bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determining the Best Search Neighbourhood in Reserve Estimation, using Geostatistical Method: A Case Study Anomaly No 12A Iron Deposit in Central Iran
Authors: Khakestar Marzeihe Shademan , Madani Hassan , Hassani Hossein , Moarefvand Parvizz
Published: May 2013

Ordinary kriging and non-linear geostatistical estimators are now well accepted methods in mining grade control and mine reserve estimation. In kriging, the search volume or ‘kriging neighbourhood’ is defined by the user. The definition of the search space can have a significant impact on the outcome of the kriging estimate. In particular, too restrictive neighbourhood, can result in serious conditional bias. Kriging is commonly described as a ‘minimum variance estimator’ but this is only true when the neighbourhood is properly selected. Arbitrary decisions about search space are highly risky. The criteria to consider when evaluating a particular kriging neighbourhood are the slope of the regression of the ‘true’ and ‘estimated’ block grades, the number of kriging negative weights and the kriging variance. Search radius is one of the most important parameters of search volume which often is determined on the basis of influence of the variogram. In this paper the above-mentioned parameters are used to determine optimal search radius.
Characteristics associated with postoperative diagnosis of adenomyosis or combined adenomyosis with fibroids
Authors: Jean‐Baptiste Hans , Tetrokalashvili Maggie , Williams Tasscia , Fogel Joshua , Hsu Chaur‐Dong
Published: May 2013

Objective

To identify clinical characteristics associated with combined adenomyosis and fibroids and to determine whether preoperative diagnosis by ultrasonography correlates with postoperative diagnosis by pathology.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted of 206 women who attended Nassau University Medical Center, East Meadow, USA, between July 1, 2007, and June 30, 2010. The patients were stratified into 3 groups—fibroids only (n = 148); adenomyosis only (n = 21); or combined adenomyosis and fibroids (n = 37)—according to postoperative pathology findings and variables known to be associated with adenomyosis and fibroids. Significant variables were included in a multinomial regression analysis.

Results

Dysmenorrhea was the only variable significantly associated with a diagnosis of adenomyosis. The odds ratio (OR) was 3.34 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14–9.80). Variables significantly associated with combined adenomyosis and fibroids were age (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.01–1.15), black ethnicity (OR, 2.72; 95% CI, 1.11–6.68), and parity (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.08–1.92). Preoperative diagnosis by ultrasonography did not correlate with the postoperative pathology report.

Conclusion

Including the identified variables in the preoperative evaluation of patients with suspicion of fibroids might improve the counseling process and aid the choice of surgical procedure, especially among patients desiring a conservative approach.
Material Property Identification of Artificial Degenerated Intervertebral Disc Models — Comparison of Inverse Poroelastic Finite Element Analysis with Biphasic Closed Form Solution
Authors: Nikkhoo M. , Hsu Y.-C. , Haghpanahi M. , Parnianpour M. , J.-L. Wang
Published: May 2013

Disc rheological parameters regulate the mechanical and biological function of intervertebral disc. The knowledge of effects of degeneration on disc rheology can be beneficial for the design of new disc implants or therapy. We developed two material property identification protocols, i.e., inverse poroelas-tic finite element analysis, and biphasic closed form solution. These protocols were used to find the material properties of intact, moderate and severe degenerated porcine discs. Comparing these two computational protocols for intact and artificial degenerated discs showed they are valid in defining bi-phasic/poroelastic properties. We found that enzymatic agent disrupts the functional interactions of proteoglycans which decreased hydraulic permeability and aggregate modulus but increased the Poisson's ratio. The fatigue loading, which damages disc structure, and squeezes and occludes the matrix pores, further decreased the hydraulic permeability and the Poisson's ratio but increased the elastic modulus. The FE simulations showed the stress experienced during the creep test increases with severe degeneration but steady-state fluid loss decreases for the both moderate and severe degenerated discs. Discriminant analysis declared that the probability of correct classification using the FE analysis is higher than the results of the closed form solution. The specimen-specific models extracted from FE analysis can be additionally used for complimentary investigations on disc biomechanics.
A Finite Element Analysis of Flow Around a Square Cylinder with Cross Flow Oscillations at two Angles of Attack
Authors: Naderan H. , Nobari M.R.H.
Published: May 2013

In this article a two dimensional incompressible viscous flow past a square cylinder oscillating in cross flow with zero and 45 degree angles of attack is numerically studied by a Characteristics Based Splitter (CBS) finite element method. The solver is coupled to a mesh movement scheme using the Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) formulation to account for the body motion in the flow field. First, the accuracy of the numerical code is tested by comparing the numerical results obtained for the flow over the stationary square cylinder at the three different Reynolds numbers (Re = 100, 200, and 300) with the experimental data available. Then, the numerical results for the square cylinder undergoing transverse oscillations in the two angles of attack at different values of frequency and amplitude are investigated to determine the lock-on region. The results indicate physical similarity between circular and square cylinders concerning lock-on regions. Also the effect of lock-on phenomenon on the flow field pattern and time-averaged drag coefficient is investigated.
Effects of pre-incubation in sheep and goat saliva on in vitro rumen digestion of tanniferous browse foliage
Authors: AMMAR H. , BODAS R. , GONZÁLEZ J. S. , SALEM A. Z. M. , GIRÁLDEZ F. J. , ANDRÉS S. , LÓPEZ S.
Published: May 2013

A two-stage in vitro procedure was used for assessing the activity of parotid saliva to enhance rumen digestion of tanniniferous browse foliage. The procedure consisted of pre-incubation in saliva for 4 h at 39 °C followed by incubation in diluted buffered rumen fluid. Using this procedure, a study was conducted to examine the effects of pre-incubation in sheep (SS), quebracho-supplemented sheep (qSS) and goat (GS) parotid saliva or in McDougall's artificial saliva (AS, used as control) on in vitro rumen fermentation kinetics (estimated using the gas production technique) of browse foliage from six shrub species (Cytisus scoparius, Genista florida, Rosa canina, Quercus pyrenaica, Cistus laurifolius and Erica australis) collected over two seasons (spring and autumn), thus varying the in vitro digestibility (from 0·597 to 0·903) and tannin contents (from 3 to 130 g tannic acid equivalent/kg dry matter (DM)). Saliva was collected from four sheep and four goats fed alfalfa hay, and from four sheep fed the same alfalfa hay but supplemented with quebracho (rich in condensed tannins) for 60 d, through a cannula inserted in the parotid duct, and rumen fluid was always from sheep fed alfalfa hay. The extent of degradation when browse foliage was pre-incubated in qSS was similar to that observed with control AS (0·449 v. 0·452, respectively), and 8% less than the value with pre-incubation in SS (0·490). In vitro fermentation kinetics (gas production parameters) of browse foliage were not significantly enhanced with pre-incubation in qSS compared with SS, whereas in vitro digestibility and extent of degradation in the rumen were significantly reduced with qSS compared with SS. After pre-incubation in sheep and goat saliva, the extent of browse foliage degradation was significantly increased by 4–8% compared with pre-incubation in the control AS. Fermentation efficiency of browse foliage was increased (P<0·05) with pre-incubation in GS compared with SS. Sheep or goat saliva may have some activity to affect in vitro rumen fermentation of the foliage samples incubated, enhancing extent of degradation of tannin-rich browse. However, a relationship between the magnitude of this effect and the tannin content of the browse foliage could not be established, suggesting that sheep and goat saliva may not be particularly important in neutralizing tannins.
A simple biologically inspired algorithm for collision-free navigation of a unicycle-like robot in dynamic environments with moving obstacles
Authors: Savkin Andrey V. , Wang Chao
Published: May 2013

We present a simple biologically inspired strategy for the navigation of a unicycle-like robot towards a target while avoiding collisions with moving obstacles. A mathematically rigorous analysis of the proposed approach is provided. The performance of the algorithm is demonstrated via experiments with a real robot and extensive computer simulations.
Reliability and validity of a short FFQ for assessing the dietary habits of 2–5-year-old children, Sydney, Australia
Authors: Flood Victoria M , Wen Li Min , Hardy Louise L , Rissel Chris , Simpson Judy M , Baur Louise A
Published: May 2013

Objective

A simple FFQ which ranks young children's dietary habits is necessary for population-based monitoring and intervention programmes. The aim of the present study was to determine the reliability and validity of a short FFQ to assess the dietary habits of young children aged 2–5 years.

Design

Parents completed a seventeen-item FFQ for their children by telephone on two occasions, two weeks apart. Sixty-four parents also completed 3 d food records for their children. The FFQ included daily servings of fruit and vegetables, frequency of eating lean meat, processed meats, take-away food, snack foods (biscuits, cakes, doughnuts, muesli bars), potato crisps and confectionery, and cups of soft drinks/cordials, juice, milk and water. Weighted kappa and intra-class correlation coefficients were used to assess FFQ reliability and the Bland–Altman method was used to assess validity of the FFQ compared with the 3 d food record.

Setting

Seven pre-school centres in metropolitan Sydney, Australia.

Subjects

Seventy-seven children aged 2–5 years.

Results

The majority of questions had moderate to good reliability:κwranged from 0·37 (lean meat) to 0·85 (take-away food consumption). Validity analysis showed a significant increase in mean values from the food record with increasing ordered categories from the FFQ for servings of vegetables and fruit and cups of drinks (all trendP≤ 0·01). Spearman rank correlation coefficient was >0·5 for vegetables, fruit, diet soft drinks and fruit juice.

Conclusions

The FFQ provides reliable and moderately valid information about the dietary intakes and habits of children aged 2–5 years, in particular for fruit, vegetables and beverages.
Predictors of increased body weight and waist circumference for middle-aged adults
Authors: MacInnis Robert J , Hodge Allison M , Dixon Helen G , Peeters Anna , Johnson Lucinda EA , English Dallas R , Giles Graham G
Published: May 2013

Objective

To identify predictors of increased adiposity for different measures of adiposity.

Design

Prospective cohort study, the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study (MCCS), with data at baseline (1990–1994) and wave 2 (2003–2007).

Setting

Participants recruited from the community.

Subjects

Australian-born participants (n 5879) aged 40 to 69 years who were not current smokers and who were free from common chronic diseases at recruitment. At baseline and at wave 2, weight and waist circumference were measured; while demographic and lifestyle variables were obtained at baseline via structured interviews.

Results

Participants who reported any recreational physical activity at baseline had lower weight and smaller waist circumference at wave 2 than those who did not, particularly for younger participants and for vigorous physical activity. Walking for leisure was not associated, and greater physical activity at work was associated, with greater adiposity measures at wave 2. A diet low in carbohydrates and fibre, but high in fat and protein, predicted greater weight and waist circumference at wave 2. Participants were less likely to have elevated weight or waist circumference at wave 2 if they consumed low to moderate amounts of alcohol.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that promoting vigorous physical activity, encouraging a diet high in carbohydrate and fibre but low in fat and protein, and limiting alcohol intake could be promising approaches for preventing obesity in middle-aged adults. Similar interventions should successfully address the management of both weight and waist circumference, as they were predicted by similar factors.
The effects of television and Internet food advertising on parents and children
Authors: Pettigrew Simone , Tarabashkina Liudmila , Roberts Michele , Quester Pascale , Chapman Kathy , Miller Caroline
Published: May 2013

Objective

The current study examined the impact of television and Internet food advertising on Australian parents and children.

Design

Parents and their children aged 8 to 14 years were exposed to a television advertisement, an Internet advertisement or a control picture for four commonly advertised energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods.

Setting

Online web panel survey, Australia.

Subjects

Parents (n1302) and their children aged 8 to 14 years (n1302).

Results

After a single exposure to each advertisement, parent respondents in the two exposure conditions evaluated the products more favourably, had a greater desire to consume the products and thought the product could be consumed more frequently than those in the control condition. Similar trends were observed among children, although the differences were statistically significant only for the frequency of food consumption in the Internet advertisement condition and the evaluation of one product.

Conclusions

The results have implications for assumptions of adults’ immunity to advertising. This is of particular importance in efforts to address child obesity and the reliance on parents to mediate the effects of food advertising.
Calendar
Authors: Webster Paul
Published: May 2013

Following is a list of microscopy related meetings and courses. The editors would greatly appreciate input to this list via the electronic submission form under “events/other microscopy events” at the MSA webpage: www.microscopy.org. We will gladly add hypertext links to the notice on the web and insert a listing of the meeting in the next issue.
Handling Cell Culture Monolayers for Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Cohen-Gould Leona
Published: May 2013

In our Core Facility, we are presented with a wide variety of tissue and sample types to process for TEM observation. Some tissues, such as liver, do not present orientation problems. Other tissues such as skeletal muscle have specific orientations that must be maintained. As long as the initial dissection of the tissue is done so that the orientation or area of interest can be identified, these samples do not present a problem. Likewise, when it is not necessary to maintain orientation, cells in culture can be treated with trypsin, to release them from the plate, and pelleted. Or the monolayer can be fixed in vitro and then scraped and pelleted, and the pellet can be processed while adherent to the wall of the Eppendorf tube or handled like a small piece of tissue, among other methods.
Application of Advanced Back-Side Optical Techniques in ASICs
Authors: Martin Douglas , Beilin Samuel , Hamilton Brett , York Darin , Baker Philip , Leung Wai-Yat
Published: May 2013

Failure analysis is important in determining root cause for appropriate corrective action. In order to perform failure analysis of microelectronic application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) delidding the device is often required. However, determining root cause from the front side is not always possible due to shadowing effects caused by the ASIC metal interconnects. Therefore, back-side polishing is used to reveal an unobstructed view of the ASIC silicon transistors. This paper details how back-side polishing in conjunction with laser-scanned imaging (LSI), laser voltage imaging (LVI), laser voltage probing (LVP), photon emission microscopy (PEM), and laser-assisted device alterations (LADA) were used to uncover the root cause of failure of two ASICs.
Characteristics of Fatal Child Maltreatment Associated with Multiple Births in Japan
Authors: Ooki Syuichi
Published: May 2013

The purpose of the present study was to clarify the characteristics of fatal child maltreatment in families with multiple births in Japan. An exhaustive information search was performed to find multiple-birth cases between July 2003 and March 2011. There were 437 cases of fatal maltreatment of children aged 0–17 years during this period, including 14 involving multiple-birth children. A keyword search was performed to create a full profile for each multiple-birth case. The 14 multiple-birth victims were twins from 13 families. No significant difference between twins and singletons with fatal maltreatment was observed for most characteristics. However, in the case of twins, 0-month victims were rare, and the number of children per family was larger. One twin died from shaken baby syndrome. The victim's siblings were also maltreated in six out of 12 relevant cases, including all six co-twins. Premature birth, having a disabled co-twin, delay of growth or development, and parental disfavor tended to be factors of maltreatment when only one twin was maltreated. Four families were given suspended sentences in total, including three mothers who acted as solitary murderers (43% = 3/7). In conclusion, recent Japanese nationwide data suggests that the non-specific overburden of child rearing might be one possible reason for higher frequency of child maltreatment for multiples compared with singletons, and parental comparisons between two twins might be another. The penal sentences for fatal child maltreatment might be more lenient for perpetrators of this crime against twins than against singletons.
Loss of miR-29b following Acute Ischemic Stroke Contributes to Neural Cell Death and Infarct Size
Authors: Khanna Savita , Rink Cameron , Ghoorkhanian Reza , Gnyawali Surya , Heigel Mallory , Wijesinghe Dayanjan S , Chalfant Charles E , Chan Yuk Cheung , Banerjee Jaideep , Huang Yue , Roy Sashwati , Sen Chandan K
Published: May 2013

Glutathione depletion and 12-lipoxygenase-dependent metabolism of arachidonic acid are known to be implicated in neurodegeneration associated with acute ischemic stroke. The objective of this study was to investigate the significance of miR-29 in neurodegeneration associated with acute ischemic stroke. Neural cell death caused by arachidonic acid insult of glutathione-deficient cells was preceded by a 12-lipoxygenase-dependent loss of miR-29b. Delivery of miR-29b mimic to blunt such loss was neuroprotective. miR-29b inhibition potentiated such neural cell death. 12-Lipoxygenase knockdown and inhibitors attenuated the loss of miR-29b in challenged cells. In vivo, stroke caused by middle-cerebral artery occlusion was followed by higher 12-lipoxygenase activity and loss of miR-29b as detected in laser-captured infarct site tissue. 12-Lipoxygenase knockout mice demonstrated protection against such miR loss. miR-29b gene delivery markedly attenuated stroke-induced brain lesion. Oral supplementation of α-tocotrienol, a vitamin E 12-lipoxygenase inhibitor, rescued stroke-induced loss of miR-29b and minimized lesion size. This work provides the first evidence demonstrating that loss of miR-29b at the infarct site is a key contributor to stroke lesion. Such loss is contributed by activity of the 12-lipoxygenase pathway providing maiden evidence linking arachidonic acid metabolism to miR-dependent mechanisms in stroke.
Prostaglandin E2 Type 1 Receptors Contribute to Neuronal Apoptosis after Transient Forebrain Ischemia
Authors: Shimamura Munehisa , Zhou Ping , Casolla Barbara , Qian Liping , Capone Carmen , Kurinami Hitomi , ladecola Costantino , Anrather Josef
Published: May 2013

Cyclooxygenase-2-derived prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) contributes to excitotoxic and ischemic neuronal cell death by engaging neuronal PGE2 type 1 receptors (EP1R). Our previous studies have shown that EP1R signaling resulted in disturbances of intracellular Ca2 + homeostasis and suppression of the pro-survival protein kinase AKT. The aim of this study was to investigate whether these pathophysiological mechanism have a role in the neuronal cell death after transient forebrain ischemia. Mice were subjected to ischemia/reperfusion by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion. Hippocampal cornu ammonis area 1 (CA1) neuronal cell death was determined 5 days after reperfusion. Animals treated with the EP1R antagonist SC51089 or EP1R-deficient mice (EP1 –/–) showed significantly less neuronal injury as compared to vehicle-treated wild-type controls. Benefits of EP1R blockage were still evident 14 days after injury. Better neuronal survival was correlated with reduced neuronal caspase-3 activity and decreased nuclear translocation of the apoptosis-inducing factor. Neuroprotection could be reverted by intracerebroventricular administration of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002 and was not further increased by the calcineurin inhibitor FK506. These data implicate EP1R in postischemic neuronal apoptosis possibly by facilitating AKT inhibition.
The Impact of Reading Expressiveness on the Listening Comprehension of Storybooks by Prekindergarten Children
Authors: Mira William A. , Schwanenflugel Paula J.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of oral reading expressiveness on the comprehension of storybooks by 4- and 5-year-old prekindergarten children. The possible impact of prosody on listening comprehension was explored.

Method

Ninety-two prekindergarten children (Mage  =  57.26 months,SD =  3.89 months) listened to an expressive or inexpressive recording of 1 of 2 similar stories. Story comprehension was tested using assessments of both free recall and cued recall.

Results

Children showed statistically significantly better cued recall for the expressive readings of stories compared to the inexpressive readings of stories. This effect generalized across stories and when story length was controlled across both expressive and inexpressive versions. The effect of expressiveness on children's free recall was not significant.

Conclusion

Highly expressive readings resulted in better comprehension of storybooks by prekindergarten children. Further, because recordings were used, this effect might be attributed to the facilitation of language processing rather than to enhanced social interaction between the reader and the child.
Factors Influencing the Selection of Standardized Tests for the Diagnosis of Specific Language Impairment
Authors: Betz Stacy K. , Eickhoff Jessica R. , Sullivan Shanleigh F.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Standardized tests are one of the primary assessment tools used by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to diagnose child language impairment. Numerous child language tests are commercially available; however, it is unknown what factors lead clinicians to select particular tests to use in clinical practice. This study investigated whether the quality of standardized tests, as measured by the test's psychometric properties, is related to how frequently the tests are used in clinical practice.

Method

A total of 364 SLPs completed a survey regarding how frequently they used specific standardized tests when diagnosing suspected specific language impairment (SLI). The test manuals for 55 tests were reviewed to determine whether test characteristics, such as test reliability, validity, and accuracy, correlated with the frequency of test use.

Results

The most frequently used standardized tests were omnibus measures (e.g., Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals—Fourth Edition [Semel, Wiig, & Secord, 2003], Preschool Language Scale, Fourth Edition [Zimmerman, Steiner, & Pond, 2002]) and single-word vocabulary measures (e.g., Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, Fourth Edition [Dunn & Dunn, 2007]). Publication year was the only test characteristic that correlated significantly with the frequency of test use.

Conclusion

The quality of a standardized test, as measured by the test's psychometric properties, does not appear to influence how frequently a test is used. These results highlight the need for increased evidence-based practice when diagnosing children with language impairment.
Midline Mandibulotomy for Reduction of Long-Standing Temporomandibular Joint Dislocation
Authors: Rattan Vidya , Rai Sachin , Sethi Amit
Published: May 2013

Long-standing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation is an uncommon condition, and due to its rarity, no definitive guidelines have been developed for its management. Various reduction techniques ranging from indirect traction techniques to direct exposure of the TMJ have been used. Indirect traction techniques for reduction may fail in long-standing dislocation. Management of two cases of long-standing TMJ dislocation with midline mandibulotomy is discussed in which other indirect reduction techniques had failed. Midline osteotomy of the mandible can be used for reduction in difficult TMJ dislocations. An algorithm for the management of long-standing TMJ dislocation is proposed and related literature is reviewed.
Graphene yields evidence of atomic collapse
Authors: Smart Ashley G.
Published: May 2013

A relativistic phenomenon predicted for highly charged nuclei has been seen in a tabletop experiment.
Gigantic IceCube tightens limits on theories that predict dark-matter particles
Authors: Schwarzschild Bertram M.
Published: May 2013

The more one looks for WIMPs without finding them, the greater are the constraints on supersymmetric extensions of standard particle theory.
Birds can recognize a model’s reproduction of their own songs
Authors: Miller Johanna L.
Published: May 2013

An interdisciplinary collaboration integrates physical, acoustic, and biological approaches to the study of birdsong.
West Coast national labs trying to cope with roller-coaster budget picture
Authors: Kramer David
Published: May 2013

Complying with sequestration will entail pay cuts and stalled construction projects and will halt new research programs.
Niels Bohr between physics and chemistry
Authors: Kragh Helge
Published: May 2013

Bohr’s atomic theory was addressed as much to chemical problems as to physical ones. But the great scientist’s intent to establish a new framework for atomic and molecular chemistry was less successful, and was unacknowledged by most chemists.
Getting a grip on the electrical grid
Authors: Backhaus Scott , Chertkov Michael
Published: May 2013

As our electrical grid systems become smarter and more autonomous, they require greater control technologies to protect them from failing.
General practitioners and consultation drift: the effects of supply-side changes and reforms on service delivery patterns
Authors: Taylor Michael J. , Horey Dell , Livingstone Charles , Chan Siew-Pang , Swerissen Hal
Published: May 2013

Objectives To determine what types of supply-side change underpinned the recent decline in longer (Level C and D) consultation provision and to evaluate the impact of the May 2010 reforms in realigning Medicare with long-term health policy objectives. Methods Retrospective analysis of Level C and D consultation provision by general practitioners (GPs) across Australia. Outcome measures were extent (number of consultations per providing GP) and participation (proportion of GPs providing these consultations). Results The proportion of GPs participating in Level C consultation provision is substantial (96%) and constant; however, extent of provision per GP decreased by 21% between 2006 and 2010. Level D participation decreased from 72% during 2006 to a nadir of 62% in 2009, and extent of provision decreased by 26% between 2006 and 2010. Conclusion Two distinct types of change underpinned the overall decline in Level C and D consultation provision. GPs appear to be providing Level C consultations less often, but the overwhelming majority still provide these consultations to some extent. The extent of provision of Level D consultations and the proportion of GPs providing them has decreased; an appreciable number of GPs simply stopped providing Level D consultations. Medicare reforms appear ineffective in realigning Medicare with long-term policy objectives. What is known about the topic? Previous research has demonstrated that GP consultation delivery patterns under Medicare have changed profoundly in recent years, with provision of Level C and D GP consultations having declined substantially. What does this paper add? This research shows that the overall decline in longer consultations is underpinned by distinct supply-side changes: (1) a decrease in average consultation provision per GP (for Levels C and D) and (2) the effective abandonment of Level D consultations by GPs. Medicare reforms do not appear to be entirely effective in addressing these supply changes. What are the implications for practitioners? Despite their centrality to health policy objectives of improved preventive care, chronic disease management and mental healthcare, longer GP consultations are declining in very distinct ways. The ability of the current Medicare model to achieve these health policy objectives appears increasingly questionable.
Impact of Starch Gelatinization and Kernel Fissuring on the Milling Breakage Susceptibility of Parboiled Brown Rice
Authors: Buggenhout Joke , Brijs Kristof , Delcour Jan A.
Published: May 2013

Parboiling, a hydrothermal treatment of paddy or brown rice, improves the texture and nutritional characteristics of cooked rice. We investigated milling breakage susceptibility of brown rice parboiled under different soaking and steaming conditions, resulting in samples with different degrees of starch gelatinization and levels of fissured grains and white bellies, that is, parboiled grains with translucent outer layers and an undesirable opaque center. The milling breakage susceptibility was 2.1% for raw rice and ranged from less than 1% up to 11.3% for parboiled rice. Parboiled samples with increased milling breakage susceptibility contained higher levels of white bellies and fissured grains. In white bellies, starch gelatinization is incomplete. Scanning electron microscopy revealed inhomogeneities in individual white bellies and fissured rice grains, indicating moisture gradients inside the grains during parboiling. Starch needs to be completely gelatinized to ensure the absence of white bellies and minimal fissured grain levels in the parboiled end product and, as a consequence, a decreased milling breakage.
Lower 30 Minute Serum Insulin in Healthy Sprague‐Dawley Rats Consuming Chips from Specific Barley Flour Blends
Authors: Harding Scott V. , Storsley Joanne , Thandapilly Sijo J. , Ames Nancy P.
Published: May 2013

Consumption of whole grains such as barley is known to inversely correlate with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic diseases. However, data from randomized controlled trials in humans have not produced consistent results. Compositional differences between foods produced from different whole grains are likely to be a main reason for these discrepancies. The purpose of this study was to determine if varying barley flour composition achieved through milling influenced the postprandial glucose and insulin response. Specifically, this study aimed to test barley foods in the form of chips with very low hydration, thereby mimicking human snack foods. Fasted rats (N = 39) were randomized to one of four barley treatments, all produced from a single variety, Hordeum vulgare L. ‘CDC Fibar.’ The treatments used were straight‐grade flour (SGF), whole grain flour (WGF), bran flour with high β‐glucan (BF‐BG), bran flour with high insoluble dietary fiber, and wheat flour (WF) as the control. Blood was sampled over 120 min following treatment consumption to measure postprandial glucose and insulin concentrations. Our data showed that although there were no substantial glycemic or insulin effects following one‐time consumption of barley tortilla chips with specific compositions, those rats consuming WGF, SGF, or BF‐BG tended to have lower 30 min serum insulin concentrations compared with those rats consuming WF.
The Bacterial Superoxide Dismutase and Glutathione Reductase Are Crucial for Endophytic Colonization of Rice Roots by Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus PAL5
Authors: Alquéres Sylvia , Meneses Carlos , Rouws Luc , Rothballer Michael , Baldani Ivo , Schmid Michael , Hartmann Anton
Published: May 2013

Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus is an aerobic diazotrophic plant-growth-promoting bacterium isolated from different gramineous plants. We showed that reactive oxygen species (ROS) were produced at early stages of rice root colonization, a typical plant defense response against pathogens. The transcription of the pathogen-related-10 gene of the jasmonic acid (JA) pathway but not of the PR-1 gene of the salicylic acid pathway was activated by the endophytic colonization of rice roots by G. diazotrophicus strain PAL5. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses showed that, at early stages of colonization, the bacteria upregulated the transcript levels of ROS-detoxifying genes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR). To proof the role of ROS-scavenging enzymes in the colonization and interaction process, transposon insertion mutants of the SOD and GR genes of strain PAL5 were constructed. The SOD and GR mutants were unable to efficiently colonize the roots, indicated by the decrease of tightly root-associated bacterial cell counts and endophytic colonization and by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis. Interestingly, the mutants did not induce the PR-10 of the JA-pathway, probably due to the inability of endophytic colonization. Thus, ROS-scavenging enzymes of G. diazotrophicus strain PAL5 play an important role in the endophytic colonization of rice plants.
The behavioural and genetic mating system of the sand tiger shark,
Carcharias taurus
, an intrauterine cannibal
Authors: Chapman Demian D. , Wintner Sabine P. , Abercrombie Debra L. , Ashe Jimiane , Bernard Andrea M. , Shivji Mahmood S. , Feldheim Kevin A.
Published: May 2013

Sand tiger sharks (
Carcharias taurus
) have an unusual mode of reproduction, whereby the first embryos in each of the paired uteri to reach a certain size (‘hatchlings’) consume all of their smaller siblings during gestation (‘embryonic cannibalism’ or EC). If females commonly mate with multiple males (‘behavioural polyandry’) then litters could initially have multiple sires. It is possible, however, that EC could exclude of all but one of these sires from producing offspring thus influencing the species genetic mating system (‘genetic monogamy’). Here, we use microsatellite DNA profiling of mothers and their litters (
n
= 15, from two to nine embryos per litter) to quantify the frequency of behavioural and genetic polyandry in this system. We conservatively estimate that nine of the females we examined (60%) were behaviourally polyandrous. The genetic mating system was characterized by assessing sibling relationships between hatchlings and revealed only 40 per cent genetic polyandry (i.e. hatchlings were full siblings in 60% of litters). The discrepancy stemmed from three females that were initially fertilized by multiple males but only produced hatchlings with one of them. This reveals that males can be excluded even after fertilizing ova and that some instances of genetic monogamy in this population arise from the reduction in litter size by EC. More research is needed on how cryptic post-copulatory and post-zygotic processes contribute to determining paternity and bridging the behavioural and genetic mating systems of viviparous species.
Stick tight: suction adhesion on irregular surfaces in the northern clingfish
Authors: Wainwright Dylan K. , Kleinteich Thomas , Kleinteich Anja , Gorb Stanislav N. , Summers Adam P.
Published: May 2013

The northern clingfish,Gobiesox maeandricus, is able to adhere to slippery, fouled and irregular surfaces in the marine intertidal environment. We have found that the fish can adhere equally well to surfaces with a broad range of surface roughness, from the finest sandpaper (Ra= 15 µm) to textures suitable for removing finish from flooring (Ra= 269 µm). The fishes outperform man-made suction cups, which only adhere to the smoothest surfaces. The adhesive forces of clingfish correspond to pressures 0.2–0.5 atm below ambient and are 80–230 times the body weight of the fish. The tenacity appears related to hierarchically structured microvilli around the edges of the adhesive disc that are similar in size and aspect ratio to the setae found on the feet of geckoes, spiders and insects. This points to a possible biomimetic solution to the problem of reversibly adhering to irregular, submerged surfaces.
Snakes mimic earthworms: propulsion using rectilinear travelling waves
Authors: Marvi Hamidreza , Bridges Jacob , Hu David L.
Published: May 2013

In rectilinear locomotion, snakes propel themselves using unidirectional travelling waves of muscular contraction, in a style similar to earthworms. In this combined experimental and theoretical study, we film rectilinear locomotion of three species of snakes, including red-tailed boa constrictors, Dumeril's boas and Gaboon vipers. The kinematics of a snake's extension–contraction travelling wave are characterized by wave frequency, amplitude and speed. We find wave frequency increases with increasing body size, an opposite trend than that for legged animals. We predict body speed with 73–97% accuracy using a mathematical model of a one-dimensionaln-linked crawler that uses friction as the dominant propulsive force. We apply our model to show snakes have optimal wave frequencies: higher values increase Froude number causing the snake to slip; smaller values decrease thrust and so body speed. Other choices of kinematic variables, such as wave amplitude, are suboptimal and appear to be limited by anatomical constraints. Our model also shows that local body lifting increases a snake's speed by 31 per cent, demonstrating that rectilinear locomotion benefits from vertical motion similar to walking.
Predictive ethoinformatics reveals the complex migratory behaviour of a pelagic seabird, the Manx Shearwater
Authors: Freeman Robin , Dean Ben , Kirk Holly , Leonard Kerry , Phillips Richard A. , Perrins Chris M. , Guilford Tim
Published: May 2013

Understanding the behaviour of animals in the wild is fundamental to conservation efforts. Advances in bio-logging technologies have offered insights into the behaviour of animals during foraging, migration and social interaction. However, broader application of these systems has been limited by device mass, cost and longevity. Here, we use information from multiple logger types to predict individual behaviour in a highly pelagic, migratory seabird, the Manx Shearwater (
Puffinus puffinus
). Using behavioural states resolved from GPS tracking of foraging during the breeding season, we demonstrate that individual behaviours can be accurately predicted during multi-year migrations from low cost, lightweight, salt-water immersion devices. This reveals a complex pattern of migratory stopovers: some involving high proportions of foraging, and others of rest behaviour. We use this technique to examine three consecutive years of global migrations, revealing the prominence of foraging behaviour during migration and the importance of highly productive waters during migratory stopover.
Magneto-elastic buckling of an Euler beam
Authors: Singh K. , Tipton C. R. , Han E. , Mullin T.
Published: May 2013

We consider nonlinear elastic deformations of a magneto-elastic beam, using a combined experimental and theoretical approach. In the experiments, a beam had one end clamped with a magnet attached at its free end. When it was placed in an external magnetic field, it was susceptible to Euler beam buckling. However, the classic supercritical bifurcation associated with this buckling became subcritical when an attracting magnet was introduced in close proximity to the beam. To understand these experiments, we develop a model that couples the Euler elastica and dipole magnetic interactions with a uniform external field. The numerical model captures the observed behaviour well and shows that the supercritical magnetic field strength depends almost exclusively on elastic properties of the beam and strength of the permanent magnet, whereas the subcritical behaviour also depends on the separation distance between the attracting pair of magnets. We examine the bifurcation behaviour of the nonlinear system and show that for sufficiently small inter-magnet separation distances, other buckled states coexist with the fundamental mode.
Forest productivity and water stress in Amazonia: observations from GOSAT chlorophyll fluorescence
Authors: Lee Jung-Eun , Frankenberg Christian , van der Tol Christiaan , Berry Joseph A. , Guanter Luis , Boyce C. Kevin , Fisher Joshua B. , Morrow Eric , Worden John R. , Asefi Salvi , Badgley Grayson , Saatchi Sassan
Published: May 2013

It is unclear to what extent seasonal water stress impacts on plant productivity over Amazonia. Using new Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite (GOSAT) satellite measurements of sun-induced chlorophyll fluorescence, we show that midday fluorescence varies with water availability, both of which decrease in the dry season over Amazonian regions with substantial dry season length, suggesting a parallel decrease in gross primary production (GPP). Using additional SeaWinds Scatterometer onboard QuikSCAT satellite measurements of canopy water content, we found a concomitant decrease in daily storage of canopy water content within branches and leaves during the dry season, supporting our conclusion. A large part (
r
2
= 0.75) of the variance in observed monthly midday fluorescence from GOSAT is explained by water stress over moderately stressed evergreen forests over Amazonia, which is reproduced by model simulations that include a full physiological representation of photosynthesis and fluorescence. The strong relationship between GOSAT and model fluorescence (
r
2
= 0.79) was obtained using a fixed leaf area index, indicating that GPP changes are more related to environmental conditions than chlorophyll contents. When the dry season extended to drought in 2010 over Amazonia, midday basin-wide GPP was reduced by 15 per cent compared with 2009.
Non-congruent colonizations and diversification in a coevolving pollination mutualism on oceanic islands
Authors: Hembry David H. , Kawakita Atsushi , Gurr Neil E. , Schmaedick Mark A. , Baldwin Bruce G. , Gillespie Rosemary G.
Published: May 2013

A challenge for coevolutionary theory is how different types of interaction influence the diversification of coevolving clades. Reciprocal specialization is characteristic of certain coevolving, mutualistic interactions, but whether this specialization seen in ecological time constrains changes in patterns of interaction over evolutionary time remains unclear. Here, we examine the co-radiation ofGlochidiontrees (Phyllanthaceae:Phyllanthuss. l.) and pollinating, seed-predatoryEpicephalamoths (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) on young (mostly later than 5 Ma) oceanic islands in southeastern Polynesia.Epicephalaare the sole known pollinators ofGlochidiontrees, and show extreme reciprocal specialization in continental Asia. We find thatGlochidionandEpicephaladiversified across these islands through repeated, non-congruent colonizations, and that one recently colonizingEpicephalalineage has spread across 12 host species in three archipelagos in less than 1 Myr. These results indicate that reciprocal specialization and coadaptation do not prevent dramatic changes in associations between intimately associated taxa over short evolutionary time scales. Not only are these host associations more dynamic than previously recognized, but these changes in patterns of interaction may play an important role in the diversification of coevolving taxa.
Tips for Preparing mRNA-Seq Libraries from Poly(A)+ mRNA for Illumina Transcriptome High-Throughput Sequencing
Authors: Graveley Brenton R.
Published: May 2013

Many investigators who do high-throughput sequencing of mRNA (mRNA-Seq) use kits for library preparation purchased from Illumina. Recognizing that these kits are continually being updated and improved, we provide here some background information, tips, and troubleshooting advice for the kits available at the time of this writing.
Fluorescence Molecular Tomography of Brain Tumors in Mice
Authors: Deliolanis Nikolaos C. , Ntziachristos Vasilis
Published: May 2013

Fluorescence molecular tomography of tissues is a method that three-dimensionally resolves fluorescence biodistribution in vivo, with applications in small-animal research and pre-clinical diagnostics. There are many alternative imaging geometries in optical tomographic experimental systems, but in general, all imaging setups consist of four subsystems: illumination, animal mount, imaging, and automation and data acquisition (i.e., electronics and computer). Here we refer to charge-coupled device (CCD)-based systems that work in trans-illumination (i.e., illumination and detection occur on opposite sides of the subject), while a mouse or other small animal is rotated through 360° to allow photon acquisition from multiple projections. We present a procedure to tomographically reconstruct the biodistribution of fluorescence in small animals. The imaging system and equipment are described, the step-by-step image acquisition and preliminary image-processing methods are presented, and the tomographic reconstruction procedure is outlined. Finally, the method is showcased by imaging the fluorescence activity of a brain tumor of a glioblastoma mouse model.
Measuring Vascular Permeability in Mice
Authors: Jain Rakesh K. , Munn Lance L. , Fukumura Dai
Published: May 2013

Noninvasive techniques have been developed for the assessment of vascular parameters, including vascular permeability, in normal and diseased tissues of mice. In this protocol, mice are injected with an appropriate fluorescent tracer. The effective average vascular permeability (P) of a region of vessels is measured by single-photon microscopy. Additionally, the vascular permeability of individual vessel segments within ∼600 µm of a tumor/window interface is measured by multiphoton laser-scanning microscopy (MPLSM).