bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Effluents from a Fisheries Research Station on Stream Water Quality
Authors: Soongsawang Suthira , Boyd Claude E 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Research ponds at the E. W. Shell Fisheries Center usually overflow only following heavy rains in winter and early spring. Water from the ponds continually seeps into the ground (which has a shallow water table), and the ponds are drained annually in the fall for harvest. Drained effluent had the following average composition: pH, 7.18 (range, 6.5–7.7); total nitrogen, 1.21 mg/L (1.05–1.32 mg/L); total phosphorus, 0.64 mg/L (0.52–0.66 mg/L); 5-d biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), 7.7 mg/L (2.1–10.3 mg/L); total suspended solids (TSS), 380 mg/L (61–705 mg/L); turbidity, 367 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU; 152–745 NTU). Compared with the sampling station upstream of the research ponds, the downstream sampling station on Lower Station (LS) Creek had higher average pH and concentrations of total alkalinity, chloride, total nitrogen, and BOD5. The downstream sampling station also had higher concentrations of chloride, TSS, total nitrogen, and BOD5 than four reference streams that did not receive aquaculture effluents. Turbidity and TSS concentration were sometimes higher in LS Creek than is allowable under the Alabama stream classification system. Nevertheless, water quality at the downstream sampling station in LS Creek was better than that in Saugahatchee Creek, into which it discharges. A sedimentation basin installed in the lower reach of LS Creek would lessen TSS concentration and turbidity.
Luminescent isolated diamond particles with controllably embedded silicon-vacancy colour centres
Authors: Grudinkin S A , Feoktistov N A , Medvedev A V , Bogdanov K V , Baranov A V , Vul' A Ya , Golubev V G 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
A technique to fabricate isolated diamond particles with controllably embedded silicon-vacancy (Si-V) colour centres is described. Particle growth and Si doping are performed by microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition (CVD) using silane as a source of impurity atoms. The Si-V centres have a strong narrow-band photoluminescence (PL) at room temperature. The dependence of PL intensity of the 738 nm zero-phonon line (ZPL) on silane concentration in the feed-gas mixture exhibits a pronounced maximum. A comparison of the PL and Raman spectra shows that there is an evident correlation between the ZPL intensity and the presence of structural defects and nondiamond carbon phases that act as nonradiative recombination centres suppressing radiative recombination. The results open the door for using the powerful CVD technique for large-scale production of photostable near-infrared single-photon emitters and noncytotoxic biomarkers.
Numerical simulations of a co-harmonic gyrotron
Authors: Constable D A , Ronald K , He W , Phelps A D R , Cross A W , Savilov A V , Bratman V L , Bandurkin I V 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
A co-harmonic gyrotron, operating simultaneously at the second and fourth harmonics of the electron cyclotron frequency, has been successfully modelled with the particle-in-cell code, Magic 3D. Results show excitation of the TE2,2 and TE4,3 waveguide modes, at frequencies of 37.5 GHz and 75 GHz, respectively, consistent with experimental measurements. The total predicted output power was ∼3 kW. Lengthening of the cut-off output taper has demonstrated an improved confinement of the second harmonic signal, facilitating purer output of the fourth harmonic signal. In this enhanced configuration, the predicted output power of the second harmonic was ∼250 W, while the fourth harmonic was ∼15 W. The system demonstrates the potential for selective fourth harmonic generation, for starting currents which are two orders of magnitude lower than would be required for direct excitation.
Breakdown study of dc silicon micro-discharge devices
Authors: Schwaederlé L , Kulsreshath M K , Overzet L J , Lefaucheux P , Tillocher T , Dussart R 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The influence of geometrical and operating parameters on the electrical characteristics of dc microcavity discharges provides insight into their controlling physics. We present here results of such a study on silicon-based microcavity discharge devices carried out in helium at pressure ranging from 100 to 1000 Torr. Different micro-reactor configurations were measured. The differences include isolated single cavities versus arrays of closely spaced cavities, various cavity geometries (un-etched as well as isotropically and anisotropically etched), various dimensions (100 or 150 µm cavity diameter and 0–150 µm depth). The electrode gap was kept constant in all cases at approximately 6 µm. The applied electric field reaches 5 × 107 V m−1 which results in current and power densities up to 2 A cm−2 and 200 kW cm−3, respectively. The number of microcavities and the microcavity depth are shown to be the most important geometrical parameters for predicting breakdown and operation of microcavity devices. The probability of initiatory electron generation which is volume dependent and the electric field strength which is depth dependent are, respectively, considered to be responsible. The cavity shape (isotropic/anisotropic) and diameter had no significant influence. The number of micro-discharges that could be ignited depends on the rate of voltage rise and pressure. Larger numbers ignite at lower frequency and pressure. In addition, the voltage polarity has the largest influence on the electrical characteristics of the micro-discharge of all parameters, which is due to both the asymmetric role of electrodes as electron emitter and the non-uniformity of the electric field resulting in different ionization efficiencies. The qualitative shape of all breakdown voltage versus pressure curves can be explained in terms of the distance over which the discharge breakdown effectively occurs as long as one understand that this distance can depend on pressure.
Retinal pigment epithelial cells use a MerTK‐dependent mechanism to limit the phagocytic particle binding activity of αvβ5 integrin
Authors: Nandrot Emeline F. , Silva Kathryn E. , Scelfo Christina , Finnemann Silvia C. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground informationαvβ5 integrin and Mer tyrosine kinase (MerTK) receptors reside at the apical surface of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the eye to promote the diurnal, synchronised phagocytosis of shed photoreceptor outer segment fragments (POS) that is critical for vision. Phagocytosis assays studying RPE cells in culture have defined roles for αvβ5 in POS surface binding and for MerTK in engulfment of bound POS. Both receptors have thus far only been studied separately. It is therefore unknown if αvβ5 integrin activity in POS binding is independent of the engulfment function of RPE cells. This study investigates how increasing αvβ5 receptor levels affect POS binding and internalisation by wild‐type (wt), αvβ5‐ or MerTK‐deficient RPE.Resultsβ5 integrin–green fluorescent protein (β5–GFP) fusion proteins formed heterodimeric receptors with endogenous αv integrin subunits at the apical surface of mouse or rat RPE cells that co‐immunoprecipitated focal adhesion kinase and redistributed with bound POS such as endogenous αvβ5 receptors. In β5−/− RPE cells, de novo formation of αvβ5–GFP receptors restored POS binding and internalisation up to, but not, above wt POS uptake levels. In wt RPE cells, increasing levels of αvβ5 surface receptors by over‐expressing β5–GFP only moderately stimulated POS binding, even if POS internalisation was inhibited pharmacologically or by lowering incubation temperatures. In contrast, the same increase in αvβ5 receptor levels dramatically enhanced POS binding of RPE cells lacking MerTK. Furthermore, decreasing MerTK expression by RNA interference increased POS binding to endogenous αvβ5 receptors of wt RPE cells.ConclusionsExpressing β5–GFP is sufficient to reverse phagocytic deficiencies of RPE cells derived from β5−/− mice, indicating that these cells do not irreversibly lose other components of the phagocytic machinery. RPE cells expressing the engulfment receptor MerTK control POS binding by limiting activity of endogenous αvβ5 and αvβ5–GFP integrins, although they reside at the apical, phagocytic surface. In contrast, RPE cells permanently or transiently losing MerTK expression lack this regulatory mechanism and bind excess POS via surface αvβ5 receptors. Taken together, these data reveal a novel feedback mechanism that restricts binding of POS to surface αvβ5 integrin receptors in RPE cells.
Specificity of botulinum protease for human VAMP family proteins
Authors: Yamamoto Hideyuki , Ida Tomoaki , Tsutsuki Hiroyasu , Mori Masatoshi , Matsumoto Tomoko , Kohda Tomoko , Mukamoto Masafumi , Goshima Naoki , Kozaki Shunji , Ihara Hideshi 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTThe botulinum neurotoxin light chain (BoNT‐LC) is a zinc‐dependent metalloprotease that cleaves neuronal SNARE proteins such as SNAP‐25, VAMP2, and Syntaxin1. This cleavage interferes with the neurotransmitter release of peripheral neurons and results in flaccid paralysis. SNAP, VAMP, and Syntaxin are representative of large families of proteins that mediate most membrane fusion reactions, as well as both neuronal and non‐neuronal exocytotic events in eukaryotic cells. Neuron‐specific SNARE proteins, which are target substrates of BoNT, have been well studied; however, it is unclear whether other SNARE proteins are also proteolyzed by BoNT. Herein, we define the substrate specificity of BoNT‐LC/B, /D, and /F towards recombinant human VAMP family proteins. We demonstrate that LC/B, /D, and /F are able to cleave VAMP1, 2, and 3, but no other VAMP family proteins. Kinetic analysis revealed that all LC have higher affinity and catalytic activity for the non‐neuronal SNARE isoform VAMP3 than for the neuronal VAMP1 and 2 isoforms. LC/D in particular exhibited extremely low catalytic activity towards VAMP1 relative to other interactions, which we determined through point mutation analysis to be a result of the Ile present at residue 48 of VAMP1. We also identified the VAMP3 cleavage sites to be at the Gln 59‐Phe 60 (LC/B), Lys 42‐Leu 43 (LC/D), and Gln 41‐Lys 42 (LC/F) peptide bonds, which correspond to those of VAMP1 or 2. Understanding the substrate specificity and kinetic characteristics of BoNT towards human SNARE proteins may aid in the development of novel therapeutic uses for BoNT.
Effects of Wnt/β‐catenin signalling on proliferation and differentiation of apical papilla stem cells
Authors: Wang J. , Liu B. , Gu S. , Liang J. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Objectives:  The Wnt signalling pathway has been shown to play an important role in tooth development, however its effects with stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAP) have remained unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine effects of Wnt/β‐catenin on proliferation and differentiation of SCAP in vitro.
Materials and methods:  SCAP were obtained, identified and cultured. Cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mRNA expression of mineralization‐related genes and mineralized nodule formation were measured in presence or absence of various concentrations of lithium chloride.
Results:  MTT assay and flow cytometry demonstrated that Wnt/β‐catenin activity could promote proliferation of SCAP. Real‐time PCR analysis found that Wnt/β‐catenin strongly upregulated expression of dentine sialophosphoprotein, osteocalcin and ALP in SCAP after incubation with mineralization induction medium, while ALP and alizarin red staining indicated that Wnt/β‐catenin enhanced ALP activity and formation of mineralized nodules.
Conclusion:  Our results suggest that canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signalling promotes proliferation and odonto/osteogenic differentiation of SCAP.
Influence of host and environmental factors on wheezing severity in infants: findings from the PARIS birth cohort
Authors: Herr M. , Just J. , Nikasinovic L. , Foucault C. , Le Marec A.‐M. , Giordanella J.‐P. , Momas J. I. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryBackgroundDeterminants of wheezing severity are poorly documented in infants.ObjectivesTo study the determinants of wheezing severity in infants aged 18 months followed‐up in the PARIS (« Pollution and Asthma Risk : an Infant Study ») birth cohort.MethodsData on wheezing disorders, medical visits and medications, as well as biological markers of atopy, were collected during a medical examination at age 18 months. Severe wheeze was defined as wheeze that required inhaled corticosteroid and/or hospital‐based care. Environmental exposures were assessed prospectively with regular questionnaires. Risk factors for wheeze in the first 18 months of life were assessed by multivariate regression models.ResultsParticipation in the medical examination concerned 48.2% of the original cohort. Prevalence of wheeze was 560/1879 (35.7%) and was influenced by male gender, parental history of asthma, siblings, daycare attendance, heavy parental smoking at home, and carpet covered floor in the child's bedroom. Being overweight increased the risk of wheeze by 62% (OR = 1.62, 95%CI 1.13–2.32). In addition, trends towards an increased risk of wheeze were found in infants exposed to daily use of cleaning sprays and to renovation activities. Conversely, the presence of a cat reduced the risk of wheeze (OR = 0.65, 95%CI 0.47–0.89), without any evidence of healthy‐pet keeping effect. Severe wheeze concerned 286 of the wheezers (42.7%). The prevalence of severe wheeze was related to atopy, and risk of severe wheeze was in particular increased in infants having eosinophilia (OR = 1.76, 95%CI 1.21–2.55) or being sensitized to ≥ 2 allergens (OR = 1.88, 95%CI 1.13–3.14).Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceWhilst risk factors for wheeze before 18 months of age are factors related to infections, indoor air pollution, and being overweight, the severity of wheeze is mainly due to the atopic status of the child. We suggest that atopy should be further considered in the assessment of wheezing severity in infants.
Larval fish assemblages in the Taiwan Strait, western North Pacific: linking with monsoon‐driven mesoscale current system
Authors: HSIEH HUNG‐YEN , LO WEN‐TSENG , WU LONG‐JING , LIU DONG‐CHUNG 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThis study, based on samples taken in seven cruises from February 2003 to November 2004, linked larval fish assemblages with mesoscale oceanographic features dominated by the monsoon‐driven current system in the Taiwan Strait. A total of 7753 specimens of larval fish were identified from our samples, belonging to 467 taxa in 112 families and 230 genera. Engraulidae, Myctophidae, Scombridae, Carangidae, and Gobiidae were the five most abundant families. Three larval fish assemblages were distinguished by association respectively with the China Coastal Current, Kuroshio Branch Current, and South China Sea Surface Current, and accordingly designated as the cold‐period northern Taiwan Strait (CNTS), southern Taiwan Strait (STS), and warm‐period northern Taiwan Strait (WNTS) assemblages. The composition of larval fish differed significantly between assemblages, with the CNTS being the most dissimilar assemblage, probably due to the presence of neritic/oceanic taxa in the STS and WNTS and primarily neritic‐associated taxa in the CNTS. The alternate intrusions of currents in the Taiwan Strait driven by seasonal monsoons play a pivotal role in the dispersal and community structure of larval fish. In addition, winter front turbulence and local topographic upwelling contributed to the increase in biological production; consequently resulting in high chlorophyll a concentrations and zooplankton biomass to provide abundant food for the survival of larval fish. The high correlation between the environmental variables and the larval fish assemblages offers the possibility to use the assemblages as indicators of the surface circulation in the Taiwan Strait and thereby improve our understanding of the ecosystems.
Demystifying moderators and mediators in intellectual and developmental disabilities research: a primer and review of the literature
Authors: Farmer C. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground  Intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) researchers have been relatively slow to adopt the search for moderators and mediators, although these variables are key in understanding how and why relationships exist between variables. Although the traditional method of causal steps is useful for describing and understanding moderators and mediators, it is not sufficient for statistical analysis.Methods  The theoretical and statistical processes of evaluating moderators and mediators are explained in terms familiar to IDD psychologists, using examples from IDD literature. Moderator and mediator analyses in five leading IDD journals are assessed for patterns of usage.Results  Although the number of publications in the past decade exceeds previous years, the field is still behind others in both the quantity and quality of the use of moderators and mediators.Conclusion  The field as a whole will advance if the recent theoretical and technical advances outlined in this paper are employed.
Interactional patterns between staff and clients with borderline to mild intellectual disabilities
Authors: Reuzel E. , Embregts P. J. C. M. , Bosman A. M. T. , van Nieuwenhuijzen M. , Jahoda A. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground  Client‐centred models of care imply that clients should have a collaborative relationship with staff providing support. This study investigates whether dialogues between staff and clients in naturally occurring contexts reflect this collaborative ideal.Methods  Nineteen staff members video recorded a social interaction with one of their clients. The topic of the interaction concerned an aspect of their support needs. The recordings were transcribed and analysed using the Initiative Response Analysis designed by Linell et al.Results  Staff were more dominant than clients, albeit the level of asymmetry in the dialogues was relatively small. However, a different pattern of turns was used by staff and clients. Staff asked more direct questions and sometimes neglected meaningful client contributions. Clients, on the other hand, provided more extended turns in response to staff members' questions, thereby helping to maintain the dialogue. However, in a notable minority of communicative turns, the clients failed to link with the staff member's contribution.Conclusions  The interactional patterns found in this study suggest that staff and clients can face difficulties establishing collaborative dialogues on shared topics. Future research should take account of what staff and clients want to achieve in dialogues, along with the nature of their non‐verbal communication.
Differential gene expression of CYP3A isoforms in equine liver and intestines
Authors: TYDÉN E. , LÖFGREN M. , PEGOLO S. , CAPOLONGO F. , TJÄLVE H. , LARSSON P. 
Published: January 2012

Tydén, E., Löfgren, M., Pegolo, S., Capolongo, F., Tjälve, H., Larsson, P. Differential gene expression of CYP3A isoforms in equine liver and intestines. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 35, 588–595.Recently, seven CYP3A isoforms – CYP3A89, CYP3A93, CYP3A94, CYP3A95, CYP3A96, CYP3A97 and CYP129 – have been isolated from the horse genome. In this study, we have examined the hepatic and intestinal gene expression of these CYP3A isoforms using TaqMan probes. We have also studied the enzyme activity using luciferin‐isopropyl acetal (LIPA) as a substrate. The results show a differential gene expression of the CYP3A isoforms in the liver and intestines in horses. In the liver, CYP3A89, CYP3A94, CYP3A96 and CYP3A97 were highly expressed, while in the intestine there were only two dominating isoforms, CYP3A93 and CYP3A96. The isoform CYP3A129 was not detected in the liver or the intestine, although this gene consists of a complete set of exons and should therefore code for a functional protein. It is possible that this gene is expressed in tissues other than the liver and intestines. In the intestine, both CYP3A96 and CYP3A93 showed the highest gene expression in the duodenum and the proximal parts of the jejunum. This correlated with a high protein expression in these tissues. Studies of the enzyme activity showed the same Km for the LIPA substrate in the liver and the intestine, while the maximum velocity (Vmax) in the liver was higher than in the intestine. Our finding of a differential gene expression of the CYP3A isoforms in the liver and the intestines contributes to a better understanding of drug metabolism in horses.
A promiscuous antitoxin of bacteriophage T4 ensures successful viral replication
Authors: Short Francesca L. , Blower Tim R. , Salmond George P. C. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryBacteria are constantly threatened by predation from bacteriophage parasites and, in response, have evolved an array of resistance mechanisms. These resistance mechanisms then place greater selection pressure on the infecting bacteriophages, which develop counter‐strategies in a perpetual ‘arms race’ between virus and host. Toxin–antitoxin (TA) loci are widespread in bacteria and can confer multiple benefits, including resistance to bacteriophages. The study by Otsuka and Yonesaki, published in this issue of Molecular Microbiology, describes a new plasmid‐encoded TA system, lsoAB, which confers resistance to a dmd‐ mutant of bacteriophage T4 through the activity of the LsoA toxin. Infections with wild‐type T4, however, are unaffected as the Dmd protein acts as an alternative antitoxin to LsoA, thus preventing its anti‐bacteriophage activity. Dmd has also been shown to negate the activity of a related toxin, RnlA. This is a striking result indicating that Dmd can act as a promiscuous antitoxin, binding and inhibiting multiple toxin partners, when antitoxin activity is generally considered to be limited to a single cognate toxin. This study is an exciting addition to both the bacteriophage resistance and TA fields, and suggests a greater role for TA system‐based resistance and counter‐resistance in the world's oldest predator‐prey relationship.
Factors related to attitudes toward organ donation after death in the immigrant population in Spain
Authors: López Jorge S. , Valentín María O. , Scandroglio Barbara , Coll Elisabeth , Martín María J. , Sagredo Encarnación , Martínez José M. , Serna Emilio , Matesanz Rafael 
Published: January 2012

López JS, Valentín MO, Scandroglio B, Coll E, Martín MJ, Sagredo E, Martínez JM, Serna E, Matesanz R. Factors related to attitudes toward organ donation after death in the immigrant population in Spain.  Clin Transplant 2012 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01586.x.  © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Considering the relevance of the migratory processes in Western societies, the attitudes toward organ donation after death are analyzed by means of a survey applied to a representative random sample of the resident immigrant population in Spain, comprising 1202 subjects (estimated margin of error of ±2.88%, p = q, p < 0.05). Considered variables were disposition toward own organ donation, disposition toward deceased relatives’ donation in different situations, arguments against donation, socio‐demographic indicators, religious beliefs, social integration, and information about organ donation and transplantation. Predisposition to donate varies strongly across geographical origin and religious beliefs and also shows relationships with additional socio‐demographic, social integration, and informative variables. In turn, the relationship between religious beliefs and attitude toward donation varies as a function of the degree of social integration. In Spain, the immigrant population is a heterogeneous collective that requires differential strategies to promote donation. Such strategies should be aimed at reinforcing the existing positive attitudes of citizens from West Europe and Latin America, and at familiarizing and informing about donation in citizens from the East, and at making specific efforts to break down the cultural and religious barriers toward donation in African citizens, with special emphasis on people of the Muslim faith.