bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the feasibility of low stabilization targets
Authors: Knopf Brigitte , Luderer Gunnar , Edenhofer Ottmar
Published: May 2011

Climate change mitigation scenarios provide an integrated perspective on the technologies and policies that are required to achieve various mitigation targets as well as the related costs. With the threat of severe adverse impacts from climate change becoming more and more apparent and in view of the pledge by policy‐makers to meet stringent stabilization targets, further exploration of low emission scenarios has become increasingly relevant. Although much progress has been made in recent years to provide the basis for a solid assessment of different stabilization targets and the related economic, environmental, and social consequences, a more structured approach within a more realistic framework is required. First, uncertainties in baseline assumptions that are independent of climate policy need to be taken into account. These uncertainties reflect the incomplete knowledge concerning drivers of real‐world developments, e.g. assumptions on technology improvements or resource availability. In addition, it is necessary to analyze so‐called second‐best worlds in which constraints on the deployment of low‐carbon technologies or imperfect climate policy regimes render the mitigation effort more difficult. The current challenge for Integrated Assessment Modeling is thus to explore feasibility and limitations of mitigation strategies along three directions: (1) ambitious mitigation targets, (2) explicit treatment of uncertainties in baseline assumptions, and (3) second‐best policy or technology scenarios. With this article, we propose future research foci and priorities in the run‐up to the IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report. WIREs Clim Change 2011 2 617–626 DOI: 10.1002/wcc.124

This article is categorized under:

The Carbon Economy and Climate Mitigation > Future of Global Energy
Fuzzy machine learning and data mininga
Authors: Hüllermeier Eyke
Published: May 2011

The development of methods for machine learning and data mining has attracted increasing attention in the fuzzy set community in recent years. The aim of this paper is to assess the relevance of fuzzy set theory and fuzzy logic for these fields, highlighting potential contributions without concealing alleged limitations and shortcomings of current research. To this end, some typical applications of fuzzy logic will be reviewed, followed by a more systematic discussion of possible benefits of fuzzy methods. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. WIREs Data Mining Knowl Discov 2011 1 269–283 DOI: 10.1002/widm.34

This article is categorized under:

Technologies > Computational Intelligence

Technologies > Machine Learning
Communicating about zoonotic disease: Strategic considerations for wildlife professionals
Authors: Decker Daniel J. , Siemer William F. , Wild Margaret A. , Castle Kevin T. , Wong David , Leong Kirsten M. , Evensen Darrick T. N.
Published: May 2011

A set of interrelated social and environmental changes have accelerated the transmission of wildlife‐associated infectious diseases around the world. Emerging infectious disease (EID) events take a heavy toll on human health and have significant global economic impacts. In the risk‐averse society of the United States, EID events associated with wildlife, particularly zoonoses, have potential to diminish the value of wildlife for society, depress interest in wildlife‐related activities and decrease support for wildlife conservation. Messages about wildlife‐associated zoonotic diseases should promote human and animal health, while avoiding development of exaggerated risk perceptions that can have deleterious effects on participation in wildlife‐related outdoor activities or support for wildlife conservation. We outline 3 categories of negative consequences arising from current communication conditions with respect to zoonoses. We then describe key communication links that the wildlife profession needs to address to obviate these consequences. Finally, we propose a number of actions the wildlife professional community can take to improve communication about zoonotic diseases. In this regard, we discuss the One Health concept and other opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration on communication between wildlife health, wildlife management, and public health professionals. We conclude that a foundation for effective communication about zoonotic diseases needs to be built on stronger interdisciplinary collaboration between the wildlife profession and the public health profession. Starting from a solid foundation of collaboration among wildlife veterinarians and wildlife biologists and managers, wildlife professionals should build strong bridges with the public health profession. We suggest that the latter can be spanned by wildlife veterinarians. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Zinc(II) and Mercury(II) Complexes of Pyrazole‐Based NNN‐Type Ligands: Syntheses, X‐ray Structures, Thermal Analyses and DFT Studies
Authors: Hopa Çiğdem , Kurtaran Raif , Azizoğlu Akın , Alkan Mahir , Arslan N. Burcu , Kazak Canan
Published: May 2011

Monomeric zinc(II) and mercury(II) complexes containing tripodal nitrogen donor ligand 2,6‐bis(3,4,5‐trimethyl‐N‐pyrazolyl)pyridine (btmpp) were synthesized, and characterized by elemental and spectroscopic (IR, UV/Vis) analyses, TG‐DTA and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. X‐ray analyses of the complexes [Zn(btmpp)Cl2] (2) and [Hg(btmpp)(SCN)2] (3) showed that both structures crystallize in space group P21/c with a = 7.9722(6), b = 18.3084(13), c = 13.3117(9) Å and Z = 4 for 2 and a = 8.7830(3), b = 21.1489(7), c = 12.0682(4) Å and Z = 4 for 3. Both monomeric units contain pentacoordinate metal ions in distorted square‐pyramidal arrangement. The structures of complexes 2 and 3 were also computed with DFT methods at B3LYP/LanL2DZ level and are in good agreement with the experimental values obtained from X‐ray analysis. The NPa charge distributions, HOMO–LUMO gaps, and dipole moments for 1, 2, and 3 were also reported. Natural bond orbital analyses were performed to reveal local charges and charge transfers in 1, 2, and 3.
Synthesis, Properties, and Structures of Salts with the Reineckate Anion, [CrIII(NCS)4(NH3)2]–, and Large Organic Cations
Authors: Peppel Tim , Schmidt Christin , Köckerling Martin
Published: May 2011

A series of 9 new Reineckate salts, A[CrIII(NCS)4(NH3)2] with various large organic cations A = tetraalkylammonium, [R4N]+, R = n‐butyl, n‐dodecyl; 1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium, (RMIm)+: R = methyl, ethyl, iso‐propyl, n‐butyl, and n‐hexyl; A = 1,3‐dimethyl‐2,4,5‐triphenylimidazolium and A = 1,2,3,4,5‐pentamethylimidazolium was synthesized. The melting point of each compound was measured to see if any belongs to the group of metal‐containing Ionic Liquids with low melting points. Each compound was further characterized by elemental analysis, NMR, IR, and UV/Vis spectroscopy. From NMR investigations information about the magnetic behavior was derivedusing the Evans method. It has been found that every compound is paramagnetic with effective magnetic moments of spin‐only CrIII. The structures of the Reineckates with A = tetra‐n‐butyl‐ammonium, tetra‐n‐dodecyl‐ammonium, 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium, and 1,2,3,4,5‐pentamethylimidazolium were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction measurements: (nBu4N)[Cr(NCS)4(NH3)2]: monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 12.0818(8), b = 10.2425(8), c = 24.222(2) Å, β = 98.324(3)°, Z = 4, R1(F)/wR2(F2) = 0.0332/0.0871; {(C12H25)4N}[Cr(NCS)4(NH3)2]·0.85H2O: triclinic, P$\bar{1}$ (no. 2), a = 8.4049(1), b = 20.1525(4), c = 20.7908(4) Å, α = 67.487(1)°, β = 81.328(1)°, γ = 78.040(1)°, Z = 2, R1(F)/wR2(F2) = 0.0533/0.1343; (EMIm)[Cr(NCS)4(NH3)2]: orthorhombic, Pbcm (no. 57), a = 8.765(2), b = 15.888(3), c = 14.191(3) Å, Z = 4, R1(F)/wR2(F2) = 0.0466/0.1271; (PeMIm)[Cr(NCS)4(NH3)2]: monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 6.0817(2), b =13.9811(5), c = 25.2902(9) Å, β = 90.075(2)°, Z = 4, R1(F)/wR2(F2) = 0.0405/0.1111.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Luminescence of Two New Zinc(II) Coordination Polymers Constructed by 5‐(4‐Carboxybenzyloxy)Isophthalic Acid Ligand
Authors: Chen Lei , Shao Kui‐Zhan , Yuan Gang , Yang Guang‐Sheng , Zang Hong‐Ying , Xu Guang‐Juan , Wang Xin‐Long , Su Zhong‐Min
Published: May 2011

Two coordination polymers, namely Zn(HL)(4,4′‐bpy)1.5 (1), [Zn3(L)2(BIMB)2]·5H2O (2) [H3L = 5‐(4‐carboxybenzyloxy)isophthalic acid, 4,4′‐bpy = 4,4′‐bipyridine, BIMB = 1,4‐bis(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)benzene] were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Their structures are determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses and further characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric (TG) analyses. Complex 1 features a 2D 4‐connected network. Complex 2 is a 3D twofold interpenetrating (3,4,6)‐connected net. In addition, the luminescent properties for 1 and 2 were studied in the solid state at room temperature.
The Low‐Valent Bismuth Sulfide Bromide Cu3Bi2S3Br2
Authors: Heerwig Andreas , Ruck Michael
Published: May 2011

The thermal reactions of Cu with CuBr and Bi2S3 yielded black, shiny needles of the mixed‐valent compound Cu3Bi2S3Br2 = (CuI)6(BiII2)(BiIII)2S6Br4. This first low‐valent copper bismuth chalcogenide halide crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbam with a = 2966.9(7) pm, b = 802.4(2) pm, and c = 389.1(3) pm at 293(2) K. The crystal structure is dominated by ${2}\atop{\infty}$[Bi4S6Br4]6– layers parallel to (100). The copper(I) cations fill trigonal or tetrahedral voids in the packing of anions. The bismuth(III) cations are in monocapped trigonal prismatic coordination. The bismuth(II) cations form Bi24+ dumbbells (Bi–Bi 306.3(3) pm) that are pairwise combined in cyclic fragments [(BiII2)2S4Br4]4–. The structural information on the ordering of the dumbbells is not properly transferred between neighboring layers, resulting in diffuse X‐ray scattering along a*. Raman spectroscopy shows a resonance at 113 cm–1, which can be attributed to the vibration of the Bi24+ unit.
Giant Cell Tumour of Tendon Sheath of the Digits. A Systematic Review
Authors: Fotiadis Elias , Papadopoulos Alexis , Svarnas Theodoros , Akritopoulos Panagiotis , Sachinis Nick P. , Chalidis Byron E.
Published: May 2011

Background

We reviewed the literature to evaluate the demographic, clinical and histological profile of giant cell tumour of tendon sheath of the digits (GCTTSD). The overall recurrence rate and the factors affecting tumour recurrence were also assessed.

Methods

We searched for published articles regarding the GCTTSD in the English literature the last 30 years using the PubMed search engine. All retrieved papers were analysed and their reference lists were also screened if relevant. Clinical studies with less than five patients and follow-up less than 2 years were excluded from further evaluation. For each report, information was gathered related to trial characteristics and study population. Location and multicentricity of lesions, kind and severity of symptoms, type of applied treatment modality and histopathological features of the excised tumours were additionally recorded. A meta-analysis for estimating the pooled recurrence rate after surgical excision was also conducted. Statistical significance was assumed for p ≤0.05.

Results

We found 21 studies with histological confirmation of GCTTS. However, only 10 studies including 605 patients were reviewed according to selection criteria (average follow-up 36.7 to 79 months). The male-to-female ratio was 1:1.47 ( p<0.005) and the mean age ranged from 32 to 51 years. Pain or sensory disturbances reported only in 15.7% and 4.57% of cases, respectively. A definite history of trauma recorded in 5% of lesions. The most frequent tumour location was the index finger (29.7%). In total, 14.8% of patients had tumour recurrence. Type I tumours (single lesions) were more frequently detected (78.7%) than type II tumours (two or more distinct tumours that were not joined together) (21.3%) but the latter were associated with a higher recurrence rate ( p<0.001). Study design also affected the possibility of recurrence as it was lower in prospective studies compared to retrospective studies ( p=0.003). Even though bone erosion was detected in 28.39%, recurrence was not more common in this group. In addition, recurrence was not significantly associated with a specific finger or phalanx.

Conclusions

Intrinsic biology of the tumour seems to play a more fundamental role in recurrence than tumour location or local invasiveness. More prospective well-designed studies including a large number of cases are necessary to identify tumours prone to recurrence and determine the proper treatment protocol for each individual patient.
Chromosomal integrity and DNA damage in freeze‐dried spermatozoa
Authors: Kusakabe Hirokazu
Published: May 2011

Freeze‐drying technology may one day be used to preserve mammalian spermatozoa indefinitely without cryopreservation. Freeze‐dried mouse spermatozoa stored below 4°C for up to 1 year have maintained the ability to fertilize oocytes and support normal development. The maximum storage period for spermatozoa increases at lower storage temperatures. Freeze‐drying, per se, may reduce the integrity of chromosomes in freeze‐dried mouse spermatozoa, but induction of chromosomal damage is suppressed if spermatozoa are incubated with divalent cation chelating agents prior to freeze‐drying. Nevertheless, chromosomal damage does accumulate in spermatozoa stored at temperatures above 4°C. Currently, no established methods or strategies can prevent or reduce damage accumulation, and damage accumulation during storage is a serious obstacle to advances in freeze‐drying technology. Chromosomal integrity of freeze‐dried human spermatozoa have roughly background levels of chromosomal damage after storage at 4°C for 1 month, but whether these spermatozoa can produce healthy newborns is unknown. The safety of using freeze‐dried human spermatozoa must be evaluated based on the risks of heritable chromosome and DNA damage that accumulates during storage.
Corner effect and separation in transonic channel flows
Authors: BRUCE P. J. K. , BURTON D. M. F. , TITCHENER N. A. , BABINSKY H.
Published: May 2011

An investigation into parameters affecting separation in normal shock wave/boundary layer interactions (SBLIs) has been conducted. It has been shown that the effective aspect ratio of an experimental facility (defined as δ*/tunnel width) is a critical factor in determining when shock-induced separation will occur. Experiments examining M∞ = 1.4 and 1.5 normal shock waves in a wind tunnel with a small rectangular cross-section have been performed and show that a link exists between the extent of shock-induced separation on the tunnel centre-line and the size of corner-flow separations. In tests where the corner-flows were modified ahead of the shock (through suction and vortex generators), the extent of separation around the tunnel centre-line was seen to vary significantly. These observations are attributed to the way corner flows modify the three-dimensional shock-structure and the impact this has on the magnitude of the adverse pressure gradient experienced by the tunnel wall boundary layers.
Mechanisms of evolution of the propeller wake in the transition and far fields
Authors: FELLI M. , CAMUSSI R. , DI FELICE F.
Published: May 2011

In the present study the mechanisms of evolution of propeller tip and hub vortices in the transitional region and the far field are investigated experimentally. The experiments involved detailed time-resolved visualizations and velocimetry measurements and were aimed at examining the effect of the spiral-to-spiral distance on the mechanisms of wake evolution and instability transition. In this regard, three propellers having the same blade geometry but different number of blades were considered. The study outlined dependence of the wake instability on the spiral-to-spiral distance and, in particular, a streamwise displacement of the transition region at the increasing inter-spiral distance. Furthermore, a multi-step grouping mechanism among tip vortices was highlighted and discussed. It is shown that such a phenomenon is driven by the mutual inductance between adjacent spirals whose characteristics change by changing the number of blades.
Simulation of flow across a row of transversely oscillating square cylinders
Authors: SEWATKAR C. M. , SHARMA ATUL , AGRAWAL AMIT
Published: May 2011

A numerical study of flow across a row of transversely oscillating square cylinders (of diameter d) has been undertaken using the lattice Boltzmann method, for a better understanding of fluid–structure interaction problems. The effects of cylinder oscillation frequency ratio (fe/fo, where fe is the cylinder oscillation frequency and fo is the corresponding vortex shedding frequency for stationary row of cylinders), amplitude ratio (A/d), non-dimensional spacing between the cylinders (s/d) and Reynolds number (Re) on ensuing flow regimes and flow parameters have been studied to understand the flow physics. Six different flow regimes observed in this study are the quasi-periodic non-lock-on-I, synchronous lock-on, quasi-periodic lock-on, quasi-periodic non-lock-on-II, synchronous non-lock-on and chaotic non-lock-on. It is observed that the range of the lock-on regime depends upon the relative dominance of incoming flow and cylinder motion. Although the lock-on regime in the case of Re = 80, s/d = 4 and A/d = 0.2 is substantially larger as compared to that for a single oscillating cylinder, the range of the lock-on regime shrinks with a reduction in the cylinder spacing, increase in the Reynolds number or decrease in the oscillation amplitude. It is also observed that the wake interaction behind the cylinders weakens with an increase in fe/fo, Re, A/d or s/d, leading to the formation of independent wakes and synchronous nature of the flow. For fe/fo ≥ 1.2, independent and intact oscillating wakes are noted and an additional frequency (wake oscillation frequency) is obtained in the time series of the lift coefficient. Although it was expected that the complexity in the wake interaction would increase with cylinder oscillation or amplitude ratio, an opposite effect (that is, formation of independent wakes) is noted from the results.
Stability of zero-pressure-gradient boundary layer distorted by unsteady Klebanoff streaks
Authors: VAUGHAN NICHOLAS J. , ZAKI TAMER A.
Published: May 2011

The secondary instability of a zero-pressure-gradient boundary layer, distorted by unsteady Klebanoff streaks, is investigated. The base profiles for the analysis are computed using direct numerical simulation (DNS) of the boundary-layer response to forcing by individual free-stream modes, which are low frequency and dominated by streamwise vorticity. Therefore, the base profiles take into account the nonlinear development of the streaks and mean flow distortion, upstream of the location chosen for the stability analyses. The two most unstable modes were classified as an inner and an outer instability, with reference to the position of their respective critical layers inside the boundary layer. Their growth rates were reported for a range of frequencies and amplitudes of the base streaks. The inner mode has a connection to the Tollmien–Schlichting (T–S) wave in the limit of vanishing streak amplitude. It is stabilized by the mean flow distortion, but its growth rate is enhanced with increasing amplitude and frequency of the base streaks. The outer mode only exists in the presence of finite amplitude streaks. The analysis of the outer instability extends the results of Andersson et al. (J. Fluid Mech. vol. 428, 2001, p. 29) to unsteady base streaks. It is shown that base-flow unsteadiness promotes instability and, as a result, leads to a lower critical streak amplitude. The results of linear theory are complemented by DNS of the evolution of the inner and outer instabilities in a zero-pressure-gradient boundary layer. Both instabilities lead to breakdown to turbulence and, in the case of the inner mode, transition proceeds via the formation of wave packets with similar structure and wave speeds to those reported by Nagarajan, Lele & Ferziger (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 572, 2007, p. 471).
Fokker–Planck model for computational studies of monatomic rarefied gas flows
Authors: GORJI M. H. , TORRILHON M. , JENNY P.
Published: May 2011

In this study, we propose a non-linear continuous stochastic velocity process for simulations of monatomic gas flows. The model equation is derived from a Fokker–Planck approximation of the Boltzmann equation. By introducing a cubic non-linear drift term, the model leads to the correct Prandtl number of 2/3 for monatomic gas, which is crucial to study heat transport phenomena. Moreover, a highly accurate scheme to evolve the computational particles in velocity- and physical space is devised. An important property of this integration scheme is that it ensures energy conservation and honours the tortuosity of particle trajectories. Especially in situations with small to moderate Knudsen numbers, this allows to proceed with much larger time steps than with direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC), i.e. the mean collision time not necessarily has to be resolved, and thus leads to more efficient simulations. Another computational advantage is that no direct collisions have to be calculated in the proposed algorithm. For validation, different micro-channel flow test cases in the near continuum and transitional regimes were considered. Detailed comparisons with DSMC for Knudsen numbers between 0.07 and 2 reveal that the new solution algorithm based on the Fokker–Planck approximation for the collision operator can accurately predict molecular stresses and heat flux and thus also gas velocity and temperature profiles. Moreover, for the Knudsen Paradox, it is shown that good agreement with DSMC is achieved up to a Knudsen number of about 5.
The ‘William Allen Box’: a Victorian Gentleman's Collection of Antiquities and Curios
Authors: Hobbs Richard , Swaddling Judith , Graham-Campbell James , Marzinzik Sonja
Published: May 2011

The ‘William Allen box’ is a rare survival of a collection of antiquities, mostly of Roman date, collected in the Victorian period. This paper discusses the identity and life of the collector and some of the more notable objects before examining the provenance of some of the material, in particular the findspots ‘Ad Fines’ and ‘Croydon’. The importance of the collection in the context of the antiquarian age in which it was assembled is also discussed.
Evidence for Prehistoric Salt Extraction Rediscovered in the Hungarian Central Mining Museum
Authors: Harding Anthony , Szemán Attila
Published: May 2011

This paper describes a group of wooden objects (a trough, ladder, mallet and other pieces) found in 1817 in a salt mine in north-eastern Austria-Hungary, now Ukraine, which have recently come to light in the Hungarian Central Mining Museum in Sopron. It presents new radiocarbon dates indicating that the objects date to the Bronze Age, except for one that belongs to the early medieval period. Their function is briefly considered in the context of recent excavation and survey work in Romania, and specifically the remarkable discoveries from Băile Figa near Beclean, northern Transylvania, where several similar troughs and other objects have been found. Taken together, the finds shed light on the scale of salt exploitation in central and eastern Europe in prehistoric times.
The Style and Function of the Cameos on the Frame of the Westminster Retable
Authors: Henderson George
Published: May 2011

The imitation cameos placed around the frame of the Westminster Retable had a deeply entrenched cultural context in the re-use of classical gemstones in many examples of medieval goldsmiths’ work. But the cameos on the Retable had arguably a more local and immediate thirteenth-century context, both stylistically and iconographically, in the choice of images displayed. This paper relates the paired jugate heads in a cameo known from photographs but now lost, and the one surviving cameo head with its very specific winged headdress, to similar images in other media – book painting and sculpture – both in England and in France. It also, though very tentatively, given the loss of the great bulk of the cameos formerly on the frame, attempts to identify the persons represented in the cameos in relation to the overall programme of the Retable, not restricting this identification to any obvious antique parallels.
John Carter, FSA (1748–1817): ‘The Ingenious, and Very Accurate Draughtsman’
Authors: Nurse Bernard , Crook J Mordaunt
Published: May 2011

John Carter's newly catalogued papers and correspondence in the archives of King's College London throw considerable new light on his relationship with members of the Society of Antiquaries and his patrons, and include previously unpublished sketches of several of them. His memoirs show that a small group of wealthy antiquaries recognized his skills as an accurate and conscientious draughtsman and encouraged him faithfully to record historic – and especially medieval – buildings and monuments. Many of these buildings were later altered or destroyed, and his numerous surviving drawings are thus of immense value to scholars. The opportunity has also been taken to publish a postscript with additional comments and corrections to the Society's monograph, John Carter and the Mind of the Gothic Revival (1995).
An Eastern Perspective: the Society of Antiquaries and Indian Antiquities in the 1780s
Authors: Wright C J
Published: May 2011

Though Britain was the predominant European power in India from the middle of the eighteenth century, British scholars at first lagged behind their European contemporaries in the study of Indian antiquities. There were, quite simply, no British counterparts to such celebrated figures as Abraham Hyacinthe Anquetil-Duperron and Carsten Niebuhr. This paper investigates the efforts made by the Society of Antiquaries of London to remedy this situation, as demonstrated in particular by the publication of two early eighteenth-century accounts of the cave temples at Kanheri and Elephanta near Bombay in volume 7 (1785) of the Society's journal,Archaeologia. It argues that the impetus for the Society's efforts was provided by its Director, Richard Gough, who had family reasons for an interest in India and the East, but that the Society's role was largely superseded when Sir William Jones founded the Asiatick Society of Bengal.
The effect of choline and cystine on the utilisation of methionine for protein accretion, remethylation and trans-sulfuration in juvenile shrimpPenaeus monodon
Authors: Richard Lenaïg , Vachot Christiane , Surget Anne , Rigolet Vincent , Kaushik Sadasivam J. , Geurden Inge
Published: May 2011

This 35-d feeding experiment examined in juvenile shrimpPenaeus monodon(3·3 g initial body weight) the effects of methionine (Met), choline and cystine on protein accretion and the activity of two key enzymes of remethylation (betaine–homocysteine methyltransferase; BHMT) and trans-sulfuration (cystathionine β-synthase; CBS). The interaction between Met and choline was tested using semi-purified diets either adequate or limiting (30 or 50 %) in total sulphur amino acid (SAA) content with a constant cystine:Met ratio. The diets contained either basal or excess choline (3v.7 g/kg feed). Cystine was added to two other 30 and 50 % Met-limiting diets to adjust the SAA supply to that of the control diet in order to evaluate the interaction between Met and cystine. As expected, N accretion was significantly lower with the SAA-limiting diets but increased back to control levels by the extra choline or cystine, demonstrating their sparing effect on Met utilisation for protein accretion. We show, for the first time, the activities of BHMT and CBS in shrimp hepatopancreas. Only BHMT responded to the SAA deficiencies, whereas the extra choline and cystine did not stimulate remethylation or down-regulate trans-sulfuration. Our data also suggest the capacity ofP. monodonto synthesise taurine, being significantly affected by the cystine level in the 30 % SAA-limiting diets. Further research is warranted to better understand the metabolic regulation of taurine synthesis in shrimp and of the observed Met-sparing effects.
Activation of PPARγ and δ by dietary punicic acid ameliorates intestinal inflammation in mice
Authors: Bassaganya-Riera Josep , DiGuardo Margaret , Climent Montse , Vives Cristina , Carbo Adria , Jouni Zeina E. , Einerhand Alexandra W. C. , O'Shea Marianne , Hontecillas Raquel
Published: May 2011

The goal of the present study was to elucidate the mechanisms of immunoregulation by which dietary punicic acid (PUA) prevents or ameliorates experimental inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The expression of PPARγ and δ, their responsive genes and pro-inflammatory cytokines was assayed in the colonic mucosa. Immune cell-specific PPARγ null, PPARδ knockout and wild-type mice were treated with PUA and challenged with 2·5 % dextran sodium sulphate (DSS). The prophylactic efficacy of PUA was examined in an IL-10− / −  model of IBD. The effect of PUA on the regulatory T-cell (Treg) compartment was also examined in mice with experimental IBD. PUA ameliorated spontaneous pan-enteritis in IL-10− / −  mice and DSS colitis, up-regulated Foxp3 expression in Treg and suppressed TNF-α, but the loss of functional PPARγ or δ impaired these anti-inflammatory effects. At the cellular level, the macrophage-specific deletion of PPARγ caused a complete abrogation of the protective effect of PUA, whereas the deletion of PPARδ or intestinal epithelial cell-specific PPARγ decreased its anti-inflammatory efficacy. We provide in vivo molecular evidence demonstrating that PUA ameliorates experimental IBD by regulating macrophage and T-cell function through PPARγ- and δ-dependent mechanisms.
Comparative effects of dried plum and dried apple on bone in postmenopausal women
Authors: Hooshmand Shirin , Chai Sheau C. , Saadat Raz L. , Payton Mark E. , Brummel-Smith Kenneth , Arjmandi Bahram H.
Published: May 2011

Aside from existing drug therapies, certain lifestyle and nutritional factors are known to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Among the nutritional factors, dried plum or prunes (Prunus domesticaL.) is the most effective fruit in both preventing and reversing bone loss. The objective of the present study was to examine the extent to which dried plum reverses bone loss in osteopenic postmenopausal women. We recruited 236 women, 1–10 years postmenopausal, not on hormone replacement therapy or any other prescribed medication known to influence bone metabolism. Qualified participants (n160) were randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups: dried plum (100 g/d) or dried apple (comparative control). Participants received 500 mg Ca plus 400 IU (10 μg) vitamin D daily. Bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar spine, forearm, hip and whole body was assessed at baseline and at the end of the study using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Blood samples were collected at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months to assess bone biomarkers. Physical activity recall and 1-week FFQ were obtained at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months to examine physical activity and dietary confounders as potential covariates. Dried plum significantly increased BMD of ulna and spine in comparison with dried apple. In comparison with corresponding baseline values, only dried plum significantly decreased serum levels of bone turnover markers including bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b. The findings of the present study confirmed the ability of dried plum in improving BMD in postmenopausal women in part due to suppressing the rate of bone turnover.
Dietary protein and energy supplies differentially affect resistance to parasites in lactating mammals
Authors: Sakkas Panagiotis , Houdijk Jos G. M. , Jones Leigh A. , Knox Dave P. , Kyriazakis Ilias
Published: May 2011

Periparturient relaxation of immunity (PPRI) to parasites in mammals results in higher worm burden and worm egg excretion and may have a nutritional basis.Nippostrongylus brasiliensisre-infected lactating rats fed low-crude protein (CP) diets show an augmented degree of PPRI compared with their high CP-fed counterparts. However, such effects of CP scarcity have been confounded by metabolisable energy (ME) scarcity due to increased intake of the high-CP foods. Here, we independently assessed the effects of dietary CP and ME scarcity on the degree of PPRI. Second, parity rats were infected withN. brasiliensislarvae before mating. Upon parturition, dams were allocated to one of six feeding treatments (1–6), consisting of two levels of dietary ME supply, each with three levels of CP supply. On day 2 of lactation, dams were either re-infected with 1600N. brasiliensislarvae or sham-infected with PBS, while litter size was standardised at ten pups. Dams and litters were weighed daily until either day 8 or 11 of lactation, when worm burdens were assessed as a proxy for PPRI. Increased CP and ME supply independently improved lactational performance. While ME supply did not affect parasitism, increasing CP supply reduced worm burden and the percentage of female worms in the small intestine; the latter was especially pronounced at the lower level of ME supply. The present results support the view that PPRI to parasites may be sensitive to CP scarcity, but not to moderate ME scarcity.
Taurine supplementation restored the changes in pancreatic islet mitochondria in the fetal protein-malnourished rat
Authors: Lee Yun Yong , Lee Hwa-Jung , Lee Seung-Sook , Koh Jae Soo , Jin Cheng Ji , Park Sung-Hye , Yi Ka Hi , Park Kyong Soo , Lee Hong Kyu
Published: May 2011

Intra-uterine growth retardation has been linked to the development of type 2 diabetes in later life. Mitochondrial changes have been suggested as a link between fetal malnutrition and adult insulin resistance. Taurine has been implicated in this process. We investigated whether protein malnutrition in early life alters mitochondria of the pancreatic islets in adulthood, and whether taurine supplementation restores these changes. Male offspring of rats fed a control diet, a low-protein diet or a low-protein diet supplemented with taurine during pregnancy and lactation were weaned onto the control diet. In each group, at 20 weeks of age, intravenous glucose tolerance tests, euglycaemic–hyperinsulinaemic clamp studies, morphometric analysis of the pancreatic islets and ultra-structural analysis of the mitochondria of the β-cells were performed. The expressions of cytochrome c oxidase (COX) I and mitochondrial respiratory chain complex II were also measured. Fetal protein-malnourished rats showed decreased pancreatic islet mass and reduced insulin-secretory responses to a glucose load. These rats also showed reduced mitochondrial DNA-encoded COX I gene expression in the islets. Electron microscopic examination showed abnormal mitochondrial shapes in the β-cells of fetal protein-malnourished rats. Taurine supplementation to the low-protein diet restored all these changes. Our findings indicate that a maternal protein-restriction diet causes long-lasting mitochondrial changes that may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes later in life. The lack of taurine may be a key causative factor for these dysfunctional mitochondrial changes.
Polysaccharide fromGynura divaricatamodulates the activities of intestinal disaccharidases in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Deng Yuan-xiong , Chen Yu-shuang , Zhang Wei-ran , Chen Bo , Qiu Xi-min , He Li-hua , Mu Ling-li , Yang Chang-hua , Chen Rong
Published: May 2011

During diabetes, structural and functional changes in the alimentary tract are known to take place resulting in an increased absorption of intestinal glucose and alterations in the activities of brush-border disaccharidases. To elucidate the effect of administrating polysaccharide fromGynura divaricata(PGD) on disaccharidase activities, the specific activities of intestinal disaccharidases, namely sucrase, maltase and lactase, were measured in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Normal control and diabetic rats were treated by oral administration with PGD. Specific activities of intestinal disaccharidases were increased significantly during diabetes, and amelioration of the activities of sucrase and maltase during diabetes was clearly visible by the treatment with PGD. However, the increased activity of lactase during diabetes mellitus was remarkably alleviated by the administration of PGD only in the duodenum. Meanwhile, oral sucrose tolerance tests demonstrated that PGD alleviated the hyperglycaemia during diabetes mellitus, resulting from the amelioration in the activities of intestinal disaccharidases. The present investigation suggests that PGD exerted an anti-diabetic effect partly via inhibiting the increased intestinal disaccharidase activities of diabetic rats. This beneficial influence of administration of PGD on intestinal disaccharidases clearly indicates their helpful role in the management of diabetes.
Comparison between curvature and 3D strain analysis methods for fracture predicting in the Gachsaran oil field (Iran)
Authors: SHABAN ALI , SHERKATI SHAHRAM , MIRI SEYED ABOLFAZL
Published: May 2011

Most carbonate fractured reservoirs display complex behaviour in the simulation and production stages of their development, and this complexity is thought to be the result of the different fracture distributions and intensities within the reservoir. Accurate fracture characterization is therefore essential and the two techniques most commonly used for fracture prediction are ‘strain analysis’ and ‘curvature analysis’. In this paper these two methods of fracture analysis are compared by applying them to the Gachsaran oil field in the Zagros folded belt and comparing the predictions of the two with the performance history of the reservoir. This reservoir is well suited for such a study as there is a large quantity of seismic data and over 350 wells have been drilled. Fracture intensity indicator maps have been produced using both methods and the results compared with production index data from the wells. The indicator map produced using the 3D strain analysis method in which special attention was given to the structural setting, structural evolution and the position of the fractures with respect to the local stress orientation, was found to be more compatible with the production index data than the map produced using the method of curvature analysis. In addition, the study also demonstrates that one of the great advantages of strain analysis compared to the curvature method is its ability to predict variations in the vertical direction and thus provide data related to a reservoir volume rather than simply to a surface.
Liver enzymes and blood metabolites in a population of free-ranging red deer (Cervus elaphus) naturally infected withFascioloides magna
Authors: Severin K. , Mašek T. , Janicki Z. , Konjević D. , Slavica A. , Marinculić A. , Martinković F. , Vengušt G. , Džaja P.
Published: May 2011

We investigated the effects ofFascioloides magnainfection on the serum biochemistry values of the naturally infected red deer population in eastern Croatia. The investigation was performed on 47 red deer withF. magnainfection confirmed patho-anatomically in 27 animals (57.4%). Fibrous capsules and migratory lesions were found in 14 deer while only fibrous capsules without migratory lesions were found in 13 deer. In 13 deer both immature and mature flukes were found, in 5 deer only immature flukes were found and in 9 deer only mature flukes were found.Fascioloides magnainfected deer with fibrous capsules and migratory lesions had significantly higher values for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) and globulin, and lower values for albumin/globulin ratio and glucose compared to uninfected deer.Fascioloides magnainfected deer with fibrous capsules without the presence of migratory lesions had higher values for alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and globulin, and lower values for albumin/globulin ratio and glucose, than the uninfected deer. The number of immature flukes was positively correlated with values of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), LDH, GLDH, urea and triglycerides. The number of migratory lesions was positively correlated with GGT, GLDH, globulin and urea values. The creatinine value was positively correlated with the number of mature flukes. The trial showed thatF. magnainfection causes significant changes in serum biochemistry. Moreover, these changes do not completely resemble changes followingF. hepaticainfection. Further investigation of changes in liver enzymes and other serum metabolites in controlled, experimentally induced fascioloidosis in red deer is needed to better understand the pathogenesis ofF. magna.
The effect of anti-Anisakis simplexantibody levels on C3 and C4 complement components in human sera
Authors: García-Hernández P. , Rodero M. , Gisbert-Criado R. , Puente P. , Pelayo V. , Andreu-Ballester J.C. , Cuéllar C.
Published: May 2011

Previously, anin vitroeffect was observed on the complement system not only of the excretory-secretory products but also of somatic antigens from L3Anisakis simplexlarvae. In the present work the effect of anti-A. simplexspecific antibodies on C3 and C4 levels in human sera was investigated. Up to 309 samples of sera were tested to determine levels of C3 and C4 and anti-A. simplexantibodies, including immunoglobulins IgG, IgM, IgA and IgE. Significant differences were observed between levels of C3 and C4 and all immunoglobulins except for IgE. In the case of immunoglobulins, the probability that an anti-A. simplexpositive subject has a C3 deficiency was 3.8 times higher than a subject without specific antibodies. In conclusion, an association between elevated levels of anti-A. simplexantibodies and C3 and C4 deficiency was demonstrated.
Assessment of cervical lymph node metastases using indirect computed tomography lymphography with iopamidol in a tongue VX2 carcinoma model
Authors: Shu Y , Xu X , Wang Z , Dai W , Zhang Y , Yu Y , Sha Y , Wu H
Published: May 2011

Objective:

To investigate the performance of indirect computed tomography lymphography with iopamidol for detecting cervical lymph node metastases in a tongue VX2 carcinoma model.

Materials and methods:

A metastatic cervical lymph node model was created by implanting VX2 carcinoma suspension into the tongue submucosa of 21 rabbits. Computed tomography images were obtained 1, 3, 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes after iopamidol injection, on days 11, 14, 21 (six rabbits each) and 28 (three rabbits) after carcinoma transplantation. Computed tomography lymphography was performed, and lymph node filling defects and enhancement characteristics evaluated.

Results:

Indirect computed tomography lymphography revealed bilateral enhancement of cervical lymph nodes in all animals, except for one animal imaged on day 28. There was significantly slower evacuation of contrast in metastatic than non-metastatic nodes. A total of 41 enhanced lymph nodes displayed an oval or round shape, or local filling defects. One lymph node with an oval shape was metastatic (one of 11, 9.1 per cent), while 21 nodes with filling defects were metastatic (21/30, 70 per cent). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values when using a filling defect diameter of 1.5 mm as a diagnostic criterion were 86.4, 78.9, 82.9, 82.6 and 83.3 per cent, respectively.

Conclusion:

When using indirect computed tomography lymphography to detect metastatic lymph nodes, filling defects and slow evacuation of contrast agent are important diagnostic features.
Ewing's sarcoma of the masseter muscle
Authors: Osborn H A , Wehrli B , Franklin J H , Fung K
Published: May 2011

Objective:

To present a case of extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma originating in the masseter muscle, and to review the diagnosis and management of these rare tumours.

Methods:

Case report and literature review.

Results:

We report a patient with Ewing's sarcoma of the masseter muscle with mandibular invasion. She was treated with induction chemotherapy, salvage surgery and free flap reconstruction.

Conclusion:

This case highlights the management of these rare tumours. Aggressive multi-modal treatment, including multi-agent chemotherapy, surgical resection and irradiation, appears to offer the best prognosis. Contemporary reconstructive techniques can restore function and form in cases with challenging defects.
Tympanoplasty graft preparation using ear drops containing polyethylene glycol, flumetasone and clioquinol
Authors: List R J , Flook E P , Tay H L
Published: May 2011

The aim of tympanoplasty graft preparation is to stiffen the fascia or perichondrium and thereby to optimise ease of manipulation. We report 39 cases utilising a novel technique in which the graft is prepared in ear drops containing polyethylene glycol, flumetasone pivalate (0.02 per cent) and clioquinol (1 per cent). This technique is useful in reducing the risk of desiccation if placement is delayed, and may pose less risk of infection and mechanical damage than alternative methods.
New and noteworthy species of the lichen genus Lecanora (Ascomycota; Lecanoraceae) from South Korea
Authors: LÜ Lei , JOSHI Yogesh , ELIX John A. , LUMBSCH H. Thorsten , WANG Hai Ying , KOH Young Jin , HUR Jae-Seoun
Published: May 2011

Two new species, Lecanora hafelliana L. Lü, Y. Joshi & Hur and L. loekoesii Y. Joshi, L. Lü & Hur, are described as new to science from South Korea and eight species, L. campestris (Schaer.) Hue, L. cenisia Ach., L. nipponica H. Miyaw., L. perplexa Brodo, L. plumosa Müll. Arg., L. polytropa (Hoffm.) Rabenh., L. subrugosa Nyl. and L. sulcata (Hue) H. Miyaw., are recorded from South Korea for the first time. Lecanora hafelliana is characterized by the presence of hafellic acid, which is reported for the first time in this genus, while L. loekoesii is characterized by multispored asci and a thallus containing norstictic acid.
A new species of the genus Porpidia from Antarctica
Authors: OSYCZKA Piotr , OLECH Maria
Published: May 2011

To date, there have only been two endemic species of the lichen genus Porpidia known from the maritime Antarctic. A new endemic species, Porpidia submelinodes Osyczka & Olech, recognized in the South Shetlands and South Orkneys, is described in this paper. The species is primarily characterized by its rusty orange, sorediate thallus, composed of convex, well separated and rounded areoles, and by the absence of lichen secondary products detectable by TLC. The morphology and soralia of this new species correspond to the arctic-alpine and boreal-mountain lichen Porpidia melinodes. The paper also discusses the differences between these two taxa and all Porpidia species reported from Antarctica.
Two additional new species of Carbacanthographis from India
Authors: SHARMA Bharati O. , KHADILKAR Pradnya
Published: May 2011

Two new species of the lichen genus Carbacanthographis, namely C. albolirellata and C. indica, are reported from India. The two species are distinguished by their exciple character, ascospore septation and chemistry. Carbacanthographis albolirellata has a completely carbonized exciple, submuriform ascospores and no lichen substances. Carbacanthographis indica is characterized by a laterally carbonized exciple, trans-septate ascospores and by the presence of salazinic acid.
A taxonomic survey of Lecanora sensu stricto in Thailand (Lecanoraceae; Ascomycota)
Authors: PAPONG Khwanruan , LUMBSCH H. Thorsten
Published: May 2011

The species of Lecanora sensu stricto occurring in Thailand are revised. Twenty-eight species are accepted with one new species, L. kansriae described for a taxon with small crystals in the amphithecium and containing the stictic acid chemosyndrome. Eight species are recorded from Thailand for the first time: L. coronulans, L. farinacea, L. interjecta, L. leproplaca, L. melaleuca, L. plumosa, L. pseudargentata, and L. toroyensis. Previous records of L. casuarinophila, L. insignis, L. pulicaris, and L. subgranulata are shown to be based on misidentifications. The new combination Vainionora flavidorufa is proposed for Lecanora flavidorufa Hue (syn. L. lividocarnea Vain. and L. lividoglauca Vain.). A key for the identification of the treated species is provided.