bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Process for Transition to Sustainability: Implementation
Authors: Wooltorton Sandra , Palmer Marilyn , Steele Fran
Published: March 2012

This paper reports the outcomes of the second action cycle of an ongoing project at Edith Cowan University (ECU) calledTransition to Sustainability: ECU South Westwhich is located in a small, single faculty regional university campus. The overall project has comprised three action research cycles, the frst of which was the planning cycle which established the importance of building a community of practice with a learning stance for sustainability transition. It also highlighted the issue of a common defnition of the term sustainability; of including cross-disciplinary perspectives; and of working with the local community. The second action cycle which was the frst implementation phase, is the subject of this report. In this phase, we found that by not foreclosing on the meaning of sustainability, important aspects of sustainability were included. Although research participants initially expressed some concern about using an open understanding of sustainability, the problem of the meaning functioned to foster involvement in dialogue. In fact, these ongoing discussions around sustainability and the notion of a sustainable future formed the heart of this action cycle. However there were constraints associated with the subject of dialogue. These included problems of site communication, the maintenance of effective networks and issues around power and authorisation. We observed that each of these elements could work together in ways that enrich and/or obstruct a transition to sustainability. Finally, we found that lack of time hinders participation in sustainability transition projects because of its effect on authentic dialogue, thereby impacting upon the development of collaborative ways of working within the university. Our project is distinctively Australian in that it reflects an emerging movement in Australia to create social frameworks for embedding sustainability education activities. In our project, the transition process by which learning and change has been facilitated comprises the action research itself.
Teachers Unions and Public Education
Authors: Casey Leo
Published: March 2012

Public education is one of the most important “public goods” of a democratic society. In recent decades, public policy analysts, public intellectuals, and politicians have debated the state of public education in the United States and have argued about the sorts of public policies that might best promote the academic achievement, educational success, and political socialization of youth. Terry Moe and John Chubb have been important contributors to these debates. Their 1990 book,Politics, Markets, and America's Schools, set the terms of much subsequent discussion about the importance of school autonomy and “educational choice.” Moe'sSpecial Interestextends these arguments through a more frontal critique of the role of teachers unions. This book represents an important contribution to public discussion of school reform. It also incorporates a distinctive perspective on the relationship between power and public policy, and between the role of states and that of markets in the provision of public goods and services. In this symposium, we feature a range of serious commentaries on the book's central arguments about educational policy and politics and on its approach to “engaged” or “applied” political science.
Response to John McCormick's review of Oligargy
Authors: Winters Jeffrey A.
Published: March 2012

I am very grateful to John McCormick for his excellent review of Oligarchy. It is careful and thoughtful, and I especially appreciate the important criticisms he raises. On Rome, I fully concur that the scholarship in the “democratic school” raises important interpretative challenges. But I must confess to being more persuaded by the compelling work of Karl-Joachim Hölkeskamp, Kurt Raaflaub, Robert Morstein-Marx, and especially Henrik Mouritsen than the admittedly influential authors McCormick cites. Fergus Millar and others have been criticized for their overly constitutional approach and relying perhaps too heavily on democratic discourse. Emphasizing factors like scale, place, and how power was exercised in actual practice, Mouritsen counters that the involvement of the poor—the vast majority—in the political affairs of Rome was exceedingly limited. At the contiones, “the people” were present more as a political concept than physically in attendance. The capacity of the comitium was at most 4,000 people for a demos of some five million citizens—who were themselves a privileged minority among tens of millions of non-citizens and slaves. The heavy time demands of direct democracy on these citizens trying to eke out a living would have been a major burden. Whatever democracy really meant or achieved in Rome (and Athens), it clearly did not aid the lower classes materially. There was a steady accumulation of wealth and power upward toward oligarchs as debt and poverty worsened among the plebs.
Where do radical right parties stand? Position blurring in multidimensional competition
Authors: Rovny Jan
Published: February 2012

This article questions the utility of assessing radical right party placement on economic issues, which has been extensively analyzed in academic literature. Starting from the premise that political parties have varying strategic stakes in different political issues, the article considers political competition in multiple issue dimensions. It suggests that political competition is not simply a matter of taking positions on political issues, but rather centers on manipulating the dimensional structure of politics. The core argument is that certain political parties, such as those of the radical right, seek to compete on neglected, secondary issues while simultaneously blurring their positions on established issues in order to attract broader support. Deliberate position blurring – considered costly by the literature – may thus be an effective strategy in multidimensional competition. The article combines quantitative analyses of electoral manifestos, expert placement of political parties, and voter preferences, by studying seventeen radical right parties in nine Western European party systems.
A cosmopolitan legal order: Constitutional pluralism and rights adjudication in Europe
Authors: STONE SWEET ALEC
Published: March 2012

The European Convention on Human Rights is rapidly evolving into a cosmopolitan legal order: a transnational legal system in which all public officials bear the obligation to fulfill the fundamental rights of every person within their jurisdiction. The emergence of the system depended on certain deep, structural transformations of law and politics in Europe, including the consolidation of a zone of peace and economic interdependence, of constitutional pluralism at the national level, and of rights cosmopolitanism at the transnational level. Framed by Kantian ideas, the paper develops a theoretical account of a cosmopolitan legal system, provides an overview of how the ECHR system operates, and establishes criteria for its normative assessment.
Das ADHS-Camp
Authors: Schmidt Sören , Ender Stephanie , Schultheiß Jan , Müller Gabriele Gerber-von , Gerber Wolf-Dieter , Steinmann Elisabeth , Petermann Ulrike , Petermann Franz
Published: March 2012

Die Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit-/Hyperaktivitätsstörung (ADHS) ist eine der am häufigsten gestellten Diagnosen im Bereich der Kinder- und Jugendlichenpsychotherapie. Verschiedene Studien belegen die Wirksamkeit multimodaler Maßnahmen und verweisen dabei auf die Bedeutung der Verhaltenstherapie, deren Wirksamkeit bereits in verschiedenen Studien belegt wurde. Da sich viele Therapieangebote über einen langen Zeitraum erstrecken, wurde das ADHS-Camp als zeitökonomisches, intensivtherapeutisches Vorgehen entwickelt und dessen Wirksamkeit im Rahmen dieser Studie auf Langzeiteffekte (6 und 12 Monate nach Abschluss der Therapie) überprüft. Dies geschah unter Einbezug funktionsorientierter (neuropsychologischer) und verhaltensorientierter Testverfahren, wobei letztere von Eltern und Lehrern beurteilt wurden. Über die Berechnung von MAN(C)OVAS mit Messwiederholung zeigte sich, dass das ADHS-Camp zu einer signifikanten Verbesserung sowohl auf funktioneller als auch verhaltensorientierter Ebene führt. Auf der Verhaltensebene sehen Eltern einen stärkeren Einfluss als die Lehrer. Um zu gewährleisten, dass die Effekte nicht durch normale Reifungsprozesse beeinflusst sind, wurde das Alter als Kovariate aufgenommen. Es zeigt sich, dass das ADHS-Camp als eine wirkungsvolle Maßnahme bewertet werden kann. Erzielte Verbesserungen der Problemlage sind sowohl auf der funktionellen als auch der Verhaltensebene zeitstabil. Dies unterstreicht die Relevanz intensivtherapeutischer Maßnahmen zur Behandlung von ADHS bei Kindern.
Stress‐strain response of hydrate‐bearing sands: Numerical study using discrete element method simulations
Authors: Jung Jong‐Won , Santamarina J. Carlos , Soga K.
Published: February 2012

Gas hydrate is a crystalline solid found within marine and subpermafrost sediments. While the presence of hydrates can have a profound effect on sediment properties, the stress‐strain behavior of hydrate‐bearing sediments is poorly understood due to inherent limitations in laboratory testing. In this study, we use numerical simulations to improve our understanding of the mechanical behavior of hydrate‐bearing sands. The hydrate mass is simulated as either small randomly distributed bonded grains or as “ripened hydrate” forming patchy saturation, whereby sediment clusters with 100% pore‐filled hydrate saturation are distributed within a hydrate‐free sediment. Simulation results reveal that reduced sand porosity and higher hydrate saturation cause an increase in stiffness, strength, and dilative tendency, and the critical state line shifts toward higher void ratio and higher shear strength. In particular, the critical state friction angle increases in sands with patchy saturation, while the apparent cohesion is affected the most when the hydrate mass is distributed in pores. Sediments with patchy hydrate distribution exhibit a slightly lower strength than sediments with randomly distributed hydrate. Finally, hydrate dissociation under drained conditions leads to volume contraction and/or stress relaxation, and pronounced shear strains can develop if the hydrate‐bearing sand is subjected to deviatoric loading during dissociation.
Geoelectric observations of the degradation of nearshore submarine permafrost at Barrow (Alaskan Beaufort Sea)
Authors: Overduin Pier Paul , Westermann Sebastian , Yoshikawa Kenji , Haberlau Thomas , Romanovsky Vladimir , Wetterich Sebastian
Published: February 2012

Submarine permafrost degradation rates may be determined by a number of interacting processes, including rates of sea level rise and coastal erosion, sea bottom temperature and salinity regimes, geothermal heat flux and heat and mass diffusion within the sediment column. Observations of ice‐bearing permafrost in shelf sediments are necessary in order to determine its spatial distribution and to quantify its degradation rate. We tested the use of direct current electrical resistivity to ice‐bearing permafrost in Elson Lagoon northeast of Barrow, Alaska (Beaufort Sea). A sharp increase in electrical resistivity was observed in profiles collected perpendicular to and along the coastline and is interpreted to be the boundary between ice‐free sediment and underlying ice‐bearing submarine permafrost. The depth to the interpreted ice‐bearing permafrost increases from <2 m below sea level to over 12 m below sea level with increasing distance from the coastline. The dependence of the saline sediment electrical resistivity on temperature and freezing was measured in the laboratory to provide validation for the field measurements. Electrical resistivity was shown to be effective for detection of shallow ice‐bearing permafrost in the coastal zone. Historical coastal retreat rates were combined with the inclination of the top of the ice‐bearing permafrost to calculate mean vertical permafrost degradation rates of 1 to 4 cm yr−1.
Proposed NASA budget cuts planetary science
Authors: Balcerak Ernie
Published: March 2012

President Barack Obama's fiscal year (FY) 2013 budget request for NASA would sharply cut planetary science while maintaining other science and exploration priorities. The total proposed FY 2013 budget for NASA is $17.7 billion, a slight decrease (0.33%) from the previous year (see Table 1). This includes $4.9 billion for the Science directorate, a decrease of about 3.2% from the previous year, and about $3.9 billion for the Human Exploration directorate, a n increase of about $200 million over FY 2012. The latter would include about $2.8 million for development of a new heavy‐lift rocket system, known as the Space Launch System (SLS), to take humans beyond low‐Earth orbit, along with the Orion crew vehicle.
Geophysical information for teachers: Wave tanks, homemade clouds, glacial goo, and more!
Authors: Adamec Bethany Holm
Published: March 2012

AGU is deeply committed to fostering the next generation of Earth and space scientists. Union activities contribute to this effort in many ways, one of which is partnering with the National Earth Science Teacher's Association (NESTA) to hold the Annual Geophysical Information for Teachers (GIFT) workshop at AGU's annual Fall Meeting. GIFT allows K‐12 science teachers to hear about the latest geoscience research from the scientists making the discoveries, explore new classroom resources for their students, and visit exhibits and technical sessions of the AGU meeting for free. In 2011 AGU worked with NESTA to develop an improved rigorous and open application process for scientists and education professionals who wished to work as a team and present their Earth and space science work to teachers, as well as lead the educators in a hands‐on, classroom‐ ready activity. Twenty‐four applications were received for five slots, so the selected presentations (on tsunamis, clouds, field campaigns, glaciers, and volcanoes), chosen through a peer‐ review process, truly represented the best ways of getting cutting‐edge science into the classroom.
On the impact of wind forcing on the seasonal variability of Weddell Sea Bottom Water transport
Authors: Wang Q. , Danilov S. , Fahrbach E. , Schröter J. , Jung T.
Published: March 2012

The seasonal variability of Weddell Sea Bottom Water (WSBW) transport and its driving mechanisms are examined using FESOM simulations. Pronounced seasonal variability is present in both the Filchner shelf water export rate and the WSBW transport rate near the Antarctic Peninsula (AP) tip. The variabilities at both locations are linked to the surface wind forcing. The Filchner shelf water export rate responds to the onshore propagating density anomaly, which is caused by the wind‐induced variation of the isopycnal depression at the coast. The variability near the AP tip originates from upstream variations at the Filchner Depression and from seasonal variability of the Weddell gyre strength.
Peroxynitrite Decomposition with FeTMPyP Improves Plasma-Induced Vascular Dysfunction and Infarction during Mild but not Severe Hyperglycemic Stroke
Authors: Palomares Sara Morales , Gardner-Morse Ira , Sweet Julie G , Cipolla Marilyn J
Published: February 2012

We investigated mechanisms by which circulating factors during hyperglycemic (HG) stroke affect cerebrovascular function and the role of peroxynitrite in stroke outcome. Middle cerebral arteries (MCAs) were isolated from male Wistar rats and perfused with plasma from rats that were hyperglycemic for 5 to 6 days by streptozotocin and underwent either MCA occlusion (HG MCAO) or Sham surgery (HG Sham) compared with MCA perfused with physiologic saline (No plasma). Myogenic responses and endothelial function were compared in untreated MCA ( n=8/group) or with inhibitors of NADPH oxidase (apocynin; n=8), peroxynitrite (FeTMPyP; n=8) or endothelin-1 (ET-1)A (BQ-123; n=8). Finally, animals were treated in vivo before reperfusion after mild (<68% cerebral blood flow (CBF) decrease) or severe (>68% CBF decrease) MCAO with FeTMPyP ( n=12) or vehicle ( n=12) and CBF and infarction measured. The HG MCAO plasma increased tone in MCA versus No plasma ( P<0.05) that was reversed by FeTMPyP, but not by apocynin or BQ-123. The HG Sham plasma also increased tone in MCA ( P<0.05) that was reversed by BQ-123 only. In vivo, FeTMPyP was neuroprotective during mild, but not severe ischemia. These results show that circulating factors in plasma can affect cerebrovascular function through peroxynitrite generation and ET-1. In addition, peroxynitrite decomposition improves stroke outcome acutely during mild, but not severe HG ischemia.
Watermaze Performance after Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in the Rat: The Role of Sensorimotor versus Memory Impairments
Authors: Bingham Deborah , Martin Stephen J , Macrae I Mhairi , Carswell Hilary V O
Published: February 2012

In rodent stroke models, investigation of deficits in spatial memory using the Morris watermaze may be confounded by coexisting sensory or motor impairments. To target memory specifically, we devised a watermaze protocol to minimize the impact of sensory and motor impairments in female Lister-hooded rats exposed to proximal electrocoagulation of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO). Rats were trained in a reference-memory task comprising 4 trials/day; trial 1 being a probe trial (platform absent for the first 60 seconds). Training ended once animals reached a strict criterion based on the probe-trial performance. Memory retention was tested 1, 7, and 28 days later. The MCAO did not affect the number of days to reach criterion during acquisition or the time spent in target quadrant during retention testing, compared with sham or unoperated rats. However, MCAO rats showed slightly poorer accuracy in crossing the platform location and increased thigmotactic swimming compared with controls. Our results show that spatial memory deficits are minimal in this rodent stroke model, and suggest that previously published watermaze impairments are attributable to sensory and motor deficits but not memory deficits. We recommend using probe trials and training to a predetermined performance criterion in future studies assessing watermaze memory deficits in rodent stroke models.
Brain Energy Metabolism and Blood Flow Differences in Healthy Aging
Authors: Aanerud Joel , Borghammer Per , Chakravarty M Mallar , Vang Kim , Rodell Anders B , Jónsdottir Kristjana Y , Møller Arne , Ashkanian Mahmoud , Vafaee Manouchehr S , Iversen Peter , Johannsen Peter , Gjedde Albert
Published: February 2012

Cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen consumption ( CMRO 2), cerebral blood flow ( CBF), and oxygen extraction fraction ( OEF) are important indices of healthy aging of the brain. Although a frequent topic of study, changes of CBF and CMRO 2 during normal aging are still controversial, as some authors find decreases of both CBF and CMRO 2 but increased OEF, while others find no change, and yet other find divergent changes. In this reanalysis of previously published results from positron emission tomography of healthy volunteers, we determined CMRO 2 and CBF in 66 healthy volunteers aged 21 to 81 years. The magnitudes of CMRO 2 and CBF declined in large parts of the cerebral cortex, including association areas, but the primary motor and sensory areas were relatively spared. We found significant increases of OEF in frontal and parietal cortices, excluding primary motor and somatosensory regions, and in the temporal cortex. Because of the inverse relation between OEF and capillary oxygen tension, increased OEF can compromise oxygen delivery to neurons, with possible perturbation of energy turnover. The results establish a possible mechanism of progression from healthy to unhealthy brain aging, as the regions most affected by age are the areas that are most vulnerable to neurodegeneration.
Activism, Imagination and Writing: Avtar Brah Reflects on her Life and Work with Les Back
Authors: Back Les , Brah Avtar
Published: February 2012

Avtar Brah (AB) was interviewed by Les Back (LB) on 3 July 2009 at a colloquium held to mark her retirement where, inter alia, her work was discussed. The interview is a reflection on her politics, activism and scholarship. It touches on some key moments of her life.
Effect of 10-T magnetic fields on structural colors in guanine crystals of fish scales
Authors: Iwasaka M. , Miyashita Y. , Kudo M. , Kurita S. , Owada N.
Published: March 2012

This work reports the magnetically modulated structural colors in the chromatophore of goldfish scales under static magnetic fields up to 10 T. A fiber optic system for spectroscopy measurements and a CCD microscope were set in the horizontal bore of a 10-T superconducting magnet. One leaf of a fish scale was set in a glass chamber, exposed to visible light from its side direction, and then static magnetic fields were applied perpendicular to the surface of the scale. In addition, an optical fiber for spectroscopy was directed perpendicular to the surface. During the magnetic field sweep-up, the aggregate of guanine thin plates partially showed a rapid light quenching under 0.26 to 2 T; however, most of the thin plates continued to scatter the side-light and showed changing iridescence, which was displayed individually by each guanine plate. For example, an aggregate in the chromatophore exhibited a dynamic change in structural color from white-green to dark blue when the magnetic fields changed from 2 to 10 T. The spectrum profile, which was obtained by the fiber optic system, confirmed the image color changes under magnetic field exposure. Also, a linearly polarized light transmission was measured on fish scales by utilizing an optical polarizer and analyzer. The transmitted polarized light intensities increased in the range of 500–550 nm compared to the intensity at 700 nm during the magnetic field sweep-up. These results indicate that the multi-lamella structure of nano-mirror plates in guanine hexagonal micro-plates exhibit diamagnetically modulated structure changes, and its light interference is affected by strong magnetic fields.
In situ tailoring of magnetization configuration in NiFe film deposited onto flexible substrate
Authors: Karboul-Trojet W. , Faurie D. , Aït-Yahiatène E. , Roussigné Y. , Mazaleyrat F. , Chérif S. M.
Published: March 2012

In this paper, we study the effect of mechanical stress on the domain configuration of a NiFe film obliquely deposited on a compliant polyimide substrate. To this end, we have developed a new method combining in situ mechanical tests with magnetic force microscopy (MFM) imaging. This approach allows changing the static magnetization structure of the film by controlling the stress-induced anisotropy. In the absence of applied stress and magnetic field, the sample shows stripe domains with an in-plane tilted direction with respect to the stress axis. After saturating the film, application of an increasing stress regenerates progressively a stripe domains structure with a modified in-plane magnetization direction.
Tailoring the vortex core in confined magnetic nanostructures
Authors: Moura Thiago R. S. , Oliveira Felipe F. , Carriço A. S. , Dantas Ana L. , Rebouças G. O. G.
Published: March 2012

We present a study of vortex formation in interface biased nano-sized disk and square nanoelements of Fe and PyTM. For small lateral dimensions, the circular nanoelements have smaller vortex core diameter than square nanoelements with equal top surface area. For surface area ranging from 1900 nm2 to 6700  nm2, the vortex core diameter of 30 nm thick Fe (PyTM) nanoelements varies from 32 nm (36 nm) to 36 nm (48 nm). Interface effects are stronger for PyTM nanoelements.
Development of a miniature fan motor
Authors: Wang Chien-Chang , Yao Yeong-Der , Liang Kun-Yi , Huang Chung-Chun , Chang Yu-Choung
Published: March 2012

A novel compact axial flux fan motor was developed. Such a micromotor could be a potential candidate for using as the cooling solution for the next generation mobile devices, for example, smart phones and pico-projectors. The key parameters of the motor, such as back electromotive force, cogging torque, and axial preload are predicted using finite element method. In addition, new approaches are proposed to measure these items, and the corresponding experimental results are in good agreement with the simulated one. Moreover, the undesired vibration harmonic is successfully suppressed, and the fan motor represents a high static pressure and air flow rate.
Calculation of eddy currents in magnetically nonlinear anisotropic conductors
Authors: McAvoy P. , Serpico C. , Mayergoyz I.
Published: March 2012

Exact analytical expressions for eddy currents in magnetically nonlinear isotropic conducting media can be derived in the case of circular polarizations of magnetic field. It is shown that by using the perturbation technique analytical expressions for eddy currents can be derived for magnetically nonlinear anisotropic conducting media and elliptically polarized magnetic fields.
Defect evolution and interplay in n-type InN
Authors: Rauch Christian , Tuomisto Filip , Vilalta-Clemente Arantxa , Lacroix Bertrand , Ruterana Pierre , Kraeusel Simon , Hourahine Ben , Schaff William J.
Published: March 2012

The nature and interplay of intrinsic point and extended defects in n-type Si-doped InN epilayers with free carrier concentrations up to 6.6×1020 cm−3 are studied using positron annihilation spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy and compared to results from undoped irradiated films. In as-grown Si-doped samples, mixed In-N vacancy complexes (VIn-VN) are the dominant III-sublattice related vacancy defects. An increase in the number of VN in these complexes toward the interface suggests high concentrations of additional isolated VN and VN-clusters near the GaN buffer layer and coincides with elevated dislocation densities in that area.
Dipole spring ferroelectrics in superlattice SrTiO3/BaTiO3 thin films exhibiting constricted hysteresis loops
Authors: Wu Pingping , Ma Xingqiao , Li Yulan , Gopalan Venkatraman , Chen Long-Qing
Published: March 2012

Ferroelectric superlattice heterostructures have recently been explored for potential applications in electronic devices. In this letter, we employed the phase-field approach to simulate the domain structure and switching of a (BaTiO3)8/(SrTiO3)3 superlattice film constrained by a GdScO3 substrate. A constricted ferroelectric hysteresis loop was observed with a high saturation polarization but a small coercive field. The shape of the hysteresis loop is understood by analyzing the ferroelectric polarization distributions during switching. It is demonstrated that the multilayers stack behaves as dipole spring ferroelectric, named in analogy to exchange spring magnets in magnetic multilayers that show similar loops.
Room-temperature anomalous Hall effect in amorphous Si-based magnetic semiconductor
Authors: Yao Jia-Hsien , Lin Hsiu-Hau , Soo Yun-Liang , Wu Tai-Sing , Tsai Jai-Lin , Lan Ming-Der , Chin Tsung-Shune
Published: March 2012

Here, we show that Mn-doped amorphous hydrogenated Si reveals room-temperature ferromagnetism. Various characterization techniques rule out the formation of magnetic clusters. In particular, anomalous Hall-effect is found even at 300 K in annealed Si89.5Mn10.5 samples. The observed anomalous Hall-effect provides direct evidence that the ferromagnetic order is coupled to the itinerant carriers, making these samples workable magnetic semiconductors. This work demonstrates the great potential for Si-based semiconductor spintronics at room temperature, which is readily integrated with the current information technology.
Ultra-low voltage, organic thin film transistors fabricated on plastic substrates by a highly reproducible process
Authors: Cosseddu P. , Lai S. , Barbaro M. , Bonfiglio A.
Published: March 2012

Organic thin film transistors have been fabricated on plastic substrates using a combination of two ultrathin insulating films, namely a 6 nm Al2O3 film (grown by UV-Ozone treatment of a pre-deposited aluminium film) and a 25 nm parylene C film deposited by vapour phase, as gate dielectric. They show a very low leakage current density, around 2 × 10−9 A/cm2, and, most importantly, can be operated at voltages below 1 V. We demonstrate that this low-cost technique is highly reproducible and represents a step forward for the routine fabrication of ultra-low voltage plastic electronics.
Lateral positioning of InGaAs quantum dots using a buried stressor
Authors: Strittmatter A. , Schliwa A. , Schulze J.-H. , Germann T. D. , Dreismann A. , Hitzemann O. , Stock E. , Ostapenko I. A. , Rodt S. , Unrau W. , Pohl U. W. , Hoffmann A. , Bimberg D. , Haisler V.
Published: March 2012

We present a “bottom-up” approach for the lateral alignment of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) based on strain-driven self-organization. A buried stressor formed by partial oxidation of (Al,Ga)As layers is employed in order to create a locally varying strain field at a GaAs(001) growth surface. During subsequent strained layer growth, local self-organization of (In,Ga)As QDs is controlled by the contour shape of the stressor. Large vertical separation of the QD growth plane from the buried stressor interface of 150 nm is achieved enabling high optical quality of QDs. Optical characterization confirms narrow QD emission lines without spectral diffusion.
Effect of snow disasters on livestock farming in some rangeland regions of China and mitigation strategies – a review
Authors: Shang Z. H. , Gibb M. J. , Long R. J.
Published: February 2012

Severe snowfall events, termed snow disasters, lead to losses of livestock, preventing sustainable development of livestock systems, in the rangelands of northern China. In order to reduce losses under snow disasters, a review of the factors contributing to these losses was used to indicate the most appropriate strategy. It is proposed that governments and herders should implement a holistic strategy using a multi-disciplinary approach to ensure sustainable development in these rangelands. The possibility of seeing snow disasters as a natural restraint on livestock numbers and allowing losses to take place during these events is not considered as acceptable as part of a holistic strategy. The aim of the strategy is to improve animal nutrition, health and disease control rather than simply mounting rescue missions to save threatened livestock. It is suggested that central and local governments should encourage permanent solutions through a combination of education, the provision of materials for animal housing and the creation of reserve banks sufficient to ensure adequate feeding and survival of livestock through the winter, whether threatened by snow disasters or not. The economic return from the marketing of animal products should be enhanced through a combination of government and herder initiatives to promote a higher turnover rate of livestock and to encourage the sale of high-quality products. Regeneration of degraded grassland by herders should be encouraged by enhancing vegetation cover and forage plant height, thereby reducing the effect of snow cover on forage accessibility. Since current stocking rates on many rangelands are too high, their reduction should be an absolute priority in order to prevent irreversible degradation of rangelands. Only by improving herders’ confidence in their economic survival, through the adoption of such changes, will they be persuaded to reduce grazing livestock numbers, thereby helping to ensure, not only the short-term survival of livestock through snow disasters, but the long-term survival of their rangeland pastures upon which their livelihood depends.
Advances in calorie restriction in the last 10 years: implications for human longevity.
Authors: Mitchell S. J. , Sankavaram K. , Serrano E. M. Y. , Cabo R. de
Published: March 2012

Calorie restriction (CR) remains the most well-established experimental intervention to delay the onset of ageing and age-associated disease(s). However, this is not a new phenomenon. The beneficial effects of CR have been well recognized since the early 1930s. It is only recently the interest in understanding the mechanism(s) behind the beneficial effects has gained momentum. Mitochondria are proposed to be the leading target for the CR-mediated effects, given the fact that mitochondria are the primary regulators of cellular energy and oxidative stress. Consistent with this theory, many mitochondrial components are damaged with ageing and age-related diseases. More importantly, mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in premature ageing syndromes such as Werner's syndrome. Thus, this makes mitochondria an attractive target for the modulation of both ageing and age-related diseases. In recent years, the study of the CR story has made great progress towards understanding how CR ameliorates mitochondrial dysfunction; however, much is still to be understood. This review will examine the role of five players in the CR story: the sirtuins, adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and
pha-4
.
Managing farmland flora to promote biodiversity in Europe.
Authors: Andreasen C. , Andresen L. C.
Published: March 2012

Modern agriculture has increased food production, improved food security and reduced poverty, but farming has also caused a considerable decrease in biodiversity, primarily through land-use intensification and overexploitation, along with excessive pesticide and water use, nutrient loading and pollution. The major purpose of agriculture is to ensure sustainable food production, adequate nutrition and stable livelihoods for all. The new challenge for modern farming is to balance high productivity and high biodiversity and allow a sustainable exploitation of resources that preserves biodiversity. This review seeks to summarize how farmland flora can be managed to promote flora and fauna diversity in Europe. We outline how further loss of biodiversity can be avoided by expanding the area of organic farming and by increasing the landscape complexity, modifying pesticide use and cropping systems, increasing the support for grazing of grassland and through establishment of buffer zones and dispersal corridors in areas with arable crops.
First Report of Abundant Rudd Populations in North America
Authors: Kapuscinski Kevin L. , Farrell John M. , Wilkinson Michael A.
Published: February 2012

The rudd Scardinius erythrophthalmus was first introduced into U.S. waters about a century ago, and the species’ popularity as a baitfish in the 1980s has facilitated its spread to at least 21 states and the province of Ontario. Several established populations have been identified, but low abundances have led to little research and management attention. Rudds comprised 48.7% of the 14,130 fish captured in spring trap-netting surveys of Buffalo Harbor (northeastern Lake Erie) and the upper Niagara River during 2007–2008. Rudd was the most abundant species sampled, being captured at 11 of 12 locations and comprising 23.6% of the total catch in Buffalo Harbor and 70.3% of the catch in the upper Niagara River. Documented presences and absences in historical reports indicate that rudd became established in these waters between 1986 and 1991. Research is needed to understand the effects of rudds on native aquatic resources, especially nearshore macrophyte assemblages and the fish they support.

Received June 28, 2011; accepted November 1, 2011
Three Distinct Nanoviruses, One of Which Represents a New Species, Infect Faba Bean in Ethiopia
Authors: Abraham Adane D. , Varrelmann Mark , Josef Vetten H.
Published: February 2012

In all, 70 of 296 leaf samples (23.6%) collected from faba bean (Vicia faba) plants showing leaf yellowing and stunting in Ethiopia gave nanovirus-positive reactions when studied by triple-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using broad-spectrum monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific to nanoviruses. Further analysis of these samples with seven discriminating MAbs revealed contrasting epitope profiles that were categorized into roughly three serogroups, designated A, B, and C. Serogroup A was found in 89% of the nanovirus-positive samples whereas serogroups B and C were infrequently encountered. Sequence analysis of DNA-S and DNA-U1 of serogroup A, B, and C isolates suggested that each represents a distinct nanovirus species. Serogroup A comprised isolates of Faba bean necrotic stunt virus reported earlier only from Ethiopia and Morocco. The DNA-R, -S, -U1, and -U2 sequences of a serogroup B isolate closely resembled those of Faba bean necrotic yellows virus, providing first molecular evidence for its occurrence in Ethiopia. Sequence analysis of the eight genomic DNAs of a representative serogroup C isolate (Eth-231) showed that it shared overall nucleotide and amino acid sequence identities of only ≤70 and ≤74%, respectively, with other nanoviruses. This suggests that Eth-231 represents a new nanovirus species, for which the name faba bean yellow leaf virus is proposed.
Preoperative Immunosuppression Is Not Associated With Increased Postoperative Complications Following Colectomy in Children With Colitis
Authors: Schaufler Candi , Lerer Trudy , Campbell Brendan , Weiss Richard , Cohen Jeffrey , Sayej Wael , Hyams Jeffrey
Published: March 2012

Objectives:

The aim of the present study was to review postoperative complications of pediatric patients undergoing colectomy for ulcerative colitis (UC) or inflammatory bowel disease‐unspecified (IBD‐U) with a focus on preoperative immunosuppression including exposure to infliximab.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective chart review of all of the children with UC or IBD‐U undergoing colectomy at our institution from 1996 to 2010. Data collected included indication for colectomy, immunosuppressive medications taken within 30 to 90 days of colectomy, surgical techniques and staging, and early and late postoperative complications.

Results:

A total of 51 patients underwent colectomy (45 UC, 6 IBD‐U) (55% male, 63% pancolitis at diagnosis, mean age at diagnosis 10.8 ± 3.8 years, mean age at colectomy 13.1 ± 3.8 years). Indications for colectomy were fulminant colitis in 26% and medically refractory chronic disease in 74%. Patient exposure to immunosuppression in the 30 days before colectomy included corticosteroids (88%), thiopurines (51%), and calcineurin inhibitors (4%). Within 90 days before colectomy, 65% of patients were exposed to infliximab. Small bowel obstruction was the most common postoperative complication, occurring in 19% (treated surgically in 30%), followed by wound infection in 8% and intraabdominal abscess in 6%. One patient developed postoperative sepsis. There was no increased incidence of early or late infectious or noninfectious complications in those patients taking or not taking thiopurines or calcineurin inhibitors (within 30 days), or infliximab (within 90 days).

Conclusions:

Preoperative exposure to thiopurines or calcineurin inhibitors (within 30 days) or infliximab (within 90 days) was not associated with increased postoperative complications in our cohort undergoing colectomy for UC or IBD‐U.
Intragenomic conflict over queen determination favours genomic imprinting in eusocial Hymenoptera
Authors: Dobata Shigeto , Tsuji Kazuki
Published: February 2012

Colonies of eusocial Hymenoptera, such as ants, bees and wasps, have long been recognized as candidates for the study of genomic imprinting on the grounds of evolutionary conflicts that arise from close interactions among colony members and relatedness asymmetry owing to haplodiploidy. Although a general kinship theory of genomic imprinting predicts its occurrence under various circumstances of the colony life cycle, new theoretical approaches are required to account for the specifics of real colonies based on recent advances in molecular-level understanding of ants and honeybees. Using a multivariate quantitative genetic model, we examined the potential impact of genomic imprinting on genes that determine the carrier female's propensity to develop into the queen caste. When queen overproduction owing to the increased propensity comes at a colony-level cost, the conflict between maternally and paternally inherited genes in polyandrous (queen multiple mating) colonies favours genomic imprinting. Moreover, we show that the genomic imprinting can occur even under monandry (queen single mating), once incorporating the costs differentially experienced by new males and new queens. Our model predicts the existence of imprinted ‘genetic royal cheats’ with patriline-specific expression in polyandrous colonies, and seems consistent with the paternal effect on queen determination in monandrous Argentine ants.
Synthetic tsunamis along the Israeli coast
Authors: Tobias Joshua , Stiassnie Michael
Published: March 2012

The new mathematical model for tsunami evolution by Tobias & Stiassnie (Tobias & Stiassnie 2011J. Geophys. Res. Oceans116, C06026) is used to derive a synthetic tsunami database for the southern part of the Eastern Mediterranean coast. Information about coastal tsunami amplitudes, half-periods, currents and inundation levels is presented.
The morphology and phylogeny of two euplotid ciliates, Diophrys blakeneyensis spec. nov. and Diophrys oligothrix Borror, 1965 (Protozoa, Ciliophora, Euplotida)
Authors: Hu Xiaozhong , Huang Jie , Warren Alan
Published: March 2012

The morphology, infraciliature and molecular phylogeny of two marine ciliated protozoans, Diophrys blakeneyensis spec. nov. and Diophrys oligothrix Borror, 1965, isolated from British salt marshes, were investigated using microscopic observations of live and protargol-impregnated specimens, and by small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene sequence analysis. Diophrys blakeneyensis spec. nov. is characterized as follows: cell oval to rectangular in outline; size variable, approximately 60–180 × 30–80 µm in vivo; adoral zone comprising about 45 membranelles; usually five frontal, two ventral, five transverse, two left marginal and three caudal cirri; five dorsal kineties with more than 10 dikinetids each; 7–23 spherical to ellipsoid macronuclear nodules in a ring-like pattern; marine biotope. The population of Diophrys oligothrix described here corresponds well with previous populations in terms of its general morphology and ciliary pattern, in particular the continuous ciliary rows on the dorsal side with loosely arranged cilia. The main differences between the present and previously reported populations are the broader buccal field and greater number of dorsal kineties in the present population, both of which are regarded as population-dependent features. Phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rRNA gene sequence data demonstrate that Diophrys blakeneyensis is most closely related to Diophrys oligothrix, and both organisms cluster with two congeners with high bootstrap support within a larger group that contain the core species of the Diophrys-complex. Cladistic analysis based on morphological and morphogenetic data broadly agree with the SSU rRNA gene sequence phylogeny. Both analyses suggest that the genus Diophrys may be polyphyletic.
Pseudogulbenkiania gefcensis sp. nov., isolated from soil
Authors: Lee Dong-Geol , Im Dong-Moon , Kang HeeCheol , Yun Pyeong , Park Sun-Ki , Hyun Seung-Su , Hwang Dong-Youn
Published: March 2012

A novel strain, yH16, was isolated on nutrient agar from soil samples collected at KyungHee University, Suwon City, Republic of Korea. Cells of strain yH16T were short rods, Gram-negative-staining, motile and non-spore-forming, with a polar flagellum. Biochemical and molecular characterization revealed that this strain was most similar to

Pseudogulbenkiania subflava

BP-5T. Further 16S rRNA gene sequencing studies revealed that the new strain clustered with

Pseudogulbenkiania subflava

BP-5T (95.9 % similarity),

Paludibacterium yongneupense

5YN8-15T (95.2 % similarity),

Gulbenkiania mobilis

E4FC31-5T (94.6 % similarity) and

Chromobacterium aquaticum

CC-SE-YA-1T (93.9 % similarity). The isolate was able to grow at 25–40 °C, 0.3–2 % NaCl and pH 5.5–7. The DNA G+C content was 65.9±1.0 mol%. The predominant fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH) and C16:0. Ubiquinone 8 was the major respiratory quinone. It was evident from the data obtained that the strain should be classified as a novel species of the genus

Pseudogulbenkiania

. The name proposed for this taxon is Pseudogulbenkiania gefcensis sp. nov., and the type strain is yH16T ( = KCCM 90100T = JCM 17850T).
Synergistic Biosynthesis of Biphasic Ethylene and Reactive Oxygen Species in Response to HemibiotrophicPhytophthora parasiticain Tobacco Plants
Authors: Wi Soo Jin , Ji Na Ri , Park Ky Young
Published: March 2012

We observed the biphasic production of ethylene and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in susceptible tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum ‘Wisconsin 38’) plants after shoot inoculation with Phytophthora parasitica var nicotianae. The initial transient increase in ROS and ethylene at 1 and 3 h (phase I), respectively, was followed by a second massive increase at 48 and 72 h (phase II), respectively, after pathogen inoculation. This biphasic pattern of ROS production significantly differed from the hypersensitive response exhibited by cryptogein-treated wild-type tobacco plants. The biphasic increase in ROS production was mediated by both NADPH oxidase isoforms, respiratory burst oxidase homolog (Rboh) D and RbohF. Conversely, different 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase members were involved in specific phases of ethylene production: NtACS4 in the first phase and NtACS1 in the second phase. Biphasic production of ROS was inhibited in transgenic antisense plant lines expressing 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase/oxidase or ethylene-insensitive3 as well as in transgenic plants impaired in ROS production. All tested transgenic plants were more tolerant against P. parasitica var nicotianae infection as determined based on trypan blue staining and pathogen proliferation. Further, silencing of NtACS4 blocked the second massive increase in ROS production as well as pathogen progression. Pathogen tolerance was due to the inhibition of ROS and ethylene production, which further resulted in lower activation of ROS-detoxifying enzymes. Accordingly, the synergistic inhibition of the second phase of ROS and ethylene production had protective effects against pathogen-induced cell damage. We conclude that the levels of ethylene and ROS correlate with compatible P. parasitica proliferation in susceptible plants.
Eye‐hand‐workspace calibration using laser pointer projection on plane surface
Authors: Hu Jwu‐Sheng , Chang Yung‐Jung
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a calibration method that can calibrate the relationships among the robot manipulator, the camera and the workspace.

Design/methodology/approach

The method uses a laser pointer rigidly mounted on the manipulator and projects the laser beam on the work plane. Nonlinear constraints governing the relationships of the geometrical parameters and measurement data are derived. The uniqueness of the solution is guaranteed when the camera is calibrated in advance. As a result, a decoupled multi‐stage closed‐form solution can be derived based on parallel line constraints, line/plane intersection and projective geometry. The closed‐form solution can be further refined by nonlinear optimization which considers all parameters simultaneously in the nonlinear model.

Findings

Computer simulations and experimental tests using actual data confirm the effectiveness of the proposed calibration method and illustrate its ability to work even when the eye cannot see the hand.

Originality/value

Only a laser pointer is required for this calibration method and this method can work without any manual measurement. In addition, this method can also be applied when the robot is not within the camera field of view.