bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A discussion of the Jahns–Burnham proposal for the formation of zoned granitic pegmatites using solid-liquid-vapour inclusions from the Tanco Pegmatite, S.E. Manitoba, Canada
Authors: Thomas Anne V. , Bray Colin J. , Spooner Edward T. C.
Published: November 2011

Jahns and Burnham (1969) proposed that the internal evolution of zoned granitic pegmatites could be explained by crystallisation from water-saturated melts which evolved to produce systems with a melt plus a separate aqueous fluid. Examination of microthermometric properties, chemical compositions and gas contents of solid-liquid-vapour inclusions from a number of the zones of the Tanco rare element granitic pegmatite places constraints on fluid evolution within the framework of the crystallisation history of the pegmatite, and contributes to an examination of the Jahns–Burnham proposal.

Initial crystallisation at Tanco was from the wall rock inwards, producing the relatively unfractionated wall zone (potassium feldspar–quartz-albite-muscovite). Textural evidence, and an upward increase in the level of geochemical fractionation, indicate that much, but not all, of the subsequent crystallisation of the pegmatite was from the base upwards. Inclusions trapped by wall zone and metasomatic wall rock tourmaline indicate that the pegmatite was intruded as a 2 phase alumino-silicate melt/fluid mixture at ∼720°C, with an initial fluid composition of ∼98mol.% H2O (containing 2 equiv. mo1% NaCl) and <2mol% CO2 (containing <5 equiv. mo1% CH4). These observations indicate that both melt and fluid were present from the start of crystallisation (Jahns & Burnham 1969), but show that CO2 and dissolved salts were important additional components of the fluid phase. The bulk of the pegmatite then crystallised in the range 600-470°C from melts and fluids with continued low levels of CO2 (2-3mol.%) and approximately constant salinity (∼7 equiv. wt.% NaCl dissolved in the aqueous phase). Crystal-rich inclusions, which may represent trapped alumino-silicate melts, are present throughout pegmatite crystallisation down to temperatures as low as ∼262°C. The final stages of crystallisation resulted in the formation of the beryl fringe at 291 ± 33°C and the lower part of the quartz zone at 262 ± 29°C. By the later stages the fluid had cooled through an H2O-CO2– dissolved salt solvus resulting in H2O-CO2 phase separation. Gas chromatographic analysis of the fluid components in the vug quartz, beryl fringe and lower part of the quartz zone shows that the inclusions contain H2O, CO2, CH4, N2, CO, Ar, and trace C2H6 in the beryl fringe. Measured CH4:CO2 ratios of 0·0060 (±0·0015) for the beryl fringe (twenty crushes on five samples) and 0·0042 (±0.0021) for the quartz zone (thirty crushes on six samples) yield fO2 estimates of 1×10−36 and 2 × 10−38, respectively, which are just above QFM at these temperatures.
Granites and a wet convecting ultramafic planenet
Authors: Fyfe W. S.
Published: November 2011

Granites and their associated extrusive rocks are formed in large volumes whenever the continental crust is heated by rising hot mantle, or thickened by collision processes. The complexity of rocks of the granite family is related to the complexity of the continental crust itself and the complexity of processes which lead to thermal perturbations. The light continental crust acts as a density filter which screens out heavy mantle magmas and leads to complex underplating and magma mixing processes. Perhaps the primary cause of crustal melting is the deep recycling of volatiles which are fixed in the oceanic crust before subduction. Modern studies of subduction and collision processes show the large scale and complexity of processes which modify old continental crust.
A 350 ka history of the Indian Southwest Monsoon—evidence from deep-sea cores, northwest Arabian Sea
Authors: Shimmield Graham B. , Mowbray Stephen R. , Weedon Graham P.
Published: November 2011

The Indian summer Southwest Monsoon plays an important part in influencing, and regulating, the productivity and sedimentation in the northwest Arabian Sea at the present day, by driving coastal upwelling. This leaves permanent sedimentological and geochemical records in the accumulating deep-sea sediments. Cores 722B and 724C were raised from the Owen Ridge and Oman Margin, respectively, during Leg 117 of the Ocean Drilling Program and have been subjected to geochemical analyses and α-spectrometry. A comparative core, CD17–30, situated on the adjacent Indus Fan abyssal plain, has also been studied. The chronostratigraphy of the cores has been established with δ18O stratigraphy, giving a 350 ka climate record. Changes in the total sediment mass accumulation rates occur on glacial/interglacial time scales, with maximum fluxes occurring during glacial episodes. The high fluxes are predominantly due to wind-transported dust at the ridge and margin sites. Compositional parameters (e.g. the Ti/Al ratio) indicating the proportion of heavy minerals present within the dust, suggests that strong winds associated with the Southwest Monsoon, occur with Milankovitch periodicities, and are dominated by the precession (23 ka) frequency. The wind strength controls the proportion of heavy minerals transported to the Arabian Sea, whilst continental aridity influences the timing of deflation from the Arabian and Somalian peninsulas. Tracers of palaeoproductivity (Ba/Al) indicate strong coherence and phase with the proxy ice volume (foraminiferal δ18O) signal, suggesting global climate parameters (ice volume, continental aridity) determine coastal productivity by influencing nutrient supply. In relation to productivity, the roles of oceanic circulation/stratification and nutrient supply through continental runoff are discussed. This study shows that the Southwest Monsoon appears to only affect the shorter period (precession cycle, 23 ka band) productivity signal. Evidence from excess230Th suggests deep oceanic circulation (at about 2000 m depth) was more intense 110 ka BP decreasing toward 40 ka BP. By the use of these various geochemical tracers a new, and comprehensive, view of the interaction of the Monsoon and global climate with marine productivity through the late Pleistocene has been obtained.
Southern ocean–sea-ice interaction: implications for climate and modelling
Authors: Martinson Douglas G.
Published: November 2011

The ocean/sea-ice interaction of the Antarctic open ocean region is described through a one-dimensional model. The model includes processes responsible for maintaining stability in this marginally stable region and reveals the importance of the various processes controlling deep water formation/ventilation and sea-ice thickness and their sensitivity to climate change. This information is used to estimate changes, as they impact water column stability, induced by glacial conditions. Increased stability is conducive to greater ice cover and less deep water formation/ventilation; decreased stability conducive to the opposite.

Sensitivity studies show that the system is destabilised given: (1) shallowing of the pycnocline (induced by increased gyre vigor); (2) decrease in the ratio of heat to salt through the pycnocline (induced by introducing a colder and/or saltier deep water or by increasing the salinity of the surface water); (3) decreased pycnocline strength (induced by a fresher deep water or saltier surface water) and (4) increased atmospheric heat loss. Most of the assumed glacial conditions drive the system toward destabilisation, but the critical effect of changes in NADW characteristics depends strongly on the temperature and salinity of the replacement water. The importance of this deep water influence is evident today—as little as 3Wm−2 in the upper ocean heat balance or an additional 15 cm of ice growth is sufficient to overturn the water column in some regions.
The isotopic geochemistry of ocean waters through time
Authors: Fallick A. E. , Hamilton P. J.
Published: November 2011

There is a general consensus that the global chemistry of ocean water has not changed markedly during the Phanerozoic. Nevertheless, significant changes have occurred in the geochemical cycles of some elements and patterns of change have been reconstructed, in various forms, through consideration of the isotope ratios 13C/12C, 34S/32S, 87Sr/86Sr and 143Nd/144Nd. There have also been attempts to constrain variations in the isotopic composition of sea water itself through measurements of D/H and 18O/16O, the latter both directly and indirectly. Dissolved constituents in seawater display secular changes in isotopic composition as a consequence of quite different driving mechanisms. δ13C and δ34S variations are broadly correlated and linked by carbon and sulphur exogenic cycle interaction through redox reactions (the “free oxygen cycle”). The 87Sr/86Sr trend is determined by the balance among different Sr inputs to the oceanic pool, which vary in their isotopic composition (limestones, old granitic material and young basaltic material). Neodymium isotope variations are not globally synchronous. Changes in 143Nd/144Nd are influenced by local erosion products from continental landmasses and can therefore be different for coexisting palaeocean basins.
Biomineralisation in the context of geological time
Authors: Simkiss K.
Published: November 2011

The basic properties of living systems are remarkably consistent and involve energy interactions between intracellular and extracellular environments. These interactions predispose living systems to deposit minerals from many solutions. The evolution of biomineralisation was not a single cellular invention but rather the association and perfection of a few of these fundamental properties of cell biology. The components of biomineralisation systems involve some mechanism for modifying the activity of at least one ion, an interface for initiating and possibly controlling crystal growth, a diffusion limited size and a mechanism for manipulating the growth of the crystal lattice. The evolution of these components of biomineralisation in the context of geological time inevitably concentrates on the Precambrian–Cambrian boundary. Over a time scale of less than 50 × 106 years there was a proliferation of metazoan phyla, the mineralisation in a large number of taxa and the exploitation of a diverse set of processes involving agglutinated sediments, silica, phosphates and carbonates. A large number of theories have been proposed to explain why biomineralisation occurred at this particular time. Such theories should recognise the importance of the incorporation of the citric acid cycle into the cellular metabolism of many organisms and its exploitation in an aerobic environment, the development of multicellularity which enormously increased the opportunities for modifying ion activities in diffusion-limited sites, and the exploitation of browsing and carnivorous feeding habits. These influences had major effects on ecosystems and population structures and put considerable selective pressure on the advantages that could be gained from a skeleton.
On smooth time functions
Authors: FATHI ALBERT , SICONOLFI ANTONIO
Published: November 2011

We are concerned with the existence of smooth time functions on connected time-oriented Lorentzian manifolds. The problem is tackled in a more general abstract setting, namely in a manifold M where is just defined a field of tangent convex cones (Cx)x ∈ M enjoying mild continuity properties. Under some conditions on its integral curves, we will construct a time function.

Our approach is based on the definition of an intrinsic length for curves indicating how a curve is far from being an integral trajectory of Cx. We find connections with topics pertaining to Hamilton–Jacobi equations, and make use of tools and results issued from weak KAM theory.
Compensation for ecosystem services: an evaluation of efforts to achieve conservation and development in Ecuadorian páramo grasslands
Authors: FARLEY KATHLEEN A. , ANDERSON WILLIAM G. , BREMER LEAH L. , HARDEN CAROL P.
Published: November 2011

Ecosystem services programmes have been advocated for their potential to join conservation and poverty alleviation efforts, integrate working landscapes, and provide a flow of ecosystem services upon which populations rely. Ecuadorian páramo grasslands have rapidly become the focus of compensation for ecosystem services (CES) programmes intended to conserve hydrologic services, carbon sequestration and biodiversity. This paper reviews CES programmes in Ecuadorian páramos using a combination of semi-structured interviews with project personnel, policy makers and community leaders involved in CES programme development, document analysis, and archival research. Findings indicate that, in some cases, CES schemes can support local development, with potential to contribute to poverty alleviation; however, measures of programme effects on poverty were lacking. The programmes fell across the spectrum of activity-reducing to activity-enhancing, with some functioning as protected areas and others integrating working landscapes; however, designation of land as protected did not necessarily imply more restrictive use. Finally, these cases all reflect scenarios in which limited information is available linking land use with ecosystem services production and underscore the idea that adequate understanding of ecosystem production functions continues to be a barrier to development of effective programmes, particularly where the provision of multiple ecosystem services is anticipated.
Meta-analysis of institutional-economic factors explaining the environmental performance of payments for watershed services
Authors: BROUWER ROY , TESFAYE ABONESH , PAUW PIETER
Published: November 2011

Payments for ecosystem services (PES) are a relatively new economic policy instrument, and the factors that drive and explain their environmental performance are poorly understood. Here a meta-analysis of causal relationships between the institutional design and environmental performance of 47 payments for watershed services (PWS) schemes worldwide showed a significant effect on environmental achievement of the terms and conditions of scheme participation, including the selection of service providers, community participation, the existence and monitoring of quantifiable objectives, and the number of intermediaries between service providers and buyers. Direct payments by downstream hydropower companies to upstream land owners for reduced sediment loads were identified as a successful PWS example. No other significant explanatory factors, such as specific type of watershed service, age or scale of implementation of the PWS scheme were detected. The results are highly dependent on the reliability of the input variables, in particular the measurement of the environmental performance variable. Despite efforts to find quantitative information on the environmental performance of existing PWS schemes, such empirical evidence is lacking in many of the schemes studied. International monitoring guidelines are needed to facilitate comparisons, identify success factors and support the future design of cost-effective PWS schemes.
Impact of Age, and Cognitive and Coping Resources on Coping
Authors: Trouillet Raphaël , Doan-Van-Hay Loane-Martine , Launay Michel , Martin Sophie
Published: November 2011

Afin d’explorer la valeur prédictive des ressources congnitives et de coping pour le coping centré sur le problème et sur 1’émotion en prenant en compte 1’âge, nous avons recueilli des données auprès d’adultes vivant à domicile et âgés de 20 à 90 ans. Nous avons fait 1’hypothèse que 1’âge, le stress perçu, 1’auto-efficacité, la capacité de mémoire de travail, et la flexibilité mentale sont des facteurs prédisant le coping. Nous avons recueilli des données en utilisant des versions françaises de 1’échelle de stress percu (PSS), d’autoefficacité (GSE) et un questionnaire de coping (WCC). Les évaluations cognitives ont inclus le subtest des empans envers-endroit (WAIS), et les parties A et B du Trail-Making Test (TMT). Dans les analyses multivariées, ni le déficit de mémoire de travail, ni le deficit de la flexibilité mentale ne prédisent significativement le coping centré sur le probleme. L’âge ne prédit que le coping centré sur le problème. L’auto-efficacité prédit le coping centré sur le problème alors que le stress perçu prédit le coping centré sur 1’émotion. Nos resultats ont confirmé que le coping centré sur 1’émotion resterait stable avec 1’âge. Le Coping centré sur le problème augmente avec 1’âge et depend essentiellement de la confiance des participants concernant leur capacité à résoudre des problèmes (i.e., 1’auto-effi cacité).
Moving towards Complicity as a Criterion of Attribution of Private Conducts: Imputation to States of Corporate Abuses in the US Case Law
Authors: AMOROSO DANIELE
Published: November 2011

According to the agency paradigm enshrined by the 2001 ILC Articles on State Responsibility, private conducts are attributed to a state when they are carried out on the state's behalf or under its tight control. On closer look, this legal framework proves to be unable to deal with state involvement in human-rights violations perpetrated by powerful non-state actors, such as terrorist groups or transnational corporations. These wrongs, indeed, are often put in place with the fundamental contribution of – but not on behalf of (or under the control of) – a state, with the consequence that, under the traditional paradigm, they could not be attributed to the latter. Against this backdrop, the present paper argues that a new secondary norm has been developing that provides that private wrongs are to be imputed to a state if the latter knowingly facilitated (or otherwise co-operated in) their commission. Although international practice will be duly taken into account, the analysis will be focused mainly on US case law concerning corporate liability for international human-rights violations.
Mortality due to pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza in England: a comparison of the first and second waves
Authors: MYTTON O. T. , RUTTER P. D. , MAK M. , STANTON E. A. I. , SACHEDINA N. , DONALDSON L. J.
Published: November 2011

Deaths in England attributable to pandemic (H1N1) 2009 deaths were investigated through a mandatory reporting system. The pandemic came in two waves. The second caused greater population mortality than the first (5·4vs. 1·6 deaths per million,P<0·001). Mortality was particularly high in those with chronic neurological disease, chronic heart disease and immune suppression (450, 100, and 94 deaths per million, respectively); significantly higher than in those with chronic respiratory disease (39 per million) and those with no risk factors (2·4 per million). Greater mortality in the second wave has been observed in all previous influenza pandemics. This time, the explanation appears to be behavioural. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining public and clinical awareness of risks associated with pandemic influenza beyond the initial high-profile period.
Bicycle trade organizations in modern Shanghai
Authors: TAO XU
Published: November 2011

Trade associations were widely established as new industrial and commercial organizations in modern China, particularly during the Republican era. They were characterized by enormous spatial, temporal and industrial differences, and generalizing, one-sided studies are very unlikely to lead to a truthful, precise historical understanding of these associations. Case-studies that are more fully multidimensional are urgently needed to supplement our understanding. The national bicycle industry was representative of emerging industries in modern China. This article focuses on bicycle industry-related trade associations in modern Shanghai. Files housed in the Shanghai Municipal Archives are analysed to offer a concrete dissection of an individual case-study that will illuminate broader questions in trade association historical research.
A case of hybrid closure of a muscular ventricular septal defect: anatomical complexity and surgical management
Authors: Karimi Mohsen , Hulsebus Elise , Murdison Kenneth , Wiles Henry
Published: November 2011

Complex muscular ventricular septal defect poses difficult surgical management and is associated with high morbidity and mortality despite advancements in surgical therapy. Device closure of muscular ventricular septal defect has been encouraging and has been used in hybrid approach at a few centres. However, device closure has some limitations in patients with complex muscular ventricular septal defect. We report a case of perventricular device closure of a complex muscular ventricular septal defect in a beating heart with entrapped right ventricular disc and its surgical management.
The UN Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW): A New Way to Measure Women's Interests
Authors: Baldez Lisa
Published: November 2011

Questions about the quality of political representation are central to research on women and gender, and to political science in general. Given a certain set of interests, how well do political institutions and political actors address and advance those interests? Research about the quality of political representation relies a priori on the existence of fixed, stable, and measurable interests; we need to know what women want before we can assess how well politicians represent them. Perfect measures of the interests that all women share have proven elusive. The measures of women's interests that scholars commonly employ lend themselves reasonably well to research, but have unfortunate side effects: They essentialize gender norms, exclude certain groups of women, or define women's interests too narrowly. In this essay, I explore the political implications of the empirical measures of women's interests on which scholars have relied in research on women's political representation. I offer a way to measure women's interests that draws upon the United Nations Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). CEDAW provides a way to think about women's interests that is broad, inclusive, and sufficiently flexible to reflect changes over time. Furthermore, it enjoys the explicit approval of almost every nation in the world; 186 countries have ratified CEDAW since the UN General Assembly approved it in 1979.
Subsurface tropical Pacific nitrogen isotopic composition of nitrate: Biogeochemical signals and their transport
Authors: Rafter Patrick A. , Sigman Daniel M. , Charles Christopher D. , Kaiser Jan , Haug Gerald H.
Published: November 2011

We report measurements of the nitrogen isotopic composition of nitrate (the δ15N of NO3−) across the equatorial Pacific, for zonal transects from 165°E to 95°W and meridional transects across 95° and 110°W. The δ15N of NO3− is similar in the equatorial thermocline (≈100 m) and intermediate depth waters (≈150 to 600 m), averaging (7.1 ± 0.3)‰ and (7.1 ± 0.1)‰, respectively. These values are more than 2‰ higher than subthermocline waters of the Southern and Atlantic Oceans and are ≈1‰ higher than putative source waters in the high latitude South Pacific (Subantarctic Mode Water, SAMW). The combined constraints of nitrate concentration and δ15N of NO3−in the equatorial Pacific require (1) lateral exchange between the high‐latitude source waters and the zones of denitrification in the eastern tropical Pacific and (2) the accumulation of remineralized nutrients at depth. The zonal uniformity of the subsurface equatorial Pacificδ15N of NO3− indicates rapid transport within the equatorial zone, which works to homogenize the δ15N of NO3− across the Pacific basin. Against this backdrop of high δ15N of NO3−in the tropical Pacific, we find a discrete off‐equatorial core of lowerδ15N of NO3− (5.5 ± 0.3)‰ concentrated at 5°S and 150 to 200 m along the 110° and 95°W transects and in apparent association with the Southern Subsurface Counter Current (SSCC). We propose that the remineralized products of nitrogen fixation, at the source of the SSCC in the western south Pacific, are the origin of the low δ15N of NO3− in these waters.
CD1d‐independent activation of mouse and human iNKT cells by bacterial superantigens
Authors: Hayworth Jacqueline L , Mazzuca Delfina M , Vareki Saman Maleki , Welch Ian , McCormick John K , Haeryfar SM Mansour
Published: November 2011

Invariant NKT (iNKT) cells are infrequent but important immunomodulatory lymphocytes that exhibit CD1d‐restricted reactivity with glycolipid Ags. iNKT cells express a unique T‐cell receptor (TCR) composed of an invariant α‐chain, paired with a limited range of β‐chains. Superantigens (SAgs) are microbial toxins defined by their ability to activate conventional T cells in a TCR β‐chain variable domain (Vβ)‐specific manner. However, whether iNKT cells are directly activated by bacterial SAgs remains an open question. Herein, we explored the responsiveness of mouse and human iNKT cells to a panel of staphylococcal and streptococcal SAgs and examined the contribution of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II and CD1d to these responses. Bacterial SAgs that target mouse Vβ8, such as staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), were able to activate mouse hybridoma and primary hepatic iNKT cells in the presence of mouse APCs expressing human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DR4. iNKT cell‐mediated cytokine secretion in SEB‐challenged HLA‐DR4‐transgenic mice was CD1d‐independent and accompanied by a high interferon‐γ:interleukin‐4 ratio consistent with an in vivo Th1 bias. Furthermore, iNKT cells from SEB‐injected HLA‐DR4‐transgenic mice, and iNKT cells from SEB‐treated human PBMCs, showed early activation by intracellular cytokine staining and CD69 expression. Unlike iNKT cell stimulation by α‐galactosylceramide, stimulation by SEB did not induce TCR downregulation of either mouse or human iNKT cells. We conclude that Vβ8‐targeting bacterial SAgs can activate iNKT cells by utilizing a novel pathway that requires MHC class II interactions, but not CD1d. Therefore, iNKT cells fulfill important effector functions in response to bacterial SAgs and may provide attractive targets in the management of SAg‐induced illnesses.
Controlled‐Release Phentermine/Topiramate in Severely Obese Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial (EQUIP)
Authors: Allison David B. , Gadde Kishore M. , Garvey William Timothy , Peterson Craig A. , Schwiers Michael L. , Najarian Thomas , Tam Peter Y. , Troupin Barbara , Day Wesley W.
Published: November 2011

A 56‐week randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate safety and efficacy of a controlled‐release combination of phentermine and topiramate (PHEN/TPM CR) for weight loss (WL) and metabolic improvements. Men and women with class II and III obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2) were randomized to placebo, PHEN/TPM CR 3.75/23 mg, or PHEN/TPM CR 15/92 mg, added to a reduced‐energy diet. Primary end points were percent WL and proportions of patients achieving 5% WL. Secondary end points included waist circumference (WC), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), fasting glucose, and lipid measures. In the primary analysis (randomized patients with at least one postbaseline weight measurement who took at least one dose of assigned drug or placebo), patients in the placebo, 3.75/23, and 15/92 groups lost 1.6%, 5.1%, and 10.9% of baseline body weight (BW), respectively, at 56 weeks (P < 0.0001). In categorical analysis, 17.3% of placebo patients, 44.9% of 3.75/23 patients, and 66.7% of 15/92 patients, lost at least 5% of baseline BW at 56 weeks (P < 0.0001). The 15/92 group had significantly greater changes relative to placebo for WC, systolic and diastolic BP, fasting glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL). The most common adverse events were paresthesia, dry mouth, constipation, dysgeusia, and insomnia. Dropout rate from the study was 47.1% for placebo patients, 39.0% for 3.75/23 patients, and 33.6% of 15/92 patients. PHEN/TPM CR demonstrated dose‐dependent effects on weight and metabolic variables in the direction expected to be beneficial with no evidence of serious adverse events induced by treatment.
Development of the Gum Arabic Sub-sector in Kenya
Authors: Chikamai B. , Muga M. , Marangu M.
Published: November 2011

Kenya was not known to produce gum arabic before 1988. Following consultations with organisations working in northern Kenya, which had seen the species in the region and noted some activities, a reconnaissance was commissioned and confirmed the availability of the Acacia senegal resource and informal commercial activities through Somalia. This was followed by an initiative by one Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) that organised communities to collect gum arabic and the first commercial export from the country was done in 1990. Collaboration was then established between the NGO and a government agency, which started the development of the gum arabic sector in the country by clarifying issues related to the resource and gum quality on the one hand and development of the external market on the other hand. However, a number of challenges emerged that slowed the base of commercialisation. These were related to issues of quality of gum arabic and reliability of supply. Effort has gone into addressing these areas and interest in Kenyan gum arabic has been renewed. A more structured approach to the development of the sub-sector has been put in place in the recent past. This paper highlights the evolution of the development of the sub-sector in the country and future prospects.
Assessment of the Basic Rheological Characteristics of Prunus Sp. Gums and their Potential for Industrial Application in China
Authors: Knill C.J. , Kennedy J.F. , Liu H.
Published: November 2011

The primary commercially exploited acacia gums are natural polysaccharide gums exuded by tapped branches from Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal trees (generally known as ‘gum Arabic'). Although such trees are rarely grown in China, acacia gum has been utilised in China for several thousand years. The current primary uses of acacia gum in China are as a stabiliser, thickener, emulsifier, and adhesive in food industry applications such as in soft drinks, confectionery, and dairy products. Such industries clearly rely on importation of acacia gum, however scientific interest has turned to investigation of alternative materials such as gelatin, carrageenan, and homegrown peach tree gum (from Prunus persica (L.) Batsch and Prunus davidiana (Carrière) Franch, often referred to as ‘Chinese gum'). A brief summary of available information on Prunus sp. gum extraction, harvesting, and processing methods, tree yields, and regional/national annual production in China is provided, along with some preliminary investigations into its rheological characteristics. Its potential use in applications instead of, and in conjunction with, acacia gums is discussed.
Emulsification Superiority of Super GumTM
Authors: Katayama T. , Ido T. , Nishino M. , Inoue T. , Phillips G.O.
Published: November 2011

Gum arabic is widely used as a natural emulsifier/stabiliser in oil-in-water emulsions for foods, especially in beverages. However, the emulsifying capacity of natural gum arabic is greatly influenced by a number of factors such as origin, producing area, age of the tree, climate changes during the harvest year, and storage conditions. These factors affect the composition and molecular weight of the gum arabic. Stability of concentrated emulsions greatly fluctuates depending on the molecular weight and arabinogalactan protein (AGP) content of the gum arabic utilised. Therefore, it is very difficult to constantly produce stable concentrated emulsions using natural gum arabic.
Assessment of Phonation Threshold Pressure: A Critical Review and Clinical Implications
Authors: Plexico Laura W. , Sandage Mary J. , Faver Katherine Y.
Published: November 2011

Purpose

To describe the origins of the task elicitation procedure for determining phonation threshold pressure and, through a literature review and online survey, describe published procedural, environmental, and participant variable departures from the original methodology.

Method

Literature search terms included
phonation threshold pressure,
subglottal pressure and phonation,
pressure measurement and phonation,
lung pressure and phonation,
and
vocal fold oscillation onset
. Inclusion criteria were limited to indirect assessment of phonation threshold pressure, English language publications between 1980 and 2009, and peer-reviewed journals. Studies including animals, computer or physical models, alaryngeal speakers, laryngeal airway resistance, or any airflow interruption technique were excluded. Twenty-four articles matched the inclusionary criteria. An online survey to query task elicitation procedures was then developed from the literature review.

Results

The scientific rationale for inclusion of phonation threshold pressure data was consistent across published studies; however, variations in procedural methodology for task elicitation were identified, as were environmental and participant inconsistencies that might affect phonation threshold pressure values. Findings of the online survey mirrored the inconsistencies identified in the literature review.

Conclusions

The methodological differences for task elicitation identified in this comprehensive review of the literature and the online survey, while bringing into question the reliability of phonation threshold pressure measurement, illuminate scientific questions yet to be answered to further refine and potentially standardize phonation threshold pressure as a more reliable research and clinical measurement.
Stepping Outside of the Box: Using Psychology-Based Methodology To Investigate Temperamental Variables in Children Who Stutter
Authors: Johnson Kia N. , Johnson Kristen M. , O’Malley Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2011

The purpose of this paper is to raise interest in the use of methodological techniques grounded in developmental psychology to best answer empirical questions about temperamental aspects of stuttering in young children. Empirical studies that examine the temperament of children who stutter based on commonly used developmental psychology research methods—questionnaires and behavior observational tasks—will be reviewed. The benefits and drawbacks of this methodology will also be discussed. Last, suggestions for research or clinical application will also be discussed.
Le cheveu : des cordes et de la physique
Authors: Pomeau Yves , Audoly Basile
Published: November 2011

Cet article présente un exemple de l’effet de l’élasticité d’un solide sur la forme géométrique qu’il prend lorsqu’on lui applique des contraintes : la théorie mécanique du cheveu.

Le texte souligne, par ailleurs, le rôle de l’introduction de méthodes mathématiques, très générales, en mécanique du solide.

L’article est un exposé succinct du chapitre 8 du récent ouvrage “Elasticity and Geometry – From hair curls to the nonlinear response of shells”, dont nous présentons page13, une recension d’Étienne Guyon.
Giulio Racah (1909-1965)
Authors: Pain Jean-Christophe
Published: November 2011

Giulio Racah est connu des physiciens pour ses techniques mathématiques fondées sur les opérateurs tensoriels et les groupes continus, appliquées principalement au groupe de symétrie par rotation. Ces méthodes ont révolutionné la spectroscopie et sont incontournables en physique atomique, nucléaire, et des particules élémentaires. Il a d’abord développé une procédure systématique pour classer les niveaux d’énergie des atomes (introduisant un nouveau nombre quantique, la « seniorité »), qui demeure la plus utilisée pour les calculs pratiques de structure atomique.

Racah a posé les fondations de la physique atomique en Israël et a formé de nombreux physiciens de talent.
Instability of Antibacterial Serrulatane Compounds from the Australian Plant Species Eremophila duttonii
Authors: Ndi Chi P. , Semple Susan J. , Griesser Hans J.
Published: November 2011

Hydrophilically substituted diterpenes of the structural class of serrulatanes have attracted attention as novel antibacterial compounds that are effective even against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a key bacterium involved in human infections. The mechanism of action has, however, not been established yet. Available data on structure–activity relationships suggest that the aromatic hydroxy group is essential for activity, and the strongest activity has been found for naphthyl compounds. In this context, it is reported that two highly active serrulatanes isolated from leaf resin of the Australian plant species Eremophila duttonii showed instability upon separation. Acetylation of hydroxy groups generated stable compounds that could be isolated and identified by NMR spectroscopy. The acetylated compounds showed little antibacterial activity, but such activity, as well as oxidative instability, was restored after hydrolysis of the acetate groups. Thus, phenolic hydroxy groups are essential for the mechanism of action of these compounds. The reaction products were not purifiable in sufficient quantities, but indications point to oxidation to quinones. Such oxidation may be a key aspect of the antibacterial activity of this class of compounds.
Forced TR2/TR4 expression in sickle cell disease mice confers enhanced fetal hemoglobin synthesis and alleviated disease phenotypes
Authors: Campbell Andrew D. , Cui Shuaiying , Shi Lihong , Urbonya Rebekah , Mathias Andrea , Bradley Kori , Bonsu Kwaku O. , Douglas Rhonda R. , Halford Brittne , Schmidt Lindsay , Harro David , Giacherio Donald , Tanimoto Keiji , Tanabe Osamu , Engel James Douglas
Published: November 2011

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hematologic disorder caused by a missense mutation in the adult β-globin gene. Higher fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels in red blood cells of SCD patients have been shown to improve morbidity and mortality. We previously found that nuclear receptors TR2 and TR4 repress expression of the human embryonic ε-globin and fetal γ-globin genes in definitive erythroid cells. Because forced expression of TR2/TR4 in murine adult erythroid cells paradoxically enhanced fetal γ-globin gene expression in transgenic mice, we wished to determine if forced TR2/TR4 expression in a SCD model mouse would result in elevated HbF synthesis and thereby alleviate the disease phenotype. In a “humanized” sickle cell model mouse, forced TR2/TR4 expression increased HbF abundance from 7.6% of total hemoglobin to 18.6%, accompanied by increased hematocrit from 23% to 34% and reticulocyte reduction from 61% to 18%, indicating a significant reduction in hemolysis. Moreover, forced TR2/TR4 expression reduced hepatosplenomegaly and liver parenchymal necrosis and inflammation in SCD mice, indicating alleviation of usual pathophysiological characteristics. This article shows that genetic manipulation of nonglobin proteins, or transcription factors regulating globin gene expression, can ameliorate the disease phenotype in a SCD model animal. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that modulating TR2/TR4 activity in SCD patients may be a promising therapeutic approach to induce persistent HbF accumulation and for treatment of the disease.
CD47–signal regulatory protein-α (SIRPα) interactions form a barrier for antibody-mediated tumor cell destruction
Authors: Zhao Xi Wen , van Beek Ellen M. , Schornagel Karin , Van der Maaden Hans , Van Houdt Michel , Otten Marielle A. , Finetti Pascal , Van Egmond Marjolein , Matozaki Takashi , Kraal Georg , Birnbaum Daniel , van Elsas Andrea , Kuijpers Taco W. , Bertucci Francois , van den Berg Timo K.
Published: November 2011

Monoclonal antibodies are among the most promising therapeutic agents for treating cancer. Therapeutic cancer antibodies bind to tumor cells, turning them into targets for immune-mediated destruction. We show here that this antibody-mediated killing of tumor cells is limited by a mechanism involving the interaction between tumor cell-expressed CD47 and the inhibitory receptor signal regulatory protein-α (SIRPα) on myeloid cells. Mice that lack the SIRPα cytoplasmic tail, and hence its inhibitory signaling, display increased antibody-mediated elimination of melanoma cells in vivo. Moreover, interference with CD47–SIRPα interactions by CD47 knockdown or by antagonistic antibodies against CD47 or SIRPα significantly enhances the in vitro killing of trastuzumab-opsonized Her2/Neu-positive breast cancer cells by phagocytes. Finally, the response to trastuzumab therapy in breast cancer patients appears correlated to cancer cell CD47 expression. These findings demonstrate that CD47–SIRPα interactions participate in a homeostatic mechanism that restricts antibody-mediated killing of tumor cells. This provides a rational basis for targeting CD47–SIRPα interactions, using for instance the antagonistic antibodies against human SIRPα described herein, to potentiate the clinical effects of cancer therapeutic antibodies.
Large-scale production of functional human serum albumin from transgenic rice seeds
Authors: He Yang , Ning Tingting , Xie Tingting , Qiu Qingchuan , Zhang Liping , Sun Yunfang , Jiang Daiming , Fu Kai , Yin Fei , Zhang Wenjing , Shen Lang , Wang Hui , Li Jianjun , Lin Qishan , Sun Yunxia , Li Hongzhen , Zhu Yingguo , Yang Daichang
Published: November 2011

Human serum albumin (HSA) is widely used in clinical and cell culture applications. Conventional production of HSA from human blood is limited by the availability of blood donation and the high risk of viral transmission from donors. Here, we report the production ofOryza sativarecombinant HSA (OsrHSA) from transgenic rice seeds. The level of OsrHSA reached 10.58% of the total soluble protein of the rice grain. Large-scale production of OsrHSA generated protein with a purity >99% and a productivity rate of 2.75 g/kg brown rice. Physical and biochemical characterization of OsrHSA revealed it to be equivalent to plasma-derived HSA (pHSA). The efficiency of OsrHSA in promoting cell growth and treating liver cirrhosis in rats was similar to that of pHSA. Furthermore, OsrHSA displays similar in vitro and in vivo immunogenicity as pHSA. Our results suggest that a rice seed bioreactor produces cost-effective recombinant HSA that is safe and can help to satisfy an increasing worldwide demand for human serum albumin.
Tomosyn-dependent regulation of synaptic transmission is required for a late phase of associative odor memory
Authors: Chen Kaiyun , Richlitzki Antje , Featherstone David E. , Schwärzel Martin , Richmond Janet E.
Published: November 2011

Synaptic vesicle secretion requires the assembly of fusogenic SNARE complexes. Consequently proteins that regulate SNARE complex formation can significantly impact synaptic strength. The SNARE binding protein tomosyn has been shown to potently inhibit exocytosis by sequestering SNARE proteins in nonfusogenic complexes. The tomosyn–SNARE interaction is regulated by protein kinase A (PKA), an enzyme implicated in learning and memory, suggesting tomosyn could be an important effector in PKA-dependent synaptic plasticity. We tested this hypothesis in
Drosophila
, in which the role of the PKA pathway in associative learning has been well established. We first determined that panneuronal tomosyn knockdown by RNAi enhanced synaptic strength at the
Drosophila
larval neuromuscular junction, by increasing the evoked response duration. We next assayed memory performance 3 min (early memory) and 3 h (late memory) after aversive olfactory learning. Whereas early memory was unaffected by tomosyn knockdown, late memory was reduced by 50%. Late memory is a composite of stable and labile components. Further analysis determined that tomosyn was specifically required for the anesthesia-sensitive, labile component, previously shown to require cAMP signaling via PKA in mushroom bodies. Together these data indicate that tomosyn has a conserved role in the regulation of synaptic transmission and provide behavioral evidence that tomosyn is involved in a specific component of late associative memory.
Evolution to carbapenem-hydrolyzing activity in noncarbapenemase class D β-lactamase OXA-10 by rational protein design
Authors: De Luca Filomena , Benvenuti Manuela , Carboni Filippo , Pozzi Cecilia , Rossolini Gian Maria , Mangani Stefano , Docquier Jean-Denis
Published: November 2011

Class D β-lactamases with carbapenemase activity are emerging as carbapenem-resistance determinants in Gram-negative bacterial pathogens, mostly
Acinetobacter baumannii
and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
. Carbapenemase activity is an unusual feature among class D β-lactamases, and the structural elements responsible for this activity remain unclear. Based on structural and molecular dynamics data, we previously hypothesized a potential role of the residues located in the short-loop connecting strands β5 and β6 (the β5–β6 loop) in conferring the carbapenemase activity of the OXA-48 enzyme. In this work, the narrow-spectrum OXA-10 class D β-lactamase, which is unable to hydrolyze carbapenems, was used as a model to investigate the possibility of evolving carbapenemase activity by replacement of the β5–β6 loop with those present in three different lineages of class D carbapenemases (OXA-23, OXA-24, and OXA-48). Biological assays and kinetic measurements showed that all three OXA-10–derived hybrids acquired significant carbapenemase activity. Structural analysis of the OXA-10loop24 and OXA-10loop48 hybrids revealed no significant changes in the molecular fold of the enzyme, except for the orientation of the substituted β5–β6 loops, which was reminiscent of that found in their parental enzymes. These results demonstrate the crucial role of the β5–β6 loop in the carbapenemase activity of class D β-lactamases, and provide previously unexplored insights into the mechanism by which these enzymes can evolve carbapenemase activity.
Natural killer (NK)–dendritic cell interactions generate MHC class II-dressed NK cells that regulate CD4+T cells
Authors: Nakayama Masafumi , Takeda Kazuyoshi , Kawano Mitsuko , Takai Toshiyuki , Ishii Naoto , Ogasawara Kouetsu
Published: November 2011

Natural killer (NK) cells contribute to not only innate but also to adaptive immunity by interacting with dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells. All activated human NK cells express HLA-DR and can initiate MHCII-dependent CD4+T-cell proliferation; however, the expression of MHCII by mouse NK cells and its functional significance are controversial. In this study, we show that NK–DC interactions result in the emergence of MHCII-positive NK cells. Upon in vitro or in vivo activation, mouse conventional NK cells did not induce MHCII transcripts, but rapidly acquired MHCII protein from DCs. MHCIIH2-Ab1–deficient NK cells turned I-Ab-positive when adoptively transferred into wild-type mice or when cultured with WT splenic DCs. NK acquisition of MHCII was mediated by intercellular membrane transfer called “trogocytosis,” but not upon DAP10/12- and MHCI-binding NK cell receptor signaling. MHCII-dressed NK cells concurrently acquired costimulatory molecules such as CD80 and CD86 from DCs; however, their expression did not reach functional levels. Therefore, MHCII-dressed NK cells inhibited DC-induced CD4+T-cell responses rather than activated CD4+T cells by competitive antigen presentation. In a mouse model for delayed-type hypersensitivity, adoptive transfer of MHCII-dressed NK cells attenuated footpad swelling. These results suggest that MHCII-dressed NK cells generated through NK–DC interactions regulate T cell-mediated immune responses.