bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Confidence interval of intrinsic optimum temperature estimated using thermodynamic SSI model
Authors: Ikemoto Takaya , Kurahashi Issei , Shi Pei‐Jian 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe intrinsic optimum temperature for the development of ectotherms is one of the most important factors not only for their physiological processes but also for ecological and evolutional processes. The Sharpe–Schoolfield–Ikemoto (SSI) model succeeded in defining the temperature that can thermodynamically meet the condition that at a particular temperature the probability of an active enzyme reaching its maximum activity is realized. Previously, an algorithm was developed by Ikemoto (Tropical malaria does not mean hot environments. Journal of Medical Entomology, 45, 963–969) to estimate model parameters, but that program was computationally very time consuming. Now, investigators can use the SSI model more easily because a full automatic computer program was designed by Shi et al. (A modified program for estimating the parameters of the SSI model. Environmental Entomology, 40, 462–469). However, the statistical significance of the point estimate of the intrinsic optimum temperature for each ectotherm has not yet been determined. Here, we provided a new method for calculating the confidence interval of the estimated intrinsic optimum temperature by modifying the approximate bootstrap confidence intervals method. For this purpose, it was necessary to develop a new program for a faster estimation of the parameters in the SSI model, which we have also done.
Comparison of the flow characteristics of irrigants with standard and Max‐i‐Probe needles
Authors: Devi Arpana Arthi , Abbott Paul V. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to determine the direction and pattern of flow of irrigating solutions inside simulated root canals with different irrigation needles; and to determine whether different needle designs increase the likelihood of irrigating solution passing through the apical foramen. Two types of needles were compared: a standard needle with a bevel and an open end, and a needle with a side opening and closed rounded tip. Observations of irrigant flow within the canals indicated that the side‐venting needle can be dangerous if the needle gauge is small and it reaches the full length of the canal, since this allowed irrigants to flow into the periapical area. With the standard needle, the fluid did not go beyond the tip of the needle when minimal irrigating pressure was employed. As the size of canal increased, the fluid did not extrude beyond the tip of both needles. However, if the needles bound in the canals, then the fluid was forced away from the needle tip, and the pressure applied to the syringe was directly proportional to the distance the fluid flowed away from the needle tip. Both side‐venting and standard needles can be used for irrigation safely and effectively if a dynamic irrigation technique (moving the needle up and down inside the canals while irrigating) is employed.
The impact of climate variability on water and energy demand: the case of South African local governments
Authors: Ncube Mkhululi , Zikhali Precious , Musango Josephine K. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThere is a growing need to understand how climate change impacts not only on people's livelihoods but also on the level and cost of local government infrastructure required to provide basic commodities such as water and energy. In South Africa, few studies have examined the impact of climate change on operations of local governments. This paper examines the impact of rainfall variability on municipalities’ water and energy demand. A non‐linear relationship between water and energy demand and rainfall variability was found. The results suggest that, by influencing the operations and budgets of local governments, climate change is a real threat to local governments. The local governments need to be proactively involved in the efforts to adapt to and mitigate climate change. This is particularly important in developing countries where the impact of climate change is more severe than in developed countries, yet adaptation and mitigation capabilities in these countries are weak.
Ludic geographies: not merely child’s play
Authors: Woodyer Tara 
Published: June 2012

AbstractMore often than not, play is assumed to be the activity of children. To date, this has limited academic engagements with play as a significant geographical concern in its own right. This paper challenges the common association of play with children through discussion of three frames of reference – play and the everyday, the politics of play, and how play exceeds representation – that are particularly instructive when developing broader conceptualisations of this phenomenon. In sketching out a broader space for ludic, or playful, geographies I am able to mark the critical and ethical potential of play, discussed here as a form of coming to consciousness and a way to be otherwise, and the cultivation of a mode of ethical generosity.
Coastal Cities and Regions in a Changing Climate: Economic Impacts, Risks and Vulnerabilities
Authors: Leichenko Robin M. , Thomas Adelle 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThis review examines recent literature on economic impacts, vulnerabilities and adaptation to climate change in coastal cities and regions of the developed world. Major areas of focus within this body of literature include study of the economic impacts of extreme events, examination of the economic consequences of sea level rise, and investigation of the multiple factors that influence economic vulnerability and resilience. Despite blossoming interest in the local and regional economic dimensions of climate change, the majority of work on this topic is focused on coastal cities and regions in the Global North. This work is also largely conducted outside the field of economic geography in disciplines that include natural hazards, economics, planning, and human dimensions of global environmental change, among others. While these studies have made important contributions to knowledge about how climate change may affect developed coastal cities and regions, there is substantial room for new engagement by economic geographers. In addition to a clear need for more work on the Global South, areas where economic geographers seem especially well‐positioned to contribute include comprehensive assessments of coastal economic impacts which incorporate both market and non‐market measures, investigation of the effects of climate change on patterns of growth and spatial inequality across coastal and related inland areas, and development of new theoretical understandings of how changing environmental baselines may influence regional economic growth and decline.
Emerging Markets in a Shifting Global Financial Architecture: The Case of Islamic Securitization in the Gulf Region
Authors: Bassens David 
Published: June 2012

AbstractGiven major geo‐economic shifts in the wake of the global financial crisis, this paper sets out to review major debates in the field of geographies of emerging markets (EM). Observing lingering implicit assumptions about the undirectionality behind the emergence of EM discourses and practices, the paper argues that contemporary processes of South‐South and South‐North investment call for a ‘decentred’ view on EM integration. Such a decentred framework allows us to research whether geographical shifts in the world of global finance indeed imply a fundamental shift the nature of its practices. In this paper, I therefore explore the case of Islamic securitization in the Gulf Region, which constitutes a veritable geo‐economic hinge in a shifting global economy. Here, I argue, bilateral negotiation processes take place between vectors of global finance such as investment banks on the one hand, and EM client firms and Islamic banks on the other hand, in order to find a viable context‐sensitive financing solution. While this case acknowledges the blossoming plurality of global finance, the paper concludes with the view that this plurality is nevertheless mainly reproducing existing power configurations within the global financial architecture.
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease and Resistant Hypertension
Authors: Shafi Salman , Sarac Erdal , Tran Huy 
Published: June 2012

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2012; 14:611–617. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.The role of ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring (ABPM) has not been well‐studied in patients with chronic kidney disease and resistant hypertension. In a retrospective study of the outpatient chronic kidney disease population, 156 patients with chronic kidney disease and resistant hypertension who had 24‐hour ABPM and clinic BP measurements were identified. Resistant hypertension was defined as uncontrolled clinic BP while taking ≥3 medications including a diuretic or controlled BP while taking ≥4 medications. Within the study group, ambulatory BP <130/80 mm Hg was found in 35.9% of all patients. Only 6.4% had both ambulatory and clinic BP <130/80 mm Hg. Prevalence of white‐coat hypertension, masked hypertension, and sustained hypertension were 29.5%, 5.8%, and 58.3%, respectively. Compared with patients with sustained hypertension, more patients in the white‐coat hypertension group had low nocturnal average systolic BP (defined as nocturnal average systolic BP <100 mm Hg) (17.4% vs 0%) and low 24‐hour average diastolic BP (defined as 24‐hour average diastolic BP <60 mm Hg) (52.2% vs 22%, P<.01). ABPM provides more reliable assessment of BP in patients with chronic kidney disease and resistant hypertension.
Woodland and grassland mosaic from a butterfly perspective: habitat use by Erebia aethiops (Lepidoptera: Satyridae)
Authors: Slamova Irena , Klecka Jan , Konvicka Martin 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

We studied the habitat requirements of a vulnerable butterfly,
Erebia aethiops, in a grassland‐forest mosaic within a nature reserve. This species inhabits seemingly abundant habitats such as forest edges, but it is declining in many parts of Europe.
We analysed mark‐recapture data, focusing on the effects of distinct vegetation structures, nectar sources and management regimes on population density and mobility.
Adult
E. aethiops preferred abandoned grasslands and small open enclaves surrounded by forest; i.e. highly heterogeneous habitats. Male densities were higher in sparse woodlots, female densities at grassland patches. These intersexual differences in habitat use emphasise the need for heterogeneous vegetation.
Like other inhabitants of traditional woodlands,
E. aethiops suffers from canopy closure, leading to its retreat to transitional structures such as forest edges or abandoned grasslands. Such preferences are in conflict with regular grassland management, necessary for conserving many other grassland organisms. Therefore, sparse woodlands containing forest free enclaves should be restored to protect this and other woodland organisms.
Genetic Characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in Diarrhoeic Children from Four Provinces in South Africa
Authors: Abu Samra N. , Thompson P. N. , Jori F. , Frean J. , Poonsamy B. , du Plessis D. , Mogoye B. , Xiao L. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryThe diversity of Cryptosporidium at species, subtype family and subtype level in diarrhoeic children was investigated in four provinces in South Africa. A total of 442 stool samples from children <5 years of age were collected under a large rotavirus surveillance programme and analysed by Ziehl–Neelsen acid‐fast staining. Fifty‐four (12.2%) were positive for Cryptosporidium, of which 25 were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and DNA sequence analyses of the 18S rRNA gene. The majority of genotyped specimens were identified as C. hominis (76%), and a high genetic diversity was found with five different C. hominis subtype families (Ia, Ib, Id, Ie and If). Cryptosporidium parvum was found in 20% of the isolates, and three subtype families were identified (IIc, IIe and IIb), with subtype family IIc being the most common. One specimen was identified as C. meleagridis of the subtype family IIId. These results are in accordance with findings from other developing countries and report for the first time the presence in South Africa of C. meleagridis, various subtypes of C. parvum and the subtype family Ie of C. hominis. The results suggest that C. hominis and anthroponotic C. parvum subtypes are the major cause of cryptosporidiosis in South Africa. Further molecular studies are needed to better understand the epidemiology and public health importance of Cryptosporidium in humans in South Africa.
Species-Specific Chitin-Binding Module 18 Expansion in the Amphibian Pathogen
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
Authors: Abramyan John , Stajich Jason E. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
is the causative agent of chytridiomycosis, which is considered one of the driving forces behind the worldwide decline in populations of amphibians. As a member of the phylum
Chytridiomycota
,
B. dendrobatidis
has diverged significantly to emerge as the only pathogen of adult vertebrates. Such shifts in lifestyle are generally accompanied by various degrees of genomic modifications, yet neither its mode of pathogenicity nor any factors associated with it have ever been identified. Presented here is the identification and characterization of a unique expansion of the carbohydrate-binding module family 18 (CBM18), specific to
B. dendrobatidis
. CBM (chitin-binding module) expansions have been likened to the evolution of pathogenicity in a variety of fungus species, making this expanded group a prime candidate for the identification of potential pathogenicity factors. Furthermore, the CBM18 expansions are confined to three categories of genes, each having been previously implicated in host-pathogen interactions. These correlations highlight this specific domain expansion as a potential key player in the mode of pathogenicity in this unique fungus. The expansion of CBM18 in
B. dendrobatidis
is exceptional in its size and diversity compared to other pathogenic species of fungi, making this genomic feature unique in an evolutionary context as well as in pathogenicity.

IMPORTANCE
Amphibian populations are declining worldwide at an unprecedented rate. Although various factors are thought to contribute to this phenomenon, chytridiomycosis has been identified as one of the leading causes. This deadly fungal disease is cause by
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
, a chytrid fungus species unique in its pathogenicity and, furthermore, its specificity to amphibians. Despite more than two decades of research, the biology of this fungus species and its deadly interaction with amphibians had been notoriously difficult to unravel. Due to the alarming rate of worldwide spread and associated decline in amphibian populations, it is imperative to incorporate novel genomic and genetic techniques into the study of this species. In this study, we present the first reported potential pathogenicity factors in
B. dendrobatidis
.
In silico
studies such as this allow us to identify putative targets for more specific molecular analyses, furthering our hope for the control of this pathogen.
INVESTIGATION OF NONLINEAR INTERACTION OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION WITH SPACE CHARGE IN VACUUM ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Authors: MAKARYAN A.H. , HAROYAN H.S. , SAHAKYAN V.A. , TADEVOSYAN V.R. 
Published: June 2012

The nonlinear interaction of electromagnetic radiation in microwave, terahertz, and optical regions with non-uniformly distributed space charge in the interelectrode space of vacuum devices is investigated. The detection of electromagnetic radiation in the vacuum electronic tubes (diode and triode) with parallel plate electrodes is experimentally demonstrated. The dependence of the detected signal on the incident radiation power, direction of wave polarization, current characteristics and frequency of modulating signal has been investigated. The equation of motion of an electron in the field of electromagnetic wave in the presence of space charge was obtained, according to which, the detection is due to nonlinearity associated with the non-uniform distribution of electrons along the electrostatic field direction. The measured detection characteristics are in reasonable agreement with theoretical estimates.
Effect of Surface Elasticity on the Piezoelectric Potential of a Bent ZnO Nanowire
Authors: Yao Haiyan , Yun Guohong , Bai Narsu , Li Jiangang 
Published: June 2012

The influence of surface elasticity on the piezoelectric potential distribution of a deformed ZnO nanowire is investigated by the effective Young's modulus based upon elastic and piezoelectric theory. When the nanowire in radius 25 nm subjects to an lateral applied force 5 nN, the maximum piezoelectric potential of the nanowire we derived is about 13.8 mV, which approaches much more closely to the experiment measurement value (∼10 mV) [Z. L. Wang and J. H. Song: Science 312 (2006) 242]. Moreover, a comprehensive analysis of maximum piezoelectric potential between the cases with and without the effect of surface elasticity is analyzed. The results show that the values of piezoelectric potential generated in ZnO nanowires are decreased due to the surface stiffening. From the theoretical analysis, the effect of surface elasticity has a significant impact on the piezoelectric potential for a bent ZnO nanowire, actually it reduces the gap between theoretical estimation and experiment measurements.
CS and popular culture; learning from console games
Authors: Guzdial Mark , Robertson Judy 
Published: June 2012

The
Communications
Web site, http://cacm.acm.org, features more than a dozen bloggers in the BLOG@CACM community. In each issue of
Communications
, we'll publish selected posts or excerpts.

twitter

Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/blogCACM
http://cacm.acm.org/blogs/blog-cacm
Mark Guzdial writes about why computer science should permeate popular culture. Judy Robertson discusses the educational benefits of using console games in the classroom.
Nanobody-Based Targeting of the Macrophage Mannose Receptor for EffectiveIn VivoImaging of Tumor-Associated Macrophages
Authors: Movahedi Kiavash , Schoonooghe Steve , Laoui Damya , Houbracken Isabelle , Waelput Wim , Breckpot Karine , Bouwens Luc , Lahoutte Tony , De Baetselier Patrick , Raes Geert , Devoogdt Nick , Van Ginderachter Jo A. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractTumor-associated macrophages (TAM) are an important component of the tumor stroma and exert several tumor-promoting activities. Strongly pro-angiogenic TAMs that reside in hypoxic tumor areas highly express macrophage mannose receptor (MMR, CD206). In this study, we targeted MMR+ TAMs using nanobodies, which are single-domain antigen-binding fragments derived from Camelidae heavy-chain antibodies. MMR-specific nanobodies stained TAMs in lung and breast tumor single-cell suspensions in vitro, and intravenous injection of 99mTc-labeled anti-MMR nanobodies successfully targeted tumor in vivo. Retention of the nanobody was receptor-specific and absent in MMR-deficient mice. Importantly, co-injection of excess unlabeled, bivalent anti-MMR nanobodies reduced nanobody accumulation in extratumoral organs to background levels, without compromising tumor uptake. Within tumors, the 99mTc-labeled nanobodies specifically labeled MMR+ TAMs, as CCR2-deficient mice that contain fewer TAMs showed significantly reduced tumor uptake. Further, anti-MMR nanobodies accumulated in hypoxic regions, thus targeting pro-angiogenic MMR+ TAMs. Taken together, our findings provide preclinical proof of concept that anti-MMR nanobodies can be used to selectively target and image TAM subpopulations in vivo. Cancer Res; 72(16); 4165–77. ©2012 AACR.
Distinct microRNA Expression Profiles in Prostate Cancer Stem/Progenitor Cells and Tumor-Suppressive Functions of let-7
Authors: Liu Can , Kelnar Kevin , Vlassov Alexander V. , Brown David , Wang Junchen , Tang Dean G. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractMiRNAs regulate cancer cells, but their potential effects on cancer stem/progenitor cells are still being explored. In this study, we used quantitative real-time-PCR to define miRNA expression patterns in various stem/progenitor cell populations in prostate cancer, including CD44+, CD133+, integrin α2β1+, and side population cells. We identified distinct and common patterns in these different tumorigenic cell subsets. Multiple tumor-suppressive miRNAs were downregulated coordinately in several prostate cancer stem/progenitor cell populations, namely, miR-34a, let-7b, miR-106a, and miR-141, whereas miR-301 and miR-452 were commonly overexpressed. The let-7 overexpression inhibited prostate cancer cell proliferation and clonal expansion in vitro and tumor regeneration in vivo. In addition, let-7 and miR-34a exerted differential inhibitory effects in prostate cancer cells, with miR-34a inducing G1 phase cell-cycle arrest accompanied by cell senescence and let-7 inducing G2–M phase cell-cycle arrest without senescence. Taken together, our findings define distinct miRNA expression patterns that coordinately regulate the tumorigenicity of prostate cancer cells. Cancer Res; 72(13); 3393–404. ©2012 AACR.
Chronic Autophagy Is a Cellular Adaptation to Tumor Acidic pH Microenvironments
Authors: Wojtkowiak Jonathan W. , Rothberg Jennifer M. , Kumar Virendra , Schramm Karla J. , Haller Edward , Proemsey Joshua B. , Lloyd Mark C. , Sloane Bonnie F. , Gillies Robert J. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Tumor cell survival relies upon adaptation to the acidic conditions of the tumor microenvironment. To investigate potential acidosis survival mechanisms, we examined the effect of low pH (6.7) on human breast carcinoma cells. Acute low pH exposure reduced proliferation rate, induced a G1 cell cycle arrest, and increased cytoplasmic vacuolization. Gene expression analysis revealed elevated levels of ATG5 and BNIP3 in acid-conditioned cells, suggesting cells exposed to low pH may utilize autophagy as a survival mechanism. In support of this hypothesis, we found that acute low pH stimulated autophagy as defined by an increase in LC3-positive punctate vesicles, double-membrane vacuoles, and decreased phosphorylation of AKT and ribosomal protein S6. Notably, cells exposed to low pH for approximately 3 months restored their proliferative capacity while maintaining the cytoplasmic vacuolated phenotype. Although autophagy is typically transient, elevated autophagy markers were maintained chronically in low pH conditioned cells as visualized by increased protein expression of LC3-II and double-membrane vacuoles. Furthermore, these cells exhibited elevated sensitivity to PI3K-class III inhibition by 3-methyladenine. In mouse tumors, LC3 expression was reduced by systemic treatment with sodium bicarbonate, which raises intratumoral pH. Taken together, these results argue that acidic conditions in the tumor microenvironment promote autophagy, and that chronic autophagy occurs as a survival adaptation in this setting. Cancer Res; 72(16); 3938–47. ©2012 AACR.