bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of GPS trajectories to assess goat grazing pattern and intensity in Southern Morocco
Authors: Akasbi Zakia , Oldeland Jens , Dengler Jürgen , Finckh Manfred
Published: December 2012

The assessment of grazing intensity is important for making adequate management decisions on rangelands. Using GPS collars, tended goat herds from three villages in southern Morocco were studied. The aim was to characterise their spatio-temporal movement patterns, i.e. the seasonal variation in grazing intensities, and daily trajectories of the herds. Furthermore, the effect of recording interval on recorded daily walking distances and the relationship between grazing intensities and distance was assessed. Grazing intensities were calculated within 4-ha grid cells for areas around settlements. The highest grazing intensities were found in the 250 m nearest the settlement. Some directions were totally avoided due to either community boundaries or adverse topography. The daily and maximum walking distances were significantly different between seasons. In the arid ecosystems the longest mean daily walking distance were found to be in the spring whereas in semiarid ecosystems it was in summer. It is argued that this variation in grazing pattern is mainly driven by varying fodder availability and its nutritive value, weather conditions and the length of day. The distances were longer in periods when fodder of high nutritive value was available, while cold temperatures and short days in winter limited the distances walked. The relationship between GPS recording interval and recorded trajectory length was described well by an exponential function, which in turn allows extrapolation from data with longer intervals to the actual distances travelled. Using non-linear regressions, the decay of grazing intensity with increasing distance was described better with power functions. The exponents ranged from –1.69 to –2.18, demonstrating that the goats were clumped around the settlements. The description of the grazing patterns of goats in this study provides valuable data for the parameterisation of grazing models.
Habitat selection by reintroduced guanacos (Lama guanicoe) in a heterogeneous mountain rangeland of central Argentina
Authors: Flores Celina E. , Cingolani Ana M. , von Müller Axel , Barri Fernando R.
Published: December 2012

Quebrada del Condorito National Park is located in the upper belt of the mountains of central Argentina and preserves a heterogeneous rangeland area. After the creation of the National Park, in 1996, domestic livestock were gradually removed to avoid soil loss and degradation due to overgrazing in this fragile ecosystem. Lack of large-scale herbivory allowed the expansion of tussock grasslands over grazing lawns. In 2007 a guanaco (Lama guanicoe) population was reintroduced; this large native herbivore, that had become extinct in the region was selected, because it is a low-impact grazer. Habitat selection by the guanaco population reintroduced to the National Park was studied. Seven habitat types previously defined for the region were considered, each one exhibiting a particular dominant plant growth form and different per cent cover of plant species. Guanacos made a positive selection of moist and dry grazing lawns, and avoided tussock grasslands and forests. The reintroduced guanacos selected landscapes with short plants and a high percentage of perennial graminoids and forbs, which are guanacos’ preferred food items. The results indicate that availability of forage of a nutritive value and dominant plant growth form largely explain habitat selection by guanaco in the National Park; this information can be useful for both the ongoing guanaco reintroduction project and the design of management strategies aimed at ecological restoration of this important rangeland region of central Argentina.
Persistence of bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypifolia L.) soil seed banks
Authors: Bebawi Faiz F. , Campbell Shane D. , Mayer Robert J.
Published: December 2012

Bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypifolia L.) is an invasive shrub that adversely impacts agricultural and natural systems of northern Australia. While several techniques are available to control bellyache bush, depletion of soil seed banks is central to its management. A 10-year study determined the persistence of intact and ant-discarded bellyache bush seeds buried in shade cloth packets at six depths (ranging from 0 to 40 cm) under both natural rainfall and rainfall-excluded conditions. A second study monitored changes in seedling emergence over time, to provide an indication of the natural rate of seed bank depletion at two sites (rocky and heavy clay) following the physical removal of all bellyache bush plants. Persistence of seed in the burial trial varied depending on seed type, rainfall conditions and burial depth. No viable seeds of bellyache bush remained after 72 months irrespective of seed type under natural rainfall conditions. When rainfall was excluded seeds persisted for much longer, with a small portion (0.4%) of ant-discarded seeds still viable after 120 months. Seed persistence was prolonged (>96 months to decline to <1% viability) at all burial depths under rainfall-excluded conditions. In contrast, under natural rainfall, surface located seeds took twice as long (70 months) to decline to 1% viability compared with buried seeds (35 months). No seedling emergence was observed after 58 months and 36 months at the rocky and heavy clay soil sites, respectively. These results suggest that the required duration of control programs on bellyache bush may vary due to the effect of biotic and abiotic factors on persistence of soil seed banks.
Human trichromacy revisited
Authors: Horiguchi Hiroshi , Winawer Jonathan , Dougherty Robert F. , Wandell Brian A.
Published: December 2012

The presence of a photopigment (melanopsin) within certain retinal ganglion cells was a surprising and significant discovery. This pigment is routinely described as “nonvisual” to highlight its signaling role in pupil dilation and circadian rhythms. Here we asked whether light absorbed by melanopsin can be seen by healthy human subjects. To answer this requires delivering intense (above rod saturation), well-controlled lights using four independent primaries. We collected detection thresholds to many four-primary stimuli. Threshold measurements in the fovea are explained by trichromatic theory, with no need to invoke a fourth photopigment. In the periphery, where melanopsin is present, threshold measurements deviate from trichromatic theory; at high photopic levels, sensitivity is explained by absorptions in four, not three, photopigment classes. We consider a series of hypotheses to explain the tetrasensitivity at high photopic levels in the human peripheral field. The most likely hypothesis is that in healthy human subjects melanopsin absorptions influence visibility.
Addressing disparities: The impact of a lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender graduate counselling course
Authors: Bidell Markus P.
Published: December 2012

Background: Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals experience serious mental health disparities and treatment inequities. Counsellor education has been identified as both a contributing factor to these problems as well as an ameliorating mechanism to address these inequalities. Aim: The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the impact of an LGBT‐affirmative counselling course. Method: A total of 23 students enrolled in a graduate LGBT counselling course were administered the Sexual Orientation Counselor Competency Scale (SOCCS, Bidell, 2005) and the Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Affirmative Counseling Self‐Efficacy Inventory (LGB‐CSI, Dillon & Worthington, 2003) pre‐ and post‐course. In addition, a comparison group of 23 matched counselling students was obtained from an existing data source in order to make further assessments of the course's effectiveness. Those in the comparison group were not enrolled in the LGBT course, but were administered the SOCCS at analogous time intervals. Results: After completing the LGBT course, enrolled students demonstrated significant improvements regarding their sexual orientation counsellor competency and self‐efficacy. In addition, these students showed significant gains in SOCCS scores versus those in the comparison group. Implications: Results from this study show the positive effect a full‐credit LGBT psychotherapy course can have on graduate counselling students' sexual orientation counsellor competency and self‐efficacy. The findings also indicate that such a course can significantly impact counselling skills, a facet of LGBT cultural competency found to be the most attenuated. Findings are discussed in conjunction with LGBT‐affirmative counsellor training and clinical practice.
Improvement of light-harvesting efficiency in dye-sensitized solar cells using silica beads embedded in a TiO2 nanoporous structure
Authors: Rho Yoonsoo , Wanit Manorotkul , Yeo Junyeob , Hong Sukjoon , Han Seungyong , Choi Jun-Ho , Hong Won-Hwa , Lee Dongjin , Ko Seung Hwan
Published: December 2012

The effect of various materials of the spherical scattering centre in a TiO2 nanoporous structure in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) was investigated by both theoretical simulation and experiment. Three materials, titania, electrolyte and silica, were investigated using the Mie Theory, in which the concepts of volume total cross section and solar spectrum were accommodated for better accuracy. Of those materials, silica was chosen in this study due to its perfectly transparent nature, easy size controllability and perfectly spherical shape, which make silica most suitable for understanding the scattering effect with a simple optical approach. The validity was proved by experiment with various sizes of silica beads (0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2, 1.5 µm) embedded in DSSCs; experiments revealed the same trend as did the simulation. The overall efficiency of the DSSCs was increased by 20.4% using 300 nm diameter silica beads. The efficiency versus bead size had a peak with beads of 300 nm diameter and decreased as the bead size increased. This study showed that silica could be a good candidate for scattering particles in DSSCs. Furthermore, this study could be considered a valuable reference for further investigations of scattering phenomena by small spherical particles or arbitrary shape of particles in DSSCs.
Optimizing the current ramp-up phase for the hybrid ITER scenario
Authors: Hogeweij G.M.D. , Artaud J.-F. , Casper T.A. , Citrin J. , Imbeaux F. , Köchl F. , Litaudon X. , Voitsekhovitch I.
Published: December 2012

The current ramp-up phase for the ITER hybrid scenario is analysed with the CRONOS integrated modelling suite. The simulations presented in this paper show that the heating systems available at ITER allow, within the operational limits, the attainment of a hybrid q profile at the end of the current ramp-up. A reference ramp-up scenario is reached by a combination of NBI, ECCD (UPL) and LHCD. A heating scheme with only NBI and ECCD can also reach the target q profile; however, LHCD can play a crucial role in reducing the flux consumption during the ramp-up phase. The optimum heating scheme depends on the chosen transport model, and on assumptions of parameters like n
e peaking, edge T
e,i and Z
eff. The sensitivity of the current diffusion on parameters that are not easily controlled, shows that development of real-time control is important to reach the target q profile. A first step in that direction has been indicated in this paper. Minimizing resistive flux consumption and optimizing the q profile turn out to be conflicting requirements. A trade-off between these two requirements has to be made. In this paper it is shown that fast current ramp with L-mode current overshoot is at the one extreme, i.e. the optimum q profile at the cost of increased resistive flux consumption, whereas early H-mode transition is at the other extreme.
Characterization of Monilinia fructicola Strains Resistant to Both Propiconazole and Boscalid
Authors: Chen F. , Liu X. , Chen S. , Schnabel E. , Schnabel G.
Published: December 2012

In 2011 and 2012, significant brown rot disease caused by Monilinia fructicola was observed in a peach orchard in Spartanburg County, SC, despite preharvest fungicide applications of demethylation inhibitor (DMI), quinone outside inhibitor (QoI), and succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) fungicides. All 22 isolates obtained in 2011 from this orchard were sensitive to the QoI fungicide, azoxystrobin, and the methyl benzimidazole carbamate (MBC) fungicide, thiophanate-methyl. Five were resistant to the DMI fungicide, propiconazole, and were selected, together with five propiconazole-sensitive isolates, for further investigations. One of the 10 isolates was resistant to propiconazole but sensitive to the SDHI fungicide, boscalid (EC50 = 0.42 μg/ml), 3 were resistant to propiconazole with intermediate sensitivity to boscalid (EC50 0.72 to 2.1 μg/ml); 2 were sensitive to propiconazole with intermediate sensitivity to boscalid; 3 were sensitive to propiconazole but resistant to boscalid (EC50 ≥ 2.1 μg/ml); and 1 (isolate MD22) was resistant to both propiconazole and boscalid. Disease incidence on detached fruit treated with formulated propiconazole or boscalid was significantly higher for MD22 compared to a sensitive control isolate. Continued monitoring of fungicide resistance in the same orchard in 2012 revealed an increase of isolates resistant to propiconazole from 22.7% in 2011 to 34.7%, and an increase of isolates resistant to both propiconazole and boscalid from 4.5% in 2011 to 18.4%. Propiconazole resistance was always associated with the presence of the ‘Mona’ mobile element located upstream of the sterol 14α-demethylase (MfCYP51) gene. To investigate whether mutations in the subunits of the succinate dehydrogenase enzyme were involved in boscalid resistance, significant portions of the M. fructicola SdhA, SdhB, SdhC, and SdhD genes were cloned and analyzed for 2 sensitive, 2 boscalid-resistant, and 6 dual-resistant isolates. Although sequence variation was found among the isolates, no single change correlated with resistance. Interestingly, analysis of isolates collected from orchards in 2001 and 2002, prior to the registration of boscalid, revealed a range of sensitivities to boscalid (EC50 0.03 to 3.46 μg/ml) including boscalid-resistant isolates. The presence of boscalid-resistant isolates in the baseline population was unexpected and requires further investigation.
Workshop Report
Authors: Sherman Philip M. , Brown Sally , Rose Keeley , Murphy Tim , Makarchuk Mary‐Jo , Paterson William , Belanger Paul
Published: December 2012

The purpose of the workshop was to receive input from the Canadian pediatric inflammatory bowel diseases research community to develop a research funding opportunity for a Canadian pediatric inflammatory bowel diseases network and data platform supported by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, in partnership with the Foundation for Children with Intestinal and Liver Disorders. Leaders from across the country came together, with the objectives of identifying the scientific goals for a Canadian pediatric inflammatory bowel disease network, the required infrastructure, and an appropriate governance structure needed to achieve such a network and data platform, as well as other elements needed to ensure the successful implementation of a network.
Maternal Psychological Distress and Parenting Stress After Gastrostomy Placement in Children
Authors: Åvitsland Tone Lise , Faugli Anne , Pripp Are Hugo , Malt Ulrik Fredrik , Bjørnland Kristin , Emblem Ragnhild
Published: December 2012

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to evaluate stress in mothers of children with feeding problems before and after gastrostomy placement, and to identify changes in child health and variables affecting maternal stress.

Methods:

Psychological distress and parenting stress in 34 mothers of children referred for gastrostomy were assessed using General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) (overall psychological distress), Impact of Event Scale (IES) (intrusive stress related to child's feeding problems), and Parenting Stress Index (PSI) (stress related to parenting) before, 6, and 18 months after placement of a gastrostomy. Information of child health and long‐term gastrostomy complications were recorded. A semistructured interview constructed for the present study explored maternal preoperative expectations and child's quality of life.

Results:

Insertion of a gastrostomy did not significantly influence vomiting or the number of children with a low weight‐for‐height percentile. All of the children experienced peristomal complications. Despite this, mothers' overall psychological distress was significantly reduced after 6 and 18 months, and the majority of mothers (85%) reported that their preoperative expectations were fulfilled and that the child's quality of life was improved after gastrostomy placement. Maternal concerns for the child's feeding problems, measured as intrusive stress, had effect on maternal overall psychological distress.

Conclusions:

Despite frequent stomal complications the gastrostomy significantly reduced the mothers' psychological distress and improved the child's quality of life as reported by the mother.
Use of a Real‐time Viewer for Endoscopic Deployment of Capsule Endoscope in the Pediatric Population
Authors: Bass Lee M. , Misiewicz Lawrence
Published: December 2012

Objectives:

Wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) is an increasingly used procedure for visualization of the small intestine. One challenge in pediatric WCE is the placement of the capsule in a population unable to swallow it for a variety of reasons. Here we present a novel use of the real‐time (RT) viewer in the endoscopic deployment of the capsule endoscope.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective chart review on all WCE completed at the Children's Memorial Hospital from February 2010 to May 2011. Following a diagnostic upper endoscopy, the RT viewer was attached to the capsule recorder and image was noted before insertion. The endoscope and AdvanCE capsule delivery device were slowly advanced into duodenum while maintaining visualization on the RT viewer.

Results:

A total of 17 patients who underwent a WCE with endoscopic placement were identified. They ranged in ages from 2 to 19 years. Thirteen patients required endoscopic placement because of the inability to swallow the capsule, whereas 4 were placed during a scheduled procedure to take advantage of sedation and airway protection. All of the 17 patients had successful deployment of the capsule into the duodenal lumen. In each case, the endoscopist was able to confirm capsule location in duodenum during scope withdrawal. There was no evidence of iatrogenic trauma or bleeding in any patient. There were 5 incomplete studies, a completion rate consistent with that described in the literature.

Conclusions:

The use of the RT viewer for endoscopic deployment of WCE is an effective technique to improve visualization of capsule placement in the pediatric population.
Relation Between Dietary Fat Intake Type and Serum Fatty Acid Status in Children With Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Maqbool Asim , Schall Joan I. , Gallagher Paul R. , Zemel Babette S. , Strandvik Birgitta , Stallings Virginia A.
Published: December 2012

Background and Objective:

Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) and pancreatic insufficiency (PI) are at risk for fatty acid (FA) abnormalities and essential FA deficiency, with low linoleic acid (LA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) concentrations and abnormal triene:tetraene (T:T) and arachidonic acid (AA):DHA ratios. The aim of the article was to determine whether type of dietary fat predicted serum LA, DHA, T:T, and AA:DHA ratios in subjects with CF and PI as compared to an unaffected comparison group.

Methods:

Serum FA concentrations were assessed by capillary gas‐liquid chromatography (mol%) and dietary intake by 7‐day weighed food records; the 3‐day coefficient of fat absorption was calculated. Total energy intake was expressed in kilocalories.

Results:

A total of 65 subjects with CF and PI (8.4 ± 1.0 years, 32 girls) and 22 controls (8.5 ± 1.1 years, 13 girls) were included. Despite greater energy, saturated fat, and LA intake, the subjects with CF had lower serum LA and DHA and higher T:T and AA:DHA than those in the comparison group. Dietary total fat, monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), LA, total ω 6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (Tω6PUFA), and α‐linolenic acid (ALA) intake positively predicted serum LA concentration. MUFA, total ω 3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (Tω3PUFA), and ALA intake positively predicted serum DHA concentration. Total dietary fat, MUFA, PUFA, Tω3PUFA, LA, and ALA intake negatively predicted serum T:T. ALA and Tω3PUFA intake negatively predicted serum AA:DHA.

Conclusions:

Dietary fat patterns influenced serum LA, DHA, T:T, and AA:DHA in children with CF and PI. These data suggest that changes in dietary practices may result in FA profiles associated with improved clinical outcomes.
Circulating MicroRNA Is a Biomarker of Biliary Atresia
Authors: Zahm Adam M. , Hand Nicholas J. , Boateng LaTasha A. , Friedman Joshua R.
Published: December 2012

Objective:

The lack of reliable noninvasive diagnostic biomarkers of biliary atresia (BA) results in delayed diagnosis and worsened patient outcome. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are a new class of noninvasive biomarkers with encouraging diagnostic utility.

Methods:

We examined the ability of serum miRNAs to distinguish BA from other forms of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. BA‐specific serum miRNAs were identified using a microfluidic array platform and validated in a larger, independent sample set.

Results:

The miR‐200b/429 cluster was significantly increased in the sera of patients with BA relative to infants with non‐BA cholestatic disorders.

Conclusions:

Circulating levels of the miR‐200b/429 cluster are elevated in infants with BA and have promising diagnostic clinical performance.
Management of Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Turner Dan , Levine Arie , Escher Johanna C. , Griffiths Anne M. , Russell Richard K. , Dignass Axel , Dias Jorge Amil , Bronsky Jiri , Braegger Christian P. , Cucchiara Salvatore , de Ridder Lissy , Fagerberg Ulrika L. , Hussey Séamus , Hugot Jean‐Pierre , Kolacek Sanja , Kolho Kaija Leena , Lionetti Paolo , Pærregaard Anders , Potapov Alexander , Rintala Risto , Serban Daniela E. , Staiano Annamaria , Sweeny Brian , Veerman Gigi , Veres Gabor , Wilson David C. , Ruemmele Frank M.
Published: December 2012

Background and Aims:

Pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC) shares many features with adult‐onset disease but there are some unique considerations; therefore, therapeutic approaches have to be adapted to these particular needs. We aimed to formulate guidelines for managing UC in children based on a systematic review (SR) of the literature and a robust consensus process. The present article is a product of a joint effort of the European Crohn's and Colitis Organization (ECCO) and the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN).

Methods:

A group of 27 experts in pediatric IBD participated in an iterative consensus process including 2 face‐to‐face meetings, following an open call to ESPGHAN and ECCO members. A list of 23 predefined questions were addressed by working subgroups based on a SR of the literature.

Results:

A total of 40 formal recommendations and 68 practice points were endorsed with a consensus rate of at least 89% regarding initial evaluation, how to monitor disease activity, the role of endoscopic evaluation, medical and surgical therapy, timing and choice of each medication, the role of combined therapy, and when to stop medications. A management flowchart, based on the Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI), is presented.

Conclusions:

These guidelines provide clinically useful points to guide the management of UC in children. Taken together, the recommendations offer a standardized protocol that allows effective, timely management and monitoring of the disease course, while acknowledging that each patient is unique.
Exhaled Breath Condensate: A Promising Source for Biomarkers of Lung Disease
Authors: Liang Yan , Yeligar Samantha M. , Brown Lou Ann S.
Published: December 2012

Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) has been increasingly studied as a noninvasive research method for sampling the alveolar and airway space and is recognized as a promising source of biomarkers of lung diseases. Substances measured in EBC include oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators, such as arachidonic acid derivatives, reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, reduced and oxidized glutathione, and inflammatory cytokines. Although EBC has great potential as a source of biomarkers in many lung diseases, the low concentrations of compounds within the EBC present challenges in sample collection and analysis. Although EBC is viewed as a noninvasive method for sampling airway lining fluid (ALF), validation is necessary to confirm that EBC truly represents the ALF. Likewise, a dilution factor for the EBC is needed in order to compare across subjects and determine changes in the ALF. The aims of this paper are to address the characteristics of EBC; strategies to standardize EBC sample collection and review available analytical techniques for EBC analysis.
Enhanced Growth of Multipurpose Calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus) Using Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi in Uganda
Authors: Sebuliba Esther , Nyeko Phillip , Majaliwa Mwanjalolo , Eilu Gerald , Kizza Charles Luswata , Ekwamu Adipala
Published: December 2012

This study was conducted to compare the effect of selected arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi genera and their application rates for enhanced Calliandra growth in Uganda. The performance of Calliandra under different types and rates of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi inoculation was assessed in the greenhouse using sterilized Mabira soils. Four dominant genera were isolated from the rhizosphere of sorghum in the laboratory. Calliandra seeds were grown in pots and the seed coating method of application was used at concentrations of 0 spores, 30 spores and 50 spores. Each treatment was replicated three times. All Calliandra inoculated seedlings showed improved seedling growth (in terms of height and shoot dry matter weight) compared to the control (P<0.05) except with the arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi mixture treated Calliandra at 50 spores rate.Glomussp. andAcaulosporasp. had significant influence on the height of Calliandra, while AMF mixture performed best in terms of shoot dry weight (P<0.05). This study provides a good scope for commercially utilizing the efficient strains of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi for beneficial effects in the primary establishment of slow growing seedlings ensuring better survival and improved growth.
3,5-Dimethyl-4-[(E)-(2-nitrophenyl)diazenyl]-1-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazole
Authors: Alvarez Thon Luis , Bustos Carlos , Diaz-Marín Fernando , Garland Maria Teresa , Baggio Ricardo
Published: December 2012

The title compound, C17H10F5N5O2, is described and compared with its 4-nitrophenyl isomer [Bustos, Sánchez, Schott, Alvarez-Thon & Fuentealba (2007).Acta Cryst.E63, o1138–o1139]. The title molecule presents its nitro group split into two rotationally disordered components, which in conjunction with the rotation of the `unclamped' rings constitute the main molecular differences. Packing is directed by a head-to-tail type `I' C—F...F—C interaction, generating double-chain strips running along [100]. These substructures are interlinked by a variety of weak F...F, O...F, F...π and O...π interactions.
Boiling Water Reactor Pressure Vessel Integrity Evaluation by Probabilistic Fracture Mechanics (PVP2010-25195)
Authors: Chen Bo-Yi , Huang Chin-Cheng , Chou Hsoung-Wei , Liu Ru-Feng , Lin Hsien-Chou
Published: December 2012

The reactor pressure vessel (RPV) welds unavoidably degrade with the long time operation because of the fast neutron fluence exposure. Thus, the structural integrity of the axial and circumferential welds at the beltline region of reactor vessel must be evaluated carefully. The probabilistic fracture mechanics (PFM) analysis code: Fracture analysis of vessels—Oak Ridge (FAVOR), which has been verified by USNRC, is adopted in this work to calculate the conditional probability of initiation (CPI) and the conditional probability of failure (CPF) for the welds with 32 and 64 effective full power years (EFPY) operation, respectively. The Monte Carlo technique is involved in the simulation. This is the first time that the PFM technique is adopted for evaluating the risk of nuclear power plant components in Taiwan. Actual geometries, material properties, alloying elements, neutron fluence, and operation conditions are used for the plant specific analyses. Moreover, the design basis transients/accidents described in the final safety analysis report are also taken into account. The computed results show that the failure probabilities of welds are less than 10−10 per year. Only the axial weld, W-1001-08 has the probability of failure. The results of this work can be used to evaluate the structural integrity of the welds located at the RPV beltline region and provide the aging analysis results for the life extension and the license renewal applications.
Pipe Elbows Under Strong Cyclic Loading
Authors: Varelis George E. , Karamanos Spyros A. , Gresnigt Arnold M.
Published: December 2012

Motivated by the response of industrial piping under seismic loading conditions, the present study examines the behavior of steel process piping elbows, subjected to strong cyclic loading conditions. A set of experiments is conducted on elbow specimens subjected to constant amplitude in-plane cyclic bending, resulting into failure in the low-cycle-fatigue range. The experimental results are used to develop a low-cycle-fatigue curve within the strain-based fatigue design framework. The experimental work is supported by finite element analyses, which account for geometrical and material nonlinearities. Using advanced plasticity models to describe the behavior of elbow material, the analysis focuses on localized deformations at the critical positions where cracking occurs. Finally, the relevant provisions of design codes (ASME B31.3 and EN 13480) for elbow design are discussed and assessed, with respect to the experimental and numerical findings.
Accuracy of a 3D laser/camera surface imaging system for setup verification of the pelvic and thoracic regions in radiotherapy treatments
Authors: Pallotta Stefania , Simontacchi Gabriele , Marrazzo Livia , Ceroti Marco , Paiar Fabiola , Biti Giampaolo , Bucciolini Marta
Published: December 2012

Purpose:

The aim of this paper is to investigate the accuracy of a laser/camera surface imaging system (Sentinel) when used on patients treated in the thorax or pelvic regions and to evaluate system employment conditions and patient setup procedures that provide more accurate results.

Methods:

The system was tested on two groups of patients for whom different patient setup procedures and Sentinel employment conditions were considered. For the first group of 33 patients (FG) no changes to the usual setup procedures were made and a surface extension limited to the treated region was considered. For the second group of 14 patients (SG) the reproducibility of external body surfaces, including body parts not in close proximity to the treatment site, was optimized and a wider surface was captured. In all cases the system accuracy was evaluated comparing registration results from concurrent Sentinel and cone beam CT (CBCT) acquisitions for a total of 192 occasions. External body surfaces, extracted from planning CT studies, were used as reference in both cases, but for SG also surface data captured by Sentinel system at the first treatment were employed.

Results:

In the 90th percentile of the distributions reporting CBCT and Sentinel registration parameters, absolute differences for FG were less than 6.4 mm and 3.8°. Better performances were observed for SG (≤5.7 mm and 2°). Mean absolute differences between three translation and three rotation parameters of CBCT and Sentinel were: less than 3.5 mm and 2.1° and 3.7 mm and 1.3° in FG for thorax and pelvis, respectively, and less than 2.8 mm and 1° and 2.7 mm and 0.9° for pelvis and thorax, respectively, in SG. No advantage in considering surface data captured by Sentinel as a reference instead of the surface extracted from the planning CT was observed.

Conclusions:

The accuracy of Sentinel system in detecting errors is influenced by the extension and reliability of the surface used. When the reproducibility of external body surfaces was optimized differences between CBCT and Sentinel registration parameters resulted less than 5.7 mm and 2° in the 90% of the pelvis and thorax considered cases. No advantage in considering a Sentinel acquisition as reference was observed.
Pan-PCR, a Computational Method for Designing Bacterium-Typing Assays Based on Whole-Genome Sequence Data
Authors: Yang Joy Y. , Brooks Shelise , Meyer Jennifer A. , Blakesley Robert R. , Zelazny Adrian M. , Segre Julia A. , Snitkin Evan S.
Published: December 2012

With increasing rates of antibiotic resistance, bacterial infections have become more difficult to treat, elevating the importance of surveillance and prevention. Effective surveillance relies on the availability of rapid, cost-effective, and informative typing methods to monitor bacterial isolates. PCR-based typing assays are fast and inexpensive, but their utility is limited by the lack of targets which are capable of distinguishing between strains within a species. To identify highly informative PCR targets from the growing base of publicly available bacterial genome sequences, we developed pan-PCR. This computer algorithm uses existing genome sequences for isolates of a species of interest and identifies a set of genes whose patterns of presence or absence provide the best discrimination between strains in this species. A set of PCR primers targeting the identified genes is then designed, with each PCR product being of a different size to allow multiplexing. These target DNA regions and PCR primers can then be utilized to type bacterial isolates. To evaluate pan-PCR, we designed an assay for the emerging pathogen
Acinetobacter baumannii
. Taking as input a set of 29 previously sequenced genomes, pan-PCR identified 6 genetic loci whose presence or absence was capable of distinguishing all the input strains. This assay was applied to a set of patient isolates, and its discriminatory power was compared to that of multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and whole-genome optical maps. We found that the pan-PCR assay was capable of making clinically relevant distinctions between strains with identical MLST profiles and showed a discriminatory power similar to that of optical maps. Pan-PCR represents a tool capable of exploiting available genome sequence data to design highly discriminatory PCR assays. The ease of design and implementation makes this approach feasible for diagnostic facilities of all sizes.
Viral Proteinase Requirements for the Nucleocytoplasmic Relocalization of Cellular Splicing Factor SRp20 during Picornavirus Infections
Authors: Fitzgerald Kerry D. , Chase Amanda J. , Cathcart Andrea L. , Tran Genevieve P. , Semler Bert L.
Published: December 2012

Infection of mammalian cells by picornaviruses results in the nucleocytoplasmic redistribution of certain host cell proteins. These viruses interfere with import-export pathways, allowing for the cytoplasmic accumulation of nuclear proteins that are then available to function in viral processes. We recently described the cytoplasmic relocalization of cellular splicing factor SRp20 during poliovirus infection. SRp20 is an important internal ribosome entry site (IRES)
trans
-acting factor (ITAF) for poliovirus IRES-mediated translation; however, it is not known whether other picornaviruses utilize SRp20 as an ITAF and direct its cytoplasmic relocalization. Also, the mechanism by which poliovirus directs the accumulation of SRp20 in the cytoplasm of the infected cell is currently unknown. Work described in this report demonstrated that infection by another picornavirus (coxsackievirus B3) causes SRp20 to relocalize from the nucleus to the cytoplasm of HeLa cells, similar to poliovirus infection; however, SRp20 is relocalized to a somewhat lesser extent in the cytoplasm of HeLa cells during infection by yet another picornavirus (human rhinovirus 16). We show that expression of poliovirus 2A proteinase is sufficient to cause the nucleocytoplasmic redistribution of SRp20. Following expression of poliovirus 2A proteinase in HeLa cells, we detect cleavage of specific nuclear pore proteins known to be cleaved during poliovirus infection. We also find that expression of human rhinovirus 16 2A proteinase alone can cause efficient cytoplasmic relocalization of SRp20, despite the lower levels of SRp20 relocalization observed during rhinovirus infection compared to poliovirus. Taken together, these results further define the mechanism of SRp20 cellular redistribution during picornavirus infections, and they provide additional insight into some of the differences observed between human rhinovirus and other enterovirus infections.
Tra2-Mediated Recognition of HIV-1 5′ Splice Site D3 as a Key Factor in the Processing of
vpr
mRNA
Authors: Erkelenz Steffen , Poschmann Gereon , Theiss Stephan , Stefanski Anja , Hillebrand Frank , Otte Marianne , Stühler Kai , Schaal Heiner
Published: December 2012

Small noncoding HIV-1 leader exon 3 is defined by its splice sites A2 and D3. While 3′ splice site (3′ss) A2 needs to be activated for
vpr
mRNA formation, the location of the
vpr
start codon within downstream intron 3 requires silencing of splicing at 5′ss D3. Here we show that the inclusion of both HIV-1 exon 3 and
vpr
mRNA processing is promoted by an exonic splicing enhancer (ESE

vpr

) localized between exonic splicing silencer ESSV and 5′ss D3. The ESE

vpr

sequence was found to be bound by members of the Transformer 2 (Tra2) protein family. Coexpression of these proteins in provirus-transfected cells led to an increase in the levels of exon 3 inclusion, confirming that they act through ESE

vpr

. Further analyses revealed that ESE

vpr

supports the binding of U1 snRNA at 5′ss D3, allowing bridging interactions across the upstream exon with 3′ss A2. In line with this, an increase or decrease in the complementarity of 5′ss D3 to the 5′ end of U1 snRNA was accompanied by a higher or lower
vpr
expression level. Activation of 3′ss A2 through the proposed bridging interactions, however, was not dependent on the splicing competence of 5′ss D3 because rendering it splicing defective but still competent for efficient U1 snRNA binding maintained the enhancing function of D3. Therefore, we propose that splicing at 3′ss A2 occurs temporally between the binding of U1 snRNA and splicing at D3.
Molecular Evolution of Viruses of the Family Filoviridae Based on 97 Whole-Genome Sequences
Authors: Carroll Serena A. , Towner Jonathan S. , Sealy Tara K. , McMullan Laura K. , Khristova Marina L. , Burt Felicity J. , Swanepoel Robert , Rollin Pierre E. , Nichol Stuart T.
Published: December 2012

Viruses in the
Ebolavirus
and
Marburgvirus
genera (family
Filoviridae
) have been associated with large outbreaks of hemorrhagic fever in human and nonhuman primates. The first documented cases occurred in primates over 45 years ago, but the amount of virus genetic diversity detected within bat populations, which have recently been identified as potential reservoir hosts, suggests that the filoviruses are much older. Here, detailed Bayesian coalescent phylogenetic analyses are performed on 97 whole-genome sequences, 55 of which are newly reported, to comprehensively examine molecular evolutionary rates and estimate dates of common ancestry for viruses within the family
Filoviridae
. Molecular evolutionary rates for viruses belonging to different species range from 0.46 × 10
−4
nucleotide substitutions/site/year for
Sudan ebolavirus
to 8.21 × 10
−4
nucleotide substitutions/site/year for
Reston ebolavirus
. Most recent common ancestry can be traced back only within the last 50 years for
Reston ebolavirus
and
Zaire ebolavirus
species and suggests that viruses within these species may have undergone recent genetic bottlenecks. Viruses within
Marburg marburgvirus
and
Sudan ebolavirus
species can be traced back further and share most recent common ancestors approximately 700 and 850 years before the present, respectively. Examination of the whole family suggests that members of the
Filoviridae
, including the recently described Lloviu virus, shared a most recent common ancestor approximately 10,000 years ago. These data will be valuable for understanding the evolution of filoviruses in the context of natural history as new reservoir hosts are identified and, further, for determining mechanisms of emergence, pathogenicity, and the ongoing threat to public health.
Effectiveness of involving the private medical sector in the National TB Control Programme in Bangladesh: evidence from mixed methods
Authors: Zafar Ullah Abu Naser , Huque Rumana , Husain Ashaque , Akter Salma , Islam Akramul , Newell James Nicholas
Published: December 2012

Objectives

In Bangladesh, private healthcare is common and popular, regardless of income or area of residence, making the private sector an important player in health service provision. Although the private sector offers a good range of health services, tuberculosis (TB) care in the private sector is poor. We conducted research in Dhaka, between 2004 and 2008, to develop and evaluate a public–private partnership (PPP) model to involve private medical practitioners (PMPs) within the National TB Control Programme (NTP)'s activities. Since 2008, this PPP model has been scaled up in two other big cities, Chittagong and Sylhet. This paper reports the results of this development, evaluation and scale-up.

Design

Mixed method, observational study design. We used NTP service statistics to compare the TB control outcomes between intervention and control areas. To capture detailed insights of PMPs and TB managers about the process and outcomes of the study, we conducted in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and workshops.

Setting

Urban setting, piloted in four areas in Dhaka city; later scaled up in other areas of Dhaka and in two major cities.

Findings

The partnership with PMPs yielded significantly increased case finding of sputum smear-positive TB cases. Between 2004 and 2010, 703 participating PMPs referred 3959 sputum smear-positive TB cases to the designated Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course (DOTS) centres, contributing about 36% of all TB cases in the project areas. There was a steady increase in case notification rates in the project areas following implementation of the partnership.

Conclusions

The PPP model was highly effective in improving access and quality of TB care in urban settings.
Bryophyte communities along horizontal and vertical gradients in a human-modified Atlantic Forest remnant
Authors: Silva Mércia P.P. , Pôrto Kátia C.
Published: December 2012

We compared the richness, diversity, and composition of epiphytic bryophytes in a Brazilian Atlantic Forest remnant along zones of height within host trees (vertical gradient) and edge to interior (horizontal gradient). We established five classes of edge distance, and within each one, three host trees were selected (15 in total). Samples were collected in five height zones within host trees from the base to the top. The highest average values of richness and diversity were found in the trunk zone. There was no significant difference of bryophyte total richness and diversity along edge distance and vertical zones. However, the guilds of light tolerance displayed particularities regarding vertical zonation. Shade epiphytes decreased significantly along vertical gradients, whereas sun epiphytes increased, demonstrating a compositional vertical stratification within host trees. Thus, bryophyte distribution in both understories and canopies is more related to microenvironmental conditions than landscape characteristics such as edge distance. Moreover, the features of the Atlantic Forest associated with the environmental heterogeneity of the remnant may play an important role in the lack of gradient in species' composition from the edge to the interior of the forest.
Role of epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation in endothelin-1-induced enhanced expression of Gi protein and proliferation in A10 vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Gomez Sandoval Yessica-Haydee , Lévesque Louis-Olivier , Li Yuan , Anand-Srivastava Madhu B.
Published: December 2012

We have recently shown that vasoactive peptides such as angiotensin II (Ang II) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) increase the expression of Gi proteins and the proliferation of A10 vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) through mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase – phosphoinositide (PI) 3-kinase pathways. This study was intended to examine the implication of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation in ET-1-induced enhanced expression of Gi proteins and proliferation of A10 VSMC, and to further investigate the underlying mechanisms responsible for these increases. Cell proliferation was determined by [3H]thymidine incorporation and the expression of Gi proteins; extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and EGFR phosphorylation was determined by Western blotting. Treatment of A10 VSMC with ET-1 enhanced the expression of Gi proteins, which was attenuated by BQ123 and BQ788, antagonists of ETAand ETBreceptor respectively. In addition, ET-1 enhanced the phosphorylation of EGFR in A10 VSMC, which was restored to the control levels by EGFR inhibitor and ETAand ETBreceptor antagonists. Furthermore, ET-1 also augmented the proliferation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation of A10 VSMC, which were restored to the control levels by inhibition of EGFR. These data suggest that ET-1 transactivates EGFR, which, through MAP kinase signaling, may contribute to the enhanced expression of Gi proteins and thus increased proliferation of A10 VSMC.
SCALING AND COMPLEXITY-ENTROPY ANALYSIS IN DISCRIMINATING TRAFFIC DYNAMICS
Authors: LIAO GANLI , SHANG PENGJIAN
Published: December 2012

In this paper, the complexity-entropy causality plane approach is applied to analyze traffic data. The R/S analysis and detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) methods are also used to compare with this approach. Moreover, based on the concept of entropy, we propose to use permutation to calculate the probability distribution of the time series when applying the representation plane. The empirical results indicate that traffic dynamics exhibit different levels of traffic congestion and demonstrate that this statistical method can give a more refined classification of traffic states than the R/S analysis and DFA.
THE MECHANISM OF ACID-CATALYZED DECARBOXYLATION OF PYRROLE-2-CARBOXYLIC ACID: INSIGHTS FROM CLUSTER-CONTINUUM MODEL CALCULATIONS
Authors: LIANG JINXIA , WANG BINJU , CAO ZEXING
Published: December 2012

The decarboxylation of pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid comprises the addition of water to the carboxyl group and the C–C bond cleavage leading to the protonated carbonic acid. Herein possible concerted and stepwise mechanisms for the C-protonated and O-protonated pathways were extensively investigated by using the cluster-continuum model. The calculated results indicate that the initial hydration or the nucleophilic attack of water at the carbonyl group of both C- and O-protonated derivatives is the rate-determining step for the overall reaction, and the O-protonated pathway will dominate the whole reaction. The predicted activation Gibbs energies for the overall reaction initialized by the O-protonated species fall in the range of 83.3 ∼ 123.0 kJ/mol, showing good agreement with experimental values of 91.6 ∼ 101.3 kJ/mol. On the basis of extensive calculations, the remarkable dependence of the predicted mechanisms and thermodynamic values on the number of explicit water molecules in the cluster-continuum model was discussed.