Torgny , Högberg Peter , Franklin Oskar , Metcalfe Daniel , Keel Sonja G. , Campbell Catherine , Hurry Vaughan , Linder Sune , Högberg Mona N.
Published: January 2013

Symbioses between plant roots and mycorrhizal fungi are thought to enhance plant uptake of nutrients through a favourable exchange for photosynthates. Ectomycorrhizal fungi are considered to play this vital role for trees in nitrogen (N)‐limited boreal forests.

We followed symbiotic carbon (C)–N exchange in a large‐scale boreal pine forest experiment by tracing 13CO2 absorbed through tree photosynthesis and 15N injected into a soil layer in which ectomycorrhizal fungi dominate the microbial community.

We detected little 15N in tree canopies, but high levels in soil microbes and in mycorrhizal root tips, illustrating effective soil N immobilization, especially in late summer, when tree belowground C allocation was high. Additions of N fertilizer to the soil before labelling shifted the incorporation of 15N from soil microbes and root tips to tree foliage.

These results were tested in a model for C–N exchange between trees and mycorrhizal fungi, suggesting that ectomycorrhizal fungi transfer small fractions of absorbed N to trees under N‐limited conditions, but larger fractions if more N is available. We suggest that greater allocation of C from trees to ectomycorrhizal fungi increases N retention in soil mycelium, driving boreal forests towards more severe N limitation at low N supply.
Can elevatedCO2and ozone shift the genetic composition of aspen (Populus tremuloides) stands?
Authors: Moran Emily V. , Kubiske Mark E.
Published: January 2013

The world's forests are currently exposed to increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) and ozone (O3). Both pollutants can potentially exert a selective effect on plant populations. This, in turn, may lead to changes in ecosystem properties, such as carbon sequestration. Here, we report how elevatedCO2andO3affect the genetic composition of a woody plant population via altered survival.

Using data from the Aspen free‐air CO2enrichment (FACE) experiment (in which aspen clones were grown in factorial combinations ofCO2andO3), we develop a hierarchical Bayesian model of survival. We also examine how survival differences between clones could affect pollutant responses in the next generation.

Our model predicts that the relative abundance of the tested clones, given equal initial abundance, would shift under either elevatedCO2orO3as a result of changing survival rates. Survival was strongly affected by between‐clone differences in growth responses. Selection could noticeably decreaseO3sensitivity in the next generation, depending on the heritability of growth responses and the distribution of seed production. The response to selection byCO2, however, is likely to be small.

Our results suggest that the changing atmospheric composition could shift the genotypic composition and average pollutant responses of tree populations over moderate timescales.
What is metabolic syndrome, and why are children getting it?
Authors: Weiss Ram , Bremer Andrew A. , Lustig Robert H.
Published: January 2013

Metabolic syndrome comprises a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, altered glucose metabolism, dyslipidemia, and abdominal obesity) that occur in obese children. However, metabolic syndrome can also occur in lean individuals, suggesting that obesity is a marker for the syndrome, not a cause. Metabolic syndrome is difficult to define, due to its nonuniform classification and reliance on hard cutoffs in the evaluation of disorders with non‐Gaussian distributions. Defining the syndrome is even more difficult in children, owing to racial and pubertal differences and lack of cardiovascular events. Lipid partitioning among specific fat depots is associated with insulin resistance, which can lead to mitochondrial overload and dysfunctional subcellular energy use and drive the various elements of metabolic syndrome. Multiple environmental factors, in particular a typical Western diet, drive mitochondrial overload, while other changes in Western society, such as stress and sleep deprivation, increase insulin resistance and the propensity for food intake. These culminate in an adverse biochemical phenotype, including development of altered glucose metabolism and early atherogenesis during childhood and early adulthood.
Variability in UVB Radiation in Beijing, China
Authors: Bo Hu , Xinghua Zhang , Yuesi Wang
Published: January 2013

The variation characteristics of Ultraviolet‐B (UVB; 280–315 nm) radiation over Beijing were explored using measured data that were collected in Beijing from November 2010 to October 2011. Seasonal variations in UVB radiation and influence of ozone and clearness index on the ratio of UVB to broadband solar radiation (G) were investigated. The annual value of UVB radiation in Beijing is 6.37 MJ m−2, and monthly average value ranges from 4.96 to 28.37 kJ m−2 d−1. The maximum daily total UVB radiation ranges from 6.55 kJ m−2 d−1 in November to 54.22 kJ m−2 d−1 in July. The monthly minimum of daily total UVB radiation varies from 0.5 kJ m−2 d−1 in February to 11.52 kJ m−2 d−1 in July. The monthly average of the ratio of UVB radiation to G ranges from 0.007 to 0.017%, with an annual average value of 0.012%. The variation in slant ozone column causes annual cycle of the ratio UVB radiation to G, with maximum value in summer. In addition, clouds have a greater effect on G than UVB radiation. Thus, the ratio increases by more than 17% when the atmospheric conditions change from clear to cloudy.
Photophysical Properties and Electronic Structure of Bacteriochlorin–Chalcones with Extended Near‐Infrared Absorption
Authors: Yang Eunkyung , Ruzié Christian , Krayer Michael , Diers James R. , Niedzwiedzki Dariusz M. , Kirmaier Christine , Lindsey Jonathan S. , Bocian David F. , Holten Dewey
Published: January 2013

Synthetic bacteriochlorins enable systematic tailoring of substituents about the bacteriochlorin chromophore and thereby provide insights concerning the native bacteriochlorophylls of bacterial photosynthesis. Nine free‐base bacteriochlorins (eight prepared previously and one prepared here) have been examined that bear diverse substituents at the 13‐ or 3,13‐positions. The substituents include chalcone (3‐phenylprop‐2‐en‐1‐onyl) derivatives with groups attached to the phenyl moiety, a “reverse chalcone” (3‐phenyl‐3‐oxo‐1‐enyl), and extended chalcones (5‐phenylpenta‐2,4‐dien‐1‐onyl, retinylidenonyl). The spectral and photophysical properties (τs, Φf, Φic, Φisc, τT, kf, kic, kisc) of the bacteriochlorins have been characterized. The bacteriochlorins absorb strongly in the 780–800 nm region and have fluorescence quantum yields (Φf) in the range 0.05–0.11 in toluene and dimethylsulfoxide. Light‐induced electron promotions between orbitals with predominantly substituent or macrocycle character or both may give rise to some net macrocycle ↔ substituent charge‐transfer character in the lowest and higher singlet excited states as indicated by density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT calculations. Such calculations indicated significant participation of molecular orbitals beyond those (HOMO − 1 to LUMO + 1) in the Gouterman four‐orbital model. Taken together, the studies provide insight into the fundamental properties of bacteriochlorins and illustrate designs for tuning the spectral and photophysical features of these near‐infrared‐absorbing tetrapyrrole chromophores.
Xanthomonas arboricola pv. fragariae: what's in a name?
Authors: Vandroemme J. , Cottyn B. , Pothier J. F. , Pflüger V. , Duffy B. , Maes M.
Published: January 2013

Polyphasic analysis exposed important heterogeneity between bacterial strains catalogued as Xanthomonas arboricola pv. fragariae (Xaf) from different culture collections. Two draft whole‐genome sequences revealed pathogenicity related genes of the type‐three secretion system in strain LMG 19146, whereas none were found in the Xaf pathotype strain LMG 19145. Also, considerable sequence divergence was observed in the phylogenetic marker genes gyrB, rpoD, dnaK and fyuA. Further study of 16 Xaf culture‐collection strains showed that co‐classification is not justified. Partial 16S rRNA gene and gyrB sequencing demonstrated that 12 strains belonged to X. arboricola, but that they did not form one homogeneous group within the species. The four remaining strains were identified as Xanthomonas fragariae and Xanthomonas sp. All sequence‐based identifications were confirmed by MALDI‐TOF MS fingerprinting. Also, the pathogenicity genes hrcQ and avrBs2 were detected in only three of the 12 analysed X. arboricola strains. The X. arboricola and Xanthomonas sp. strains showed pectolytic activity, and upon inoculation in strawberry none of the strains reproduced the leaf blight symptoms reported for Xaf. This study demonstrates that (i) no clear criteria exist for the identification of strains as Xaf, (ii) the name Xaf is currently used for a genetically diverse assortment of strains, and (iii) the species X. arboricola holds many undetermined plant‐associated bacteria besides the described pathovars.
Accuracy of patient self‐report as a measure of inhaled asthma medication use
Authors: Patel Mitesh , Perrin Kyle , Pritchard Alison , Williams Mathew , Wijesinghe Meme , Weatherall Mark , Beasley Richard
Published: January 2013

Background and objective

Measuring adherence to inhaled asthma treatment is a key priority for asthma care. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between self‐report and actual medication use as measured by electronic monitoring for single and combination inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and long‐acting beta‐agonist (LABA) metered‐dose inhaler therapy.

Methods

In this retrospective analysis from a previously completed prospective 24‐week randomized, controlled trial of single or combination ICS/LABA therapy, medication use in the week prior to study visits determined by self‐report questionnaire and electronic monitoring was compared. One hundred eleven participants received 125 µg fluticasone dipropionate and 25 µg salmeterol, two actuations twice daily, by either separate or combination ICS/LABA inhalers. Paired data for self‐report and electronic monitoring were analysed. Measurement of agreement was by Bland–Altman‐like plots by visit with calculation of limits of agreement.

Results

For single and combination ICS/LABA therapy, self‐report consistently overestimated actual inhaler use assessed by electronic monitoring by a mean of 2.2–8.4 inhalations over a 1‐week period, with limits of agreement ranging from ±15.8 to 25.6 inhalations. Participants who underused their inhalers tended to overreport their use, while those who overused tended to underreport their medication use. The greater the degree of underuse, the greater the magnitude of overreport, and likewise, the greater the degree of overuse, the greater the magnitude of underreport.

Conclusions

Self‐report is inaccurate in measuring actual use of inhaled asthma treatment with patients who underuse their maintenance therapy overreporting their use and those who overuse their therapy underreporting their use.
Relationship between bronchial hyperresponsiveness and lung function in children age 5 and 6 with and without asthma
Authors: Takami Satoru , Mochizuki Hiroyuki , Muramatsu Reiko , Hagiwara Satomi , Arakawa Hirokazu
Published: January 2013

Background and objective

It is unknown whether wheezy children have bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) or which lung function parameters are correlated with BHR in children. We evaluated the relationship between BHR parameters and the lung functions by minimizing the effects of age and height in asthmatic, non‐asthmatic wheezers and healthy children.

Methods

The subjects comprised of 154 children aged 5 and 6 years (78 males, 76 females), who were divided into three groups: asthmatics, non‐asthmatic wheezers and healthy controls. Spirometry and a methacholine inhalation challenge by the oscillation method were performed.

Results

The age of the study cohort was 5.9 ± 0.2 years (mean ± standard deviation), and the height was 114.4 ± 5.3 cm. No significant differences in height, weight, body mass index or lung function were observed in the three groups. The minimal dose of methacholine to start bronchoconstriction, a parameter of bronchial sensitivity, was lower in asthmatics and non‐asthmatic wheezers than that in controls. The speed of bronchoconstriction in response to methacholine, a parameter of bronchial reactivity, was strongly correlated with baseline respiratory resistance (Rrs cont) in all three groups.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that it not possible to distinguish preschool children with asthma from non‐asthmatic wheezers based on their bronchial sensitivity and that the baseline Rrs has a strong effect on the bronchial reactivity in children.
Hospitalizations for Suicide‐Related Drug Poisonings and Co‐occurring Alcohol Overdoses in Adolescents (Ages 12–17) and Young Adults (Ages 18–24) in the United States, 1999–2008: Results from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample
Authors: White Aaron M. , MacInnes Erin , Hingson Ralph W. , Pan I‐Jen
Published: January 2013

Drug poisoning is the leading method of suicide‐related deaths among females and third among males in the United States. Alcohol can increase the severity of drug poisonings, yet the prevalence of alcohol overdoses in suicide‐related drug poisonings (SRDP) remains unclear. Data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample was examined to determine rates of inpatient hospital stays for SRDP and co‐occurring alcohol overdoses in adolescents (ages 12–17) and young adults (ages 18–24) between 1999 and 2008. Among adolescents, there were 14,615 hospitalizations for drug poisonings in 2008, of which 72% (10,462) were suicide‐related at a cost of $43 million. Rates of SRDP in this age group decreased between 1999 and 2008. The prevalence of co‐occurring alcohol overdoses increased from 5% in 1999 to 7% in 2008. Among young adults, there were 32,471 hospitalizations for drug poisonings in 2008, of which 64% (20,746) were suicide‐related at a cost of $110 million. Rates of SRDP did not change significantly between 1999 and 2008. The prevalence of co‐occurring alcohol overdoses increased from 14% in 1999 to 20% in 2008. Thus, while rates of SRDP decreased for adolescents and remained unchanged for young adults, the prevalence of co‐occurring alcohol overdoses increased for both age groups. Such hospitalizations provide important opportunities to employ intervention techniques to prevent further suicide attempts.
Identification of a novel HLA‐A allele, A*02:357, in a Chinese individual
Authors: Dai M. , Su Y.‐p. , Sun A. , Su X.‐h. , Liu F. , Chen M.
Published: January 2013

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐A*02:357 differs from A*02:01:01:01 by a single nucleotide at position 840 from A to T exon 4, leading to amino acid substitution from Arg to Ser.
Intra and inter‐user reliability of central corneal thickness measurements obtained in healthy feline eyes using a portable spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography device
Authors: Alario Anthony F. , Pirie Christopher G.
Published: January 2013

Objective

To determine the intra and inter‐user reliability of central corneal thickness (CCT) measurements obtained using a portable spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) device in healthy feline eyes.

Animals

Twenty clinically normal cats.

Procedures

Gentle manual restraint was utilized for proper animal positioning. Central corneal thickness measurements were obtained from both eyes of each animal three times by two operators in succession. A 6 mm, corneal pachymetry protocol was performed using the Optovue®iVueSD‐OCTsystem. TheCCTwas automatically calculated using the pachymetry software generated from eight radial scans, 6 mm in length. TheCCTwas recorded for each operator and compared statistically for both intra and inter‐user reliability.

Results

Twenty cats (11 CM, 9SF) with a mean age of 4.7 years were examined. The meanCCTfor all eyes examined was 629.08 ± 47.05 μm. No significant difference inCCTwas found based on the eye examined (ODvs.OS) or age of the animal. However, theCCTof spayed females was significantly higher (42.64 ± 18.0 μm) as compared to castrated males (P = 0.03). There was no significant difference inCCTmeasurements between replicates performed by the same operator or between operators. The mean difference inCCTbetween operators was 0.38 μm. The coefficient of variation for each user and between users was very low (range 0.68–1.5%). The intra‐class correlation coefficient comparing operators was 0.975.

Conclusions

The Optovue®iVueSD‐OCTdevice is capable of obtainingCCTmeasurements with excellent intra and interoperator reliability in healthy feline eyes.
Generalized ‘second Ritt theorem’ and explicit solution of the polynomial moment problem
Authors: Pakovich F.
Published: January 2013

In the recent paper by Pakovich and Muzychuk [Solution of the polynomial moment problem, Proc. Lond. Math. Soc. (3) 99 (2009), 633–657] it was shown that any solution of ‘the polynomial moment problem’, which asks to describe polynomials $Q$ orthogonal to all powers of a given polynomial $P$ on a segment, may be obtained as a sum of so-called ‘reducible’ solutions related to different decompositions of $P$ into a composition of two polynomials of lower degrees. However, the methods of that paper do not permit us to estimate the number of necessary reducible solutions or to describe them explicitly. In this paper we provide a description of polynomial solutions of the functional equation $P_1\circ W_1=P_2\circ W_2=\cdots =P_r\circ W_r,$and on this base describe solutions of the polynomial moment problem in an explicit form suitable for applications.
Fibre type‐specific change in FXYD1 phosphorylation during acute intense exercise in humans
Authors: Thomassen Martin , Murphy Robyn M. , Bangsbo Jens
Published: January 2013

Key points

Most human experiments examine proteins at the whole muscle level, and knowledge of fibre type specificity is mainly obtained in animal muscles. We used a new methodology and provide novel findings at the single fibre level.

Potassium changes across muscle cell membranes may be important for development of fatigue during exercise. The Na+–K+ pump with the regulatory phospholemman (FXYD1) subunit and the ATP‐dependent K+ channel Kir6.2 play crucial roles in potassium regulation.

We show that in humans Na+–K+ pump α2 is expressed to a greater extent in type II than in type I fibres and Kir6.2 is expressed primarily in type I fibres. During exercise, phosphorylation of FXYD1 serine 68 is increased only in type II fibres, indicating differences in Na+–K+ pump activity.

These results show that human Kir6.2 and Na+–K+ pump subunit expression and FXYD1 phosphorylation are fibre type specific, which may influence exercise‐induced potassium regulation and fatigue development.

Abstract  The aim of the present study was to examine fibre type‐specific Na+–K+ pump subunit expression and exercise‐induced alterations in phospholemman (FXYD1) phosphorylation in humans. Segments of human skeletal muscle fibres were dissected and fibre typed, and protein expression was determined by Western blotting. The protein expression of the Na+–K+ pump α2 isoform was lower in type I than in type II fibres (0.63 ± 0.04 a.u. vs. 1.00 ± 0.07 a.u., P < 0.001), while protein expression of the Na+–K+ pump α1 and β1 isoforms was not different. Protein expression of the ATP‐dependent potassium channel Kir6.2 was higher in type I compared with type II fibres. In both type I (P < 0.01) and type II fibres (P < 0.001) the AB_FXYD1 signal was lower after exercise compared with rest, indicating an increase in unspecific FXYD1 phosphorylation. The FXYD1 serine 68 phosphorylation was higher (P < 0.001) after exercise compared with rest in type II fibres (1.90 ± 0.25 vs. 1.00 ± 0.08) and not changed in type I fibres. Total FXYD1 was not expressed in a fibre type‐specific manner. Expression of phosphofructokinase was lower (P < 0.001) in type I than in type II fibres, whereas citrate synthase and 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase were more abundant (P < 0.001) in type I fibres. In conclusion, FXYD1 phosphorylation at serine 68 increased after an acute bout of intense exercise in human type II fibres, while AB_FXYD1 signal intensity was lower in both type I and type II fibres, indicating fibre type‐specific differences in FXYD1 phosphorylation on serine 63, serine 68 and threonine 69. This, together with the observation of a higher abundance of the Na+–K+ pump α2 isoform protein in type II fibres, is likely to have importance for the exercise‐induced human Na+–K+ pump activity in the different fibre types.
Simulation of Thunderstorm Downbursts and Associated Wind Turbine Loads
Authors: Huy Nguyen Hieu , Manuel Lance , Jonkman Jason , Veers Paul S.
Published: January 2013

This study is focused on simulation of thunderstorm downbursts and associated wind turbine loads. We first present a thunderstorm downburst model, in which the wind field is assumed to result from the summation of an analytical mean field and stochastic turbulence. The structure and evolution of the downburst wind field based on the analytical model are discussed. Loads are generated using stochastic simulation of the aeroelastic response for a model of a utility-scale 5-MW turbine. With the help of a few assumptions, particularly regarding control strategies, we address the chief influences of wind velocity fields associated with downbursts—namely, large wind speeds and large, rapid wind direction changes—by considering different storm scenarios and studying associated turbine loads. These scenarios include, first, an illustrative case to understand details related to the turbine response simulation; this is followed by a study involving a different storm touchdown location relative to the turbine as well as a critical case where a shutdown sequence is included. Results show that the availability of and assumptions in wind turbine control systems during a downburst clearly influence overall system response. Control system choices can significantly mitigate turbine loads during downbursts. Results also show that different storm touchdown locations result in distinct characteristics in inflow wind fields and, hence, in contrasting turbine response.
Theoretical and Experimental Simulation of Passive Vacuum Solar Flash Desalination
Authors: Abutayeh Mohammad , Yogi Goswami D. , Stefanakos Elias K.
Published: January 2013

Experimental and theoretical simulations of a novel sustainable desalination process have been carried out. The simulated process consists of pumping seawater through a solar heater before flashing it under vacuum in an elevated chamber. Vacuum is passively created and then maintained by the hydrostatic balance between pressure inside the elevated flash chamber and outdoor atmospheric pressure. Experimental simulations were carried out using a pilot unit built to depict the proposed desalination system. Theoretical simulations were performed using a detailed computer code employing fundamental physical and thermodynamic laws to describe the separation process, complimented by experimentally based correlations to estimate physical properties of the involved species and operational parameters of the proposed system setting it apart from previous empirical desalination models. Experimental and theoretical simulation results matched well, validating the developed model. Feasibility of the proposed system rapidly increased with flash temperature due to increased fresh water production and improved heat recovery. In addition, the proposed desalination system is naturally sustainable by solar radiation and gravity, making it very energy efficient.
Investigation on the Effort Transmission in Planar Parallel
Manipulators
Authors: Briot Sébastien , Glazunov Victor , Arakelian Vigen
Published: January 2013

In the design of a mechanism, the quality of effort transmission is a key issue. Traditionally, the effort transmissivity of a mechanism is defined as the quantitative measure of the power flowing effectiveness from the input link(s) to the output link(s). Many researchers have focused their work on the study of the effort transmission in mechanisms and diverse indices have been defined. However, the developed indices have exclusively dealt with the studies of the ratio between the input and output powers and they do not seem to have been devoted to the studies of the admissible reactions in passive joints. However, the observations show that it is possible for a mechanism to reach positions in which the transmission indices will have admissible values but the reaction(s) in passive joint(s) can reach excessively high values leading to the breakdown of the mechanism. In the present paper, a method is developed to ensure the admissible values of reactions in passive joints of planar parallel manipulators. It is shown that the increase of reactions in passive joints of a planar parallel manipulator depends not only on the transmission angle but also on the position of the instantaneous center of rotation of the platform. It allows the determination of the maximal reachable workspace of planar parallel manipulators taking into account the admissible reactions in its passive joints. The suggested method is illustrated via a 5R planar parallel mechanism and a planar 3-RPR parallel manipulator.
Effects of Interpass Idle Time on Thermal Stresses in Multipass Multilayer Weld-Based Rapid Prototyping
Authors: Zhao Huihui , Zhang Guangjun , Yin Ziqiang , Wu Lin
Published: January 2013

Interpass idle time is an important parameter affecting the thermal stress distribution in weld-based rapid prototyping. In this paper, the effects of interpass idle time on thermal stresses in multipass multilayer weld-based rapid prototyping are investigated using numerical simulation. Meanwhile the single-layer weld-based rapid prototyping experiment is carried out, and the residual stresses are measured in the blind-hole method. The variation trend of calculated residual stresses agrees with that of experimental measurements. The research results indicate that there exist stress release effects of rear pass on fore passes and that of rear layer on fore layers. The interpass and interlayer stresses and residual stresses are significantly dependent on interpass idle time. The residual stresses of deposition workpiece decrease with the increase of interpass idle time, whereas the interpass and interlayer stresses on the central line of substrate increase with the increase of interpass idle time.