bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dispersal, environmental niches and oceanic-scale turnover in deep-sea bivalves
Authors: McClain Craig R. , Stegen James C. , Hurlbert Allen H.
Published: December 2011

Patterns of beta-diversity or distance decay at oceanic scales are completely unknown for deep-sea communities. Even when appropriate data exist, methodological problems have made it difficult to discern the relative roles of environmental filtering and dispersal limitation for generating faunal turnover patterns. Here, we combine a spatially extensive dataset on deep-sea bivalves with a model incorporating ecological dynamics and shared evolutionary history to quantify the effects of environmental filtering and dispersal limitation. Both the model and empirical data are used to relate functional, taxonomic and phylogenetic similarity between communities to environmental and spatial distances separating them for 270 sites across the Atlantic Ocean. This study represents the first ocean-wide analysis examining distance decay as a function of a broad suite of explanatory variables. We find that both strong environmental filtering and dispersal limitation drive turnover in taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic composition in deep-sea bivalves, explaining 26 per cent, 34 per cent and 9 per cent of the variation, respectively. This contrasts with previous suggestions that dispersal is not limiting in broad-scale biogeographic and biodiversity patterning in marine systems. However, rates of decay in similarity with environmental distance were eightfold to 44-fold steeper than with spatial distance. Energy availability is the most influential environmental variable evaluated, accounting for 3.9 per cent, 9.4 per cent and 22.3 per cent of the variation in functional, phylogenetic and taxonomic similarity, respectively. Comparing empirical patterns with process-based theoretical predictions provided quantitative estimates of dispersal limitation and niche breadth, indicating that 95 per cent of deep-sea bivalve propagules will be able to persist in environments that deviate from their optimum by up to 2.1 g m−2yr−1and typically disperse 749 km from their natal site.
Variable incidences and morphological characteristics of female masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou with growth hormone pseudogene
Authors: Yamamoto T. , Kitanishi S.
Published: December 2011

The genetic sex of mature masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou (212 males and 243 females) collected from three rivers located in the mid‐western part of Hokkaido was determined using the male‐specific genetic marker growth hormone pseudogene (GHp). A total of 72 phenotypic females were found to have GHp, whereas none of the phenotypic males lacked GHp. The occurrence of females with incongruence between genotypic and phenotypic sex varied with the river and reached the highest rate of 67%. In contrast, none of the phenotypic males were found to have a female genotype. Comparison of adult body size showed that females with GHp were significantly smaller than those without GHp. Moreover, comparison of secondary characteristics revealed that both upper jaw length and head length were greater in females with GHp than in those without GHp. These results suggest that genetic changes (e.g. transposition and mutation) may also affect morphological characteristics.
Acetylcholinesterase activity in the rat brain after pneumococcal meningitis
Authors: Barichello Tatiana , Generoso Jaqueline S. , Collodel Allan , Moreira Ana Paula , Michelon Cleonice M. , Raupp Alice , Cipriano Andreza L. , Fraga Daiane de Bittencourt , Zugno Alexandra I.
Published: December 2011

Pneumococcal meningitis is a life‐threatening disease characterized by acute purulent infection of the meninges causing neuronal injury, cortical necrosis and hippocampal apoptosis. Cholinergic neurons and their projections are extensively distributed throughout the central nervous system. The aim of this study was to assess acetylcholinesterase activity in the rat brain after pneumococcal meningitis. In the hippocampus, frontal cortex and cerebrospinal fluid, acetylcholinesterase activity was found to be increased at 6, 12, 24, 48 and 96 hr without antibiotic treatment, and at 48 and 96 hr with antibiotic treatment. Our data suggest that acetylcholinesterase activity could be related to neuronal damage induced by pneumococcal meningitis.
Patterns of natural mortality in stream‐living brown trout (Salmo trutta)
Authors: LOBÓN‐CERVIÁ JAVIER , BUDY PHAEDRA , MORTENSEN ERIK
Published: December 2011

1. We tested the hypothesis that lifetime mortality patterns and their corresponding rates and causal factors differ among populations of stream‐living salmonids. To this end, we examined the lifetime mortality patterns of several successive cohorts of two stream‐living brown trout (Salmo trutta) populations in Spain and Denmark.

2. In the southern population, we observed a consistent two‐phase pattern, in which mortality was negligible during the first half of the lifetime and severe during the rest of the lifetime. In contrast, the northern population demonstrated a three‐phase pattern with an earlier phase varying from negligible to severe, followed by a second stage of weak mortality, and lastly by a third life stage of severe mortality.

3. Despite substantial differences in the mortality patterns between the two populations, the combined effect of recruitment (as a proxy of the density‐dependent processes occurring during the lifetime) and mean body mass (as a proxy of growth experienced by individuals in a given cohort) explainedc.89% of the total lifetime mortality rates across cohorts and populations.

4. A comparison with other published data on populations of stream‐living brown trout within its native range highlighted lifetime mortality patterns of one, two, three and four phases, but also suggested that common patterns may occur in populations that experience similar individual growth and population density.
The detection of periapical pathosis using periapical radiography and cone beam computed tomography – Part 1: pre‐operative status
Authors: Patel S. , Wilson R. , Dawood A. , Mannocci F.
Published: December 2011

Patel S, Wilson R, Dawood A, Mannocci F. The detection of periapical pathosis using periapical radiography and cone beam computed tomography – Part 1: pre‐operative status.* International Endodontic Journal, 45, 702–710, 2012.

Aim  Part 1 of this 2 part study aims to compare the prevalence of periapical lesions on individual roots viewed with intraoral (periapical) radiographs and cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) of teeth treatment planned for endodontic treatment.§

Methodology  Diagnostic periapical radiographs and CBCT scans were taken of 151 teeth in 132 patients diagnosed with primary endodontic disease. The presence or absence of periapical lesions was assessed by a consensus panel consisting of two calibrated examiners, a consensus agreement was reached if there was any disagreement. The panel viewed the images under standardised conditions. Part 2 will compare the radiographic outcome 1 year after completion of primary root canal treatment.¶

Results  Two hundred and seventy‐three paired roots were assessed with both radiological systems, periapical lesions were present in 55 (20%) and absent in 218 (80%) roots assessed with periapical radiographs. When the same 273 sets of roots were assessed with CBCT, lesions were present in 130 (48%) and absent in 143 (52%) roots. Seventy‐five additional roots were detected with CBCT.

Conclusion  The limitations of periapical radiographs which may hinder the detection of periapical lesions are overcome with CBCT. This results in firstly, more roots being assessed, and secondly, more periapical lesions being detected with CBCT.
Converting policy into care: women’s satisfaction with the early labour telephone component of the All Wales Clinical Pathway for Normal Labour
Authors: Green Josephine M. , Spiby Helen , Hucknall Clare , Richardson Foster Helen
Published: December 2011

green j.m., spiby h., hucknall c. & richardson foster h. (2012) Converting policy into care: women’s satisfaction with the early labour telephone component of the All Wales Clinical Pathway for Normal Labour. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(10), 2218–2228.

Aims.  This article is a report of a study of women’s experiences of, and satisfaction with, telephone communications within the All Wales Clinical Pathway for Normal Labour (‘the Pathway’).

Background.  The Pathway was introduced throughout Wales over 2003–2004. Its philosophy emphasizes the desirability of a woman remaining at home until labour is established with assessment by telephone, in contrast to the more common scenario where the phone call is a precursor to admission and face‐to‐face assessment.

Methods.  In 2005–2006, telephone interviews were carried out with 46 low‐risk first‐time mothers in Wales. This was a mixed‐methods study with iterative quantitative and qualitative analysis, focusing on differences in the accounts of women with different levels of satisfaction.

Findings.  Women were not well prepared for the Pathway; however, satisfaction was more strongly related to interpersonal interactions with midwives. Dissatisfied women reported unclear advice, unmet needs, unaddressed anxieties and negative midwife manner. ‘Very satisfied’ women were distinguished by feeling welcome to attend the maternity unit and by the perceived adequacy of the advice given.

Conclusions.  This study provides new knowledge about telephone interactions between first‐time mothers and midwives around labour onset. This is important in a changing healthcare context in which face‐to‐face interactions are likely to become less routine. Being made to feel welcome to attend the maternity unit might appear counter to the Pathway philosophy, but appeared to reduce women’s anxieties about ‘being allowed in’ or getting to hospital in time, and gave them confidence to remain at home longer.
Rapid reversal of uremic neuropathy following renal transplantation in an adolescent
Authors: Ho Doreen T. , Rodig Nancy M. , Kim Heung B. , Lidov Hart G. W. , Shapiro Frederic D. , Raju G. Praveen , Kang Peter B.
Published: December 2011

Ho DT, Rodig NM, Kim HB, Lidov HGW, Shapiro FD, Raju GP, Kang PB. Rapid reversal of uremic neuropathy following renal transplantation in an adolescent.  Pediatr Transplantation 2011. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Clinical and pathologic studies on adults with uremic neuropathy are numerous, but less is known about this disorder in children and adolescents. We report the clinical, electrophysiologic, and pathologic findings in an adolescent female with uremic neuropathy. Electrophysiologic findings were consistent with a primarily axonal sensorimotor polyneuropathy. Sural nerve biopsy revealed areas of focal depletion in myelin sheaths and loss of axons. Axonal degeneration with secondary myelin changes appears to be the characteristic pathology in this case, one of the youngest to our knowledge for which nerve biopsy data are available. Our patient experienced dramatic recovery after renal transplantation, similar to the reports of older patients.
Effects of parasitic sex‐ratio distorters on host genetic structure in the Armadillidium vulgare–Wolbachia association
Authors: VERNE S. , JOHNSON M. , BOUCHON D. , GRANDJEAN F.
Published: December 2011

In the pill bug Armadillidium vulgare (Crustacea, Oniscidea), Wolbachia facilitates its spread through vertical transmission via the eggs by inducing feminization of genetic males. The spread of feminizing Wolbachia within and across populations is therefore expected to influence mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genetic structure by hitchhiking. To test this hypothesis, we analysed nuclear and mtDNA genetic structure, and Wolbachia prevalence in 13 populations of the pill bug host. Wolbachia prevalence (ranging from 0% to 100% of sampled females) was highly variable among populations. All three Wolbachia strains previously observed in A. vulgare were present (wVulC, wVulM and wVulP) with wVulC being the most prevalent (nine of 13 populations). The host showed a genetic structure on five microsatellite loci that is compatible with isolation by distance. The strong genetic structure observed on host mtDNA was correlated with Wolbachia prevalence: three mitotypes were in strong linkage disequilibrium with the three strains of Wolbachia. Neutrality tests showed that the mtDNA polymorphism is not neutral, and we thus suggest that this unusual pattern of mtDNA polymorphism found in A. vulgare was due to Wolbachia.
Characterization of quantitative trait loci for number of primary branches in near‐isogenic lines from a cross between the Oryza sativa cultivar ‘Hwayeongbyeo’ and the wild relative Oryza rufipogon
Authors: Ji Shi‐Dong , Yuan Ping‐Rong , Xiao Luo , Lee Hyun‐Sook , Ahn Sang‐Nag
Published: December 2011

With 3 figures and 2 tables

In our previous study, a quantitative trait locus (QTL) qpb2 for primary branches (PB) was mapped on chromosome 2 using introgression lines from an interspecific cross between ‘Hwayeongbyeo’ and an Asian common wild rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.), W1944. To confirm this QTL, CR6076 (BC3F6) was selected and backcrossed to ‘Hwayeongbyeo’ to produce near‐isogenic line (NIL) populations in the BC4F3, BC4F4 and BC4F5 generations. QTL analysis in three generations revealed five QTLs including plant height and PB that were mapped in the same interval. The O. rufipogon alleles decreased of PB. By substitution mapping, qpb2 was narrowed down to a 575‐kb region. Colocalization of five QTLs suggests that this locus was associated with panicle structure with pleiotropic effects. The finding that QTLs for panicle traits have been mapped mainly from wild species in a similar location as qpb2 suggest that qpb2 might have played an important role in the regulation of PB during the domestication of rice panicle. The NIL populations and molecular markers are useful materials for cloning of the qpb2.
Cannabis use in Cape York Indigenous communities: High prevalence, mental health impacts and the desire to quit
Authors: BOHANNA INDIA , CLOUGH ALAN R.
Published: December 2011

Introduction and Aims. Anecdotal reports suggest that high rates of cannabis use and dependence are significant issues in Indigenous communities in north Queensland; however, there is little scientific evidence to support or refute this. The Cape York Cannabis Project seeks to investigate cannabis use rates, cannabis dependence and mental health impacts for the first time in three Cape York Indigenous communities.

Design and Methods. The current study reports preliminary findings, resulting from interviews with 133 Indigenous participants aged 14–47 years from one Cape York community. Quantitative data were gathered on rates of cannabis use, cannabis dependence as measured by a score of ≥3 the Severity of Dependence Scale. Qualitative self‐report data were gathered concerning mental health impacts of cannabis and reasons for quitting.

Results and Conclusions. Very high rates of cannabis use were identified, with 66.2% of males and 30.5% of females interviewed being current users. An additional 12.2% of males and 30.5% of females were former users, and 21.6% of males and 39% of females had never used cannabis. High rates of cannabis dependence were also observed. Of those current users who used cannabis at least weekly, 67.7% reported cannabis dependence. A range of mental health impacts due to cannabis were reported. In total, 76.1% of current users were considering quitting or cutting down. Rates of use and dependence were much higher than national rates, and indicate significant mental health harms due to cannabis. Further investigation of mental health impacts of cannabis is required, as is intervention to reduce these impacts.[Bohanna I, Clough AR. Cannabis use in Cape York Indigenous communities: High prevalence, mental health impacts and the desire to quit. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:580–584]
Divergence and convergence in nursing and health care among six countries participating in ICN's 2010 Global Nursing Leadership Institute
Authors: Zittel B. , Ezzeddine S.H. , Makatjane M. , Graham I. , Luangamornlert S. , Pemo T.
Published: December 2011

ZITTEL B., EZZEDDINE S.H., MAKATJANE M., GRAHAM I., LUANGAMORNLERT S. & PEMO T. (2011) Divergence and convergence in nursing and health care among six countries participating in ICN's 2010 Global Nursing Leadership Institute. International Nursing Review59, 48–54

In 2009 the International Council of Nursing (ICN) launched, with support from Pfizer External Medical Affairs, a Global Nursing Leadership Institute (GNLI) which was again repeated in the fall of 2010. The programme, provided in English, at a location near ICN headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, provided the opportunity for senior and executive level nursing leaders throughout the world to acquire new knowledge and skills about national and global leadership within a supportive and stimulating learning environment. Once selected for participation, GNLI members are requested to complete a country profile – a two to three page précis providing information regarding health and nursing specific to their respective country encompassing the following: the country's health system and how it is funded; identification of current or proposed changes in the health system; national demographic data such as population, gross national income, average life expectancy, number of nurses and physicians, and the top three causes of deaths; and key issues facing the health system and nursing in the country.

On arrival at the Institute, participants were divided into leadership development teams, small groups of six persons each, which met throughout the week to discuss the ways in which health challenges and nursing in their respective countries both converged and diverged. Shared insights learned are presented from one such 2010 GNLI team representing nursing leaders from the countries of Australia, Bhutan, Lebanon, Lesotho, Thailand and the USA. A comparative analysis of the health profiles of their respective countries is also provided.
Foreign Direct Investment in India’s Retail Bazaar: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Chari Anusha , Madhav Raghavan T. C. A.
Published: December 2011

Despite encouraging signs, India’s retail market remains largely off‐limits to large international retailers like Wal‐Mart and Carrefour. Opposition to liberalising foreign direct investment in this sector raises concerns about employment losses, unfair competition resulting in large‐scale exit of incumbent domestic retailers and infant industry arguments to protect the organised domestic retail sector that is at a nascent stage. Based on international evidence, we suggest that allowing entry by large international retailers into the Indian market may help tackle inflation especially in food prices. Moreover, technical know‐how from foreign firms, such as warehousing technologies and distribution systems, can improve supply chain efficiency in India, in particular for agricultural produce. Better linkages between demand and supply have the potential to improve the price signals that farmers receive and also serve to enhance agricultural and other exports.
Determinants of Export Diversification Around the World: 1962–2000
Authors: Agosin Manuel R. , Alvarez Roberto , Bravo‐Ortega Claudio
Published: December 2011

Using a large dataset for 79 countries covering the period 1962–2000, this study analyses the main determinants of export diversification (concentration). We explore the role of several factors and we use three different indicators of export concentration. We find robust evidence across specifications and indicators that trade openness induces higher specialisation. In contrast, financial development does not seem to help countries to diversify their exports. Looking at the effects of exchange rates, in some of the results, a negative effect of real exchange rate volatility on export diversification is detected, but no significant effects of exchange rate overvaluation. There is also evidence that human capital accumulation contributes positively to diversify exports and that increasing remoteness tends to reduce export diversification. We also explore the role of terms of trade shocks. Most of the results suggest an interesting interaction between this variable and human capital: improvements in the terms of trade tend to concentrate exports, but this effect is lower for those countries with higher levels of human capital. This evidence suggests that countries with higher education can take advantage of positive terms of trade shocks to increase export diversification.
Spurious Fixed Effects Regression*
Authors: Choi In
Published: December 2011

This article shows that spurious regression results can occur for a fixed effects model with weak time series variation in the regressor and/or strong time series variation in the regression errors when the first‐differenced and Within‐OLS estimators are used. Asymptotic properties of these estimators and the related t‐tests and model selection criteria are studied by sending the number of cross‐sectional observations to infinity. This article shows that the first‐differenced and Within‐OLS estimators diverge in probability, that the related t‐tests are inconsistent, that R2s converge to zero in probability and that AIC and BIC diverge to −∞ in probability. The results of the article warn that one should not jump to the use of fixed effects regressions without considering the degree of time series variations in the data.
Acrochordons as a cutaneous sign of impaired carbohydrate metabolism, hyperlipidemia, liver enzyme abnormalities and hypertension: a case–control study
Authors: Şenel E. , Salmanoğlu M. , Solmazgül E. , Berçik İnal B.
Published: December 2011

Background Acrochordons are common and benign skin tumours. A few studies with contradictory results have been reported regarding the abnormalities of carbohydrate and/or lipid metabolisms in patients with acrochordons.

Objectives We aimed to determine if the presence of acrochordons could be a marker of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, liver enzyme abnormalities and hypertension by comparing with a control group.

Methods A total of 110 patients having two or more acrochordons and age‐ and gender‐matched 110 controls were included in the study. Localization, size and the total number of acrochordons were recorded in the patient group. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), serum lipids and liver enzyme levels were tested in patient and controls. All participants underwent a standard 2‐h oral glucose tolerance test with 75 g glucose. Diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose intolerance were diagnosed according to the American Diabetes Association criteria. Arterial blood pressures were measured in two groups.

Results A total of 56 patients and 10 controls were diagnosed with overt DM. Thirteen per cent of the patients and 9% of controls had an impaired glucose tolerance test. The difference was statistically significant for the diagnosis of DM and not significant for the impaired glucose tolerance. The mean levels of FPG, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma‐glutamyltransferase and alkaline phosphatase were significantly higher in patients than those in controls. Furthermore, serum levels of HDL were less in patients. Patients with acrochordons had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures than controls.

Conclusions The results of our study suggest that acrochordons may represent a cutaneous sign for impaired carbohydrate or lipid metabolism, liver enzyme abnormalities and hypertension.
Fragile X Syndrome: The FMR1 CGG Repeat Distribution Among World Populations
Authors: Peprah Emmanuel
Published: December 2011

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is characterized by moderate to severe intellectual disability, which is accompanied by macroorchidism and distinct facial morphology. FXS is caused by the expansion of the CGG trinucleotide repeat in the 5′ untranslated region of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene. The syndrome has been studied in ethnically diverse populations around the world and has been extensively characterized in several populations. Similar to other trinucleotide expansion disorders, the gene‐specific instability of FMR1 is not accompanied by genomic instability. Currently we do not have a comprehensive understanding of the molecular underpinnings of gene‐specific instability associated with tandem repeats. Molecular evidence from in vitro experiments and animal models supports several pathways for gene‐specific trinucleotide repeat expansion. However, whether the mechanisms reported from other systems contribute to trinucleotide repeat expansion in humans is not clear. To understand how repeat instability in humans could occur, the CGG repeat expansion is explored through molecular analysis and population studies which characterized CGG repeat alleles of FMR1. Finally, the review discusses the relevance of these studies in understanding the mechanism of trinucleotide repeat expansion in FXS.
Genetic variation of FUT2 in a Vietnamese population: identification of two novel Se enzyme–inactivating mutations
Authors: Soejima Mikiko , Fujimoto Ryo , Agusa Tetsuro , Iwata Hisato , Fujihara Junko , Takeshita Haruo , Minh Tu Binh , Trang Pham Thi Kim , Viet Pham Hung , Nakajima Tamiko , Yoshimoto Joji , Tanabe Shinsuke , Koda Yoshiro
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: The human FUT2 gene encodes a secretor‐type α(1,2)fucosyltransferase, and many population‐specific polymorphisms have been reported in the coding region.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Direct sequencing, real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and high‐resolution melt (HRM) analysis were done to detect single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) and copy number variations (CNVs) in a Vietnamese population. The impacts of two novel mutations on the encoded enzyme were examined by a transient expression study.

RESULTS: The major nonfunctional allele in the 294 Vietnamese was se357,385, whereas no CNV was detected. Two novel SNPs, 818C>A (Thr273Asn) and 853G>A (Ala285Thr), distributed at low frequency, were shown to remarkably affect the enzyme activity.

CONCLUSION: The allelic polymorphism of FUT2 in Vietnamese is similar to that of other East and Southeast Asian populations. This result may reflect the history and gene flow of this population. In addition, HRM analysis seems to be a simple and effective method for screening rare SNPs of FUT2 in a large number of samples.

[Correction statement added after online publication 21‐Dec‐2011: Thr273Ala has been updated to Thr273Asn throughout.]
Juror Decision Making When a Witness Makes Multiple Identification Decisions1
Authors: POZZULO JOANNA D. , O'NEILL MONICA C.
Published: December 2011

Mock jurors (N = 224) read a trial summary varying the consistency of the eyewitness's initial lineup identification (ID) decision and confidence. In all conditions, a second positive lineup ID of the suspect/defendant was made. Jurors perceived the witness's description of the criminal, IDs, and testimony overall as more reliable when the witness initially made a positive ID of the suspect who also was the defendant vs. a positive ID of a different suspect or a non‐ID. Ratings were also higher when the witness initially made a foil vs. non‐ID. Additionally, the witness's first lineup ID was perceived as more reliable when made with higher vs. lower confidence. Verdicts did not vary as a function of ID consistency.
Demographic consequences for a threatened plant after the loss of its only disperser. Habitat suitability buffers limited seed dispersal
Authors: Rodríguez‐Pérez J. , Traveset A.
Published: December 2011

Seed dispersal links the end of a plant's reproductive cycle with the establishment of new recruits. Dispersal over short distances may lead to the local aggregation of individuals, slower population growth and, ultimately, to lower population densities. In this study, we analyse the demographic consequences for the shrub Daphne rodriguezii after the loss of its only seed disperser in an island ecosystem (Menorca Island, western Mediterranean). During a period of 8–10 years, we collected demographic data from five populations, four where the disperser is extinct (disrupted) and the only one in which it still persists (undisrupted). We calculated basic deterministic variables, analysed life table response experiments (LTRE) and their covariation among demographic traits, and simulated future population vulnerability. Population growth rate (λ) was either stable or negative and independent of whether the population was disrupted or not. Current and past population dynamics were similar in the two largest populations (one being the undisrupted), which suggests that the environmental conditions allow them to be stable regardless of seed disperser presence. Variation in λ was dependent on rainfall variability and was highly influenced by stasis and growth. There also existed tradeoffs between the former life traits and fecundity, which indicate strong competition when resources are limiting (e.g. high plant aggregation due to limited seed dispersal or low rainfall), and that could ultimately affect high‐elasticity demographic traits. Our study suggests that the population dynamic of D. rodriguezii is stable under the current conditions, and that where dispersal is limiting, important environmental changes (e.g. in habitat suitability and/or rainfall regime) might lead to local extinctions.
Current trends in miRNAs and their relationship with oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Pérez‐Sayáns Mario , Pilar Gayoso‐Diz , Barros‐Angueira Francisco , Suárez‐Peñaranda José Manuel , Fernández Alexia Conde , Gándara‐Rey José Manuel , García‐García Abel
Published: December 2011

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 433–443

A micro RNA (miRNA) is a single‐stranded endogenous, non‐coding RNA, with length ranging between 18 and 24 nucleotides and the ability of regulating the expression of other genes on a post‐transcriptional level by means of various processes, degradation or repression of target mRNA. miRNAs play a crucial role in regulating fundamental processes such as cell cycle, differentiation and apoptosis; thus, their deregulation can affect normal cell growth and development, and even participate in carcinogenesis. The goals of this paper are: to outline the formation and functions of miRNAs; to determine their role in oral squamous cell carcinoma; to analyze the different miRNAs described and their roles as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes, depending on their overexpression or subexpression; to describe the different polymorphisms and epigenetic alterations identified; and to determine their role in multidrug resistance.
Extending Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2 Nanoparticles to Visible Region of Illumination by Doping of Cerium
Authors: Choudhury Biswajit , Borah Bikash , Choudhury Amarjyoti
Published: December 2011

Cerium‐doped Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are prepared by sol‐gel method. Doping shifts the UV absorption edge of TiO2 to the visible region, making it efficient for visible light photocatalysis. Incorporation of cerium decreases the effective band gap of TiO2 and increases the Urbach energy levels. At the dopant concentrations of 0.015 and 0.025 mol the luminescence intensity increases compared to undoped TiO2; however, the luminescence is quenched at 0.035 mol. Quenching of luminescence indicates efficient separation of charge carriers. Undoped TiO2 is showing poor performance in the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange under visible light. However, on cerium doping its photoactivity is increased, and is drastically enhanced at 0.035 mol of cerium. Further increase in Ce3+ doping level to 0.045 mol results in the reduction of the photodegradation of the dye. On UV irradiation, entire samples show good photocatalytic activity up to 30 min, but their efficiency decreases when irradiation time is increased to 45 min. Irradiation for longer time results in negative charging of the TiO2 surface with migrating electrons. The negatively charged surface repels the OH− ion and O2 molecule from adsorbing on its surface thus decreasing the availability of hydroxyl and superoxide radical for dye degradation.
River restoration: not only for the sake of nature but also for saving money while addressing flood risk. A decision‐making framework applied to the Chiese River (Po basin, Italy)
Authors: Nardini A. , Pavan S.
Published: December 2011

One of the key ideas of river restoration is that restoring rivers to a more natural status is desirable not only for pure environmental reasons but also to combat flood and geomorphic risk. This paper investigates whether this can be true even in a Mediterranean context, quite different from that of Northern Europe where European river restoration was born. Specifically, we evaluate whether the savings obtained from not implementing new protection works and from maintenance costs not spent – because of elimination of several existing works – exceed the likely increment of flooding and hydromorphological risk. Different conceptual approaches to the decision problem of flood control are synthesised within an integrated, three‐level, evaluation framework. The proposed evaluation framework is applied to a case study on the Chiese River (Po River basin, Italy). Results for this case study are presented. Finally, findings, limitations and potential for application are discussed, concluding that river restoration offers a viable pathway for improving the river environment while not incurring additional economic costs associated with classic flood risk management.
Prediction of Wrinkling and Determination of Minimum Blankholding Pressure in Multistage Deep Drawing
Authors: Agrawal Anupam , Reddy N. Venkata , Dixit P. M.
Published: December 2011

Wrinkling in the flange region has been observed during redrawing operation by a few researchers. In the present work an analysis methodology, based on a combination of upper bound and energy approaches, is proposed for the prediction of number of wrinkles and minimum blankholding pressure necessary to avoid wrinkling in redrawing operation. Thickness variation predicted by the upper bound formulation is used as input for the wrinkling analysis by assuming a suitable waveform based on geometrical and process conditions. The flange is constrained at both ends, i.e., by the blank holder profile radius and at the die entry point (where the sheet enters into the die cavity). The waveform for present analysis is assumed such that it has zero displacement at both ends (since it is constrained) and the maximum amplitude of the wave at some point in between those ends. The wrinkling predicted by the present methodology seems to be reasonably accurate considering the geometrical and process constraints of the redraw.
Contact Prediction Between Moving Objects Bounded by Curved Surfaces
Authors: Al Bedah Abdulmohsen , Uicker John J.
Published: December 2011

This paper presents an algorithm for exact contact prediction between moving objects bounded by curved surfaces. The algorithm uses hierarchies of oriented bounding boxes (HOBBs) and local numerical methods for finding contact. Objects need not be convex and are described using the B-rep scheme. The bounding faces are represented by nonuniform rational B-splines (NURBS). The collision time is sought in short time intervals during the motion, during which time is one of the problem variables. HOBBs are based on curvature regions of the surfaces. This criterion ensures that local numerical methods will converge to the contact points if they exist. The patches enclosed in overlapping leaf nodes are tested for contact by solving a system of nonlinear equations, based on the type of collision expected. The types of collision studied are cusp–cusp, cusp–ridge, cusp–face, ridge–ridge, ridge–face, and face–face collisions. The current algorithm is implemented and compared to an efficient polyhedral collision package, and results appear promising.
Study of the Velocity and Strain Fields in the Flow Through Prosthetic Heart Valves
Authors: López-Zazueta A. , Ledesma-Alonso R. , Guzman J. E. V. , Zenit R.
Published: December 2011

A comparative experimental study of the velocity field and the strain field produced down-stream of biological and mechanical artificial valves is presented. In order to determine the spatial and temporal distributions of these fields, a phase-locked stereoscopic particle image velocimetry (or 3D-PIV) technique was implemented. Emphasis was placed on the identification of the fundamental differences between the extensional and the shear components of the strain tensor. The analysis of the characteristic flows reveal that the strains in every direction may reach high values at different times during the cardiac cycle. It was found that elevated strain levels persist throughout the cardiac cycle as a result of all these contributions. Finally, it is suggested that the frequency with which the strain variations occur at particular instants and locations could be associated to the cumulative damage process of the blood constituents and should be taken into account in the overall assessment of existing valve types, as well as in future design efforts.
Nanostructural Alteration in Bone Quantified in Terms of Orientation Distribution of Mineral Crystals: A Possible Tool for Fracture Risk Assessment
Authors: Giri Bijay , Tadano Shigeru
Published: December 2011

There may be different causes of failures in bone; however, their origin generally lies at the lowest level of structural hierarchy, i.e., at the mineral-collagen composite. Any change in the nanostructure affects the affinity or bonding effectiveness between and within the phases at this level, and hence determines the overall strength and quality of bone. In this study, we propose a novel concept to assess change in the nanostructure and thereby change in the bonding status at this level by revealing change in the orientation distribution characteristics of mineral crystals. Using X-ray diffraction method, a parameter called Degree of Orientation (DO) has been quantified. The DO accounts for the azimuthal distribution of mineral crystals and represents their effective amount along any direction. Changes in the DOs in cortical bone samples from bovine femur with different preferential orientations of mineral crystals were estimated under external loads. Depending on the applied loads, change in the azimuthal distribution of the DOs and the degree of reversibility of the crystals was observed to vary. The characteristics of nanostructural change and thereby possible affect on the strength of bone was then predicted from the reversible or irreversible characteristics of distributed mineral crystals. Significant changes in the organization of mineral crystals were observed; however, variations in the applied stresses and elastic moduli were not evinced at the macroscale level. A novel concept to assess the alteration in nanostructure on the basis of mineral crystals orientation distribution has been proposed. The importance of nanoscale level information obtained noninvasively has been emphasized, which acts as a precise tool to estimate the strength and predict the possible fracture risks in bone.
Effect of buffer layer structure on electrical and structural properties of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors
Authors: Lo Chien-Fong , Liu L. , Kang T. S. , Ren Fan , Laboutin O. , Cao Y. , Johnson J. W. , Polyakov Alexander Y. , Smirnov N. B. , Govorkov A. V. , Belogorokhov I. A. , Belogorokhov A. I. , Pearton S. J.
Published: December 2011

AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) with similar active layers structures were grown on SiC or sapphire substrates using different buffer layer structures, including GaN of different thickness (1 or 2 μm) or composite AlGaN/GaN buffers. The highest density of hole traps was observed in the buffer on sapphire, while the lowest density of hole traps was obtained in the thick (2 μm) GaN buffer on SiC. The reverse leakage currents in HEMTs were lower in the devices grown on SiC substrates and the on-off ratios improved by two orders of magnitude for thicker GaN buffers or composite AlGaN/GaN buffers compared to a standard 1 μm GaN buffer. The maximum drain-source currents and tranconductances were all larger for the devices on SiC compared to sapphire.
Determination of crystal orientation of silicon via shape-controlled vapor-solid growth of copper nanoparticles
Authors: Han Jin-Woo , Meyyappan M.
Published: December 2011

Crystal lattice orientations of substrates are inspected via morphology of copper particles generated by a vapor-solid growth process. The high thermal energy enables diffusion of copper ions into the crystal substrate, and then the copper ions on the substrate are preferentially gathered, forming single-crystalline metal particles. The shapes of the particles are bounded by the facets to minimize the surface energy. Thus, polyhedral particles are truncated and bounded by {100}, {110}, and {111} facets, which results in equilateral square and triangle shapes on (100) and (111) plane substrates, respectively. The directions of the sides of the square and triangle shapes indicate <100> and <110> directions, respectively.
Acoustic scattering from density and sound speed gradients: Modeling of oceanic pycnoclines
Authors: Ross Tetjana , Lavery Andone C.
Published: December 2011

A weak-scattering model that allows prediction of acoustic scattering from oceanic pycnoclines (and the accompanying sound speed gradients) based on hydrographic profiles is described. Model predictions, based on profiles from four locations, indicate that scattering from oceanic pycnoclines is measurable using standard scientific sonars operating at frequencies up to 200 kHz but generally only for pycnocline thicknesses less than 10 m. Accurate scattering models are key to assessing whether acoustic remote sensing can be used to map oceanic pycnoclines and for determining whether scattering from pycnoclines needs to be taken into account when estimating, for instance, zooplankton abundance from acoustic data.
Laboratory investigation of a passive acoustic method for measurement of underwater gas seep ebullition
Authors: Greene Chad A. , Wilson Preston S.
Published: December 2011

Passive acoustic techniques are of interest as a low-power means of quantifying underwater point-source gas ebullition. Toward the development of systems for logging natural seep activity, laboratory experiments were performed that exploited the bubble’s Minnaert natural frequency for the measurement of gas flow from a model seep. Results show agreement among acoustic, optical, and gas trap ebullition measurements over the range of emission rates from 0 to 10 bubbles per second. A mathematical model is proposed to account for the real gas behavior of bubbles which cannot be approximated as ideal, such as methane at marine depths exceeding 30 m.
Back to black: a five‐point plan to boost practice profits
Authors: Wright Malcolm
Published: December 2011

With rising costs, reducing client numbers and increasing competition, the current economic climate is making it more and more difficult for veterinary practices to stay in the black. In this article, Malcolm Wright describes a five‐point plan to improve practice performance and management, and help boost practice profits.
In the director's chair: understanding your responsibilities
Authors: Miller Julie
Published: December 2011

A director's responsibility is to manage a company's resources to deliver profitability. This requires specific personality traits, continuous learning and an understanding of the legislation governing employment and directorship. In this article, Julie Miller describes the role of limited company directors, including their responsibilities as both employers and employees.
Welfare assessment in sheep
Authors: Goddard Pete
Published: December 2011

Protocols for the assessment of welfare in sheep are not as well developed or validated as in other livestock species. However, it is possible to use a number of animal‐ and resource‐based measures to indicate the standard of animal welfare in sheep flocks. This article considers the potential indices that can be implemented when assessing welfare in sheep, and reflects on what difference this might make to the animals themselves. In addition, it highlights how these might be tailored to individual production units in order to make them more relevant and, hence, maximise welfare.
Veterinary care of snakes
Authors: Rowland Mark
Published: December 2011

Snakes are becoming increasingly popular pets and are hence seen more frequently in general veterinary practice. It is therefore important that clinicians have a working understanding of the species presented, as well as the steps required to accurately diagnose and manage health issues. This article reviews the commonly presented species and outlines the husbandry requirements of each. In addition, it discusses the unique anatomy and physiology of snakes and highlights commonly seen conditions, their diagnosis and treatment.
Pleural effusions in dogs and cats 2. Placement of tubes and treatment
Authors: Murphy Kate , Papasouliotis Kostas
Published: December 2011

It is not uncommon for dogs and cats to present with a pleural effusion, which often requires emergency management involving the placement of a thoracic drain. This article describes a step‐by‐step guide to placing traditional wide‐bore tubes and small‐bore drains in practice. It also focuses on the general management of specific conditions that can cause pleural effusions. The diagnostic investigation of dogs and cats with pleural effusions was discussed in an article published in the October issue of In Practice (volume 33, pp 462–469).
Geographic patterns of genetic variation and population structure inPinus aristata, Rocky Mountain bristlecone pine
Authors: Schoettle Anna W. , Goodrich Betsy A. , Hipkins Valerie , Richards Christopher , Kray Julie
Published: December 2011

Pinus aristata Engelm., Rocky Mountain bristlecone pine, has a narrow core geographic and elevational distribution, occurs in disjunct populations, and is threatened by rapid climate change, white pine blister rust, and bark beetles. Knowledge of genetic diversity and population structure will help guide gene conservation strategies for this species. Sixteen sites across four mountain ranges in the core distribution of P. aristata were sampled and genetic diversity was assessed with 21 isozyme loci. Low species and population level genetic diversity (He = 0.070 and 0.062, respectively) occurred with moderate among-population differentiation (FST = 0.131). Genetic diversity correlated with longitude, latitude, and elevation and a strong mountain island effect may contribute to substructuring and isolation. Using multiple complementary analyses, sampled trees were assigned to three genetic lineages that varied in diversity and admixture and were associated with different climatic factors. The distribution of genetic diversity and substructuring of P. aristata may be an outcome of a combination of restricted gene flow due to geographic and phenological isolation, random processes of genetic drift, life history traits, natural selection, and postglacial migrations. The combination of low genetic diversity, moderate population isolation, and a protracted regeneration dynamic puts populations at risk for extirpation by novel stresses.