bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene flow between wheat and wild relatives: empirical evidence from Aegilops geniculata, Ae. neglecta and Ae. triuncialis
Authors: Arrigo Nils , Guadagnuolo Roberto , Lappe Sylvain , Pasche Sophie , Parisod Christian , Felber François
Published: May 2011

Gene flow between domesticated species and their wild relatives is receiving growing attention. This study addressed introgression between wheat and natural populations of its wild relatives (Aegilops species). The sampling included 472 individuals, collected from 32 Mediterranean populations of three widespread Aegilops species (Aegilops geniculata, Ae. neglecta and Ae. triuncialis) and compared wheat field borders to areas isolated from agriculture. Individuals were characterized with amplified fragment length polymorphism fingerprinting, analysed through two computational approaches (i.e. Bayesian estimations of admixture and fuzzy clustering), and sequences marking wheat‐specific insertions of transposable elements. With this combined approach, we detected substantial gene flow between wheat and Aegilops species. Specifically, Ae. neglecta and Ae. triuncialis showed significantly more admixed individuals close to wheat fields than in locations isolated from agriculture. In contrast, little evidence of gene flow was found in Ae. geniculata. Our results indicated that reproductive barriers have been regularly bypassed during the long history of sympatry between wheat and Aegilops.
Serum C‐Reactive Protein Concentration in Benign and Malignant Canine Spirocercosis
Authors: Mukorera V. , Dvir E. , van der Merwe L.L. , Goddard A.
Published: May 2011

Background: Spirocerca lupi is a nematode of canids that forms a nodule in the esophagus that can undergo neoplastic transformation. C‐reactive protein (CRP) is a major acute phase protein in the dog that has been used for treatment, monitoring, and prognostication in inflammatory and neoplastic disease.

Hypothesis/Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine if serum CRP concentration (1) is increased in canine spirocercosis, (2) can be used to determine neoplastic transformation, and (3) can be used to monitor response to treatment in benign spirocercosis.

Animals: Forty‐two dogs naturally infected with S. lupi and 21 control dogs.

Methods: A retrospective study was performed. The infected cases were divided into benign (n = 28) or malignant (n = 14) spirocercosis. CRP was performed on all of the spirocercosis and control cases at presentation. Statistical analysis was done by the one‐way analysis of variance and Student's t‐test.

Results: The mean CRP concentration in the benign cases was 60.4 ± 48.0 mg/L and that of the malignant cases was 76.5 ± 44.8 mg/L; both values were significantly higher (P < .001) than those of the control group where the mean was 13.4 ± 17.9 mg/L. The mean CRP concentration for the convalescent sera in the benign group was lower than the pretreatment concentrations (P= .01).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance: CRP cannot be used to differentiate between benign and malignant spirocercosis. There is a decrease in CRP concentration in dogs with benign spirocercosis once treatment has commenced. Serial CRP measurement can be used to monitor response to treatment in benign spirocercosis.
In Vitro Lysis and Acute Transfusion Reactions with Hemolysis Caused by Inappropriate Storage of Canine Red Blood Cell Products
Authors: Patterson J. , Rousseau A. , Kessler R.J. , Giger U.
Published: May 2011

Background:Transfusion of red blood cell (RBC) products carries considerable risk for adverse reactions, including life‐threatening hemolytic reactions.

Objective:To report the occurrence and investigation of life‐threatening acute transfusion reactions with hemolysis in dogs likely related to inappropriate blood product storage.

Animals:Four dogs with acute transfusion reactions and other recipients of blood products.

Methods:Medical records were reviewed from 4 dogs with suspected acute hemolytic transfusion reactions after receiving RBC products at a veterinary clinic over a 1‐month period. Medical records of other animals receiving blood products in the same time period also were reviewed. Blood compatibility and product quality were assessed, subsequent transfusions were closely monitored, and products were diligently audited.

Results:During or immediately after RBC product transfusion, 4 dogs developed hemolysis, hemoglobinuria, or both. Two dogs died and 1 was euthanized because of progressive clinical signs compatible with an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction. Blood type and blood compatibility were confirmed. RBC units from 2 blood banks were found to be hemolyzed after storage in the clinic's refrigerator; no bacterial contamination was identified. After obtaining a new refrigerator dedicated to blood product storage, the problem of hemolyzed units and acute transfusion reactions with hemolysis completely resolved.

Conclusions:Acute life‐threatening transfusion reactions can be caused by inappropriate storage of RBC products. In addition to infectious disease screening and ensuring blood‐type compatibility, quality assessment of blood products, appropriate collection, processing, and storage techniques as well as recipient monitoring are critical to provide safe, effective transfusions.
RBrownie: an R package for testing hypotheses about rates of evolutionary change
Authors: Stack J. Conrad , Harmon Luke J. , O'Meara Brian
Published: May 2011

1. Maximum likelihood analyses for testing hypotheses about how rates of disparification might vary across clades can provide important insight into the evolutionary process. While the Brownie phylogenetic library can perform such analyses, it does so outside of a general scripting environment.

2. We present RBrownie, an interface between the Brownie phylogenetic library and the R software environment, which provides easy access to the main methods in Brownie (see O'Meara 2008; PhD Dissertation, Nature Precedings), including discrete ancestral state reconstruction. In addition, RBrownie supplies a direct interface to Brownie, allowing advanced users to construct more complex combinations of analyses and to execute any newly added Brownie functions.

3. Overall, it is a package that features evolutionary rate analyses in a flexible and familiar environment.
Successful reduction of a monozygotic equine twin pregnancy via transabdominal ultrasound‐guided cardiac puncture
Authors: Sper R. B. , Whitacre M. D. , Bailey C. S. , Schramme A. J. , Orellana D. G. , Ast C. K. , Vasgaard J. M.
Published: May 2011

In horses, twin pregnancy is pathological and represents a potentially life‐threatening condition to the mare and foal. Twinning occurs in approximately 2% of pregnancies. Of these, the majority of cases are dizygotic twins, resulting from 2 ovulations and monozygotic twins are rare. A 12‐year‐old Quarter Horse mare was presented for breeding management with shipped cooled semen and embryo transfer. Seven days post ovulation, a single late morula/early blastocyst was recovered and transferred immediately to a recipient mare. Thirty‐six days after transfer, transrectal ultrasound examination revealed the presence of 2 embryos. A transcutaneous reduction of one of the fetuses was performed successfully at 128 days of gestation. This report is the first to describe a successful reduction of monozygotic twins by transcutaneous ultrasound‐guided cardiac puncture.
Predicting changes in delusional ideation: The role of mindfulness and negative schemas
Authors: Oliver Joseph E. , McLachlan Kennedy , Jose Paul E. , Peters Emmanuelle
Published: May 2011

Objectives. Understanding factors that contribute to delusional ideation has important clinical implications. This study looked at the impact of mindfulness and negative schemas on changes in delusional ideation over time.

Design. A sample of University students was selected to investigate processes related to delusional ideation in a non‐clinical sample.

Method. A web‐based survey was completed by 700 University students, 204 of whom completed a second identical survey after 6 months, to comprise the longitudinal sample.

Results. Results from the study demonstrated that negative schemas and mindfulness were related to changes in delusional ideation over time and support was found for a mediated model, whereby mindfulness mediated the impact of schemas on the outcome.

Conclusions. The findings point to the importance of mindfulness as an intervention for preventing non‐clinical delusional ideation transitioning into clinical delusions.
Central excitability contributes to supramaximal volitional contractions in human incomplete spinal cord injury
Authors: Thompson Christopher K. , Lewek Michael D. , Jayaraman Arun , Hornby T. George
Published: May 2011

Non‐technical summary Individuals with a motor incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) present clinically with partial control of muscles below the site of the injury, but experience profound weakness which can limit the ability to perform functional tasks such as walking. Interestingly, when individuals with an incomplete SCI are asked to maximally and repeatedly contract their quadriceps muscles, they demonstrate an increase in the peak force generated; individuals without SCI experience a decline in force, or ‘fatigue’. Following these repeated maximal efforts, reflex responses to electrical stimulation over the quadriceps muscle elicited amplified and prolonged, involuntary motor activity. Such responses were not observed prior to the maximal contractions, and were not observed in neurologically intact subjects. This finding suggests that increases in spinal excitability following these maximal efforts may enhance force generating capacity, and provides insight into possible novel therapeutic interventions to restore function following SCI.
Effect of Temperature Nonuniformity on Heat Transfer in an Unshrouded Transonic HP Turbine: An Experimental and Computational Investigation
Authors: Qureshi Imran , Smith Andy D. , Chana Kam S. , Povey Thomas
Published: May 2011

Detailed experimental measurements have been performed to understand the effects of turbine inlet temperature distortion (hot-streaks) on the heat transfer and aerodynamic characteristics of a full-scale unshrouded high pressure turbine stage at flow conditions that are representative of those found in a modern gas turbine engine. To investigate hot-streak migration, the experimental measurements are complemented by three-dimensional steady and unsteady CFD simulations of the turbine stage. This paper presents the time-averaged measurements and computational predictions of rotor blade surface and rotor casing heat transfer. Experimental measurements obtained with and without inlet temperature distortion are compared. Time-mean experimental measurements of rotor casing static pressure are also presented. CFD simulations have been conducted using the Rolls-Royce code HYDRA and are compared with the experimental results. The test turbine was the unshrouded MT1 turbine, installed in the Turbine Test Facility (previously called Isentropic Light Piston Facility) at QinetiQ, Farnborough, UK. This is a short duration transonic facility, which simulates engine-representative M, Re, Tu, N/T, and Tg/Tw to the turbine inlet. The facility has recently been upgraded to incorporate an advanced second-generation temperature distortion generator, capable of simulating well-defined, aggressive temperature distortion both in the radial and circumferential directions, at the turbine inlet.
Aerodynamics and Heat Transfer for a Cooled One and One-Half Stage High-Pressure Turbine—Part III: Impact of Hot-Streak Characteristics on Blade Row Heat Flux
Authors: Mathison R. M. , Haldeman C. W. , Dunn M. G.
Published: May 2011

The influence of hot-streak magnitude and alignment relative to the vane leading edge on blade row heat flux is investigated for a one and one-half stage high-pressure turbine with a film-cooled vane, purge cooling, and uncooled blades. The full-stage turbine is operated at design-corrected conditions. In addition to investigating the impact of different hot-streak characteristics, this study also looks at the interaction of cooling flow with the hot streaks. This paper builds on the investigation of profile migration utilizing temperature measurements presented in Part I and the heat transfer measurements presented in Part II. Hot streaks aligned with the vane midpitch have a greater impact on blade temperatures and heat-flux values than hot streaks aligned with the vane leading edge. The leading edge hot streaks tend to be mixed out over the surface of the vane. The magnitude of the hot streak is observed to have the largest influence on the temperature and heat flux for the downstream blade. Time-accurate measurements confirm these conclusions and indicate that further analysis of the time-accurate data is warranted. Film cooling is found to impact a hot-streak profile in a way similar to that observed for a radial profile. Differences in core to coolant temperature ratio cause the uniform profile to show different coolant effects, but the overall spread of the cooling appears similar.
Photoluminescence and secondary ion mass spectrometry study of layer-by-layer grown Zn1−xCdxSe quantum wells
Authors: Hernández-Calderón I. , García-Vázquez M. , Hernández-Ramírez L. M. , Vidal M. A.
Published: May 2011

Quantum wells of Zn1−xCdxSe can be grown in a layer-by-layer mode by submonolayer pulsed beam epitaxy (SPBE). The authors present the results of the characterization of a sample containing three quantum wells with different Cd contents produced without interrupting the growth process or changing the effusion cell temperatures. The quantum wells exhibit intense and narrow excitonic emission. Information about their structure and composition was obtained by means of low temperature photoluminescence and secondary ion mass spectrometry. A very good agreement was observed between both techniques, demonstrating that SPBE offers a great control of quantum well thickness and composition.
The Transcriptome Speaks
Authors: Damani Samir
Published: May 2011

RNA sequencing reveals chimeric gene transcripts enriched in human prostate cancer.
Terrestrial source to deep-sea sink sediment budgets at high and low sea levels: Insights from tectonically active Southern California
Authors: Covault Jacob A. , Romans Brian W. , Graham Stephan A. , Fildani Andrea , Hilley George E.
Published: May 2011

Sediment routing from terrestrial source areas to the deep sea influences landscapes and seascapes and supply and filling of sedimentary basins. However, a comprehensive assessment of land-to-deep-sea sediment budgets over millennia with significant climate change is lacking. We provide source to sink sediment budgets using cosmogenic radionuclide–derived terrestrial denudation rates and submarine-fan deposition rates through sea-level fluctuations since oxygen isotope stage 3 (younger than 40 ka) in tectonically active, spatially restricted sediment-routing systems of Southern California. We show that source-area denudation and deep-sea deposition are balanced during a period of generally falling and low sea level (40–13 ka), but that deep-sea deposition exceeds terrestrial denudation during the subsequent period of rising and high sea level (younger than 13 ka). This additional supply of sediment is likely owed to enhanced dispersal of sediment across the shelf caused by seacliff erosion during postglacial shoreline transgression and initiation of submarine mass wasting. During periods of both low and high sea level, land and deep-sea sediment fluxes do not show orders of magnitude imbalances that might be expected in the wake of major sea-level changes. Thus, sediment-routing processes in a globally significant class of small, tectonically active systems might be fundamentally different from those of larger systems that drain entire orogens, in which sediment storage in coastal plains and wide continental shelves can exceed millions of years. Furthermore, in such small systems, depositional changes offshore can reflect onshore changes when viewed over time scales of several thousand years to more than 10 k.y.
Seawater calcium isotope ratios across the Eocene-Oligocene transition
Authors: Griffith Elizabeth M. , Paytan Adina , Eisenhauer Anton , Bullen Thomas D. , Thomas Ellen
Published: May 2011

During the Eocene-Oligocene transition (EOT, ca. 34 Ma), Earth's climate cooled significantly from a greenhouse to an icehouse climate, while the calcite (CaCO3) compensation depth (CCD) in the Pacific Ocean increased rapidly. Fluctuations in the CCD could result from various processes that create an imbalance between calcium (Ca) sources to, and sinks from, the ocean (e.g., weathering and CaCO3 deposition), with different effects on the isotopic composition of dissolved Ca in the oceans due to differences in the Ca isotopic composition of various inputs and outputs. We used Ca isotope ratios (δ44/40Ca) of coeval pelagic marine barite and bulk carbonate to evaluate changes in the marine Ca cycle across the EOT. We show that the permanent deepening of the CCD was not accompanied by a pronounced change in seawater δ44/40Ca, whereas time intervals in the Neogene with smaller carbonate depositional changes are characterized by seawater δ44/40Ca shifts. This suggests that the response of seawater δ44/40Ca to changes in weathering fluxes and to imbalances in the oceanic alkalinity budget depends on the chemical composition of seawater. A minor and transient fluctuation in the Ca isotope ratio of bulk carbonate may reflect a change in isotopic fractionation associated with CaCO3 precipitation from seawater due to a combination of factors, including changes in temperature and/or in the assemblages of calcifying organisms.
Splitting a continent: Insights from submarine high-resolution mapping of the Moresby Seamount detachment, offshore Papua New Guinea
Authors: Speckbacher Romed , Behrmann Jan H. , Nagel Thorsten J. , Stipp Michael , Devey Colin W.
Published: May 2011

The Moresby Seamount detachment in the Woodlark Basin (east of Papua New Guinea) is arguably the best exposed active detachment fault in the world. We present the results of a high-resolution autonomous underwater vehicle survey of bathymetry, bottom water temperature, and turbidity. In combination with dredging and existing drillhole data, a synthesis of the tectonic geomorphology, kinematics, and mechanics of the detachment is provided. The detachment surface, which has a 30° northward dip and ∼8 km post-Pliocene displacement, is well preserved. Two major smooth areas are tectonically created, and megascopic (kilometer scale) slickensides indicate downdip direction of movement. The detachment is transected by a major sinistral strike-slip fault, suggesting deformation partitioning in the detachment zone in response to the 500 k.y. change in plate kinematics. The mainly gabbroic protoliths and cataclasites from the fault show pervasive syntectonic alteration, leading to large increases in abundance of quartz and, more important, calcite. Resulting quartz-rich and calcite-rich mylonites play a crucial role, as weak fault rocks and ductile microstructures point to detachment operation at low differential stress. A kilometer-sized anomaly in bottom water temperature and turbidity is found at the downdip end of the detachment zone, indicating that it hosts an active hydrothermal system, probably fed by overpressured fluids from a deep crustal source.
Deep-water erosional remnants in eastern offshore Trinidad as terrestrial analogs for teardrop-shaped islands on Mars: Implications for outflow channel formation
Authors: Moscardelli Lorena , Wood Lesli
Published: May 2011

Discovery of geomorphological elements such as valleys and channel-like features on the surface of Mars has prompted debate over alternative origins for these morphologies, including erosion by lava, liquid CO2, glaciation, and mass wasting events. Similarities between Martian geomorphological elements and those of certain terrestrial environments suggest that water processes were involved in the formation of some visible Martian landscapes. Recent advances in three-dimensional seismic reflectivity imaging techniques, drawn mainly from oil and gas exploration activities in deep-water regions of the world, have allowed us to describe a variety of internal stratigraphic architectures that resemble some geomorphological features observed in the circum–Chryse Planitia region of Mars. For example, erosional shadow remnants that have been described as components of deep-water mass transport deposits in the eastern offshore margin of Trinidad closely resemble teardrop-shaped islands that have been described at the downstream end of outflow channels within the circum–Chryse Planitia region. These observations suggest that the teardrop-shaped islands might have been formed as a result of catastrophic submarine mass movements similar to those documented within continental margins on Earth.
Quartz flakes in lakes: Microdebitage evidence for submerged Great Lakes prehistoric (Late Paleoindian–Early Archaic) tool-making sites
Authors: Sonnenburg Elizabeth P. , Boyce Joseph I. , Reinhardt Eduard G.
Published: May 2011

Exploration for submerged prehistoric archaeological sites in the Great Lakes (North America) is a major challenge due to difficulties in locating scant cultural artifacts in lake-bottom sediments. Stone tool microfragments (microdebitage, <1 mm) can be abundant (>106 per tool) and more dispersed around tool-making sites, but have not been identified previously in an underwater context. To evaluate their use as a submerged site indicator, microdebitage analysis was conducted on five lake sediment cores from a shallow lagoon adjacent to a long-occupied prehistoric site (McIntyre site, Rice Lake, Ontario). We identified 155 microdebitage fragments within a distinctive muddy peat horizon (2–2.5 m depth) using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy methods. The microdebitage consisted of angular to very angular quartz fragments (400–1000 μm) with characteristic conchoidal fractures and flake scars produced by mechanical percussion. The microdebitage horizon had a distinctive bimodal particle size peak and contained a low-diversity soil thecamoebian assemblage (Phryaginella, Bullinularia sp.) indicative of a wetland environment that formed during an early Holocene shoreline transgression. Accelerator mass spectrometry 14C dating of wood fragments yielded ages of 9470–8760 ± 50 yr B.P. (11,070–9560 cal [calibrated] yr B.P.), indicating a Late Paleoindian–Early Archaic age for the deposit. Results demonstrate that coring and microdebitage analysis are effective tools in the search for underwater prehistoric sites and can be employed more broadly in exploration of submerged landscapes in the Great Lakes basins.
Polygonal sandcracks: Unique sedimentary desiccation structures in Bahamian ooid grainstone
Authors: Glumac Bosiljka , Curran H. Allen , Motti Sarah A. , Weigner Madeline M. , Pruss Sara B.
Published: May 2011

Sandcracks, which are ubiquitous in Holocene eolian and beach backshore carbonate grainstone on Alligator Point, Cat Island, Bahamas, resemble polygonal mudcracks, but formed in ooid sand without muddy matrix. In experiments on Cat Island beach sand, sediment surfaces cracked polygonally in the absence of mud or biofilms while drying at room temperature due to contraction generated by capillary effects related to surface tension attraction of interstitial water. Gravitational collapse of irregular open pores and repacking of sand grains due to loss of cohesion between particles caused by evaporation of water enhance the cracking process and appearance of polygons by providing space for cracks to expand. The polygons are held together by any remaining capillary moisture and associated meniscus cement, which precipitates as the sand dries. Polygonal sandcracks can be preserved by rapid lithification of carbonate sand, but have been documented only rarely from other localities because their formation requires well-sorted, well-rounded spherical grains rather than those making up the more common, heterogeneous skeletal and peloidal sediment in carbonate settings. Interpretation of this primary sedimentary desiccation structure provides new insights into sedimentation and diagenesis of ooid-rich deposits and can aid in recognizing ancient subaerial exposure horizons.
Enhanced nitrogen fixation in the immediate aftermath of the latest Permian marine mass extinction
Authors: Luo Genming , Wang Yongbiao , Algeo Thomas J. , Kump Lee R. , Bai Xiao , Yang Hao , Yao Le , Xie Shucheng
Published: May 2011

The carbon (δ13Corg) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopic compositions of bulk organic matter were analyzed in two high-resolution Permian-Triassic transitional sections containing microbialite in south China. The results from these shallow-marine sections show that an abrupt negative shift in δ15N, from ∼+3‰ to ∼0‰, occurred immediately after the latest Permian mass extinction (LPE) in both sections, concurrent with a distinct negative shift in δ13Corg. The persistently low values of δ15N suggest that, following the LPE, microbial nitrogen fixation became the main source of biologically available nitrogen in the Nanpanjiang Basin and perhaps over a broader region of the eastern Paleotethys Ocean. Enhanced N fixation is probably indicative of the prevalence of stratified anoxic water masses characterized by intense denitrification and/or anaerobic ammonium oxidation at the time. Perturbation of the marine nitrogen cycle might have contributed to high temperatures following the main marine mass extinction through the release of the greenhouse gas N2O. The sharp declines in δ15N and δ13Corg may be ascribed to an abrupt change in shallow-water microbial communities, which differed in composition from contemporaneous deep-water communities.
Baeyer–Villiger oxidation of some steroids by Aspergillus tamarii MRC 72400
Authors: Yildirim Kudret , Uzuner Ahmet , Gulcuoglu Emine Yasemin
Published: May 2011

Biotransformations of epiandrosterone (1), dehydroepiandrosterone (2), testosterone (3), progesterone (4) and pregnenolone (5) byAspergillus tamariiMRC 72400 for 5 days have been reported and the results of these incubations have been compared with previously published data obtained withAspergillus tamariiQM 1223.A. tamariiMRC 72400 showed higher Bayer–Villiger monooxygenase activities thanA. tamariiQM 1223 did. Apart from pregnenolone (5),A. tamariiMRC 72400 metabolized these steroids in different ways. Incubation of epiandrosterone (1) afforded 3β,11β-dihydroxy-5α-androstan-17-one (6) (3%) and 3β-hydroxy-17a-oxa-D-homo-5α-androstan-17-one (7) (9.5%). Incubation of dehydroepiandrosterone (2) afforded 3β-hydroxy-17a-oxa-D-homoandrost-5-en-17-one (8) (28%), testolactone (9) (6%), 3β,7β-dihydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one (10) (13%) and 3β,7α-dihydroxy- androst-5-en-17-one (11) (24%). Incubation of testosterone (3) afforded testolactone (9) (58%). Incubation of progesterone (4) also afforded testolactone (9), however in higher yield (86%). Incubation of pregnenolone (5) afforded 3β-hydroxy-17a-oxa-D-homoandrost-5-en-17-one (8) (25%) and testolactone (9) (27%).
Yoga respiratory training improves respiratory function and cardiac sympathovagal balance in elderly subjects: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Santaella Danilo F , Devesa Cesar R S , Rojo Marcos R , Amato Marcelo B P , Drager Luciano F , Casali Karina R , Montano Nicola , Lorenzi-Filho Geraldo
Published: May 2011

Objectives

Since ageing is associated with a decline in pulmonary function, heart rate variability and spontaneous baroreflex, and recent studies suggest that yoga respiratory exercises may improve respiratory and cardiovascular function, we hypothesised that yoga respiratory training may improve respiratory function and cardiac autonomic modulation in healthy elderly subjects.

Design

76 healthy elderly subjects were enrolled in a randomised control trial in Brazil and 29 completed the study (age 68±6 years, 34% males, body mass index 25±3 kg/m2). Subjects were randomised into a 4-month training program (2 classes/week plus home exercises) of either stretching (control, n=14) or respiratory exercises (yoga, n=15). Yoga respiratory exercises (Bhastrika) consisted of rapid forced expirations followed by inspiration through the right nostril, inspiratory apnoea with generation of intrathoracic negative pressure, and expiration through the left nostril. Pulmonary function, maximum expiratory and inspiratory pressures (PEmaxand PImax, respectively), heart rate variability and blood pressure variability for spontaneous baroreflex determination were determined at baseline and after 4 months.

Results

Subjects in both groups had similar demographic parameters. Physiological variables did not change after 4 months in the control group. However, in the yoga group, there were significant increases in PEmax(34%, p<0.0001) and PImax(26%, p<0.0001) and a significant decrease in the low frequency component (a marker of cardiac sympathetic modulation) and low frequency/high frequency ratio (marker of sympathovagal balance) of heart rate variability (40%, p<0.001). Spontaneous baroreflex did not change, and quality of life only marginally increased in the yoga group.

Conclusion

Respiratory yoga training may be beneficial for the elderly healthy population by improving respiratory function and sympathovagal balance.

Trial Registration

CinicalTrials.gov identifier:NCT00969345; trial registry name: Effects of respiratory yoga training (Bhastrika) on heart rate variability and baroreflex, and quality of life of healthy elderly subjects.
Population-based trends in pregnancy hypertension and pre-eclampsia: an international comparative study
Authors: Roberts Christine L , Ford Jane B , Algert Charles S , Antonsen Sussie , Chalmers James , Cnattingius Sven , Gokhale Manjusha , Kotelchuck Milton , Melve Kari K , Langridge Amanda , Morris Carole , Morris Jonathan M , Nassar Natasha , Norman Jane E , Norrie John , Sørensen Henrik Toft , Walker Robin , Weir Christopher J
Published: May 2011

Objective

The objective of this study was to compare international trends in pre-eclampsia rates and in overall pregnancy hypertension rates (including gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia and eclampsia).

Design

Population data (from birth and/or hospital records) on all women giving birth were available from Australia (two states), Canada (Alberta), Denmark, Norway, Scotland, Sweden and the USA (Massachusetts) for a minimum of 6 years from 1997 to 2007. All countries used the 10th revision of theInternational Classification of Diseases, except Massachusetts which used the 9th revision. There were no major changes to the diagnostic criteria or methods of data collection in any country during the study period. Population characteristics as well as rates of pregnancy hypertension and pre-eclampsia were compared.

Results

Absolute rates varied across the populations as follows: pregnancy hypertension (3.6% to 9.1%), pre-eclampsia (1.4% to 4.0%) and early-onset pre-eclampsia (0.3% to 0.7%). Pregnancy hypertension and/or pre-eclampsia rates declined over time in most populations. This was unexpected given that factors associated with pregnancy hypertension such as pre-pregnancy obesity and maternal age are generally increasing. However, there was also a downward shift in gestational age with fewer pregnancies reaching 40 weeks.

Conclusion

The rate of pregnancy hypertension and pre-eclampsia decreased in northern Europe and Australia from 1997 to 2007, but increased in Massachusetts. The use of a different International Classification of Diseases coding version in Massachusetts may contribute to the difference in trend. Elective delivery prior to the due date is the most likely explanation for the decrease observed in Europe and Australia. Also, the use of interventions that reduce the risk of pregnancy hypertension and/or progression to pre-eclampsia (low-dose aspirin, calcium supplementation and early delivery for mild hypertension) may have contributed to the decline.
AN INVESTIGATION OF α-PARTICLES ELASTIC SCATTERING ON 24Mg AND 28Si BY USING CLUSTER FOLDING MODEL
Authors: HASSANAIN M. A.
Published: May 2011

Using the α-like cluster and uncluster nucleonic structure of 24 Mg and 28 Si nuclei, α-nucleus single-folding cluster optical potentials have been generated based upon effective α–α and α-nucleon (N) interactions. Angular distributions of the differential cross-section of α elastic scattering by 24 Mg , and 28 Si nuclei have been analyzed over a wide range of incident energies, Eα = 21.9-175.5 MeV , where anomaly in large angle scattering and rainbow scattering features have been investigated. We successfully reproduce the elastic scattering differential cross-section for energy range Eα = 22.2-172.5 MeV for 24 Mg target and 21.9-166 MeV for 28 Si target without renormalization except a few cases at low energies. The energy dependence of the extracted real and imaginary volume integrals and total reaction cross-section has been investigated.
PION-INDUCED FISSION OF 209Bi AND 119Sn: MEASUREMENTS, CALCULATIONS, ANALYSES AND COMPARISON
Authors: RANA MUKHTAR AHMED , SHER GUL , MANZOOR SHAHID , SHEHZAD M. I.
Published: May 2011

Cross-sections for the π--induced fission of 209 Bi and 119 Sn have been measured using the most sensitive CR-39 solid-state nuclear track detector. In experiments, target–detector stacks were exposed to negative pions of energy 500, 672, 1068, and 1665 MeV at the Brookhaven National Laboratory, USA. An important aspect of the present paper is the comparison of pion-induced fission fragment spectra of above mentioned nuclei with the spontaneous fission fragment spectra of 252 Cf . This comparison is made in terms of fission fragment track lengths in the CR-39 detectors. Measurement results are compared with calculations of Monte Carlo and statistical weight functions methods using the computer code CEM95. Agreement between measurements and calculations is fairly good for 209 Bi target nuclei whereas it is indigent for the case of 119 Sn . The possibilities of the trustworthy calculations, using the computer code CEM95, comparable with measurements of pion-induced fission in intermediate and heavy nuclei are explored by employing various systematics available in the code. Energy dependence of pion-induced fission in 119 Sn and 209 Bi is analyzed employing a newly defined parameter geometric-size-normalized fission cross-section [Formula: see text]. It is found that the collective nuclear excitations, which may lead to fission, become more probable for both 209 Bi and 119 Sn nuclei with increasing energy of negative pions from 500 to 1665 MeV .
A REEVALUATION OF EVIDENCE FOR LIGHT NEUTRAL BOSONS IN NUCLEAR EMULSIONS
Authors: DE BOER F. W. N. , FIELDS C. A.
Published: May 2011

Electron–positron pair production data obtained by bombardment of emulsion detectors with either cosmic rays or projectiles with masses between 1 and 207 amu and kinetic energies between 18 GeV and 32 TeV have been reanalyzed using a consistent and conservative model of the background from electromagnetic pair conversion. The combined data yield a spectrum of putative neutral bosons decaying to e+e- pairs, with masses between 3 and 20 MeV /c2 and femtosecond lifetimes. The statistical significance against background for these "X-bosons" varies between 2σ and 8σ. The cross-section for direct production of X-bosons increases slowly with projectile energy, remaining over 1,000 times smaller than the pion production cross-section.
AUGMENTATION OF NUCLEON–NUCLEUS SCATTERING BY INFORMATION ENTROPY
Authors: MASSEN S. E. , PSONIS V. P. , VON GERAMB H. V.
Published: May 2011

Quantum information entropy is calculated from the nucleon–nucleus forward scattering amplitudes. Using a representative set of nuclei, from 4 He to 208 Pb , and energies, T lab < 1 GeV , we establish a linear dependence of quantum information entropy as functions of logarithm nuclear mass A and logarithm projectile energy T lab .
PARITY OF NEUTRAL PION
Authors: ROBSON B. A.
Published: May 2011

The paper discusses the parity of the neutral pion. It is shown that the recent determination of the parity of the neutral pion using the double Dalitz decay π0→e+e-e+e- is compatible with the mixed-parity nature of the neutral pion predicted by a recent composite model.
SYNTHESIS AND NON-RESONANT NONLINEAR OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF PUSH-PULL SIDE-CHAIN AZOBENZENE POLYMERS
Authors: FEDUS K. , SMOKAL V. , KRUPKA O. , BOUDEBS G.
Published: May 2011

In this work, we report preliminary results obtained for methacrylic polymers incorporating azobenzene side-group as nonlinear optical (NLO) active molecule. The trans-cis isomerization properties are discussed. The third-order non-resonant nonlinear refractive index (n2) and nonlinear absorption coefficient (β) are measured using the Z-scan technique at 1064 nm in the picosecond regime. The influence of different electron-acceptor groups in azobenzene moieties on the nonlinear properties is investigated.
LINEAR AND NONLINEAR OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES STABILIZED BY BOVINE SERUM ALBUMIN
Authors: NITHYAJA B. , NATH M. YOGESHWAR , KUMAR S. AMIT , MISHA H. , NAMPOORI V. P. N.
Published: May 2011

We have synthesized highly stable silver nanoparticles in aqueous solution at room temperature by standard reduction method using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a stabilizing agent. The nonlinear optical properties of nanoparticles were investigated using Z-scan technique at 532 nm. The obtained nonlinear absorption coefficient and negative nonlinear refractive index is found to be 88.36 cm/GW and -5.1 × 10-7esu respectively. The real and imaginary part of third order susceptibility of silver nanoparticles is found to be 1.553 × 10-7esu and 0.7 × 10-7esu respectively. The silver nanoparticles in BSA template show good optical limiting property.
HOLOGRAPHIC GRATING DESIGNED FOR THE STABILITY CONTROL OF AN ACTIVE INTERFEROMETRIC SETUP
Authors: DE SIO LUCIANO , VELTRI ALESSANDRO , UMETON CESARE
Published: May 2011

We report on the design of a particular holographic grating to be exploited for the stability control of an active optical holographic setup. The low-cost transmission grating made of alternating slices of pure polymer slices and pure nematic liquid crystal is used as a reference grating for the active feedback system that enables the interference patterns stabilization. The stability test of the interference pattern confirms the effectiveness of the proposed technique.
OPTICAL VORTICES GENERATED BY LIGHT PULSES WITHIN A PANDA RING RESONATOR
Authors: MITATHA SOMSAK , PIYATAMRONG BUNJONG , YUPAPIN PREECHA P. , KNOBNOB BOONYING , CHAIYASOONTHORN SAWATSAKORN
Published: May 2011

This paper proposes a new ring resonator device, in which a modified add/drop multiplexer incorporated with two nanoring resonators is modeled. Such a system is known as the PANDA ring resonator structure. By controlling the suitable input parameters and the control optical signals, the optical pulses are employed to form the gradient potentials, finally, the optical vortices (gradient optical fields/wells) are generated, which can be deployed in various applications.
Characterization of the diurnal rhythm of peptide YY and its association with energy balance parameters in normal-weight premenopausal women
Authors: Hill Brenna R. , De Souza Mary Jane , Williams Nancy I.
Published: May 2011

PYY may play a role in modulating satiety and energy expenditure; increasing PYY postprandially has been studied largely in single-meal responses. The diurnal rhythm of PYY and its role in energy balance have not been fully characterized. The purpose of our study was to characterize features of the diurnal rhythm of PYY and determine its role in regulating energy balance. This study was a cross-sectional analysis of 11 subjects in whom 24-h repeated blood sampling was conducted at baseline of a larger prospective study. Breakfast (B), lunch (L), dinner (D), and a snack (S) occurred between 0900 and 1900. Total PYY was assayed every hour from 0800 to 1000, every 20 min from 1000 to 2000, and every hour from 2000 to 0800. PYY variables included total AUC, postprandial peaks, and 24-h mean. Energy balance variables included energy intake, RMR, RQ, and NEAT. PYY postprandial peaks were significantly higher than fasting ( P < 0.05). Twenty-four-hour peak PYY occurred after L and was significantly higher than all other peaks ( P < 0.05). A cubic curve function accounted for most of the variance in PYY ( r2 = 69.9%, P < 0.01). Fasting PYY (0800) correlated with postprandial peaks at B ( r = 0.77, P = 0.01), L ( r = 0.71, P = 0.01), and D ( r = 0.65, P = 0.03). The only significant association between PYY and energy expenditure was that RMR (kcal/24 h) correlated with 24-h mean PYY ( r = 0.71, P = 0.013) and total AUC ( r = 0.69, P = 0.019). We conclude that PYY displays a meal-driven diurnal rhythm and is correlated to RMR, a major contributor to energy expenditure. Thus, PYY varies in accordance with energy content and RMR, supporting a role for PYY in energy balance modulation.
Neural Blockade Anaesthesia of the Mandibular Nerve and Its Terminal Branches: Rationale for Different Anaesthetic Techniques Including Their Advantages and Disadvantages
Authors: Khoury Jason , Townsend Grant
Published: May 2011

Anaesthesia of structures innervated by the mandibular nerve is necessary to provide adequate pain control when performing dental and localised surgical procedures. To date, numerous techniques have been described and, although many of these methods are not used routinely, there are some situations where their application may be indicated. Patient factors as well as anatomical variability of the mandibular nerve and associated structures dictate that no one technique can be universally applied with a 100% success rate. This fact has led to a proliferation of alternative techniques that have appeared in the literature. This selective review of the literature provides a brief description of the different techniques available to the clinician as well as the underlying anatomy which is fundamental to successfully anaesthetising the mandibular nerve.
Pain and Efficacy Rating of a Microprocessor-Controlled Metered Injection System for Local Anaesthesia in Minor Hand Surgery
Authors: Nimigan André S. , Gan Bing Siang
Published: May 2011

Purpose. Little attention has been given to syringe design and local anaesthetic administration methods. A microprocessor-controlled anaesthetic delivery device has become available that may minimize discomfort during injection. The purpose of this study was to document the pain experience associated with the use of this system and to compare it with use of a conventional syringe. Methods. A prospective, randomized clinical trial was designed. 40 patients undergoing carpal tunnel release were block randomized according to sex into a two groups: a traditional syringe group and a microprocessor-controlled device group. The primary outcome measure was surgical pain and local anaesthetic administration pain. Secondary outcomes included volume of anaesthetic used and injection time. Results. Analysis showed that equivalent anaesthesia was achieved in the microprocessor-controlled group despite using a significantly lower volume of local anaesthetic (P=.0002). This same group, however, has significantly longer injection times (P<.0001). Pain during the injection process or during surgery was not different between the two groups. Conclusions. This RCT comparing traditional and microprocessor controlled methods of administering local anaesthetic showed similar levels of discomfort in both groups. While the microprocessor-controlled group used less volume, the total time for the administration was significantly greater.
Substance Independence of Efficiency of a Class of Heat Engines Undergoing Two Isothermal Processes
Authors: Haseli Y.
Published: May 2011

Three power producing cycles have been so far known that include two isothermal processes, namely, Carnot, Stirling, and Ericsson. It is well known that the efficiency of the Carnot cycle represented by 1 − TL/TH is independent of its working fluid. Using fundamental relationships between thermodynamic properties including Maxwell′s relationships, this paper shows in a closed form that the Ericsson and the Stirling cycles also possess the Carnot efficiency irrespective of the nature of the working gas.
Comparison between Airway Responses to High versus Low Molecular Weight Compounds in Occupational Asthma
Authors: Talini D. , Novelli F. , Bacci E. , Dente F. L. , De Santis M. , Di Franco A. , Melosini L. , Vagaggini B. , Paggiaro P. L.
Published: May 2011

Occupational asthma (OA) is a heterogeneous disease, and the characteristics of the sensitizer responsible for OA may induce different clinical, functional, and biological manifestations. We examined the characteristics of 74 patients with OA induced by low molecular weight compounds (LMWC) or by high molecular weight compounds (HMWC) and diagnosed by specific inhalation challenge (SIC). Patients with OA induced by LMWC had a longer occupational exposure before the beginning of symptoms, a lower sputum eosinophilia, and a higher prevalence of late airway response (LAR), in comparison with patients with OA induced by HMWC. Pulmonary function tended to be poorer and atopy tended to be less frequent in LMWC-induced OA than in HMWC-induced OA. These data confirm and extend previous observations showing that the characteristics of the specific sensitizer inducing OA may determine different clinical, functional, and biological features, probably related to the difference pathogenetic mechanisms underlying these different types of OA.
Foxp3Expression in Liver Correlates with the Degree but Not the Cause of Inflammation
Authors: Speletas Matthaios , Argentou Nikoletta , Germanidis Georgios , Vasiliadis Themistoclis , Mantzoukis Konstantinos , Patsiaoura Kalliopi , Nikolaidis Pavlos , Karanikas Vaios , Ritis Konstantinos , Germenis Anastasios E.
Published: May 2011

Patients with chronic viral hepatitis display increased expression ofFoxp3in liver, suggesting that Tregs expansion contributes to persistent infection. The purpose of this study was to elucidate whether the expression ofFoxp3relates not to the viral infection but to the resulting liver inflammation. Liver biopsies obtained from 69 individuals (26 chronic HBV hepatitis, 14 chronic HCV hepatitis, 11 nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, 8 autoimmune diseases, 2 methotrexate-related toxicity, and 8 controls) were examined, by qRT-PCR, for the mRNA expression ofFoxp3,IL-10,TGF-β1,Fas, FasL, TRAIL, caspase-3, TNF-α, IFN-γ,andIL-1β. Significant increase ofFoxp3was observed in all disease groups compared to controls, which was positively correlated with the intensity of inflammation. The expression of the apoptosis mediatorsFas, FasL, andTRAIL, but not ofIL-10andTGF-β1, was also significantly elevated. Our findings indicate that, independently of the initial inducer, liver inflammation is correlated with elevated expression of apoptosis mediators and is followed by local Treg accumulation. Further research towards the elucidation of the underlying casual relationships is required, in order to clarify whether our results signify the existence of a uniform Treg-mediated regulatory mechanism of apoptosis-induced inflammation.