bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inflow direction of interstellar neutrals deduced from pickup ion measurements at 1 AU
Authors: Drews Christian , Berger Lars , Wimmer‐Schweingruber Robert F. , Bochsler Peter , Galvin Antoinette B. , Klecker Berndt , Möbius Eberhard 
Published: August 2012

Observations of interstellar pickup ions inside the heliosphere provide an indirect method to access information on the surrounding interstellar medium. The so‐called pickup ion focusing cone and pickup ion crescent, which show an imprint of the related longitudinal distribution of interstellar neutrals in form of two overabundances on the down‐ and upwind side of the sun, are both believed to be aligned along the inflow vector of the interstellar medium. By finding their longitudinal positions, we can give an accurate value for the inflow direction λISM of interstellar matter. For that we performed an epoch analysis of interstellar pickup ions measured by the PLAsma and SupraThermal Ion Composition instrument (PLASTIC) on the Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory mission (STEREO) and were able to reveal in situ the longitudinal distribution of interstellar He+, O+, and Ne+ pickup ions in the ecliptic plane at 1 AU. The previously accepted values for the inflow direction of interstellar matter in ecliptic longitude, as obtained with Ulysses/GAS (λ = 75.4° ± 0.5°), Prognoz 6 (λ = 74.5° ± 1°), and ACE/SWICS (λ = 74.43° ± 0.33°), are currently debated, especially in view of recent results from the Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) mission that show an inflow direction of interstellar neutral helium of λ = 79° + 3.0°(−3.5°). Four years of data collected with PLASTIC aboard STEREO A provided statistics sufficient not only to obtain values for the inflow direction of interstellar helium (λCone = 77.4° ± 1.9° and λCrescent = 80.4° ± 5.4°, deduced from an analysis of the He+ focusing cone and crescent, respectively) but also to derive values for the inflow direction of interstellar neon (λCone = 77.4° ± 5.0° and λCrescent = 79.7° ± 2.6°) and oxygen (λCrescent = 78.9° ± 3.1°). Although our values for He+, O+, and Ne+ are consistent with results from ACE, Ulysses, and Prognoz 6, considering the statistical and systematic uncertainties (except λNe,Crescent), they are systematically larger than the previously accepted values of 74.99 ± 0.55° and show a better agreement with the values from IBEX.
Artificial turf surfaces: Perception of safety, sporting feature, satisfaction and preference of football users
Authors: Burillo Pablo , Gallardo Leonor , Felipe Jose Luis , Gallardo Ana Maria 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe aim of this research is to understand the experience of the football sector on the use of artificial turf (satisfaction, safety, sporting feature, or the advantages and disadvantages). The study was conducted on a random selection of 627 male participants (404 amateur/semi‐professional footballers, 101 coaches and 122 referees) that regularly train/compete on artificial turf in Spanish football leagues. The results of the skin abrasion, muscle strain and the possibility of sustaining an injury, on a Likert‐type 10‐point interval scale, gave a perception of ‘somewhat dissatisfied’ for the participants. The main advantages of artificial turf were their sports features, the evenness of the surface and the good state of conservation. Participants were satisfied with the artificial turf surface. Approximately three out of four participants gave an overall ranking of highly satisfied. The players were significantly less satisfied than the coaches and referees. The overall satisfaction with artificial turf fields was strongly influenced by previous experience, particularly those who had previously played on dirt pitches. These results highlight the versatility of artificial turf to adapt to any circumstance or requirement for local sport and top‐level professional competitions alike.
The reliability of tests for sport‐specific skill amongst elite youth rugby league players
Authors: Waldron Mark , Worsfold Paul , Twist Craig , Lamb Kevin 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIn rugby league, tests of sport‐specific skill often involve subjective assessments of performance by observers of varying qualification. However, the reliability of such subjective assessments has yet to be investigated via appropriate statistical techniques. Therefore, the aims of the current study were to investigate: (1) the intra‐observer reliability of a non‐qualified observer (‘novice’) and (2) the inter‐observer reliability of the three observers (two qualified ‘experts’ and one novice observer) in the assessment of catching, passing and tackling (stages 1 and 2) ability in elite adolescent rugby league players (age: 14.7±0.5 years). Players performed each skill element within a simulated practice drill and were assessed in ‘real time’ by the observers according to pre‐defined criteria. An overall bias (P<0.05) was revealed between the observers in stage 1 of catching and stage 1 of passing, the differences being higher for the novice compared to both expert coaches for each stage of catching and the first stage of passing, and between expert 2 and the novice for stage 2 of tackling. No comparisons met the pre‐determined analytical goal of ‘perfect agreement’, for any of the skill components. Comparisons between the expert observers did not reach perfect agreement, with the lowest values occurring for both tackling skill stages (60–65%). None of the tests employed were sufficiently reliable to potentially discern between players of differing ability, which may mean up to 56% of players' skill being misinterpreted. The credibility of such assessments should be questioned and alternative tests considered.
SPATIAL STRUCTURE OF SUNSPOT OSCILLATIONS OBSERVED WITH SDO/AIA
Authors: Reznikova V. E. , Shibasaki K. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT
The spatial structure of sunspot oscillations and its variation with frequency and height have been studied using data from SDO/AIA for two well-developed sunspots observed in 2010. Computation of potential magnetic fields together with line-of-sight and vector magnetograms from SDO/HMI allowed us to interpret discovered features of spatial structure. Namely, we have found that (1) expansion of the magnetic field lines above the sunspot causes a gradual broadening of the area occupied by the 3 minute oscillations with height, and (2) variation of magnetic field inclination across the sunspot causes a decrease in the pulsation frequency with distance from the center of the umbra. We have shown that the transformation from 3 minute umbral oscillations to 5 minute penumbral waves can be explained by variation of the acoustic cutoff frequency across the sunspot.
Influence of chamber volume in single-walled carbon nanotube synthesis by an electric arc
Authors: Ramarozatovo V , Mansour A , Razafinimanana M , Monthioux M , Valensi F , Noé L , Masquère M 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were produced by an electric arc process in a low-pressure chamber with vertical electrodes using heterogeneous graphite anodes containing nickel and yttrium catalysts. The influence of the chamber volume (18, 25 and 60 L) and graphite grain size (1 and 100 µm) of the anode on the resulting products was analysed. This was correlated with the physical properties of the plasma as studied by optical emission spectroscopy and with the temperature of the gaseous atmosphere surrounding the plasma as measured using thermocouples. Nanotube yield and purity were evaluated from high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Results showed a strong influence of the heterogeneous anode grain size. It was found that the optimal synthesis conditions correspond to an arc chamber volume of 25 L and a graphite grain size of 1 µm. In that case the plasma temperature and the carbon over nickel concentration ratio in the plasma differ notably from those observed under the other synthesis conditions. It was also found that a slower temperature rise of the gaseous atmosphere surrounding the plasma and a higher anode erosion rate are associated with a higher SWCNT yield. These results were interpreted considering the vapour–liquid–solid nanotube formation model.
Relative importance of static contribution to the thermal shifts of spectral lines in Nd3+-doped Y3Al5O12 laser crystals
Authors: Wen-Chen Zheng , Ping Su , Hong-Gang Liu , Guo-Ying Feng 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
By means of the observed pressure and temperature dependences of several spectral lines in yttrium aluminum garnet Y3Al5O12 (YAG) : Nd3+ laser crystals, the static contribution due to lattice thermal expansion and the vibrational contribution due to electron–phonon interaction to the thermal shifts of these spectral lines are studied. It is found that (i) the importance of static contribution of a spectral line depends on the pressure dependence of this line, (ii) the static contribution always leads the spectral lines to shift to the blue (i.e. higher energy) with increasing temperature, while the vibrational one leads the lines to shift to the red, and (iii) the relative importance of static contribution changes not only from crystal to crystal (as suggested in the previous papers for ‘hard’ or ‘soft’ crystals), but also from spectral line to spectral line in the same crystal. So, the general statement in previous studies that the static contribution to thermal shift is negligibly small in a ‘hard’ crystal is inappropriate.
First Report of Meloidogyne marylandi Infecting Bermudagrass in Florida
Authors: Sekora N. S. , Crow W. T. , Mekete T. 
Published: August 2012

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are common parasites attacking turfgrasses in the United States, but the species of these nematodes is typically unresolved unless targeted surveys are performed (3). Using morphometric analysis and an RFLP method (3), an investigation of a golf course green in Florida with a history of infestation by root-knot nematodes was conducted to identify the species present. This ‘Tifdwarf’ bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon × C. transvaalensis) putting green at the University of Florida Research Unit in Citra, FL, exhibited irregular patches of declining turf. Turf roots in these symptomatic areas had galled root tips with adhering egg masses, characteristic of infection from Meloidogyne spp. Mean populations of 5,149 ± 708 Meloidogyne second stage juveniles per 100 cm3 of soil were extracted from the rhizosphere of these symptomatic plants. Morphological measurements from 20 of these juveniles were slightly less than those published previously for M. marylandi, but were still distinct enough to discriminate them from M. graminis, which commonly infects bermudagrass in Florida (3). Body length averaged 396.1 ± 4.9 (376.7 to 420.0) μm with a mean width of 16.3 ± 0.5 (13.3 to 18.3) μm, stylet lengths were 11.2 ± 0.7 (6.7 to 12.3) μm, tail lengths averaged 54.7 ± 1.9 (47.5 to 65.0) μm with the hyaline region of the tails 9.9 ± 0.7 (8.3 to 14.2) μm. Mature females extracted from symptomatic root tissue lacked a posterior cone-like protuberance of the vulva typical of M. graminis. DNA was extracted from 15 single juveniles using a NaOH digestion method (2). The mitochondrial DNA region was amplified with PCR using the primers C2F3/1108 5′-GGTCAATGTTCAGAAATTTGTGG-3′ and 5′-TACCTTTGACCAATCACGCT-3′ (3). This resulted in a DNA fragment 520 bp in length, which upon digestion with SspI restriction enzyme produced four bands 148, 103, 91, and 67 bp in length, similar to what has been reported for M. marylandi (3). The PCR products were purified with a QIAquick PCR purification kit (QIAGEN, Valencia, CA) and sequenced at the University of Florida, Cancer Research and Genetics Institute. Sequences were compared with those in GenBank by means of BLAST search. The comparison showed a sequence similarity of 98% with M. marylandi (GenBank Accession No. JN241918.1). Although M. marylandi has been reported on bermudagrass in many areas of the United States and other places throughout the world (1,3,4), to our knowledge, this is the first detection of this nematode in Florida. Further studies will be conducted to determine the prevalence, incidence, severity of damage caused by M. marylandi, and determine a possible mode of dispersal on turfgrasses. References: (1) A. M. Golden. J. Nematol. 21:453, 1989. (2) J. Hübschen et al. Euro. J. Plant Pathol. 110:779, 2004. (3) M. A. McClure et al. Plant Dis. 96:635, 2012. (4) Y. Oka et al. Nematol. 5:727, 2003.
First Report of Pseudomonas cichorii Causing Leaf Spot of Stevia Detected in Florida
Authors: Strayer A. , Garcia-Maruniak A. , Sun X. , Schubert T. , Sutton B. 
Published: August 2012

During a routine nursery inspection in Hernando County, Florida in July 2011, leaf spot symptoms were observed on the popular sugar substitute stevia (Stevia rebaudiana). Spots were roughly circular to irregular in shape, variable in size, and dark brown with a yellow halo. White to cream-colored, circular, convex, gram-negative bacterial colonies were isolated on nutrient agar and identified as Pseudomonas cichorii based on the LOPAT scheme (2). DNA from four individual colonies inoculated in nutrient broth was extracted using DNeasy columns (Qiagen Inc., Valencia, CA). The PCR-amplified product from four different genes, 16S rRNA (1.5 Kbp), gyrB (0.9 Kbp), rpoB (1.2 Kbp), and rpoD (0.7 Kbp), was sequenced (GenBank Accession Nos. JQ994483, JQ994484, JQ994485, and JQ994486). Nucleotide and translated amino acid sequences for each gene were compared to the nucleotide and protein databases, respectively. The best matches were always with P. cichorii with nucleotide identities ranging from 98 to 99% and amino acid identities from 99 to 100%. Four healthy stevia plants were spray inoculated with 20 ml of a 108 CFU ml–1 suspension prepared from a 24-hour-old culture, of which two were sprayed with carborundum (silicon carbide) immediately prior to inoculation. Two additional plants were sprayed with carborundum only or sterile tap water only and served as healthy controls. Symptoms began to develop 4 days after inoculation. Spots originated at the tips or edges of the leaves and enlarged over time. Enlarging lesions progressed to encompass the entire leaf, accompanied by water soaking, curling, and necrosis. Blighting typically spread down to the stem and caused dieback. The pathogen was successfully reisolated from the lesions and produced identical LOPAT scheme results. Based on the information collected, it is believed that this is the first confirmed report of bacterial leaf spot caused P. cichorii on stevia worldwide. This find is significant due to the rising popularity of stevia cultivation for its sweetness and medicinal properties (1). To our knowledge, stevia is not currently being grown commercially in Florida; however, there is commercial acreage being developed elsewhere in the United States. References: (1) D. Patil et al. Asian J. Pharm. Clin. Res. 5:1, 2011. (2) N. W. Schaad et al. Laboratory Guide for Identification of Plant Pathogenic Bacteria. 3rd Edition. The American Phytopathological Society. St. Paul, MN, 2001.
Robotic-Assisted or Minithoracotomy Incision for Left Ventricular Lead Placement a Single-Surgeon, Single-Center Experience
Authors: Bhamidipati Castigliano Murthy , Mboumi Igor W. , Seymour Keri A. , Rolland Roberta , Dilip Karikehalli , Gopaldas Raja R. , Lutz Charles J. 
Published: August 2012

Objective Left ventricular (LV) resynchronization with epicardial lead placement after failed coronary sinus cannulation can be achieved with minimally invasive robotic-assisted (RA) or minithoracotomy (MT) incisions. We evaluated early outcomes and costs after RA and MT epicardial LV lead implantation at our academic center. Methods From 2005 to 2010, 24 patients underwent minimally invasive RA or MT epicardial LV lead placement for resynchronization. Patient characteristics, electrophysiologic features, outcomes, and costs were analyzed. Results Ten patients underwent RA and 14 underwent MT minimally invasive LV lead placement, with no 30-day mortality in either group. Younger patients underwent RA epicardial lead placement (63.8 ± 15.4 vs 75.6 ± 10.0 years; P = 0.03). In addition, although both groups had comparable body surface areas, RA patients had significantly higher body mass index versus MT patients (44.4 ± 17.5 vs 26.9 ± 7.1 kg/m2, respectively; P = 0.003). Premorbid risk and cardiovascular profiles were similar across groups. Importantly, pacing threshold, impedance, and postoperative QRS interval were equivalent between groups. Significantly, both operating room and mechanical ventilation durations were higher with RA epicardial placement (P < 0.001). Despite equivalent outcomes, incision-to-closure interval was 48 minutes shorter with MT (P = 0.002). Absolute differences in direct costs between groups were negligible. Despite these differences, resource utilization and lengths of stay were equivalent. Conclusions Epicardial LV lead placement is efficacious with either approach. Early outcomes and mortality are equivalent. Greater tactile feedback during operation and equivalent short-term outcomes suggest that MT minimally invasive LV lead placement is the more favorable approach for epicardial resynchronization.
Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Pilot Study of a Fourth-Generation, Minimally Invasive Device
Authors: Fumoto Hideyuki , Gillinov A. Marc , Saraiva Roberto M. , Horai Tetsuya , Anzai Tomohiro , Takaseya Tohru , Shiose Akira , Arakawa Yoko , Vince D. Geoffrey , Dessoffy Raymond , Fukamachi Kiyotaka 
Published: August 2012

Objective Exclusion of the left atrial appendage is proposed to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a fourth-generation atrial exclusion device developed for minimally invasive applications. Methods The novel atrial exclusion device consists of two polymer beams and two elastomeric bands that connect the two beams at either end. Fifteen mongrel dogs were implanted with the device at the base of the left atrial appendage through a median sternotomy and were evaluated at 30 (n = 7), 90 (n = 6), and 180 (n = 2) days after implantation by epicardial echocardiography, left atrial and coronary angiography, gross pathology, and histology. Results Left atrial appendage exclusion was completed without hemodynamic instability. Coronary angiography revealed that the left circumflex artery was patent in all cases. A new endothelial tissue layer developed, as expected, on the occluded orifice of the left atrium. Conclusions This novel atrial exclusion device achieved easy, reliable, and safe exclusion of the left atrial appendage, with favorable histological results in a canine model for up to 6 months. Clinical application could provide a new therapeutic option for reducing the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Use of Axillary Cannulation for Simultaneous Endo-Occlusion and Antegrade Perfusion during Minimally Invasive Surgery
Authors: Farivar Robert Saeid , Fernandez Joss D. 
Published: August 2012

Objective We aimed to develop an antegrade arterial perfusion method that would allow a single suture line on the heart. Methods Using an 8-mm Dacron graft sewn to the right axillary artery, we performed antegrade arterial flow and simultaneous endo-occlusion, as well as the delivery of antegrade cardioplegia. Results Five patients underwent right axillary antegrade flow, with intention to use axillary endo-occlusion. There were no deaths, axillary artery injuries, or conversions to sternotomy. One patient who had a small (6 mm) axillary artery required femoral arterial balloon placement with axillary arterial flow. When using a 100-mm endobal-loon, transesophageal echo alone is suitable for placement of the endo-balloon. All patients are alive and doing well at least 1 year after surgery. Conclusions The right axillary artery is a suitable conduit for simultaneous endo-occlusion, antegrade flow, and antegrade cardioplegia delivery during mitral valve surgery.
Hybrid Access to Atria via the Guiraudon Universal Cardiac Introducer for Arrhythmia Ablation after Total Cavopulmonary Derivation
Authors: Guiraudon Gérard M. , Jones Douglas L. , Bainbridge Daniel , Cohen Laurence , Lecompte Yves , Hidden-Lucet Françoise , Frank Robert , Pavie Alain 
Published: August 2012

We report the first use of a new platform, the Guiraudon Universal Cardiac Introducer (GUCI), in humans for accessing the left atrium for catheter-based ablations in patients with resistant atrial arrhythmias after total cavopulmonary derivation. The GUCI was originally designed for intracardiac access for closed, beating instrumental intracardiac surgery. The patient was a 29-year-old man with problematic atrial arrhythmias resistant to antiarrhythmic drugs because of severe uncontrolled bradycardia and because his pacemaker was explanted for infection. The GUCI was attached to the left atrial appendage via an anterior left thoracotomy. The GUCI was modified to accommodate introduction and manipulation of multiple catheters. This allowed electrophysiologists to perform catheter-based exploration and ablation. A DDD pacemaker was implanted, with an atrial endocardial lead introduced via the GUCI cuff and a ventricular epicardial lead. Postoperative atrial arrhythmias were controlled using amiodarone and atrial pacing. At the 12-month follow-up, the patient was arrhythmia- and drug-free and returned to full employment. This new access offers an additional new alternative atrial access to treat resistant arrhythmia after total cavopulmonary derivation. The current state-of-the-art makes patient selection difficult and uncomfortable for the surgeons because of incomplete preoperative electrophysiological data, such as a return to the beginning of surgery for arrhythmia; however, more cumulative experience with intraoperative electrophysiological data and new mapping technologies should address these limitations.
The Effect of TRANSPARENT TESTA2 on Seed Fatty Acid Biosynthesis and Tolerance to Environmental Stresses during Young Seedling Establishment in Arabidopsis
Authors: Chen Mingxun , Wang Zhong , Zhu Yana , Li Zhilan , Hussain Nazim , Xuan Lijie , Guo Wanli , Zhang Guoping , Jiang Lixi 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
In plants, fatty acids (FAs) and FA-derived complex lipids are major carbon and energy reserves in seeds. They are essential components of cellular membranes and cellular signal or hormone molecules. Although TRANSPARENT TESTA2 (TT2) is well studied for its function in regulating proanthocyanidin biosynthesis in the seed coat, little attention has been given to its role in affecting seed FA accumulation and tolerance to environmental stresses. We demonstrate that the tt2 mutation remarkably increased the seed FA content, decreased seed weight, and altered the FA composition. The increase in FA content in the tt2 seeds was due to the relative decrease of seed coat proportion as well as the more efficient FA synthesis in the tt2 embryo. Microarray analysis revealed that tt2 mutation up-regulated a group of genes critical to FA biosynthesis and embryonic development. The mutation also altered the gene expressions that respond to stress. The microarray analysis discovered that the increase in FA accumulation of the tt2 seeds were accompanied by the significant up-regulation of FUSCA3, a transcriptional factor for embryonic development and FATTY ACID ELONGASE1, which catalyzes the elongation of FA chains. Moreover, lower seed protein accumulation during seed maturation also contributed to the increased seed FA accumulation in tt2 mutants. This study advances the understanding of the TT2 gene in seed FA accumulation and abiotic stresses during seed germination and seedling establishment.