bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flow structures and fluid transport for the hydromedusaeSarsia tubulosaandAequorea victoria
Authors: Lipinski Doug , Mohseni Kamran 
Published: July 2009

SUMMARYThe flow structures produced by the hydromedusae Sarsia tubulosaand Aequorea victoria are examined using direct numerical simulation and Lagrangian coherent structures (LCS). Body motion of each hydromedusa is digitized and input to a CFD program. Sarsia tubulosa uses a jetting type of propulsion, emitting a single, strong, fast-moving vortex ring during each swimming cycle while a secondary vortex of opposite rotation remains trapped within the subumbrellar region. The ejected vortex is highly energetic and moves away from the hydromedusa very rapidly. Conversely, A. victoria, a paddling type hydromedusa, is found to draw fluid from the upper bell surface and eject this fluid in pairs of counter-rotating,slow-moving vortices near the bell margins. Unlike S. tubulosa, both vortices are ejected during the swimming cycle of A. victoria and linger in the tentacle region. In fact, we find that A. victoria and S. tubulosa swim with Strouhal numbers of 1.1 and 0.1, respectively. This means that vortices produced by A. victoria remain in the tentacle region roughly 10 times as long as those produced by S. tubulosa, which presents an excellent feeding opportunity during swimming for A. victoria. Finally, we examine the pressure on the interior bell surface of both hydromedusae and the velocity profile in the wake. We find that S. tubulosa produces very uniform pressure on the interior of the bell as well as a very uniform jet velocity across the velar opening. This type of swimming can be well approximated by a slug model, but A. victoria creates more complicated pressure and velocity profiles. We are also able to estimate the power output of S. tubulosa and find good agreement with other hydromedusan power outputs. All results are based on numerical simulations of the swimming jellyfish.
Song competition changes the brain and behavior of a male songbird
Authors: Sockman Keith W. , Salvante Katrina G. , Racke Danielle M. , Campbell C. Ryan , Whitman Buddy A. 
Published: July 2009

SUMMARYMales should adjust their behavior and its neural substrates according to the quality of competition that they assess by eavesdropping on other males'courtship signals. In European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), females base mate choice, in part, on aspects of male song associated with its length,which positively correlates with the males' reproductive success,immunocompetence, age and ability to repel competing males. To determine how variation in the quality of male courtship song affects the brain and behavior of incidental male receivers, we exposed adult male starlings to either long or short songs periodically over 7 days, followed by 1 day of no song. We found no difference between groups in the length (i.e. quality) of songs that subjects produced during the experiment. However, compared with males exposed to short songs, those exposed to long songs sang more songs, exhibited more non-singing activity and, by the end of the experiment, weighed less and had a 30% larger robust nucleus of the arcopallium (RA), a forebrain nucleus that translates pre-motor signals into the appropriate combination of respiratory and syringeal activity. The change in RA volume was not entirely due to variation in song output, suggesting, for the first time, the possibility of acoustically driven plasticity in this motor nucleus. We hypothesize that such neuroplasticity helps prepare the individual for future song output tailored to the prevailing competitive environment.
The role of multiple pheromones in food recruitment by ants
Authors: Dussutour A. , Nicolis S. C. , Shephard G. , Beekman M. , Sumpter D. J. T. 
Published: July 2009

SUMMARY
In this paper we investigate the foraging activity of an invasive ant species, the big headed ant Pheidole megacephala. We establish that the ants' behavior is consistent with the use of two different pheromone signals, both of which recruit nestmates. Our experiments suggest that during exploration the ants deposit a long-lasting pheromone that elicits a weak recruitment of nestmates, while when exploiting food the ants deposit a shorter lasting pheromone eliciting a much stronger recruitment. We further investigate experimentally the role of these pheromones under both static and dynamic conditions and develop a mathematical model based on the hypothesis that exploration locally enhances exploitation, while exploitation locally suppresses exploration. The model and the experiments indicate that exploratory pheromone allows the colony to more quickly mobilize foragers when food is discovered. Furthermore, the combination of two pheromones allows colonies to track changing foraging conditions more effectively than would a single pheromone. In addition to the already known causes for the ecological success of invasive ant species, our study suggests that their opportunistic strategy of rapid food discovery and ability to react to changes in the environment may have strongly contributed to their dominance over native species.
CFTR Cl– channel functional regulation by phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase at tyrosine 407 in osmosensitive ion transporting mitochondria rich cells of euryhaline killifish
Authors: Marshall William S. , Watters Kaitlyn D. , Hovdestad Leah R. , Cozzi Regina R. F. , Katoh Fumi 
Published: July 2009

SUMMARY
Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) anion channels are the regulated exit pathway in Cl– secretion by teleost mitochondria rich salt secreting (MR) cells of the gill and opercular epithelia of euryhaline teleosts. By confocal light immunocytochemistry,immunogold transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and co-immunoprecipitation,using regular and phospho-antibodies directed against conserved sites, we found that killifish CFTR (kfCFTR) and the tyrosine kinase focal adhesion kinase (FAK) phosphorylated at Y407 (FAK pY407) are colocalized in the apical membrane and in subjacent membrane vesicles of MR cells. We showed previously that basolateral FAK pY407, unlike other FAK phosphorylation sites, is osmosensitive and dephosphorylates during hypotonic shock of epithelial cells(Marshall et al., 2008). In the present study, we found that hypotonic shock and theα 2-adrenergic agonist clonidine (neither of which affects cAMP levels) rapidly and reversibly inhibit Cl– secretion by isolated opercular membranes, simultaneous with dephosphorylation of FAK pY407, located in the apical membrane. FAK pY407 is rephosphorylated and Cl– secretion rapidly restored by hypertonic shock as well as by forskolin and isoproterenol, which operate via cAMP and protein kinase A. We conclude that hormone mediated, cAMP dependent and osmotically mediated, cAMP independent pathways converge on a mechanism to activate CFTR and Cl– secretion, possibly through tyrosine phosphorylation of CFTR by FAK.
Behavioural and physiological state dependency of host seeking in the blood-sucking insectRhodnius prolixus
Authors: Bodin Aurélie , Vinauger Clément , Lazzari Claudio R. 
Published: July 2009

SUMMARYVertebrate blood is essential for the growth and the reproduction of haematophagous insects. Provided that hosts play the double role of food sources and predators, feeding on their blood exposes these insects to a high predation risk. Therefore, it is expected that host seeking occurs only when insects need to feed. In the present study, we analyse how the feeding status affects the response to host-associated cues in the blood-sucking insect Rhodnius prolixus. We show that the responsiveness to host-associated cues, such as CO2 and heat, and that the motivation to feed depend on the time elapsed since a blood meal. Depending on the time elapsed after feeding, the same concentration of CO2 may attract or repel the insects. As far as we know, this is the first time that a host signal has been shown to be repellent for a haematophagous insect. The response to heat is also modulated but no repellence was observed. When blood was replaced by saline solution as food, a significant reduction of the response to both signals was evinced but repellence was not observed. The injection of haemolymph from fed insects into starved insects inhibited the response of the receiver insects to both signals but this was not observed after the injection of saline solution or of haemolymph from non-fed insects. This is the first time that the modulation of feeding behaviour by the feeding status has been analysed in a hemimetabolous blood-sucking insect, fully excluding any effect of other processes, such as reproduction.
Ecomorphological analysis of aerial performance in a non-specialized lacertid lizard,Holaspis guentheri
Authors: Vanhooydonck Bieke , Meulepas Greet , Herrel Anthony , Boistel Renaud , Tafforeau Paul , Fernandez Vincent , Aerts Peter 
Published: July 2009

SUMMARYControlled aerial descent has evolved at least 30 times independently in different vertebrate and invertebrate lineages. A whole suite of morphological modifications, such as patagia, lateral skin folds and webbed feet, have been suggested to enhance descending ability. In this study, we compare aerial performance (i.e. vertical and horizontal velocity, horizontal distance covered, duration of descent) and morphology (body mass, body width, inter limb distance, surface area and wing loading) among three species of lizards,representing a range of aerial descenders present within the clade. Our performance measurements show that the lacertid Holaspis guentheriperforms intermediately to the specialized gekkonid Ptychozoon kuhliand the rock-dwelling lizard Podarcis muralis. The small relative body mass of H. guentheri results in a low wing loading similar to that of P. kuhli thus enhancing its aerial performance. Whereas the latter generates great lift forces and is able to cover great horizontal distances, H. guentheri's low wing loading seems to be responsible for a slow descent and low impact forces upon landing. Our results show that very small morphological changes may result in noticeable and ecologically relevant changes in performance.
Thermodynamic modelling predicts energetic bottleneck for seabirds wintering in the northwest Atlantic
Authors: Fort Jérôme , Porter Warren P. , Grémillet David 
Published: July 2009

SUMMARYStudying the energetics of marine top predators such as seabirds is essential to understand processes underlying adult winter survival and its impact on population dynamics. Winter survival is believed to be the single most important life-history trait in long-lived species but its determinants are largely unknown. Seabirds are inaccessible during this season, so conventional metabolic studies are extremely challenging and new approaches are needed. This paper describes and uses a state-of-the-art mechanistic model, Niche Mapper™, to predict energy expenditure and food requirements of the two main seabird species wintering in the northwest Atlantic. We found that energy demand increased throughout the winter phase in both species. Across this period, mean estimated daily energy requirements were 1306 kJ day–1 for Brünnich's guillemots (Uria lomvia) and 430 kJ day–1 for little auks (Alle alle) wintering off Greenland and Newfoundland. Mean estimated daily food requirements were 547 g wet food day–1 for Brünnich's guillemots, and 289 g wet food day–1 for little auks. For both species and both wintering sites, our model predicts a sharp increase in energy expenditure between November and December, primarily driven by climatic factors such as air temperature and wind speed. These findings strongly suggest the existence of an energetic bottleneck for North Atlantic seabirds towards the end of the year, a challenging energetic phase which might explain recurrent events of winter mass-mortality, so called `seabird winter wrecks'. Our study therefore emphasizes the relevance of thermodynamics/biophysical modelling for investigating the energy balance of wintering marine top predators and its interplay with survival and population dynamics in the context of global change.
Assessment of Monoclonal Gammopathies by Nephelometric Measurement of Individual Immunoglobulin κ/λ Ratios
Authors: Bradwell Arthur R , Harding Stephen J , Fourrier Nicolas J , Wallis Gregg L F , Drayson Mark T , Carr-Smith Hugh D , Mead Graham P 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackground: Currently, monoclonal immunoglobulins are identified and quantified from bands on electrophoretic gels. As an alternative, clonality might be determined by measuring the separate light chain types of each Ig class to allow numerical assessment of Ig′κ/Ig′λ ratios, analogous to free light chain κ/λ ratios.Methods: Using immunization, tolerization, and adsorption procedures, we prepared sheep antibodies against each of the 6 separate molecules, IgGκ, IgGλ, IgAκ, IgAλ, IgMκ, and IgMλ. Antibody targets comprised the junctional epitopes between the heavy chain and light chain domains. After purification, we assessed the antisera on a Siemens Dade-Behring BN™ II nephelometer for analytical quality and clinical utility.Results: High-avidity, specific antibodies allowed the production of automated nephelometric immunoassays for each Ig light chain type. Laboratory comparison with serum protein electrophoresis, using dilution experiments, showed lower analytical sensitivity for monoclonal IgG detection but similar or greater sensitivity for IgA and IgM, particularly when the monoclonal bands overlaid transferrin. Results obtained from typing of monoclonal proteins into IgG, A, or M types were comparable with results obtained by immunofixation-electrophoresis methods. Initial clinical studies, in multiple myeloma patients, indicated that Ig′κ/Ig′λ ratios were sometimes more sensitive than immunofixation electrophoresis, provided numerical results, and correlated with changes in disease.Conclusions: Immunoassays for intact Ig κ/λ pairs are possible and should assist in the management of patients with monoclonal gammopathies.
Monomeric C-Reactive Protein Decreases Acetylated LDL Uptake in Human Endothelial Cells
Authors: Schwedler Susanne B , Hansen-Hagge Thomas , Reichert Matthias , Schmiedeke Daniel , Schneider Reinhard , Galle Jan , Potempa Lawrence A , Wanner Christoph , Filep János G 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackground: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a risk marker for cardiovascular disease and has been implicated in atherogenesis. In atherosclerotic plaques, it colocalizes with oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and promotes oxLDL uptake by macrophages, suggesting an important cross-talk between CRP and lipid processing. A growing body of evidence indicates the existence of distinct configurations of human CRP, native pentameric (nCRP) and structurally modified monomeric (mCRP), that elicit opposing bioactivities in vitro and in vivo. Here, we tested the impact of mCRP and nCRP on the uptake of acetylated LDL (acLDL), which is internalized by receptors similar to those of oxLDL in human endothelial cells.Methods: We cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) for 8 h with mCRP or nCRP (10–100 mg/L) and measured the uptake of acLDL (10–100 mg/L) over a 20-h period by FACS analysis. To assess the receptors involved, we used function-blocking antibodies against Fc γ receptor CD16 (FcγRIII) and CD32 (FcγRII), and RT-PCR analysis of CD16, CD32, and the receptor for oxidized LDL (LOX-1). Uptake of acLDL and CRP isoforms was visualized by immunofluorescence.Results: Culture of HUVECs with mCRP, but not nCRP, decreased uptake of acLDL, which was not prevented by anti-CD16 or anti-CD32 antibodies. LOX-1, CD16, and CD32 were undetectable by RT-PCR. Immunofluorescence showed decreased cytoplasmic acLDL staining in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with mCRP, but not with nCRP.Conclusions: Monomeric CRP, but not nCRP, decreased acLDL uptake in human endothelial cells independent of CD16, CD32, or LOX-1. Our data support a protective role of mCRP in cardiovascular disease.
Proficiency Testing of Hb A1c: A 4-Year Experience in Taiwan and the Asian Pacific Region
Authors: Shiesh Shu-Chu , Wiedmeyer Hsiao-Mei , Kao Jau-Tsuen , Vasikaran Samuel D , Lopez Joseph B ,   the Laboratory Management Committee for the Asian-Pacific Federation of Clinical Biochemistry
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Background: The correlation between hemoglobin A1c (Hb A1c) and risk for complications in diabetic patients heightens the need to measure Hb A1c with accuracy. We evaluated the current performance for measuring Hb A1c in the Asian and Pacific region by examining data submitted by laboratories participating in the Taiwan proficiency-testing program.
Methods: Five fresh-pooled blood samples were sent to participating laboratories twice each year. The results were evaluated against target values assigned by the National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program network laboratories; a passing criterion of ±7% of the target value was used. Measurement uncertainty at Hb A1c concentrations of 7.0% and 8.0% were determined.
Results: A total of 276 laboratories from 11 countries took part in the Hb A1c survey. At the Hb A1c concentrations tested method-specific interlaboratory imprecision (CVs) were 1.1%–13.9% in 2005, 1.3%–10.1% in 2006, 1.2%–8.2% in 2007, and 1.1%–6.1% in 2008. Differences between target values and median values from the commonly used methods ranged from −0.24% to 0.22% Hb A1c in 2008. In 2005 83% of laboratories passed the survey, and in 2008 93% passed. At 7.0% Hb A1c, measurement uncertainty was on average 0.49% Hb A1c.
Conclusions: The use of accuracy-based proficiency testing with stringent quality criteria has improved the performance of Hb A1c testing in the Asian and Pacific laboratories during the 4 years of assessment.
Investigation on the Bulk Performance and Microstructure of Emulsion-Based, Cold In-Place Recycling Mixtures
Authors: Yan Jinhai , Ni Fujian , Jia Jonathan , Tao Zhuohui 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Cold in-place recycling (CIR) using asphalt emulsion is a cost-effective method for the preventive and corrective maintenance of existing pavements. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the recycling mixture’s macroscopic performance and to analyze the microstructure of the mastics using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The overall performance of the recycling material was evaluated for retained stability, immersed freeze-thaw indirect tension tests, and rut testing. Additionally, the surface micro-profiles of three mastic classes were analyzed using SEM. The results of the bulk property analyses indicated that the addition of cement improved the performance of the recycling mixtures. The SEM analyses showed that cement has an effect similar to fiber-reinforcement in cement-treated asphalt emulsion CIR mixtures. Further, the results indicated that the mechanism of cement action is consistent with the results of the overall mixture performance properties.
Comparison of Performance of Asphalt Mixtures Containing Polymer Modifiers
Authors: Behbahani Hamid , Ziari Hassan , Fazaeli Hassan , Rahmani Jafar 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the properties of control and modified asphalt mixtures. Two polymers such as styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) were used as modifiers, and mixes with different percentages of polymers were prepared by mixing with 60/70 penetration grade unmodified bitumen. Marshall samples were prepared using the modified and unmodified binders and the effect of SBS and EVA on the mechanical properties of the hot mix asphalt has been determined in terms of stability, flow, indirect tensile strength, and rutting resistance. Test results indicated that the polymer modification improved the conventional properties such as penetration, softening point, and temperature susceptibility. It was also conducted that the stability values related to SBS modified specimens increased with an increase in SBS content compared to the control specimens. While, the stability values for EVA modified specimens are smaller than the stability values of the control specimens. Finally, it was observed that the rutting resistance of the modified mixtures for both of polymer modified binders were higher than the control mixtures
On-Line Oil and Grease Monitoring is Instrumental in Short-Time Recovery of Upset Conditions in Produced Water
Authors: Saujon Ralph L. , Sevin Bob J. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
On-line oil and grease monitoring affords the producer the ability to evaluate equipment and chemical performance in real time. Old methods of collecting and analyzing discrete samples to determine the effectiveness of equipment and chemical programs in produced water being discharged in the Gulf of Mexico may not be suitable in the future. Water moves so rapidly that in many cases, an upset condition can occur undetected for extended periods even while samples are being run periodically. On-line oil and grease monitoring alone will not prevent upset conditions; however, it will alert the producer and allow a prompt response.
This paper deals with a case history of on-line monitoring for a period of 14 months on a platform in the South Timbalier area of the Gulf of Mexico. Using on-line monitoring and current SCADA systems, trending data representing oil ppm versus time can be displayed. By monitoring and evaluating on-line trending data, the root cause of upset conditions can be determined. Data shows that for each upset condition, an identifiable symptom was apparent; therefore, troubleshooting guidelines could be established for this site.
This case history demonstrates the effectiveness, reliability and accuracy of on-line monitoring in the Gulf of Mexico. On-line monitors aid in evaluating equipment, reducing down time, saving manpower, optimizing chemical programs, and minimizing non-compliance time. The case history shows how a useful correlation between EPA methods of oil and grease measurement and on-line monitoring can be derived.
Women Cabinet Ministers and Female‐Friendly Social Policy
Authors: Atchison Amy , Down Ian 
Published: July 2009

AbstractA growing literature indicates that the representation of women in legislatures is positively associated with the passage of female‐friendly social policy. However, there is little corresponding research concerning the effect of women in cabinet on female‐friendly social policy. Yet, almost all advanced industrial democracies are parliamentary democracies, where policies typically originate within the cabinet and governments typically enjoy substantial control over the legislative process. Thus, to the extent that women promote female‐friendly policy, women in cabinet positions should be ideally placed to do so, and indeed, possibly be more influential than women in legislatures. We find significant support for this argument in analyses of state guaranteed leave entitlement, in eighteen parliamentary democracies from 1980‐2003.
The Economics of Medicaid Dental Care: How Global Budget Methods Affect Reimbursement
Authors: Squillace Joseph 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe primary factor in level of participation by dentists in Medicaid and State Children's Health Insurance (SCHIP) programs is the level of reimbursement received. The purpose of this article is to describe how the use of the global budget method used by managed care vendors, or their subcontractors, discourages dentists from participating in Medicaid/SCHIP programs, ultimately decreasing access to oral health care for the lower‐income populations. The author posits that the global budget method is misapplied to Medicaid/SCHIP systems, and the experience of Missouri is used to demonstrate problems in reimbursement to dental providers.