bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Non Phyto‐ and Eco‐Toxic Alumina‐Stabilized Silver and Praseodymium Nanoparticles
Authors: Jastrzębska Agnieszka Maria , Karwowska Ewa , Tabernacka Agnieszka , Mosdorf Paulina , Polis Paweł , Kurtycz Patrycja , Olszyna Andrzej , Kunicki Antoni Ryszard
Published: October 2012

In the present study, we examined how the active aluminum nano‐oxide in the gamma form used as a neutral carrier for the nanoparticles of various metals (as Ag, Pr) affected their toxic behavior. Our experiments have shown that exposure to metal nanoparticles can be reduced by binding the nanoparticles to alumina nanoparticles and the aluminum nano‐oxide is suitable to function as the nano‐stabilizer for the Ag and Pr nanoparticles. We have managed to manufacture new alumina‐stabilized silver and praseodymium nanoparticles using dry sol‐gel method that are not phyto‐ and eco‐toxic.
High‐Temperature Shear Strength and Bonding Mechanism of the Mullite Ceramic/Fiber Brick Component Joined by Phosphate Adhesive
Authors: Hao Ruihua , Liu Jiachen , Dong Xue , Guo Anran , Hou Zhenguang , Wang Min
Published: October 2012

The mullite ceramic/fiber brick system was bonded by two kinds of phosphate adhesives. The specimens were treated from 200 to 1400°C. The mechanical properties were tested at room temperature and at high temperature, and the relevant bonding mechanism was also discussed. The results show that the addition of silicon can greatly improve the adhesive's mechanical properties. The room‐temperature shear strength of the component bonded by adhesive with the silicon calcined at 800°C can reach 6.58 MPa. The shear strength of the adhesive with silicon tested at 800°C can reach 0.42 MPa.
Freeze Core Sampling to Validate Time‐Lapse Resistivity Monitoring of the Hyporheic Zone
Authors: Toran Laura , Hughes Brian , Nyquist Jonathan , Ryan Robert
Published: October 2012

A freeze core sampler was used to characterize hyporheic zone storage during a stream tracer test. The pore water from the frozen core showed tracer lingered in the hyporheic zone after the tracer had returned to background concentration in collocated well samples. These results confirmed evidence of lingering subsurface tracer seen in time‐lapse electrical resistivity tomographs. The pore water exhibited brine exclusion (ion concentrations in ice lower than source water) in a sediment matrix, despite the fast freezing time. Although freeze core sampling provided qualitative evidence of lingering tracer, it proved difficult to quantify tracer concentration because the amount of brine exclusion during freezing could not be accurately determined. Nonetheless, the additional evidence for lingering tracer supports using time‐lapse resistivity to detect regions of low fluid mobility within the hyporheic zone that can act as chemically reactive zones of importance in stream health.
Gastric carcinoma associated with Menetrier's‐like disease in a West Highland white terrier
Authors: Lecoindre P. , Bystricka M. , Chevallier M. , Peyron C.
Published: October 2012

A seven‐year‐old West Highland white terrier was presented for chronic vomiting associated with mild regenerative anaemia and hypoalbuminaemia. Further examination showed a giant polypoid cerebriform mass located in the lesser curvature of the stomach. Partial gastrectomy was performed and histology was consistent with hypertrophic gastritis with typical features of Ménétrier's disease. Five years after surgery, the dog was re‐examined for recurrence of vomiting episodes. Endoscopy showed ulceration of the lesser curvature of the stomach and histological analysis revealed a poorly differentiated superficial gastric carcinoma surrounded by hypertrophic gastritis. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the second time that coexistence of these two types of lesions is reported, suggesting that recurrence of gastritis could be the starting point of the tumoural process.
Determination of the cause of selected canine urolith formation by advanced analytical methods
Authors: Kaiser J. , Stĕpánková K. , Koř istková T. , Šedo O. , Melnyk G. , Hartl M. , Paloušek D. , Kuc̆era J.
Published: October 2012

Objective

The goal of this study was to determine the cause of selected canine urolith formation using less conventional but more advanced analytical methods.

Methods

A routine laboratory specialising in urinary calculi analysis noticed a special type of core zone in some canine uroliths, which was typically made up of cylindrical holes. Of 4028 canine samples analysed, non‐absorbable suture material was detected in 9 (0·22%) cases. A hollow cylindrical central area was found in a further 13 (0·32%) samples. X‐ray microtomography (μCT) was utilised in order to reveal the channel structure inside this urolith sample. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption‐ionisation – time of flight mass spectrometry was used in order to assess the cause of this urinary stone formation.

Results

The diameter of the channel structure corresponded with the diameter of the previously utilised suture material and indicated that this urolith was formed around residual suture material. Further confirmation was provided by the comparative matrix‐assisted laser desorption‐ionisation – time of flight mass spectrometry chemical analysis. This channel structure is formed by a surgical thread that serves as a base for the urolith growth.

Clinical Significance

Results of this study confirm the causative role of absorbable suture material in the pathogenesis of hollow channel structures in some canine compound uroliths.
Prevalence and nature of dentoalveolar injuries among patients with maxillofacial fractures
Authors: Soukup J. W. , Mulherin B. L. , Snyder C. J.
Published: October 2012

Objective

Although not previously reported, experience suggests that dentoalveolar injury is ‐common among patients with maxillofacial fractures. The objective of this study was to evaluate and describe the prevalence and nature of dentoalveolar injuries in patients identified with maxillofacial fractures.

Methods

Medical records of 43 dogs and cats diagnosed with maxillofacial fractures between 2005 and 2012 were reviewed to identify patients with concurrent dentoalveolar injury. Medical records of patients with dentoalveolar injury were abstracted for the following information: signalment (including sex, age and skull type), mechanism of maxillofacial trauma, location and number of maxillofacial fractures, dentoalveolar injury type and location and the number of dentoalveolar injury per patient. Statistical evaluation was performed to determine associations between signalment, mechanism of trauma, location and number of maxillofacial fractures and the prevalence and nature of concurrent dentoalveolar injury.

Results

Dentoalveolar injuries are common among patients with maxillofacial trauma. Age and mechanism of trauma are significant predictors of the presence of dentoalveolar injuries in patients with maxillofacial trauma.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

The findings of this study serve to encourage veterinarians to fully assess the oral cavity in patients with maxillofacial fractures as dentoalveolar injuries are common and can be predicted by age and mechanism of trauma.
Toward effective nature conservation on farmland: making farmers matter
Authors: de Snoo Geert R. , Herzon Irina , Staats Henk , Burton Rob J.F. , Schindler Stefan , van Dijk Jerry , Lokhorst Anne Marike , Bullock James M. , Lobley Matt , Wrbka Thomas , Schwarz Gerald , Musters C.J.M.
Published: October 2012

Until now the main instrument to counteract the loss of biodiversity and landscape quality in the European countryside has been agri‐environment schemes (AES), which offer short‐term payments for performing prescribed environmental management behaviors. In our opinion this approach is, in its current set‐up, not a sustainable way of enhancing biodiversity and landscape quality. Here we will argue that conservation in agricultural areas is also a social challenge. To change farmers’ behaviors toward more sustainable conservation of farmland biodiversity, instruments should aim to influence individual farmer's motivation and behavior. We should aim to place farmland biodiversity “in the hands and minds of farmers.”
Treatment of uncertainty in conservation under climate change
Authors: Kujala Heini , Burgman Mark A. , Moilanen Atte
Published: October 2012

Climate change is an important threat to biodiversity globally, but there are major uncertainties associated with its magnitude and ecological consequences. Here, we investigate how three major classes of uncertainty, linguistic uncertainty, epistemic uncertainty (uncertainty about facts), and human decision uncertainty, have been accounted for in scientific literature about climate change. Some sources of uncertainty are poorly characterized and epistemic uncertainty is much more commonly treated than linguistic or human decision uncertainty. Furthermore, we show that linguistic and human decision uncertainties are relatively better treated in the literature on sociopolitics or economics than in natural sciences, which often overlook communication between stakeholders and socioeconomic consequences. As uncertainty can significantly influence implementation of conservation, we discuss uncertainties associated with some commonly proposed conservation adaptation actions to mitigate climate change. There may be major differences between strategies, with implications on how they should be viewed in conservation planning. We conclude that evaluating conservation strategies in terms of different types of uncertainty will facilitate communication between disciplines and stakeholders. While accounting for uncertainties in a quantitative manner is difficult and data demanding, even qualitative appreciation about the uncertainties inherent in conservation strategies can facilitate and improve decision making.
Miscanthus × giganteus leaf senescence, decomposition and C and N inputs to soil
Authors: Amougou Norbert , Bertrand Isabelle , Cadoux Stephane , Recous Sylvie
Published: October 2012

Energy crops are currently promoted as potential sources of alternative energy that can help mitigate the climate change caused by greenhouse gases (GHGs). The perennial crop Miscanthus × giganteus is considered promising due to its high potential for biomass production under conditions of low input. However, to assess its potential for GHG mitigation, a better quantification of the crop's contribution to soil organic matter recycling under various management systems is needed. The aim of this work was to study the effect of abscised leaves on carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) recycling in a Miscanthus plantation. The dynamics of senescent leaf fall, the rate of leaf decomposition (using a litter bag approach) and the leaf accumulation at the soil surface were tracked over two 1‐year periods under field conditions in Northern France. The fallen leaves represented an average yearly input of 1.40 Mg C ha−1 and 16 kg N ha−1. The abscised leaves lost approximately 54% of their initial mass in 1 year due to decomposition; the remaining mass, accumulated as a mulch layer at the soil surface, was equivalent to 7 Mg dry matter (DM) ha−1 5 years after planting. Based on the estimated annual leaf‐C recycling rate and a stabilization rate of 35% of the added C, the annual contribution of the senescent leaves to the soil C was estimated to be approximately 0.50 Mg C ha−1yr−1 or 10 Mg C ha−1 total over the 20‐year lifespan of a Miscanthus crop. This finding suggested that for Miscanthus, the abscised leaves contribute more to the soil C accumulation than do the rhizomes or roots. In contrast, the recycling of the leaf N to the soil was less than for the other N fluxes, particularly for those involving the transfer of N from the tops of the plant to the rhizome.
Client–provider relationships in a community health clinic for people who are experiencing homelessness
Authors: Oudshoorn Abe , Ward‐Griffin Catherine , Forchuk Cheryl , Berman Helene , Poland Blake
Published: October 2012

Recognizing the importance of health‐promoting relationships in engaging people who are experiencing homelessness in care, most research on health clinics for homeless persons has involved some recognition of client–provider relationships. However, what has been lacking is the inclusion of a critical analysis of the policy context in which relationships are enacted. In this paper, we question how client–provider relationships are enacted within the culture of community care with people who are experiencing homelessness and how clinic‐level and broader social and health policies shape relationships in this context. We explore these questions within a critical theoretical perspective utilizing a critical ethnographic methodology. Data were collected using multiple methods of document review, participant observation, in‐depth interviews and focus groups. The participants include both clients at a community health clinic, and all clinic service providers. We explore how clients and providers characterized each other as ‘good’ or ‘bad’. For providers, this served as a means by which they policed behaviours and enforced social norms. The means by which both providers’ and clients’ negotiated relationships are explored, but this is couched within both local and system‐level policies. This study highlights the importance of healthcare providers and clients being involved in broader policy and systemic change.
Communication pathways in community aged care: an Australian study
Authors: Allen Jacqui , Ottmann Goetz , Brown Rhonda , Rasmussen Bodil
Published: October 2012

Background

Health and social care practitioners collaborate in discharge planning for older people. Difficulties securing timely and quality discharge information and unclear role boundaries can be challenging. There are limited reports in the literature describing community‐based practitioners' roles communicating client information.

Aim

To describe the roles of community‐based practitioners in communication of older clients' information in an Australian context.

Design

A descriptive and exploratory qualitative research design was applied.

Methods

Four focus groups were conducted in 2009 with a small sample (n = 16) of district nurses, practice nurses and aged care case managers.

Results

All participants described communication as a core characteristic of their role focused on minimising risks for older people. Participants valued dialogue with other health and social care providers in real time with an emphasis on telephone communication, face‐to‐face meetings, and case conferences. Telephone communication was considered important where there was an urgent need to problem solve. Written communication was noted as less effective.

Conclusions

There is an increasing need for stronger models of communication in community‐based settings to facilitate safe, efficient and sustainable health and social outcomes for older people.

Implications for practice

There is limited available research with this focus to guide practice. Findings from this exploratory study indicate a number of important areas for further research: (i) to understand how communication feedback systems and pathways between community and inpatient providers could improve information exchange and (ii) to describe community nurses' roles in communication and medication risks for older people.
Coronary Venous Retention—A Feature in Heart Failure as Evidenced by Mean of Cardiac Computed Tomography
Authors: MLYNARSKA AGNIESZKA , MLYNARSKI RAFAL , SOSNOWSKI MACIEJ
Published: October 2012

Background:
 Whether the functional status of the heart can influence the coronary venous system itself has not yet been examined. In order to answer this question, we used multislice computed tomography (CT) imaging.

Purpose:
 To answer the question of whether the heart failure (HF) is associated with significant anatomical changes in the coronary venous system?

Methods:
 In 136 (aged 56.6±11.5) patients, a 64‐slice CT was performed. Patients were divided into three groups according their ejection fraction. In each case, nine 3D volume rendering reconstructions, using a 2‐mm layer with electrocardiographic‐gating, were created at 0% to 90% R‐R intervals (step 10%). The visualization of coronary veins (CVs) was graded independently by two experts trained in multislice computed tomography on a 0–5 point scale (0—not visible/lack of vein; 5—smoothly bordered vascular structure).

Results:
 The average number of visible CVs per case was 3.44 in the HF group and 2.72 in patients with a normal ejection fraction (P = 0.0246). The statistical correlation between a reduction in ejection fraction and the increase in the number of veins was found (r =−0.2446, P < 0.05). For two of seven common variants of the coronary venous system at least two target veins (posterolateral and lateral) for cardiac resynchronization were presented.

Conclusions:
 The statistically higher number of veins in patients with heart failure may suggest an association between a failing heart and cardiac venous retention. (PACE 2012;35:1472–1479)
Usefulness of the Noncontact Mapping System to Elucidate the Conduction Property for the Treatment of Common Atrial Flutter
Authors: KONDO MASATERU , FUKUDA KOJI , WAKAYAMA YUJI , NAKANO MAKOTO , HASEBE YUHI , SHIMOKAWA HIROAKI
Published: October 2012

Background: The functional role of the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) for common atrial flutter (cAFL) remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we examined whether the EnSite system (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA), a noncontact mapping system, is useful to evaluate the conduction properties of CTI to minimize radiofrequency (RF) ablation applications for cAFL.

Methods: We enrolled 22 consecutive patients with cAFL (64.1 ± 9.5 years old, M/F 21/1) treated with the EnSite system and examined the conduction properties during cAFL and during atrial pacing. In addition, the effectiveness of the system was evaluated in comparison with the conventional ablation group (67 ± 8.9 years old, n = 15, M/F 13/2).

Result: In 11 out of the 22 patients, CTI block line was achieved by fewer RF applications on a presumed single activation pathway which the EnSite system showed (point ablation [PA] group), and the remaining 11 patients needed additional linear ablation (additional ablation [AA] group). The number of RF applications in the PA group was significantly smaller than that in the conventional group. During the lower lateral right atrial pacing at a cycle length of 600 ms, the CV of the CTI in the PA group was smaller compared to that in the AA group (1.36 ± 0.61 vs 2.17 ± 0.66 m/s, P < 0.05), although the CV during cAFL (averaged cycle length 245 ± 34 ms) was not different in both groups.

Conclusions: These results indicate that targeting the presumed single line identified by EnSite could be an optional therapy for cAFL RF ablation, and diverse conduction properties in CTI are related to the success rate of this procedure. (PACE 2012;35:1464–1471)
Fluoroscopic and Electrical Assessment of a Series of Defibrillation Leads: Prevalence of Externalized Conductors
Authors: KODOTH VIVEK N. , HODKINSON EMILY C. , NOAD REBECCA L. , ASHFIELD KYLE P. , CROMIE NICHOLAS A. , McENEANEY DAVID J. , WILSON CAROL M. , ROBERTS MICHAEL J. D.
Published: October 2012

Introduction
: Insulation defects with externalized conductors have been reported in the St. Jude Riata® family of defibrillation leads (St. Jude Medical, Sylmar, CA, USA). The objective of the Northern Ireland Riata® lead screening program was to identify insulation defects and externalized conductors by systematic fluoroscopic and electrical assessment in a prospectively defined cohort of patients. We sought to estimate the prevalence, identify risk factors, and determine the natural history of this abnormality.

Methods
: All patients with a Riata® lead under follow‐up at the Royal Victoria Hospital were invited for fluoroscopic imaging and implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator lead parameter checks. Fluoroscopic images were read independently by two cardiologists and the presence of externalized conductors was classified as positive, negative, or borderline.

Results:

One hundred and sixty‐five of 212 patients with a Riata lead were evaluated by fluoroscopy and lead parameter measurements. The mean duration after implantation was 3.98+/−1.43 years. After screening 25 (15%) patients were classified as positive, 137 (83%) negative, and three (1.8%) borderline. Time since implantation (P = 0.001), presence of a single coil lead (P = 0.042), and patient age (P = 0.034) were significantly associated with externalized conductors. The observed rate of externalized conductors was 26.9% for 8‐French and 4.7% for 7‐French leads. No leads that were identified prospectively with externalized conductors had electrical abnormalities. Seven of 25 (28%) patients had a defective lead extracted by the end of this screening period.

Conclusion:

A significant proportion (15%) of patients with a Riata lead had an insulation breach 4 years after implantation. High‐resolution fluoroscopic imaging in at least two orthogonal views is required to identify this abnormality. (PACE 2012;35:1498–1504)
Inheritance and chromosome location of photoperiod‐thermo sensitive male sterility in wheat line Xinong 291S
Authors: Dong Puhui , Hu Yingang , Guo Guanghui , He Beiru , Wang Liming , Yuan Jianguo
Published: October 2012

The present research aimed to study the inheritance and chromosomal location of a photoperiod‐thermo sensitive male sterility (PTSMS) gene in Xinong 291S (XN291S), which is a new PTSMS wheat line. The inheritance was studied in F1 and F2 populations derived from crosses between XN291S and eight wheat cultivars. All F1 plants were fertile and the F2 populations segregated in either 15 : 1 or 3 : 1 fertile : sterile ratios indicating that PTSMS was controlled by one or two recessive major genes. Five wheat cultivars carried homozygous dominant alleles for fertility, whereas the other three, including ‘Chinese Spring’ (CS), carried a single homozygous dominant allele. Chromosomal location of the PTSMS gene was studied by crossing a set of CS nulli‐tetrasomic lines to XN291S. Self‐fertility of F1 hybrids XN291S/N5BT5A and XN291S/N5BT5D were significantly lower than the others. Therefore, the PTSMS gene in XN291S that differed from CS was located on chromosome 5B. Location of the second PTSMS gene needs further study.
Inhibition of melanoma development in the Nras(Q61K)::Ink4a−/− mouse model by the small molecule BI‐69A11
Authors: Feng Yongmei , Lau Eric , Scortegagna Marzia , Ruller Chelsea , De Surya K. , Barile Elisa , Krajewski Stan , Aza‐Blanc Pedro , Williams Roy , Pinkerton Anthony B. , Jackson Michael , Chin Lynda , Pellecchia Maurizio , Bosenberg Marcus , Ronai Ze'ev A.
Published: October 2012

To date, there are no effective therapies for tumors bearing NRAS mutations, which are present in 15–20% of human melanomas. Here we extend our earlier studies where we demonstrated that the small molecule BI‐69A11 inhibits the growth of melanoma cell lines. Gene expression analysis revealed the induction of interferon‐ and cell death‐related genes that were associated with responsiveness of melanoma cell lines to BI‐69A11. Strikingly, the administration of BI‐69A11 inhibited melanoma development in genetically modified mice bearing an inducible form of activated Nras and a deletion of the Ink4a gene (Nras(Q61K)::Ink4a−/−). Biweekly administration of BI‐69A11 starting at 10 weeks or as late as 24 weeks after the induction of mutant Nras expression inhibited melanoma development (100 and 36%, respectively). BI‐69A11 treatment did not inhibit the development of histiocytic sarcomas, which constitute about 50% of the tumors in this model. BI‐69A11‐resistant Nras(Q61K)::Ink4a−/− tumors exhibited increased CD45 expression, reflective of immune cell infiltration and upregulation of gene networks associated with the cytoskeleton, DNA damage response, and small molecule transport. The ability to attenuate the development of NRAS mutant melanomas supports further development of BI‐69A11 for clinical assessment.
Effect of Embryonic and Maternal Genotype on Embryo and Foetal Survival in Rabbit
Authors: Vicente JS , Llobat MD , Jiménez‐Trigos E , Lavara R , Marco‐Jiménez F
Published: October 2012

Contents

The aim of this work was to study the influence of embryonic and maternal genotype of two lines of rabbits selected by growth rate (line R) and litter size at weaning (line A) on prenatal survival. Embryos were recovered at 48 h of gestation from R and A donors (39 and 35 does, respectively) and reciprocally transferred to the oviducts of recipient does to the R (n = 15) and A (n = 14) lines. Each recipient doe received six embryos from line R into one oviduct and six embryos from line A into the other. Recipient does were examined by laparoscopy to determine implantation rate on day 14 and slaughtered on day 25 of gestation to determine the number of live foetuses and the weight of foetuses and placentas. No differences were found between lines in fertilization rate and stage of embryo development at 48 h post‐insemination. Implantation rate was affected by both the embryonic and maternal genotype. While embryos from donor line A had the highest implantation rate (0.78 ± 0.032 vs 0.65 ± 0.036 for line R), recipient line R had a better implantation rate (0.78 ± 0.033 vs 0.64 ± 0.036 for line A). Foetal survival was affected by the embryonic genotype. Embryos from donor line A had a higher foetal survival rate than embryos from donor line R (0.65 ± 0.036 vs 0.53 ± 0.038, respectively) but lower foetal and placenta weights. In conclusion, while embryonic genotype influenced both implantation and foetal survival rate, R embryos had the lowest rates, maternal genotype affected the implantation rate and R recipients may show a greater uterine receptivity during implantation period. Moreover, it must be observed that foetal and placenta weights were significantly affected by embryonic genotype and heavier for R line.
Evaluation of vonWillebrand Factor During Pregnancy, Lactation and Oestrous Cycle in Bitches Affected and Unaffected by vonWillebrand Disease
Authors: Mattoso CRS , Takahira RK , Beier SL , Araujo JP , Corrente JE
Published: October 2012

Contents

Plasmatic concentrations of vonWillebrandFactor (vWF) increase during pregnancy in humans and dogs; however the mechanism of such increase is still not well defined. The aims of this study were: (i) to evaluate changes in vWFconcentration during pregnancy and during the subsequent oestrous cycle in bitches affected and unaffected by vonWillebrandDisease (vWD); (ii) to correlate thevWFlevels and cortisol levels in both groups. Seven vWDaffected (GI) and nine unaffected (GII) bitches were used. The animals were assessed during pregnancy, parturition, lactation and non‐gestational oestrous cycle in 11 moments (Pregnancy 1, Pregnancy 2, Parturition, Lactation 1, Lactation 2, Lactation 3, Anestrus, Proestrus, Oestrus, Diestrus 1, and Diestrus 2). The following tests were performed; measurement of vonWillebrand factor antigen (vWF:Ag), albumin and cortisol. In both groups, vWFconcentration remained stable during the non‐gestational oestrous cycle, but increased during pregnancy, with the highest value observed at parturition. Increases of 70% and 124% in vWFwere seen inGIandGII, respectively, compared to anestrus. No correlation was found between vWFand cortisol. Values of vWF:Ag changed during pregnancy, with a peak at parturition, both in vWDaffected and unaffected animals. Values of vWFwere not altered in the different phases of the oestrous cycle following pregnancy in both groups. Evaluation of vWFduring pregnancy can cause false negative results for vWD, but assessment can be performed at any point in the oestrous cycle of non‐pregnant bitches.
Description of two novel HLA‐B alleles, B*37:34 and B*44:152
Authors: Balas A. , Sánchez‐Gordo F. , Gomez‐Zumaquero J. M. , Prat I. , Vicario J. L.
Published: October 2012

Two novel HLA‐B alleles were characterized. HLA‐B*37:34 shows two nucleotide differences regarding B*37:10 at codons 79 (CGC>CGG) and 80 (ACC>ATC), resulting in one amino acid replacement at position 80 (T>I). HLA‐B*44:152 differs from B*44:02:01 in one nucleotide at codon 81 (GCG>ACG) giving rise to a leucine to threonine substitution at position 81.
In vivo extraction of Arabidopsis cell turgor pressure using nanoindentation in conjunction with finite element modeling
Authors: Forouzesh Elham , Goel Ashwani , Mackenzie Sally A. , Turner Joseph A.
Published: October 2012

Turgor pressure in plant cells is involved in many important processes. Stable and normal turgor pressure is required for healthy growth of a plant, and changes in turgor pressure are indicative of changes taking place within the plant tissue. The ability to quantify the turgor pressure of plant cells in vivo would provide opportunities to understand better the process of pressure regulation within plants, especially when plant stress is considered, and to understand the role of turgor pressure in cellular signaling. Current experimental methods do not separate the influence of the turgor pressure from the effects associated with deformation of the cell wall when estimates of turgor pressure are made. In this paper, nanoindentation measurements are combined with finite element simulations to determine the turgor pressure of cells in vivo while explicitly separating the cell‐wall properties from the turgor pressure effects. Quasi‐static cyclic tests with variable depth form the basis of the measurements, while relaxation tests at low depth are used to determine the viscoelastic material properties of the cell wall. Turgor pressure is quantified using measurements on Arabidopsis thaliana under three pressure states (control, turgid and plasmolyzed) and at various stages of plant development. These measurements are performed on cells in vivo without causing damage to the cells, such that pressure changes may be studied for a variety of conditions to provide new insights into the biological response to plant stress conditions.
Parallel Manipulators With a Rotation-Symmetric Arm System
Authors: Isaksson Mats , Brogårdh Torgny , Nahavandi Saeid
Published: October 2012

Parallel manipulators with a rotation-symmetric arm system possess all the typical advantages of parallel robots, such as high acceleration and high-accuracy positioning. Contrary to the majority of proposed parallel manipulators, the rotation-symmetric arm system leads to a large workspace in relation to the footprint of the manipulator. This paper focuses on a subclass of these manipulators with additional favorable qualities, including low inertia and high eigenfrequencies. These qualities are achieved using only 5-DOF lower arm links and by mounting all actuators on the nonmoving base column of the manipulator. The common feature of all previously proposed manipulators in this subclass is identified and several novel 3-DOF and 4-DOF members are introduced.
Substrate-biasing during plasma-assisted atomic layer deposition to tailor metal-oxide thin film growth
Authors: Profijt H. B. , van de Sanden M. C. M. , Kessels W. M. M.
Published: October 2012

Two substrate-biasing techniques, i.e., substrate-tuned biasing and RF biasing, have been implemented in a remote plasma configuration, enabling control of the ion energy during plasma-assisted atomic layer deposition (ALD). With both techniques, substrate bias voltages up to −200 V have been reached, which allowed for ion energies up to 272 eV. Besides the bias voltage, the ion energy and the ion flux, also the electron temperature, the electron density, and the optical emission of the plasma have been measured. The effects of substrate biasing during plasma-assisted ALD have been investigated for Al2O3, Co3O4, and TiO2 thin films. The growth per cycle, the mass density, and the crystallinity have been investigated, and it was found that these process and material properties can be tailored using substrate biasing. Additionally, the residual stress in substrates coated with Al2O3 films varied with the substrate bias voltage. The results reported in this article demonstrate that substrate biasing is a promising technique to tailor the material properties of thin films synthesized by plasma-assisted ALD.
Pyramid array substrates for biomedical studies
Authors: Löffler Ronny , Fleischer Monika , Kern Dieter P. , Matschegewski Claudia , Stählke Susanne , Nebe Barbara , Lange Regina
Published: October 2012

Cellular reactions to structured surfaces are the subject of intense studies in biomedical research, e.g., for implant technology. Substrates with well-defined structures in relevant materials such as titanium (Ti) are required for these investigations. The pyramidal arrays presented here offer very sharp edges and tips, which appeared to be the main adhesion spots in our earlier cell-surface-interaction studies. Using an etch process based on anisotropic etching of silicon in alkaline solution, the shape of the pyramids is strictly determined by the crystal structure of silicon, while the height as well as the pitch of the pyramids can be precisely controlled and, therefore, be varied in a systematic fashion. Being made from silicon nitride with a thin cover layer of titanium, they offer mechanical stiffness, inertness to all chemicals used in the cell experiments, and a high degree of biocompatibility.
Voltage induced acoustic resonance in metal organic chemical vapor deposition SrTiO3 thin film
Authors: Sbrockey Nick M. , Tompa Gary S. , Kalkur Thottam S. , Zhang Jialan , Alpay S. Pamir , Cole Melanie W.
Published: October 2012

A solidly mounted acoustic wave resonator was fabricated using a 150 nm thick SrTiO3 film deposited by metal organic chemical vapor deposition and platinum electrodes deposited by sputtering. The substrate was (0001) sapphire with a multilayer SiO2/Ta2O5 acoustic Bragg reflector. Dielectric characterization of the SrTiO3 film showed low leakage current and the characteristic capacitance–voltage behavior of a paraelectric film. Measurement of the radio frequency transmission characteristics showed no resonance with zero bias voltage across the SrTiO3 film. At 1.0 V applied DC bias, a well defined resonance peak was observed near 5.6 GHz. With increasing voltage across the SrTiO3 film, the resonance increased in intensity and shifted to lower frequency. The calculated electromechanical coupling coefficient for the device was 1.3% in the range of 3–5 V applied bias. The maximum observed quality factor was approximately 10.
Locating the Center of Gravity: The Dance of Normal and Frictional Forces
Authors: Balta Nuri
Published: October 2012

Teaching physics concepts with the basic materials that are around us is one of the beauties of physics. Without expensive lab materials and long experiments, many physics concepts can be taught to students using simple tools. Demonstrations with these tools can be presented as discrepant events that surprise, amaze, or puzzle students. Greenslade1 has excellently described 14 things we can do with a stick, one of which is the “stick on two fingers.” In this paper I describe some variations of the “stick on two fingers” demonstration.
BDNF Is a Negative Modulator of Morphine Action
Authors: Koo Ja Wook , Mazei-Robison Michelle S. , Chaudhury Dipesh , Juarez Barbara , LaPlant Quincey , Ferguson Deveroux , Feng Jian , Sun Haosheng , Scobie Kimberly N. , Damez-Werno Diane , Crumiller Marshall , Ohnishi Yoshinori N. , Ohnishi Yoko H. , Mouzon Ezekiell , Dietz David M. , Lobo Mary Kay , Neve Rachael L. , Russo Scott J. , Han Ming-Hu , Nestler Eric J.
Published: October 2012

Regulating Opioid Responses

Different drugs of abuse are thought to highjack similar reward systems in the brain using common mechanisms. However,

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(p.
124
) now observe that some of the neural mechanisms that regulate opiate reward can be both different and even opposite to those that regulate reward by stimulant drugs. While knockdown of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the ventral tegmental area in mice antagonized the response to cocaine, the same manipulation strengthened the potential of opiates to increase dopamine neuron excitability. Optogenetic stimulation of dopaminergic terminals in the nucleus accumbens could counteract the effects of BDNF on morphine reward blockade.
Deploying Off-Grid Technology to Eradicate Energy Poverty
Authors: Sovacool Benjamin K.
Published: October 2012

Projects must account for social and behavioral factors influencing renewable energy technology adoption.
Synaptic Dysfunction in Depression: Potential Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Duman Ronald S. , Aghajanian George K.
Published: October 2012

Basic and clinical studies demonstrate that depression is associated with reduced size of brain regions that regulate mood and cognition, including the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus, and decreased neuronal synapses in these areas. Antidepressants can block or reverse these neuronal deficits, although typical antidepressants have limited efficacy and delayed response times of weeks to months. A notable recent discovery shows that ketamine, a
N
-methyl-
d
-aspartate receptor antagonist, produces rapid (within hours) antidepressant responses in patients who are resistant to typical antidepressants. Basic studies show that ketamine rapidly induces synaptogenesis and reverses the synaptic deficits caused by chronic stress. These findings highlight the central importance of homeostatic control of mood circuit connections and form the basis of a synaptogenic hypothesis of depression and treatment response.
Depression and Hippocampal Neurogenesis: A Road to Remission?
Authors: Eisch Amelia J. , Petrik David
Published: October 2012

Adult-generated hippocampal neurons are required for mood control and antidepressant efficacy, raising hopes that someday we can harness the power of new neurons to treat mood disorders such as depression. However, conflicting findings from preclinical research—involving stress, depression, and neurogenesis—highlight the complexity of considering neurogenesis as a road to remission from depression. To reconcile differences in the literature, we introduce the “neurogenic interactome,” a platform from which to consider the diverse and dynamic factors regulating neurogenesis. We propose consideration of the varying perspectives—system, region, and local regulation of neurogenesis—offered by the interactome and exchange of ideas between the fields of learning and memory and mood disorder research to clarify the role of neurogenesis in the etiology and treatment of depression.
Complex Dental Structure and Wear Biomechanics in Hadrosaurid Dinosaurs
Authors: Erickson Gregory M. , Krick Brandon A. , Hamilton Matthew , Bourne Gerald R. , Norell Mark A. , Lilleodden Erica , Sawyer W. Gregory
Published: October 2012

A Toothy Problem

Large mammalian herbivores such as horses and bison are well known to possess a complex, grinding dentition that facilitates processing of their tough, cellulose-rich plant diet. Hadrosaurid, or duck-billed, dinosaurs also possessed complex teeth, but how this was achieved has been unknown because reptiles typically possess simple teeth.

Erickson
et al.

(p.
98
) show how Hadrosaurs evolved teeth composed of six tissues, which allowed for the development of tooth complexity rivaling, or exceeding, that of modern herbivorous mammals.
Natural Enemies Drive Geographic Variation in Plant Defenses
Authors: Züst Tobias , Heichinger Christian , Grossniklaus Ueli , Harrington Richard , Kliebenstein Daniel J. , Turnbull Lindsay A.
Published: October 2012

Plant Anti-Insect Armaments

Because individual plants are unable to relocate, they are subject to extreme selection by the insects feeding upon them. One means by which plants suppress herbivory is to produce toxic compounds to deter feeding (see the Perspective by

Hare

).

Agrawal
et al.

(p.
113
) compared pesticide–treated or untreated evening primroses. Over 5 years of pesticide treatment, the production of defensive chemicals in the fruit reduced and flowering times shifted, and the primrose's competitive ability against dandelions improved.

Züst
et al.

(p.
116
) examined large-scale geographic patterns in a polymorphic chemical defense locus in the model plant
Arabidopsis thaliana
and found that it is matched by changes in the relative abundance of two specialist aphids. Thus, herbivory has strong and immediate effects on the local genotypic composition of plants and traits associated with herbivore resistance.
In Monkeys Making Value-Based Decisions, LIP Neurons Encode Cue Salience and Not Action Value
Authors: Leathers Marvin L. , Olson Carl R.
Published: October 2012

Salience, Values, and Decisions

How does the brain make value-based decisions? There are two major competing models: the goodsbased model and the action-based model of value.
Leathers and Olson
(p.
132
) designed a critical experiment to decide between these two views. In the monkey brain, lateral intraparietal neurons responded strongly to stimuli predicting both large rewards and large penalties, encoding the salience of the stimulus rather than reward value, which refutes both models.
A DNA Twist Diffuses and Hops
Authors: Sheinin Maxim Y. , Wang Michelle D.
Published: October 2012

Single-molecule techniques reveal short- and long-range dynamics of supercoiled DNA.
Malaria in the Post-Genome Era
Authors: Greenwood Brian , Owusu-Agyei Seth
Published: October 2012

New approaches to malaria control should include the development of tools that rely on genome-based information.
When Attention Wanders
Authors: Cohen Marlene R.
Published: October 2012

Examining the neural process of visual attention helps decipher how the brain extracts important sensory information.
Bacteria Deliver a Genotoxic Hit
Authors: Schwabe Robert F. , Wang Timothy C.
Published: October 2012

Intestinal inflammation can promote colorectal cancer by altering the composition of the gut microbiota.
The Burden of Mood Disorders
Authors: Wittchen Hans-Ulrich
Published: October 2012

The Overall Burden of Mood Disorders—Individual, Societal, and Economic—has been increasing in recent decades. This is certainly the case for depression (see the special section beginning on page 67 of this issue). In Europe, the burden is greater than 10 years ago despite the availability of reasonably effective pharmacological and psychological interventions.
*
Yet the prevalence of mood disorders has remained steady at approximately 10% of the population.
*
†
What explains the increased cost and societal burden of depression and bipolar disorders, and what can be done to improve the situation?
Pharma Firms Push for Sharing of Cancer Trial Data
Authors: Bhattacharjee Yudhijit
Published: October 2012

A consortium of pharmaceutical companies hopes to improve the success rate of experimental cancer therapies by getting cancer researchers to share data from clinical trials.
Antibody Responses to Norovirus Genogroup GI.1 and GII.4 Proteases in Volunteers Administered Norwalk Virus
Authors: Ajami Nadim J. , Barry Meagan A. , Carrillo Berenice , Muhaxhiri Zana , Neill Frederick H. , Prasad B. V. Venkataram , Opekun Antone R. , Gilger Mark A. , Graham David Y. , Atmar Robert L. , Estes Mary K.
Published: October 2012

An assay was developed to detect antibodies against two norovirus proteases among participants in a Norwalk virus (GI.1) challenge study. Prechallenge seroprevalence was lower against the protease from the homologous GI.1 virus than against protease from a heterologous GII.4 strain. Seroresponses were detected for 14 of 19 (74%) infected persons.
Fatal Case of Weeksella virosa Sepsis
Authors: Slenker A. K. , Hess B. D. , Jungkind D. L. , DeSimone J. A.
Published: October 2012

Weeksella virosais an aerobic Gram-negative rod that has rarely been reported to cause infection. We describe a fatal case ofW. virosasepsis in a young female with end-stage renal disease, report three additional cases ofW. virosainfection, and review the literature regarding this infection.
Association between an Emerging Disseminated form of Leishmaniasis and Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis Strain Polymorphisms
Authors: Queiroz Adriano , Sousa Rosana , Heine Claudia , Cardoso Manuela , Guimarães Luiz Henrique , Machado Paulo Roberto Lima , Carvalho Edgar M. , Riley Lee W. , Wilson Mary E. , Schriefer Albert
Published: October 2012

Leishmania
(
Viannia
)
braziliensis
causes three main types of American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL), localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), mucosal leishmaniasis (ML), and disseminated leishmaniasis (DL). All forms are observed among individuals of Corte de Pedra, Brazil. We previously used random amplified markers to identify a multiclonal population among
L
. (
V
.)
braziliensis
isolates from ATL patients, defining parasite clades associated with different clinical syndromes. Herein we compared sequences of random amplified markers to identify genotypes of
L
. (
V
.)
braziliensis
recovered from lesions of CL, ML, and DL patients. Six polymorphic genomic loci were sequenced from 35 parasite isolates. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions-deletions (indels) at each locus allowed us to segregate the
L
. (
V
.)
braziliensis
population according to haplotypes. Several SNPs, indels, and haplotypes were significantly associated with an increased risk of DL. Molecular genotyping may provide markers to identify
L
. (
V
.)
braziliensis
strains likely to cause this emerging, hard-to-treat form of ATL.
Utility of the new rheumatoid arthritis 2010 ACR/EULAR classification criteria in routine clinical care
Authors: Kennish Lauren , Labitigan Monalyn , Budoff Sam , Filopoulos Maria T , McCracken W Andrew , Swearingen Christopher J , Yazici Yusuf
Published: October 2012

Objectives

The new 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been designed to classify early onset RA, but has not been studied to identify RA in patients with arthritis seen in routine clinical care where correct ‘classification’ of patients, when they are not selected for having RA would be important.

Design

Prospective, consecutive patients cohort.

Setting

Outpatient clinic of a university rheumatology centre.

Participants

A total of 126 patients with joint symptoms were consecutively recruited.

Interventions

The ACR/EULAR RA criteria were applied, with questions followed by a targeted musculoskeletal exam. The gold standard for the diagnosis of RA was the primary rheumatologist's diagnosis.

Primary outcome measure

Number of patients with non-RA diagnosis who were classified as having RA by the new classification criteria.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity of the 2010 criteria in classifying RA were 97% and 55%, respectively, compared with the 1987 RA criteria which were 93% and 76%, respectively. The 2010 criteria as applied to this group of patients had a poorer positive predictive (44% vs 61%) and a similar negative predictive value (98% vs 97%) compared with the 1987 criteria. More specifically, 66.7% of systemic lupus erythematosus patients, 50% of osteoarthritis, 37.5% of psoriatic arthritis and 27.2% of others fulfilled the new criteria and could have been classified as RA.

Conclusions

In this, we believe, the first study to examine the new 2010 ACR/EULAR RA criteria among consecutive patients seen in routine care, we found the criteria to have low specificity, and therefore incorrectly label those as having RA when, in fact, they may have a different type of inflammatory arthritis. Physicians need to be aware of this when applying the new criteria for classifying their patients for any purpose.