bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laurdan generalized polarization fluctuations measures membrane packing micro-heterogeneity in vivo
Authors: Sanchez Susana A. , Tricerri Maria A. , Gratton Enrico 
Published: April 2012

Cellular membranes are heterogeneous in composition, and the prevailing theory holds that the structures responsible for this heterogeneity in vivo are small structures (10–200 nm), sterol- and sphingolipid-enriched, of different sizes, highly dynamic denominated rafts. Rafts are postulated to be platforms, which by sequestering different membrane components can compartmentalize cellular processes and regulate signaling pathways. Despite an enormous effort in this area, the existence of these domains is still under debate due to the characteristics of the structures itself: small in size and highly mobile, which from the technical point of view implies using techniques with high spatial and temporal resolution. In this report we measured rapid fluctuations of the normalized ratio of the emission intensity at two wavelengths of Laurdan, a membrane fluorescent dye sensitive to local membrane packing. We observed generalized polarization fluctuations in the plasma membrane of intact rabbit erythrocytes and Chinese hamster ovary cells that can be explained by the existence of tightly packed micro-domains moving in a more fluid background phase. These structures, which display different lipid packing, have different sizes; they are found in the same cell and in the entire cell population. The small size and characteristic high lipid packing indicate that these micro-domains have properties that have been proposed for lipid rafts.
A VHF driven coaxial atmospheric air plasma: electrical and optical characterization
Authors: Byrns Brandon , Wooten Daniel , Lindsay Alexander , Shannon Steven 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
A coaxially driven VHF plasma source for atmospheric air plasmas has been built and characterized. Electrical and optical characterization of this source present a unique operating regime when compared to state of the art atmospheric systems such as dielectric barrier discharge, pulsed dc, microwave, or ac blown arc discharges. The discharge does not appear to produce streamers or arcs, but instead remains as a steady-state glow located at the end of the inner coaxial power feed. Plasma impedance was determined by comparing the loaded and unloaded impedance of the coaxial source RF input; this termination impedance was combined with a simple high-frequency global model to estimate an electron density of approximately 1011 cm−3 at 400 W delivered power in air. Optical emission characterization of the source shows a monotonic increase in emission with respect with power; the relative intensity of the peaks from excited species, however, remains constant over a power range from 300 to 600 W. This unique source geometry presents a possible pathway for high gas throughput, large area, high power density processes such as surface modification, air purification, media removal and chemical surface treatment.
A new model of the L–H transition in tokamaks*
Authors: Fundamenski W. , Militello F. , Moulton D. , McDonald D.C. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
A new model of the L–H transition in tokamaks is proposed, based on the criterion that the transition occurs when plasma turbulence and shear Alfvén waves compete in the vicinity of the last-closed flux surface. The model is used to predict the scaling of the H-mode access power, P
L–H, with magnetic and plasma variables. The predictions are in good agreement with the experimental scaling of P
L–H with plasma size, density, magnetic field and edge safety factor (plasma current). They are also qualitatively consistent with the dependence of P
L–H on ion mass and charge, limiter versus divertor plasmas, single versus double null configurations, the divertor leg length and H–L versus L–H hysteresis. Most notably, the model explains the appearance of the minimum in P
L–H with plasma density (in terms of the transition between sheath limited and conduction limited scrape-off layer (SOL) transport) and correctly predicts the scaling of the density minimum with magnetic field and Greenwald number. Finally, the effect of toroidal field reversal is included by making the normalized correlation length of the eddy and maximum safety factor in the edge-SOL layer functions of
B
× ∇B direction.
Characterization of the pedestal in Alcator C-Mod ELMing H-modes and comparison with the EPED model
Authors: Walk J.R. , Snyder P.B. , Hughes J.W. , Terry J.L. , Hubbard A.E. , Phillips P.E. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
A dedicated series of ELMing H-mode discharges on Alcator C-Mod spanning a broad range of plasma parameters, including plasma current (400–1000 kA), magnetic field (3.5–8 T), and plasma shaping, are presented with experimental scalings of the plasma pedestal with bulk plasma and engineering parameters. The H-modes presented achieve pedestals with densities spanning 5 × 1019–2.5 × 1020 m−3 and temperatures of 150–1000 eV (corresponding to 5–40 kPa in the pressure pedestal), over a width of 3–5% of poloidal flux. The observed pedestal structure is compared with the most recent iteration of the EPED class of models, which uniquely predict the pedestal width and height for a set of scalar input parameters via a combination of stability calculations for peeling–ballooning MHD modes and kinetic-ballooning modes.
Transfusion of Stored Autologous Blood Does Not Alter Reactive Hyperemia Index in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Berra Lorenzo , Coppadoro Andrea , Yu Binglan , Lei Chong , Spagnolli Ester , Steinbicker Andrea U. , Bloch Kenneth D. , Lin Tian , Sammy Fatima Y. , Warren H. Shaw , Fernandez Bernadette O. , Feelisch Martin , Dzik Walter H. , Stowell Christopher P. , Zapol Warren M. 
Published: April 2012

Background
Transfusion of human blood stored for more than 2 weeks is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. During storage, packed erythrocytes progressively release hemoglobin, which avidly binds nitric oxide. We hypothesized that the nitric oxide mediated hyperemic response after ischemia would be reduced after transfusion of packed erythrocytes stored for 40 days.

Methods and Results
We conducted a crossover randomized interventional study, enrolling 10 healthy adults. Nine volunteers completed the study. Each volunteer received one unit of 40-day and one of 3-day stored autologous leukoreduced packed erythrocytes, on different study days according to a randomization scheme. Blood withdrawal and reactive hyperemia index measurements were performed before and 10 min, 1 h, 2 h, and 4 h after transfusion. The reactive hyperemia index during the first 4 h after transfusion of 40-day compared with 3-day stored packed erythrocytes was unchanged. Plasma hemoglobin and bilirubin concentrations were higher after transfusion of 40-day than after 3-day stored packed erythrocytes (P = 0.02, [95% CI difference 10-114 mg/l] and 0.001, [95% CI difference 0.6-1.5 mg/dl], respectively). Plasma concentrations of potassium, lactate dehydrogenase, haptoglobin, and cytokines, as well as blood pressure, did not differ between the two transfusions and remained within the normal range. Plasma nitrite concentrations increased after transfusion of 40-day stored packed erythrocytes, but not after transfusion of 3-day stored packed erythrocytes (P = 0.01, [95% CI difference 0.446-0.66 μM]).

Conclusions
Transfusion of autologous packed erythrocytes stored for 40 days is associated with increased hemolysis, an unchanged reactive hyperemia index, and increased concentrations of plasma nitrite.
AZD-3043
Authors: Egan Talmage D. , Obara Shinju , Jenkins Thomas E. , Jaw-Tsai Sarah S. , Amagasu Shanti , Cook Daniel R. , Steffensen Scott C. , Beattie David T. 
Published: April 2012

Background
Propofol can be associated with delayed awakening after prolonged infusion. The aim of this study was to characterize the preclinical pharmacology of AZD-3043, a positive allosteric modulator of the γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA(A)) receptor containing a metabolically labile ester moiety. The authors postulated that its metabolic pathway would result in a short-acting clinical profile.

Methods
The effects of AZD-3043, propofol, and propanidid were studied on GABA(A) receptor-mediated chloride currents in embryonic rat cortical neurons. Radioligand binding studies were also performed. The in vitro stability of AZD-3043 in whole blood and liver microsomes was evaluated. The duration of the loss of righting reflex and effects on the electroencephalograph evoked by bolus or infusion intravenous administration were assessed in rats. A mixed-effects kinetic-dynamic model using minipigs permitted exploration of the clinical pharmacology of AZD-3043.

Results
AZD-3043 potentiated GABA(A) receptor-mediated chloride currents and inhibited [(35)S]tert-butylbicyclophosphorothionate binding to GABA(A) receptors. AZD-3043 was rapidly hydrolyzed in liver microsomes from humans and animals. AZD-3043 produced hypnosis and electroencephalograph depression in rats. Compared with propofol, AZD-3043 was shorter acting in rats and pigs. Computer simulation using the porcine kinetic-dynamic model demonstrated that AZD-3043 has very short 50 and 80% decrement times independent of infusion duration.

Conclusions
AZD-3043 is a positive allosteric modulator of the GABA(A) receptor in vitro and a sedative-hypnotic agent in vivo. The esterase dependent metabolic pathway results in rapid clearance and short duration of action even for long infusions. AZD-3043 may have clinical potential as a sedative-hypnotic agent with rapid and predictable recovery.
Spontaneous Breathing during General Anesthesia Prevents the Ventral Redistribution of Ventilation as Detected by Electrical Impedance Tomography
Authors: Radke Oliver C. , Schneider Thomas , Heller Axel R. , Koch Thea 
Published: April 2012

Background
Positive-pressure ventilation causes a ventral redistribution of ventilation. Spontaneous breathing during general anesthesia with a laryngeal mask airway could prevent this redistribution of ventilation. We hypothesize that, compared with pressure-controlled ventilation, spontaneous breathing and pressure support ventilation reduce the extent of the redistribution of ventilation as detected by electrical impedance tomography.

Methods
The study was a randomized, three-armed, observational, clinical trial without blinding. With approval from the local ethics committee, we enrolled 30 nonobese patients without severe cardiac or pulmonary comorbidities who were scheduled for elective orthopedic surgery. All of the procedures were performed under general anesthesia with a laryngeal mask airway and a standardized anesthetic regimen. The center of ventilation (primary outcome) was calculated before the induction of anesthesia (AWAKE), after the placement of the laryngeal mask airway (BEGIN), before the end of anesthesia (END), and after arrival in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU).

Results
The center of ventilation during anesthesia (BEGIN) was higher than baseline (AWAKE) in both the pressure-controlled and pressure support ventilation groups (pressure control: 55.0 vs. 48.3, pressure support: 54.7 vs. 48.8, respectively; multivariate analysis of covariance, P < 0.01), whereas the values in the spontaneous breathing group remained at baseline levels (47.9 vs. 48.5). In the postanesthesia care unit, the center of ventilation had returned to the baseline values in all groups. No adverse events were recorded.

Conclusions
Both pressure-controlled ventilation and pressure support ventilation induce a redistribution of ventilation toward the ventral region, as detected by electrical impedance tomography. Spontaneous breathing prevents this redistribution.
Transcription Factors of Lotus: Regulation of Isoflavonoid Biosynthesis Requires Coordinated Changes in Transcription Factor Activity
Authors: Shelton Dale , Stranne Maria , Mikkelsen Lisbeth , Pakseresht Nima , Welham Tracey , Hiraka Hideki , Tabata Satoshi , Sato Shusei , Paquette Suzanne , Wang Trevor L. , Martin Cathie , Bailey Paul 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Isoflavonoids are a class of phenylpropanoids made by legumes, and consumption of dietary isoflavonoids confers benefits to human health. Our aim is to understand the regulation of isoflavonoid biosynthesis. Many studies have shown the importance of transcription factors in regulating the transcription of one or more genes encoding enzymes in phenylpropanoid metabolism. In this study, we coupled bioinformatics and coexpression analysis to identify candidate genes encoding transcription factors involved in regulating isoflavonoid biosynthesis in Lotus (Lotus japonicus). Genes encoding proteins belonging to 39 of the main transcription factor families were examined by microarray analysis of RNA from leaf tissue that had been elicited with glutathione. Phylogenetic analyses of each transcription factor family were used to identify subgroups of proteins that were specific to L. japonicus or closely related to known regulators of the phenylpropanoid pathway in other species. R2R3MYB subgroup 2 genes showed increased expression after treatment with glutathione. One member of this subgroup, LjMYB14, was constitutively overexpressed in L. japonicus and induced the expression of at least 12 genes that encoded enzymes in the general phenylpropanoid and isoflavonoid pathways. A distinct set of six R2R3MYB subgroup 2-like genes was identified. We suggest that these subgroup 2 sister group proteins and those belonging to the main subgroup 2 have roles in inducing isoflavonoid biosynthesis. The induction of isoflavonoid production in L. japonicus also involves the coordinated down-regulation of competing biosynthetic pathways by changing the expression of other transcription factors.
Interaction of MC1R and PMEL alleles on solid coat colors in Highland cattle
Authors: Schmutz Sheila M. , Dreger Dayna L. 
Published: April 2012

SummarySix solid colors occur in Highland cattle: black, dun, silver dun and red, yellow, and white. These six coat colors are explained by a non‐epistatic interaction of the genotypes at the
MC1R
and
PMEL
genes. A three base pair deletion in the
PMEL
gene leading to the deletion of a leucine from the signal peptide is observed in dilute‐colored Highland cattle (c.50_52delTTC, p.Leu18del). The mutant
PMEL
allele acts in a semi‐dominant manner. Dun Galloway cattle also have one copy of the deletion allele, and silver dun Galloway cattle have two copies. The presence of two adjacent leucine residues at the site of this deletion is highly conserved in human, horse, mouse and chicken as well as in cattle with undiluted coat colors. Highland and Galloway cattle thus exhibit a similar dose‐dependent dilution effect based on the number of
PMEL
:c.50_51delTTC alleles, as Charolais cattle with
PMEL
:c.64G>A alleles. The
PMEL
:c.64G>A allele was not found in Highland or Galloway cattle.
Climate forcing of diatom productivity in a lowland, eutrophic lake: White Lough revisited
Authors: ANDERSON N. JOHN , FOY ROBERT H. , ENGSTROM DANIEL R. , RIPPEY BRIAN , ALAMGIR Farah 
Published: April 2012

Summary1. In cultural landscapes, lake response to climate can be masked by land‐use change and nutrient loss from their catchments. Palaeolimnological methods were used to reconstruct the ecological response of diatoms in a eutrophic lowland lake (White Lough, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland) to altered nutrient P loading and precipitation variability over c. 100 years.2. 210Pb‐dated sediment cores were analysed to determine diatom assemblage variability, biogenic silica concentration, geochemical phosphorus concentration and accumulation rate. Manure P and agricultural N surplus data were collated from documentary sources. Long‐term trends in annual temperature and precipitation were derived from the Armagh Observatory.3. Diatom community turnover from 1890 until c. 1960 was limited, and assemblages were dominated by Aulacoseira subarctica; after this date, changes primarily reflected a eutrophication sequence owing to increased diffuse nutrient inputs associated with intensification of land use (external P loading increased by a factor of three).4. Diatom and biogenic Si profiles were compared with North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) records, an index of regional weather patterns. Biogenic Si exhibited a c. 7‐year cycle, which tracked a cycle of similar timescale in the Armagh climate record for dry summers. In turn, this cycle was related to the variation in the NAO.5. Monitoring data from 1971 to 2007 of nitrate exports from the Blackwater River showed that these too followed a roughly 7‐year cycle at least up to 2000, in which dry summers were followed by sharp increases in nitrate export. It is argued that diatom production in White Lough reflects the cyclic behaviour in nitrate loading and the constraints that nitrogen availability places on the spring diatom bloom in a lake that is dominated by cyanobacteria.
Facing the challenge of adapting to a life ‘alone’ in old age: the influence of losses
Authors: Kirkevold Marit , Moyle Wendy , Wilkinson Charlotte , Meyer Julienne , Hauge Solveig 
Published: April 2012

kirkevold m., moyle w., wilkinson c., meyer j. & hauge s. (2012) Facing the challenge of adapting to a life ‘alone’ in old age: the influence of losses. Journal of Advanced Nursing69(2), 394–403.AbstractAim.  The aim of this study is to explore older people’s approaches to living a life characterized by losses and ‘aloneness’ and how this relates to loneliness.Background.  Loneliness is closely related to social status and health condition. Older people are vulnerable to experiences of loneliness due to losses, which follow the ageing process.Method.  A qualitative interpretative design was used. Older people, aged 65 and above, living at home, in retirement villages, or in long‐term care settings in Australia, Norway, and UK participated. Seventy‐eight persons were included. Data were collected through open‐ended interviews during autumn of 2006 and spring of 2007. The interviews were audio taped, transcribed, and analysed applying a hermeneutic, interpretative process.Findings.  Analyses revealed great differences in the way participants handled their life situation. Interviewees describing themselves as ‘not lonely’ viewed losses as normal, and they participated in meaningful activities, connected to other people and thrived in their own company. Those describing themselves as ‘lonely’ on the other hand, strove to create meaning in their lives, were overwhelmed by losses, had problems finding meaningful activities and difficulty keeping up social relations.Conclusion.  Loneliness was associated with overwhelming losses, inactivity, meaninglessness, and social isolation. The contrasting findings between ‘not lonely’ and ‘lonely’ older people have implications for nursing in that nurses must seek to identify those who need help in managing their loneliness and give guidance and support. More research is needed to develop interventions that are effective in reducing loneliness.
Isolation and characterization of Aeromonas schubertii from diseased snakehead, Channa maculata (Lacepède)
Authors: Chen Y F , Liang R S , Zhuo X L , Wu X T , Zou J X 
Published: April 2012

AbstractPure bacterial cultures were isolated from diseased snakeheads, Channa maculata (Lacepède), suffering high mortality in a farm in Zhongshan, southern China. Three isolates, namely ZS20100725, ZS20100725‐1 and ZS20100725‐2, were identified as Aeromonas schubertii. All the isolates showed high 16S rRNA sequence similarities with A. schubertii. The isolates exhibited strong virulence to snakeheads in experimental challenges with LD50 ranging between 1.4 × 104 and 6.4 × 106 CFU g−1. Two of the isolates were positive for haemolysin, elastase, lipase and lecithinase by phenotypic determination, which was further confirmed by PCR amplification of the haemolysin and elastase genes. In sterile liquid medium, the best growth conditions of strain ZS20100725 were 30 °C, pH 7 and 0.5% salinity (w/v). Antibiotic susceptibility tests showed that strain ZS20100725 was susceptible to cefoxitin, cefoperazone and chloramphenicol. Furthermore, histopathology of diseased snakeheads infected with A. schubertii showed necrosis and congestion in liver, kidney and spleen and also damage to the cardiac muscle, intestine and gills.
The physiological implications of primary xylem organization in two ferns
Authors: BRODERSEN CRAIG R. , ROARK LINDSEY C. , PITTERMANN JARMILA 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTXylem structure and function are well described in woody plants, but the implications of xylem organization in less‐derived plants such as ferns are poorly understood. Here, two ferns with contrasting phenology and xylem organization were selected to investigate how xylem dysfunction affects hydraulic conductivity and stomatal conductance (gs). The drought‐deciduous pioneer species, Pteridium aquilinum, exhibits fronds composed of 25 to 37 highly integrated vascular bundles with many connections, high gs and moderate cavitation resistance (P50 = −2.23 MPa). By contrast, the evergreen Woodwardia fimbriata exhibits sectored fronds with 3 to 5 vascular bundles and infrequent connections, low gs and high resistance to cavitation (P50 = −5.21 MPa). Xylem‐specific conductivity was significantly higher in P. aqulinium in part due to its wide, efficient conduits that supply its rapidly transpiring pinnae. These trade‐offs imply that the contrasting xylem organization of these ferns mirrors their divergent life history strategies. Greater hydraulic connectivity and gs promote rapid seasonal growth, but come with the risk of increased vulnerability to cavitation in P. aquilinum, while the conservative xylem organization of W. fimbriata leads to slower growth but greater drought tolerance and frond longevity.
Dynamic Wolbachia prevalence in Acromyrmex leaf‐cutting ants: potential for a nutritional symbiosis
Authors: ANDERSEN S. B. , BOYE M. , NASH D. R. , BOOMSMA J. J. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractWolbachia are renowned as reproductive parasites, but their phenotypic effects in eusocial insects are not well understood. We used a combination of qrt‐PCR, fluorescence in situ hybridization and laser scanning confocal microscopy to evaluate the dynamics of Wolbachia infections in the leaf‐cutting ant Acromyrmex octospinosus across developmental stages of sterile workers. We confirm that workers are infected with one or two widespread wsp genotypes of Wolbachia, show that colony prevalence is always 100% and characterize two rare recombinant genotypes. One dominant genotype is always present and most abundant, whereas another only proliferates in adult workers of some colonies and is barely detectable in larvae and pupae. An explanation may be that Wolbachia genotypes compete for host resources in immature stages while adult tissues provide substantially more niche space. Tissue‐specific prevalence of the two genotypes differs, with the rarer genotype being over‐represented in the adult foregut and thorax muscles. Both genotypes occur extracellularly in the foregut, suggesting an unknown mutualistic function in worker ant nutrition. Both genotypes are also abundant in the faecal fluid of the ants, suggesting that they may have extended functional phenotypes in the fungus garden that the ants manure with their own faeces.