bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrafast energy relaxation and anisotropy decay of the librational motion in liquid water: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Yagasaki Takuma , Ono Junichi , Saito Shinji
Published: October 2009

We theoretically investigate intermolecular motions in liquid water in terms of third-order infrared (IR) spectroscopy. We calculate two-dimensional (2D) IR spectra, pump-probe signals, and three-pulse stimulated photon echo signals from the combination of equilibrium and nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. The 2D IR spectra and the three-pulse photon echo peak shift exhibit that the frequency correlation of the librational motion decays with a time scale of 100 fs. The two-color 2D IR spectra and the pump-probe signals reveal that the energy transfer from the librational motion at 700 cm−1 to the low frequency motion below 300 cm−1 occurs with a time scale of 60 fs and the subsequent relaxation to the hot ground state takes place on a 500 fs time scale. The time scale of the anisotropy decay of the librational motion is found to be ∼115 fs. The energy dissipation processes are investigated in detail by using the nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulation, in which an electric field pulse is applied. We show that the fast energy transfer from the librational motion to the low frequency motion is mainly due to the librational-librational energy transfer. We also show that the fast anisotropy decay mainly arises from the rapid intermolecular energy transfer.
Comment on “Comparison of air breakdown and substrate injection as mechanisms to induce dielectric charging in microelectromechanical switches” [Appl. Phys. Lett. 92, 043502 (2008)]
Authors: Olszewski Zbigniew , O’Mahony Conor , Houlihan Ruth , Duane Russell
Published: October 2009

The purpose of this comment is to provide additional insight into the reliability of microelectromechanical capacitive switches (MEMSs) investigated by Molinero and Castañer [Appl. Phys. Lett. 92, 043502 (2008)]. We show that the presence or absence of ambient humidity determines whether the shift in the capacitance-voltage (C-V) curve of oxide-based MEMS occurs as a result of voltage stress. In humid air, negative and positive shifts in the C-V curve are observed after negative and positive bias stress. In dry air no such shifts in the C-V curve are seen. These shifts are similar to those reported on oxide-based switches by Molinero and Castañer [Appl. Phys. Lett. 92, 043502 (2008)] where they show shifts occurring in room ambient pressure, but not in vacuum. This indicates that not only air pressure but also air humidity can be responsible for shifts in MEMS.
Nematic anchoring on carbon nanotubes
Authors: Basu Rajratan , Iannacchione Germano S.
Published: October 2009

A dilute suspension of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in a nematic liquid crystal (LC) does not disturb the LC director. Due to a strong LC-CNT anchoring energy and structural symmetry matching, CNT long axis follows the director field, possessing enhanced dielectric anisotropy of the LC media. This strong anchoring energy stabilizes local pseudonematic domains, resulting in nonzero dielectric anisotropy in the isotropic phase. These anisotropic domains respond to external electric fields and show intrinsic frequency response. The presence of these domains makes the isotropic phase electric field-responsive, giving rise to a large dielectric hysteresis effect.
Controlled generation of resonant electron-electron scattering induced current in quantum well structures
Authors: Coquelin M. , Strasser G. , Gornik E. , Bakshi P. , Ciftan M.
Published: October 2009

Current voltage measurements on samples designed for the resonant excitation of intersubband plasmons are reported. These resonances which represent collective electron-electron scattering processes contribute a significant amount to the total current under controlled bias conditions. Measurements with applied magnetic field give additional evidence for the resonant mechanism when the cyclotron energy (or multiples of it) matches the subband splitting.
The stiffness of a fully stretched polyethylene chain: A Raman jet spectroscopy extrapolation
Authors: Wassermann Tobias N. , Thelemann Jonas , Zielke Philipp , Suhm Martin A.
Published: October 2009

Linear alkanes with n=5–16 C-atoms are partially relaxed into their stretched all-trans conformation by supersonic jet expansion. Their longitudinal acoustic modes are identified by spontaneous Raman scattering and deperturbed from transverse bending mode components and Fermi resonance with combination states of the same symmetry. Comparison with quantum chemical predictions of the longitudinal modes in hydrocarbon chains with up to 54 C-atoms allows for a reliable extrapolation to the limiting product n⋅ν̃n=2310±30 cm−1 for large n, from which the elastic modulus of an ideal polyethylene chain in vacuum may be estimated at 309±8 GPa. Differences to solid state determinations of this quantity are discussed.
Leakage current and reverse-bias luminescence in InGaN-based light-emitting diodes
Authors: Meneghini M. , Trivellin N. , Pavesi M. , Manfredi M. , Zehnder U. , Hahn B. , Meneghesso G. , Zanoni E.
Published: October 2009

This paper reports an electro-optical analysis of the correlation between reverse-bias leakage current and luminescence in light-emitting diodes based on InGaN. The results of the analysis suggest that (i) the main mechanism responsible for leakage current conduction is tunneling, (ii) leakage current is correlated with the presence of reverse-bias luminescence, (iii) leakage current flows through preferential paths, that can be identified by means of emission microscopy, and (iv) reverse-bias luminescence could be ascribed to the recombination of electron-hole pairs in the quantum well region.
Calcium influx is sufficient to induce muscular dystrophy through a TRPC-dependent mechanism
Authors: Millay Douglas P. , Goonasekera Sanjeewa A. , Sargent Michelle A. , Maillet Marjorie , Aronow Bruce J. , Molkentin Jeffery D.
Published: October 2009

Muscular dystrophy is a general term encompassing muscle disorders that cause weakness and wasting, typically leading to premature death. Membrane instability, as a result of a genetic disruption within the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC), is thought to induce myofiber degeneration, although the downstream mechanism whereby membrane fragility leads to disease remains controversial. One potential mechanism that has yet to be definitively proven in vivo is that unregulated calcium influx initiates disease in dystrophic myofibers. Here we demonstrate that calcium itself is sufficient to cause a dystrophic phenotype in skeletal muscle independent of membrane fragility. For example, overexpression of transient receptor potential canonical 3 (TRPC3) and the associated increase in calcium influx resulted in a phenotype of muscular dystrophy nearly identical to that observed in DGC-lacking dystrophic disease models, including a highly similar molecular signature of gene expression changes. Furthermore, transgene-mediated inhibition of TRPC channels in mice dramatically reduced calcium influx and dystrophic disease manifestations associated with the
mdx
mutation (dystrophin gene) and deletion of the δ-sarcoglycan (
Scgd
) gene. These results demonstrate that calcium itself is sufficient to induce muscular dystrophy in vivo, and that TRPC channels are key disease initiators downstream of the unstable membrane that characterizes many types of muscular dystrophy.
Spirituality at work in a changing world: managerial and research implications
Authors: Geh Eugene , Tan Gilbert
Published: October 2009

This paper identifies the seminal works of key theorists in the field of spirituality and traces the development of the key ideas of spirituality at the workplace in relation to their relevance in today's organizational context. We examine how having a healthy orientation towards spirituality
at work can lead to desirable individual and organizational outcomes. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding the rapidly changing workplace and its future directions by first uncovering the rationale behind the evolution of management thought since the introduction of Taylor's scientific
management and then, by examining the various stages of economic development and as well as the assumptions of man at each identified stage. By relating both the evolution of management thoughts with their respective work designs as well as the general economic environment at various stages
of development, the stage is set for the introduction of spirituality at the workplace. The benefits and costs of spirituality at work will be discussed and we will derive insightful suggestions on how to manage spirituality at work across culturally diverse and fast changing environments
from existing research findings and anecdotal evidences reported by experienced practitioners. Finally, this paper will also discuss implications for research on spirituality at work.
Business ethics: perspectives from Judaic, Christian, and Islamic scriptures
Authors: Quddus Munir , Bailey III Henri , White Larry R.
Published: October 2009

There is increased emphasis on ethics in business and the teaching and learning of ethics in business schools. One formative source for ethical understanding is one's religious background and beliefs. Therefore, a highly pertinent question is: What are the teachings of various religions
regarding ethical practices in commercial activities? Within that broad question, a more limited question is: What can we learn from a comparative study of scriptures that will help us improve the teaching, learning, and practice of business ethics? This paper focuses on the scriptures of
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and concludes that within those scriptures there is much in common and relevant in relation to contemporary topics in business ethics. A classroom discussion and dialogue based on these foundations would be helpful to those engaged in the teaching and learning
of business ethics.
Home advantage in football in South‐West Europe: Long‐term trends, regional variation, and team differences
Authors: Pollard Richard , Gómez Miguel A.
Published: October 2009

We examined the trends in home advantage in the professional football leagues of France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal since the start of each league more than 70 years ago. A total of 81,185 games were included, involving 244 different teams. Home advantage was quantified each season for each country as the number of points gained at home expressed as a percentage of all points gained at home and away. Home advantage was generally high in the early years of each league, especially in Spain and Italy (over 70%). There were then considerable fluctuations up to the late 1970s. During this time, home advantage was consistently highest in Spain, which could be explained by greater regional autonomy and more distinct local cultural identity. Since then there has been a major decline in all the countries, especially since the late 1990s. Each country has experienced its lowest ever level (60% or less) during the last four seasons. Possible explanations for this include the effects of changes that have taken place in the rules of football, such as greater use of substitutes and a series of new laws intended to discourage defensive play. In addition, free agency coupled with the rapid commercial development of football has weakened the relationship between players and their home city and fans. There were significant differences between teams within France, Italy, and Portugal (all P < 0.001) but not Spain (P = 0.145). Home advantage was higher for teams from the islands of Corsica and Sicily (P < 0. 001) and to a lesser extent Sardinia (P = 0.095). It was lower in teams that play in the four capital cities and also in Milan, whose two teams share the same stadium. This is consistent with the belief that the territorial feelings fostered in isolated, culturally distinct communities can lead to increased home advantage, while the reverse is the case in large cosmopolitan urban areas.
Golf‐related injuries: A systematic review
Authors: Cabri Jan , Sousa João Paulo , Kots Magdalena , Barreiros João
Published: October 2009

A review was undertaken to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in golf and to stimulate the discussion on possible injury mechanisms. The main conclusion of most published studies is that although professional and amateur golfers show a similar anatomical distribution of injuries by body segment, differences tend to be seen in the ranking of injury occurrence by anatomical site. This could be due to many things, including the player's handicap, age, golf swing biomechanics, and training or playing habits. The impact of golf injuries deserves special attention due to the interaction of the nature of the injury, practice routines, amount of practice, handicap, and frequency of activity. Individual differences and clinical and coaching procedures deserve investigation. Other epidemiological information should be regarded as insufficient with respect to a full understanding of injury mechanisms, which can give us a better insight into the evolutionary nature of the injury. Also, a better understanding of golf swing mechanisms and individual neuromuscular aspects can help explain why some individuals are more injury‐prone than others.
Sodium lactate infusion during a cycling time‐trial does not increase lactate concentration or decrease performance
Authors: Ellis Darren , Simmons Catherine , Miller Benjamin F.
Published: October 2009

The aim of this study was to determine whether an exogenous sodium lactate infusion increases blood lactate concentration and decreases performance during a 20‐km time‐trial. Highly trained male cyclists performed a 20‐km time‐trial with a saline (control) or sodium lactate infusion. Sodium lactate was infused at rates previously observed to raise blood lactate concentration by 2 mmol·l−1 in trained individuals cycling at 65% of maximum oxygen uptake. Blood lactate concentration increased (P≤0.0001) during both the control and sodium lactate trials compared with rest, with peak values of 9.6 and 10.6 mmol·l−1, respectively. The increase in sodium lactate over time was not significantly different from the control (P=0.34). Time to complete the time‐trial and average power for the time‐trial were not significantly different between the control (25.72±0.80 min; 348.0±32.4 W) and sodium lactate trials (25.58±0.93 min; 352.6±39.3 W). In addition, rating of perceived exertion, heart rate, and respiratory parameters did not differ between trials. In conclusion, when exogenous lactate is infused during a 20‐km cycling time‐trial, an exercise bout performed above the maximal lactate steady state, blood lactate concentration did not increase. Furthermore, exogenous lactate infusion did not decrease exercise performance, increase perceived exertion, or change respiratory parameters. Because lactate per se did not change performance outcomes or measured perceived exertion, we suggest that alternative objective measures of exercise intensity and performance be explored.
First-principles study of structural and bonding properties of vanadium carbide and niobium carbide
Authors: Joshi K B , Paliwal U
Published: October 2009

An ab initio linear combination of atomic orbitals method founded on density functional theory is applied to study the structural and bonding properties of vanadium carbide and niobium carbide. We present structural properties, namely, first-principles total energies, equilibrium lattice constants, bulk moduli and their pressure derivatives, together with the x-ray structure factors. Two generalized correction schemes—P86 and PW92—are applied to treat correlation. P86 gives a favourable ground state compared with the PW92. The computed equilibrium lattice constants and bulk moduli of the two compounds are compared with available experimental data. The x-ray structure factors for a few reflection planes are also reported. Comparison with experiment could be done only for niobium carbide. More refined measurements on x-ray structure factors for both compounds are required. We also present the autocorrelation functions derived from the ground-state momentum density. The electronic behaviour and bonding properties are discussed in terms of absolute and anisotropies in the directional autocorrelation functions. Our findings on structural and bonding parameters are well in accordance with the experimental data.
The Nup107-160 Nucleoporin Complex Promotes Mitotic Events via Control of the Localization State of the Chromosome Passenger Complex
Authors: Platani Melpomeni , Santarella-Mellwig Rachel , Posch Markus , Walczak Rudolf , Swedlow Jason R. , Mattaj Iain W.
Published: October 2009

The human Nup107-160 nucleoporin complex plays a major role in formation of the nuclear pore complex and is localized to kinetochores in mitosis. Here we report that Seh1, a component of the Nup107-160 complex, functions in chromosome alignment and segregation by regulating the centromeric localization of Aurora B and other chromosome passenger complex proteins. Localization of CENP-E is not affected by Seh1 depletion and analysis by electron microscopy showed that microtubule kinetochore attachments are intact. Seh1-depleted cells show impaired Aurora B localization, which results in severe defects in biorientation and organization of the spindle midzone and midbody. Our results indicate that a major function of the Nup107 complex in mitosis is to ensure the proper localization of the CPC at the centromere.
Roles of Formin Nodes and Myosin Motor Activity in Mid1p-dependent Contractile-Ring Assembly during Fission Yeast Cytokinesis
Authors: Coffman Valerie C. , Nile Aaron H. , Lee I-Ju , Liu Huayang , Wu Jian-Qiu
Published: October 2009

Two prevailing models have emerged to explain the mechanism of contractile-ring assembly during cytokinesis in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe: the spot/leading cable model and the search, capture, pull, and release (SCPR) model. We tested some of the basic assumptions of the two models. Monte Carlo simulations of the SCPR model require that the formin Cdc12p is present in >30 nodes from which actin filaments are nucleated and captured by myosin-II in neighboring nodes. The force produced by myosin motors pulls the nodes together to form a compact contractile ring. Live microscopy of cells expressing Cdc12p fluorescent fusion proteins shows for the first time that Cdc12p localizes to a broad band of 30–50 dynamic nodes, where actin filaments are nucleated in random directions. The proposed progenitor spot, essential for the spot/leading cable model, usually disappears without nucleating actin filaments. α-Actinin ain1 deletion cells form a normal contractile ring through nodes in the absence of the spot. Myosin motor activity is required to condense the nodes into a contractile ring, based on slower or absent node condensation in myo2-E1 and UCS rng3-65 mutants. Taken together, these data provide strong support for the SCPR model of contractile-ring formation in cytokinesis.
A Novel Mouse HSF3 Has the Potential to Activate Nonclassical Heat-Shock Genes during Heat Shock
Authors: Fujimoto Mitsuaki , Hayashida Naoki , Katoh Takuma , Oshima Kouji , Shinkawa Toyohide , Prakasam Ramachandran , Tan Ke , Inouye Sachiye , Takii Ryosuke , Nakai Akira
Published: October 2009

The heat-shock response is characterized by the expression of a set of classical heat-shock genes, and is regulated by heat-shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) in mammals. However, comprehensive analyses of gene expression have revealed very large numbers of inducible genes in cells exposed to heat shock. It is believed that HSF1 is required for the heat-inducible expression of these genes although HSF2 and HSF4 modulate some of the gene expression. Here, we identified a novel mouse HSF3 (mHSF3) translocated into the nucleus during heat shock. However, mHSF3 did not activate classical heat-shock genes such as Hsp70. Remarkably, overexpression of mHSF3 restored the expression of nonclassical heat-shock genes such as PDZK3 and PROM2 in HSF1-null mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Although down-regulation of mHSF3 expression had no effect on gene expression or cell survival in wild-type MEF cells, it abolished the moderate expression of PDZK3 mRNA and reduced cell survival in HSF1-null MEF cells during heat shock. We propose that mHSF3 represents a unique HSF that has the potential to activate only nonclassical heat-shock genes to protect cells from detrimental stresses.
Role of Rap1B and Tumor Suppressor PTEN in the Negative Regulation of Lysophosphatidic Acid—induced Migration by Isoproterenol in Glioma Cells
Authors: Malchinkhuu Enkhzol , Sato Koichi , Maehama Tomohiko , Ishiuchi Shogo , Yoshimoto Yuhei , Mogi Chihiro , Kimura Takao , Kurose Hitoshi , Tomura Hideaki , Okajima Fumikazu
Published: October 2009

The clarification of mechanisms that negatively regulate the invasive behavior of human glioma cells is of great importance in order to find new methods of treatment. In this study, we have focused on the negative regulation of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)-induced migration in glioma cells. Using small interference RNA and dominant-negative gene strategies in addition to pharmacological tools, we found that isoproterenol (ISO) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) negatively but differently regulate the LPA-induced migration. ISO-induced suppression of the migration of glioma cells occurs via β2-adrenergic receptor/cAMP/Epac/Rap1B/inhibition of Rac, whereas S1P has been shown to suppress the migration of the cells through S1P2receptor/Rho-mediated down-regulation of Rac1. The expression of tumor suppressor phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) is required for the inhibitory ISO-induced and Rap1B-mediated actions on the migration, Rac1 activation, and Akt activation in response to LPA. Thus, the PTEN-mediated down-regulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity may be involved in the regulation of Rap1B-dependent inhibition of Rac1 activity. These findings suggest that there are at least two distinct inhibitory pathways, which are mediated by the S1P2receptor and β2-adrenergic receptor, to control the migratory, hence invasive, behavior of glioma cells.
Receptor Type Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase-Kappa Mediates Cross-Talk between Transforming Growth Factor-Beta and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Signaling Pathways in Human Keratinocytes
Authors: Xu Yiru , Baker Dustin , Quan TaiHao , Baldassare Joseph J. , Voorhees John J. , Fisher Gary J.
Published: October 2009

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathways promote human keratinocyte survival and proliferation. In contrast, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathways are strongly anti-proliferative. Receptor type protein tyrosine phosphatase-kappa (RPTP-κ) specifically dephosphorylates EGFR, thereby blocking EGFR-dependent signaling, and inhibiting proliferation. We report here that RPTP-κ mediates functional integration of EGFR and TGF-β signaling pathways in human keratinocytes. TGF-β up-regulates RPTP-κ mRNA and protein, in a dose and time dependent manner. Induction of RPTP-κ by TGF-β significantly decreases basal and EGF-stimulated EGFR tyrosine phosphorylation. shRNA-mediated reduction of TGF-β–induced RPTP-κ significantly attenuates the ability of TGF-β to inhibit proliferation. RPTP-κ induction is dependent on activation of transcription factors Smad3 and Smad4. Inhibition of TGF-β receptor kinase completely prevents induction of RPTP-κ. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays reveal that TGF-β stimulates Smad3 and Smad4 binding to RPTP-κ gene promoter. Smad3/4 binding is localized to an 186-base pair region, which contains a consensus Smad3-binding element. These data describe a novel mechanism of cross-talk between EGFR and TGF-β pathways, in which RPTP-κ functions to integrate growth-promoting and growth-inhibiting signaling pathways.
Integration of Herbal Medicine in Primary Care in Israel: A Jewish‐Arab Cross‐Cultural Perspective
Authors: Ben-Arye Eran , Lev Efraim , Keshet Yael , Schiff Elad
Published: October 2009

Herbal medicine is a prominent complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modality in Israel based on the country′s natural diversity and impressive cultural mosaic. In this study, we compared cross‐cultural perspectives of patients attending primary care clinics in northern Israel on herbal medicine specifically and CAM generally, and the possibility of integrating them within primary care. Research assistants administered a questionnaire to consecutive patients attending seven primary care clinics. About 2184 of 3713 respondents (59%) defined themselves as Muslims, Christians or Druze (henceforth Arabs) and 1529 (41%) as Jews. Arab respondents reported more use of herbs during the previous year (35 versus 27.8% P = .004) and of more consultations with herbal practitioners (P < .0001). Druze reported the highest rate of herbal consultations (67.9%) and Ashkenazi Jews the lowest rate (45.2%). About 27.5% of respondents supported adding a herbal practitioner to their clinic′s medical team if CAM were to be integrated within primary care. Both Arabs and Jews report considerable usage of herbal medicine, with Arabs using it significantly more. Cross‐cultural perspectives are warranted in the study of herbal medicine use in the Arab and Jewish societies.
Is taking part in clinical trials good for your health? A cohort study
Authors: Clark Andrew L. , Lammiman Michael J. , Goode Kevin , Cleland John G.F.
Published: October 2009

Aims

The prognosis of patients included in clinical trials is often better than might be anticipated from epidemiological data. Patients volunteering to take part in a study might be unrepresentative of the potential treatment population or the trial itself may confer benefit by offering closer supervision.

Methods and results

A total of 2332 consecutive patients (average ± SD age 70.1 ± 10.8; 26% female) who presented to a community heart failure clinic were diagnosed as having heart failure due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction. All patients were asked whether they would be prepared to take part in clinical research projects at their initial visit. During a median follow‐up in survivors of 55.7 months (interquartile range 30.4–74.3), 792 (34%) patients died. Agreeing to take part in clinical trials strongly predicted a good outcome (approximately halving the risk of death). In multivariate modelling, willingness to take part [hazard ratio (95% confidence intervals) 0.33 (0.26–0.40)] was a predictor of good outcome independent of age, severity of left ventricular dysfunction, renal function, sodium levels, drug use, and comorbidities. In a subset in whom N‐terminal pro‐B type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) was available (n = 1256), agreeing to take part in trials remained an independent predictor of survival with log [NT‐proBNP].

Conclusion

Those patients with chronic heart failure who express a willingness to take part in a clinical trial, appear to have a better prognosis than those who do not.
Transplantation with survivin‐engineered mesenchymal stem cells results in better prognosis in a rat model of myocardial infarction
Authors: Fan Lin , Lin Chaogui , Zhuo Shuangmu , Chen Lianglong , Liu Nan , Luo Yukun , Fang Jun , Huang Zhengrong , Lin Yunling , Chen Jianxin
Published: October 2009

Aims

To investigate the effect of survivin (SVV)‐engineered mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on post‐infarction cardiac performance and remodelling in rats.

Methods and results

Mesenchymal stem cells from male Sprague–Dawley rat bone marrow were infected with the self‐inactive lentiviral vector GFP‐wre‐CMV/LTR and Flap‐Ubiqutin promoter (GCFU) carrying green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene and SVV recombinant vector (GCFU‐SVV). In vitro, modification with SVV increased the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by 1.28‐fold under hypoxic conditions. In vivo, after permanent left anterior descending artery occlusion, rats were randomized (n = 18 per group) to receive intra‐myocardial injections of 100 µL of phosphate‐buffered saline without cells (group vehicle) or containing 2 million MSCGFP (group MSCGFP) or MSCSVV (group MSCSVV) cells. Cellular survival assessed by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction for GFP in the MSCSVV group was 2.5‐fold higher at 7 days and 4.3‐fold higher at 28 days after transplantation than in the MSCGFP group. When compared with transplantation with MSCGFP, transplantation with MSCSVV further upregulated VEGF expression at 7 and 28 days after myocardial infarction (MI), increased capillary density by 38%, reduced the infarct size by 12.7%, significantly inhibited collagen deposition, and further improved cardiac function at 28 days after MI.

Conclusion

Transplantation with SVV‐engineered MSCs by lentiviral vector leads to better prognosis for MI by enhancing cellular survival.
Measurements of acoustic scattering from zooplankton and oceanic microstructure using a broadband echosounder
Authors: Lavery Andone C. , Chu Dezhang , Moum James N.
Published: October 2009

Lavery, A. C., Chu, D., and Moum, J. N. 2010. Measurements of acoustic scattering from zooplankton and oceanic microstructure using a broadband echosounder. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 67: 379–394. In principle, measurements of high-frequency acoustic scattering from oceanic microstructure and zooplankton across a broad range of frequencies can reduce the ambiguities typically associated with the interpretation of acoustic scattering at a single frequency or a limited number of discrete narrowband frequencies. With this motivation, a high-frequency broadband scattering system has been developed for investigating zooplankton and microstructure, involving custom modifications of a commercially available system, with almost complete acoustic coverage spanning the frequency range 150–600 kHz. This frequency range spans the Rayleigh-to-geometric scattering transition for some zooplankton, as well as the diffusive roll-off in the spectrum for scattering from turbulent temperature microstructure. The system has been used to measure scattering from zooplankton and microstructure in regions of non-linear internal waves. The broadband capabilities of the system provide a continuous frequency response of the scattering over a wide frequency band, and improved range resolution and signal-to-noise ratios through pulse-compression signal-processing techniques. System specifications and calibration procedures are outlined and the system performance is assessed. The results point to the utility of high-frequency broadband scattering techniques in the detection, classification, and under certain circumstances, quantification of zooplankton and microstructure.
Epifauna associated with an introduced crab in the Barents Sea: a 5-year study
Authors: Dvoretsky Alexander G. , Dvoretsky Vladimir G.
Published: October 2009

Dvoretsky, A. G., and Dvoretsky, V. G. 2010. Epifauna associated with an introduced crab in the Barents Sea: a 5-year study. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 67: 204–214. Species composition, prevalence, intensity, and spatial distribution of macro-invertebrates colonizing the invasive red king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) in a typical bay of the Barents Sea, Dalnezelenetskaya Bay (depths 5–40 m), and adjacent deeper water (120–180 m) were examined in the summers of 2004–2008. In all, 43 associated species were found on the crabs. The most common epibionts were Mytilus edulis (Bivalvia), Obelia spp. (Hydrozoa), and Circeis armoricana (Polychaeta). Symbiotic species included Ischyrocerus commensalis and Ischyrocerus anguipes (Amphipoda), Harmothoe imbricata (Polychaeta), and Johanssonia arctica (Hirudinea). There were no significant differences in the prevalence of infestation between male and female crabs. The prevalence of most of the common species was greater in crabs with old shells than in crabs with new shells. Infestation levels of J. arctica were higher in deeper than in shallow water, and M. edulis was less abundant in deep water. All species found on the crabs appear to be native to the Barents Sea. However, I. commensalis amphipods were not found at the site examined before the introduction of the red king crab, indicating that their distribution may have changed after association with this host species. Introduced hosts may well influence the distribution of rare native species.
Host ant independent oviposition in the parasitic butterfly
Maculinea alcon
Authors: Fürst Matthias A. , Nash David R.
Published: October 2009

Parasitic
Maculinea alcon
butterflies can only develop in nests of a subset of available
Myrmica
ant species, so female butterflies have been hypothesized to preferentially lay eggs on plants close to colonies of the correct host ants. Previous correlational investigations of host-ant-dependent oviposition in this and other
Maculinea
species have, however, shown equivocal results, leading to a long-term controversy over support for this hypothesis. We therefore conducted a controlled field experiment to study the egg-laying behaviour of
M. alcon
. Matched potted
Gentiana
plants were set out close to host-ant nests and non-host-ant nests, and the number and position of eggs attached were assessed. Our results show no evidence for host-ant-based oviposition in
M. alcon
, but support an oviposition strategy based on plant characteristics. This suggests that careful management of host-ant distribution is necessary for conservation of this endangered butterfly.
Directional orientation of birds by the magnetic field under different light conditions
Authors: Wiltschko Roswitha , Stapput Katrin , Thalau Peter , Wiltschko Wolfgang
Published: October 2009

This paper reviews the directional orientation of birds with the help of the geomagnetic field under various light conditions. Two fundamentally different types of response can be distinguished. (i) Compass orientation controlled by the inclination compass that allows birds to locate courses of different origin. This is restricted to a narrow functional window around the total intensity of the local geomagnetic field and requires light from the short-wavelength part of the spectrum. The compass is based on radical-pair processes in the right eye; magnetite-based receptors in the beak are not involved. Compass orientation is observed under ‘white’ and low-level monochromatic light from ultraviolet (UV) to about 565 nm green light. (ii) ‘Fixed direction’ responses occur under artificial light conditions such as more intense monochromatic light, when 590 nm yellow light is added to short-wavelength light, and in total darkness. The manifestation of these responses depends on the ambient light regime and is ‘fixed’ in the sense of not showing the normal change between spring and autumn; their biological significance is unclear. In contrast to compass orientation, fixed-direction responses are polar magnetic responses and occur within a wide range of magnetic intensities. They are disrupted by local anaesthesia of the upper beak, which indicates that the respective magnetic information is mediated by iron-based receptors located there. The influence of light conditions on the two types of response suggests complex interactions between magnetoreceptors in the right eye, those in the upper beak and the visual system.
George Romanes, William Bateson, and Darwin's ‘weak point’
Authors: Forsdyke Donald R.
Published: October 2009

Thomas Huxley identified as Darwin's ‘weak point’ the failure of breeders when crossing varieties within a species to simulate the sterility of hybrids derived from crosses between allied species. As a result of the sterility, the parents of a hybrid were, in an evolutionary sense, reproductively isolated from each other, so they would be members of distinct species. In his theory of ‘physiological selection’, Romanes postulated germline ‘collective variations’ that accumulate in certain members of a species; these members are thus ‘physiological complements’ producing fertile offspring when mutually crossed, but sterile offspring when crossed with others. Unlike Darwin's natural selection, which secured reproductive isolation of the fit by elimination of the unfit, physiological selection postulated variations in the reproductive system that were not targets of natural selection; these sympatrically isolated the fit from the fit, leaving two species where initially there had been one. Bateson approved of physiological selection. He noted that Mendel's ‘unit characters’ were ‘sensible manifestations’ of what we now refer to as ‘genes’, but postulated a ‘residue’, distinct from genes, that might affect gene flow between organisms and so originate species. The reproductive isolation of the parents of a sterile hybrid was due to two complementing non-genic factors (the ‘residue’) separately introduced into the hybrid by each parent. Modern studies, especially of yeast hybrids, support the Romanes–Bateson viewpoint.
Temperature-dependent shear flow and the absence of thermal runaway in valley glaciers
Authors: Fowler A. C. , Toja Raquel , Vázquez Carlos
Published: October 2009

We propose a two-dimensional model of a valley glacier in order to reconsider the question of whether thermal runaway could be a viable mechanism for the onset of creep instability in surging glaciers. We do this by providing an approximate solution for the temperature field based on the idea that shear is concentrated at the glacier bed. With this assumption, we show that a closed-form evolution equation for the glacier profile exists. While this is well known for isoviscous flows, it has not been previously derived for variable viscosity flows. During the process of deriving this equation, we show that thermal runaway does not occur. We provide numerical solutions of the model, and are led to infer that enhanced basal heating owing to refreezing of surface meltwater is an essential constituent in raising the bed temperature to the melting point.
Correction for Schweitzer
et al.
, Soft tissue and cellular preservation in vertebrate skeletal elements from the Cretaceous to the present
Authors: Schweitzer Mary Higby , Wittmeyer Jennifer L. , Horner John R.
Published: October 2009

Correction for ‘Soft tissue and cellular preservation in vertebrate skeletal elements from the Cretaceous to the present’ by Mary Higby Schweitzer, Jennifer L. Wittmeyer and John R. Horner (Proc. R. Soc. B
274
, 183–197.
(doi:
10.1098/rspb.2006.3705
)).

The funding acknowledgement in the acknowledgement section was incorrect, and should read as follows: Funding for this work was provided by National Science Foundation (EAR-0541744), Discovery Channel and North Carolina State University.
Correction for Siveter
et al.
, A new probable stem lineage crustacean with three-dimensionally preserved soft parts from the Herefordshire (Silurian) Lagerstätte, UK
Authors: Siveter Derek J. , Sutton Mark D. , Briggs Derek E. G. , Siveter David J.
Published: October 2009

Correction for ‘A new probable stem lineage crustacean with three-dimensionally preserved soft parts from the Herefordshire (Silurian) Lagerstätte, UK’ by Derek J. Siveter, Mark D. Sutton, Derek E. G. Briggs and David J. Siveter (Proc. R. Soc. B
274
, 2099–2107.
(doi:
10.1098/rspb.2007.0429
)).

Figures 1 and 2 were incorrectly sized and the magnifications in the legend of figure 3 were incorrectly stated. The online version of the article has now been corrected.
Caste-specific expression of genetic variation in the size of antibiotic-producing glands of leaf-cutting ants
Authors: Hughes W. O. H. , Bot A. N. M. , Boomsma J. J.
Published: October 2009

Social insect castes represent some of the most spectacular examples of phenotypic plasticity, with each caste being associated with different environmental conditions during their life. Here we examine the level of genetic variation in different castes of two polyandrous species of
Acromyrmex
leaf-cutting ant for the antibiotic-producing metapleural gland, which has a major role in defence against parasites. Gland size increases allometrically. The small workers that play the main role in disease defence have relatively large glands compared with larger workers, while the glands of gynes are substantially larger than those of any workers, for their body size. The gland size of large workers varies significantly between patrilines in both
Acromyrmex echinatior
and
Acromyrmex octospinosus
. We also examined small workers and gynes in
A. echinatior
, again finding genetic variation in gland size in these castes. There were significant positive relationships between the gland sizes of patrilines in the different castes, indicating that the genetic mechanism underpinning the patriline variation has remained similar across phenotypes. The level of expressed genetic variation decreased from small workers to large workers to gynes. This is consistent with the hypothesis that there is individual selection on disease defence in founding queens and colony-level selection on disease defence in the worker castes.
The role of population heterogeneity and human mobility in the spread of pandemic influenza
Authors: Merler Stefano , Ajelli Marco
Published: October 2009

Little is known on how different levels of population heterogeneity and different patterns of human mobility affect the course of pandemic influenza in terms of timing and impact. By employing a large-scale spatially explicit individual-based model, founded on a highly detailed model of the European populations and on a careful analysis of air and railway transportation data, we provide quantitative measures of the influence of such factors at the European scale. Our results show that Europe has to be prepared to face a rapid diffusion of a pandemic influenza, because of the high mobility of the population, resulting in the early importation of the first cases from abroad and highly synchronized local epidemics. The impact of the epidemic in European countries is highly variable because of the marked differences in the sociodemographic structure of European populations.
R
0
, cumulative attack rate and peak daily attack rate depend heavily on sociodemographic parameters, such as the size of household groups and the fraction of workers and students in the population.
Sexual conflict inhibits female mate choice for major histocompatibility complex dissimilarity in Chinook salmon
Authors: Garner Shawn R. , Bortoluzzi Romina N. , Heath Daniel D. , Neff Bryan D.
Published: October 2009

In many species females prefer major histocompatibility complex (MHC) dissimilar mates, which may improve offspring resistance to pathogens. However, sexual conflict may interfere with female preference when males attempt to mate with all females, regardless of compatibility. Here we used semi-natural spawning channels to examine how mating behaviour and genetic similarity at the MHC class II peptide binding region affected parentage patterns in Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). We found that females directed aggression at more MHC-similar males than expected by chance, providing a possible mechanism of female MHC choice in salmon. Males also directed aggression towards MHC-similar females, which was consistent with males harassing unreceptive mates. Males' aggression was positively correlated with their reproductive success, and it appeared to overcome female aversion to mating with MHC-similar males, as females who were the target of high levels of male aggression had lower than expected MHC divergence in their offspring. Indeed, offspring MHC divergence was highest when the sex ratio was female-biased and male harassment was likely to be less intense. These data suggest that male harassment can reduce female effectiveness in selecting MHC-compatible mates, and sexual conflict can thus have an indirect cost to females.
Grandma plays favourites: X-chromosome relatedness and sex-specific childhood mortality
Authors: Fox Molly , Sear Rebecca , Beise Jan , Ragsdale Gillian , Voland Eckart , Knapp Leslie A.
Published: October 2009

Biologists use genetic relatedness between family members to explain the evolution of many behavioural and developmental traits in humans, including altruism, kin investment and longevity. Women's post-menopausal longevity in particular is linked to genetic relatedness between family members. According to the ‘grandmother hypothesis’, post-menopausal women can increase their genetic contribution to future generations by increasing the survivorship of their grandchildren. While some demographic studies have found evidence for this, others have found little support for it. Here, we re-model the predictions of the grandmother hypothesis by examining the genetic relatedness between grandmothers and grandchildren. We use this new model to re-evaluate the grandmother effect in seven previously studied human populations. Boys and girls differ in the per cent of genes they share with maternal versus paternal grandmothers because of differences in X-chromosome inheritance. Here, we demonstrate a relationship between X-chromosome inheritance and grandchild mortality in the presence of a grandmother. With this sex-specific and X-chromosome approach to interpreting mortality rates, we provide a new perspective on the prevailing theory for the evolution of human female longevity. This approach yields more consistent support for the grandmother hypothesis, and has implications for the study of human evolution.
Horizontal gene transfer in evolution: facts and challenges
Authors: Boto Luis
Published: October 2009

The contribution of horizontal gene transfer to evolution has been controversial since it was suggested to be a force driving evolution in the microbial world. In this paper, I review the current standpoint on horizontal gene transfer in evolutionary thinking and discuss how important horizontal gene transfer is in evolution in the broad sense, and particularly in prokaryotic evolution. I review recent literature, asking, first, which processes are involved in the evolutionary success of transferred genes and, secondly, about the extent of horizontal gene transfer towards different evolutionary times. Moreover, I discuss the feasibility of reconstructing ancient phylogenetic relationships in the face of horizontal gene transfer. Finally, I discuss how horizontal gene transfer fits in the current neo-Darwinian evolutionary paradigm and conclude there is a need for a new evolutionary paradigm that includes horizontal gene transfer as well as other mechanisms in the explanation of evolution.
Correction for Newbery
et al.
, Primary forest dynamics in lowland dipterocarp forest at Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia, and the role of the understorey
Authors: Newbery D. M. , Kennedy D. N. , Petol G. H. , Madani L. , Risdale C. E.
Published: October 2009

Correction for ‘Primary forest dynamics in lowland dipterocarp forest at Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia, and the role of the understorey’ by D. M. Newbery, D. N. Kennedy, G. H. Petol, L. Madani and C. E. Risdale (Phil. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. B
354
, 1763–1782.
(doi:
10.1098/rstb.1999.0519
)).

The following replacement should be made to the third and fourth sentences of the second paragraph of §3(e) on p. 1769.
Correction for Bressloff and Cowan, A spherical model for orientation and spatial-frequency tuning in a cortical hypercolumn
Authors: Bressloff P. C. , Cowan J. D.
Published: October 2009

Correction for ‘A spherical model for orientation and spatial-frequency tuning in a cortical hypercolumn’ by P. C. Bressloff and J. D. Cowan (Phil. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. B
357
, 1643–1667.
(doi:
10.1098/rstb.2002.1109
)).

On page 1463, the published online date should read 8 November 2002.