bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complement to standard method for measuring normal incidence sound transmission loss with three microphones
Authors: Salissou Yacoubou , Panneton Raymond , Doutres Olivier
Published: February 2012

Complement to standard E2611-09 of the American Society for Testing and Materials [Standard Test Method for Measurement of Normal Incidence Sound Transmission of Acoustical Materials Based on the Transfer Matrix Method (American Society for Testing and Materials, New York, 2009)] is proposed in order to measure normal incidence sound transmission loss of materials in a modified impedance tube using a three-microphone two-load or one-load method. The modified tube is a standard two-microphone impedance tube, where a third microphone is mounted on a movable hard termination. This method is conceptually identical to the four-microphone two-load or one-load method described in the standard; however, it requires fewer transfer functions and one microphone less. The method is validated on (1) symmetrical homogeneous and (2) non-symmetrical non-homogeneous specimens.
Improving Immunotherapy: Revisiting the Immunologist’s Little Secret
Authors: Berzofsky Jay A.
Published: February 2012

Synergy between intracellular and extracellular sensing mechanisms of the innate immune system improves adaptive immune responses to cancer vaccines and clearance of tumors.
Mayday, Mayday, Mayday! Answering the Distress Call of the β Cell
Authors: Evans-Molina Carmella
Published: February 2012

A noninvasive method to measure β-cell death in humans is based on differential epigenetic marks in the insulin promoter.
Antibodies on the Brain
Authors: Lin Richard J.
Published: February 2012

The central nervous system produces autoantibodies that may be used as markers for multiple sclerosis.
Bubble, Bubble, Tumor in Trouble
Authors: Tridandapani Srini
Published: February 2012

Microbubble contrast-enhanced ultrasound can disrupt tumor blood vessels and results in tumor necrosis.
Kinetics of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Metapopulation Movement during Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Walters Matthew S. , Lane M. Chelsea , Vigil Patrick D. , Smith Sara N. , Walk Seth T. , Mobley Harry L. T.
Published: February 2012

The urinary tract is one of the most frequent sites of bacterial infection in humans. Uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(UPEC) strains are the leading cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and are responsible for greater than 80% of uncomplicated cases in adults. Infection of the urinary tract occurs in an ascending manner, with colonization of the bladder leading to possible kidney infection and bacteremia. The goal of this study was to examine the population dynamics of UPEC
in vivo
using a murine model of ascending UTI. To track individual UPEC lineages within a host, we constructed 10 isogenic clones of UPEC strain CFT073 by inserting unique signature tag sequences between the
pstS
and
glmS
genes at the attTn7 chromosomal site. Mice were transurethrally inoculated with a mixture containing equal numbers of unique clones. After 4 and 48 h, the tags present in the bladders, kidneys, and spleens of infected mice were enumerated using tag-specific primers and quantitative real-time PCR. The results indicated that kidney infection and bacteremia associated with UTI are most likely the result of multiple rounds of ascension and dissemination from motile UPEC subpopulations, with a distinct bottleneck existing between the kidney and bloodstream. The abundance of tagged lineages became more variable as infection progressed, especially after bacterial ascension to the upper urinary tract. Analysis of the population kinetics of UPEC during UTI revealed metapopulation dynamics, with lineages that constantly increased and decreased in abundance as they migrated from one organ to another.

IMPORTANCE
Urinary tract infections are some of the most common infections affecting humans, and
Escherichia coli
is the primary cause in most uncomplicated cases. These infections occur in an ascending manner, with bacteria traveling from the bladder to the kidneys and potentially the bloodstream. Little is known about the spatiotemporal population dynamics of uropathogenic
E. coli
within a host. Here we describe a novel approach for tracking lineages of isogenic tagged
E. coli
strains within a murine host by the use of quantitative real-time PCR. Understanding the
in vivo
population dynamics and the factors that shape the bacterial population may prove to be of significant value in the development of novel vaccines and drug therapies.
Acupuncture as Add-On Treatment in the Management of a Patient with Ecthyma Gangrenosum
Authors: Foell Jens
Published: February 2012

Acupuncture is believed to have a positive effect on wound healing. A case is presented in which the healing of a leg ulcer which proved to be difficult to treat coincided with the added treatment modality of needling healthy tissue surrounding the lesion. It raises questions about the potential effect of local dry needling on tissue regeneration.
The composition of adult overwintering and juvenile aggregations of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) around Iceland using neutral and functional markers: a statistical challenge
Authors: Pampoulie Christophe , Daníelsdóttir Anna Kristín , Thorsteinsson Vilhjálmur , Hjörleifsson Einar , Marteinsdóttir Guðrún , Ruzzante Daniel E.
Published: February 2012

The collapse of marine fisheries worldwide has forced recognition of the fact that sustainable fisheries management cannot be achieved without a reasonable understanding of stock structure. Fisheries focusing on species that exhibit seasonal migrations between spawning and feeding grounds should consider the composition of feeding aggregations of presumed mixed origin. Using nine microsatellites and the Pan I locus, we assess the contribution of two previously described major spawning components of Icelandic cod Gadus morhua (southwest and northeast) to two large feeding and two large juvenile aggregations of presumed mixed origin and situated in the northwest and northeast of Iceland. The Bayesian approaches (STRUCTURE and BAYES) revealed that, with the exception of the juvenile samples collected in 2002 and 2003 in the northeast, most of the individuals originated from the southwest. These results confirmed that the Icelandic cod exhibit a complex biological pattern involving spawning site fidelity and migration to and from feeding aggregations. The sustainable management of the Icelandic cod is likely to be compromised if its complex dynamics is not properly integrated into fisheries management plans.
Estimating species composition and quantifying uncertainty in multispecies fisheries: hierarchical Bayesian models for stratified sampling protocols with missing data
Authors: Shelton Andrew O. , Dick E.J. , Pearson Donald E. , Ralston Stephen , Mangel Marc
Published: February 2012

Accurate landing statistics are among the most important data for the management of sustainable fisheries. For many fisheries, however, estimating species-specific landings and the associated uncertainty can be difficult, especially in the case of complex multispecies fisheries. Here we develop general and flexible methods for estimating species-specific landings, motivated by the mixed-species California groundfish fishery. We describe Bayesian generalized linear and hierarchical models for estimating species compositions from port sampling data and illustrate the application of each to several examples from California fisheries. Our hierarchical modeling approach provides a coherent statistical framework that can provide estimates of landings and uncertainty in the face of sparse and missing sampling data that compliment existing procedures for estimating landings. Furthermore, our methods provide ways to compare alternative model formulations and to maintain estimates of uncertainty when landings are aggregated across temporal or spatial scales. Our model structure is applicable to fisheries worldwide.
High river temperature reduces survival of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) approaching spawning grounds and exacerbates female mortality
Authors: Martins Eduardo G. , Hinch Scott G. , Patterson David A. , Hague Merran J. , Cooke Steven J. , Miller Kristina M. , Robichaud David , English Karl K. , Farrell Anthony P.
Published: February 2012

Recent studies have shown that warm temperatures reduce survival of adult migrating sockeye salmon ( Oncorhynchus nerka ), but knowledge gaps exist on where high-temperature-related mortality occurs along the migration and whether females and males are differentially impacted by river temperature. In this study, we monitored 437 radio-tagged Fraser River sockeye salmon and used capture–mark–recapture modelling approaches to investigate whether river thermal conditions differentially influence (i) spatial patterns of survival along a 413-km stretch of migration and (ii) survival of the sexes. Regardless of water temperature, survival decreased in the river section containing the most hydraulically difficult passages of the migration. However, when water temperature was warm (19 °C), survival decreased even further in the final 186 km of the migration prior to reaching the spawning grounds, particularly in females. Female and male survival differed but only when they experienced warm river temperatures. Under such conditions, the overall freshwater migration survival of males was 1.6 times higher (0.79 ± 0.09 standard error, SE) than that of females (0.50 ± 0.11 SE). As maturing female sockeye salmon maintain higher levels of plasma cortisol compared with males, we suspect that females could be immuno-compromised and thus less resistant to pathogens whose rates of development are accelerated by warm temperatures.
Multifractal patterns in the daily catch time series of smooth pink shrimp (Pandalus jordani) from the west coast of Vancouver Island, Canada
Authors: Montes Rodrigo M. , Perry R. Ian , Pakhomov Evgeny A. , Edwards Andrew M. , Boutillier James A.
Published: February 2012

There is an urgent need for indicators that anticipate changes in populations of exploited marine species. We modelled the complex patterns of variability found in fisheries time series that are not detected using classical models. We applied fractal analyses to detect time-invariant scaling symmetries in daily catch time series from the smooth pink shrimp ( Pandalus jordani ) fishery from the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. A universal multifractal model, which accounts for intermittent fluctuations and extreme values in a time series, provided a better fit to daily catches than a monofractal model. Multifractality is an indication of multiple scaling patterns and suggests that more than one process is affecting the variability of catches. Fractal dynamics in catch time series were found for a range of scales between 16 and 120 fishing days. To our knowledge, this is the first time that multifractality has been demonstrated for an invertebrate fishery. The multifractal model has the potential to provide an in-season estimate (up to 120 fishing days) of the variability of shrimp catches based on the variability at time scales less than 1 month. Changes in these fractal patterns may provide an early warning that conditions underlying this fishery are changing.
Temporal and spatial patterns of angler effort across lake districts and policy options to sustain recreational fisheries
Authors: Post John. R. , Parkinson Eric A.
Published: February 2012

Studies suggest anglers allocate fishing effort across lakes districts based on fishing quality and travel time resulting in high effort near urban areas, which declines with distance. This results in quality fisheries in remote areas and poorer quality near population centres. In this paper we explore the effectiveness of harvest and effort regulations to counter this tendency for overfishing and stock collapse for a rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) fishery from a lake district in British Columbia, Canada. Our results suggest that daily bag limits can improve fishing quality if the effort is not too high, but fail to prevent collapse close to population centres. The ability of complete catch-and-release regulations to maintain quality fisheries is inversely related to the rate of release mortality. Catch-and-release fisheries with low mortality can maintain quality close to large cities, whereas higher release mortality does not prevent collapse. Direct fishing effort limitation can maintain quality fisheries, but a high proportional reduction in effort is required to maintain quality near population centres. Explicit consideration of the location of fisheries within lake districts is necessary to design effective management approaches and will likely require a mixed strategy with substantial spatial variation in harvest control.
Temperature variability in the nearshore benthic boundary layer of Lake Opeongo is due to wind-driven upwelling events
Authors: Coman Melissa Anne , Wells Mathew Graeme
Published: February 2012

A major source of temperature variation in nearshore and benthic regions of stratified lakes is due to wind-driven tilting of the thermocline. The maximum displacement of the thermocline depends upon the wind forcing, stratification, and basin morphometry; combined these three-dimensional physical parameters give the dimensionless lake number (LN). We find that the deflection of the thermocline across the length of the basin (Δh*) is correlated to the temporally averaged LN as Δh*/2h1 = 0.37LN–1, where h1 is the depth of the thermocline. We report field observations from Lake Opeongo (Ontario, Canada) showing that during large vertical movements of the thermocline, there are unstable temperature gradients in the benthic layer, as measured by the occurrence of temperature inversions on our thermistor strings. High-frequency waves interacting with the benthic boundary are most likely causing the temperature inversions. Measurements at two shallow slopes of S = 1% and 4%, show that inversions only occur when LN < 5, whereas for S = 8%, the inversions occur only when LN < 2.
CDF Wjj ANOMALY AS A NONPERTURBATIVE EFFECT OF THE ELECTROWEAK INTERACTION
Authors: ARBUZOV BORIS A. , ZAITSEV IVAN V.
Published: February 2012

The recently reported CDF excess at 120–160 GeV in invariant mass distribution of jet pairs accompanying W-boson1 is tentatively interpreted as a bound state of two W decaying to quark–antiquark pair. Nonperturbative effects of EW interaction obtained by application of Bogoliubov compensation approach lead to such bound state due to existence of anomalous three-boson gauge-invariant effective interaction. The application of this scheme gives satisfactory agreement with existing data without any adjusting parameter but the bound state mass 145 GeV.
AXIONS SCATTERING FROM A QUADRUPOLE MAGNETIC FIELD
Authors: GUENDELMAN EDUARDO I. , LEIZEROVITCH SHAY , SHILON IDAN
Published: February 2012

We study the 2D scattering of axions from an accelerator like quadrupole magnet using the eikonal approximation in order to learn whether or not such a setup could serve as a new possible method for detecting axions on terrestrial experiments. The eikonal approximation in 2D is introduced and explained. We also apply the eikonal approximation to two known cases in order to compare it with previous results, obtained using Born's approximation, and discuss its correctness.
Age-dependent renal cortical microvascular loss in female mice
Authors: Urbieta-Caceres Victor H. , Syed Farhan A. , Lin Jing , Zhu Xiang-Yang , Jordan Kyra L. , Bell Caitlin C. , Bentley Michael D. , Lerman Amir , Khosla Sundeep , Lerman Lilach O.
Published: February 2012

Renal function and blood flow decline during aging in association with a decrease in the number of intrarenal vessels, but if loss of estrogen contributes to this microvascular, rarefaction remains unclear. We tested the hypothesis that the decreased renal microvascular density with age is aggravated by loss of estrogen. Six-month-old female C57/BL6 mice underwent ovariectomy (Ovx) or sham operation and then were allowed to age to 18–22 mo. Another comparable group was replenished with estrogen after Ovx (Ovx+E), while a 6-mo-old group served as young controls. Kidneys were then dissected for evaluation of microvascular density (by micro-computed tomography) and angiogenic and fibrogenic factors. Cortical density of small microvessels (20–200 μm) was decreased in all aged groups compared with young controls (30.3 ± 5.8 vessels/mm2, P < 0.05), but tended to be lower in sham compared with Ovx and Ovx+E (9.9 ± 1.7 vs. 17.2 ± 4.2 and 18 ± 3.0 vessels/mm2, P = 0.08 and P = 0.02, respectively). Cortical density of larger microvessels (200–500 μm) decreased only in aged sham ( P = 0.04 vs. young control), and proangiogenic signaling was attenuated. On the other hand, renal fibrogenic mechanisms were aggravated in aged Ovx compared with aged sham, but blunted in Ovx+E, in association with downregulated transforming growth factor-β signaling and decreased oxidative stress in the kidney. Therefore, aging induced in female mice renal cortical microvascular loss, which was likely not mediated by loss of endogenous estrogen. However, estrogen may play a role in protecting the kidney by decreasing oxidative stress and attenuating mechanisms linked to renal interstitial fibrosis.
Decoding conjunctions of direction-of-motion and binocular disparity from human visual cortex
Authors: Seymour Kiley J. , Clifford Colin W. G.
Published: February 2012

Motion and binocular disparity are two features in our environment that share a common correspondence problem. Decades of psychophysical research dedicated to understanding stereopsis suggest that these features interact early in human visual processing to disambiguate depth. Single-unit recordings in the monkey also provide evidence for the joint encoding of motion and disparity across much of the dorsal visual stream. Here, we used functional MRI and multivariate pattern analysis to examine where in the human brain conjunctions of motion and disparity are encoded. Subjects sequentially viewed two stimuli that could be distinguished only by their conjunctions of motion and disparity. Specifically, each stimulus contained the same feature information (leftward and rightward motion and crossed and uncrossed disparity) but differed exclusively in the way these features were paired. Our results revealed that a linear classifier could accurately decode which stimulus a subject was viewing based on voxel activation patterns throughout the dorsal visual areas and as early as V2. This decoding success was conditional on some voxels being individually sensitive to the unique conjunctions comprising each stimulus, thus a classifier could not rely on independent information about motion and binocular disparity to distinguish these conjunctions. This study expands on evidence that disparity and motion interact at many levels of human visual processing, particularly within the dorsal stream. It also lends support to the idea that stereopsis is subserved by early mechanisms also tuned to direction of motion.
Human gene copy number spectra analysis in congenital heart malformations
Authors: Tomita-Mitchell Aoy , Mahnke Donna K. , Struble Craig A. , Tuffnell Maureen E. , Stamm Karl D. , Hidestrand Mats , Harris Susan E. , Goetsch Mary A. , Simpson Pippa M. , Bick David P. , Broeckel Ulrich , Pelech Andrew N. , Tweddell James S. , Mitchell Michael E.
Published: February 2012

The clinical significance of copy number variants (CNVs) in congenital heart disease (CHD) continues to be a challenge. Although CNVs including genes can confer disease risk, relationships between gene dosage and phenotype are still being defined. Our goal was to perform a quantitative analysis of CNVs involving 100 well-defined CHD risk genes identified through previously published human association studies in subjects with anatomically defined cardiac malformations. A novel analytical approach permitting CNV gene frequency “spectra” to be computed over prespecified regions to determine phenotype-gene dosage relationships was employed. CNVs in subjects with CHD ( n = 945), subphenotyped into 40 groups and verified in accordance with the European Paediatric Cardiac Code, were compared with two control groups, a disease-free cohort ( n = 2,026) and a population with coronary artery disease ( n = 880). Gains (≥200 kb) and losses (≥100 kb) were determined over 100 CHD risk genes and compared using a Barnard exact test. Six subphenotypes showed significant enrichment ( P ≤ 0.05), including aortic stenosis (valvar), atrioventricular canal (partial), atrioventricular septal defect with tetralogy of Fallot, subaortic stenosis, tetralogy of Fallot, and truncus arteriosus. Furthermore, CNV gene frequency spectra were enriched ( P ≤ 0.05) for losses at: FKBP6, ELN, GTF2IRD1, GATA4, CRKL, TBX1, ATRX, GPC3, BCOR, ZIC3, FLNA and MID1; and gains at: PRKAB2, FMO5, CHD1L, BCL9, ACP6, GJA5, HRAS, GATA6 and RUNX1. Of CHD subjects, 14% had causal chromosomal abnormalities, and 4.3% had likely causal (significantly enriched), large, rare CNVs. CNV frequency spectra combined with precision phenotyping may lead to increased molecular understanding of etiologic pathways.
Ultrafast Plasmonic Nanoantenna-ITO Hybrid Switches
Authors: Abb Martina , Muskens Otto L.
Published: February 2012

We present here a new type of device using nonlinear hybrid antenna-semiconductor (ITO) interaction. We observe a picosecond transient response from the antenna that cannot be explained by either pure ITO or antenna nonlinearities independently. We study the dependence of the hybrid interaction on several experimental parameters, including the polarization of excitation and detection.
Renal Heme Oxygenase-1 Induction with Hemin Augments Renal Hemodynamics, Renal Autoregulation, and Excretory Function
Authors: Botros Fady T. , Dobrowolski Leszek , Navar L. Gabriel
Published: February 2012

Heme oxygenases (HO-1; HO-2) catalyze conversion of heme to free iron, carbon monoxide, and biliverdin/bilirubin. To determine the effects of renal HO-1 induction on blood pressure and renal function, normal control rats (n=7) and hemin-treated rats (n=6) were studied. Renal clearance studies were performed on anesthetized rats to assess renal function; renal blood flow (RBF) was measured using a transonic flow probe placed around the left renal artery. Hemin treatment significantly induced renal HO-1. Mean arterial pressure and heart rate were not different (115±5 mmHg versus112±4 mmHg and331±16versus346±10 bpm). However, RBF was significantly higher (9.1±0.8versus7.0±0.5 mL/min/g,P<0.05), and renal vascular resistance was significantly lower (13.0±0.9versus16.6±1.4[mmHg/(mL/min/g)],P<0.05). Likewise, glomerular filtration rate was significantly elevated (1.4±0.2versus1.0±0.1 mL/min/g,P<0.05), and urine flow and sodium excretion were also higher (18.9±3.9versus8.2±1.0 μL/min/g,P<0.05and1.9±0.6versus0.2±0.1 μmol/min/g,P<0.05, resp.). The plateau of the autoregulation relationship was elevated, and renal vascular responses to acute angiotensin II infusion were attenuated in hemin-treated rats reflecting the vasodilatory effect of HO-1 induction. We conclude that renal HO-1 induction augments renal function which may contribute to the antihypertensive effects of HO-1 induction observed in hypertension models.
Magnetostrictive Actuation of a Bone Loading Composite for Accelerated Tissue Formation
Authors: Hart Stephen , Bucio Ryan , Dapino Marcelo
Published: February 2012

When bone is dynamically loaded it adapts its shape to better support the load. We have developed a magnetostrictive composite consisting of Terfenol-D particles encapsulated in an epoxy resin that changes length when exposed to magnetic fields. When bonded to the surface of a porcine tibiaex vitro, the composite produces surface strains greater than 900 μεat a frequency of 30 Hz and magnetic field of 170 kA/m. This is more than sufficient strain magnitude and frequency to promote cortical bone growth in both rats and turkeys and to maintain cortical bone structure in humans. Key advantages of the composite over conventional electromechanical or thermomechanical actuators are its simplicity, compact size, and remote actuation. A mathematical model describing the strains and stresses in the bone is presented.
Synergy between Allopatry and Ecology in Population Differentiation and Speciation
Authors: Surget-Groba Yann , Johansson Helena , Thorpe Roger S.
Published: February 2012

The general diversity pattern of the Caribbean anole radiation has been described in detail; however, the actual mechanisms at the origin of their diversification remain controversial. In particular, the role of ecological speciation, and the relative importance of divergence in allopatry and in parapatry, is debated. We describe the genetic structure of anole populations across lineage contact zones and ecotones to investigate the effect of allopatric divergence, natural selection, and the combination of both factors on population differentiation. Allopatric divergence had no significant impact on differentiation across the lineage boundary, while a clear bimodality in genetic and morphological characters was observed across an ecotone within a single lineage. Critically, the strongest differentiation was observed when allopatry and ecology act together, leading to a sharp reduction in gene flow between two lineages inhabiting different habitats. We suggest that, for Caribbean anoles to reach full speciation, a synergistic combination of several historical and ecological factors may be requisite.
Synthesis of SnO2‐ZnO Core‐Shell Nanowires and Their Optoelectronic Properties
Authors: Pan Ko-Ying , Lin Yu-Hung , Lee Po-Sheng , Wu Jyh-Ming , Shih Han C.
Published: February 2012

Zinc oxides deposited on Tin dioxide nanowires have been successfully synthesized by atomic layer deposition (ALD). The diameter of SnO2‐ZnO core‐shell nanowires is 100 nm by ALD 200 cycles. The result of electricity measurements shows that the resistance of SnO2‐ZnO core‐shell nanowires (ALD: 200 cycles) is 925 Ω, which is much lower than pure SnO2 nanowires (3.6 × 106 Ω). The result of UV light test shows that the recovery time of SnO2‐ZnO core‐shell nanowires (ALD: 200 cycles) is 328 seconds, which is lower than pure SnO2 nanowires (938 seconds). These results demonstrated that the SnO2‐ZnO core‐shell nanowires have potential application as UV photodetectors with high photon‐sensing properties.
Leptin in Anorexia and Cachexia Syndrome
Authors: Engineer Diana R. , Garcia Jose M.
Published: February 2012

Leptin is a product of the obese (OB) gene secreted by adipocytes in proportion to fat mass. It decreases food intake and increases energy expenditure by affecting the balance between orexigenic and anorexigenic hypothalamic pathways. Low leptin levels are responsible for the compensatory increase in appetite and body weight and decreased energy expenditure (EE) following caloric deprivation. The anorexia-cachexia syndrome is a complication of many chronic conditions including cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and aging, where the decrease in body weight and food intake is not followed by a compensatory increase in appetite or decreased EE. Crosstalk between leptin and inflammatory signaling known to be activated in these conditions may be responsible for this paradox. This manuscript will review the evidence and potential mechanisms mediating changes in the leptin pathway in the setting of anorexia and cachexia associated with chronic diseases.
Synthesis of CdSe/ZnS and CdTe/ZnS Quantum Dots: Refined Digestive Ripening
Authors: Cingarapu Sreeram , Yang Zhiqiang , Sorensen Christopher M. , Klabunde Kenneth J.
Published: February 2012

We report synthesis of CdSe and CdTe quantum dots (QDs) from the bulk CdSe and CdTe material by evaporation/co‐condensation using the solvated metal atom dispersion (SMAD) technique and refined digestive ripening. The outcomes of this new process are (1) the reduction of digestive ripening time by employing ligands (trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) and oleylamine (OA)) as capping agent as well as digestive ripening solvent, (2) ability to tune the photoluminescence (PL) from 410 nm to 670 nm, (3) demonstrate the ability of SMAD synthesis technique for other semiconductors (CdTe), (4) direct comparison of CdSe QDs growth with CdTe QDs growth based on digestive ripening times, and (5) enhanced PL quantum yield (QY) of CdSe QDs and CdTe QDs upon covering with a ZnS shell. Further, the merit of this synthesis is the use of bulk CdSe and CdTe as the starting materials, which avoids usage of toxic organometallic compounds, eliminates the hot injection procedure, and size selective precipitation processes. It also allows the possibility of scale up. These QDs were characterized by UV‐vis, photoluminescence (PL), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and powder XRD.
Anatase TiO2Nanospindle/Activated Carbon (AC) Composite Photocatalysts with Enhanced Activity in Removal of Organic Contaminant
Authors: Zhou Wuyi , Zhang Peng , Liu Weian
Published: February 2012

This paper embarks upon the three levels of analysis ranging from nanoscale materials synthesis to combination and functionality. Firstly, we have prepared anatase TiO2nanospindles with an even length of about 200 nm and a central width of about 25 nm by hydrothermal synthesis method at 100°C for 6 h. Secondly, we have dispersed TiO2nanospindles on the surface of activated carbon (AC) and fabricated TiO2/AC compositeviaa dip-coating method. Thirdly, the TiO2/AC composite has been studied as the photocatalyst to remove the organic contaminants in the waste water and exhibits excellent degradation rate in comparison with pure anatase TiO2nanospindles.
Visual Field Loss Morphology in High- and Normal-Tension Glaucoma
Authors: Iester Michele , De Feo Fabio , Douglas Gordon R.
Published: February 2012

Purpose. To determine whether the patterns of visual field damage between high-tension glaucoma (HTG) and normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) are equivalent.Methods. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, fifty-one NTG and 57 HTG patients were recruited. For each recruited patient only the left eye was chosen. Glaucomatous patients had abnormal visual fields and/or glaucomatous changes at the optic nerve head. They were classified as HTG or NTG on the basis of intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements. Patients' visual fields were analyzed by using Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA), program 30-2, full threshold. The visual field sensitivity values and the pattern deviation map values of the 72 tested points were considered. Then a pointwise analysis and an area analysis, based on the Glaucoma Hemifield test criteria, were performed, and a comparison between the two subgroups was made by Student’sttest.Results. Between NTG and HTG, no significant difference was found pointwise for almost all the visual field points, except for two locations. One was under the blind spot, and the other was in the inferior hemifield around the twenty-degree position. When area analysis was considered, three areas showed a significantly different sensitivity between HTG and NTG.Conclusions. These data suggested that there was no relevant difference in the pointwise analysis between NTG and HTG; however, when visual field areas were compared, no difference in paracentral areas was found between NTG and HTG, but superior nasal step and inferior and superior scotomata showed to be deeper in HTG than in NTG.
DNA Barcoding and Molecular Phylogeny ofDrosophila liniand Its Sibling Species
Authors: Li Yi-Feng , Wen Shuo-Yang , Kawai Kuniko , Gao Jian-Jun , Hu Yao-Guang , Segawa Ryoko , Toda Masanori J.
Published: February 2012

Drosophila liniand its two sibling species,D. ohnishiiandD. ogumai, are hardly distinguishable from one another in morphology. These species are more or less reproductively isolated. The mitochondrialND2andCOI-COIIand the nuclear ITS1-ITS2 regions were sequenced to seek for the possibility of DNA barcoding and to reconstruct the phylogeny of them. The character-based approach for DNA barcoding detected some diagnostic nucleotides only for monophyleticD. ogumai, but no informative sites for the other two very closely species,D. liniandD. ohnishii, of which strains intermingled in the molecular phylogenetic trees. Thus, this study provides another case of limited applicability of DNA barcoding in species delineation, as in other cases of relatedDrosophilaspecies. The molecular phylogenetic tree inferred from the concatenated sequences strongly supported the monophyly of the cluster of the three species, that is, theliniclade. We propose some hypotheses of evolutionary events in this clade.
Effective Silencing ofSryGene with RNA Interference in Developing Mouse Embryos Resulted in Feminization of XY Gonad
Authors: Wu Ning , Yu Ai-Bing , Zhu Hua-Bin , Lin Xiu-Kun
Published: February 2012

Delivering siRNA or shRNA into the developing embryos is still a main challenge to use of RNAi in mammalian systems. Here we analyze several factors influencing RNAi-mediated silencing ofSrygene, which is a tightly controlled spatiotemporal expressed gene and only shortly expressed in developing mouse embryo gonad. ASrygene-specific shRNAs expression vector (pSilencer4.1/Sry565) was constructed. The shRNA constructs were mixed with polyethylenimines (PEIs) to form a complex and then injected into pregnant mice though tail vein. Our results showed thatSrygene was downregulated significantly in developing embryos. Further study revealed that knocking-down ofSryexpression resulted in feminization of gonad development in mouse embryos and the expression level ofSox9andWt1gene was also significantly changed by downregulation ofSry. The transfection efficiency is associated with the amount of plasmid DNA injection, injection time, injection speed, and volume. Our studies suggest that transplacental RNAi could be implemented by tail vein injection of plasmid vector into pregnant mice.
Herbivore Larval Development at Low Springtime Temperatures: The Importance of Short Periods of Heating in the Field
Authors: Müller Esther , Obermaier Elisabeth
Published: February 2012

Temperature has been shown to play an important role in the life cycles of insects. Early season feeders in Palaearctic regions profit by the high nutritional quality of their host plants early in the year, but face the problem of having to develop at low average springtime temperatures. This study examines the influence of short periods of heating in the field on larval development and on mortality with the model systemGaleruca tanacetiL. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), an early season feeder, that hatches at low springtime temperatures. Field and laboratory experiments under different constant and variable temperature regimes were performed. While in the field, the average daily temperature was close to the lower developmental threshold of the species of 10.9°C; maximum temperatures of above 30°C were sometimes reached. Larvae developed significantly faster, and pupae were heavier, in the field and in an assay with short periods of heating than at the same average temperature under constant conditions in the laboratory. We conclude that larvae profit substantially from short periods of heating and temperature variation in the field and that intervals of high temperature enable insect survival and exploitation of nutrient-rich food resources at early times in the season.
Economic Analysis of a Pediatric Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Prevention Initiative in Nicaragua
Authors: Broughton Edward I. , López Sergio R. , Aguilar María Nela , Somarriba María Mercedes , Pérez Magaly , Sánchez Nieves
Published: February 2012

We performed an economic analysis of an intervention to decrease ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) prevalence in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) at two Nicaraguan hospitals to determine the cost of the intervention and how effective it needs to be in order to be cost-neutral. A matched cohort study determined differences in costs and outcomes among ventilated patients. VAP cases were matched by sex and age for children older than 28 days and by weight for infants under 28 days old to controls without VAP. Intervention costs were determined from accounting and PICU staff records. The intervention cost was approximately $7,000 for one year. If VAP prevalence decreased by 0.5%, hospitals would save $7,000 and the strategy would be cost-neutral. The finding that the intervention required only modest effectiveness to be cost-neutral and has potential to generate substantial cost savings argues for implementation of VAP prevention strategies in low-income countries like Nicaragua on a broader scale.
Concentration of Inorganic Elements Content in Benthic Seaweeds of Fernando de Noronha Archipelago by Synchrotron Radiation Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis (SRTXRF)
Authors: Ferreira Leandro De Santis , Lopes Rosana Peporine , Ulbrich Mabel Norma Costas , Guaratini Thais , Colepicolo Pio , Lopes Norberto Peporine , Garla Ricardo Clapis , Oliveira Filho Eurico Cabral , Pohlit Adrian Martin , Zucchi Orghêda Luiza Araújo Domingues
Published: February 2012

SRTXRF was used to determine As, Ba, Br, Ca, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Dy, Fe, K, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr, Ti, V, and Zn in eleven seaweed species commonly found in Fernando de Noronha:Caulerpa verticillata(J. Agardh) (Chlorophyta),Asparagopsis taxiformis(Delile),Dictyurus occidentalis(J. Agardh),Galaxaura rugosa(J. Ellis & Solander) J. V. Lamouroux,G. obtusata(J. Ellis & Solander) J. V. Lamouroux,G. marginata(J. Ellis & Solander) J. V. Lamouroux (Rhodophyta),Dictyota cervicornis(Kützing),Dictyopteris justii(J. V. Lamouroux),Dictyopteris plagiogramma(Montagne) Vickers,Padina gymnospora(Kützing) Sonder, and aSargassumsp. (Phaeophyta). Data obtained were compared to those from the analysis of other parts of the world seaweeds using different analytical techniques and were found to be in general agreement in terms of major and minor elemental components. Results provide baseline information about the absorption and accumulation of these elements by macroalgae in the area.
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2, Angiotensin-(1-7), and Receptor Mas Axis in the Kidney
Authors: Pinheiro Sergio Veloso Brant , Simões e Silva Ana Cristina
Published: February 2012

In the past few years the understanding of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has improved, helping to better define the role of this system in physiological conditions and in human diseases. Besides Angiotensin (Ang) II, the biological importance of other Ang fragments was progressively evidenced. In this regard, Angiotensin- (Ang-) (1-7) was recognized as a biologically active product of the RAS cascade with a specific receptor, the G-protein-coupled receptor Mas, and that is mainly formed by the action of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) homolog enzyme, ACE2, which converts Ang II into Ang-(1-7). Taking into account the biological effects of these two mediators, Ang II and Ang-(1-7), the RAS can be envisioned as a dual function system in which the vasoconstrictor/proliferative or vasodilator/antiproliferative actions are primarily driven by the balance between Ang II and Ang-(1-7), respectively. In this paper, we will discuss our current understanding of the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis of the RAS in renal physiology and in the pathogenesis of primary hypertension and chronic kidney disease.
Travel Time Model of Left‐Turning Vehicles at Signalized Intersection
Authors: Jun-qiang Leng , Yu-qin Feng , Jing Zhai , Lei Bao , Yi He
Published: February 2012

The travel time of left‐turning vehicles at signalized intersection was discussed. Under the assumption that the opposing through vehicles headway follows M3 distribution, the travel time model was established on the basis of gap theory and queue theory. Comparison was done with the common model based on the assumption that the opposing through vehicles headway follows negative exponential distribution. The results show that the model in this paper has stronger applicability and its most relative error is less than 15%. In addition, the sensitivity analysis was done. The results show that the opposing through flow rate has significant impact on travel time. The impact of left‐turning flow rate and following headway is light when the opposing through flow rate is small, the threshold is about 0.18 veh/s. The model established in this paper can well calculate travel time of left‐turning vehicles at intersection, and the methodology may provide reference to other occasions.
Effects of Electroacupuncture onN-Methyl-D-aspartate Receptor-Related Signaling Pathway in the Spinal Cord of Normal Rats
Authors: Kim Ha-Neui , Kim Yu-Ri , Jang Ji-Yeon , Shin Hwa-Kyoung , Choi Byung-Tae
Published: February 2012

This study examined the influence of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) on the modulation of related spinal signaling after electroacupuncture (EA) treatment in normal rats. Bilateral 2 Hz EA stimulations (1-2-3.0 mA) were delivered at acupoints corresponding to Zusanli (ST36) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) in men for 30 min. Thermal sensitization was strongly inhibited by EA, but this analgesia was reduced by preintrathecal injection of the NMDAR antagonist, MK801. Phosphorylation of the NMDAR NR2B subunit, cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and especially phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) were significantly induced by EA. However, these marked phosphorylations were not observed in MK801-pretreated rats. EA analgesia was reduced by preintrathecal injection with the calcium chelators Quin2 and TMB8, similar to the results evident using MK801. Phosphorylation of PI3K and CREB induced by EA was also inhibited by TMB8. Calcium influx by NMDAR activation may play an important role in EA analgesia of normal rats through the modulation of the phosphorylation of spinal PI3K and CREB.
Enhancement of Visible-Light Photocatalytic Activity of Mesoporous Au-TiO2Nanocomposites by Surface Plasmon Resonance
Authors: Zhou Minghua , Zhang Jun , Cheng Bei , Yu Huogen
Published: February 2012

Mesoporous Au-TiO2nanocomposite plasmonic photocatalyst with visible-light photoactivity was prepared by a simple spray hydrolytic method using photoreduction technique at90∘C. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and N2adsorption-desorption isotherms. The formation of hydroxyl radicals (•OH) on the surface of visible-light illuminated Au-TiO2nanocomposites was detected by the luminescence technique using terephthalic acid as probe molecules. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by photocatalytic decolorization of Rhodamine-B (RhB) aqueous solution under visible-light irradiation (λ >  420 nm). The results revealed that the TiO2could be crystallizedviaspray hydrolysis method, and the photoreduction technique was facilitated to prepare Au nanoparticles in the mesoporous TiO2at90∘C. The light absorption, the formation rate of hydroxyl radicals, and photocatalytic decolorization of Rhodamine-B aqueous solution were significantly enhanced by those embedded Au nanoparticles in the Au-TiO2nanocomposites. The prepared Au-TiO2nanocomposites exhibit a highly visible-light photocatalytic activity for photocatalytic degradation of RhB in water, and their photocatalytic activity is higher than that of the pristine TiO2nanoparticles due to the surface plasmon resonance.
Wavelet Collocation Method for Solving Multiorder Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Heydari M. H. , Hooshmandasl M. R. , Maalek Ghaini F. M. , Mohammadi F.
Published: February 2012

The operational matrices of fractional‐order integration for the Legendre
and Chebyshev wavelets are derived. Block pulse functions and collocation method
are employed to derive a general procedure for forming these matrices for both the Legendre
and the Chebyshev wavelets. Then numerical methods based on wavelet expansion
and these operational matrices are proposed. In this proposed method, by a change of
variables, the multiorder fractional differential equations (MOFDEs) with nonhomogeneous
initial conditions are transformed to the MOFDEs with homogeneous initial
conditions to obtain suitable numerical solution of these problems. Numerical examples
are provided to demonstrate the applicability and simplicity of the numerical
scheme based on the Legendre and Chebyshev wavelets.
Sensitive Determination of Terazosin in Pharmaceutical Formulations and Biological Samples by Ionic-Liquid Microextraction Prior to Spectrofluorimetry
Authors: Zeeb Mohsen , Sadeghi Mahdi
Published: February 2012

An efficient and environmentally friendly sample preparation method based on the application of hydrophobic 1-Hexylpyridinium hexafluorophosphate [Hpy][PF6] ionic liquid (IL) as a microextraction solvent was proposed to preconcentrate terazosin. The performance of the microextraction method was improved by introducing a common ion of pyridinium IL into the sample solution. Due to the presence of the common ion, the solubility of IL significantly decreased. As a result, the phase separation successfully occurred even at high ionic strength, and the volume of the settled IL-phase was not influenced by variations in the ionic strength (up to 30% w/v). After preconcentration step, the enriched phase was introduced to the spectrofluorimeter for the determination of terazosin. The obtained results revealed that this system did not suffer from the limitations of that in conventional ionic-liquid microextraction. Under optimum experimental conditions, the proposed method provided a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.027 μg L−1and a relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) of 2.4%. The present method was successfully applied to terazosin determination in actual pharmaceutical formulations and biological samples. Considering the large variety of ionic liquids, the proposed microextraction method earns many merits, and will present a wide application in the future.
Cataract Surgery in Uveitis
Authors: Agrawal Rupesh , Murthy Somashiela , Ganesh Sudha K. , Phaik Chee Soon , Sangwan Virender , Biswas Jyotimai
Published: February 2012

Cataract surgery in uveitic eyes is often challenging and can result in intraoperative and postoperative complications. Most uveitic patients enjoy good vision despite potentially sight-threatening complications, including cataract development. In those patients who develop cataracts, successful surgery stems from educated patient selection, careful surgical technique, and aggressive preoperative and postoperative control of inflammation. With improved understanding of the disease processes, pre- and perioperative control of inflammation, modern surgical techniques, availability of biocompatible intraocular lens material and design, surgical experience in performing complicated cataract surgeries, and efficient management of postoperative complications have led to much better outcome. Preoperative factors include proper patient selection and counseling and preoperative control of inflammation. Meticulous and careful cataract surgery in uveitic cataract is essential in optimizing the postoperative outcome. Management of postoperative complications, especially inflammation and glaucoma, earlier rather than later, has also contributed to improved outcomes. This manuscript is review of the existing literature and highlights the management pearls in tackling complicated cataract based on medline search of literature and experience of the authors.