bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic variation amongClonorchis sinensisisolates from different geographic regions in China revealed by sequence analyses of four mitochondrial genes
Authors: Liu G.H. , Li B. , Li J.Y. , Song H.Q. , Lin R.Q. , Cai X.Q. , Zou F.C. , Yan H.K. , Yuan Z.G. , Zhou D.H. , Zhu X.Q. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe present study examined sequence variation in four mitochondrial (mt) genes, namely cytochromecoxidase subunits 1 (cox1) and 2 (cox2), and NADH dehydrogenase subunits 1 and 2 (nad1andnad2) amongClonorchis sinensisisolates from different endemic regions in China, and their phylogenetic relationships with other zoonotic trematodes were reconstructed. A portion of thecox1andcox2genes (pcox1and pcox2), andnad1andnad2genes (pnad1and pnad2) were amplified separately from individual liver flukes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the amplicons were subjected to sequencing from both directions. The intra-specific sequence variations withinC. sinensiswere 0–1.6% for pcox1, 0–1.4% for pcox2, 0–0.9% for pnad1and 0–1.0% for pnad2. Phylogenetic analyses based on the combined sequences of pcox1, pcox2, pnad1and pnad2revealed that all theC. sinensisisolates grouped together and were closely related toOpisthorchis felineus. These findings revealed the existence of intra-specific variation in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences amongC. sinensisisolates from different geographic regions, and demonstrated that mtDNA sequences provide reliable genetic markers for phylogenetic studies of zoonotic trematodes.
Electron drift caused by rf field gradient creates many plasma phenomena: An attempt to distinguish the cause and the effect
Authors: XAPLANTERIS C. L. , FILIPPAKI E. D. , MISTAKIDIS I. S. , XAPLANTERIS L. C. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractMany experimental data along with their theoretical interpretations on the rf low-temperature cylindrical plasma have been issued until today. Our Laboratory has contributed to that research by publishing results and interpretative mathematical models. With the present paper, two issues are being examined; firstly, the estimation of electron drift caused by the rf field gradient, which is the initial reason for the plasma behaviour, and secondly, many new experimental results, especially the electron-neutral collision frequency effect on the other plasma parameters and quantities. Up till now, only the plasma steady state was taken into consideration when a theoretical elaboration was carried out, regardless of the cause and the effect. This indicates the plasma's complicated and chaotic configuration and the need to simplify the problem. In the present work, a classification about the causality of the phenomena is attempted; the rf field gradient electron drift is proved to be the initial cause.
Two new European species from the heterogeneous Caloplaca holocarpa group (Teloschistaceae)
Authors: VONDRÁK Jan , KHODOSOVTSEV Alexander , ŠOUN Jaroslav , VONDRÁKOVÁ Olga 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe Caloplaca holocarpa group contains members of the family Teloschistaceae with a strongly reduced thallus and conspicuous yellow, orange or red apothecia. In the absence of well-defined thallus characters, taxa of this group must be identified mainly by apothecial characters and are as a result often difficult to separate. The species of this group have been shown not to form a monophyletic entity, with representatives of other Teloschistaceae with more complex thalli intermixed among them. Caloplaca skii and C. syvashica are recognized here as two homogeneous clades with Caloplaca holocarpa-like phenotypes. Caloplaca skii, which is widespread in southern Europe, resembles C. cerinelloides but is distinguished by its smaller and narrower ascospores and by growing predominantly on xerophilous shrubs. Caloplaca syvashica is restricted to shrubs in salt marshes in the northern Black Sea region. It is similar to the British Caloplaca suaedae and Australian C. yarraensis, but differs from both, mainly in ascospore characters. Caloplaca yarraensis is closely related to the new C. syvashica but arguments against their conspecificity are emphasised. A key for epiphytic C. holocarpa-like Teloschistaceae from Europe is provided.
A preliminary survey of lichen associated eukaryotes using pyrosequencing
Authors: BATES Scott T. , BERG-LYONS Donna , LAUBER Christian L. , WALTERS William A. , KNIGHT Rob , FIERER Noah 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAlthough various eukaryotic organisms, such as arthropods, endolichenic/lichenicolous fungi, and nematodes, have been isolated from lichens, the diversity and structure of eukaryotic communities associated with lichen thalli has not been well studied. In addressing this knowledge gap, we used bar-coded pyrosequencing of 18S rRNA genes to survey eukaryotes associated with thalli of three different lichen species. In addition to revealing an expected high abundance of lichen biont-related 18S genes, sequences recovered in our survey showed non-biont fungi from the Ascomycota also have a substantial presence in these thalli. Our samples additionally harboured fungi representing phyla (Blastocladiomycota, Chytridiomycota) that have not been isolated previously from lichens; however, their very low abundance indicates an incidental presence. The recovery of Alveolata, Metazoa, and Rhizaria sequences, along with recent work revealing the considerable bacterial diversity in these same samples, suggests lichens function as minute ecosystems in addition to being symbiotic organisms.
Malmographina, a new genus for Graphina malmei (Ascomycota: Ostropales: Graphidaceae)
Authors: CÁCERES Marcela Eugenia da Silva , RIVAS PLATA Eimy , LÜCKING Robert 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe new genus Malmographina Cáceres, Rivas Plata & Lücking is introduced for Opegrapha plicosa Meissn. (syn. Graphis malmei Redinger), with the new combination Malmographina plicosa (Meiss.) Cáceres, Rivas Plata & Lücking. The taxon is characterized by prominent, striate, orange-pigmented, non-carbonized lirellae, a more or less clear hymenium, and large, muriform, hyaline ascospores. Malmographina is most similar to Hemithecium in lirellae morphology and anatomy, but in a molecular phylogenetic analysis falls within a clade containing Phaeographis and other genera with usually inspersed hymenium and brown ascospores. Within that clade, it is thus far the only taxon that has persistently hyaline ascospores. It is otherwise similar to Pallidogramme but does not cluster within that genus. A preliminary phylogenetic analysis of the Phaeographis clade confirms monophyly of the genera Halegrapha, Pallidogramme, and Platygramme, and suggests that Phaeographis should be divided into several generic lineages and that Leiorreuma and Sarcographa perhaps be merged.
Attractors with irrational rotation number
Authors: HERNÁNDEZ-CORBATO LUIS , ORTEGA RAFAEL , RUIZ DEL PORTAL FRANCISCO R. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractLet h: 2 → 2 be a dissipative and orientation preserving homeomorphism having an asymptotically stable fixed point. Let U be the region of attraction and assume that it is proper and unbounded. Using Carathéodory's prime ends theory one can associate a rotation number, ρ, to h|U. We prove that any map in the above conditions and with ρ ∉ induces a Denjoy homeomorphism in the circle of prime ends. We also present some explicit examples of maps in this class and we show that, if the infinity point is accessible by an arc in U, ρ ∉ if and only if Per(h) = Fix(h) = {p}.
Management Actions in a With-Profits Fund
Authors: Tuley P. J. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTThe management of a fund requires a number of decisions as to the fair treatment of policyholders. This paper first considers the difference between the regulatory requirement to treat customers fairly and the longstanding concept within the profession of policyholders' reasonable expectations. The paper then goes on to consider the bearing of risks within the fund, and thus the interactions between the inherited estate and the asset share so often used to guide payouts to customers. Management actions are discussed in normal, and abnormal, times. Lastly, the considerations of distribution of the inherited estate are considered.
Actuarial Aspects of Internal Models for Solvency II
Authors: Brooks D. , Care R. J. , Chaplin M. B. , Kaufman A. M. , Morgan K. A. , Roberts D. N. , Skinner J. M. E. , Huntington-Thresher D. J. K. , Tuley P. J. , Wong D. L. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTThe draft paper sets out the authors' views of what good practice for the actuarial aspects of internal models will look like in 2012, the year Solvency II is expected to be implemented. Actuaries working on internal models can expect to have to follow such practices if their internal models are to be approved for use in calculating regulatory capital. The paper is therefore relevant for actuaries who plan to work on internal model implementation for Solvency II.Moreover, the risk quantification techniques discussed in the paper can also be used in the Own Risk Solvency Assessment (ORSA) process also required by Solvency II. The paper is therefore relevant to actuaries working in companies that are not planning to apply to use an internal model.The paper covers both life and non-life insurance and reinsurance, and reviews current practice as well as setting out possible future practice. This leads to identification of areas for research by the Profession to prepare for 2012 and an indication of the directions this work might take.The paper is effectively a work in progress, and readers should ask themselves what they should do in response to the ideas discussed.
The teaching and learning of pupils in low‐attainment sets
Authors: Dunne Máiréad , Humphreys Sara , Dyson Alan , Sebba Judy , Gallannaugh Frances , Muijs Daniel 
Published: December 2011

This study explored the ways in which schools addressed the needs of pupils in low‐attainment class groups, or sets, in the context of multiple and contrary government policy directives and inconclusive research findings about setting. In this article we have focused on school and classroom practices as well as the organisational processes through which low‐attaining pupils were identified, grouped and reviewed within schools. The empirical data reported here predominantly refer to case studies involving classroom observations and interviews with teachers, pupils and other staff in 13 schools – both primary and secondary – from four local authorities (LAs).In the latter part of the article, however, we also draw on survey data collected from a larger sample of schools in 12 LAs in England. Although the study found ample evidence of innovative school practices and efforts by individual teachers aimed at optimising the learning opportunities for children in low‐attainment class groups, the findings also raise important questions about some of the processes of set allocation, the lack of mobility between sets, and the over‐representation of particular social groups in low‐attainment classes. We conclude with a discussion of the implications for equity and inclusion that moves beyond an emphasis on classroom practice to include questions about the in‐school processes of social selection and educational mobility for pupils identified as low‐attaining.
Monitoring land cover change in the Lake Superior basin
Authors: Hollenhorst T. P. , Johnson L. B. , Ciborowski J. 
Published: December 2011

Consistent, repeatable and broadly applicable land use, land cover data is needed across the Lake Superior basin to facilitate ecosystem condition assessment and trend analysis. Such a data set collected regularly through time could inform and focus field monitoring efforts, and help prioritize restoration and mitigation efforts. Unfortunately, few data sets exist that are bi-nationally consistent in time, classification method, or resolution. To this end, we integrated land cover data across both the Canadian (Ontario Provincial Land Cover data) and US portions (National Land Cover Data) of the Lake Superior basin for two time steps (approximately 1992 and 2001) roughly one decade apart. After harmonizing landcover classes across the two datasets we compared the explicit amount and relative amount (total hectares and proportion of each area as percents) for each of the common land cover classes that occurred across the two time steps for the entire Lake Superior basin, for the U.S. portion of the Lake Superior basin only, and for the Canadian portion of the Lake Superior basin only. We also compared land cover change for the entire basin within a 1 km and a 10 km buffer of the Great Lakes shoreline. We then summarized and compared these land cover types for each time period across a common set of watersheds derived from elevation data (Hollenhorst et al., 2007) for the entire Lake Superior basin. This allowed us to identify and quantify the types of change occurring generally across the entire basin, more specifically across both the U.S. and Canadian portions of the basin, and more explicitly for near coastal areas and watersheds across the entire basin. Noteworthy changes were detected across the basin, particularly an increase in mixed forest types and a corresponding decrease in coniferous forest types.
The ‘recycling trap’: a generalized explanation of discharge runaway in high-power impulse magnetron sputtering
Authors: Anders A , Čapek J , Hála M , Martinu L 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Contrary to paradigm, magnetron discharge runaway cannot always be related to self-sputtering. We report here that the high density discharge can be observed with all conducting targets, including low sputter yield materials such as carbon. Runaway to a high density discharge is therefore generally based on self-sputtering in conjunction with the recycling of gas atoms in the magnetic field-affected pre-sheath. A generalized runaway condition can be formulated, offering a pathway to a time-dependent model for high-power impulse magnetron sputtering that includes rarefaction and an explanation for the termination of runaway.
A new approach to fabricate Nd2Fe14B/α-Fe nanocomposite precursors by selective removal of Nd from Nd–Fe–B powders
Authors: Nie Junwu , Du Juan , Liu Jingjing , Yin Wenzong , Zhang Jian , Yan Aru 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
A facile method based on α-Fe self-supply was developed to get exchange coupling Nd2Fe14B/α-Fe nanocomposites. A small amount of neodymium was removed from the Nd2Fe14B compound in Nd-rich melt-spun powders by chemical treatment with NH4Cl and CH3COOH acid solution and α-Fe remained. Full dense anisotropic Nd2Fe14B/α-Fe magnets were prepared via hot pressing and hot deformation techniques using the as-prepared powders. The evolution of composition and phase was investigated. The best energy product (BH)max of the Nd2Fe14B/α-Fe magnets was 47.5 MG Oe, 5% higher than that of a single-phase Nd2Fe14B magnet. The α-Fe phase, which was precipitated on the edge of the Nd2Fe14B particle, contributed to the exchange coupling effect and the enhancement of remanence (B
r). This method can be applied as a new strategy to prepare next generation nanocomposite magnets with good magnetic properties.
On the optical properties of undoped and rare-earth-doped yttrium aluminium garnet single crystals
Authors: Varney C R , Mackay D T , Reda S M , Selim F A 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Optical absorption and photoluminescence (PL) measurements were performed on single crystals of undoped Y3Al5O12 (YAG) and a number of rare-earth-doped YAG to study the effect of dopant type and concentration, growth atmosphere, post-growth annealing and UV irradiation on the optical properties of YAG crystals. The presence of hydrogen in the growth atmosphere was found to be essential for enhancing the incorporation of Ce ions in the Ce3+ state in Ce-doped YAG (Ce : YAG). Annealing in air was shown to have no effect on the PL emission of Ce : YAG crystals. An absorption peak around 256 nm was observed in the undoped YAG and Ce : YAG crystals after air anneal at 1200 °C. Optical absorption and annealing experiments support the association of the 256 nm peak with Fe impurities and oxygen ions. UV irradiation modifies the valency of impurities and generates electronic defects leading to an increase in the optical density of YAG crystals. Optimizing the growth and annealing conditions is critical in order to develop Ce : YAG single crystals as efficient scintillators.
Fluid simulation of the phase-shift effect in hydrogen capacitively coupled plasmas: II. Radial uniformity of the plasma characteristics
Authors: Zhang Yu-Ru , Xu Xiang , Bogaerts Annemie , Wang You-Nian 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
A two-dimensional fluid model, including the full set of Maxwell equations, has been developed and applied to investigate the effect of a phase shift between two power sources on the radial uniformity of several plasma characteristics in a hydrogen capacitively coupled plasma. This study was carried out at various frequencies in the range 13.56–200 MHz. When the frequency is low, at 13.56 MHz, the plasma density is characterized by an off-axis peak when both power sources are in-phase (φ = 0), and the best radial uniformity is obtained at φ = π. This trend can be explained because the radial nonuniformity caused by the electrostatic edge effect can be effectively suppressed by the phase-shift effect at a phase difference equal to π. When the frequency rises to 60 MHz, the plasma density profiles shift smoothly from edge-peaked over uniform to centre-peaked as the phase difference increases, due to the pronounced standing-wave effect, and the best radial uniformity is reached at φ = 0.3π. At a frequency of 100 MHz, a similar behaviour is observed, except that the maximum of the plasma density moves again towards the radial edge at the reverse-phase case (φ = π), because of the dominant skin effect. When the frequency is 200 MHz, the bulk plasma density increases significantly with increasing phase-shift values, and a better uniformity is obtained at φ = 0.4π. This is because the density in the centre increases faster than at the radial edge as the phase difference rises, due to the increasing power deposition P

z
in the centre and the decreasing power density P

r
at the radial edge. As the phase difference increases to π, the maximum near the radial edge becomes obvious again. This is because the skin effect has a predominant influence on the plasma density under this condition, resulting in a high density at the radial edge. Moreover, the axial ion flux increases monotonically with phase difference, and exhibits similar profiles to the plasma density. The calculation results illustrate that the radial uniformity of the various plasma characteristics is strongly dependent on the applied frequency and the phase shift between both power sources, which is important to realize, for controlling the uniformity of the plasma etch and deposition processes.
Evidence of ferroelectricity in SrFeO3−δ
Authors: Manimuthu P , Venkateswaran C 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Perovskite SrFeO3−δ belongs to the Ruddlesden–Popper class of system exhibiting interesting electronic and magnetic properties. Nanocrystalline SrFeO3−δ synthesized successfully by the thermal decomposition method has the cubic phase as confirmed from x-ray diffraction. The non-stoichiometric nature is confirmed from the selected area electron diffraction pattern. Oxygen stoichiometry, which plays an important role in determining the physical properties, was found to be 2.91 from the iodometric titration. Mössbauer measurement reveals paramagnetic behaviour and suggests mixed valence state of Fe. Relaxor type ferroelectricity is evident from the dielectric plots, which is also reflected in the thermal study. Relaxor ferroelectric behaviour is reported for the first time in SrFeO2.91, arising due to mixed valency of Fe ion.
Characterization of a Par j 1/Par j 2 mutant hybrid with reduced allergenicity for immunotherapy of Parietaria allergy
Authors: Bonura A. , Passantino R. , Costa M. A. , Montana G. , Melis M. , Luisa Bondì M. , Butteroni C. , Barletta B. , Corinti S. , Felice G. Di , Colombo P. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryBackgroundParietaria pollen is one of the major cause of pollinosis in the southern Europe. Specific immunotherapy is the only treatment able to modify the natural outcome of the disease restoring a normal immunity against allergens.MethodsWe designed a recombinant molecule (PjEDloop1) comprised of genetic‐engineered variants of the major allergens of the Parietaria pollen (Par j 2/Par j 1). Purity and chemical–physical properties of the derivative were analysed by RP‐HPLC chromatography and Photon Correlation Spectroscopy. Immunological activity was evaluated by means of Western blotting, ELISA inhibition and PBMC proliferation assay in 10 Parietaria allergic patients. Basophil activation was studied in six subjects. The immunogenicity of the hybrid was studied looking at the immune responses induced in a mouse model of sensitization.ResultsThe PjEDloop1 hybrid was produced as a purified recombinant protein with high stability in solution. Western blot, ELISA inhibition and basophil activation test showed that the PjEDloop1 displays a remarkable reduced IgE binding and anaphylactic activity. CD3 reactivity was conserved in all patients. Mice immunization with the rPjEDloop1 induced antibodies and T cell responses comparable to that obtained by the wild type allergens. Such antibodies shared the specificities to rPar j 1 and rPar j 2 with human IgE antibodies.ConclusionOur results demonstrated that a mutant hybrid expressing genetically engineered forms of the major P. judaica allergens displayed reduced allergenicity and retained T cell reactivity for the induction of protective antibodies in vaccination approaches for the treatment of Parietaria pollinosis.
Serum sclerostin levels were positively correlated with fat mass and bone mineral density in Central South Chinese postmenopausal women
Authors: Sheng Zhifeng , Tong Dejun , Ou Yangna , Zhang Hongbin , Zhang Zhimin , Li Shuang , Zhou Jianlin , Zhang Jian , Liao Eryuan 
Published: December 2011

SummaryObjectives  To investigate the relationship between serum sclerostin level, body composition, and bone mineral density (BMD) in central south Chinese postmenopausal women.Methods  A cross‐sectional study was conducted on 260 healthy central southern Chinese postmenopausal women with vs without osteoporosis, aged 50–76 years old. Dual X‐ray absorptiometry was used to measure the bone mineral content and BMD of the whole body, lumbar spine and left femur, and total body soft tissue composition. Serum sclerostin levels were measured by a quantitative sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results  Compared with women without osteoporosis, osteoporotic women had a significantly lower level of serum sclerostin (P = 0·001). Serum sclerostin levels were positively correlated with body weight, Ponderal index and fat mass. There was a positive correlation with the BMD of both the whole body and at various sites (P < 0·05), even after controlling for age, age at menopause, height and body weight. Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis showed that serum sclerostin level was the most significant determinant of both whole‐body and lumbar spine BMD, compared with age, age at menopause, fat mass and lean mass. Age had similar impact as serum sclerostin on hip BMD.Conclusions  This study showed that in central south Chinese postmenopausal women, serum sclerostin is lower in women with osteoporosis than without. Serum sclerostin is positively correlated with fat mass and BMD for the whole body, lumbar spine and hip.