bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weakening of spring Wyrtki jets in the Indian Ocean during 2006–2011
Authors: Joseph Sudheer , Wallcraft Alan J. , Jensen Tommy G. , Ravichandran M. , Shenoi S. S. C. , Nayak Shailesh
Published: February 2012

Beginning in 2006, the Indian Ocean experienced climatologically anomalous conditions due to large‐scale coupled air‐sea interactions that influenced the surface circulation of the equatorial Indian Ocean. Here we present evidence from observations as well as a general circulation model to demonstrate that spring Wyrtki jets (WJ) were weak during the past 6 years and were even reversed to westward flow during 2008. We note that this weakening coincided with uniformly high sea level as well as positive east to west gradient anomalies along the equatorial Indian Ocean during the month of May each year, starting in 2006. The weakened jets occur in conjunction with the latitude of zero zonal wind (LUZ) being close to the equator during these years, resulting in weaker than normal zonal winds along the equator from 2006 and onward. We find that starting in 2006, the normal tendency of westward propagation of the annual harmonic mode switches to eastward propagation, coherent with the wind forcing. In comparison to the annual harmonic component of the zonal current, the weak WJs are mainly associated with the semiannual harmonic WJs, as evident from an amplitude reduction of that mode by at least 0.3 m s−1 during the post‐2005 period. Our analysis demonstrates that the variance explained by the semiannual harmonic is reduced to half (30–40%) at the core of the WJ in 2006 and later years in comparison with earlier years when it was 70–80%.
Residual flow and tidal asymmetry in the Singapore Strait, with implications for resuspension and residual transport of sediment
Authors: van Maren D. S. , Gerritsen H.
Published: February 2012

The Singapore Strait connects the South China Sea, where tides are dominantly diurnal, to the dominantly semidiurnal Indian Ocean. At this transition, the tidal water level oscillations are observed to be semidiurnal while the tidal current oscillations are mixed, diurnal to fully diurnal. Due to the interaction of the diurnal constituents with the semidiurnal M2 tide, the tides are strongly asymmetric. Both residual flows and subtidal flows, with periodicities of 2 weeks to 1 year, are strong. In order to analyze and explain the hydrodynamics around Singapore, a well‐documented and calibrated regional tidal model application was further improved and validated. Analysis of the results of this model shows that the diurnal tidal wave is primarily standing, with an amphidromic point close to Singapore, explaining the dominantly diurnal current and semidiurnal water level oscillations. Analysis of the model results further indicates that the fortnightly constituents in the subtidal flow are probably compound tides, with a combined amplitude over 10 cm/s. Pronounced yearly and half‐yearly cycles in spring tidal current amplitude and asymmetry exist, resulting from interaction of the diurnal and the semidiurnal spring‐neap cycles, compound tides, and the monsoon currents. A simple analytical transport formula was applied to determine the relative importance of tidal asymmetry and residual flows, verified with a full sediment transport model. With fine sediment being more sensitive for residual flow and coarser sediment for tidal flow, a pronounced divergence in sediment transport pathways may exist, depending on the grain size.
Buoyancy frequency profiles and internal semidiurnal tide turning depths in the oceans
Authors: King Benjamin , Stone Mark , Zhang H. P. , Gerkema Theo , Marder M. , Scott Robert B. , Swinney Harry L.
Published: February 2012

We examine the possible existence of internal gravity wave “turning depths,” depths below which the local buoyancy frequency N(z) becomes smaller than the wave frequency. At a turning depth, incident gravity waves reflect rather than reaching the ocean bottom as is generally assumed. Here we consider internal gravity waves at the lunar semidiurnal (M2) tidal frequency, ωM2. Profiles of N2(z) (the quantity in the equations of motion) are computed using conductivity, temperature, and depth data obtained in the World Ocean Circulation Experiment (WOCE). Values for N2(z) computed using Gibbs SeaWater routines in two thermodynamically equivalent expressions for N2(z) are found to yield values that are in excellent accord but differ significantly from N2(z) computed from often‐used but inexact expressions that involve potential density. Uncertainties in N2(z) are estimated using a Monte Carlo method, where the data are averaged over a range in depth (80–200 m), which is determined by minimizing a cost function. Our principal result, reached from an analysis of all 18,000 WOCE casts, is that turning depths are common for zonal (east‐west propagating) internal tides in the deep oceans. Inclusion of the full Coriolis effect (i.e., not making the so‐called Traditional Approximation) leads to the conclusion that turning depths cannot occur for meridional and near‐meridional internal tides, but the ‘non‐traditional’ component has little impact on turning depths for internal tides that are near‐zonal (i.e., propagating within about 30° of the east‐west direction) at low and midlatitudes.
Lunar equatorial surface temperatures and regolith properties from the Diviner Lunar Radiometer Experiment
Authors: Vasavada Ashwin R. , Bandfield Joshua L. , Greenhagen Benjamin T. , Hayne Paul O. , Siegler Matthew A. , Williams Jean‐Pierre , Paige David A.
Published: February 2012

The Diviner Lunar Radiometer Experiment onboard the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has measured solar reflectance and mid‐infrared radiance globally, over four diurnal cycles, at unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution. These data are used to infer the radiative and bulk thermophysical properties of the near‐surface regolith layer at all longitudes around the equator. Normal albedos are estimated from solar reflectance measurements. Normal spectral emissivities relative to the 8‐μm Christiansen Feature are computed from brightness temperatures and used along with albedos as inputs to a numerical thermal model. Model fits to daytime temperatures require that the albedo increase with solar incidence angle. Measured nighttime cooling is remarkably similar across longitude and major geologic units, consistent with the scarcity of rock exposures and with the widespread presence of a near‐surface layer whose physical structure and thermal response are determined by pulverization through micrometeoroid impacts. Nighttime temperatures are best fit using a graded regolith model, with a ∼40% increase in bulk density and an eightfold increase in thermal conductivity (adjusted for temperature) occurring within several centimeters of the surface.
Quantifying the value of laminated stalagmites for paleoclimate reconstructions
Authors: Mariethoz Gregoire , Kelly Bryce F. J. , Baker Andy
Published: February 2012

From the Permian through to the modern day, stalagmites are an important archive of environmental change. Annually laminated stalagmites provide both a precise chronology and a paleoclimate proxy. The rate of annual vertical growth of stalagmites is recorded in changes of calcite fabric, annual fluxes of fluorescent organic matter or annual variations in trace element composition. The processes governing stalagmite growth are the flux of water, the CO2saturation of drip water relative to the cave atmosphere, and the temperature. Although these processes are well understood, they depend on the specific hydrogeological flow routing of individual stalagmites. Therefore, although past climates are recorded in the vertical growth lamina thickness, the climatic signal is perturbed by noise related to local hydrologic factors. To separate local from global factors, we used geostatistical tools to analyze annual growth rate data from eleven stalagmites located on four continents. Variogram analyses permit the quantification of the signal content contained within the growth rate records. The information content ranges from 23 to 87%. Analysis of the growth derivative shows a negative correlation at a 1 year lag, meaning that acceleration in growth rate tends to be systematically followed by deceleration in growth rate and vice versa. We call this behavior “flickering” growth, and argue that it is related to the size of the store feeding the stalagmite. Variogram analysis and flickering are used to screen which types of signals can potentially be recorded in a given speleothem.
Safety evaluation of Asparagus racemosus: a commonly used herb of Ayurvedic Medicine in Charles Foster rats
Authors: Yadav Narayan , Chanda Debabrata , Patider K , Pal Anirban , Luqman Suaib , Bawankule D , Mani D
Published: February 2012

Asparagus racemosus Willd., one of the most important medicinal plants, is regarded as a ‘rasayana’ in the Ayurvedic system of medicine and has been recommended for use as a galactagogue, aphrodisiac, anodyne, diuretic and nerve tonic since time immemorial, necessitating its incorporation into a number of important Ayurvedic formulations like Shatavarikalpa, Phalaghrita and Vishnutaila. However, data regarding safety or toxicity of Asparagus racemosus in animal systems is lacking. Hence, the present experiment envisaged acute and sub-acute toxicity of Asparagus racemosus root aqueous extract in adult Charles Foster rats following the guidelines of OECD including parameters like observational, hematological, biochemical and pathological studies. Except serum creatinine level in acute study and SGPT activity and serum creatinine level in sub-acute study, all the observational, hematological and biochemical parameters studied showed non-significant changes. Histopathological examination of hepatic sections of sub-acute samples showed mild inflammatory and fatty changes at higher doses.
Chemopreventive potential of natural products isolated from a alchornea glandulosa, pterogyne nitens and its semisynthetic analogs
Authors: Silva Dulce , Bolzani Vanderlan , Soares Christiane , Pezzuto John , Morais Mauro , Marler Laura , Luqman Suaib , Kondratyuk Tamara , Petronio Maicon , Regasini Luis
Published: February 2012

INTRODUCTION: Chemoprevention involves the use of natural or synthetic substances to reduce the risk of developing cancer. Gallic acid was found to possess several pharmacological activities, such as anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory. Guanidine alkaloids display a broad spectrum of biological activities and its cytotoxic effect were well investigated. OBJECTIVES: The present study evaluated the chemopreventive potential of natural products and its semi-synthetic analogs using quinone reductase (QR) induction, aromatase inhibition and the suppression of NFκB activity, which are well established strategies for screening compounds to cancer chemoprevention. METHODS: Gallic acid was isolated from Alchornea glandulosa, and alkyl gallates were prepared from the reaction of the corresponding alcohols with gallic acid or from the reaction with acetic anhydride. The guanidine alkaloids nitensidines A and B were isolated from Pterogyne nitens. All compounds were evaluated for QR induction using murine hepatoma cell line Hepa 1c1c7 and two mutant cell lines; for in vitro aromatase inhibition; and against TNFα-induced NFκB activation with stable transfected 293/NFκB-Luc human embryonic kidney cells. Compounds were tested at 20Bg/mL following 1:3 serial dilutions.

RESULTS:

No QR induction was observed at tested concentrations. Nitensidine A and B showed aromatase inhibition (IC50 18,3 ± 8,7 uM), but moderately cytotoxic to Hepa 1c1c7 cells (IC50 5,7 ± 0,6 uM). With IC50 values in a range of 10 to 50 μM, all the gallic acid esters mediated NFκB inhibitory activity. In addition, gallic acid mediated a modest cytotoxic effect, but none of the gallate esters affected cell viability at the tested concentrations. CONCLUSION: Based on these intracellular responses, we suggest that gallate esters are related to suppression of NFκB activation, which it could play a chemopreventive role in carcinogenesis.
Ferric reducing antioxidant power and free radical scavenging activity of Moringa oleifera: Relevance in oxidative stress
Authors: Luqman Suaib
Published: February 2012

Moringa oleifera of family Moringaceae, commonly known as Horseradish-tree or the Ben-oil tree is an exceptionally nutritious vegetable tree with a variety of medicinal uses, distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The tree's bark, roots, fruit (pod), flowers, leaves, seeds and gum are used as an antiseptic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and in treating rheumatism, venomous bites and other conditions. The immature green pods, called ‘drumsticks’ are probably the most valued and widely used part of the tree for water purification (e.g. desalination of ocean salt water). The leaves are highly nutritious, being a significant source of beta-carotene, vitamin C, protein, iron and potassium used in soups and sauces. The present study focuses on concentration-dependent ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), free radical scavenging (DPPH), total phenolics (TP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and reducing power (RP) of moringa leaf and fruit (pod) extract compared with standard antioxidant. A strong positive co-relation was observed between FRAP, DPPH, TP and RP activity. Comparatively, the antioxidant potential of fruit extract was more pronounced than the leaf extract and ethanolic extract showed better activity than aqueous. On the basis of our observations, we hypothesize that moringa fruit (pod) and leaves can be a potential source of natural antioxidants due to their marked antioxidant activity.
Biotransformation of artemisinin mediated through fungal strains for obtaining derivatives with novel activities
Authors: Shanker Karuna , Chanotiya Chandan , Tandon Sudeep , Khanuja Suman , Srivastava Suchita , Luqman Suaib , Fatima Atiya , Darokar Mahendra , Negi Arvind , Kumar J
Published: February 2012

Artemisinin, a sesquiterpene lactone, is the active antimalarial constituent of Artemisia annua. Several fungal strains Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Picchia pastoris were used to biotransform artemisinin. Among these strains, A. flavus was the only microorganism capable of transforming artemisinin to deoxyartemisinin in higher yields than the previous reports. The structure of deoxyartemisinin was elucidated by spectroscopy. Deoxyartemisinin showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis and S. mutans at a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1 mg/mL compared to artemisinin whose MIC was >2 mg/mL.
Degradation of mutant huntingtin via the ubiquitin/proteasome system is modulated by FE65
Authors: Chow Wan Ning Vanessa , Luk Hon Wing , Chan Ho Yin Edwin , Lau Kwok-Fai
Published: February 2012

An unstable expansion of the polyglutamine repeat within exon 1 of the protein Htt (huntingtin) causes HD (Huntington's disease). Mounting evidence shows that accumulation of N-terminal mutant Htt fragments is the source of disruption of normal cellular processes which ultimately leads to neuronal cell death. Understanding the degradation mechanism of mutant Htt and improving its clearance has emerged as a new direction in developing therapeutic approaches to treat HD. In the present study we show that the brain-enriched adaptor protein FE65 is a novel interacting partner of Htt. The binding is mediated through WW–polyproline interaction and is dependent on the length of the polyglutamine tract. Interestingly, a reduction in mutant Htt protein level was observed in FE65-knockdown cells, and the process requires the UPS (ubiquitin/proteasome system). Moreover, the ubiquitination level of mutant Htt was found to be enhanced when FE65 is knocked down. Immunofluroescence staining revealed that FE65 associates with mutant Htt aggregates. Additionally, we demonstrated that overexpression of FE65 increases mutant Htt-induced cell death both in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that FE65 facilitates the accumulation of mutant Htt in cells by preventing its degradation via the UPS, and thereby enhances the toxicity of mutant Htt.
Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells from aged mice have reduced wound healing, angiogenesis, proliferation and anti‐apoptosis capabilities
Authors: Choudhery Mahmood Saba , Khan Mohsin , Mahmood Ruhma , Mehmood Azra , Khan Shaheen N. , Riazuddin Sheikh
Published: February 2012

Decline in the function of stem cells with age, such as other cells of the body, results in an imbalance between loss and renewal. Increasing age of the donor thus diminishes the effectiveness of MSCs (mesenchymal stem cells) transplantation in age‐related diseases. The clinical use of stem cell therapies needs autologous stem cell transplantation; it is essential therefore to study the repair ability and survivability of cells before transplantation. Bone marrow derived MSCs possess multi‐lineage differentiation potential, but aging adversely affects their therapeutic efficacy. MSCs from young (2–3 months) and aged (23–24 months) GFP (green fluorescent protein)‐expressing C57BL/6 mice were isolated and their regenerative potential was assessed in vitro. Real‐time RT—PCR (reverse transcriptase—PCR) showed significantly higher expression of Sirt1 in MSCs isolated from young than older animals. Down‐regulation of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), SDF‐1 (stromal‐cell‐derived factor 1), AKT (also known as protein kinase B) and up‐regulation of p53, p21, Bax and p16 occurred in aged cells. Tube formation, wound healing and proliferative abilities of the young MSCs were better than the aged MSCs. The results suggest that age‐related increased expression of apoptotic and senescent genes, with concomitant decrease in Sirt1 gene expression, inhibits to some extent stem cell functioning.
Differenzierungs-/Provokationstests und Behandlung für das
SIG
Authors: Laslett M.
Published: February 2012

DAS KREUZ MIT DEM KREUZ: Es gibt viele SIG-Tests. Wenige sind aussagekräftig. Der
Autor dieses Artikels entmystifiziert das Thema und stellt ein Clinical-Reasoning-Modell
vor, das Sie zur Prognose von intraartikulären SIG-Schmerzen verwenden können. Außerdem
sorgt er in seinem Update zum Thema SIG-Tests, das er speziell für die Zeitschrift
manuelletherapie zusammenstellte, für Klarheit bei den Definitionen von SIG-Dysfunktion
und SIG-Schmerzen. Für die Untersuchung von Patienten mit SIG-Dysfunktionen sind
Palpationen und Mobilitätstests gängige Methoden. Sind diese Untersuchungsmethoden nicht
reliabel und valide, eignen sie sich auch nicht für die Behandlung der Patienten.
Benötigen wir nicht nur andere Untersuchungsmethoden, sondern auch andere
Behandlungsmethoden?
Der Test der Tests: Wie sieht die Evidenz aus?
Authors: Vielitz A.
Published: February 2012

TESTS AUF DEM PRÜFSTAND: Das SIG ist eine mögliche Schmerzquelle bei Patienten mit
unterem Rückenschmerz. Die Prävalenz liegt bei 10–53 %. Für sinnvolle
Therapieentscheidungen müssen Therapeuten herausfinden, ob das SIG die Schmerzquelle ist.
Am unteren Rücken ist das exakte Lokalisieren der Schmerzquelle jedoch schwierig, auch für
erfahrene Therapeuten. Wer sich auskennt, kann mit über 50 Tests „experimentieren“. Arne
Vielitz, der Autor dieses Artikels, wollte wissen, welche SIG-Tests für Therapeuten
wirklich nützlich sind. Welche Tests können das Gelenk zuverlässig als Schmerzquelle
identifizieren? Und welcher Weg führt zum Ziel?
Einmalige manuelle Traktion bei Patienten mit kraniomandibulären
Dysfunktionen
Authors: Schmitz A.-M. , von Piekartz H.
Published: February 2012

Passive manuelle Mobilisationen – vor allem die manuelle longitudinale Bewegung nach
kaudal (Traktion) – sind in der kraniomandibulären Region eine häufig angewandte wirksame
manuelle Intervention.

In dieser randomisierten kontrollierten Studie wurden eine einmalige kurzzeitige manuelle
Traktion nach kaudal appliziert und der Einfluss auf den Kiefergelenkspalt bei Patienten
mit kraniomandibulären Dysfunktionen (CMD) gemessen. Primär wurde die Distanzveränderung
zwischen dem Condylus mandibulae und der Fossa articularis mittels Ultraschall untersucht.
Die Messungen nahm eine verblindete Therapeutin direkt nach und 2-4 Tage nach der
Behandlung vor. Eine Verblindung aller Probanden war gegeben.

Die Interventionsgruppe wies direkt nach der Behandlung keine statistisch signifikante
Veränderung des kraniomandibulären Gelenkspalts auf. Nach 2–4 Tagen zeigte sich eine
statistisch signifikante Vergrößerung der Distanz. Zusätzlich gemessene Schmerzen
präsentierten keine statistisch signifikanten Unterschiede. Innerhalb der Placebogruppe
sowie zwischen beiden Gruppen ergaben sich im Vorher-nachher-Vergleich keine statistisch
signifikanten Unterschiede in allen Parametern.

Obwohl die subjektiven Beschwerden beider Gruppen unverändert waren, erzielte die
Applikation der einmaligen kurzzeitigen manuellen Traktion von 4 Minuten in der
Interventionsgruppe nach 2-4 Tagen eine minimale Veränderung der Distanz des Gelenkspalts.
Nach Anwendung der Placebobehandlung ließen sich hingegen keine signifikanten
Veränderungen nachweisen.

Gelenkspaltseparation hängt nicht direkt mit der subjektiven Verbesserung der
Interventions- und Placebogruppe zusammen.
RR Lyrae Stars in the Globular Cluster NGC 6101
Authors: Fitzgerald M. T. , Criss J. , Lukaszewicz T. , Frew D. J. , Catelan M. , Woodward S. , Danaia L. , McKinnon D. H.
Published: February 2012

V- and I-band observations were taken over 9 months to study the RR Lyrae population in the metal-poor diffuse globular cluster NGC 6101. We identify one new variable, which is either a potential long-period red giant variable or eclipsing binary, and recover all previously identified RR Lyraes. One previously studied RR Lyrae is reclassified as an RRc type, while two period estimations have been significantly refined. We confirm that NGC6101 is Oosterhoff type II with a high ratio of n(c)/n(ab + c) = 0.833 with a very long mean RRab period of 0.86 d. By using theoretical RRLyrae period-luminosity-metallicity relations, we use our V- and I-band RR Lyrae data to gain an independent estimate of the reddening towards this cluster of E(B − V) = 0.15 ± 0.04 and derive a distance of 12.8 ± 0.8 kpc. The majority of the work in this study was undertaken by upper secondary school students involved in the Space to Grow astronomy education project in Australia.
A rodent model of low- to moderate-dose ethanol consumption during pregnancy: patterns of ethanol consumption and effects on fetal and offspring growth
Authors: Probyn Megan E. , Zanini Simone , Ward Leigh C. , Bertram John F. , Moritz Karen M.
Published: February 2012

It is unknown whether low to moderate maternal alcohol consumption adversely affects postnatal health. The aim of the present study was to develop a rodent model of low–moderate-dose prenatal ethanol (EtOH) exposure. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a liquid diet with or without 6% v/v EtOH throughout gestation and the pattern of dietary consumption determined. Fetal bodyweights and hepatic alcohol-metabolising gene expression were measured on embryonic Day (E) 20 and offspring growth studied until 1 year. At E8 the plasma EtOH concentration was 0.03%. There was little difference in dietary consumption between the two treatment groups. At E20, EtOH-exposed fetuses were significantly lighter than controls and had significantly decreased ADH4 and increased CYP2E1 gene expression. Offspring killed on postnatal Day (PN) 30 did not exhibit any growth deficits. Longitudinal repeated measures of offspring growth demonstrated slower growth in males from EtOH-fed dams between 7 and 12 months of age; a cohort of male pups killed at 8 months of age had a reduced crown–rump length and kidney weight. In conclusion, a liquid diet of 6% v/v EtOH fed to pregnant dams throughout gestation caused a 3–8% reduction in fetal growth and brain sparing, with growth differences observed in male offspring later in life. This model will be useful for future studies on the effects of low–moderate EtOH on the developmental origins of health and disease.
Resolvent positive linear operators exhibit the reduction phenomenon
Authors: Altenberg Lee
Published: February 2012

The spectral bound,
s
(
αA
 + 
βV
), of a combination of a resolvent positive linear operator
A
and an operator of multiplication
V
, was shown by Kato to be convex in

. Kato's result is shown here to imply, through an elementary “dual convexity” lemma, that
s
(
αA
 + 
βV
) is also convex in
α
 > 0, and notably, ∂
s
(
αA
 + 
βV
)/∂
α
 ≤ 
s
(
A
). Diffusions typically have
s
(
A
) ≤ 0, so that for diffusions with spatially heterogeneous growth or decay rates,
greater mixing reduces growth
. Models of the evolution of dispersal in particular have found this result when
A
is a Laplacian or second-order elliptic operator, or a nonlocal diffusion operator, implying selection for reduced dispersal. These cases are shown here to be part of a single, broadly general, “reduction” phenomenon.
Energetic particle effects on n = 1 resistive MHD instabilities in a DIII-D hybrid discharge
Authors: Brennan D.P. , Kim C.C. , La Haye R.J.
Published: February 2012

The δf kinetic-magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model in the 3D extended-MHD code NIMROD is used to perform a linear simulation study of energetic particle effects on the n = 1 mode in a DIII-D hybrid discharge. The hybrid discharge has a long steady state with low q
min ≳ 1 at high confinement, is useful for numerous physics studies, and is a candidate operational scenario for burning plasma experiments. But hybrid discharges are limited to moderate βN by the m/n = 2/1 instability, which onsets with small increases in βN. Using realistic equilibria based on experimental reconstructions from DIII-D, the stability of the n = 1 mode during the steady state of a hybrid discharge is computed over a (q
min, βN) space. MHD stability analyses do not indicate instability to the n = 1 for small increases in βN above that of the experimental discharge. Our results show that energetic particles significantly change the stability map in (q
min, βN) parameter space from the MHD-only result. Unstable modes are driven by energetic particles far into the MHD stable region in (q
min, βN) space. Three different unstable regions are identified, each being defined by the fastest growing mode and distinctly different frequencies. We examine sample eigenmodes from these three regions. At low q
min ∼ 1 the drive is associated with the fishbone mode, while the higher q
min ≳ 1.12 the drive is associated with the Beta induced Alfven eigenmode. Overlaying the experimental trajectory in the same (q
min, βN) parameter space shows that all three regions are in proximity to the trajectory. In the higher q
min region a mode with a broad m/n = 2/1 dominant structure is most unstable, while in the region of the trajectory the most unstable mode has a m/n = 1/1 component localized near the axis. Experimentally, a nonlinearly saturated m/n = 1/1 structure is observed localized near the magnetic axis. This agreement suggests that the m/n = 2/1 mode may be triggered by energetic particles in these discharges.
Conference Report on the 2nd International Symposium on Lithium Applications for Fusion Devices
Authors: Ono M. , Bell M.G. , Hirooka Y. , Kaita R. , Kugel H.W. , Mazzitelli G. , Menard J.E. , Mirnov S.V. , Shimada M. , Skinner C.H. , Tabares F.L.
Published: February 2012

The 2nd International Symposium on Lithium Applications for Fusion Devices (ISLA-2011) was held on 27–29 April 2011 at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) with broad participation from the community working on aspects of lithium research for fusion energy development. This community is expanding rapidly in many areas including experiments in magnetic confinement devices and a variety of lithium test stands, theory and modeling and developing innovative approaches. Overall, 53 presentations were given representing 26 institutions from 10 countries. The latest experimental results from nine magnetic fusion devices were given in 24 presentations, from NSTX (PPPL, USA), LTX (PPPL, USA), FT-U (ENEA, Italy), T-11M (TRINITY, RF), T-10 (Kurchatov Institute, RF), TJ-II (CIEMAT, Spain), EAST (ASIPP, China), HT-7 (ASIPP, China), and RFX (Padova, Italy). Sessions were devoted to: I. Lithium in magnetic confinement experiments (facility overviews), II. Lithium in magnetic confinement experiments (topical issues), III. Special session on liquid lithium technology, IV. Lithium laboratory test stands, V. Lithium theory/modeling/comments, VI. Innovative lithium applications and VII. Panel discussion on lithium PFC viability in magnetic fusion reactors. There was notable participation from the fusion technology communities, including the IFE, IFMIF and TBM communities providing productive exchanges with the physics oriented magnetic confinement lithium research groups. It was agreed to continue future exchanges of ideas and data to help develop attractive liquid lithium solutions for very challenging magnetic fusion issues, such as development of a high heat flux steady-state divertor concept and acceptable plasma disruption mitigation techniques while improving plasma performance with lithium. The next workshop will be held at ENEA, Frascati, Italy in 2013.
Graphs with automorphism groups admitting composition factors of bounded rank
Authors: Praeger Cheryl , Pyber Laszló , Spiga Pablo , Szabó Endre
Published: February 2012

We prove a

1978
1978

conjecture of Richard Weiss in the case of groups with composition factors of bounded rank. Namely, we prove that there exists a function

g
:

N

×

N

→

N

g: \mathbb {N} \times \mathbb {N} \to \mathbb {N}

such that, for

Γ
\Gamma

a connected

G
G

-vertex-transitive,

G
G

-locally primitive graph of valency at most

d
d

, if

G
G

has no alternating groups of degree greater than

r
r

as sections, then a vertex stabiliser in

G
G

has size at most

g
(
r
,
d
)

g(r,d)

.
Reduced expression ofMECP2affects cell commitment and maintenance in neurons by triggering senescence: new perspective for Rett syndrome
Authors: Squillaro Tiziana , Alessio Nicola , Cipollaro Marilena , Melone Mariarosa Anna Beatrice , Hayek Giuseppe , Renieri Alessandra , Giordano Antonio , Galderisi Umberto
Published: February 2012

MECP2 protein binds preferentially to methylated CpGs and regulates gene expression by causing changes in chromatin structure. The mechanism by which impaired MECP2 activity can induce pathological abnormalities in the nervous system of patients with Rett syndrome (RTT) is not clearly understood. To gain further insight into the role of MECP2 in human neurogenesis, we compared the neural differentiation process in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) obtained from a RTT patient and from healthy donors. We further analyzed neural differentiation in a human neuroblastoma cell line carrying a partially silenced MECP2 gene. Senescence and reduced expression of neural markers were observed in proliferating and differentiating MSCs from the RTT patient, which suggests that impaired activity of MECP2 protein may impair neural differentiation, as observed in RTT patients. Next, we used an inducible expression system to silence MECP2 in neuroblastoma cells before and after the induction of neural differentiation via retinoic acid treatment. This approach was used to test whether MECP2 inactivation affected the cell fate of neural progenitors and/or neuronal differentiation and maintenance. Overall, our data suggest that neural cell fate and neuronal maintenance may be perturbed by senescence triggered by impaired MECP2 activity either before or after neural differentiation.
A nucleostemin-like GTPase required for normal apical and floral meristem development inArabidopsis
Authors: Wang Xiaomin , Gingrich Daniel K. , Deng Yunfei , Hong Zonglie
Published: February 2012

Mammalian nucleostemin (NS) is preferentially expressed in stem cells and acts to promote cell cycle progression. In plants, stem cell activities have to be terminated during flower development, and this process requires the activation of AGAMOUS (AG) gene expression. Here, a nucleostemin-like 1 gene, NSN1, is shown to be required for flower development in Arabidopsis. The NSN1 mRNA was found in the inflorescence meristem and floral primordia, and its protein was localized to the nucleoli. Both heterozygous and homozygous plants developed defective flowers on inflorescences that were eventually terminated by the formation of carpelloid flowers. Overexpression of NSN1 resulted in loss of apical dominance and formation of defective flowers. Expression of the AG gene was found to be up-regulated in nsn1. The carpelloid flower defect of nsn1 was suppressed by the ag mutation in the nsn1 ag double mutant, whereas double mutants of nsn1 apetala2 (ap2) displayed enhanced defective floral phenotypes. These results suggest that in the delicately balanced regulatory network, NSN1 acts to repress AG and plays an additive role with AP2 in floral organ specification. As a midsize nucleolar GTPase, NSN1 represents a new class of regulatory proteins required for flower development in Arabidopsis.
Negative regulation of RhoA translation and signaling by hnRNP-Q1 affects cellular morphogenesis
Authors: Xing Lei , Yao Xiaodi , Williams Kathryn R. , Bassell Gary J.
Published: February 2012

The small GTPase RhoA has critical functions in regulating actin dynamics affecting cellular morphogenesis through the RhoA/Rho kinase (ROCK) signaling cascade. RhoA signaling controls stress fiber and focal adhesion formation and cell motility in fibroblasts. RhoA signaling is involved in several aspects of neuronal development, including neuronal migration, growth cone collapse, dendrite branching, and spine growth. Altered RhoA signaling is implicated in cancer and neurodegenerative disease and is linked to inherited intellectual disabilities. Although much is known about factors regulating RhoA activity and/or degradation, little is known about molecular mechanisms regulating RhoA expression and the subsequent effects on RhoA signaling. We hypothesized that posttranscriptional control of RhoA expression may provide a mechanism to regulate RhoA signaling and downstream effects on cell morphology. Here we uncover a cellular function for the mRNA-binding protein heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) Q1 in the control of dendritic development and focal adhesion formation that involves the negative regulation of RhoA synthesis and signaling. We show that hnRNP-Q1 represses RhoA translation and knockdown of hnRNP-Q1 induced phenotypes associated with elevated RhoA protein levels and RhoA/ROCK signaling. These morphological changes were rescued by ROCK inhibition and/or RhoA knockdown. These findings further suggest that negative modulation of RhoA mRNA translation can provide control over downstream signaling and cellular morphogenesis.
P90 RSK arranges Chk1 in the nucleus for monitoring of genomic integrity during cell proliferation
Authors: Li Ping , Goto Hidemasa , Kasahara Kousuke , Matsuyama Makoto , Wang Zhonghua , Yatabe Yasushi , Kiyono Tohru , Inagaki Masaki
Published: February 2012

The ataxia telangiectasia mutated- and rad3-related kinase (ATR)/Chk1 pathway is a sentinel of cell cycle progression. On the other hand, the Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase/90-kDa ribosomal S6 kinase (p90 RSK) pathway is a central node in cell signaling downstream of growth factors. These pathways are closely correlated in cell proliferation, but their interaction is largely unknown. Here we show that Chk1 is phosphorylated predominantly at Ser-280 and translocated from cytoplasm to nucleus in response to serum stimulation. Nonphosphorylated Chk1–Ser-280 mutation attenuates nuclear Chk1 accumulation, whereas the phosphomimic mutation has a reverse effect on the localization. Treatment with p90 RSK inhibitor impairs Chk1 phosphorylation at Ser-280 and accumulation at the nucleus after serum stimulation, whereas these two phenomena are induced by the expression of the constitutively active mutant of p90 RSK in serum-starved cells. In vitro analyses indicate that p90 RSK stoichiometrically phosphorylates Ser-280 on Chk1. Together with Chk1 phosphorylation at Ser-345 by ATR and its autophosphorylation at Ser-296, which are critical for checkpoint signaling, Chk1–Ser-280 phosphorylation is elevated in a p90 RSK–dependent manner after UV irradiation. In addition, Chk1 phosphorylation at Ser-345 and Ser-296 after UV irradiation is also attenuated by the treatment with p90 RSK inhibitor or by Ser-280 mutation to Ala. These results suggest that p90 RSK facilitates nuclear Chk1 accumulation through Chk1–Ser-280 phosphorylation and that this pathway plays an important role in the preparation for monitoring genetic stability during cell proliferation.
Rnd1 and Rnd3 targeting to lipid raft is required for p190 RhoGAP activation
Authors: Oinuma Izumi , Kawada Kana , Tsukagoshi Kiyoka , Negishi Manabu
Published: February 2012

The Rnd proteins Rnd1, Rnd2, and Rnd3/RhoE are well known as key regulators of the actin cytoskeleton in various cell types, but they comprise a distinct subgroup of the Rho family in that they are GTP bound and constitutively active. Functional differences of the Rnd proteins in RhoA inhibition signaling have been reported in various cell types. Rnd1 and Rnd3 antagonize RhoA signaling by activating p190 RhoGAP, whereas Rnd2 does not. However, all the members of the Rnd family have been reported to bind directly to p190 RhoGAP and equally induce activation of p190 RhoGAP in vitro, and there is no evidence that accounts for the functional difference of the Rnd proteins in RhoA inhibition signaling. Here we report the role of the N-terminal region in signaling. Rnd1 and Rnd3, but not Rnd2, have a KERRA (Lys-Glu-Arg-Arg-Ala) sequence of amino acids in their N-terminus, which functions as the lipid raft-targeting determinant. The sequence mediates the lipid raft targeting of p190 RhoGAP correlated with its activation. Overall, our results demonstrate a novel regulatory mechanism by which differential membrane targeting governs activities of Rnd proteins to function as RhoA antagonists.
REVIEW: Effects of Germination on the Nutritional Profile of Gluten‐Free Cereals and Pseudocereals: A Review
Authors: Omary María Botero , Fong Christina , Rothschild Jeffrey , Finney Patrick
Published: February 2012

There are a growing number of individuals diagnosed with food allergies and intolerances. Gluten, in particular, is avoided by many individuals because of celiac disease, gluten intolerance, and gluten ataxia. Individuals with allergies, intolerances, or both follow strict diets, but there is concern that these individuals may be at risk of several nutrient deficiencies, including decreased calcium, iron, B vitamins, and fiber. To prevent deficiencies, alternative sources of these nutrients must be provided. Gluten‐free cereals and pseudocereals such as amaranth, buckwheat, corn, millet, rice, sorghum, and quinoa can be excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other important nutrients. Germination of these edible seeds has been shown to further increase nutrient content and to reduce antinutrients. Their use to naturally fortify and enrich gluten‐free foods has great potential. Although there are many benefits to germinated seeds in food, more research must be done to improve texture and sensory properties to gain wider consumer acceptance. A review of germination of gluten‐free cereals and pseudocereals and its effect on their nutritional profile is presented.
Early evidence for complex social structure in Proboscidea from a late Miocene trackway site in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Bibi Faysal , Kraatz Brian , Craig Nathan , Beech Mark , Schuster Mathieu , Hill Andrew
Published: February 2012

Many living vertebrates exhibit complex social structures, evidence for the antiquity of which is limited to rare and exceptional fossil finds. Living elephants possess a characteristic social structure that is sex-segregated and multi-tiered, centred around a matriarchal family and solitary or loosely associated groups of adult males. Although the fossil record of Proboscidea is extensive, the origin and evolution of social structure in this clade is virtually unknown. Here, we present imagery and analyses of an extensive late Miocene fossil trackway site from the United Arab Emirates. The site of Mleisa 1 preserves exceptionally long trackways of a herd of at least 13 individuals of varying size transected by that of a single large individual, indicating the presence of both herding and solitary social modes. Trackway stride lengths and resulting body mass estimates indicate that the solitary individual was also the largest and therefore most likely a male. Sexual determination for the herd is equivocal, but the body size profile and number of individuals are commensurate with those of a modern elephant family unit. The Mleisa 1 trackways provide direct evidence for the antiquity of characteristic and complex social structure in Proboscidea.
Full-length sequences of 11 hepatitis C virus genotype 2 isolates representing five subtypes and six unclassified lineages with unique geographical distributions and genetic variation patterns
Authors: Li Chunhua , Cao Hong , Lu Ling , Murphy Donald
Published: February 2012

In this study, we characterized full-length hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome sequences for 11 genotype 2 isolates. They were isolated from the sera of 11 patients residing in Canada, of whom four had an African origin. Full-length genomes, each with 18–25 overlapping fragments, were obtained by PCR amplification. Five isolates represent the first complete genomes of subtypes 2d, 2e, 2j, 2m and 2r, while the other six correspond to variants that do not group within any assigned subtypes. These sequences had lengths of 9508–9825 nt and each contained a single ORF encoding 3012–3106 aa. Predicted amino acids were carefully inspected and unique variation patterns were recognized, especially for a 2e isolate, QC64. Phylogenetic analysis of complete genome sequences provides evidence that there are a total of 16 subtypes, of which 11 have been described here. Co-analysis with 68 partial NS5B sequences also differentiated 18 assigned subtypes, 2a–2r, and eight additional lineages within genotype 2, which is consistent with the analysis of complete genome sequences. The data from this study will now allow 10 assigned subtypes and six additional lineages of HCV genotype 2 to have their full-length genomes defined. Further analysis with 2021 genotype 2 sequences available in the HCV database indicated that the geographical distribution of these subtypes is consistent with an African origin, with particular subtypes having spread to Asia and the Americas.
Attenuation of CD4+ T-cell function by human adenovirus type 35 is mediated by the knob protein
Authors: Adams William C. , Berenson Ronald J. , Karlsson Hedestam Gunilla B. , Lieber André , Koup Richard A. , Loré Karin
Published: February 2012

The complement-regulatory protein CD46 is the primary receptor for human adenovirus type 35 (HAdV-35) and can regulate human immune-cell activation. CD4
+
T-cells are critical for initiating and maintaining adaptive immunity elicited by infection or vaccination. It was reported previously that HAdV-35 can bind these cells and suppress their activation. The data reported here demonstrate that recombinant trimeric HAdV-35 knob proteins alone can induce CD46 receptor downregulation and inhibit interleukin-2 production and proliferation of human CD4+ T-cells in vitro similarly to mAbs specific to the CD46 region bound by HAdV-35 knobs. A mutant knob protein with increased affinity for CD46 compared with the wild-type knob caused equivalent effects. In contrast, a CD46-binding-deficient mutant knob protein did not inhibit T-cell activation. Thus, the capacity of HAdV-35 to attenuate human CD4
+
T-cell activation depends predominantly on knob interactions with CD46 and can occur independently of infection.
Audit Expectation‐Performance Gap Revisited: Evidence from New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Part 1: The Gap in New Zealand and the United Kingdom in 2008
Authors: Porter Brenda , Ó hÓgartaigh Ciaran , Baskerville Rachel
Published: February 2012

Criticism of auditors and loss of confidence in their work result from auditors not meeting society's expectations of them; that is, from the audit expectation‐performance gap. Prior research found this gap has three components: a reasonableness, deficient standards and deficient performance gap. In 2008, research was conducted to identify differences in the audit expectation‐performance gap in the United Kingdom (UK) and New Zealand (NZ). A questionnaire was mailed to 1,610 participants in the UK and 1,555 in NZ, from the auditor, auditee and financial and non‐financial audit beneficiaries interest groups; usable response rates of 14 and 29 per cent, respectively, were obtained. The research found that the composition and structure of the gap in NZ and the UK were broadly similar but the gap was nearly 40 per cent wider in NZ. It is suggested that this difference may be traced to greater awareness of audit issues and more stringent monitoring of auditors' performance in the UK.
Misconceptions predict dropout and poor adherence prospectively among newly admitted first‐time methadone maintenance treatment clients in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Gu Jing , Xu Huifang , Lau Joseph T. F. , Hao Yuantao , Zhong Ying , Fan Lirui , Zhao Yuteng , Hao Chun , Ling Wenhua
Published: February 2012

Aims  To investigate the incidence of dropout and the prevalence of poor adherence among newly admitted first‐time clients of methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) clinics, and the associations between MMT‐related misconceptions and these two treatment outcomes.

Design  A cohort study (maximum follow‐up period = 17.6 months) was conducted.

Setting  Three of the nine MMT clinics in Guangzhou, China participated in the study.

Participants  The sample included 158 newly admitted first‐time MMT clients.

Measurements  Information collected included background characteristics, history of drug use, MMT‐related misconceptions, dropout during the entire study period and poor adherence within the first 6 months since admission to MMT.

Findings  Of all newly admitted MMT clients, 98.2% possessed at least one and 50.6% possessed all four types of MMT‐related misconception; 51.3% had dropped out before the completion of the study [95% confidence interval (CI): 43.5–59.1%] and 62% exhibited poor adherence within the first 6 months since admission (95% CI: 54.2–69.6%). Adjusting for significant background variables, the number of misconceived responses predicted significantly both dropout [hazard ratio (HR) = 3.80 for two to three misconceived items, HR = 7.13 for four misconceived items, with zero to one misconceived item being the reference] and poor adherence within the first 6 months [relative risk (RR) = 4.13 for two to three misconceived items; RR = 4.40 for four misconceived items, with zero to one misconceived item being the reference.

Conclusions  Among opiate addicts in China prescribed methadone maintenance therapy for the first time, misconceptions about this medication are prevalent and are associated with poor adherence to the medication regimen and a high a rate of dropout from the treatment programme.