bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crafting the International Economic Order: The Public Function of Investment Treaty Arbitration and Its Significance for the Role of the Arbitrator
Authors: SCHILL STEPHAN W.
Published: April 2010

Investment treaty arbitration, unlike commercial arbitration, is not a purely private dispute settlement mechanism that is entirely subject to party autonomy and limited in its effects to the parties to the proceedings. Rather, it fulfils a public function in influencing the behaviour of foreign investors, states, and civil society more generally by crafting and concretizing international standards of investment protection. Investment treaty arbitration thus implements and operates as part of a public system of investment protection. Arbitrators, as a result, incur obligations not only towards the parties to the proceedings, but vis-à-vis the whole system of investment protection. These obligations can be conceptualized as part of the public law implications of investment treaty arbitration and affect,inter alia, the role and status of arbitrators in investment treaty disputes, the procedural maxims that such arbitrations should follow, and the way arbitral awards should be crafted.
The relationship between hand preference, hand performance, and general cognitive ability
Authors: NICHOLLS MICHAEL E.R. , CHAPMAN HEIDI L. , LOETSCHER TOBIAS , GRIMSHAW GINA M.
Published: April 2010

The idea that handedness indicates something about a person’s cognitive ability and personality is a perennial issue. A variety of models have been put forward to explain this relationship and predict a range of outcomes from higher levels of cognitive ability in left-handers or moderate right-handers to lower levels of achievement in left- or mixed-handers. We tested these models using a sample (n = 895) drawn from the BRAINnet database (www.brainnet.net). Participants completed a general cognitive ability (GCA) scale and a test of hand preference/performance. Moderate right-handers, as indexed by their performance measures, had higher GCA scores compared with strong left- or right-handers. The performance measure also showed lower levels of GCA for left-handers compared with right-handers. The hand preference data showed little or no association with cognitive ability—perhaps because this measure clusters individuals toward the extremes of the handedness distribution. While adding support to Annett’s heterozygous advantage model, which predicts a cognitive disadvantage for strong left- or right-handers, the data also confirm recent research showing a GCA disadvantage for left-handers. Although this study demonstrates that handedness is related to cognitive ability, the effects are subtle and might only be identified in large-scale studies with sensitive measures of hand performance. (JINS, 2010, 16, 585–592.)
Casting light on the legal black hole: International law and detentions abroad in the “war on terror”
Authors: Borelli Silvia
Published: April 2010

Thousands of individuals have been detained abroad in the context of the “war on terror”, both during the armed conflicts in Afghanistan and in Iraq and as a result of transnational law-enforcement operations. This paper argues that, notwithstanding contrary positions expounded by some States, the protections of international humanitarian law and/or international human rights law remain applicable to these individuals, wherever detained, and examines recent decisions of domestic courts and international bodies which appear to reveal a reassertion of international standards.
Asymmetrical warfare from the perspective of humanitarian law and humanitarian action
Authors: Pfanner Toni
Published: April 2010

Warring parties are increasingly unequal and the principle of equality of arms does not apply to them. This asymmetry in warfare has many ramifications. The militarily weaker party is tempted to have recourse to unlawful methods of warfare in order to overcome the adversaries' strength. The expectation of reciprocity as a fundamental motivation for respecting the law is often illusory and replaced instead with perfidious behaviour; covert operations substitute for open battles, “special rules” are made for “special situations”. The fight against international terrorism seems to constitute the epitome of this kind of warfare. “Elementary considerations of humanity” as enshrined in article 3 common to the 1949 Geneva Conventions however constitute universally binding rules for all — even unequal and asymmetrical — parties to any situation of armed violence. Furthermore, attacks on humanitarian organizations have showed that humanitarian relief may be contrary to belligerents' interests, or, even worse, that attacks on humanitarian workers may be part of their agenda. Humanitarian actors must be aware of these facts and adapt their working methods so as to be able to continue to provide impartial assistance, based solely on the needs of the victims of armed violence.
Religion, violence and “holy wars”
Authors: Küng Hans
Published: April 2010

The author analyzes the impact of religion in current conflicts throughout the world. The main focus lies on the monotheistic religions, i.e. Judaism, Christianity and Islam, all of which have recently been reproached for potentially fostering the temptation to resort to violence. The article focuses on this accusation and departs from an analysis of the concept of “holy war” in the three religions. The article concludes with setting out a pragmatism of peaceableness highlighting that wars in the twenty-first century can neither be regarded as just, nor holy, nor clean and that absolute pacifism will not only be politically impossible but might as a political principle even be irresponsible.
Procedural principles and safeguards for internment/administrative detention in armed conflict and other situations of violence
Authors: Pejic Jelena
Published: April 2010

Deprivation of liberty for security reasons is an exceptional measure of control that may be taken in armed conflict, whether international or non-international. Administrative detention of persons believed to represent a threat to State security is also being more and more widely practised outside of armed conflict situations. This paper argues that both internment and administrative detention are insufficiently elaborated from the point of the view of the protection of the rights of the persons affected. Drawing on international humanitarian law and on human rights law and standards, the paper proposes a set of procedural principles and safeguards that should — as a matter of law and policy — be applied as a minimum to all cases of deprivation of liberty for security reasons.
Targeting the city: Debates and silences about the aerial bombing of World War II
Authors: Maier Charles S.
Published: April 2010

The article goes back to the early discussions of the morality of city bombing which took place before and during World War II and attempts to analyze both the moral argumentation and its historical context from the 1940s until today. The development of the doctrine of “collateral damage” which recognized that attacking enemy factories was permissible even if it cost the lives and homes of civilians was soon widened beyond its original notion. After the war, the dropping of the atomic bombs became an issue in its own right, to be considered separately from the earlier recourse to conventional bombing — even when conventional bombing achieved equally destructive results. Twin inhibitions have reigned in the issue of what force against civilians was justified: the reluctance of German commentators to seem apologetic for the Third Reich, and the difficulty in the U.S. of seeming to cast any aspersions on those who fought “the good war.”
The meaning of Moscow: “Non-lethal” weapons and international law in the early 21st century
Authors: Fidler David P.
Published: April 2010

At the intersection of new weapon technologies and international humanitarian law, so-called “non-lethal” weapons have become an area of particular interest. This article analyses the relationship between “non-lethal” weapons and international law in the early 21st century by focusing on the most seminal incident to date in the short history of the “non-lethal” weapons debate, the use of an incapacitating chemical to end a terrorist attack on a Moscow theatre in October 2002. This tragic incident has shown that rapid technological change will continue to stress international law on the development and use of weaponry but in ways more politically charged, legally complicated and ethically challenging than the application of international humanitarian law in the past.
Entrepreneurs of hate and entrepreneurs of solidarity: Social identity as a basis for mass communication
Authors: Reicher Stephen , Hopkins Nick , Levine Mark , Rath Rakshi
Published: April 2010

The authors draw upon the principles of the social identity tradition in order to elaborate a psychological model of mass communication. This centres on the way in which people construe their social identities and the meanings of events for these identities. They then go on to look at the ways in which these principles have been employed both to mobilize collective support for genocide and collective resistance to genocide. They conclude that it is critical to understand these principles and to apply them effectively in order to promote social harmony and the defence of vulnerable groups.
Media under fire: Fact and fiction in conditions of war
Authors: Eilders Christiane
Published: April 2010

The article reviews recentfindings on the quality of war reporting, the conditions under which it takes place, the information policies of the warring parties and their effects. Focusing on German media coverage of the 1991 Gulf war, the Kosovo war and the 2003 Iraq war, it discusses both typical shortcomings of reporting and recent improvements, highlights information control strategies and proposes standards for war reporting.
War and media: Constancy and convulsion
Authors: Mercier Arnaud
Published: April 2010

To consider the relationship between war and the media is to look at the way in which the media are involved in conflict, either as targets (war on the media) or as an auxiliary (war thanks to the media). On the basis of this distinction, four major developments may be cited that today combine to make war above all a media spectacle: photography, which opened the door to manipulation through stage-management; live technologies, which raise the question of journalists' critical distance vis-à-vis the material they broadcast and which can facilitate the process of using them; pressure on the media and media globalization, which have led to a change in the way the political and military authorities go about making propaganda; and, finally, the fact that censorship has increasingly come into disrepute, which has prompted the authorities to think of novel ways of controlling journalists.
Challenges in applying human rights law to armed conflict
Authors: Lubell Noam
Published: April 2010

The debates over the relationship between International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law, have often focused on the question of whether human rights law continues to apply during armed conflict, and if so, on how these two bodies of law can complement each other. This article takes the continuing applicability of human rights law as an accepted and welcome starting point, and proceeds to lay out some of the challenges and obstacles encountered during the joint application of IHL and Human Rights Law, that still need to be addressed. These include extra-territorial applicability of human rights law; the mandate and expertise of human rights bodies; terminological and conceptual differences between the bodies of law; particular difficulties raised in non-international armed conflicts; and the question of economic, social and cultural rights during armed conflict.
Predicting the impact of lava flows at Mount Etna, Italy
Authors: Crisci Gino M. , Avolio Maria V. , Behncke Boris , D'Ambrosio Donato , Di Gregorio Salvatore , Lupiano Valeria , Neri Marco , Rongo Rocco , Spataro William
Published: April 2010

Forecasting the time, nature, and impact of future eruptions is difficult at volcanoes such as Mount Etna, in Italy, where eruptions occur from the summit and on the flanks, affecting areas distant from each other. Nonetheless, the identification and quantification of areas at risk from new eruptions are fundamental for mitigating potential human casualties and material damage. Here, we present new results from the application of a methodology to define flexible high‐resolution lava invasion susceptibility maps based on a reliable computational model for simulating lava flows at Etna and on a validation procedure for assessing the correctness of susceptibility mapping in the study area. Furthermore, specific scenarios can be extracted at any time from the simulation database, for land use and civil defense planning in the long term, to quantify, in real time, the impact of an imminent eruption, and to assess the efficiency of protective measures.
The role of the Alaskan Stream in modulating the Bering Sea climate
Authors: Ezer Tal , Oey Lie‐Yauw
Published: April 2010

A numerical ocean circulation model with realistic topography, but with an idealized forcing that includes only lateral transports is used to study the role of the Alaskan Stream (AS) in modulating the Bering Sea (BS) variability. Sensitivity experiments, each one with a different strength of the AS transport reveal a nonlinear BS response. An increase of AS transport from 10 to 25 Sv causes warming (∼0.25°C mean, ∼0.5°C maximum) and sea level rise in the BS shelf due to increased transports of warmer Pacific waters through the eastern passages of the Aleutian Islands, but an increase of AS transport from 25 to 40 Sv had an opposite impact on the BS shelf with a slight cooling (∼−0.1°C mean, ∼−0.5°C maximum). As the AS transport increases, flows through passages farther downstream in the western Aleutian Islands are affected and the variability in the entire BS is reduced. Transport variations of ∼0.1Sv in the Bering Strait are found to be correlated with mesoscale variations of the AS and associated transport variations in the Aleutian Islands passages. These results have important implications for understanding the observed variations in the Bering Strait and potential future climate variations in the Arctic Ocean.
Regulation of human Th9 differentiation by type I interferons and IL‐21
Authors: Wong Michael T , Ye Jessica J , Alonso Michael N , Landrigan Angela , Cheung Regina K , Engleman Edgar , Utz Paul J
Published: April 2010

Interleukin (IL)‐9‐producing CD4+ T cells are a novel subset of T helper (Th) cells that develops independently of the Th1, Th2, Th17 and regulatory T‐cell lineages. Similar to the murine model, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β and IL‐4 directed human naive CD4+ T cells to produce IL‐9. Whereas IL‐4 suppressed TGF‐β‐induced Foxp3 expression, TGF‐β failed to inhibit IL‐4‐mediated upregulation of the Th2 transcription factor GATA‐3. Addition of IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10, interferon (IFN)‐α, IFN‐β or IL‐21 to Th9‐polarizing conditions augmented Th9 differentiation, while the Th1‐associated cytokines IFN‐γ and IL‐27 partially suppressed IL‐9 production. Given that T cells are a primary source of IL‐21, IL‐21 expression was analyzed under Th9‐polarizing conditions in the context of inflammatory cytokines. Surprisingly, type I IFNs induced elevated levels of IL‐21, and blockade of IL‐21 abrogated their ability to enhance Th9 differentiation. Taken together, these data indicate a complex cytokine network in the regulation of human IL‐9‐producing CD4+ T cells.
Dominant-negative VDAC1 mutants reveal oligomeric VDAC1 to be the active unit in mitochondria-mediated apoptosis
Authors: Mader Asaf , Abu-Hamad Salah , Arbel Nir , Gutierr-Asuilar Manuel , Shoshan-Barmatz Varda
Published: April 2010

Mitochondria play a central role in the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Oligomerization of the mitochondrial protein VDAC1 (voltage-dependent anion channel 1) has been proposed to play a role in apoptosis in various studies. In the present study, we have generated dimeric fusion proteins consisting of tandem-linked wild-type and RuR (Ruthenium Red)-insensitive mutant VDAC1 monomers and studied the capacity of RuR to protect against apoptosis, as induced by various means. Fusion proteins composed of wild-type and/or E72Q-VDAC1 were successfully expressed in T-REx-293 cells. Bilayer-reconstituted dimeric rVDAC1 (rat VDAC1) functions as a channel-forming protein, showing typical voltage-dependence conductance, but with a unitary conductance higher than that of monomeric VDAC. As with wild-type VDAC1, overexpression of either the wild-type or mutated VDAC1 dimeric fusion protein induced apoptotic cell death. In addition, as shown previously, the anti-apoptotic effect of RuR was not observed in cells expressing E72Q-VDAC1, despite endogenous VDAC1 being present in these cells. Similar RuR insensitivity governed the VDAC1 fusion proteins comprising the E72Q mutation in either the first, second or both VDAC1 monomers of the same dimer. RuR-mediated protection against apoptosis in T-REx-293 cells, as induced by staurosporine, was observed in cells expressing VDAC1 or dimeric wild-type VDAC1. However, RuR offered no protection against staurosporine-induced apoptosis in cells expressing E72Q-VDAC1 or E72Q-containing dimeric VDAC1. These results suggest that E72Q-VDAC1 has a dominant-negative effect and implies that VDAC1 homo-oligomerization, involving intermolecular interactions, might be involved in the apoptotic process.
Comment on “Approximate ternary Jordan derivations on Banach ternary algebras” [Bavand Savadkouhi et al. J. Math. Phys. 50, 042303 (2009)]
Authors: Park Choonkil , Gordji M. Eshaghi
Published: April 2010

Let A be a Banach ternary algebra over C and X a ternary Banach A-module. A C-linear mapping D:(A,[ ]A)→(X,[ ]X) is called a ternary Jordan derivation if D([xxx]A)=[D(x)xx]X+[xD(x)x]X+[xxD(x)]X for all x∊A. [Bavand Savadkouhi et al., J. Math. Phys. 50, 042303 (2009)] investigated ternary Jordan derivations on Banach ternary algebras, associated with the following functional equation: f((x+y+z)/4)+f((3x−y−4z)/4)+f((4x+3z)/4)=2f(x), and proved the generalized Ulam–Hyers stability of ternary Jordan derivations on Banach ternary algebras. The mapping f in Lemma 2.2 of Bavand Savadkouhi et al. is identically zero and all of the results are trivial. In this note, we correct the statements of the results and the proofs.
Super central configurations of the n-body problem
Authors: Xie Zhifu
Published: April 2010

In this paper, we consider the inverse problem of central configurations of the n-body problem. For a given q=(q1,q2,…,qn)∊(Rd)n, let S(q) be the admissible set of masses by S(q)={m=(m1,…,mn)∣mi∊R+, q is a central configurationfor m}. For a given m∊S(q), let Sm(q) be the permutational admissible set about m=(m1,m2,…,mn) by Sm(q)={m′∣m′∊S(q), m′≠m and m′ is apermutation of m}. Here, q is called a super central configuration if there exists m such that Sm(q) is nonempty. For any q in the planar four-body problem, q is not a super central configuration as an immediate consequence of a theorem proved by MacMillan and Bartky [“Permanent configurations in the problem of four bodies,” Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 34, 838 (1932)]. The main discovery in this paper is the existence of super central configurations in the collinear three-body problem. We proved that for any q in the collinear three-body problem and any m∊S(q), Sm(q) has at most one element and the detailed classification of Sm(q) is provided.
Erratum: “Steady state solutions for nonlinear Schrödinger equation arising in optics” [J. Math. Phys. 50, 053501 (2009)]
Authors: Yang Yisong , Zhang Ruifeng
Published: April 2010

The proof of Lemma 3.2 is corrected to take account of a missing term in a crucial Sobolev inequality used in the original work. As a result, Theorem 3.3 is much improved.
Luminescence spectroscopy of matrix-isolated atomic manganese: Site size and orbital occupancy dependence of crystal field splitting
Authors: Collier Martin A. , Byrne Owen , Murray Ciaran , McCaffrey John G.
Published: April 2010

Narrow linewidth emission features observed in the near-UV following y P6 state excitation of atomic manganese isolated in the solid rare gases are assigned to b D4 and a P4 states. These states arise from the 3d54s2 electronic configuration, identical to that of the S6 ground state, and the origin of the narrow linewidths. Two thermally stable sites, labeled blue and red on the basis of their position in absorption spectra, are occupied by atomic Mn in Ar and Kr while a single site is present in Xe. The red site produces a single, narrow line emission for the b D4 state at 329 nm. In contrast, a lineshape analysis of the complex blue site b D4 state emission between 331 and 332 nm reveals the occurrence of three zero phonon lines (ZPLs). Millisecond emission decay curves recorded for these features are found to be complex, requiring double and triple exponential fit functions. The origins of the complex decays and multiple ZPLs are shown to arise from weak crystal field splitting (CFS) of the J=7/2 spin-orbit level of the b D4 state of atomic Mn isolated in the blue site of the solid rare gases. Fields of cubic symmetry are capable of inducing splitting for J>3/2 so atoms isolated in both single vacancy and tetravacancy sites in the fcc lattices of the solid rare gases are prone to this effect. b D4 state emission is also produced following y P6 excitation for Mn atoms occupying the red sites in Ar and Kr. However, Mn atoms isolated in the larger tetravacancy sites have small matrix shifts and do not exhibit any CFS. The magnitudes of the weak CF splittings are shown to depend on both the excited state electronic configurations 3d54s2 b D4 and 3d64s1 a D4 states and the size of the matrix site occupied by atomic Mn.
Temporary-resolved measurement of electron density in small atmospheric plasmas
Authors: Shashurin A. , Shneider M. N. , Dogariu A. , Miles R. B. , Keidar M.
Published: April 2010

A new method for temporally resolved measurements of absolute values of plasma density applicable for wide spectrum of small-size atmospheric plasmas and utilizing Rayleigh microwave scattering on the tested plasma object is proposed. The absolute electron density measurements in an atmospheric plasma jet revealed presence of two consecutive breakdowns during the half-wave of the discharge-driven high voltage. The ionization mechanisms of both breakdowns are considered.
Bilayer thickness estimations with “poor” diffraction data
Authors: Rappolt Michael
Published: April 2010

The lamellar fluid phase (smectic A) is the biologically most relevant membrane structure and is extensively studied by x-ray (neutron) diffraction. However, either due to experimental limitations or due to lattice disorder bilayer diffraction pattern display often not more than 2–3 diffraction orders, and hence basic parameters like membrane thickness and equilibrium intermembrane distances are not readily available. In this report is shown, how the combination of a simple bilayer model with Fourier synthesis leads to a robust estimation of the bilayer thickness. In particular, it is demonstrated how with rather simple mathematical means two and three peak diffraction pattern can be exploited.
The discharge of fine silica sands in a silo
Authors: Hsiau Shu-San , Hsu Chin-Chi , Smid Jiri
Published: April 2010

Numerous industrial processing operations involve the handling and transport of powders, bulk solids, and granules. Silos and bins are widely used to store granular solids, and it is imperative to be able to control the flow rate during the discharge of these solids from such equipment. It is important to study the gravity discharge of fine particles because of its many industrial applications. Most theoretical and empirical equations for the calculation of the discharge rate of fine powders tend to overestimate when particles smaller than about 500 μm are used. An air stream flows through a silo from an outlet on the top which may cause the discharge process to become unstable and erratic. We used open-top and closed-top silos with different sizes of outlet openings for an experimental study of the discharge behaviors of different-sized silica sands. The impact force, average discharge rate and pressure drop were measured and are discussed. Darcy’s law was used to predict the pressure drop and this calculation is compared with the experimental results. In addition, we observed that a bubble phenomenon can occur in very fine-powder silo systems.
Effect of an external field on the reversible reaction of a neutral particle and a charged particle in three dimensions. II. Excited-state reaction
Authors: Reigh Shang Yik , Shin Kook Joe , Kim Hyojoon
Published: April 2010

The excited-state reversible reaction of a neutral particle and a charged particle in an external electric field is studied in three dimensions. This work extends the previous investigation for the ground-state reaction [S. Y. Reigh et al., J. Chem. Phys. 129, 234501 (2008)] to the excited-state reaction with two different lifetimes and quenching. The analytic series solutions for all the fundamental probability density functions are obtained with the help of the diagonal approximation. They are found to be in excellent agreement with the exact numerical solutions of anisotropic diffusion-reaction equations. The analytical solutions for reaction rates and survival probabilities are also obtained. We find that the long-time kinetic transition from a power-law decrease to an exponential increase can be controlled by the external field strength or excited-state decay rates or both.
Interfacial electronic structure of copper hexadecafluorophthalocyanine and phthalocyanatotin (IV) dichloride studied by photoemission spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Haibo , Liu Zengtao , Ng Tsz Wai , Lo Ming Fai , Lee Chun-Sing , Yan Donghang , Lee Shuit-Tong
Published: April 2010

We investigated the interfacial electronic structure of the n-n isotype organic heterojunction formed between copper hexadecafluorophthalocyanine (F16CuPc) and phthalocyanatotin (IV) dichloride (SnCl2Pc) using ultraviolet and x-ray photoemission spectroscopies. Energy level bending was observed at the heterojunction interface due to the formation of an electron accumulation region in the F16CuPc layer and an electron depletion region in the SnCl2Pc layer. The formation of organic heterojunction was explained by charge exchange at the interface due to their different work functions.
A high-performance top-gate graphene field-effect transistor based frequency doubler
Authors: Wang Zhenxing , Zhang Zhiyong , Xu Huilong , Ding Li , Wang Sheng , Peng Lian-Mao
Published: April 2010

A high-performance top-gate graphene field-effect transistor (G-FET) is fabricated, and used for constructing a high efficient frequency doubler. Taking the advantages of the high gate efficiency and low parasitic capacitance of the top-gate device geometry, the gain of the graphene frequency doubler is increased about ten times compared to that of the back-gate G-FET based device. The frequency response of the frequency doubler is also pushed from 10 kHz for a back-gate device to 200 kHz, at which most of the output power is concentrated at the doubled fundamental frequency of 400 kHz.
Large near-infrared lateral photovoltaic effect observed in Co/Si metal-semiconductor structures
Authors: Yu Chong Qi , Wang Hui
Published: April 2010

The operating frequencies of current position-sensitive detectors (PSDs) based on lateral photovoltaic effect (LPE) are mainly concentrated in the visible or ultraviolet region. Here we report a remarkable near-infrared-sensitive LPE in nanoscale metal-semiconductor structures of Co/Si. We show that by manipulating the Co thickness, the optimum light wavelength for obtaining the largest LPE in such Co/Si structures can be controlled in infrared region. Besides, the observed lateral photovoltage position sensitivity of 82 mV/mm at 832 nm light wavelength in Co(3.5 nm)/Si is considerably large, suggesting this simple structure a potential candidate for infrared-sensitive PSDs.
Optimising exclusion screens to control exotic carp in an Australian lowland river
Authors: Hillyard Karl A. , Smith Benjamin B. , Conallin Anthony J. , Gillanders Bronwyn M.
Published: April 2010

Carp exclusion screens (CES) are used to restrict adult common carp from entering wetlands, thereby minimising their ecological impacts and spawning and recruitment potential, but there is marked variation in current CES design and management. We quantified current CES designs, dimensions and locations within the Murray–Darling Basin, Australia. Directional fyke nets at inlets of six permanently inundated wetlands were used to identify fish using wetlands and therefore potentially vulnerable to CES. Morphometric data from captured fish were then used to design CES that excluded sexually mature carp. The ability of optimised and existing CES designs to exclude large-bodied fishes that used wetlands was then assessed. Fifty-four CES with eight mesh designs and varied dimensions were identified. We recorded 18 species comprising 212 927 fish in the wetland inlets. Two optimised meshes to exclude sexually mature carp were developed: a 44-mm square grid mesh and a ‘jail bar’ mesh with 31.4-mm gaps. Modelling revealed that up to 92% of carp could be excluded by either optimised mesh design, although few young-of-year carp were caught. Optimised and existing CES designs would also exclude 2–65% of large-bodied native fishes. Optimised CES may allow localised carp control without restricting passage of some key native fishes.
Trophodynamic effects of trawling on the feeding ecology of pandora, Pagellus erythrinus, off the northern Sicily coast (Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Fanelli E. , Badalamenti F. , D'Anna G. , Pipitone C. , Romano C.
Published: April 2010

Because trawling disturbs benthic organisms, it could affect the diet of benthic-feeding fish with implications for food-web dynamics. The present study assessed the effects of commercial trawling on the trophodynamics and diet of pandora, Pagellus erythrinus, by comparing its stomach contents and stable-isotope (δ15N and δ13C) composition in two trawled and two untrawled gulfs in northern Sicily (central Mediterranean). Fish were collected on muddy bottoms at 50–100-m depth. Higher abundance and biomass and a slightly larger mean body length were found in the untrawled gulfs. The feeding habits were similar although more selective in the untrawled gulfs. The diet was mainly composed of decapod crustaceans (especially the brachyuran crab Goneplax rhomboides) and of polychaetes. The trophic level of pandora, estimated by its δ15N values, was higher in the untrawled gulfs. No clear trend between trawled and untrawled gulfs was found for the source of carbon in the diet (δ13C). The diet of a benthic feeder such as pandora may be used as an indirect indicator of trawling disturbance, as long as stomach contents and stable-isotope analysis are used jointly to assess the diet and trophodynamics of a species.
Growth, episodic recruitment and age truncation in populations of a catadromous percichthyid, Macquaria colonorum
Authors: Walsh Chris T. , Gray Charles A. , West Ron J. , van der Meulen Dylan E. , Williams Lindsay F. G.
Published: April 2010

Temperate basses and perches (family Percichthyidae) worldwide have declined in distribution and abundance during the past few decades due to anthropogenic impacts such as fishing, habitat degradation and alteration to river flows. This study examined differences in the age, growth and longevity of Macquaria colonorum among three south-eastern Australian coastal rivers. Estimates of ages were made by counting opaque zones in sectioned otoliths. Ages were validated by using marginal increment analysis, staining fish otoliths with oxytetracycline and sampling young-of-the-year fish. Length-at-age data from 1644 fish indicated that growth of M. colonorum is rapid in the first 3 to 4 years, after which it slows considerably. Females grew faster and reached larger asymptotic lengths than males. The species was found to be long lived, with the oldest fish estimated at 41 years. Population age structures indicated variable year-class strengths in all three rivers and there was an absence of larger, older (>10 years) individuals in the populations from the two rivers with a history of commercial fishing. These results indicate that M. colonorum populations, similar to other global percichthyid and estuarine-dependent fishes, have been subjected to episodic recruitment and age truncation and that these are likely influenced by environmental flows and fishing pressure.
Variable discharge alters habitat suitability for benthic algae and cyanobacteria in a forested Mediterranean stream
Authors: Tornés Elisabet , Sabater Sergi
Published: April 2010

Large-scale algal community patterns can be understood by studying organisation within patches. Spatial heterogeneity in light and substratum type may affect the biomass and community composition of benthic algae and cyanobacteria. We compared the effects of these factors at the species level in two reaches differing in canopy cover in a forested Mediterranean stream in winter (high water flow) and late spring (low water flow). Partial redundancy analyses revealed that the major determinants of species distribution were strongly associated with variations in measured environmental variables. Light availability, the Reynolds number and substratum type were the main factors accounting for the algal and cyanobacterial distribution. Factors affecting algal distribution varied between hydrological periods, suggesting that some species had specific requirements whereas others had a wider tolerance to environmental conditions. Our results demonstrated that the hydraulic conditions (low velocity v. high velocity) influence small-scale heterogeneity in streams, and that this affects benthic community distribution.
Sedimentological characteristics of key sea turtle rookeries: potential implications under projected climate change
Authors: Fuentes M. M. P. B. , Dawson J. L. , Smithers S. G. , Hamann M. , Limpus C. J.
Published: April 2010

Sea turtles rely on reef islands for key parts of their reproductive cycle and require specific sediment characteristics to incubate their eggs and dig their nests. However, little is known about the sedimentological characteristics of sea turtle rookeries, how these sediment characteristics affect the vulnerability of rookeries to climate change, and the ecological implications of different sediment or altered sediment characteristics to sea turtles. Therefore, we described the sediment and identified the reef-building organisms of the seven most important rookeries used by the northern Great Barrier Reef (nGBR) green turtle population. We then reviewed the literature on the vulnerability of each identified reef-building organism to climate change and how various sediment characteristics ecologically affect sea turtles. Sediments from the studied rookeries are predominantly composed of well-sorted medium-grained to coarse-grained sands and are either dominated by Foraminifera, molluscs or both. Dissimilarities in the contemporary sedimentology of the rookeries suggest that each may respond differently to projected climate change. Potential ecological impacts from climate change include: (1) changes in nesting and hatchling emergence success and (2) reduction of optimal nesting habitat. Each of these factors will decrease the annual reproductive output of sea turtles and thus have significant conservation ramifications.
Rapid structural alterations of the active zone lead to sustained changes in neurotransmitter release
Authors: Matz Jacob , Gilyan Andrew , Kolar Annette , McCarvill Terrence , Krueger Stefan R.
Published: April 2010

The likelihood with which an action potential elicits neurotransmitter release, the release probability (p
r
), is an important component of synaptic strength. Regulatory mechanisms controlling several steps of synaptic vesicle (SV) exocytosis may affect p
r
, yet their relative importance in determining p
r
and eliciting temporal changes in neurotransmitter release at individual synapses is largely unknown. We have investigated whether the size of the active zone cytomatrix is a major determinant of p
r
and whether changes in its size lead to corresponding alterations in neurotransmitter release. We have used a fluorescent sensor of SV exocytosis, synaptophysin-pHluorin, to measure p
r
at individual synapses with high accuracy and employed a fluorescently labeled cytomatrix protein, Bassoon, to quantify the amount of active zone cytomatrix present at these synapses. We find that, for synapses made by a visually identified presynaptic neuron, p
r
is indeed strongly correlated with the amount of active zone cytomatrix present at the presynaptic specialization. Intriguingly, active zone cytomatrices are frequently subject to synapse-specific changes in size on a time scale of minutes. These spontaneous alterations in active zone size are associated with corresponding changes in neurotransmitter release. Our results suggest that the size of the active zone cytomatrix has a large influence on the reliability of synaptic transmission. Furthermore, they implicate mechanisms leading to rapid structural alterations at active zones in synapse-specific forms of plasticity.
Phosphatidylserine receptor Tim-4 is essential for the maintenance of the homeostatic state of resident peritoneal macrophages
Authors: Wong Kit , Valdez Patricia A. , Tan Christine , Yeh Sherry , Hongo Jo-Anne , Ouyang Wenjun
Published: April 2010

Tim-4 is a phosphatidylserine (PS) receptor that is expressed on various macrophage subsets. It mediates phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by peritoneal macrophages. The in vivo functions of Tim-4 in phagocytosis and immune responses, however, are still unclear. In this study, we show that Tim-4 quickly forms punctate caps on contact with apoptotic cells, in contrast to its normal diffused expression on the surface of phagocytes. Despite its expression in marginal zone and tingible body macrophages, Tim-4 deficiency only minimally affects outcomes of several acute immune challenges, including the trapping of apoptotic cells in the marginal zone, the clearance apoptotic cells by tingible body macrophages, and the formation of germinal centers and elicitation of antibody responses against sheep red blood cells (SRBCs). In addition, Tim-4
−/−
resident peritoneal macrophages (rPMs) phagocytose necrotic cells and other opsonized targets normally. However, their ability to bind and engulf apoptotic cells is significantly compromised both in vitro and in vivo. Most importantly, Tim-4 deficiency results in increased cellularity in the peritoneum. Resting rPMs produce higher TNF-α in culture. Their response to LPS, on the contrary, is dampened. Our data support an indispensible role of Tim-4 in maintaining the homeostasis of rPMs.
Unique multipotent cells in adult human mesenchymal cell populations
Authors: Kuroda Yasumasa , Kitada Masaaki , Wakao Shohei , Nishikawa Kouki , Tanimura Yukihiro , Makinoshima Hideki , Goda Makoto , Akashi Hideo , Inutsuka Ayumu , Niwa Akira , Shigemoto Taeko , Nabeshima Yoko , Nakahata Tatsutoshi , Nabeshima Yo-ichi , Fujiyoshi Yoshinori , Dezawa Mari
Published: April 2010

We found adult human stem cells that can generate, from a single cell, cells with the characteristics of the three germ layers. The cells are stress-tolerant and can be isolated from cultured skin fibroblasts or bone marrow stromal cells, or directly from bone marrow aspirates. These cells can self-renew; form characteristic cell clusters in suspension culture that express a set of genes associated with pluripotency; and can differentiate into endodermal, ectodermal, and mesodermal cells both in vitro and in vivo. When transplanted into immunodeficient mice by local or i.v. injection, the cells integrated into damaged skin, muscle, or liver and differentiated into cytokeratin 14-, dystrophin-, or albumin-positive cells in the respective tissues. Furthermore, they can be efficiently isolated as SSEA-3(+) cells. Unlike authentic ES cells, their proliferation activity is not very high and they do not form teratomas in immunodeficient mouse testes. Thus, nontumorigenic stem cells with the ability to generate the multiple cell types of the three germ layers can be obtained through easily accessible adult human mesenchymal cells without introducing exogenous genes. These unique cells will be beneficial for cell-based therapy and biomedical research.
Conversion of Th2 memory cells into Foxp3
+
regulatory T cells suppressing Th2-mediated allergic asthma
Authors: Kim Byung-Seok , Kim Il-Kyu , Park Young-Jun , Kim Yun-Sun , Kim Yeon-Jeong , Chang Woo-Sung , Lee Yoon-Sook , Kweon Mi-Na , Chung Yeonseok , Kang Chang-Yuil
Published: April 2010

Genetic and epigenetic programming of T helper (Th) cell subsets during their polarization from naive Th cells establishes long-lived memory Th cells that stably maintain their lineage signatures. However, whether memory Th cells can be redifferentiated into another Th lineage is unclear. In this study, we show that Ag-specific memory Th cells were redifferentiated into Foxp3
+
T cells by TGF-β when stimulated in the presence of
all-trans
retinoic acid and rapamycin. The “converted” Foxp3
+
T cells that were derived from Th2 memory cells down-regulated GATA-3 and IRF4 and produced little IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. Instead, the converted Foxp3
+
T cells suppressed the proliferation and cytokine production of Th2 memory cells. More importantly, the converted Foxp3
+
T cells efficiently accumulated in the airways and significantly suppressed Th2 memory cell-mediated airway hyperreactivity, eosinophilia, and allergen-specific IgE production. Our findings reveal the plasticity of Th2 memory cells and provide a strategy for adoptive immunotherapy for the treatment of allergic diseases.
Tandem fluorescence imaging of dynamic
S
-acylation and protein turnover
Authors: Zhang Mingzi M. , Tsou Lun K. , Charron Guillaume , Raghavan Anuradha S. , Hang Howard C.
Published: April 2010

The functional significance and regulation of reversible
S
-acylation on diverse proteins remain unclear because of limited methods for efficient quantitative analysis of palmitate turnover. Here, we describe a tandem labeling and detection method to simultaneously monitor dynamic
S
-palmitoylation and protein turnover. By combining
S
-acylation and cotranslational fatty acid chemical reporters with orthogonal clickable fluorophores, dual pulse-chase analysis of Lck revealed accelerated palmitate cycling upon T-cell activation. Subsequent pharmacological perturbation of Lck palmitate turnover suggests yet uncharacterized serine hydrolases contribute to dynamic
S
-acylation in cells. In addition to dually fatty-acylated proteins, this tandem fluorescence imaging method can be generalized to other
S
-acylated proteins using azidohomoalanine as a methonine surrogate. The sensitivity and efficiency of this approach should facilitate the functional characterization of cellular factors and drugs that modulate protein
S
-acylation. Furthermore, diverse protein modifications could be analyzed with this tandem imaging method using other chemical reporters to investigate dynamic regulation of protein function.
Quantification of global gross forest cover loss
Authors: Hansen Matthew C. , Stehman Stephen V. , Potapov Peter V.
Published: April 2010

A globally consistent methodology using satellite imagery was implemented to quantify gross forest cover loss (GFCL) from 2000 to 2005 and to compare GFCL among biomes, continents, and countries. GFCL is defined as the area of forest cover removed because of any disturbance, including both natural and human-induced causes. GFCL was estimated to be 1,011,000 km
2
from 2000 to 2005, representing 3.1% (0.6% per year) of the year 2000 estimated total forest area of 32,688,000 km
2
. The boreal biome experienced the largest area of GFCL, followed by the humid tropical, dry tropical, and temperate biomes. GFCL expressed as the proportion of year 2000 forest cover was highest in the boreal biome and lowest in the humid tropics. Among continents, North America had the largest total area and largest proportion of year 2000 GFCL. At national scales, Brazil experienced the largest area of GFCL over the study period, 165,000 km
2
, followed by Canada at 160,000 km
2
. Of the countries with >1,000,000 km
2
of forest cover, the United States exhibited the greatest proportional GFCL and the Democratic Republic of Congo the least. Our results illustrate a pervasive global GFCL dynamic. However, GFCL represents only one component of net change, and the processes driving GFCL and rates of recovery from GFCL differ regionally. For example, the majority of estimated GFCL for the boreal biome is due to a naturally induced fire dynamic. To fully characterize global forest change dynamics, remote sensing efforts must extend beyond estimating GFCL to identify proximate causes of forest cover loss and to estimate recovery rates from GFCL.
MHC class I Dkexpression in hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic cells confers natural killer cell resistance to murine cytomegalovirus
Authors: Xie Xuefang , Stadnisky Michael D. , Coats Ebony R. , Ahmed Rahim Mir Munir , Lundgren Alyssa , Xu Wenhao , Makrigiannis Andrew P. , Brown Michael G.
Published: April 2010

NK cell-mediated murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) resistance (Cmvr) is under H-2kcontrol in MA/My mice, but the underlying gene(s) is unclear. Prior genetic analysis mappedCmvrto the MHC class I (MHC-I) Dkgene interval. Because NK cell receptors are licensed by and responsive to MHC class I molecules, Dkitself is a candidate gene. A 10-kb genomic Dkfragment was subcloned and microinjected into MCMV-susceptible (Cmvs) (MA/My.L-H2b× C57L)F1or (B6 × DBA/2)F2embryos. Transgenic founders, which are competent for Dkexpression and germline transgene transmission, were identified and further backcrossed to MA/My.L-H2bor C57L mice. Remarkably, Dkexpression delivered NK-mediated resistance in either genetic background. Further, NK cells with cognate inhibitory Ly49G receptors for self-MHC-I Dkwere licensed and critical in protection against MCMV infection. In radiation bone marrow chimeras, NK resistance was significantly diminished when MHC-I Dkexpression was restricted to only hematopoietic or nonhematopoietic cells. Thus, MHC-I Dkis the H-2k-linkedCmvrlocus; these findings suggest a role for NK cell interaction with Dk-bearing hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic cells to shape NK-mediated virus immunity.