bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High quality GaAs quantum nanostructures grown by droplet epitaxy on Ge and Ge‐on‐Si substrates
Authors: Bietti Sergio , Cavigli Lucia , Abbarchi Marco , Vinattieri Anna , Gurioli Massimo , Fedorov Alexey , Cecchi Stefano , Isa Fabio , Isella Giovanni , Sanguinetti Stefano
Published: November 2011

We report on the growth and optical characterization by macro and micro photoluminescence measurements of high optical quality GaAs quantum nanostructures grown by droplet epitaxy on Ge and Si substrates. The quantum nanostructures show optical performances comparable to those achievable with the most advanced realized on GaAs substrates.

The adopted growth procedures show also the possibility to fabricate the active layer maintaining a low thermal budget compatible with back‐end integration of the fabricated materials on integrated circuits. We demonstrate the possibility to embed GaAs nanostructured devices such as intersubband detectors and single quantum emitters on Si substrates. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Readability and Modulated Signal Strength of Two Different Ultra‐high Frequency Radio Frequency Identification Tags on Different Packaging
Authors: Bogataj Urška , Maček Marijan , Muck Tadeja , Gunde Marta Klanjšek
Published: November 2011

Radio frequency identification (RFID) does not require the line‐of‐sight scanning, which is a benefit in comparison with barcodes; moreover, it is believed that it improves the inventory management. Nowadays, this is still a costly solution; however, in the near future, it is expected to become widespread especially in packaging. This paper analyses some effects that have to be considered before the application of the system on packaging. The readability of two ultra‐high frequency RFID tags with different antenna sizes and shapes but the same reading range as stated by the supplier was evaluated. The influence of water and metal was analysed by labelling each tag onto an empty corrugated box, a box filled with water and a box covered with aluminium foil on the inside. The read rate in a line‐of‐sight and the readability in a horizontal plane were measured, applying a horizontal linearly polarized wave. The strength of the signal in a direct line‐of‐sight between the reader antenna, and RFID tag was measured with circularly polarized waves. The obtained results confirmed the effects of the tagged antenna and of the labelled boxes content. To show the effect clearly, the influence of metal and water on the two‐dimensional horizontal tag readability was measured and presented with two‐dimensional sketches of tag reading/non‐reading zones. Different results were obtained for both tags, with the content of labelled boxes having a great influence. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of freeze/thaw periods and drying methods on isotopic and elemental carbon and nitrogen in marine organisms, raising questions on sample preparation
Authors: de Lecea A. M. , Smit A. J. , Fennessy S. T.
Published: November 2011

Stable isotopes are an increasingly important tool in trophic linkage ecological studies. In studies of large marine animals, isotopic sampling is often given secondary priority to sampling for diversity and biomass aspects. Consequently, isotopic samples are frequently collected subsequent to repeated freezing and thawing of animals, and the results of these studies are often based on the assumption that this pre‐treatment does not affect the isotopic values. Our study tested this assumption and examined the difference between oven‐ and freeze‐drying on isotopic values and elemental carbon‐to‐nitrogen (C:N) ratios. The values for δ15N and δ13C, percentage nitrogen and carbon, and the C:N ratios were determined from the tissues of six marine species, including invertebrates and fish, as (1) fresh samples, (2) samples thawed once, and (3) samples thawed twice. The drying method, thawing treatment and their interaction did significantly affect the δ15N and δ13C isotope values for all species. Oven‐dried samples had slightly higher δ13C and δ15N values than freeze‐dried samples, although not significant in most instances. For most species, oven‐drying produced lower carbon and nitrogen percentage than freeze‐drying for samples that had been thawed once, but the C:N ratio was unaffected by the drying method. Repeated freezing and thawing did not affect the isotope values, but it did decrease the percentage carbon and nitrogen for both desiccation methods. We recommend drying samples from fresh wherever possible, and careful choice of desiccation method in light of the fact that most lipid models are based on oven‐dried samples and oven‐drying could cause enrichment of 15N or 13C through evaporation of volatile compounds richer in lighter isotopes such as some lipids. Finally, we recommend that further studies on the specific effects of freezing and desiccation on elasmobranchs is needed. Overall we recommend the use of freeze‐drying when possible and to use the samples from freshly caught organisms. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular characteristics of native sago starch and isolated fractions determined using asymmetrical flow field‐flow fractionation
Authors: Juna Shazia , Huber Anton ,   Member of EPNOE – European Polysaccharide Network of Excellence
Published: November 2011

The apparent average molar masses (Mw,app), apparent average radii of gyration (Rg,app), of native sago starch and fractions were determined using asymmetrical flow field‐flow fractionation coupled with multi‐angle light scattering and refractive index detectors (AF4/MALS/RI). Amylose‐type (Fraction A) and amylopectin‐type (Fraction B) were chemically separated from native sago starch. Native sago starch and Fractions (A–B) were dissolved in 1M KSCN using a high pressure microwave vessel. The effect of varying cross flow rates at a fixed channel flow rate upon the Mw,app and Rg,app distributions of native sago starch and Fractions (A–B) were investigated. The average Mw,app values of native sago starch, Fraction (A) and Fraction (B) were 60 × 106, 1.5 × 106 and 60 × 106 g/mol, respectively, with average Rg,app values of 142, 75 and 127 nm, respectively. The sphere‐equivalent hydrodynamic radii (Rh) values for native sago starch and fractions were determined from AF4 experimental parameters.
Localized delay‐bounded and energy‐efficient data aggregation in wireless sensor and actor networks
Authors: Li Xu , Yan Shuo , Xu Chendong , Nayak Amiya , Stojmenovic Ivan
Published: November 2011

In data aggregation, sensor measurements from the whole sensory field or a sub‐field are collected as a single report at an actor by using aggregate functions such as sum, average, maximum, minimum, count, deviation, and so on. We propose a localized delay‐bounded and energy‐efficient data aggregation (DEDA) protocol for request‐driven wireless sensor networks with IEEE 802.11 carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance run at media access control layer. This protocol uses a novel two‐stage delay model, which measures end‐to‐end delay by using either hop count or degree sum along a routing path depending on traffic intensity. It models the network as a unit disk graph (UDG) and constructs a localized minimal spanning tree (LMST) sub‐graph. Using only edges from LMST, it builds a shortest‐path (thus energy‐efficient) tree rooted at the actor for data aggregation. The tree is used without modification if it generates acceptable delay, compared with a given delay bound. Otherwise, it is adjusted by replacing LMST sub‐paths with UDG edges. The adjustment is done locally on the fly, according to the desired progress value computed at each node. We further propose to integrate DEDA with a localized sensor activity scheduling algorithm and a localized connected dominating set algorithm, yielding two DEDA variants, to improve its energy efficiency and delay reliability. Through an extensive set of simulation, we evaluate the performance of DEDA with various network parameters. Our simulation results indicate that DEDA far outperforms the only existing competing protocol. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Right hand, left brain: genetic and evolutionary bases of cerebral asymmetries for language and manual action
Authors: Corballis Michael C. , Badzakova‐Trajkov Gjurgjica , Häberling Isabelle S.
Published: November 2011

Most people are right‐handed and left‐cerebrally dominant for language. This pattern of asymmetry, as well as departures from it, have been reasonably accommodated in terms of a postulated gene with two alleles, one disposing to this common pattern and the other leaving the direction of handedness and language asymmetry to chance. There are some leads as to the location of the gene or genes concerned, but no clear resolution; one possibility is that the chance factor is achieved by epigenetic cancelling of the lateralizing gene rather than through a chance allele. Neurological evidence suggests that the neural basis of manual praxis, including pantomime and tool use, is more closely associated with cerebral asymmetry for language than with handedness, and is homologous with the so‐called “mirror system” in the primate brain, which is specialized for manual grasping. The evidence reviewed supports the theory that language itself evolved within the praxic system, and became lateralized in humans, and perhaps to a lesser extent in our common ancestry with the great apes.WIREs Cogn Sci2012, 3:1–17. doi: 10.1002/wcs.158

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Brain Function and Dysfunction
Self‐incompatibility in Petunia: a self/nonself‐recognition mechanism employing S‐locus F‐box proteins and S‐RNase to prevent inbreeding
Authors: Wang Ning , Kao Teh‐Hui
Published: November 2011

Many flowering plants producing bisexual flowers have adopted self‐incompatibility (SI), a reproductive strategy which allows pistils to distinguish between self and nonself pollen, and to only permit nonself pollen to effect fertilization. To date, three different SI mechanisms have been identified, and this article focuses on the S‐RNase‐based mechanism using Petunia (Solanaceae) as a model. The genetic basis of this type of SI was established nearly a century ago; the polymorphic S‐locus specifies the genetic identity of pollen and the pistil. Molecular genetic studies carried out since the late 1980s have led to the identification of the polymorphic genes at the S‐locus that control self/nonself‐recognition between pollen and the pistil. The S‐RNase gene, which controls pistil specificity, was identified first, and subsequent sequencing of the S‐locus region containing S‐RNase led to the identification of the S‐locus F‐box (SLF) gene (now named SLF1). A transgenic approach was used to show that S2‐SLF1 (SLF1 of S2‐halotype) of Petunia inflata controls pollen specificity. The S‐locus contains additional pollen‐expressed F‐box genes that show sequence similarity with SLF1, and initially they were thought not to be involved in pollen specificity. However, further studies of SLF1 suggested that it is not the only pollen specificity gene. Indeed, it has recently been shown that two previously identified SLF‐like genes in P. inflata (now named SLF2 and SLF3) and a yet unknown number of additional SLF‐like genes (named SLF4, SLF5, etc.) collaboratively function to control pollen specificity. The significance and implications of this new finding are discussed. WIREs Dev Biol 2012, 1:267–275. doi: 10.1002/wdev.10

This article is categorized under:

Plant Development > Fertilization, Embryogenesis, and Seed Development
Neural crest specification: tissues, signals, and transcription factors
Authors: Rogers C.D. , Jayasena C.S. , Nie S. , Bronner M.E.
Published: November 2011

The neural crest is a transient population of multipotent and migratory cells unique to vertebrate embryos. Initially derived from the borders of the neural plate, these cells undergo an epithelial to mesenchymal transition to leave the central nervous system, migrate extensively in the periphery, and differentiate into numerous diverse derivatives. These include but are not limited to craniofacial cartilage, pigment cells, and peripheral neurons and glia. Attractive for their similarities to stem cells and metastatic cancer cells, neural crest cells are a popular model system for studying cell/tissue interactions and signaling factors that influence cell fate decisions and lineage transitions. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms required for neural crest formation in various vertebrate species, focusing on the importance of signaling factors from adjacent tissues and conserved gene regulatory interactions, which are required for induction and specification of the ectodermal tissue that will become neural crest. WIREs Dev Biol 2012, 1:52–68. doi: 10.1002/wdev.8

This article is categorized under:

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Gene Networks and Genomics

Signaling Pathways > Cell Fate Signaling

Early Embryonic Development > Development to the Basic Body Plan
Quality control in tRNA charging
Authors: Jakubowski Hieronim
Published: November 2011

Faithful translation of the genetic code during protein synthesis is fundamental to the growth, development, and function of living organisms. Aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases (AARSs), which define the genetic code by correctly pairing amino acids with their cognate tRNAs, are responsible for ‘quality control’ in the flow of information from a gene to a protein. When differences in binding energies of amino acids to an AARS are inadequate, editing is used to achieve high selectivity. Editing occurs at the synthetic active site by hydrolysis of noncognate aminoacyl‐adenylates (pretransfer editing) and at a dedicated editing site located in a separate domain by deacylation of mischarged aminoacyl‐tRNA (posttransfer editing). Access of nonprotein amino acids, such as homocysteine or ornithine, to the genetic code is prevented by the editing function of AARSs, which functionally partitions amino acids present in living cells into protein and nonprotein amino acids. Continuous editing is part of the tRNA aminoacylation process in living organisms from bacteria to human beings. Preventing mistranslation by the clearance of misactivated amino acids is crucial to cellular homeostasis and has a role in etiology of disease. Although there is a strong selective pressure to minimize mistranslation, some organisms possess error‐prone AARSs that cause mistranslation. Elevated levels of mistranslation and the synthesis of statistical proteins can be beneficial for pathogens by increasing phenotypic variation essential for the evasion of host defenses. WIREs RNA 2012, 3:295–310. doi: 10.1002/wrna.122

This article is categorized under:

RNA Evolution and Genomics > RNA and Ribonucleoprotein Evolution

Translation > Translation Mechanisms

RNA Processing > tRNA Processing

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
Long‐Term Outcome in Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism who Underwent Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy
Authors: Venkat Raghunandan , Kouniavsky Guennadi , Tufano Ralph P. , Schneider Eric B. , Dackiw Alan P. B. , Zeiger Martha A.
Published: November 2011

Background

Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) has become a well‐accepted treatment for selected patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). However, few studies have evaluated long‐term outcomes for this operative approach. We therefore chose to examine both the long‐term symptom resolution and biochemical cure following MIP for PHPT.

Methods

A total of 460 PHPT patients who underwent a MIP between 2004 and 2009 were successfully mailed a questionnaire that assessed preoperative and postoperative Parathyroidectomy Assessment of Symptoms (PAS) scores, most recent calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, and information about any reoperation for PHPT. Long‐term evaluation of symptomatic and biochemical cure was performed.

Results

A total of 200 patients (43.5%) responded to our correspondence. The mean age of the patients was 58.7 ± 11.9 years, 74.5% were female, and 78.5% were Caucasian. The mean follow‐up was 37 ± 19 months. The mean PAS scores fell by 117 ± 14 at long‐term follow‐up after MIP (P < 0.0001). All 13 symptoms comprising the PAS score diminished, of which ten did so significantly (P < 0.01). There was a significant drop in the mean serum calcium (preop. 11.1 mg/dl, postop. 9.6 mg/dl; P < 0.0001) and PTH (preop. 130.9 pg/ml, postop. 45.7 pg/ml; P < 0.0001) at long‐term follow‐up. Five patients (2.5%) developed recurrent disease (calcium > 10.5 mg/dl), and one (0.5%) underwent a reoperation for persistent disease and was subsequently cured.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that MIP has long‐term benefits in terms of excellent symptom resolution and a high biochemical cure rate (97%) in selected patients who have PHPT, preoperative localization with sestamibi scans, and assessment of intraoperative PTH level.
Neighborhood Disorder and Children's Antisocial Behavior: The Protective Effect of Family Support Among Mexican American and African American Families
Authors: Schofield Thomas J. , Conger Rand D. , Conger Katherine J. , Martin Monica J. , Brody Gene , Simons Ronald , Cutrona Carolyn
Published: November 2011

Using data from a sample of 673 Mexican Origin families, the current investigation examined the degree to which family supportiveness acted as a protective buffer between neighborhood disorder and antisocial behavior during late childhood (i.e. intent to use controlled substances, externalizing, and association with deviant peers). Children's perceptions of neighborhood disorder fully mediated associations between census and observer measures of neighborhood disorder and their antisocial behavior. Family support buffered children from the higher rates of antisocial behavior generally associated with living in disorderly neighborhoods. An additional goal of the current study was to replicate these findings in a second sample of 897 African American families, and that replication was successful. These findings suggest that family support may play a protective role for children living in dangerous or disadvantaged neighborhoods. They also suggest that neighborhood interventions should consider several points of entry including structural changes, resident perceptions of their neighborhood and family support.
Endoscopic Detection of Compressing Fascial Bands around the Ulnar Nerve within the FCU
Authors: Nagle Daniel J. , Patel Ronak M. , Paisley Sonya
Published: November 2011

Background

The aim of this study is to endoscopically evaluate the ulnar nerve proximal and distal to the cubital tunnel after in situ decompression to identify and eventually release fascial bands capable of compressing the ulnar nerve.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of 16 ulnar nerve compression cases in 12 patients. Eight men and four women with a mean age of 52 years (range, 23-77 years) were clinically diagnosed and confirmed with neurophysiologic studies. A 4-6-cm curvilinear incision was made at the medial elbow, and the ulnar nerve was identified and decompressed at the cubital tunnel. Then, a 2.7-mm endoscope was passed 8 to 10 cm proximal and distal to the medial epicondyle allowing for visualization of the ulnar nerve and its surrounding soft tissues.

Results

The endoscopic evaluation of the 16 ulnar nerves demonstrated no compressive bands outside of the cubital tunnel. All patients had satisfactory outcomes.

Conclusions

The good results reported after in situ ulnar nerve decompression have questioned the need for endoscopically assisted decompression of the ulnar nerve proximal and distal to the cubital tunnel. Some authors suggest the existence of fascial bands within the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) capable of compressing the ulnar nerve. This study would suggest that fibrous bands deep in the FCU capable of compressing the ulnar nerve do not exist. Our satisfactory outcomes would support the perception that extensive decompression of the ulnar nerve beyond the cubital tunnel is not routinely needed.
The Role of Mixing Temperature on Microstructure and Rheological Properties of Butter Blends
Authors: Buldo Patrizia , Wiking Lars
Published: November 2011

The present study demonstrated that the rheological properties of butter blends can be modified by the applied mixing temperature. Blends were prepared by mixing 10 or 25% of rapeseed oil (RO) with butter, at three different temperatures (13, 18 and 23 °C). Afterwards the blends were stored at 5 °C until analyzed. Microstructure, rheological properties, melting behavior and solid fat content (SFC) of the blends were examined. The viscoelastic properties of the blends were measured by rheological oscillation analysis. Mixing at 23 °C always resulted in the softest products, hence the lowest firmness, independently of the content of rapeseed oil. By increasing the percentage of RO and the mixing temperature, a decrease in melting point (Mp) and in SFC was observed in the blends. The microstructure of the blends was analyzed with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), which explains the effect on the rheological behavior. The microstructure analysis showed that a high content of RO and high processing temperatures produce a less dense crystal network and a change in protein/water distribution. Furthermore, this study shows that the addition of RO to butter and the high mixing temperature solubilize some of the milk fat triacylglycerides (TAG), which are not able to re‐crystallize fully. A high mixing temperature is shown to inhibit the ability to rebuild the rigidity of the crystal network in butter blends.
Avons-nous percé le mystère de la globozoospermie ?
Authors: Ferfouri F. , Merdassi G. , Vialard F.
Published: November 2011

Si la première description de la globozoocéphalie date de 1971, il aura fallu plus de 35 ans pour identifier la première cause génétique (une altération du gène SPATA16), et cela malgré la création de nombreux modèles murins et la certitude d’une cause purement génétique à ce syndrome par l’observation de fratrie de patients atteints. Malgré l’identification récente de nouveaux gènes comme PICK1 et DPY19L2, la globozoocéphalie reste toujours un mystère. En effet, ce syndrome est probablement très polymorphe, comme le suggèrent les observations en microscopie électronique, et il est associé à un très mauvais taux de succès en assistance médicale à la procréation (AMP). Les prochaines études devront donc s’attacher à comprendre les mécanismes à l’origine de cette globozoocéphalie et à identifier des traitements pouvant contourner les déficits spermatiques majeurs associés à ce syndrome.
Mum or Bub? Which Influences Breastfeeding Loyalty
Authors: Parkinson Joy , Russell-Bennett Rebekah , Previte Josephine
Published: November 2011

The need for social marketing research in the area of breastfeeding is highlighted by the failure of campaigns to increase breastfeeding rates over the past two decades in developed countries. This is despite evidence of the health benefits of longer breastfeeding duration to both baby and mother, and the high levels of expenditure on these campaigns. Whilst past campaign approaches typically focus on baby-oriented factors, breastfeeding is a complex behaviour that for many women involves barriers that influence their commitment to continued breastfeeding. Using social marketing, this research investigates the role of mother-centred factors on loyalty to breastfeeding. A sample of 405 Australian women completed an online survey. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling, which revealed that mother-oriented, rather than baby-oriented, factors influence attitudinal and behavioural loyalty to breastfeeding.
Populism, nationalism, or national populism? An analysis of Slovak voting behaviour at the 2010 parliamentary election
Authors: Stanley Ben
Published: November 2011

This article explores the impact of populist attitudes on party preferences and voting behaviour at the 2010 Slovak election. Using an original battery of questions on populist attitudes developed by the author and attached to the Comparative Study of Electoral Systems post-election survey, the article addresses hypotheses about the impact of populist attitudes on preferences and choices alongside nationalist and economic attitudes and the socio-demographic ‘transition loser/winner’ divide. It finds that whilst nationalist and economic attitudes are significant predictors of preferences and choices, populist attitudes are much less influential than anticipated.
A comparative analysis on energy subsidies in Soviet and Russian policy
Authors: Closson Stacy
Published: November 2011

Russia’s recent intent to use gas supplies to influence the former Soviet Union Republics, and now New Independent States (NIS), has mirrored that of the Soviet’s handling of hydrocarbon supplies to the Eastern bloc, or the Council on Mutual Economic Assistance (CMEA). This paper explores the historical and unique conditions in making a comparison of energy trading patterns in the 1970s and 2000s. In the end, by comparing ‘then’ and ‘now’, we see a pattern of negative repercussions when the energy card is employed. This study employs a within case study cross-temporal comparative framework and asks: why would Russia transfer a failed policy of subsidies onto its newly independent states?
Slovene commercial diplomacy in the Western Balkan countries
Authors: Udovič Boštjan
Published: November 2011

The aim of the article is to present activities of Slovene commercial diplomacy in the Western Balkan markets. The result of the analysis proves that Slovene commercial diplomacy in the Western Balkan markets followed enterprise preferences. Thus, in the first decade of transition (1991–2000) commercial diplomacy focused only on ex-Yugoslav markets, while non-ex-YU (Western Balkan) markets became interesting only after the year 2000. The article argues that this can be explained by the reactiveness (instead of proactiveness) of Slovene enterprises, which stems from the Slovene national character.
Coherent structures in uniformly sheared turbulent flow
Authors: Vanderwel Christina , Tavoularis Stavros
Published: November 2011

Uniformly sheared turbulent flow has been generated in a water tunnel and its instantaneous structure has been examined using flow visualization and particle image velocimetry. The shear-rate parameter was approximately equal to 13 and the streamwise turbulence Reynolds number was approximately 150. The flow was found to consist of regions with nearly uniform velocity, which were separated by regions of high shear containing large vortices. The concentration of vortices and the distributions of their directions of rotation, strengths, sizes and shapes have been determined. These results demonstrate that horseshoe/hairpin-shaped vortices were prevalent, even though wall effects were negligible in this flow. Both ‘upright’ and ‘inverted’ vortices have been observed, in contrast to turbulent boundary layers, in which only ‘upright’ vortices can be found, suggesting that the presence of the wall may suppress the development of ‘inverted’ structures. Our observations demonstrate that the dominant coherent structures of fully developed uniformly sheared flow are very different from the structures observed in the flow exiting the shear-generating apparatus, which points to an insensitivity of the former to initial effects.
Effects of feeding polydextrose on faecal characteristics, microbiota and fermentative end products in healthy adult dogs
Authors: Beloshapka Alison N. , Wolff Amanda K. , Swanson Kelly S.
Published: November 2011

Polydextrose is a potential prebiotic, but has not been well tested in dogs. Thus, the objective of the present study was to determine the effects of polydextrose on faecal characteristics, microbial populations and fermentative end products in healthy adult dogs. A total of eight adult hound dogs (3·5 (sem0·5) years; 20 (sem0·5) kg) were randomly allotted to one of four test diets containing the following concentrations of polydextrose: (1) 0 % (control); (2) 0·5 %; (3) 1·0 %; or (4) 1·5 %. A Latin square design was used, with each treatment period lasting 14 d (days 0–10 adaptation; days 11–14 fresh and total faecal collection). All dogs were fed to maintain body weight. Data were evaluated for linear and quadratic effects using SAS software. Although apparent total tract DM digestibility was unaffected, total tract crude protein digestibility tended to decrease (P < 0·10) linearly with increasing dietary polydextrose concentrations. Fresh faecal DM percentage tended to decrease (P < 0·10) linearly, while faecal scores increased (P < 0·05; looser stools) with increasing dietary concentrations of polydextrose. Faecal acetate, propionate and total SCFA concentrations increased (P < 0·05) linearly with increased dietary polydextrose. Faecal pH decreased (P < 0·05) linearly with increasing polydextrose. Faecal indole tended to decrease (P < 0·10) linearly with increasing polydextrose, but other faecal protein catabolites were not changed. FaecalClostridium perfringenslinearly decreased (P < 0·05) with increasing dietary polydextrose concentrations, butEscherichia coli,Lactobacillusspp. andBifidobacteriumspp. were not affected. Based on the present results, polydextrose appears to act as a highly fermentable fibre, but requires further research to test its potential as a prebiotic in dogs.
Association of total body and visceral fat mass with iron deficiency in preadolescents: the Healthy Growth Study
Authors: Moschonis George , Chrousos George P. , Lionis Christos , Mougios Vassilis , Manios Yannis
Published: November 2011

The aim of the present study was to examine the associations of obesity, percentage body fat and visceral fat mass with body Fe status in a representative sample of 1493 schoolchildren aged 9–13 years. Anthropometric, body composition, biochemical, clinical (Tanner stage, age of menarche) and dietary intake data were collected. Fe deficiency (ID) was defined as transferrin saturation (TS) < 16 %; and Fe-deficiency anaemia (IDA) as ID with Hb < 120 g/l. Obese boys and girls and those in the highest quartiles of percentage body fat mass had significantly higher levels of serum ferritin (P ≤ 0·05) compared to their normal-weight peers and those in the corresponding lowest quartiles. Similarly, obese boys and girls and those in the highest quartiles of percentage body fat and visceral fat mass had significantly lower levels of TS (P ≤ 0·05) compared to normal-weight children and those in the corresponding lowest quartiles. The prevalence of ID and IDA was significantly higher in boys and girls in the highest quartiles of percentage body fat than in peers in the lowest quartile. Higher quartiles of percentage body fat and visceral fat mass were the main significant predictors of ID in boys, after controlling for other important confounders, with OR of 2·48 (95 % CI, 1·26, 4·88) and 2·12 (95 % CI, 1·07, 4·19), respectively. Similar significant associations were observed for girls. In conclusion, percentage body fat and visceral fat mass were positively associated with ID in both sexes of preadolescents. These associations might be attributed to the chronic inflammation induced by excess adiposity.
THE CONCEPT OF COUPLEDOM IN SUCCESSION LAW
Authors: Sloan Brian
Published: November 2011

Historically, English and Irish Law were both distinctly protective of marriage (still understood as an exclusively heterosexual institution)1 as compared to other forms of adult relationship. In the 1950 English case of Gammans v. Ekins, it was famously deemed an “abuse of the English language” to say that an unmarried couple “masquerading” as husband and wife were members of the same family.2 In its Constitution, meanwhile, the Irish state “pledges itself to guard with special care the institution of Marriage, on which the Family is founded, and to protect it against attack”.3 The powerfulness of this “pledge” can be seen from the fact that divorce was not possible in Ireland until a 1995 referendum resulted in a constitutional amendment.4
POVERTY: AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT IN CHARITY AFTER ALL?
Authors: Synge Mary
Published: November 2011

In 1951, an argument that schools should be charitable only if they offer free or reduced tuition was dismissed by the court as a “startling proposition”.1 Yet, in 2010, an independent school was assured of its charitable status only when it agreed to offer means-tested bursaries.2 So did the law change with the Charities Act 2006 (‘the Act’)?
Guided self-help concreteness training as an intervention for major depression in primary care: a Phase II randomized controlled trial
Authors: Watkins E. R. , Taylor R. S. , Byng R. , Baeyens C. , Read R. , Pearson K. , Watson L.
Published: November 2011

Background

The development of widely accessible, effective psychological interventions for depression is a priority. This randomized trial provides the first controlled data on an innovative cognitive bias modification (CBM) training guided self-help intervention for depression.

Method

One hundred and twenty-one consecutively recruited participants meeting criteria for current major depression were randomly allocated to treatment as usual (TAU) or to TAU plus concreteness training (CNT) guided self-help or to TAU plus relaxation training (RT) guided self-help. CNT involved repeated practice at mental exercises designed to switch patients from an unhelpful abstract thinking habit to a helpful concrete thinking habit, thereby targeting depressogenic cognitive processes (rumination, overgeneralization).

Results

The addition of CNT to TAU significantly improved depressive symptoms at post-treatment [mean difference on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD) 4.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.29–7.26], 3- and 6-month follow-ups, and for rumination and overgeneralization post-treatment. There was no difference in the reduction of symptoms between CNT and RT (mean difference on the HAMD 1.98, 95% CI −1.14 to 5.11), although CNT significantly reduced rumination and overgeneralization relative to RT post-treatment, suggesting a specific benefit on these cognitive processes.

Conclusions

This study provides preliminary evidence that CNT guided self-help may be a useful addition to TAU in treating major depression in primary care, although the effect was not significantly different from an existing active treatment (RT) matched for structural and common factors. Because of its relative brevity and distinct format, it may have value as an additional innovative approach to increase the accessibility of treatment choices for depression.
Nuclease colicins and their immunity proteins
Authors: Papadakos Grigorios , Wojdyla Justyna A. , Kleanthous Colin
Published: November 2011

It is more than 80 years since Gratia first described ‘a remarkable antagonism between two strains ofEscherichia coli’. Shown subsequently to be due to the action of proteins (or peptides) produced by one bacterium to kill closely related species with which it might be cohabiting, such bacteriocins have since been shown to be commonplace in the internecine warfare between bacteria. Bacteriocins have been studied primarily from the twin perspectives of how they shape microbial communities and how they penetrate bacteria to kill them. Here, we review the modes of action of a family of bacteriocins that cleave nucleic acid substrates inE. coli, known collectively as nuclease colicins, and the specific immunity (inhibitor) proteins that colicin-producing organisms make in order to avoid committing suicide. In a process akin to targeting in mitochondria, nuclease colicins engage in a variety of cellular associations in order to translocate their cytotoxic domains through the cell envelope to the cytoplasm. As well as informing on the process itself, the study of nuclease colicin import has also illuminated functional aspects of the host proteins they parasitize. We also review recent studies where nuclease colicins and their immunity proteins have been used as model systems for addressing fundamental problems in protein folding and protein–protein interactions, areas of biophysics that are intimately linked to the role of colicins in bacterial competition and to the import process itself.
THE SPEED OF RANDOM WALKS ON TREES AND ELECTRIC NETWORKS
Authors: Konsowa Mokhtar , Al-Awadhi Fahimah
Published: November 2011

The speed of the random walk on a tree is the rate of escaping its starting point. It depends on the way that the branching occurs in the sense that if the average number of branching is large, the speed is more likely to be positive. The speed on some models of random trees is calculated via calculating the hitting times of the consecutive levels of the tree.
Depression and related factors in older people in China: a systematic review
Authors: Chen Yu , Hicks Allan , While Alison E.
Published: November 2011

China has an increasing ageing population. Depression, as one of the most common problems in older people, is a concern that merits attention. This paper reviewed published studies of the prevalence of depression and its related factors in older people in China. Seventeen papers were identified by searching the following electronic databases: Web of Science, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, China Academic Journal and VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals. Whilst prevalence varied across studies, health status, social support, financial status, living arrangements and some demographic factors were consistently related to older people's depression. Further well-designed studies are needed to explore depression in older people in China to identify more culture-specific contributors to maximize well-being.
A growth curve analysis of novel word learning by sequential bilingual preschool children
Authors: KAN PUI FONG , KOHNERT KATHRYN
Published: November 2011

Longitudinal word learning studies which control for experience can advance understanding of language learning and potential intra- and inter-language relationships in developing bilinguals. We examined novel word learning in both the first (L1) and the second (L2) languages of bilingual children. The rate and shape of change as well as the role of existing vocabulary in new word learning were of primary interest. Participants were 32 three-to-five-year old children. All participants had Hmong as their L1 and English as their L2. A novel word learning paradigm was used to measure children's acquisition of new form–meaning associations in L1 and L2 over eight weekly training sessions (four in each language). Two-level hierarchical linear models were used to analyze change in the comprehension and production of new words in Hmong and English over time. Results showed that there were comparable linear gains in novel word comprehension and production in both the L1 and the L2, despite different starting points. Success in novel word learning was predicted to some extent by existing vocabulary knowledge within each language. Between-language relationships were both positive and negative. These findings are consistent with highly interactive dynamic theories of sequential bilingual language learning.
PREFERENCE BASED ON REASONS
Authors: OSHERSON DANIEL , WEINSTEIN SCOTT
Published: November 2011

We describe a logic of preference in which modal connectives reflect reasons to desire that a sentence be true. Various conditions on models are introduced and analyzed.
Wireless communicating nodes at 60 GHz integrated on flexible substrate for short-distance instrumentation in aeronautics and space
Authors: Jatlaoui Mohamed Mehdi , Dragomirescu Daniela , Ercoli Mariano , Krämer Michael , Charlot Samuel , Pons Patrick , Aubert Hervé , Plana Robert
Published: November 2011

This paper presents the research done at LAAS-CNRS and in the context of “NANOCOMM” project. This project aims to demonstrate the potential of nanotechnology for the development of reconfigurable, ultra-sensitive, low consumption, and easy installation sensor networks with high performance in terms of reliability in line with the requirements of aeronautics and space. Each node of the sensor network is composed of nano-sensors, transceiver, and planar antenna. In this project, three-dimensional (3D) heterogeneous integration of these different components, on flexible polyimide substrate, is planned. Two types of sensors are selected for this project: strain gauges are used for the structure health monitoring (SHM) application and electrochemical cells are used to demonstrate the ability to detect frost phenomenon. After processing, sensors data are processed and transmitted to the reader unit using an ultra-wide band (UWB) transceiver. (digital baseband and radiofrequency (RF) head). The design and implementation of reconfigurable wireless communication architectures are provided according to the application requirements using nanoscale 65 nm CMOS technology. It is proposed to integrate on flexible substrate the transceiver using the flip-chip technique. A 60 GHz planar antenna is connected to the transceiver for the wireless data transmission. This paper is focused on the 3D integration techniques and the technological process used for the realization of such communicating nano-objects on polyimide substrate. The first assembly tests were carried out. Tests of interconnections quality and electrical contacts (Daisy Chain, calibration kit, etc.) were also performed with good results. A bumps contact resistance of 15 mΩ is measured.
Using scattering calculations to compare MODIS retrievals of thin cirrus optical properties with SAM solar disk and aureole radiance measurements
Authors: DeVore J. G. , Stair A. T. , LePage A. J. , Villanucci D.
Published: November 2011

Scattering calculations for optically thin cirrus clouds based on retrievals of optical thickness and effective particle size from NASA's Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on Terra and Aqua are compared with solar disk radiance and aureole measurements from Visidyne's Sun and Aureole Measurement (SAM) instrument. In the four examples presented, the calculated solar disk radiance differs from the measurement by a factor ranging from 2 to 8. The shape of the aureole radiance profile also differs and indicates that either the effective particle size retrieved by the MODIS daytime cirrus algorithm is too small or there is another problem with the phase functions underlying the MODIS algorithm.
Investigation of double tropopause spatial and temporal global variability utilizing High Resolution Dynamics Limb Sounder temperature observations
Authors: Peevey Tanya R. , Gille John C. , Randall Cora E. , Kunz Anne
Published: November 2011

This study examines the seasonal variation of the double tropopause (DT) using data from the High Resolution Dynamics Limb Sounder. The combination of high data density and high vertical resolution available with this satellite instrument allows for the detailed analysis of fine‐scale structures such as the DT. The spatial distribution of DT frequency is examined for all seasons from 2005 to 2007. Global analysis of this distribution reveals that DTs have a strong tendency to follow the zonal wind pattern and are present all year over the Andes. Moreover, during Northern Hemisphere winter/spring, there is a 15% decrease in the DT frequency over the eastern Pacific and western Atlantic, two regions of wave breaking produced from a weakening of the zonal flow. Significant DT thickness values are also present over these regions, but are found to extend further poleward than the corresponding frequency pattern. A time series of DT frequencies is analyzed and shows an increase in daily frequencies during 2006 that highlights the interannual variability of this thermal structure. For the first time, DT duration is investigated in the extratropics utilizing a Hovmöller diagram of DT frequency. This representation highlights two preferred regions of formation, the Pacific and Atlantic. The slope of the feature gives it a speed of 18 m/s in the Northern Hemisphere and a slightly faster speed for the Southern Hemisphere. These speeds and the corresponding structures highlight a potential connection between upper tropospheric waves and DTs.
Laboratory investigations of iceberg capsize dynamics, energy dissipation and tsunamigenesis
Authors: Burton J. C. , Amundson J. M. , Abbot D. S. , Boghosian A. , Cathles L. M. , Correa‐Legisos S. , Darnell K. N. , Guttenberg N. , Holland D. M. , MacAyeal D. R.
Published: November 2011

We present laboratory experiments designed to quantify the stability and energy budget of buoyancy‐driven iceberg capsize. Box‐shaped icebergs were constructed out of low‐density plastic, hydrostatically placed in an acrylic water tank containing freshwater of uniform density, and allowed (or forced, if necessary) to capsize. The maximum kinetic energy (translational plus rotational) of the icebergs was ∼15% of the total energy released during capsize, and radiated surface wave energy was ∼1% of the total energy released. The remaining energy was directly transferred into the water via hydrodynamic coupling, viscous drag, and turbulence. The dependence of iceberg capsize instability on iceberg aspect ratio implied by the tank experiments was found to closely agree with analytical predictions based on a simple, hydrostatic treatment of iceberg capsize. This analytical treatment, along with the high Reynolds numbers for the experiments (and considerably higher values for capsizing icebergs in nature), indicates that turbulence is an important mechanism of energy dissipation during iceberg capsize and can contribute a potentially important source of mixing in the stratified ocean proximal to marine ice margins.
Generalized time-frequency coherency for assessing neural interactions in electrophysiological recordings
Authors: Mehrkanoon Saeid , Breakspear Michael , Daffertshofer Andreas , Boonstra Tjeerd
Published: November 2011

Time-frequency coherence has been widely used to quantify statistical dependencies in bivariate data and has proven to be vital for the study of neural interactions in electrophysiological recordings. Conventional methods establish time-frequency coherence by smoothing the cross and power spectra using identical smoothing procedures. Smoothing entails a trade-off between time-frequency resolution and statistical consistency and is critical for detecting instantaneous coherence in single-trial data. Here, we propose a generalized method to estimate time-frequency coherency by using different smoothing procedures for the cross spectra versus power spectra. This novel method has an improved trade-off between time resolution and statistical consistency compared to conventional methods, as verified by two simulated data sets. The methods are then applied to single-trial surface encephalography recorded from human subjects for comparative purposes. Our approach extracted robust alpha- and gamma-band synchronization over the visual cortex that was not detected by conventional methods, demonstrating the efficacy of this method.