bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of three-point finite difference approximations for optical waveguides with step-wise refractive index discontinuities
Authors: Sujecki S. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractA rigorous truncation error analysis of three-point finite difference approximations for optical waveguides with step-wise refractive index discontinuities is given. As the basis for the analysis we use the exact coefficients of the series that expresses the field value at a given finite difference node in terms of the field value and its derivatives at a neighbouring node. This series is applied to develop a rigorous formalism for the truncation error analysis of the three-point finite difference approximations used in the numerical modelling of light propagation in optical waveguides with step-wise discontinuities of the refractive index profile. The results show that the approximations reach O(h2) truncation error only asymptotically for sufficiently small values of the mesh size.
Determination of energy difference and width of minibands in GaAs/AlGaAs superlattices by using Fourier transform photoreflectance and photoluminescence
Authors: Motyka M. , Janiak F. , Misiewicz J. , Wasiak M. , Kosiel K. , Bugajski M. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractIn this work, Fourier transform photoreflectance (in a form of fast differential reflectance spectroscopy) has been used to study the interband optical transitions in molecular beam epitaxially grown GaAs/AlGaAs superlattices. The dependence of the measured features on the growth parameters (QW and barrier widths) has been studied. The minibands widths and energy differences between them have been obtained and matched to these coming from effective mass calculations. In addition, it has been shown that Fourier transform photoluminescence measurement might be used in the far infrared region (up to ∼15 μm) to the direct detection of the energies of intraband transitions between the electron minibands (subbands) in the superlattice and QW system.
Evaluation of vascular trauma after tibial plateau levelling osteotomy with or without gauze protection
Authors: Samii V. , Horodyski M. B. , Pozzi A. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryObjective: To evaluate the integrity of the cranial tibial artery after performing the tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) with or without soft tissue dissection and protection with gauze sponges.Study design: Experimental cadaveric study.Animals: Ten dogs weighing 28 to 35 kg.Methods: Ten pairs of normal pelvic limbs were divided randomly into two groups in which a TPLO was performed with or without soft tissue protection with gauze sponges respectively. Angiography was used to evaluate the integrity of the cranial tibial artery after TPLO in each group. Contrast angiography was performed for each group: 1) before TPLO [Control] 2) after TPLO [Osteotomy] and 3) after intentional laceration of the cranial tibial artery [Arteriotomy]. A ‘yes or no’ was used to score contrast extravasation. The area of extravasated contrast was also calculated on the radiographs. A Mann-Whitney test and an ANOVA with repeated measures were completed to assess the score and the area, respectively, for each of the surgical treatments (Control, Osteotomy, and Arteriotomy) between the conditions of dissection with respect to the cranial tibial artery. A value of p <0.05 was considered significant.Results: The differences between the two groups (with and without protection) for scores and areas of leakage were not significant (p >0.05). However, significant differences were noted between Control and Arteriotomy (p <0.01) and Osteotomy and Arteriotomy (p <0.01), but not between Control and Osteotomy (p >0.05).Conclusions and clinical relevance: A TPLO without protection of the cranial tibial artery can be performed without increased risk of arterial trauma.
Use of an axial pattern skin flap based on the cranial cutaneous branch of the saphenous artery in the dog
Authors: Collins J. E. , Bhandal J. , Degner D. A. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryObjective: To report the use of an axial pattern flap based on the cranial cutaneous branch of the saphenous artery to close a skin defect left on the medial crus after mast cell tumour removal.Case report: A seven-year-old, 32.41 kg, neutered male mixed-breed dog had a mast cell tumour incompletely excised from the left medial crus. The resulting 6 cm linear scar was excised with 2 cm wide margins and one fascial plane for deep margins. An axial pattern skin flap incorporating the cranial cutaneous branch of the saphenous artery was used to close the resultant skin defect.Results: The histopathology report documented clean margins and the flap survived completely. A seroma developed postoperatively, however it resolved without treatment.Clinical significance: An axial pattern skin flap based on the cranial cutaneous branch of the saphenous artery is a viable option for closing medial crus skin defects in the dog.
Development of new microsatellite markers from Mango (Mangifera indica) and cross‐species amplification
Authors: Ravishankar Kundapura Venkataramana , Mani Bellam Hanumantha‐Reddy , Anand Lalitha , Dinesh Makki Ramachandra 
Published: March 2011

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed and characterized to assess the genetic diversity among mango (Mangifera indica) cultivars and to test their amplification in closely related species.• Methods and Results: Thirty‐six microsatellite (simple sequence repeats; SSR) loci were isolated by a microsatellite‐enriched partial genomic library method. Primers designed for these loci were characterized using 30 diverse mango cultivars. The number of alleles ranged from 3 to 19 with an average of 9.2 alleles per locus. Polymorphic information content values ranged from 0.185 to 0.920 with a mean of 0.687. The total value for the probability of identity was 2.42 × 10−31.• Conclusions: The newly identified SSRs would be useful in genetic diversity studies, finger‐printing, and mapping. Loci from five related species, M. odorata, M. anadamanica, M. zeylanica, M. camptosperma, and M. griffithii, were successfully amplified using these SSR primers, showing their potential utility across species.
Leaf abscission in Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) is due to loss of highly de‐esterified homogalacturonans in the middle lamellae
Authors: Bowling Andrew J. , Vaughn Kevin C. 
Published: March 2011

• Premise of study: Abscission zones (AZ) are sites where leaves and other organs are shed. Investigating the AZ by classical biochemical techniques is difficult due to its small size and because the surrounding tissue is not involved in abscission. The goals of this study were to determine whether AZ cell walls are chemically unique from the other cells of the petiole, perhaps making them more susceptible to enzymatic degradation during abscission and to identify which cell wall polysaccharides are degraded during abscission.• Methods: A battery of antibodies that recognize a large number of cell wall polysaccharide and glycoprotein epitopes was used to probe sections of the Impatiens leaf AZ at several time points in the abscission process.• Key results: Prior to abscission, the walls of the AZ cells were found to be similar in composition to the walls of the cells both proximal and distal to the AZ. Of all the epitopes monitored, only the highly de‐esterified homogalacturonans (HG) of the middle lamellae were found to be reduced post‐abscission and only at the plane of separation. More highly esterified homogalacturonans, as well as other pectin and xyloglucan epitopes were not affected. Furthermore, cellulose, as detected by an endoglucanase‐gold probe and cellulose‐binding module staining, was unaffected, even on the walls of the cells facing the separation site.• Conclusions: In the leaf abscission zone of Impatiens, wall alterations during abscission are strictly limited to the plane of separation and involve only the loss of highly de‐esterified pectins from the middle lamellae.
Microsatellite markers in the Australian desert plant, Solanum centrale (Solanaceae)
Authors: Waycott Michelle , Jones Brendan L. , Van Dijk Jent Kornelis , Robson Heather L. A. , Calladine Ainsley 
Published: March 2011

• Premise of the study: The first microsatellite primers were developed for Solanum centrale, a native Australian species used in the bush foods industry. Existing markers developed for other Solanum species were also amplified.• Methods and Results: Using an enrichment cloning protocol, seven novel markers were developed, and 48 existing markers from other Solanum species were tested, resulting in the characterization of a set of six highly polymorphic co‐dominant loci for use in S. centrale. Microsatellite screening revealed polyploidy. Among the six highly polymorphic loci, allelic diversity ranged from 7 to 14.• Conclusions: These markers will be useful for investigating genetic diversity and as a simple way of estimating ploidy of wild populations.
Ulmus americana (Ulmaceae) is a polyploid complex
Authors: Whittemore Alan T. , Olsen Richard T. 
Published: March 2011

• Premise of the study: Exotic diseases are threatening many North American tree species, and management of diseases requires understanding the biology of the host as well as the pathogen. Ulmus americana is a widespread dominant tree of eastern North America that has been widely planted as an ornamental and shade tree. Populations of the species have suffered heavy mortality from Dutch elm disease, caused by an introduced fungus. Ulmus americana is generally reported to be tetraploid, but the discovery of triploid trees in cultivation suggested that lower ploidy levels may exist in the wild, so the species was surveyed for nuclear DNA content.• Methods: Ploidy level was estimated by flow cytometry for 81 individuals from wild populations of U. americana from throughout the range of the species and for four cultivated trees of interest.• Key results: Most specimens were tetraploid, as previously reported for the species, but 21% of the wild trees sampled were diploid, a ploidy level not previously confirmed for the species. Tetraploids are found throughout the range of the species. Diploids are most common on the Atlantic coastal plain, Cumberland Plateau, and in southern Ohio, but isolated diploids were also found in central Texas, Oklahoma, and eastern Missouri. Diploids and tetraploids grew in proximity in several areas, but no wild triploids were found in the course of this survey.• Conclusions: The species is genetically heterogeneous, but further research is needed to understand the origin and relations of the different ploidy levels. Understanding the ploidy situation in U. americana will be important in the search for further genotypes that are resistant to Dutch elm disease.
Isolation and characterization of 15 microsatellite markers from the spring orchid (Cymbidium goeringii) (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Huang Jia‐Lin , Zeng Chun‐Xia , Li Hong‐Tao , Yang Jun‐Bo 
Published: March 2011

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed for the important and popular ornamental spring orchid, Cymbidium goeringii, to investigate its genetic diversity and population genetic structure.• Methods and Results: Using the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences Containing (FIASCO) repeats protocol, 15 primer sets were identified in two wild populations. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 5, with a mean of 3.3. The observed and expected heterozygosities varied from 0.167 to 0.917 and from 0.159 to 0.822, respectively. All these primers successfully amplified in the congener C. tortisepalum, and 12 primers were found useful in C. faberi and C. sinense.• Conclusions: These markers will facilitate further studies on the population genetics of Cymbidium goeringii and other congeneric species.
Pre-Existing Albuminuria Predicts Aids and Non-Aids Mortality in Women Initiating Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Wyatt Christina M , Hoover Donald R , Shi Qiuhu , Tien Phyllis C , Karim Roksana , Cohen Mardge H , Goderre Johanna L , Seaberg Eric C , Lazar Jason , Young Mary A , Klotman Paul E , Anastos Kathryn 
Published: March 2011

Background We previously reported an increased risk of all-cause and AIDS mortality among HIV-infected women with albuminuria (proteinuria or microalbuminuria) enrolled in the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS) prior to the introduction of HAART. Methods The current analysis includes 1,073 WIHS participants who subsequently initiated HAART. Urinalysis for proteinuria and semi-quantitative testing for microalbuminuria from two consecutive study visits prior to HAART initiation were categorized as follows: confirmed proteinuria (both specimens positive for protein), confirmed microalbuminuria (both specimens positive with at least one microalbuminuria), unconfirmed albuminuria (one specimen positive for proteinuria or microalbuminuria), or negative (both specimens negative). Time from HAART initiation to death was modelled using proportional hazards analysis. Results Compared with the reference group of women with two negative specimens, the hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality was significantly increased for women with confirmed microalbuminuria (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2–2.9). Confirmed microalbuminuria was also independently associated with AIDS death (HR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3–4.3), whereas women with confirmed proteinuria were at increased risk for non-AIDS death (HR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2–4.6). Conclusions In women initiating HAART, pre-existing microalbuminuria independently predicted increased AIDS mortality, whereas pre-existing proteinuria predicted increased risk of non-AIDS death. Urine testing may identify HIV-infected individuals at increased risk for mortality even after the initiation of HAART. Future studies should consider whether these widely available tests can identify individuals who would benefit from more aggressive management of HIV infection and comorbid conditions associated with mortality in this population.
Evidence of a Significant Role for Fas-Mediated Apoptosis in HCV Clearance during Pegylated Interferon plus Ribavirin Combination Therapy
Authors: Schiavon Leonardo L , Narciso-Schiavon Janaína L , Carvalho-Filho Roberto J , Sampaio Juliana P , Batah Philipe N El , Silva Genimari A , Carvente Cláudia T , Silva Antonio Eduardo B , Ferraz Maria Lucia G 
Published: March 2011

Background The role of apoptosis in treatment-induced HCV clearance is controversial. We sought to assess the kinetics of serum apoptosis-related cytokines during pegylated interferon-α2a or -α2b plus weight-based ribavirin therapy for genotype 1 chronic HCV infection. Methods Serum levels of soluble Fas (sFas), soluble Fas ligand (sFasL) and soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor I (sTNF-RI) were measured at baseline, week 12 and 24 weeks after the end of therapy. Results Sustained virological response (SVR) was achieved in 46% of the 164 included patients, 29% had a non-response (NR) and 25% had relapse (RR). NR patients presented with higher levels of sFasL at baseline and lower levels of sTNF-RI at week 12 as compared to RR and SVR patients. Lower concentrations of sFas were observed in SVR patients 24 weeks after treatment as compared to RR and NR patients. An increase in sFas at week 12 followed by a significant drop 24 weeks after therapy was observed among SVR patients. An increase in sFasL during and after treatment was observed in RR and SVR patients. NR patients exhibited an earlier drop in sTNF-RI levels as compared to RR and SVR patients. Conclusions Virological response during HCV therapy was associated with an increase of sFas and sFasL, and maintenance of increased concentrations of sTNF-RI.
Rehabilitation Treatment in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis Stabilized with Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitor Therapy. A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: MASIERO STEFANO , BONALDO LARA , PIGATTO MAURIZIA , LO NIGRO ALESSANDRO , RAMONDA ROBERTA , PUNZI LEONARDO 
Published: April 2011

Objective.To assess the 2- (T1) and 6-month (T2) followup effects on pain, spine mobility, physical function, and disability outcome of a rehabilitation intervention in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) stabilized with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor therapy.Methods.Sixty-two outpatients (49 men, 13 women, mean age 47.5 ± 10.6 yrs) were randomized to rehabilitation plus an educational-behavioral (n = 20) program, to an educational-behavioral program only (n = 20), or to a control group (n = 22). The educational-behavioral program included 2 educational meetings and 12 rehabilitation exercise sessions (stretching, strengthening, chest and spine/hip joint flexibility exercises), which patients then performed at home. Outcome assessment at the end of rehabilitation training (T1) and at T2 was based on spinal pain intensity in the previous 4 weeks by self-report visual analog scale (VAS; 100 mm: 0 = no pain, 100 = maximum pain), BASMI, BASFI, BASDAI, and on chest expansion and the active range of motion of the cervical and lumbar spine measured by a pocket goniometer.Results.The 3 groups were comparable at baseline. On intragroup comparison at T1, the rehabilitation group showed significant improvement in the BASMI and BASDAI, in chest expansion, and in most spinal active range of motion measurements. BASFI and cervical and lumbar VAS scores improved in both the rehabilitation and educational-behavioral groups. The positive results achieved in the rehabilitation group were maintained at the 6-month followup.Conclusion.Combining intensive group exercise with an educational-behavioral program can provide promising results in the management of patients with clinically stabilized AS on TNF inhibitor treatment.
A Comparison Between IgG- and IgA-class Antibodies to Cyclic Citrullinated Peptides and to Modified Citrullinated Vimentin in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis and Very Early Arthritis
Authors: SVÄRD ANNA , KASTBOM ALF , SÖDERLIN MARIA K. , RECKNER-OLSSON ÅSA , SKOGH THOMAS 
Published: April 2011

Objective.Because of their slightly higher sensitivity, it has been argued that antibodies to modified citrullinated vimentin (anti-MCV) are superior to antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP), while others claim that anti-CCP is preferable because of higher diagnostic specificity for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We evaluated IgG- and IgA-class anti-MCV and anti-CCP as diagnostic and prognostic markers in early arthritis.Methods.Two Swedish arthritis populations were examined: 215 patients with early RA (≤ 12 months’ duration) from the Swedish TIRA-1 cohort, and 69 patients with very early arthritis (≤ 3 months’ duration) from the Kronoberg Arthritis Incidence cohort, in which 22% were diagnosed with RA. IgG anti-CCP and anti-MCV antibodies were analyzed with commercial kits. These tests were modified for IgA-class antibody detection. Results were related to disease course, smoking habits, and shared epitope status.Results.In the TIRA-1 cohort, occurrence of IgG anti-MCV and IgG anti-CCP showed a 93% overlap, although IgG anti-MCV had higher diagnostic sensitivity. Twenty-four percent tested positive for IgA anti-MCV compared to 29% for IgA anti-CCP. In the Kronoberg Arthritis Incidence cohort, 15% tested positive for IgG anti-MCV and 6% for IgA anti-MCV, compared to 10% positive for IgG anti-CCP and 3% positive for IgA anti-CCP, revealing that anti-CCP had higher diagnostic specificity for RA. As previously reported for IgA anti-CCP, IgA anti-MCV antibodies occurred in a small proportion of high-level IgG antibody-positive sera and were associated with a more aggressive disease course. Smokers were more often positive for antibodies to citrullinated proteins, most strikingly among the patients who were IgA anti-MCV-positive.Conclusion.The occurrences of IgG-class anti-MCV and anti-CCP in early RA largely overlap. The sensitivity of anti-MCV is slightly higher, while the diagnostic specificity is higher for anti-CCP. In both instances a positive test predicts an unfavorable disease course, possibly slightly more so for anti-MCV. Although associated with a more active disease over time, IgA-class anti-CCP or anti-MCV do not add any diagnostic advantage.
Des femmes dans la 2 e division blindée du général Leclerc
Authors: Jauneau Élodie 
Published: March 2011

Résumé	En 1943 à New York, Florence Conrad, une riche américaine soutenue par de puissantes ligues féministes, acquiert plusieurs ambulances plus tard baptisées « Groupe Rochambeau ». Son but est de constituer une unité de conductrices ambulancières et de rallier la France Libre en Afrique du Nord. Après un recrutement de volontaires à New York et au Maroc, l’unité est engagée dans la 2 e Division Blindée du général Leclerc. L’itinéraire des ces femmes en territoire masculin, faisant fi des lois du genre, s’étend sur quatre continents au rythme de la Libération de la France et de la guerre d’Indochine. Cet article propose de mettre en lumière ces pionnières de la féminisation de l’Armée Française. Enrôlées dans une unité de combat, actrices de la Libération, soldates en Indochine, ces femmes, bien que sans armes, n’en sont pas moins des soldates de la première heure. Aux lendemains de ces deux conflits, la question du devenir de ces femmes et de la mémoire de la « patrie reconnaissante » illustre les difficultés que la France a à incorporer dans les rangs de ses héros des héroïnes.
The Novel Neutrophil Differentiation Marker Phosphatidylglucoside Mediates Neutrophil Apoptosis
Authors: Kina Katsunari , Masuda Hiromi , Nakayama Hitoshi , Nagatsuka Yasuko , Nabetani Takuji , Hirabayashi Yoshio , Takahashi Yasue , Shimada Kazunori , Daida Hiroyuki , Ogawa Hideoki , Takamori Kenji , Iwabuchi Kazuhisa 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
A new type of glycolipid, phosphatidylglucoside (PtdGlc), was identified as a component of raft-like membrane domains of the human leukemia cell line HL-60. In this study, we show that PtdGlc forms functional domains that are different from those produced by lactosylceramide (LacCer)-enriched lipid rafts. These rafts initiate neutrophil apoptosis. Neutrophils are the only type of human peripheral blood leukocyte or monocyte-derived dendritic cell to express large amounts of PtdGlc on their cell surfaces. PtdGlc was not colocalized with LacCer. Anti-PtdGlc IgM DIM21 did not induce neutrophil chemotaxis or superoxide generation, whereas anti-LacCer IgM T5A7 induced these activities. DIM21, but not T5A7, significantly induced neutrophil apoptosis. DIM21-induced apoptosis was inhibited by specific inhibitors of cysteine-containing aspartate-specific proteases (caspases)-8, -9, and -3 but not by the Src family kinase inhibitor PP1, PIP3 kinase inhibitor LY294002, NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium, superoxide dismutase, or catalase. PtdGlc was colocalized with Fas on the neutrophil plasma membrane. DIM21 and the agonist anti-Fas Ab DX2 induced the formation of large Fas-colocalized clusters of PtdGlc on the plasma membrane. Furthermore, the antagonistic anti-Fas Ab ZB4 significantly inhibited DIM21-induced neutrophil apoptosis. These results suggest that PtdGlc is specifically expressed on neutrophils and mediates apoptosis of these cells, and that the Fas-associated death signal may be involved in PtdGlc-mediated apoptosis.