bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of silicon content on the structure and mechanical properties of (AlCrTaTiZr)–Six–N coatings by reactive RF magnetron sputtering
Authors: Cheng Keng-Hao , Tsai Che-Wei , Lin Su-Jien , Yeh Jien-Wei
Published: May 2011

Multi-component (AlCrTaTiZr)–Si
x
–N films were deposited on silicon wafers by reactive RF magnetron co-sputtering. The effect of silicon content on the structure, morphology and mechanical properties of the nitride films was investigated. Nitride films with lower silicon content remained as a simple NaCl-type face-centred cubic (FCC) structure. As the silicon content reached 7.9 at%, thermodynamically driven phase separation occurred, leading to a nanocomposite structure consisting of an FCC solid-solution nitride and an amorphous SiN
x
phase. These nitride films exhibited a high hardness of 34 GPa and remained at a constant level up to 7.9 at% Si. The reduced hardness at a silicon content of 10.2 at% was attributed to the appreciable amounts of softer amorphous segregation. The silicon incorporation significantly improved the oxidation resistance of (AlCrTaTiZr)N films. The film containing 7.9 at% Si annealed at 1000 °C for 2 h in air only had a 330 nm-thick oxide layer. The optimum Si content is 7.9 at% since it gives the best combination of hardness and oxidation resistance.
Nonunique factorization and principalization in number fields
Authors: Martin Kimball
Published: May 2011

Following what is basically Kummer’s relatively neglected approach to nonunique factorization, we determine the structure of the irreducible factorizations of an element

n
n

in the ring of integers of a number field

K
K

. Consequently, we give a combinatorial expression for the number of irreducible factorizations of

n
n

in the ring. When

K
K

is quadratic, we show in certain cases how quadratic forms can be used to explicitly produce all irreducible factorizations of

n
n

.
Large solutions for Yamabe and similar problems on domains in Riemannian manifolds
Authors: Dindoš Martin
Published: May 2011

We present a unified approach to study large positive solutions (i.e.,

u
(
x
)
→
∞

u(x)\to \infty

as

x
→
∂
Ω

x\to \partial \Omega

) of the equation

Δ
u
+
h
u
−
k
ψ
(
u
)
=
−
f

\Delta u+hu-k\psi (u)=-f

in an arbitrary domain

Ω
\Omega

. We assume

ψ
(
u
)

\psi (u)

is convex and grows sufficiently fast as

u
→
∞

u\to \infty

. Equations of this type arise in geometry (Yamabe problem, two dimensional curvature equation) and probability (superdiffusion). We prove that both existence and uniqueness are local properties of points of the boundary

∂
Ω

\partial \Omega

; i.e., they depend only on properties of

Ω
\Omega

in arbitrarily small neighborhoods of each boundary point. We also find several new necessary and sufficient conditions for existence and uniqueness of large solutions including an existence theorem on domains with fractal boundaries.
Quotients of representation rings
Authors: Wenzl Hans
Published: May 2011

We give a proof using so-called fusion rings andqq-deformations of Brauer algebras that the representation ring of an orthogonal or symplectic group can be obtained as a quotient of a ringGr(O(∞))Gr(O(\infty )). This is obtained here as a limiting case for analogous quotient maps for fusion categories, with the level going to∞\infty. This in turn allows a detailed description of the quotient map in terms of a reflection group. As an application, one obtains a general description of the branching rules for the restriction of representations ofGl(N)Gl(N)toO(N)O(N)andSp(N)Sp(N)as well as detailed information about the structure of theqq-Brauer algebras in the nonsemisimple case for certain specializations.
Adjuvant properties of a biocompatible thermo-responsive polymer of
N
-isopropylacrylamide in autoimmunity and arthritis
Authors: Shakya Akhilesh Kumar , Kumar Ashok , Nandakumar Kutty Selva
Published: May 2011

To evaluate the thermo-responsive poly(
N
-isopropylacrylamide) (PNiPAAm) polymer as an adjuvant, we synthesized PNiPAAm through free radical polymerization and characterized it both
in vitro
and
in vivo
. The polymer when mixed with collagen type II (CII) induced antigen-specific autoimmunity and arthritis. Mice immunized with PNiPAAm–CII developed significant levels of CII-specific IgG response comprising major IgG subclasses. Antigen-specific cellular recall response was also enhanced in these mice, while negligible level of IFN-γ was detected in splenocyte cultures,
in vitro
. PNiPAAm–CII-immunized arthritic mouse paws showed massive infiltration of immune cells and extensive damage to cartilage and bone. As determined by immunostaining, most of the CII protein retained its native configuration after injecting it with PNiPAAm in naive mice. Physical adsorption of CII and the high-molecular-weight form of moderately hydrophobic PNiPAAm induced a significant anti-CII antibody response. Similar to CII, mice immunized with PNiPAAm and ovalbumin (PNiPAAm–Ova) induced significant anti-ovalbumin antibody response. Comparable levels of serum IFN-γ, IL-1β and IL-17 were observed in ovalbumin-immunized mice with complete Freund, incomplete Freund (CFA and IFA) or PNiPAAm adjuvants. However, serum IL-4 levels were significantly higher in PNiPAAm–Ova and CFA–Ova groups compared with the IFA–Ova group. Thus, we show for the first time, biocompatible and biodegradable thermo-responsive PNiPAAm can be used as an adjuvant in several immunological applications as well as in better understanding of the autoimmune responses against self-proteins.
The modified Sutherland–Einstein relation for diffusive non-equilibria
Authors: Baiesi Marco , Maes Christian , Wynants Bram
Published: May 2011

There remains a useful relation between diffusion and mobility for a Langevin particle in a periodic medium subject to non-conservative forces. The usual fluctuation–dissipation relation can be easily modified and the mobility matrix is no longer proportional to the diffusion matrix, with a correction term depending explicitly on the (non-equilibrium) forces. We discuss this correction by considering various simple examples and we visualize the various dependencies on the applied forcing and on the time by means of simulations. For example, in all cases the diffusion depends on the external forcing more strongly than does the mobility. We also give an explicit decomposition of the symmetrized mobility matrix as the difference between two positive matrices, one involving the diffusion matrix and the other involving force–force correlations.
Maximum-principle-satisfying and positivity-preserving high-order schemes for conservation laws: survey and new developments
Authors: Zhang Xiangxiong , Shu Chi-Wang
Published: May 2011

In an earlier study (Zhang & Shu 2010
b
J. Comput. Phys.
229
, 3091–3120 (
doi:10.1016/j.jcp.2009.12.030
)), genuinely high-order accurate finite volume and discontinuous Galerkin schemes satisfying a strict maximum principle for scalar conservation laws were developed. The main advantages of such schemes are their provable high-order accuracy and their easiness for generalization to multi-dimensions for arbitrarily high-order schemes on structured and unstructured meshes. The same idea can be used to construct high-order schemes preserving the positivity of certain physical quantities, such as density and pressure for compressible Euler equations, water height for shallow water equations and density for Vlasov–Boltzmann transport equations. These schemes have been applied in computational fluid dynamics, computational astronomy and astrophysics, plasma simulation, population models and traffic flow models. In this paper, we first review the main ideas of these maximum-principle-satisfying and positivity-preserving high-order schemes, then present a simpler implementation which will result in a significant reduction of computational cost especially for weighted essentially non-oscillatory finite-volume schemes.
The perception of self-agency in chimpanzees (
Pan troglodytes
)
Authors: Kaneko Takaaki , Tomonaga Masaki
Published: May 2011

The ability to distinguish actions and effects caused by oneself from events occurring in the external environment is a fundamental aspect of human cognition. Underlying such distinctions, self-monitoring processes are often assumed, in which predicted events accompanied by one's own volitional action are compared with actual events observed in the external environment. Although many studies have examined the absence or presence of a certain type of self-recognition (i.e. mirror self-recognition) in non-human animals, the underlying cognitive mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we provide, to our knowledge, the first behavioural evidence that chimpanzees can perform self/other distinction for external events on the basis of self-monitoring processes. Three chimpanzees were presented with two cursors on a computer display. One cursor was manipulated by a chimpanzee using a trackball, while the other displayed motion that had been produced previously by the same chimpanzee. Chimpanzees successfully identified which cursor they were able to control. A follow-up experiment revealed that their performance could not be explained by simple associative responses. A further experiment with one chimpanzee showed that the monitoring process occurred in both temporal and spatial dimensions. These findings indicate that chimpanzees and humans share the fundamental cognitive processes underlying the sense of being an independent agent.
Intercontinental dispersal of giant thermophilic ants across the Arctic during early Eocene hyperthermals
Authors: Archibald S. Bruce , Johnson Kirk R. , Mathewes Rolf W. , Greenwood David R.
Published: May 2011

Early Eocene land bridges allowed numerous plant and animal species to cross between Europe and North America via the Arctic. While many species suited to prevailing cool Arctic climates would have been able to cross throughout much of this period, others would have found dispersal opportunities only during limited intervals when their requirements for higher temperatures were met. Here, we present
Titanomyrma lubei
gen. et sp. nov. from Wyoming, USA, a new giant (greater than 5 cm long) formiciine ant from the early Eocene (approx. 49.5 Ma) Green River Formation. We show that the extinct ant subfamily Formiciinae is only known from localities with an estimated mean annual temperature of about 20°C or greater, consistent with the tropical ranges of almost all of the largest living ant species. This is, to our knowledge, the first known formiciine of gigantic size in the Western Hemisphere and the first reported cross-Arctic dispersal by a thermophilic insect group. This implies intercontinental migration during one or more brief high-temperature episodes (hyperthermals) sometime between the latest Palaeocene establishment of intercontinental land connections and the presence of giant formiciines in Europe and North America by the early middle Eocene.
Identification of an Arabidopsis Plasma Membrane–Located ATP Transporter Important for Anther Development
Authors: Rieder Benjamin , Neuhaus H. Ekkehard
Published: May 2011

ATP acts as an extracellular signal molecule in plants. However, the nature of the mechanisms that export this compound into the apoplast are under debate. We identified the protein PM-ANT1 as a candidate transporter able to mediate ATP export. PM-ANT1 joins the mitochondrial carrier family, lacks an N-terminal amino acid extension required for organelle localization, and locates to the plasma membrane. Recombinant PM-ANT1 transports ATP, and the gene is substantially expressed in mature pollen grains. Artificial microRNA (amiRNA) mutants show reduced silique length and less seeds per silique but increased seed weight associated with unchanged pollen viability. Anthers from amiRNA mutants exhibited a normal early development, but stomium breakage is inhibited, leading to impaired anther dehiscence. This results in reduced self-pollination and thus decreased fertilization efficiency. amiRNA pollen grains showed increased intracellular ATP levels but decreased extracellular ATP levels. The latter effects are in line with transport properties of recombinant PM-ANT1, supporting in planta that functional PM-ANT1 resides in the plasma membrane and concur with the PM-ANT1 expression pattern. We assume that PM-ANT1 contributes to ATP export during pollen maturation. ATP export may serve as an extracellular signal required for anther dehiscence and is a novel factor critical for pollination and autogamy.
BARREN STALK FASTIGIATE1 Is an AT-Hook Protein Required for the Formation of Maize Ears
Authors: Gallavotti Andrea , Malcomber Simon , Gaines Craig , Stanfield Sharon , Whipple Clinton , Kellogg Elizabeth , Schmidt Robert J.
Published: May 2011

Ears are the seed-bearing inflorescences of maize (Zea mays) plants and represent a crucial component of maize yield. The first step in the formation of ears is the initiation of axillary meristems in the axils of developing leaves. In the classic maize mutant barren stalk fastigiate1 (baf1), first discovered in the 1950s, ears either do not form or, if they do, are partially fused to the main stalk. We positionally cloned Baf1 and found that it encodes a transcriptional regulator containing an AT-hook DNA binding motif. Single coorthologs of Baf1 are found in syntenic regions of brachypodium (Brachypodium distachyon), rice (Oryza sativa), and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), suggesting that the gene is likely present in all cereal species. Protein–protein interaction assays suggest that BAF1 is capable of forming homodimers and heterodimers with other members of the AT-hook family. Another transcriptional regulator required for ear initiation is the basic helix-loop-helix protein BARREN STALK1 (BA1). Genetic and expression analyses suggest that Baf1 is required to reach a threshold level of Ba1 expression for the initiation of maize ears. We propose that Baf1 functions in the demarcation of a boundary region essential for the specification of a stem cell niche.
The tectono‐sedimentary evolution of a supra‐detachment rift basin at a deep‐water magma‐poor rifted margin: the example of the Samedan Basin preserved in the Err nappe in SE Switzerland
Authors: Masini Emmanuel , Manatschal Gianreto , Mohn Geoffroy , Ghienne Jean‐François , Lafont François
Published: May 2011

We describe the tectono‐sedimentary evolution of a Middle Jurassic, rift‐related supra‐detachment basin of the ancient Alpine Tethys margin exposed in the Central Alps (SE Switzerland). Based on pre‐Alpine restoration, we demonstrate that the rift basin developed over a detachment system that is traced over more than 40 km from thinned continental crust to exhumed mantle. The detachment faults are overlain by extensional allochthons consisting of upper crustal rocks and pre‐rift sediments up to several kilometres long and several hundreds of metres thick, compartmentalizing the distal margin into sub‐basins. We mapped and restored one of these sub‐basins, the Samedan Basin. It consists of a V‐shape geometry in map view, which is confined by extensional allochthons and floored by a detachment fault. It can be restored over a minimum distance of 11 km along and about 4 km perpendicular to the basin axis. Its sedimentary infill can be subdivided into basal (initial), intermediate (widening) and top (post‐tectonic) facies tracts. These tracts document (1) formation of the basin initially bounded by high‐angle faults and developing into low‐angle detachment faults, (2) widening of the basin and (3) migration of deformation further outboard. The basal facies tract is made of locally derived, poorly sorted gravity flow deposits that show a progressive change from hangingwall to footwall‐derived lithologies. Upsection the sediments develop into turbidity current deposits that show retrogradation (intermediate facies tract) and starvation of the sedimentary system (post‐tectonic facies tract). On the scale of the distal margin, the syn‐tectonic record documents a thinning‐ and fining‐upward sequence related to the back stepping of the tectonically derived sediment source, progressive starvation of the sedimentary system and migration of deformation resulting in exhumation and progressive delamination of the thinned crust during final rifting. This study provides valuable insights into the tectono‐sedimentary evolution and stratigraphic architecture of a supra‐detachment basin formed over hyper‐extended crust.
Inhibitors of propagation of coagulation: factors V and X
Authors: Toschi Vincenzo , Lettino Maddalena
Published: May 2011

Cardiovascular diseases are still the most important cause of morbidity and mortality in western countries and antithrombotic treatment is nowadays widely used. Drugs able to reduce coagulation activation are the treatment of choice for a number of arterial and/or venous thromboembolic conditions. Some of the drugs currently used for this purpose, such as heparins (UFH or LMWH) and VKA, have limitations consisting of a narrow therapeutic window and an unpredictable response with the need of laboratory monitoring in order to assess their efficacy and safety. These drawbacks have stimulated an active research aimed to develop new drugs able to act on single factors involved in the coagulation network, with predictable response. Intense experimental and clinical work on new drugs has focused on synthetic agents, which could preferably be administered orally and at fixed doses. The most advanced clinical development with new anticoagulants has been achieved for those inhibiting FXa and some of them, like fondaparinux, are already currently used in clinical practice. Other agents, such as rivaroxaban, apixaban, otamixaban and edoxaban are under development and have already been studied or are currently under investigation in large scale phase III clinical trials for prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism, atrial fibrillation and acute coronary syndromes. Some of them have proved to be more effective than conventional therapy. Data on some agents inhibiting FVa are still preliminary and some of these drugs have so far been considered only in patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation secondary to sepsis.
Chromosome damage and repair in children with sickle cell anaemia and long‐term hydroxycarbamide exposure
Authors: McGann Patrick T. , Howard Thad A. , Flanagan Jonathan M. , Lahti Jill M. , Ware Russell E.
Published: May 2011

Hydroxycarbamide (hydroxyurea) provides laboratory and clinical benefits for adults and children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA). Given its mechanism of action and prior reports of genotoxicity, concern exists regarding long‐term toxicities and possible carcinogenicity. We performed cross‐sectional analyses of chromosome stability using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 51 children with SCA and 3–12 years of hydroxycarbamide exposure (mean age 13·2 ± 4·1 years), compared to 28 children before treatment (9·4 ± 4·7 years). Chromosome damage was less for children receiving hydroxycarbamide than untreated patients (0·8 ± 1·2 vs. 1·9 ± 1·5 breaks per 100 cells, P = 0·004). There were no differences in repairing chromosome breaks after in vitro radiation; PBMC from children taking hydroxycarbamide had equivalent 2 Gy‐induced chromosome breaks compared to untreated patients (30·8 ± 16·1 vs. 31·7 ± 8·9 per 100 cells, P = not significant). Radiation plus hydroxycarbamide resulted in similar numbers of unrepaired breaks in cells from children on hydroxycarbamide compared to untreated patients (95·8 ± 44·2 vs. 76·1 ± 23·1 per 100 cells, P = 0·08), but no differences were noted with longer exposure (97·9 ± 42·8 breaks per 100 cells for 3–6 years of hydroxycarbamide exposure vs. 91·2 ± 48·4 for 9–12 years of exposure). These observations provide important safety data regarding long‐term risks of hydroxycarbamide exposure for children with SCA, and suggest low in vivo mutagenicity and carcinogenicity.
Survey of current prophylaxis practices and bleeding characteristics of children with severe haemophilia A in US haemophilia treatment centres
Authors: RAGNI M. V. , FOGARTY P. J. , JOSEPHSON N. C. , NEFF A. T. , RAFFINI L. J. , KESSLER C. M.
Published: May 2011

Summary.  Every other day (qod) factor VIII prophylaxis prevents joint bleeds in children with severe haemophilia A. Although three times weekly or qod prophylaxis is recommended by the National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF), how widely these practices have been adopted is not known. We sought to define current prophylaxis practices at US haemophilia treatment centres (HTCs). An email survey was distributed to US HTCs, utilizing web‐based membership rosters of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Hemostasis Thrombosis Research Society (HTRS). Of 62 HTCs responding, prophylaxis is initiated on a three times weekly schedule in 29 (46.8%), twice weekly in 13 HTCs (21.0%) and once weekly in 20 HTCs (32.2%). Central venous catheters are used to infuse factor prophylactically at 55 HTCs (88.7%), including in 100% of children initiating prophylaxis at 19 HTCs (30.6%) and in 50% of those at 41 HTCs (66.1%), but avoided altogether at seven HTCs (11.3%). Prophylaxis is initiated after one or more bleeds in 56 HTCs (90.3%), but after the first bleed in only 28 HTCs (25.2%). Among 226 newborns with severe haemophilia A in 62 HTCs, 1.82 births/HTC/year, the median age at first bleed, excluding circumcision, is 7 months. Of the 113 (53.5%) newborns who underwent circumcision, 62 (54.9%) bled. Despite a recommended standard of three times weekly prophylaxis, over half of surveyed HTCs do not follow these guidelines, and nearly one‐third begin prophylaxis on a once weekly schedule to delay or avoid the need for central venous access.
Characteristics of thin‐layer drying and rehydration of nata de coco
Authors: Fan Huiping , Wu Yonghui , Hu Xiaosong , Wu Jihong , Liao Xiaojun
Published: May 2011

Nata is white gelatinous bacterial cellulose produced by Acetobacter aceti ssp. xylinum through fermentation of coconut water. Drying behaviour of nata de coco was conducted with a hot air dryer for a temperature range of 50–90 °C. The experimental data obtained were fitted into seven empirical and/or semi‐theoretical thin‐layer drying models using nonlinear regression analysis. Results showed that Logarithmic model, Wang and Singh model fitted better than Verma et al. model although all these three models were suitable for predicting the drying process of nata de coco. The rehydration capacity was lost severely when the moisture content of the samples was nearly zero, but it can almost rehydrate to its initial state when the moisture content was above 8%. The drying kinetic properties and rehydration capacity of nata de coco indicated that most of the moisture in nata de coco was free water.
Use of grape by‐product as a source of dietary fibre and phenolic compounds in sourdough mixed rye bread
Authors: Mildner‐Szkudlarz Sylwia , Zawirska‐Wojtasiak Renata , Szwengiel Artur , Pacyński Mariusz
Published: May 2011

The study evaluated the effect of grape by‐products (GP) on the chemical composition, soluble (SDF) and insoluble (IDF) dietary fibre, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity (AA) and organoleptic characteristics of sourdough mixed rye bread. The following samples of sourdough mixed rye bread were prepared: control bread (BC) and breads with GP at four different levels: 4%, 6%, 8% and 10%. Addition of GP significantly improves dietary fraction contents, as bread with a 10% addition of GP accounts for 39% and 37% higher contents of IDF and SDF than BC. The assay of radical‐scavenging activity and reducing ability showed that GP addition greatly enhanced antioxidant properties of mixed rye breads. Profiles of phenolic compounds of supplemented breads were dominated by procyanidin B1 and B2, catechin, epicatechin, caffeic acid and myricetin. With an increase in the level of GP, the hardness and gumminess of the bread significantly increase. Although both BC and supplemented breads showed common volatile compound profiles, there were slight differences in the concentrations of those components. Sensory evaluation of GP‐enhanced breads revealed that a maximum of 6% GP could be incorporated to prepare acceptable products.
The ability of zinc to inhibit the sporulation and viability of Clostridium sporogenes and growth of other bacteria
Authors: Lee Ah Jin , Byun Bo Young , Kang Dong‐Hyun , Tang Juming , Kim Young‐Wan , Hwang Han‐Joon , Mah Jae‐Hyung
Published: May 2011

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of zinc on the sporulation and viability of Clostridium sporogenes and on the growth of other bacteria. When 0.5% ZnCl2 was added to a sporulation medium, it completely inhibited C. sporogenes (PA 3679) sporulation for up to 3 weeks. At concentrations of 0.5% and 1.0%, ZnCl2 not only completely inactivated the vegetative cell viability (>7.0 Log reduction) but also significantly reduced the spore viability (<2.1 Log reduction) of C. sporogenes. Taken together, it was concluded that zinc blocks C. sporogenes sporulation by damaging (or killing) vegetative cells and probably by interfering with the biosynthesis of spore components. In addition to the inhibitory effect on the sporulation and viability of C. sporogenes, ZnCl2 was found to have a broad antimicrobial spectrum against all Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative spoilage and pathogenic bacteria tested. The minimal inhibitory concentration for inhibiting the bacteria ranged between 3.7 and 7.4 mm. Therefore, we expect that this compound or a combination thereof has a potential as a surface‐cleaning agent or disinfectant.
Multiplex PCR for the simultaneous detection of Salmonella spp. and Salmonella Enteritidis in food
Authors: Silva Daniel Santos Pinto , Canato Thayse , Magnani Marciane , Alves Juliane , Hirooka Elisa Yoko , de Oliveira Tereza Cristina Rocha Moreira
Published: May 2011

Multiplex PCR assay (mPCR) for the detection of Salmonella spp. and S. Enteritidis was developed in this study using artificially contaminated chicken carcasses. The assay showed 100% specificity to detect approximately 1 CFU of Salmonella in 10 g of chicken skin after non‐selective enrichment. The mPCR was evaluated in Minas cheese, fresh pork sausage and chicken carcasses commercially available. Salmonella spp. was detected in nine of sixty‐six chicken carcasses, five of fifty‐two cheese samples, and five of fifty‐two sausage samples. The serovar Enteritidis was detected in two samples of contaminated sausage. The mPCR results were confirmed by conventional culture and biochemical identification of the isolates. Serotyping confirmed the presence of S. Enteritidis in sausage samples and showed contamination by serovars Schwarzengrund and Montevideo in chicken carcasses.
Quality changes in chilled Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) tail meat and the effects of delayed icing
Authors: Albalat Amaya , Gornik Sebastian G. , Mullen William , Crozier Alan , Atkinson Robert J. A. , Coombs Graham H. , Neil Douglas M.
Published: May 2011

The quality deterioration of Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) tail meat was monitored during ice storage. The K‐value started at 0.7% and reached a value of 39.7% on day 14. Muscle pH followed a sigmoidal pattern that reached a plateau on day 6. Bacterial load and trimethylamine (TMA) increased only after a lag phase to reach considerable levels by day 14 (5.3 log cfu and 10.2 mg (100 g)−1, respectively). These analytical data were compared with sensory data. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that laboratory measures were correlated positively with the smell strength of cooked product (increasingly strong) and negatively with the smell character of raw and cooked product (sour‐ammoniacal in raw and neutral in cooked products), flavour and aftertaste (both increasingly bland–bitter). The effects of icing delays on the quality of tail meat were also evaluated. Changes in K‐values, microbial load, muscle pH and TMA indicated that the delay to icing should be no more than 4 h (at 16 °C) to ensure that quality is not compromised during subsequent post‐harvest storage.
The impact of ‘best‐practice’ patient care in fibromyalgia on practice economics
Authors: Brown T. Michelle , Garg Suchita , Chandran Arthi B. , McNett Michael , Silverman Stuart L. , Hadker Nandini
Published: May 2011

Objective  The office time required for primary care physicians (PCPs) to diagnose, treat and manage fibromyalgia (FM) patients can be extensive. The study objective was to determine if PCPs can positively impact practice economics by requiring fewer patient visits and less office time, while still achieving an acceptable quality of life, as reported by the physician.

Study design  Survey of PCPs who diagnose, manage and treat FM patients.

Methods  Surveys were administered to US private practice PCPs, obtaining information on the number of office visits, and time spent with FM patients. PCPs were allotted into two groups: FM‐efficient (FME; n = 40) and FM usual care (FMUC; n = 54), based on their reported ability to achieve an acceptable quality of life for ≥50% of their FM patients in less than four office visits post FM diagnosis. An economic model estimated the monetary value of each PCP cohorts' time spent with a newly diagnosed FM patient over a 2‐year timeframe.

Results  Significant office time cost differences across 2 years exist between FME PCPs and FMUC PCPs ($840 vs. $1117, P < 0.05). FME PCPs had a significantly lower cost of scheduled time to confirm diagnosis ($243 vs. $339, P < 0.05) and time to find right treatment ($264 vs. $365, P < 0.05) than FMUC PCPs. Both groups incurred costs related to excess visit time, but it was less for FME PCPs ($119, 29 minutes) than FMUC PCPs ($182, 44 minutes, P < 0.01), driven by quicker diagnosis confirmation (P < 0.01) and treatment initiation (P < 0.01).

Conclusions  Research suggests that efficient FM care delivery during diagnosis and treatment can be associated with improved practice economics.
Medication‐taking behaviours in young adults with schizophrenia: a pilot study
Authors: LEE H. , KANE I. , SEREIKA S. M. , CHO R. Y. , JOLLEY C. J.
Published: May 2011

Accessible summary

Subjects who were adherent to medications showed a consistent dosing interval, while those who were not adherent exhibited multiple and sequential irregular medication‐taking behaviours.

Healthcare providers need to develop an effective communication strategy to assess medication adherence, given the fact that individuals with schizophrenia overestimate their medication adherence.

Environmental supports that cue young adults with schizophrenia to take medication as prescribed, such as a pill organizer with an alarm system or self‐monitoring systems, are needed.

The purpose of this prospective and observational study was to explore medication‐taking behaviours in community‐based young adults with schizophrenia using an electronic monitoring system and patient self‐report questionnaires. The Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS®), the Index for Medication Adherence (IMA) and the Brief Evaluation of Medication Influences and Beliefs (BEMIB) measured medication‐taking behaviours. Data were collected at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks. Descriptive statistics were used in analysis. A total of 11 subjects were recruited; one dropped out. Five were male, and five were female. Average age was 32.64 (SD = 5.70) years. Four (40%) were White people; six (60%) were non‐White people. The average number of medications treating schizophrenia was 1.9 (SD = 0.57). MEMS® identified 71.77% (SD = 30.47) dose adherence and 55.92% (SD = 31.27) day adherence. Most subjects took medications irregularly (early, late or missing). The BEMIB demonstrated that 50%, 20% and 30% of subjects considered themselves to be adherent to their medications at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks, while the IMA reported 90%, 90% and 80% at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks, respectively. Regarding the observed discrepancies between patients' reports and their actual medication‐taking behaviours, clinical implications were discussed. Effective interventions improving medication adherence in schizophrenia are needed for practice and for future studies.
Work‐related behaviour and experience pattern in nurses: impact on physical and mental health
Authors: SCHULZ M. , DAMKRÖGER A. , VOLTMER E. , LÖWE B. , DRIESSEN M. , WARD M. , WINGENFELD K.
Published: May 2011

Accessible summary

Nursing is associated with high levels of emotional strain and heavy workloads.

Work‐related behaviour is linked to health.

Nurses with unhealthy work‐related behaviour and experience have a higher risk of reduced mental and physical health.

Prevention of burnout and illness needs to focus on both the individual and the working conditions.

Nursing is associated with high levels of emotional strain and heavy workloads. Changing working conditions raise the importance of investigating job satisfaction, stress and burnout and its consequences for nurses. The aim of the study was to investigate whether work‐related behaviour and experience patterns are associated with mental and physical health status in nurses. A sample of 356 nurses in four German hospitals were interviewed using questionnaires regarding work‐related behaviour and experience patterns, work stress, depression, anxiety and physical symptoms (‘Work‐related Behaviour and Experience Pattern’– AVEM and ERI). The main result of this study is that unhealthy work‐related behaviour and experience patterns (i.e. the excessive ambitious type and the resigned type) are associated with reduced mental and physical health. Preventive, as well as intervention, strategies are needed that focus both on the individual as well as on working conditions.
Characterizing hepatitis B stigma in Chinese immigrants
Authors: Cotler S. J. , Cotler S. , Xie H. , Luc B. J. , Layden T. J. , Wong S. S.
Published: May 2011

Summary.  Health‐related stigma is a cause of stress, alienation and discrimination that can serve as a barrier to prevention and care for infectious diseases such as HIV. Hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related stigma is common in Asian immigrants, but has not been formally evaluated. The aim of this study was to develop and validate the first HBV stigma instrument and to begin to evaluate HBV stigma in Chinese immigrants. The HBV stigma instrument was developed based on constructs from validated HIV stigma scales and organized into five domains. A written survey was compiled to include demographic data, HBV knowledge questions and stigma items. The survey was pilot tested in English and Chinese and then finalized. Data were obtained from 201 patients seen in an urban Chinatown Internal Medicine practice. The stigma items showed a high degree of reliability when assessed in aggregate (α = 0.85) as well as within individual domains. Stigma was greatest in the Fear of Contagion domain. Knowledge questions showed a corresponding deficit in understanding of modes of HBV transmission. An inverse relationship between stigma scores and familiarity with HBV provided evidence of construct validity. In multivariable analysis, having a family member with HBV and higher HBV knowledge subset scores were associated with lower degrees of stigma. In conclusion, the hepatitis B stigma instrument showed reliability and construct validity. The relationship identified between familiarity and knowledge regarding HBV with lower stigma scores provides the basis for the development of interventions to reduce HBV stigma.
Structural model of the gas vesicle protein GvpA and analysis of GvpA mutants in vivo
Authors: Strunk Timo , Hamacher Kay , Hoffgaard Franziska , Engelhardt Harald , Zillig Martina Daniela , Faist Karin , Wenzel Wolfgang , Pfeifer Felicitas
Published: May 2011

Gas vesicles are gas‐filled protein structures increasing the buoyancy of cells. The gas vesicle envelope is mainly constituted by the 8 kDa protein GvpA forming a wall with a water excluding inner surface. A structure of GvpA is not available; recent solid‐state NMR results suggest a coil‐α‐β‐β‐α‐coil fold. We obtained a first structural model of GvpA by high‐performance de novo modelling. Attenuated total reflection (ATR)‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) supported this structure. A dimer of GvpA was derived that could explain the formation of the protein monolayer in the gas vesicle wall. The hydrophobic inner surface is mainly constituted by anti‐parallel β‐strands. The proposed structure allows the pinpointing of contact sites that were mutated and tested for the ability to form gas vesicles in haloarchaea. Mutations in α‐helix I and α‐helix II, but also in the β‐turn affected the gas vesicle formation, whereas other alterations had no effect. All mutants supported the structural features deduced from the model. The proposed GvpA dimers allow the formation of a monolayer protein wall, also consistent with protease treatments of isolated gas vesicles.
Haemophilus influenzae protein E recognizes the C‐terminal domain of vitronectin and modulates the membrane attack complex
Authors: Singh Birendra , Jalalvand Farshid , Mörgelin Matthias , Zipfel Peter , Blom Anna M. , Riesbeck Kristian
Published: May 2011

Haemophilus influenzae protein E (PE) is a 16 kDa adhesin that induces a pro‐inflammatory immune response in lung epithelial cells. The active epithelial binding region comprising amino acids PE 84–108 also interferes with complement‐mediated bacterial killing by capturing vitronectin (Vn) that prevents complement deposition and formation of the membrane attack complex (MAC). Here, the interaction between PE and Vn was characterized using site‐directed mutagenesis. Protein E variants were produced both in soluble forms and in surface‐expressed molecules on Escherichia coli. Mutations within PE84–108 in the full‐length molecule revealed that K85 and R86 residues were important for the Vn binding. Bactericidal activity against H. influenzae was higher in human serum pre‐treated with full‐length PE as compared with serum incubated with PEK85E, R86D, suggesting that PE quenched Vn. A series of truncated Vn molecules revealed that the C‐terminal domain comprising Vn353–363 harboured the major binding region for PE. Interestingly, MAC deposition was significantly higher on mutants devoid of PE due to a decreased Vn‐binding capacity when compared with wild‐type H. influenzae. Our results define a fine‐tuned interaction between H. influenzae and the innate immune system, and identify the mode of control of the MAC that is important for pathogen complement evasion.
Substrate recognition by the POTRA domains of TpsB transporter FhaC
Authors: Delattre Anne‐Sophie , Saint Nathalie , Clantin Bernard , Willery Eve , Lippens Guy , Locht Camille , Villeret Vincent , Jacob‐Dubuisson Françoise
Published: May 2011

Widespread in Gram‐negative bacteria, the two‐partner secretion (TPS) pathway mediates the secretion of large, β‐helical ‘TpsA’ proteins with various functions. TpsA proteins harbour a conserved, N‐proximal TPS domain essential for secretion. TpsB transporters specifically recognize their TpsA partners in the periplasm and mediate their translocation across the outer membrane through a hydrophilic channel. The FHA/FhaC pair of Bordetella pertussis represents a model TPS system. FhaC is composed of a β barrel preceded by two periplasmic POTRA domains in tandem. Here we show that both POTRAs are involved in FHA recognition. Surface plasmon resonance analyses indicated an interaction of micromolar affinity between the POTRAs and the TPS domain with fast association and dissociation steps, consistent with the transient character of this interaction in vivo. Major interaction sites in POTRAs correspond to hydrophobic grooves formed by a β sheet edge and the flanking α helix, well‐suited to accommodate extended, amphipathic strands of the substrate and consistent with β augmentation. The initial recruitment of the TPS domain to POTRAs appears to be facilitated by electrostatic attractions. A domain corresponding to the first part of the repeat‐rich central region of FHA is also recognized by the POTRAs, suggesting successive interactions in the course of secretion.
The biological activity of botulinum neurotoxin type C is dependent upon novel types of ganglioside binding sites
Authors: Strotmeier Jasmin , Gu Shenyan , Jutzi Stephan , Mahrhold Stefan , Zhou Jie , Pich Andreas , Eichner Timo , Bigalke Hans , Rummel Andreas , Jin Rongsheng , Binz Thomas
Published: May 2011

The seven botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT) cause muscle paralysis by selectively cleaving core components of the vesicular fusion machinery. Their extraordinary activity primarily relies on highly specific entry into neurons. Data on BoNT/A, B, E, F and G suggest that entry follows a dual receptor interaction with complex gangliosides via an established ganglioside binding region and a synaptic vesicle protein. Here, we report high resolution crystal structures of the BoNT/C cell binding fragment alone and in complex with sialic acid. The WY‐motif characteristic of the established ganglioside binding region was located on an exposed loop. Sialic acid was co‐ordinated at a novel position neighbouring the binding pocket for synaptotagmin in BoNT/B and G and the sialic acid binding site in BoNT/D and TeNT respectively. Employing synaptosomes and immobilized gangliosides binding studies with BoNT/C mutants showed that the ganglioside binding WY‐loop, the newly identified sialic acid‐co‐ordinating pocket and the area corresponding to the established ganglioside binding region of other BoNTs are involved in ganglioside interaction. Phrenic nerve hemidiaphragm activity tests employing ganglioside deficient mice furthermore evidenced that the biological activity of BoNT/C depends on ganglioside interaction with at least two binding sites. These data suggest a unique cell binding and entry mechanism for BoNT/C among clostridial neurotoxins.
Divergent host plant specialization as the critical driving force in speciation between populations of a phytophagous ladybird beetle
Authors: MATSUBAYASHI K. W. , KAHONO S. , KATAKURA H.
Published: May 2011

Detecting the isolating barrier that arises earliest in speciation is critically important to understanding the mechanism of species formation. We tested isolating barriers between host races of a phytophagous ladybird beetle,Henosepilachna diekei(Coleoptera: Coccinellidae: Epilachnine), that occur sympatrically on distinct host plants. We conducted field surveys for the distribution of the beetles and host plants, rearing experiments to measure six potential isolating factors (adult host preference, adult and larval host performance, sexual isolation, egg hatchability, F1hybrid inviability, and sexual selection against F1hybrids), and molecular analyses of mitochondrial ND2 and the nuclear ITS2 sequences. We found significant genetic divergence between the host races, and extremely divergent host preference (i.e. habitat isolation) and host performance (i.e. immigrant inviability), but no other isolating barriers. The fidelity to particular host plants arises first and alone can prevent gene flow between differentiating populations of phytophagous specialists.
Sexual conflict in Gerris gillettei (Insecta: Hemiptera): intraspecific intersexual correlated morphology and experimental assessment of behaviour and fitness
Authors: GAGNON M.‐C. , TURGEON J.
Published: May 2011

The contemporary dynamics of sexually antagonistic coevolution caused by sexual conflicts have seldom been investigated at the intraspecific level. We characterized natural populations of Gerris gillettei and documented significant intersexual correlations for morphological traits previously related to sexual conflict in water striders. These results strongly indicate that sexually antagonistic coevolution contributed to population differentiation and resulted in different balances of armaments between the sexes within natural populations of this species. No‐choice mating experiments further revealed that both male and male–female relative arms levels influence copulation duration. However, there were no asymmetries in reproductive behaviour and fitness between sympatric and allopatric mating pairs, suggesting that differentiation by sexual conflict was not sufficient to influence the outcome of mating interactions. Altogether, these results question the relative importance of female connexival spines vs. genitalia traits in mediating pre‐ and post‐copulatory conflict in Gerris.
Effects of oral supplementation with β‐carotene on concentrations of β‐carotene, vitamin A and α‐tocopherol in plasma, colostrum and milk of mares and plasma of their foals and on fertility in mares
Authors: Kuhl J. , Aurich J. E. , Wulf M. , Hurtienne A. , Schweigert F. J. , Aurich C.
Published: May 2011

In this study, effects of oral β‐carotene supplementation to mares (β‐carotene group: 1000 mg/day, n = 15; control group: n = 15) from 2 weeks before foaling until 6 weeks thereafter on concentrations of β‐carotene, vitamin A and α‐tocopherol in plasma, colostrum and milk and plasma of their foals were determined. In addition, effects on fertility were studied. Beta‐carotene concentrations increased in plasma and colostrum of β‐carotene‐supplemented mares compared to control mares (p < 0.05). In mares of both groups, β‐carotene concentrations were higher in colostrum than in milk (p < 0.05). In foals, β‐carotene concentrations increased with colostrum uptake and were higher in foals born to supplemented mares (p < 0.05; control group: 0.0003 ± 0.0002 μg/ml on day 0, 0.008 ± 0.0023 μg/ml on day 1; β‐carotene group: 0.0005 ± 0.0003 μg/ml on day 0, 0.048 ± 0.018 μg/ml on day 1). Concentrations of vitamin A and α‐tocopherol were higher in colostrum than in milk (p < 0.05) but did not differ between groups. Concentration of α‐tocopherol in plasma of mares decreased over time and in foals, increased markedly within 4 days after birth. All but one mare (control group) showed oestrus within 2 weeks post‐partum. Occurrence of oestrus did not differ between groups. More mares of the control group (7/7 vs. 5/12 in the β‐carotene group) became pregnant after being bred in first post‐partum oestrus (p < 0.05). In conclusion, β‐carotene supplementation to mares increased β‐carotene concentrations in plasma, colostrum and milk of mares and plasma of their foals but had no positive effects on fertility.
Changes in the Functionality of Plasma Membrane of Rhizopus stolonifer by Addition of Chitosan
Authors: Hernández‐Lauzardo Ana N. , Vega‐Pérez Josam , Velázquez‐del Valle Miguel G. , Sánchez Norma S. , Peña Antonio , Guerra‐Sánchez Guadalupe
Published: May 2011

The effect of chitosan (2 mg/ml) on the functionality of the plasma membrane of the Rhizopus stolonifer was studied. This study focuses on the changes in the integrity of the plasma membrane, external minimum medium pH, membrane potential, potassium efflux and determination of membrane phospholipids and proteins and of the H+‐ATPase enzymatic kinetic activity. The results demonstrated that the membrane integrity diminishes gradually during 6 h of incubation, that there was no change in the external minimum medium pH and that the spores treated with chitosan showed the lowest membrane potential compared with the control. The results also revealed an increase of five times of potassium efflux by the addition of chitosan. There were no significant observed differences in the content of total phospholipids in both treatments. However, protein content was reduced approximately 40% and total H+‐ATPase activity decreased 52% in the presence of chitosan. Chitosan treatments diminished the kinetic parameters (Vmax and Km) of the H+‐ATPase activity. The damage to the plasma membrane of R. stolonifer by the presence of chitosan alters the H+‐ATPase, affecting the physiological and metabolic functions of this phytopathogen fungus.