bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tail morphology controls DNA release in two Salmonella phages with one lipopolysaccharide receptor recognition system
Authors: Andres Dorothee , Roske Yvette , Doering Carolin , Heinemann Udo , Seckler Robert , Barbirz Stefanie
Published: February 2012

Bacteriophages use specific tail proteins to recognize host cells. It is still not understood to molecular detail how the signal is transmitted over the tail to initiate infection. We have analysed in vitro DNA ejection in long‐tailed siphovirus 9NA and short‐tailed podovirus P22 upon incubation with Salmonella typhimurium lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We showed for the first time that LPS alone was sufficient to elicit DNA release from a siphovirus in vitro. Crystal structure analysis revealed that both phages use similar tailspike proteins for LPS recognition. Tailspike proteins hydrolyse LPS O antigen to position the phage on the cell surface. Thus we were able to compare in vitro DNA ejection processes from two phages with different morphologies with the same receptor under identical experimental conditions. Siphovirus 9NA ejected its DNA about 30 times faster than podovirus P22. DNA ejection is under control of the conformational opening of the particle and has a similar activation barrier in 9NA and P22. Our data suggest that tail morphology influences the efficiencies of particle opening given an identical initial receptor interaction event.
Total lymphocyte count is a reliable surrogate marker for CD4 cell counts after the first year of antiretroviral therapy: data from an Indonesian cohort study
Authors: de Jong Marrigje A. , Wisaksana Rudi , Meijerink Hinta , Indrati Agnes , van de Ven Andre J. A. M. , Alisjahbana Bachti , van Crevel Reinout
Published: February 2012

Many studies have evaluated the total lymphocyte count (TLC) as a cheap surrogate marker for CD4 cells in HIV‐infected patients not receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). We assessed whether TLC can replace CD4 cell counts in evaluating the immunological response to ART. In a cohort of patients in Indonesia TLC, if measured after at least 1‐year ART, correctly identified patients with <200 CD4 cells, and reliably excluded immunological failure, obviating the need for CD4 cell measurement in 43% of patients.
Short and erect rice (ser) mutant from ‘Khao Dawk Mali 105’ improves plant architecture
Authors: Yan Wengui , Hu Biaolin , Zhang Qijun , Jia Limeng , Jackson Aaron , Pan Xuhao , Huang Bihu , Yan Zongbu , Deren Christopher
Published: February 2012

With 1 figure and 3 tables

Plant architecture includes branching (tillering) pattern, plant height, leaf shape and angle, and the structure of reproductive organs. These attributes are of major agronomic importance as they determine the adaptability of a plant to various methods of cultivation, which in turn influence harvest index and grain yield. We detected a recessive mutant from the aromatic cultivar ‘Khao Dawk Mali 105’ (KDM105), which exhibits a plant architecture with shorter height, shorter and more erect leaves and panicle than the wild type. The mutant line was named ser for short and erect rice. The ser mutation was induced by 30 kilorads of gamma radiation. Averaged from 10 mature plants grown in the greenhouse, the ser had 104.6° smaller angle between the flag leaf and culm, compared with the KDM105 wild type. For the leaf below the flag leaf, the ser mutant was 46.2° more erect than the wild type. The length of the flag, 2nd and 3rd leaf of the ser was 21.8, 24.4 and 16.3 cm shorter than the wild type, respectively. Plant height as measured from soil surface to flag leaf tip was reduced by 43.5 cm, while plant height measured from soil to panicle tip was reduced by 28.5 cm in the ser in comparison with the wild type. Characterization of 10 booting plants each of the ser, wild and their reciprocal F1 populations confirmed the shortening mutation with no cytoplasmic effect. The ser was identically monomorphic to its wild type and F1 hybrid for all 11 SSR markers covering seven chromosomes, indicating a true mutation. In the F2 generation, a ratio of three wild type to one ser was observed, resulting in a χ2 of 0.067 (P = 0.795) for a single gene segregation and demonstrating a recessive mutation. The ser will be an ideal material for the study on gene pleiotropy and metabolism functions. Further, the pleiotropic gene in such a premium quality cultivar globally known will be valuable for improving plant architecture in rice cultivars.
Evaluation and implementation of a potential diagnostic molecular marker for H1‐conferred potato cyst nematode resistance in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Authors: Schultz Lee , Cogan Noel O. I. , McLean Karen , Dale M. Finlay B. , Bryan Glenn J. , Forster John W. , Slater Anthony T.
Published: February 2012

With 1 figure and 1 table

Potato cyst nematode (PCN) is a major pest of potato crops. Marker‐assisted selection of PCN‐resistant cultivars is consequently a key objective of many potato breeding programmes. The genetic marker TG689, linked to the resistance gene H1, is the current marker of choice for the prediction of PCN resistance. Polymorphism at TG689 was evaluated across 373 cultivars from Australian and Scottish breeding programmes, revealing the loss of association between the predictive allele and trait locus. Two recently identified genetic markers flanking the H1 locus were then evaluated for association with PCN‐resistant phenotypes across 73 cultivars. With a single exception, presence or absence of a 452‐bp amplicon for the 57R marker was predictive for the target phenotype. Further evaluation of the 57R marker on more than 300 cultivars from the Australian and Scottish potato breeding programmes provided additional evidence for robust diagnostic capability. To enable routine implementation, the 57R marker was converted into a high‐throughput, fluorochrome detection–based assay and screened across a broader collection of parental cultivars and advanced breeding selections for the prediction of PCN resistance.
Study of inheritance of fertility restoration in pigeonpea lines derived from Cajanus cajanifolius
Authors: Sawargaonkar S. L. , Madrap I. A. , Saxena K. B.
Published: February 2012

With 1 table

In this study, single crosses involving four CMS lines and three known fertility restorers were studied to determine the genetics of fertility restoration in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.). The F1 plants of all the four hybrids were selfed to produce F2 seed and simultaneously crossed to their corresponding A lines to produce BC1F1 seeds during 2007. The parents, F1, F2 and BC1F1 populations were planted in 2008 rainy season at the Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, India. The interaction of dominant nuclear genes of ICP 2766 with ICPA 2092 produced 100% fertile F1 plant and showed complete dominance for fertility restoration. The restorer ICP 2766 when crossed with ICPA 2092 showed monogenic inheritance (3 : 1), while ICP 2766 crossed with ICPA 2043 revealed digenic inheritance (15 : 1) of fertility restoration. In a cross between ICP 2766 and ICPA 2043, dominant gene of fertility restoration at either of two loci masked the expression of male‐sterile recessive alleles at two loci in such a way that it modified normal dihybrid ratio into 15 : 1 ratio and produced duplicate gene interaction.
Analysis of VH gene rearrangement and somatic hypermutation in type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis
Authors: Okumura Fumihiro , Sakuma Hidenori , Nakazawa Takahiro , Hayashi Kazuki , Naitoh Itaru , Miyabe Katsuyuki , Yoshida Michihiro , Yamashita Hiroaki , Ohara Hirotaka , Inagaki Hiroshi , Joh Takashi
Published: February 2012

Type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is the pancreatic manifestation of systemic fibroinflammatory disease called immunoglobulin G4‐associated systemic disease. Although this inflammatory process is considered to be a disease with an autoimmune mechanism, its pathogenesis still remains unclear. To clarify the characteristics of B cells infiltrating the lesion, we analyzed the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (VH) gene rearrangement and somatic hypermutation of invasive lymphoid cells in type 1 AIP (n= 3), in comparison with obstructive pancreatitis (n= 3) as a control. DNA was extracted from the affected inflammatory lesions. After PCR amplification of the rearranged VH gene, the clones were subcloned, and recombinant clones were randomly selected and sequenced. More than 60 clones per case were analyzed. Monoclonal VH rearrangement was not detected in any of the cases examined. There was no VH family or VH fragment specific to type 1 AIP and obstructive pancreatitis. However, the rate of unmutated VH fragments in type 1 AIP (17%) was higher than that in obstructive pancreatitis (5.1%) (P= 0.010). Our study suggests that an increased rate of unmutated or less mutated VH genes may be characteristic of type 1 AIP and might play a role in the development of this disease.
THE STAR OF CHRIST IN THE LIGHT OF ASTRONOMY
Authors: Adair Aaron
Published: February 2012

AbstractCenturies of both theologians and astronomers have wondered what the Star of Bethlehem (Matt 2:2, 9) actually was, from miracle to planetary conjunction. Here a history of this search is presented, along with the difficulties the various proposals have had. The natural theories of the Star are found to be a recent innovation, and now almost exclusively maintained by scientists rather than theologians. Current problems with various theories are recognized, as well as general problems with the approach. The interactions between the sciences and religion are categorized and explored.
THE BEGINNING OF HUMAN LIFE: ISLAMIC BIOETHICAL PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Ghaly Mohammed
Published: February 2012

Abstract.  In January 1985, about 80 Muslim religious scholars and biomedical scientists gathered in a symposium held in Kuwait to discuss the broad question “When does human life begin?” This article argues that this symposium is one of the milestones in the field of contemporary Islamic bioethics and independent legal reasoning (Ijtihād). The proceedings of the symposium, however, escaped the attention of academic researchers. This article is meant to fill in this research lacuna by analyzing the proceedings of this symposium, the relevant subsequent developments, and finally the interplay of Islam and the West as a significant dimension in these discussions.
Knowing the Essence of the State in Spinoza's Tractatus Theologico‐Politicus
Authors: Garrett Aaron
Published: February 2012

This paper argues that Spinoza's main political writings are concerned, in part, with knowledge of essences as detailed in the Ethics. It is further argued that knowledge of the essences of states, and essential properties that belong to states, may be an example of the elusive scientia intuitiva or third kind of knowledge. The paper concludes by considering Spinoza's goals in his political writings and the importance of metaphysics and the theory of knowledge more broadly for early modern political philosophers.
Beneficial effects of candesartan, an angiotensin‐blocking agent, on compensated alcoholic liver fibrosis ‐ A randomized open‐label controlled study
Authors: Kim Moon Young , Cho Mee Yon , Baik Soon Koo , Jeong Phil Ho , Suk Ki Tae , Jang Yoon Ok , Yea Chang Jin , Kim Jae Woo , Kim Hyun Soo , Kwon Sang Ok , Yoo Byung Su , Kim Jang Young , Eom Min Seob , Cha Seung Hwan , Chang Sei Jin
Published: February 2012

Background

Recent studies have shown that the renin‐angiotensin system is implicated in hepatic fibrogenesis in vitro and in vivo. However, no study was done in humans with alcoholic liver disease.

Aim

To investigate the antifibrotic effect of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1‐R) blocking agents (ARB) in patients with alcoholic liver disease.

Methods

The primary outcome was improvement in patients' histological features. Eighty‐five patients with compensated alcoholic liver fibrosis (≥ F2) which was confirmed by baseline liver biopsy were randomized (intention‐to‐treat (ITT)) to receive either ARB, candesartan (8 mg/day) with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) (600 mg/day) (n = 42) or UDCA alone (n = 43) as control for 6 months and follow‐up liver biopsies were conducted.

Results

According to the Laennec fibrosis system, candesartan showed significantly higher rates of histological improvements (ITT, 33.3% vs. 11.6%, P = 0.020). In addition, the fibrosis score was significantly reduced from 3.4 ± 1.4 to 3.1 ± 1.5 (P = 0.005) in the candesartan group. Candesartan also reduced the area of fibrosis and α‐smooth muscle actin positive from 11.3 ± 6.0 to 8.3 ± 4.7 and 28.7 ± 10.5 to 23.9 ± 10.3 (%), and the hydroxyproline levels (μg/g liver tissue) from 7.8 ± 2.4 to 6.3 ± 1.7 respectively (P < 0.05). In addition, the relative expression of transforming growth factor‐β1(TGF‐β1), collagen‐1, AT1‐R, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP‐1), metalloproteinases2 (MMP2), Rac1 and p22phox by real‐time RT‐PCR decreased in the candesartan group (P < 0.05). Mean arterial blood pressure in the candesartan group decreased mildly but significantly (P < 0.001). No significant complications and side effects were observed during the present study.

Conclusions

Administration of ARB in compensated alcoholic liver disease induces improvement of fibrosis in histological and quantitative measurements.
Effects of Timing of Adversity on Adolescent and Young Adult Adjustment
Authors: Kiff Cara J. , Cortes Rebecca C. , Lengua Liliana J. , Kosterman Rick , Hawkins J. David , Mason W. Alex
Published: February 2012

Exposure to adversity during childhood and adolescence predicts adjustment across development. Furthermore, adolescent adjustment problems persist into young adulthood. This study examined relations of contextual adversity with concurrent adolescent adjustment and prospective mental health and health outcomes in young adulthood. A longitudinal sample (N = 808) was followed from age 10 through 27. Perceptions of neighborhood in childhood predicted depression, alcohol use disorders, andHIVrisk in young adulthood. Further, the timing of adversity was important in determining the type of problem experienced in adulthood. Youth adjustment predicted adult outcomes, and in some cases mediated the relation between adversity and outcomes. These findings support the importance of adversity in predicting adjustment and elucidate factors that affect outcomes into young adulthood.
Does Social Connectedness Promote a Greater Sense of Well‐Being in Adolescence Over Time?
Authors: Jose Paul E. , Ryan Nicholas , Pryor Jan
Published: February 2012

This longitudinal study was designed to investigate whether or not social connectedness predicts psychological well‐being over time. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the temporal relations between these constructs assessed yearly for 3 years for a sample of 1,774 10‐ to 15‐year‐olds (at Time 1). Results indicated that global connectedness (i.e., connectedness combined across the domains of family, school, peers, and neighborhood) predicted well‐being, but no reciprocal relation was found. However, reciprocal relations were revealed by analyses that examined connectedness at the domain level, that is, for family and school contexts. The results suggest that youth who reported higher levels of social connectedness at one point in time would subsequently report higher well‐being (i.e., life satisfaction, confidence, positive affect, and aspirations).
Dental implants and improvement of oral health‐related quality of life
Authors: Pavel Kriz , Seydlova Michaela , Dostalova Tatjana , Zdenek Valenta , Chleborad Karel , Jana Zvarova , Feberova Jitka , Radek Hippmann
Published: February 2012

Kriz P, Seydlova M, Dostalova T, Valenta Z, Chleborad K, Zvarova J, Feberova J, Hippmann R. Dental implants and improvement of oral health‐related quality of life. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2012; 40 (Suppl. 1): 65–70. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract – 
Objectives:  Oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) is a multifaceted field involving many factors. The aim of our study was to assess whether implant therapy improves OHRQoL in dental patients.

Methods:  Patients receiving at least one implant completed a health‐related questionnaire before and after the implantation (minimum 1.5 months). Questions covered the functional and aesthetic scales (AS). Paired differences in individual scores were analysed using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. A univariate analysis of covariance was used to relate overall and scale‐specific average paired differences to age, gender, marital and educational status. Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to assess interactions between the covariates and different scales of outcome. All tests were performed at statistical significance level α = 0.05.

Results:  All twelve Wilcoxon tests supported an improvement in OHRQoL after implant placement. On the AS, the mean difference in OHRQoL scores was found to be associated with marital status, presence of aesthetic reasons for undergoing the surgery and number of front teeth replaced by implants. On the functional scale (FS), most significant associations were observed with the number of front teeth replaced via implantation, followed by the presence of chewing problems and marital status. The multivariate analysis helped to identify the covariates that varied significantly over the two scales of interest.

Conclusions:  Effects of covariates responding significantly differently on different scales should not be summarized using an overall univariate analysis, using paired score differences averaged over all items. Such effect summary would be misleading. In the present study, significant implant‐related improvements in OHRQoL were observed on both the aesthetic and FS in patients with at least one implant in the front dental area.
Summer habitat use and feeding of juvenile Arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus, in the Canadian High Arctic
Authors: Sinnatamby R. Niloshini , Babaluk John A. , Power Geoff , Reist James D. , Power Michael
Published: February 2012

Abstract –  Owing to limited knowledge of the habitat use and diet of juvenile Arctic charr from the High Arctic, particularly young‐of‐the‐year (YOY), we assembled data obtained from samples taken in and around Lake Hazen, Nunavut, Canada, to assess juvenile habitat use and feeding. Juvenile charr demonstrated a preference for stream environments, particularly those fed by warm upstream ponds. Charr occupying both stream and nearshore lake habitats were found to feed similarly, with chironomids occurring most frequently in diets. Some older stream‐dwelling charr preyed on smaller, younger Arctic charr. Preferred stream occupancy is likely mediated by physical barriers created mainly by water velocity, and by distance from the lake, lake‐ice dynamics, low water depth, and turbidity. Water velocities resulted in stream habitat segregation by size, with YOY mainly found in low‐velocity pools and back eddies adjacent to stream banks, but not in water velocities >0.1 m·s−1. Greatest charr densities in streams were found in small, shallow, slow‐flowing side channels, which are highly susceptible to drought. Under predicted climate change scenarios, streams fed by small ponds will be susceptible to intermittent flow conditions, which could result in increased competition among juvenile charr for the remaining stream habitats. In addition, glacier‐fed streams are likely to experience increased flow conditions that will exacerbate physical barriers created by water velocity and further reduce the availability of preferred stream habitat.
The oral health‐related quality of life in edentulous patients treated with Conventional complete dentures
Authors: AlBaker Abdulaziz M.
Published: February 2012

Objective:  To compare the oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) between patients with both maxillary and mandibular complete denture and those with either the maxillary or the mandibular complete denture.

Background:  Satisfaction of denture wearers can be estimated using the OHRQoL questionnaires like the OHIP‐EDENT and the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI).

Methods:  Two questionnaires were used to compare the OHRQoL between edentulous patients who had conventional removable complete denture on both jaws and those who had on either one of the jaws.

Result:  The age of the participants ranged from 42 to 75 years, with the mean age of 58 ± 8.12 years. The mean OHIP‐EDENT scores were significantly high among those who wore conventional dentures in both jaws (54.12 ± 5.21), compared with the participants who only had denture either on upper or lower jaw (46.52 ± 7.35). It was noticed that the mean GOHAI score was significantly lower (p < 0.05) among participants who had conventional denture on both upper and lower jaw (28.25 ± 3.67), as compared to those who had conventional denture only on one arch (35.12 ± 2.11).

Conclusion:  Patients with complete dentures in both jaw (Group I) were less satisfied than patients with single complete denture (Group II). The result obtained in this study shows dissatisfaction with conventional dentures among edentulous patients.
Comparison between amine fluoride and chlorhexidine with institutionalized elders: a pilot study
Authors: López Rosa Moreno , Uribe Manuel Ribera , Rodríguez Belisa Olmo , Casasempere Inmaculada Vela
Published: February 2012

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2012.00650.x

Comparison between amine fluoride and chlorhexidine with institutionalized elders: a pilot study

Objective:  Compare the efficacy of amine fluoride toothpaste and gel with chlorhexidine spray in an institutionalised population.

Background:  People who live in nursing homes have poorer oral hygiene because of their dependency for the basic activities of daily living as they rely on caregivers.

Methods:  Twenty‐six people over 65 years old who had at least four teeth and living in a nursing home. They were assigned to three groups: A: amine fluoride toothpaste and once a week amine fluoride gel (Elmex®), B: 0.12% spray‐chlorhexidine once a day (Perio‐Aid®) and C: brush teeth without toothpaste. The plaque and gingival index of Silness and Löe, General Oral Health Assessment Index, McLeran and Pfeiffer index were recorded, and the number of colonies of Streptoccocus mutans and Lactobacillus and the remineralisation of caries were evaluated using Diagnodent®. Measurements were taken at the beginning of the study and after 6 months.

Results:  Twenty‐two people finished the study. No group showed a statistical difference in the plaque or gingival index, but there was a tendency to show improvement in the amine fluoride group. There was also no difference between the number of colonies of either S. mutans or lactobacillus. There was a significant difference between the plaque and gingival index and the cognitive status (p = 0.0054), along with their requirement for assistance to perform good oral hygiene (p = 0.0001). Both products remineralised the carious lesions in this period compared with the control group (p = 0.0151).

Conclusion:  The plaque and gingival indices did not improve during the study, but both products remineralised the previous caries lesions.
Oral health‐related quality of life and nutritional status of institutionalized elderly population aged 60 years and above in Mysore City, India
Authors: Kshetrimayum Nandita , Reddy Chavva Venkata Konda , Siddhana Sunitha , Manjunath Maurya , Rudraswamy Sushma , Sulavai Sibyl
Published: February 2012

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2012.00651.x

Oral health‐related quality of life and nutritional status of institutionalized elderly population aged 60 years and above in Mysore City, India

Objective:  To assess whether oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) is associated with nutritional status in the institutionalised elderly population of Mysore.

Background:  Malnutrition in the elderly has an evident impact on their general health and quality of life. Analysis of data of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) and their association with the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) results improves our understanding of the complex relationship between oral health and malnutrition.

Materials and methods:  The study was conducted among the institutionalised elderly population in Mysore city, Karnataka. Data on socio‐demographic, oral health status were gathered. OHRQoL was evaluated using GOHAI, and malnutrition risk using MNA.

Results:  Out of 141 elderly, 41.1% were men and 58.9% were women with mean age of 72.2 ± 7.5 years. Mean GOHAI score was 47.03 ± 9.2, with 69.5% had low perception of oral health. Mean MNA score was 9.91 ± 2.4, 15.6% were malnourished, 52.5% were at risk of malnutrition and 31.9% were adequately nourished. A strong association was found between the mean GOHAI and MNA scores.

Conclusion:  Oral health–related quality of life was associated with nutritional deficit, and it requires a greater integration between dentistry and nutrition in the health promotion of older adults.
Refractive convergent plasma lenses explain extreme scattering events and pulsar scintillation
Authors: Pen Ue-Li , King Lindsay
Published: February 2012

We propose convergent plasma lenses, possibly from current sheets, as a generic solution to strong interstellar scattering. These lenses resolve the overpressure problem by geometric alignment as noted by Goldreich & Shridhar. Our new model further quantitatively explains properties of extreme scattering events and pulsar parabolic arcs. It makes quantitative predictions testable by VLBI on scattering events. It differs conceptually from previous models by occurring through rare, localized underdense sheets. Such sheets are thermally and kinematically stable, and could be consequences of reconnection. The apparent diffractive effects are a result of coherent interference of refractive images. We propose that these lenses can be used for precision distance determination to pulsars, enabling accurate gravity source localization.
Barcoding Queensland Fruit Flies (Bactrocera tryoni): impediments and improvements
Authors: BLACKET MARK J. , SEMERARO LINDA , MALIPATIL MALLIK B.
Published: February 2012

Identification of adult fruit flies primarily involves microscopic examination of diagnostic morphological characters, while immature stages, such as larvae, can be more problematic. One of the Australia’s most serious horticultural pests, the Queensland Fruit Fly (Bactrocera tryoni: Tephritidae), is of particular biosecurity/quarantine concern as the immature life stages occur within food produce and can be difficult to identify using morphological characteristics. DNA barcoding of the mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) gene could be employed to increase the accuracy of fruit fly species identifications. In our study, we tested the utility of standard DNA barcoding techniques and found them to be problematic for Queensland Fruit Flies, which (i) possess a nuclear copy (a numt pseudogene) of the barcoding region of COI that can be co‐amplified; and (ii) as in previous COI phylogenetic analyses closely related B. tryoni complex species appear polyphyletic. We found that the presence of a large deletion in the numt copy of COI allowed an alternative primer to be designed to only amplify the mitochondrial COI locus in tephritid fruit flies. Comparisons of alternative commonly utilized mitochondrial genes, Cytochrome Oxidase II and Cytochrome b, revealed a similar level of variation to COI; however, COI is the most informative for DNA barcoding, given the large number of sequences from other tephritid fruit fly species available for comparison. Adopting DNA barcoding for the identification of problematic fly specimens provides a powerful tool to distinguish serious quarantine fruit fly pests (Tephritidae) from endemic fly species of lesser concern.
Comment on “Highly Efficient Sigma Point Filter for Spacecraft Attitude and Rate Estimation”
Authors: Hu Baiqing , Chang Lubin , Li An , Qin Fangjun
Published: February 2012

In light of the intuition that a better symmetrical structure can further increase the numerical accuracy, the paper by Fan and Zeng (2009) developed a new sigma point construction strategy for the unscented Kalman filter (UKF), namely, geometric simplex sigma points (GSSP). This comment presents a different perspective from the standpoint of the numerical integration. In this respect, the GSSP constitutes an integration formula of degree 2 with equal weights. Then, we demonstrate that the GSSP can be derived through the orthogonal transformation from the basic points set of degree 2. Moreover, the method presented in this comment can be used to construct more accurate sigma points set for certain dynamic problems.
Animal Models in Behçet's Disease
Authors: Yildirim Ozlem
Published: February 2012

Behçet's disease is a chronic, recurrent, multisystemic, inflammatory disorder affecting mainly the oral and urogenital mucosa and the uveal tract. Although the etiology and pathogenesis of Behçet's disease are unknown, numerous etiologies have been proposed, including environmental, infectious, and immunological factors; an autoimmune basis, characterized by circulating immune complexes and complement activation, has gained increasing acceptance. To test and understand immunopathogenesis of Behçet's disease, animal models were developed based on enviromental pollutants, bacterial and human heat shock protein derived peptides, and virus injections. Using these animal models separately and/or concurrently allows for a more effective investigation into Behçet's disease. Animal models developed in the last 10 years aim at the development of efficient and safe treatment options.
Characterization of Progenitor Cells during Canine Retinal Development
Authors: Ávila-García Mallely , García-Sánchez Gustavo , Lira-Romero Esmeralda , Moreno-Mendoza Norma
Published: February 2012

We identify the presence of progenitor cells during retinal development in the dog, as this species represents a natural model for studying several breed-specific degenerative retinal disorders. Antibodies to detected progenitor cells (Pax6, C-kit, and nestin) and ganglion cells (BDNF, Brn3a, and Thy1) were used in combination with H3 for the purpose of identifying proliferating cells. Pax6, nestin, C-kit, and H3 were localized mainly in the neuroblastic layer of the retina during the embryonic stage. During the fetal stage, proteins were expressed in the inner neuroblastic layer (INL) as well as in the outer neuroblastic layer; BDNF, Thy1, and Brn3a were also expressed in the INL. During the neonatal stage only C-kit was not expressed. Proliferating cells were present in both undifferentiated and differentiated retina. These results suggest that, during canine retinogenesis, progenitor cells are distributed along the retina and some of these cells remain as progenitor cells of the ganglion cells during the first postnatal days.
Laryngomalacia: Disease Presentation, Spectrum, and Management
Authors: Landry April M. , Thompson Dana M.
Published: February 2012

Laryngomalacia is the most common cause of stridor in newborns, affecting 45–75% of all infants with congenital stridor. The spectrum of disease presentation, progression, and outcomes is varied. Identifying symptoms and patient factors that influence disease severity helps predict outcomes.Findings. Infants with stridor who do not have significant feeding-related symptoms can be managed expectantly without intervention. Infants with stridor and feeding-related symptoms benefit from acid suppression treatment. Those with additional symptoms of aspiration, failure to thrive, and consequences of airway obstruction and hypoxia require surgical intervention. The presence of an additional level of airway obstruction worsens symptoms and has a 4.5x risk of requiring surgical intervention, usually supraglottoplasty. The presence of medical comorbidities predicts worse symptoms.Summary. Most with laryngomalacia will have mild-to-moderate symptoms and not require surgical intervention. Those with gastroesophageal reflux and/or laryngopharyngeal reflux have symptom improvement from acid suppression therapy. Those with severe enough disease to require supraglottoplasty will have minimal complications and good outcomes if multiple medical comorbidities are not present. Identifying patient factors that influence disease severity is an important aspect of care provided to infants with laryngomalacia.
Spectrophotometric Determination of Iron(II) and Cobalt(II) by Direct, Derivative, and Simultaneous Methods Using 2-Hydroxy-1-Naphthaldehyde-p-Hydroxybenzoichydrazone
Authors: Devi V. S. Anusuya , Reddy V. Krishna
Published: February 2012

Optimized and validated spectrophotometric methods have been proposed for the determination of iron and cobalt individually and simultaneously. 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde-p-hydroxybenzoichydrazone (HNAHBH) reacts with iron(II) and cobalt(II) to form reddish-brown and yellow-coloured [Fe(II)-HNAHBH] and [Co(II)-HNAHBH] complexes, respectively. The maximum absorbance of these complexes was found at 405 nm and 425 nm, respectively. For [Fe(II)-HNAHBH], Beer’s law is obeyed over the concentration range of 0.055–1.373 μg mL−1with a detection limit of 0.095 μg mL−1and molar absorptivityɛ, 5.6 × 104 L mol−1cm−1. [Co(II)-HNAHBH] complex obeys Beer’s law in 0.118–3.534 μg mL−1range with a detection limit of 0.04 μg mL−1and molar absorptivity,ɛof 2.3 × 104 L mol−1cm−1. Highly sensitive and selective first-, second- and third-order derivative methods are described for the determination of iron and cobalt. A simultaneous second-order derivative spectrophotometric method is proposed for the determination of these metals. All the proposed methods are successfully employed in the analysis of various biological, water, and alloy samples for the determination of iron and cobalt content.
Putting “God's Honor First”: Truth, Lies, and Servants in Reformation Geneva
Authors: Spierling Karen
Published: February 2012

This article begins to examine the role of servants in the implementation of the Genevan Reformation in the 1530s–1560s by looking at the Genevan Consistory records and city legislation as recorded in the Sources du Droit, as well as considering John Calvin's stance on the absolute importance of truth in a godly society. It contrasts official efforts to inculcate the principle of truth-telling among servants with employers' expectations that servants would lie in order to protect family honor and reputation. It argues that, as a result of these potentially conflicting obligations to employers and to the principles of Geneva's reforming church and city authorities, servants were at one and the same time vital to the enforcement of the Reformed system of discipline and the consistory's pursuit of truth and frequent obstacles to that enforcement.
Impact of the Warming Pattern on Global Energetics
Authors: Hernández-Deckers Daniel , von Storch Jin-Song
Published: February 2012

The warming pattern due to higher greenhouse gas concentrations is expected to affect the global atmospheric energetics mainly via changes in the (i) meridional temperature gradient and (ii) mean static stability. Changes in surface meridional temperature gradients have been previously regarded as the determining feature for the energetics response, but recent studies suggest that changes in mean static stability may be more relevant than previously thought. This study aims to determine the relative importance of these two effects by comparing the energetics responses due to different warming patterns using a fully coupled atmosphere–ocean general circulation model.

By means of an additional diabatic forcing, experiments with different warming patterns are obtained: one with a 2xCO2-like pattern that validates the method, one with only the tropical upper-tropospheric warming, and one with only the high-latitude surface warming. The study’s findings suggest that the dominant aspect of the warming pattern that alters the global atmospheric energetics is not its associated meridional temperature gradient changes, but the mean static stability changes. The tropical upper warming weakens the energetics by increasing the mean static stability, whereas the surface warming strengthens it by reducing the mean static stability. The combined 2xCO2-like response is dominated by the tropical upper-tropospheric warming effect, hence the weaker energetic activity. Eddy kinetic energy changes consistently, but the two opposite responses nearly cancel each other in the 2xCO2 case. Therefore, estimates of future changes in storminess may be particularly sensitive to the relative magnitude of the main features of the simulated warming pattern.
‘Abnormalities and deformities’: the dissection and interment of the insane poor, 1832–1929
Authors: Hurren Elizabeth T
Published: February 2012

The body trade of anatomy schools in Victorian times that underpinned the expansion of medical education has been neglected. This article examines dissection records of insane paupers, sold to repay their welfare debt to society. Each cadaver was entered in an ‘Abnormalities and Deformities’ dissection book. Student doctors paid fees to anatomists to be taught the pathology of insanity under the Medical Act. Anatomists also dissected cadavers to do further brain and eye research on epilepsy and glaucoma in the insane. These bodies were often dissected to their extremities. Their fragmentary remains were then disposed of in a common grave. This secret body trade and its asylum supply-chain merit further work in disability studies and the history of psychiatry.
Nanocrystalline silver dressing and subatmospheric pressure therapy following neoadjuvant radiation therapy and surgical excision of a feline injection site sarcoma
Authors: Woods Samantha , de Castro Marques Ana I , Renwick Mala G , Argyle Sally A , Yool Donald A
Published: February 2012

Clinical summary This is the first clinical report of use of a combination of nanocrystalline silver and subatmospheric pressure therapy to treat a resistant wound infection, following tumour removal and radiation therapy, in a difficult-to-manage surgical site in a cat.

Practical relevance The therapy was well tolerated and the authors suggest it is a valid treatment protocol for management of non-healing or infected wounds in the cat.
Repetition and Ritual Logic in Video Games
Authors: Gazzard Alison , Peacock Alan
Published: February 2012

By moving away from a model of ritual that focuses on magic and fantasy worlds, this article seeks to broaden the discussion of ritual actions, performances, and objects in first- and third-person video games. Ritual will be understood through the idea of a “ritual logic” that enables the wider associations of ritual in the virtual as opposed to the real world to be analyzed, and through the key element of repetition in game play. In part derived from the intertextuality of video game genres and associated popular culture artifacts such as films and novels, ritual logic contributes to the players’ knowledge and understanding of what ritual is and what ritual does in the game, and how ritual can be used to progress its narrative and play trajectories.
The deformation mechanism of a pressure-induced phase transition in dehydrated analcime
Authors: Likhacheva A. Yu. , Rashchenko S. V. , Seryotkin Yu. V.
Published: February 2012

The elastic and structural behaviour of dehydrated analcime in compression in a non-penetrating medium up to 3 GPa was studied in a diamond anvil cell usingin situsynchrotron powder diffraction. A first-order phase transition at 0.4–0.7 GPa is accompanied by a symmetry change from monoclinic (I2/a) to pseudo-rhombohedral (R3) due to trigonalization of the aluminosilicate framework. This is due to the migration of cations to new positions close to the 6-membered rings forming the channels. The reduction of the mean aperture of the structure-forming 6- and 8-membered rings, as a result of tetrahedral tilting, leads to a 7.5% reduction in volume at the phase transition. The bulk modulus values are 38(2) GPa for the low pressure (LP) phase [fitted with a Murnaghan equation of state,K' = 4 (fixed)] and 11(4) GPa for the high pressure (HP) phase [fitted with a third-order Birch–Murnaghan equation of state,K' = 9(1)]. The elastic behaviour of the LPphase is anisotropic, with compressibilities βa:βb:βcin the ratio 1:4:2; the most compressible directionbcoinciding with the orientation of empty 8-membered rings. The compressibility of the HP phase is isotropic. Trigonalization appears to be the most effective (and probably unique) mechanism of radical volume contraction for the ANA structure type.
Sodalite-group minerals from the Somma Vesuvius volcanic complex, Italy: a case study of K-feldspar-rich xenoliths
Authors: Balassone G. , Bellatreccia F. , Mormone A. , Biagioni C. , Pasero M. , Petti C. , Mondillo N. , Fameli G.
Published: February 2012

Sodalites and sulfatic sodalites in holocrystalline K-feldspar-rich ejecta from the Somma Vesuvius volcanic complex, Italy, have been characterized by combined chemical, structural and spectroscopic analyses. Sodalite has a relatively homogeneous chemical composition, with the ubiquitous presence of CO32– and H2O/OH–. The sulfatic sodalites are isomorphous and have cage structures which can contain a wide variety of anions, molecular species and cations. Molecular CO2 and H2O/OH– are present in sulfatic sodalites, instead of the CO32– anions that are present in sodalite sensu stricto. The cell dimensions of the all of the studied sodalite samples are very similar, the sulfatic sodalite cell dimensions are more variable. Structure refinement of a distinctly green sample confirms the P3n space group. Metasomatic magma-derived fluids that are rich in H2O, CO2, Cl and S are believed to be responsible for the genesis of the relatively late-stage phases which form the ejecta containing the sodalite-group minerals.
Direct observations of mineral fluid reactions using atomic force microscopy: the specific example of calcite
Authors: -Agudo E. Ruiz , Putnis C. V.
Published: February 2012

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) enables in situ observations of mineral fluid reactions to be made at a nanoscale. During the past 20 years, the direct observation of mineral surfaces at molecular resolution during dissolution and growth has made significant contributions toward improvements in our understanding of the dynamics of mineral fluid reactions at the atomic scale. Observations and kinetic measurements of dissolution and growth from AFM experiments give valuable evidence for crystal dissolution and growth mechanisms, either confirming existing models or revealing their limitations. Modifications to theories can be made in the light of experimental evidence generated by AFM. Significant changes in the kinetics and mechanisms of crystallization and dissolution processes occur when the chemical and physical parameters of solutions, including the presence of impurity molecules or background electrolytes, are altered. Calcite has received considerable attention in AFM studies due to its central role in geochemical and biomineralization processes. This review summarizes the extensive literature on the dissolution and growth of calcite that has been generated by AFM studies, including the influence of fluid characteristics such as supersaturation, solution stoichiometry, pH, temperature and the presence of impurities.
Dissecting genetic architecture of grape proanthocyanidin composition through quantitative trait locus mapping
Authors: Huang Yung-Fen , Doligez Agnès , Fournier-Level Alexandre , Le Cunff Loïc , Bertrand Yves , Canaguier Aurélie , Morel Cécile , Miralles Valérie , Veran Frédéric , Souquet Jean-Marc , Cheynier Véronique , Terrier Nancy , This Patrice
Published: February 2012

Background

Proanthocyanidins (PAs), or condensed tannins, are flavonoid polymers, widespread throughout the plant kingdom, which provide protection against herbivores while conferring organoleptic and nutritive values to plant-derived foods, such as wine. However, the genetic basis of qualitative and quantitative PA composition variation is still poorly understood. To elucidate the genetic architecture of the complex grape PA composition, we first carried out quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis on a 191-individual pseudo-F1 progeny. Three categories of PA variables were assessed: total content, percentages of constitutive subunits and composite ratio variables. For nine functional candidate genes, among which eight co-located with QTLs, we performed association analyses using a diversity panel of 141 grapevine cultivars in order to identify causal SNPs.

Results

Multiple QTL analysis revealed a total of 103 and 43 QTLs, respectively for seed and skin PA variables. Loci were mainly of additive effect while some loci were primarily of dominant effect. Results also showed a large involvement of pairwise epistatic interactions in shaping PA composition. QTLs for PA variables in skin and seeds differed in number, position, involvement of epistatic interaction and allelic effect, thus revealing different genetic determinisms for grape PA composition in seeds and skin. Association results were consistent with QTL analyses in most cases: four out of nine tested candidate genes (VvLAR1,VvMYBPA2,VvCHI1,VvMYBPA1) showed at least one significant association with PA variables, especiallyVvLAR1revealed as of great interest for further functional investigation. Some SNP-phenotype associations were observed only in the diversity panel.

Conclusions

This study presents the first QTL analysis on grape berry PA composition with a comparison between skin and seeds, together with an association study. Our results suggest a complex genetic control for PA traits and different genetic architectures for grape PA composition between berry skin and seeds. This work also uncovers novel genomic regions for further investigation in order to increase our knowledge of the genetic basis of PA composition.
Combining full wavefield migration and full waveform inversion, a glance into the future of seismic imaging
Authors: Berkhout A. J.
Published: February 2012

The next generation seismic migration and inversion technology considers multiple scattering as vital information, allowing the industry to derive significantly better reservoir models — with more detail and less uncertainty—while requiring a minimum of user intervention. Three new insights have been uncovered with respect to this fundamental transition. Unblended or blended multiple scattering can be included in the seismic migration process, and it has been proposed to formulate the imaging principle as a minimization problem. The resulting process yields angle-dependent reflectivity and is referred to as recursive full wavefield migration (WFM). The full waveform inversion process for velocity estimation can be extended to a recursive, optionally blended, anisotropic multiple-scattering algorithm. The resulting process yields angle-dependent velocity and is referred to as recursive full waveform inversion (WFI). The mathematical equations of WFM and WFI have an identical structure, but the physical meaning behind the expressions is fundamentally different. In WFM the reflection process is central, and the aim is to estimate reflection operators of the subsurface, using the up- and downgoing incident wavefields (including the codas) in each gridpoint. In WFI, however, the propagation process is central and the aim is to estimate velocity operators of the subsurface, using the total incident wavefield (sum of up- and downgoing) in each gridpoint. Angle-dependent reflectivity in WFM corresponds with angle-dependent velocity (anisotropy) in WFI. The algorithms of WFM and WFI could be joined into one automated joint migration-inversion process. In the resulting hybrid algorithm, being referred to as recursive joint migration inversion (JMI), the elaborate volume integral solution was replaced by an efficient alternative: WFM and WFI are alternately applied at each depth level, where WFM extrapolates the incident wavefields and WFI updates the velocities without any user interaction. The output of the JMI process offers an integrated picture of the subsurface in terms of angle-dependent reflectivity as well as anisotropic velocity. This two-fold output, reflectivity image and velocity model, offers new opportunities to extract accurate rock and pore properties at a fine reservoir scale.