bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hyperthermophilic archaea produce membrane vesicles that can transfer DNA
Authors: Gaudin Marie , Gauliard Emilie , Schouten Stefan , Houel‐Renault Ludivine , Lenormand Pascal , Marguet Evelyne , Forterre Patrick 
Published: May 2012

SummaryThermococcales are hyperthermophilic archaea found in deep‐sea hydrothermal vents. They have been recently reported to produce membrane vesicles (MVs) into their culture medium. Here, we have characterized the mode of production and determined the biochemical composition of MVs from two species of Thermococcales, Thermococcus gammatolerans and Thermococcus kodakaraensis. We observed that MVs are produced by a budding process from the cell membrane reminiscent of ectosome (microparticle) formation in eukaryotes. MVs and cell membranes from the same species have a similar protein and lipid composition, confirming that MVs are produced from cell membranes. The major protein present in cell membranes and MVs of both species is the oligopeptide binding protein OppA. This protein is also abundant in MVs from cells grown in minimal medium, suggesting that OppA could be involved in processes other than peptides scavenging. We have previously shown that MVs from Thermococcales harbour DNA and protect DNA against thermodegradation. Here, we show that T. kodakaraensis cells transformed with the shuttle plasmid pLC70 release MVs harbouring this plasmid. Notably, these MVs can be used to transfer pLC70 into plasmid‐free cells, suggesting that MVs could be involved in DNA transfer between cells at high temperature.
Environmental actinorhodopsin expression revealed by a new in situ filtration and fixation sampler
Authors: Wurzbacher Christian , Salka Ivette , Grossart Hans‐Peter 
Published: May 2012

SummaryFreshwater Actinobacteria are an important and dominant group of bacterioplankton in most temperate freshwater systems. Recently, metagenomic studies discovered rhodopsin‐like protein‐coding sequences present in Actinobacteria which could be a decisive hint for their success in freshwater ecosystems. We analysed the diversity of actinorhodopsin (ActR) in Lake Stechlin (northern Germany) and assessed the actR expression profile during a diurnal cycle. We obtained 85 positive actR clones which could be subsequently grouped to 17 operational taxonomic units assuming a 90% sequence similarity. The phylogenetic analysis points to a close relationship of all obtained sequences to the acI lineage of Actinobacteria, forming six independent clusters. For the first time, we followed in situ transcription of actR in Lake Stechlin revealing a rather constitutive circadian gene expression. For analysing in situ expression patterns of functional genes in aquatic ecosystems, such as actR, we invented a new in situ filtration and fixation sampler (IFFS). The IFFS enables the representative investigation of microbial transcriptomes in any aquatic ecosystem at all water depths. The IFFS sampler is simple and inexpensive, and we provide all engineering plans for an easy rebuild. Consequently, our IFFS is suitable to reliably study expression of any known functional gene of any aquatic microorganism.
Glass Surface Layer Density by Neutron Depth Profiling
Authors: Trivelpiece Cory L. , Petrunis John J. , Pantano Carlo G. , Downing R. Gregory 
Published: May 2012

Several lithium‐disilicate (
Li2O∙2SiO2

) glass samples were synthesized, polished and subjected to static leach tests for varying periods of time in an
HCl
solution (pH 4) at 90°C. The presence of an alteration layer on the leached specimens was independently confirmed using infrared spectroscopy. These samples were then analyzed with neutron depth profiling (NDP), and for all exposure times between 1 and 20 h, a leached layer was detected by NDP. The residual concentration of 6Li in the alteration layer was observed to be approximately 10% of the bulk glass value. The 7.5 h and 17.5 h samples were cross‐sectioned using focused ion beam milling, and the thickness of the alteration layer on the samples was measured directly using scanning electron microscopy to be 9.8 and 22.9 μm, respectively. The areal density of the gel layers — determined by deconvolution of the NDP spectra — was coupled with the SEM measurement to give densities of 1.46 ± 0.08 g/cm3 for the 7.5 h specimen and 1.46 ± 0.05 g/cm3 for the 17.5 h specimen. This preliminary work shows that NDP can be used to determine the average density of gel layers formed owing to leaching of alkali‐silicate glass.
Should the Office of Ombudsman for Democracy Be Created in the Inter‐American System?
Authors: Santistevan de Noriega Jorge 
Published: May 2012

In light of the challenges posed to the Inter‐American Democratic Charter (IADC) since its foundation in 2001, which prompted some circles to refer to this legal instrument as “defunct” or “toothless,” this article advances a concrete proposal—or complementary formula—to strengthen its implementation that has been elaborated by an internal debate among the Friends of the IADC of the Carter Center: the creation of the office of an Ombudsman for Democracy within the framework of the Inter‐American System.The role of the Ombudsman for Democracy will specifically be to enforce observance of the Charter as proposed by the Friends. One of the most interesting aspects of this proposal, if implemented, is that the office would receive communications and complaints not necessarily originating only from governments, but also from other governmental authorities, including not just the central government or civil society institutions, giving a voice in the collective defense of democracy to other branches of government, a historical demand by the people who consider that the collective defense of democracy should not rest only on the executive powers.The article also tries to respond to the question of whether an Ombudsman would erode the good offices of the Secretary General of the OAS.
Evaluation of basal plasma α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone and adrenocorticotrophic hormone concentrations for the diagnosis of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction from a population of aged horses
Authors: MC GOWAN T. W. , PINCHBECK G. P. , MC GOWAN C. M. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryReasons for performing study:The sensitivity and specificity of basal plasma α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) for the diagnosis of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) has not been evaluated in a population‐based study.Objectives:To evaluate basal plasma α‐MSH and ACTH concentrations for the diagnosis of PPID in a population of horses aged ≥15 years.Methods:Owner‐reported data were obtained using a postal questionnaire distributed to an equestrian group. A subgroup of surveyed owners was visited and veterinary examination performed on horses aged ≥15 years. Blood samples were analysed for plasma α‐MSH and ACTH concentrations. Seasonally adjusted cut‐off values for α‐MSH and ACTH concentrations for the diagnosis of PPID were obtained using Youden index values against a clinical gold standard diagnosis (hirsutism plus 3 or more clinical signs of PPID).Results:α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone and ACTH were highly correlated with each other and with clinical and historical indicators of PPID. The increase in both α‐MSH and ACTH with increasing numbers of clinical signs in affected horses supports a spectrum of disease. Both variables were affected by season, with derived cut‐off values being higher in autumn compared with other seasons. Sensitivity and specificity were moderate and good in nonautumn seasons (59 and 93%, respectively) for α‐MSH using a cut‐off of 52.0 pmol/l. Sensitivity and specificity were good in nonautumn seasons (80 and 83%, respectively) for ACTH using a cut‐off of 29.7 pg/ml. For both α‐MSH and ACTH, sensitivity and specificity were close to 100% for samples obtained during the autumn period.Conclusions and potential relevance:Basal plasma α‐MSH and ACTH had moderate‐to‐good sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of PPID, which improved substantially during the autumn period, suggesting this may be the ideal time to test. Further studies to develop seasonally adjusted reference intervals for different geographical locations are warranted.
Proximal hindlimb flexion in the horse: Effect on movement symmetry and implications for defining soundness
Authors: Starke S. D. , Willems E. , Head M. , May S. A. , Pfau T. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryReasons for performing the study: Flexion tests are a common tool during the prepurchase and clinical lameness examination, yet studies quantifying the effect of flexion, apart from distal forelimb flexion in sound horses, are sparse.Objectives: To investigate the effect of proximal hindlimb flexion on perceivable and measurable changes in movement symmetry in horses with objective movement symmetry falling within the margins of ‘sound’.Methods: Thirteen horses, selected based on objective movement symmetry, were instrumented with inertial sensors on left and right tuber coxae and over the os sacrum. Vertical movement symmetry was quantified at trot before and after proximal hindlimb flexion, with a repeat of flexion after 5 min. Video recordings of the horses were assessed visually.Results: Proximal hindlimb flexion introduced additive changes in movement symmetry to the individual baseline movement, with a tendency towards smaller effects with increasing stride number. The main systematic effect was a decrease in upward movement of the os sacrum following mid‐stance of the flexed limb and an increase in upward movement following mid‐stance of the nonflexed limb, also manifesting in a ‘hip hike’ of the flexed limb; these findings reflected increased movement asymmetry following flexion. Depending on individual baseline asymmetry, flexion can also increase movement symmetry.Conclusions: Proximal hindlimb flexion can exacerbate subtle asymmetry when performed carefully. Variation in measured symmetry following flexion within and between horses showed that the individual response to flexion is highly variable.Potential relevance: Proximal hindlimb flexion may elevate the asymmetry of a slightly lame limb above the threshold for visibility, thus assisting in the clinical gait examination. Further work is needed to examine the causes for a positive response to flexion and possible differences between sound and lame horses as well as horses of different athletic disciplines.
Reversibility of the effects of GnRH‐vaccination used to suppress reproductive function in mares
Authors: SCHULMAN M. L. , BOTHA A. E. , MUENSCHER S. B. , ANNANDALE C. H. , GUTHRIE A. J. , BERTSCHINGER H. J. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryReasons for performing study: Active immunisation against gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) provides a reversible method for control of oestrous behaviour and fertility in mares. Previous reports failed to demonstrate the interval to resumption of cyclic ovarian activity after GnRH‐vaccination.Hypothesis: Administration of the GnRH‐vaccine Improvac in a large group of mares of various ages will result in effective, reliably reversible suppression of ovarian activity within a 2 year period.Methods: The mares, subdivided into 3 age categories, were vaccinated twice (with a 35 day interval) using 400 µg Improvac and monitored via blood samples until Day 720 after initial vaccination for serum progesterone concentration determination by radioimmune assay and anti‐GnRH antibody titre by enzyme immunoassay. Samples were collected until individuals resumed cyclic ovarian activity.Results: All mares showed suppression of cyclic ovarian activity by clinical examination and serum progesterone concentration (SPC) ≤1 nmol/l by Day 70 and 92.2% resumed cyclic activity by SPC at Day 720 with a mean interval = 417.8 days (s.d. ± 23.9; range 232–488 days, median 344 days). A significant age effect (P = 0.028) on the interval, but not on GnRH‐antibody titre response, was observed between the youngest (≤4 years) and oldest (≥11 years) categories.Conclusions: Immunising adult mares of all ages with Improvac resulted in a reversible suppression of cyclic ovarian activity in most mares. An age effect, with the youngest mares showing a longer interval to reversibility, was observed.
Function of the ramus communicans of the medial and lateral palmar nerves of the horse
Authors: SCHUMACHER J. , TAINTOR J. , SCHUMACHER J. , DEGRAVES F. , SCHRAMME M. , WILHITE R. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryReasons for performing study: The role of the communicating branch between the medial and lateral palmar nerves of horses (i.e. the ramus communicans) in conveying sensory impulses proximally should be determined to avoid errors in interpreting diagnostic anaesthesia of the palmar nerves.Hypothesis: Sensory nerve fibres in the ramus communicans of horses pass proximally from the lateral palmar nerve to merge with the medial palmar nerve, but not vice versa.Objective: To determine the direction of sensory impulses through the ramus communicans between lateral and medial palmar nerves.Methods: Pain in a thoracic foot was created with set‐screw pressure applied to either the medial or lateral aspect of the sole of each forelimb of 6 horses. The palmar nerve on the side of the sole in which pain was created was anaesthetised proximal to the ramus communicans with local anaesthetic. Lameness was evaluated objectively by using a wireless, inertial, sensor‐based, motion analysis system (Lameness Locator). Lameness was also evaluated subjectively by using a graded scoring system. Local anaesthetic was then administered adjacent to the ramus communicans to determine the effect of anaesthesia of the ramus communicans on residual lameness.Results: When pain originated from the medial or the lateral aspect of the sole, anaesthesia of the ipsilateral palmar nerve proximal to the ramus communicans did not entirely resolve lameness. Anaesthesia of the ramus communicans further attenuated or resolved lameness.Conclusions: Sensory fibres pass in both directions in the ramus communicans to connect the medial and lateral palmar nerves.Potential relevance: When administering a low palmar nerve block, both palmar nerves should be anaesthetised distal to the ramus communicans to avoid leaving nondesensitised sensory nerve fibres passing through this neural connection. Alternatively, local anaesthetic could also be deposited adjacent to the ramus communicans when anaesthetising the palmar nerves.
Standards Meetings Calendar–National
Authors: Blaeser Susan B. , Schomer Paul D. 
Published: May 2012

American National Standards (ANSI Standards) developed by Accredited Standards Committees S1, S2, S3, and S12 in the areas of acoustics, mechanical vibration and shock, bioacoustics, and noise, respectively, are published by the Acoustical Society of America (ASA). In addition to these standards, ASA publishes catalogs of Acoustical Standards, both National and International. To receive copies of the latest Standards catalogs, please contact Susan B. Blaeser.
Comments are welcomed on all material in Acoustical Standards News.
This Acoustical Standards News section in JASA, as well as the National and International Catalogs of Acoustical Standards, and other information on the Standards Program of the Acoustical Society of America, are available via the ASA home page: http://acousticalsociety.org.
Lattice dynamics of Ferroelectric TlInS2 crystal
Authors: Allakhverdiev K.R. , Hashimzade F.M. , Huseinova D.A. , Nizametdinova M.A. , Orudzhev G.S. , Ulubey A.M. , Kir M.H. 
Published: May 2012

In this paper we present the results of ab initio first-principle calculations of the lattice dynamics of ternary TlInS2 semiconductor with highly anisotropic crystal structure. Calculations have been performed using the open-source code ABINIT on the basis of density functional theory within the plane-wave pseudopotential approach. The basis of plane waves was truncated at electron kinetic energy of 40 Ha. Integration over the Brillouin zone was carried out using a 2 × 2 × 2 grid. The equilibrium structure was determined by minimizing the total energy with respect to the lattice constants and the internal structural parameters. The results are discussed in terms of previously existing experimental data. It is shown that along the layer, the low-frequency acoustic branch displays the bending wave behavior that is typical for crystals having a layered structure.
Particle–rotor model interpretation of rotational features in 125I
Authors: Zeghib Sadek 
Published: May 2012

Most of the structure of 125I at low and medium energies has been successfully interpreted using a particle–rotor model. Rotational features similar to complete particle–core rotational multiplets have been identified for the first time especially for g7/2, d5/2 proton–particle orbitals. The model calculations show also that the rotational structure of the ΔJ = 1 band build on unusually low-lying g9/2 proton-hole state (9/2+ [404]) is naturally very well predicted and successfully described as well as other rotational features for negative parity states of h11/2 parentage along with the different observed ΔJ = 2 bands. Experimental energies and transition properties of previously observed positive and negative parity states of 125I, have been compared to those predicted by the model calculations considering a moderately deformed rotor.
Noether gauge symmetry approach in Gauss–Bonnet dilatonic theory of gravity
Authors: Hussain Ibrar , Mahomed F.M. 
Published: May 2012

The approach of Noether symmetries with gauge term in the Gauss–Bonnet dilatonic theory of gravity is used for different values of the state parameter, ω, of the background matter. It is found that for ω = –1 (dark energy Universe), ω = 0 (matter-dominated Universe), and ω = 1 (the case of stiff matter), for the existence of Noether gauge symmetries, the potential V([Formula: see text]) and the coupling of the Gauss–Bonnet term with gravity Λ([Formula: see text]) are obtained as exponential functions of the scalar field [Formula: see text]. For the case of arbitrary ω the coupling parameter Λ([Formula: see text]) is found as a linear function of the scalar field [Formula: see text] and the potential is a constant, for the existence of Noether gauge symmetries. Here it is observed that both the potential and coupling parameter depend on the evolutionary history of the Universe.
Power-law entropy-corrected new agegraphic dark energy in Hořava–Lifshitz cosmology
Authors: Karami K. , Sheykhi A. , Jamil M. , Myrzakulov R. , Ghaffari S. , Abdolmaleki A. 
Published: May 2012

We investigate the new agegraphic dark energy (NADE) model with power-law corrected entropy in the framework of Hořava–Lifshitz cosmology. For a nonflat universe containing the interacting power-law entropy-corrected NADE with dark matter, we obtain the differential equation of the evolution of the density parameter as well as the deceleration parameter. To study parametric behavior, we use an interesting form of state parameter as a function of redshift ωΛ(z) = ω0 + ω1z. We find that phantom crossing occurs for the state parameter for a nonzero coupling parameter, thus supporting the interacting dark energy model.
Lines from highly charged tungsten ions observed in the visible region between 340 and 400 nm
Authors: Watanabe Hirofumi , Nakamura Nobuyuki , Kato Daiji , Sakaue Hiroyuki A. , Ohtani Shunsuke 
Published: May 2012

A spectroscopic study of highly charged tungsten ions was performed in the visible region from 340 to 400 nm with an electron beam ion trap (EBIT). The tungsten ions were produced by electron impacts in the EBIT with electrons with energies between 1 and 1.7 keV. Several lines attributed to the tungsten ions W26+ to W33+ were measured.
Social network analysis and mining to support the assessment of on-line student participation
Authors: Rabbany k. Reihaneh , Takaffoli Mansoureh , Zaïane Osmar R. 
Published: May 2012

There is a growing number of courses delivered using elearning environments and their online discussions play an important role in collaborative learning of students. Even in courses with a few number of students, there could be thousands of messages generated in a few months within these forums. Manually evaluating the participation of students in such case is a significant challenge, considering the fact that current e-learning environments do not provide much information regarding the structure of interactions between students. There is a recent line of research on applying social network analysis (SNA) techniques to study these interactions.
Here we propose to exploit SNA techniques, including community mining, in order to discover relevant structures in social networks we generate from student communications but also information networks we produce from the content of the exchanged messages. With visualization of these discovered relevant structures and the automated identification of central and peripheral participants, an instructor is provided with better means to assess participation in the online discussions. We implemented these new ideas in a toolbox, named Meerkat-ED, which automatically discovers relevant network structures, visualizes overall snapshots of interactions between the participants in the discussion forums, and outlines the leader/peripheral students. Moreover, it creates a hierarchical summarization of the discussed topics, which gives the instructor a quick view of what is under discussion. We believe exploiting the mining abilities of this toolbox would facilitate fair evaluation of students' participation in online courses.
Added Value of a Serum Proteomic Signature in the Diagnostic Evaluation of Lung Nodules
Authors: Pecot Chad V. , Li Ming , Zhang Xueqiong J. , Rajanbabu Rama , Calitri Ciara , Bungum Aaron , Jett James R. , Putnam Joe B. , Callaway-Lane Carol , Deppen Steve , Grogan Eric L. , Carbone David P. , Worrell John A. , Moons Karel G.M. , Shyr Yu , Massion Pierre P. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Background: Current management of lung nodules is complicated by nontherapeutic resections and missed chances for cure. We hypothesized that a serum proteomic signature may add diagnostic information beyond that provided by combined clinical and radiographic data.
Methods: Cohort A included 265 and cohort B 114 patients. Using multivariable logistic regression analysis we calculated the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and quantified the added value of a previously described serum proteomic signature beyond clinical and radiographic risk factors for predicting lung cancer using the integration discrimination improvement (IDI) index.
Results: The average computed tomography (CT) measured nodule size in cohorts A and B was 37.83 versus 23.15 mm among patients with lung cancer and 15.82 versus 17.18 mm among those without, respectively. In cohort A, the AUC increased from 0.68 to 0.86 after adding chest CT imaging variables to the clinical results, but the proteomic signature did not provide meaningful added value. In contrast, in cohort B, the AUC improved from 0.46 with clinical data alone to 0.61 when combined with chest CT imaging data and to 0.69 after adding the proteomic signature (IDI of 20% P = 0.0003). In addition, in a subgroup of 100 nodules between 5 and 20 mm in diameter, the proteomic signature added value with an IDI of 15% (P ≤ 0.0001).
Conclusions: The results show that this serum proteomic biomarker signature may add value to the clinical and chest CT evaluation of indeterminate lung nodules.
Impact: This study suggests a possible role of a blood biomarker in the evaluation of indeterminate lung nodules. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(5); 786–92. ©2012 AACR.