bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Child Personality as Moderator of Outcome in a School–based Intervention for Preventing Externalising Behaviour
Authors: Stoltz Sabine , Prinzie Peter , De Haan Amaranta , van Londen Monique , De Castro Bram Orobio , Deković Maja
Published: December 2012

Studying moderators of intervention effects is essential to elucidate what works for whom. The present study investigated whether child personality moderates short–term and follow–up effects of an individualised preventive school–based intervention for children with externalising behaviour. The sample consisted of 48 schools, with 264 fourth–grade children displaying externalising behaviour (Mage = 10.2 years), randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 191) or no intervention control (n = 73) condition. Teachers and children reported at pretest, posttest and follow–up test about reactive and proactive aggression. Child personality was assessed by teachers at pretest. Child conscientiousness moderated short–term intervention effects, indicating that more organised and planful children benefited more from the intervention. Child extraversion moderated both short–term and follow–up intervention effects, with low extraverted children showing larger effects. These results affirm the importance of including personality as moderator of intervention effects in future studies, as interventions adapted to specific child traits might yield larger effects. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐range transmission of substituent effects on 13C NMR chemical shifts of imine carbon in benzylidene anilines
Authors: Fang Zhengjun , Cao Chenzhong , Wu Weihe , Wang Lu
Published: December 2012

The 13C NMR chemical shifts of six kinds of substituted benzylidene anilines, with different backbone conjugation length, have been used as a probe to investigate the long‐range transmission of substituent effects. In this context, it was found that for substituents Y at the aniline unit, the transmission of the inductive and conjugative effects depend on the chemical bond numbers n(Y) between Y and the imine carbon, and the parameters n(Y)−2σF(Y) and n(Y)−2σR(Y) are suitable to scale the corrected inductive and conjugative effects, respectively. However, for substituents X, the chemical bond numbers n(X) between X and the imine carbon influences only the transmission of inductive effects of X, and the n(X)−2σF(X) item is appropriate to evaluate the modified inductive effects of X. Similarly, Δσ(cor)2 was proposed to describe the transmitted effect of the cross‐interaction effect. With the parameters n(X)−2σF(X), σR(X), n(Y)−2σF(Y), n(Y)−2σR(Y), Δσ(cor)2, and δC(parent), the δC(C = N) values of 181 samples can be well correlated. The correlation coefficient is 0.9957, and the standard derivation is only 0.23 ppm. Moreover, the multi‐parameter correlation equation is predicted well the δC(C = N) of other 25 samples of designed conjugated benzylidene anilines. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Absence of nonlocal resistance in microstructures of PbTe quantum wells
Authors: Kolwas K. A. , Grabecki G. , Trushkin S. , Wróbel J. , Aleszkiewicz M. , Cywiński Ł. , Dietl T. , Springholz G. , Bauer G.
Published: December 2012

We report on experiments allowing to set an upper limit on the magnitude of the spin Hall effect and the conductance by edge channels in quantum wells of PbTe embedded between PbEuTe barriers. We reexamine previous data obtained for epitaxial microstructures of n‐type PbSe and PbTe, in which pronounced nonlocal effects and reproducible magnetoresistance oscillations were found. Here we show that these effects are brought about by a quasi‐periodic network of threading dislocations adjacent to the BaF2 substrate, which give rise to a p‐type interfacial layer and an associated parasitic parallel conductance. We then present results of transport measurements on microstructures of modulation doped PbTe/(Pb,Eu)Te:Bi heterostructures for which the influence of parasitic parallel conductance is minimized, and for which quantum Hall transport had been observed, on similar samples, previously. These structures are of H‐shaped geometry and they are patterned of 12 nm thick strained PbTe quantum wells embedded between Pb0.92Eu0.08Te barriers. The structures have different lateral sizes corresponding to both diffusive and ballistic electron transport in non‐equivalent L valleys. For these structures no nonlocal resistance is detected confirming that PbTe is a trivial insulator. The magnitude of spin Hall angle γ is estimated to be smaller than 0.02 for PbTe/PbEuTe microstructures in the diffusive regime.
Failure Rate Estimation from Field Data under Time‐Varying Stress
Authors: Guérineau Lise , Gouno Evans
Published: December 2012

A model to assess the failure rate of equipment under use conditions is proposed. This model links noncontrolled variables to a piecewise failure rate combined with a proportional hazard model. Two influential variables are considered. One is the temperature characterizing the outdoor climate, and the other one is moisture—as an intrinsic variable. The maximum likelihood estimates of the model parameters are obtained. The efficiency of the method is evaluated through simulated data. Results on data from the field are provided. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unified privacy analysis of new‐found RFID authentication protocols
Authors: Alagheband Mahdi R. , Aref Mohammad R.
Published: December 2012

Ubiquitousness of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems with inherent weaknesses has been a cause of concern about their privacy and security. Therefore, secure protocols are essentially necessary for the RFID tags to guarantee privacy and authentication among them and the reader. This paper inspects privacy in the RFID systems. First, we survey four new‐found RFID authentication protocols, and then, their weaknesses in formal privacy model are analyzed. Although the authors of the schemes claimed that their protocols completely resist privacy attacks, we formally prove that all of them suffer from the family of traceability attacks. Furthermore, not only are the four improved protocols proposed to prevent the aforementioned attacks, but also we provide formal analysis to guarantee the security and privacy of the proposed enhancements. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A bias correction for covariance estimators to improve inference with generalized estimating equations that use an unstructured correlation matrix
Authors: Westgate Philip M.
Published: December 2012

Generalized estimating equations (GEEs) are routinely used for the marginal analysis of correlated data. The efficiency of GEE depends on how closely the working covariance structure resembles the true structure, and therefore accurate modeling of the working correlation of the data is important. A popular approach is the use of an unstructured working correlation matrix, as it is not as restrictive as simpler structures such as exchangeable and AR‐1 and thus can theoretically improve efficiency. However, because of the potential for having to estimate a large number of correlation parameters, variances of regression parameter estimates can be larger than theoretically expected when utilizing the unstructured working correlation matrix. Therefore, standard error estimates can be negatively biased. To account for this additional finite‐sample variability, we derive a bias correction that can be applied to typical estimators of the covariance matrix of parameter estimates. Via simulation and in application to a longitudinal study, we show that our proposed correction improves standard error estimation and statistical inference. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Confidence intervals for odds ratio and relative risk based on the inverse hyperbolic sine transformation
Authors: Fagerland Morten W. , Newcombe Robert G.
Published: December 2012

The inverse hyperbolic sine transformation can be used to shorten the standard delta logit interval for the odds ratio and the delta log interval for the relative risk. As it stands, this transformation does not provide sufficient coverage. A pseudo‐frequency modification is suggested and evaluated. The modification achieves an improvement in coverage for both the odds ratio and the relative risk and a further improvement in interval width for the odds ratio. We also find that another closed form interval, called MOVER‐R Wilson, which is based on the method of variance estimates recovery, performs well. When the more complex and software demanding intervals, such as the asymptotic score, are unavailable, the adjusted inverse sinh intervals and MOVER‐R Wilson provide two simple approaches to interval estimation of the odds ratio and the relative risk. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Teaching and Learning: Using Experiential Learning and Reflection for Leadership Education
Authors: Guthrie Kathy L. , Jones Tamara Bertrand
Published: December 2012

Experiential education and learning should be used in framing leadership education. This chapter will explore how leadership education in higher education can be taught from an experiential education framework. International Leadership Association overarching Teaching and Learning Guiding Question: “What are students' developmental levels and what teaching and learning methods are most appropriate to ensure maximum student learning?”
Importance of exergy for analysis, improvement, design, and assessment
Authors: Dincer I. , Ratlamwala T.A.H.
Published: December 2012

This study discusses what exergy analysis brings new to the system design, analysis, assessment, and improvement of energy systems. It also presents how efficiencies are defined for performance assessment. Case studies are given to explain how system exergy analysis is performed, and its efficiencies are evaluated for comparison. Exergy destruction rates for each component of the systems are also studied and presented to investigate the possibilities for determining the magnitudes and improving the performance.

This article is categorized under:

Energy Efficiency > Economics and Policy

Energy Efficiency > Systems and Infrastructure
Mit N‐Methylpiperidin stabilisierte Halogenalane
Authors: Veith Michael , Kirs Tatjana , Huch Volker
Published: December 2012

Alanes of the formula HxAlX3–x (x = 0, 1, 2, 3; X = Cl, Br, I) and the mixed halogen species HAlClBr were synthesized as N‐methyl‐piperidin (nmp) adducts HxAlX3–x·znmp (z = 1, 2) and HAlClBr·2nmp by different routes. The crystal and molecular structures of (H3Al·nmp)2, H2AlBr·2nmp, H2AlI·2nmp, the isotypic and isomorphous HAlBr2·2nmp, HAlI2·2nmp, as well as ACl3·nmp, ABr3·nmp, AI3·nmp, and HAlClBr·2nmp are described. The aluminum atoms in these molecular structures either form a pentagonal bipyramid as coordination sphere with the amine bases in apical positions or are in the center of a distorted tetrahedron (AlCl3·nmp, ABr3·nmp, AI3·nmp). In the nmp adduct of alane, a central Al2H2 ring is formed by dimerisation of AlH3, each aluminum atom displaying a further nmp ligand together with two terminal hydrogen atoms. The influence of the halogen atoms on the hydrogen bonds in the iso‐structural compounds were studied by IR spectroscopy, showing in both series H2AlX·2nmp and HAlX2·2nmp (X = Cl, Br, I) a dependence of ν(Al–H) on the substitution pattern: 1770.2–1775.2–(not measured) cm–1 (H2AlX) and 1785.0–1788.0–1791.0 cm–1 (HAlX2). The δ values of the 27Al‐NMR spectra in solution show dependences on the halide numbers bonded to aluminum and display a regular growth with heavier element in the H2AlX·2nmp series δ (27Al): 121.2 (Cl), 126.0 (Br), 131.5 (I)], whereas they have an unsteady evolution in the HAlX2·2nmp series [δ (27Al): 118.0 (Cl), 122.0 (Br), 108.0 (I)] and the AlX3·nmp series [δ (27Al): 102.1 (Cl), 104.8 (Br), 61.9 (I)].
A Biomechanical Analysis of Treatment Options for Enchondromas of the Hand
Authors: Pianta Teresa J. , Baldwin Paul S. , Obopilwe Elifho , Mazzocca Augustus D. , Rodner Craig M. , Silverstein Eric A.
Published: December 2012

Purpose

Enchondromas are the most common benign bone tumor affecting the hand. Standard treatment has consisted of curettage with bone grafting. It has become increasingly common for surgeons to use biologic cement in these cases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate different treatment options used to fill voids after curettage of hand enchondromas to determine if any provide more rigid fixation.

Methods

A cadaveric model of hand enchondromas was designed by making a standardized size corticotomy (0.6×1.0 cm) in 60 cadaver metacarpals. Resultant voids were then filled with either no material, bovine demineralized bone matrix (Synthes Paoli, PA, USA), or one of two different calcium phosphate bone cements: a carbonated apatite (Synthes Norian SRS Skeletal Repair System) and a hydroxyapatite (Stryker HydroSet) calcium phosphate. An apex dorsal three-point bend was applied to the metacarpals through an MTS machine, and load to failure and stiffness were recorded.

Results

Biomechanically, load to failure for intact metacarpals was significantly superior to those in which a corticotomy was created ( p=0.04). There was a significant increase in load to failure between the metacarpals treated with the calcium phosphate bone cement and the negative controls ( p=0).

Conclusions

In a biomechanical analysis of a cadaveric model of hand enchondromas, calcium phosphate bone cement provided significantly increased strength as compared to curettage alone and approximated the strength of intact metacarpals. It is unknown whether the use of biologic cements in this clinical setting leads to less postoperative immobilization, earlier digital motion, a quicker return to work, or increased patient satisfaction.
Micellar and Interfacial Behavior of Cationic Benzalkonium Chloride and Nonionic Polyoxyethylene Alkyl Ether Based Mixed Surfactant Systems
Authors: Nandni Durgesh , Mahajan Rakesh Kumar
Published: December 2012

Micellar and interfacial properties of mixed surfactant systems comprising benzalkonium chloride, a cationic surfactant and nonionic polyoxyethylene alkyl ether surfactants (POE: C10E7, C10E8, C10E9, C10E10) have been investigated by surface tension, fluorescence and dynamic light scattering techniques. Critical micelle concentration (CMC) for different mixing mole fractions has been investigated by surface tension and fluorescence measurements. Ideal CMC, mixed micellar composition (X1m, X1σ), interaction parameters for mixed micelles (βm) and adsorption monolayer (βσ), surface excess concentration (Гmax), minimum area per molecule (Amin) and related thermodynamic properties have also been determined. Lowering of the CMC and negative interaction parameter values indicate synergism in the mixed micelle and monolayer formed, whereas, thermodynamic parameters evaluated for the proposed mixed systems indicate stability of the resulting micelles and monolayer. Micellar aggregation number (Nagg) and hydrodynamic diameter (Dh) computed from fluorescence and dynamic light scattering measurements respectively illustrate micellar growth in the mixed state. Results obtained for the proposed mixed systems can be helpful in designing smart materials for industrial surfactant based formulations.
Seasonal distribution of coastal mesozooplankton community in relation to the environmental factors in İskenderun Bay (north-east Levantine, Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Kurt Tuba Terbiyik , Polat Sevim
Published: December 2012

Mesozooplankton was studied during 2008 in coastal waters of the İskenderun Bay in order to determine seasonal changes in abundance, biomass, community structure and their relationship with environmental factors. Samples were collected seasonally at five stations using WP-2 net of 200 µ mesh size by vertical hauls. A total of 23 planktonic groups including 30 copepod species, 4 cladocerans and 4 chaetognaths were identified. Copepods were the most important group during the whole period of survey. Penilia avirostris was found to be dominant in spring, while Paracalanus parvus in summer and winter, and Acrocalanus gibber in autumn. Mesozooplankton abundance varied from 438 ind m−3 (autumn) to 7163 ind m−3 (spring), while biomass varied between 2.2 mg m−3 (summer) and 52.9 mg m−3 (autumn). Differences in abundance and biomass between seasons were statistically significant (P < 0.01). Clear seasonal distribution patterns were observed in the area. Two peaks in abundance were defined: a major peak in spring and a second minor one in autumn. It seems that the trophic element was the main factor affecting the density distribution of zooplankton populations, whereas species distributions were more affected by hydrographical parameters, namely: seawater temperature and salinity.
TIKAL'S EARLY CLASSIC DOMINATION OF THE GREAT WESTERN TRADE ROUTE: CERAMIC, LITHIC, AND ICONOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE
Authors: Woodfill Brent K.S. , Andrieu Chloé
Published: December 2012

This article reviews new evidence suggesting that Tikal and its allies controlled trade along the Pasión River during the latter half of the Early Classic period (ca.a.d.460–550) and the possible impacts this had on geopolitical interaction. Recent data in the Candelaria Caves and other Pasión River sites showed the strong influence of Tikal during this time period that could indicate that they were active agents in interregional trade between the Maya highlands and lowlands. A quantitative reevaluation of the Pennsylvania lithic collection does demonstrate an important change in Tikal's importation of both obsidian and jade during the Early Classic period. Together, the stylistic changes in the locally manufactured ceramics and the drastic increase of lithic raw materials at Tikal strongly suggest that Tikal was directly or indirectly controlling the Chixoy-Pasión trade route at this time. After the defeat of Tikal by Caracol ina.d.562, it apparently lost this influence, ceasing to be a strong agent in jade and obsidian production and exchange, instead becoming a wealthy consumer.
LOS MALACATES ARQUEOLÓGICOS DE LA PENÍNSULA DE YUCATAN
Authors: Álvarez Héctor Hernández , May Nancy Peniche
Published: December 2012

El trabajo presenta una propuesta de tipología de malacates procedentes de distintos sitios de las tierras bajas mayas del norte tales como Chichen Itza, Ciudad Caucel, Dzidzilche, Ek Balam, Poxila, Siho, Isla Cerritos, Ichpaatun y Xaman Susula. Tales malacates corresponden a temporalidades que van desde el período preclásico hasta el posclásico. El análisis de esta muestra se basa en la correlación de sus atributos formales. Otros atributos tales como el tipo cerámico, el contexto del hallazgo y sus elementos decorativos y simbólicos también son considerados. El principal objetivo es demostrar que en la península de Yucatan hay evidencia de una continuidad de la presencia de la industria textil, así como cambios en la forma y el uso de los malacates, que muy probablemente sirvieron para el hilado de fibras de algodón. Consideramos que estos objetos en el área maya, muestran una estrecha relación con las labores femeninas, esto a partir de su contrastación con datos provenientes de las fuentes etnohistóricas, de las representaciones iconográficas sobre la actividad textil y los mismos malacates provenientes de otras regiones de Mesoamérica, principalmente el centro de México. De manera particular, pretendemos determinar si es posible obtener información complementaria sobre el tipo de fibras que se hilaban con ellos o cuestiones más complejas, como la atribución de género y estatus, que son aspectos recurrentes en la interpretación de estos materiales arqueológicos.
Bewältigungsverhalten in Notfallsituationen aus klinisch-psychologischer Perspektive
Authors: Kleim Birgit , Ehring Thomas , Scheel Corinna , Becker-Asano Christian , Nebel Bernhard , Tuschen-Caffier Brunna
Published: December 2012

Ziel des vorliegenden Beitrags ist es, eine aktuelle Übersicht zu Annahmen und Befunden zu geben, die Hinweise darauf geben, welche Reaktionen bzw. welches Verhalten für die Bewältigung von Notfällen oder traumatischen Erlebnissen hilfreich bzw. gesundheitsförderlich sind. Ließen sich konkrete Aspekte von Bewältigungsverhalten während traumatischer Situationen identifizieren, die besonders adaptiv in Bezug auf die psychische bzw. psychobiologische Anpassung sind, so könnte dieses Wissen perspektivisch zur Entwicklung von Präventions- und Trainingsmaßnahmen genutzt werden. Der Beitrag beschreibt einleitend Traumareaktionen, psychische Traumafolgestörungen und deren Prävalenzraten und gibt eine knappe Übersicht über Prädiktoren für psychische Störungen in Folge traumatischer Erlebnisse. Im Unterschied zu dem Beitrag von Becker-Nehring, Witschen und Bengel (in diesem Heft) fokussiert unser Beitrag vor allem auf die Posttraumatische Belastungsstörung als Traumafolgestörung und auf Bewältigungsverhalten während einer Notfallsituation. Bewältigungsverhalten während und nach einer traumatischen Situation kann zum Teil auch im Forschungslabor experimentell untersucht werden, indem z. B. Methoden der Virtuellen Realität genutzt werden. Dies ist ein weiterer Fokus des Beitrags.
The Hydrogen-Bonding Interactions between 1-Ethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Lactate Ionic Liquid and Methanol
Authors: He Hongyan , Chen Hui , Zheng Yanzhen , Zhang Xiaochun , Yao Xiaoqian , Yu Zhiwu , Zhang Suojiang
Published: December 2012

1-Ethyl-3-Methylimidazolium lactate ([EMIM][LAC]) is an environmental friendly ionic liquid with potential industrial applications. Attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations were employed to investigate the molecular interactions between methanol and [EMIM][LAC]. The infrared spectra were analyzed by two methods: excess spectroscopy and two-dimensional (2D) correlation spectroscopy. In the ATR-FTIR spectra, v(C4,5–H), v(C2–H), v(alkyl), v(–OD), and v(–COO) all show blue shifts upon addition of methanol. 2D correlation analysis indicated that the v(imidazolium ring C–H) band varies before that of v(alkyl C–H) with increasing CD3OD content. The following sequential order of interaction strength is established by DFT calculations: EMIM–methanol –LAC > EMIM–LAC > LAC–methanol > EMIM–methanol.
Drought resistance at the seedling stage in the promising fodder plant tedera (Bituminaria bituminosa var. albomarginata)
Authors: Foster Kevin , Ryan Megan H. , Real Daniel , Ramankutty Padmaja , Lambers Hans
Published: December 2012

The perennial legume Bituminaria bituminosa (L.) C.H. Stirt. var. albomarginata (tedera) has been identified as a promising fodder plant for the southern Australian wheatbelt, but little is known about its drought resistance as a seedling. This study was conducted to (i) examine physiological and morphological responses to water stress of seedlings of tedera, in comparison with lucerne (Medicago sativa L.), biserrula (Biserrula pelecinus L.) and Afghan melon (Citrullus lanatus Thunb.), and (ii) investigate drought adaptation mechanisms of tedera seedlings.
Seedlings were grown in a reconstructed field soil profile in pots in a glasshouse. By 25 days after sowing (DAS), plants of all species in the drought-stressed (DS) treatment had experienced water stress, with an average leaf relative water content (RWC) of 66% in DS compared with 79% in well-watered (WW) plants. Tedera, biserrula and Afghan melon maintained a higher RWC than lucerne. At 25 DAS, reductions in shoot dry matter in the DS treatment differed between species: 52% for Afghan melon, 36% for biserrula, 27% for lucerne, and no significant reduction for tedera. Paraheliotropic leaf angles of biserrula, lucerne and tedera were all higher in the DS treatment than in the WW treatment at 25, 32 and 52 DAS.
This study revealed significant differences in rooting depth and stomatal conductance between the three legume species when under water stress, with tedera being the most drought-resistant. Traits that may allow tedera to survive a dry period following opening rains include vigorous seedling growth, early taproot elongation, effective stomatal control and paraheliotropic leaf movements.
Antarctic Tardigrada: a first step in understanding molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) and biogeography of cryptic meiofauna
Authors: Czechowski Paul , Sands Chester J. , Adams Byron J. , D'Haese Cyrille A. , Gibson John A. E. , McInnes Sandra J. , Stevens Mark I.
Published: December 2012

Recent studies have suggested that some resident Antarctic biota are of ancient origin and may have been isolated for millions of years. The phylum Tardigrada, which is part of the Antarctic terrestrial meiofauna, is of particular interest due to an impressive array of biochemical abilities to withstand harsh environmental conditions. Tardigrades are one of the few widespread Antarctic terrestrial animals that have the potential to be used as a model for evolution and biogeography on the Antarctic continent. We isolated 126 individual tardigrades from four geographically isolated soil samples from two remote nunataks in the Sør Rondane Mountains, Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica. We examined genetic variation among individuals utilising three gene regions: cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI), 18S rDNA (18S), and the wingless (Wg) gene. Comparison of sequences from worldwide and Antarctic tardigrades indicated long-term survival and isolation over glacially dominated periods in ice-free habitats in the Sør Rondane Mountains.
A geometrical approach to computing free-energy landscapes from short-ranged potentials
Authors: Holmes-Cerfon Miranda , Gortler Steven J. , Brenner Michael P.
Published: December 2012

Particles interacting with short-ranged potentials have attracted increasing interest, partly for their ability to model mesoscale systems such as colloids interacting via DNA or depletion. We consider the free-energy landscape of such systems as the range of the potential goes to zero. In this limit, the landscape is entirely defined by geometrical manifolds, plus a single control parameter. These manifolds are fundamental objects that do not depend on the details of the interaction potential and provide the starting point from which any quantity characterizing the system—equilibrium or nonequilibrium—can be computed for arbitrary potentials. To consider dynamical quantities we compute the asymptotic limit of the Fokker–Planck equation and show that it becomes restricted to the low-dimensional manifolds connected by “sticky” boundary conditions. To illustrate our theory, we compute the low-dimensional manifolds for

identical particles, providing a complete description of the lowest-energy parts of the landscape including floppy modes with up to 2 internal degrees of freedom. The results can be directly tested on colloidal clusters. This limit is a unique approach for understanding energy landscapes, and our hope is that it can also provide insight into finite-range potentials.
A link between host plant adaptation and pesticide resistance in the polyphagous spider mite
Tetranychus urticae
Authors: Dermauw Wannes , Wybouw Nicky , Rombauts Stephane , Menten Björn , Vontas John , Grbić Miodrag , Clark Richard M. , Feyereisen René , Van Leeuwen Thomas
Published: December 2012

Plants produce a wide range of allelochemicals to defend against herbivore attack, and generalist herbivores have evolved mechanisms to avoid, sequester, or detoxify a broad spectrum of natural defense compounds. Successful arthropod pests have also developed resistance to diverse classes of pesticides and this adaptation is of critical importance to agriculture. To test whether mechanisms to overcome plant defenses predispose the development of pesticide resistance, we examined adaptation of the generalist two-spotted spider mite,
Tetranychus urticae
, to host plant transfer and pesticides.
T. urticae
is an extreme polyphagous pest with more than 1,100 documented hosts and has an extraordinary ability to develop pesticide resistance. When mites from a pesticide-susceptible strain propagated on bean were adapted to a challenging host (tomato), transcriptional responses increased over time with ∼7.5% of genes differentially expressed after five generations. Whereas many genes with altered expression belonged to known detoxification families (like P450 monooxygenases), new gene families not previously associated with detoxification in other herbivores showed a striking response, including ring-splitting dioxygenase genes acquired by horizontal gene transfer. Strikingly, transcriptional profiles of tomato-adapted mites resembled those of multipesticide-resistant strains, and adaptation to tomato decreased the susceptibility to unrelated pesticide classes. Our findings suggest key roles for both an expanded environmental response gene repertoire and transcriptional regulation in the life history of generalist herbivores. They also support a model whereby selection for the ability to mount a broad response to the diverse defense chemistry of plants predisposes the evolution of pesticide resistance in generalists.
Carboxylic acid reductase is a versatile enzyme for the conversion of fatty acids into fuels and chemical commodities
Authors: Akhtar M. Kalim , Turner Nicholas J. , Jones Patrik R.
Published: December 2012

Aliphatic hydrocarbons such as fatty alcohols and petroleum-derived alkanes have numerous applications in the chemical industry. In recent years, the renewable synthesis of aliphatic hydrocarbons has been made possible by engineering microbes to overaccumulate fatty acids. However, to generate end products with the desired physicochemical properties (e.g., fatty aldehydes, alkanes, and alcohols), further conversion of the fatty acid is necessary. A carboxylic acid reductase (CAR) from
Mycobacterium marinum
was found to convert a wide range of aliphatic fatty acids (C
6
–C
18
) into corresponding aldehydes. Together with the broad-substrate specificity of an aldehyde reductase or an aldehyde decarbonylase, the catalytic conversion of fatty acids to fatty alcohols (C
8
–C
16
) or fatty alkanes (C
7
–C
15
) was reconstituted in vitro. This concept was applied in vivo
,
in combination with a chain-length-specific thioesterase, to engineer
Escherichia coli
BL21(DE3) strains that were capable of synthesizing fatty alcohols and alkanes. A fatty alcohol titer exceeding 350 mg·L
−1
was obtained in minimal media supplemented with glucose. Moreover, by combining the CAR-dependent pathway with an exogenous fatty acid-generating lipase, natural oils (coconut oil, palm oil, and algal oil bodies) were enzymatically converted into fatty alcohols across a broad chain-length range (C
8
–C
18
). Together with complementing enzymes, the broad substrate specificity and kinetic characteristics of CAR opens the road for direct and tailored enzyme-catalyzed conversion of lipids into user-ready chemical commodities.
Phonologically-constrained change
Authors: Brunelle Marc , Pittayaporn Pittayawat
Published: December 2012

Changes in word shapes in Mainland Southeast Asia are usually attributed to contact-induced typological convergence. However, little attention has been paid to the role of structural constraints in defining paths of change. In this paper, we describe two distributional gaps in paths of word shape shifts: (1) there are no attested cases of direct shift between trochaic and iambic rhythm and (2) monosyllabization does not occur in trochaic languages. We argue that universal phonetic tendencies and structural constraints on their phonologization that derive from the Iambic-Trochaic Law are sufficient to explain these gaps and seem to account for at least part of the typological convergence usually attributed to contact.
The emergence of obstruents after high vowels
Authors: Mortensen David R.
Published: December 2012

While a few cases of the emergence of obstruents after high vowels are found in the literature (Burling 1966, 1967, Blust 1994), no attempt has been made to comprehensively collect instances of this sound change or give them a unified explanation. This paper attempts to resolve this gap in the literature by introducing a post-vocalic obstruent emergence (POE) as a recurring sound change with a phonetic (aerodynamic) basis. Possible cases are identified in Tibeto-Burman, Austronesian, and Grassfields Bantu. Special attention is given to a novel case in the Tibeto-Burman language Huishu.
An account of the variation in the rates of overt subject pronouns in Romance
Authors: Mayol Laia
Published: December 2012

This paper examines the variation between null and overt subject pronouns found in Romance null subject languages (NSL). While it is well known that several factors regulate the distribution between these two forms, it is also well known that not all null subject languages behave the same. The contexts in which null and overt subject pronouns are required or forbidden vary across dialects, as well as their rates. This paper examines such quantitative and qualitative differences and proposes two mechanisms to explain them. In the first place, a change in progress in some varieties is responsible for the qualitative and quantitative differences found. I apply Yang’s (2000) model of language change and show that NSLs can become non-NSLs only if there is enough migration, which is what happened in the varieties undergoing the change. In the second place, following Cameron (1992) and Cameron and Flores-Ferrán (2004), I claim that priming effects also play an important role in explaining the quantitative differences across several dialects.
On the relationship between L2 pronunciation and culture
Authors: Martinsen Rob A. , Alvord Scott M.
Published: December 2012

The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between students’ cultural sensitivity and changes in their pronunciation while abroad. The relationship between L2 pronunciation in Spanish and cultural sensitivity is explored in the study-abroad context. A significant correlation is discovered between the students’ score on the Inventory of Cross-cultural Sensitivity and improvements in the accuracy of their pronunciation as judged by a panel of native Spanish speakers. This study provides empirical evidence that cultural factors enhance language learning. Implications for teaching include the need to incorporate cultural education as a basic component of the language classroom.
VEGF and Angiopoietin-1 exert opposing effects on cell junctions by regulating the Rho GEF Syx
Authors: Ngok Siu P. , Geyer Rory , Liu Miaoliang , Kourtidis Antonis , Agrawal Sudesh , Wu Chuanshen , Seerapu Himabindu Reddy , Lewis-Tuffin Laura J. , Moodie Karen L. , Huveldt Deborah , Marx Ruth , Baraban Jay M. , Storz Peter , Horowitz Arie , Anastasiadis Panos Z.
Published: December 2012

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Ang1 (Angiopoietin-1) have opposing effects on vascular permeability, but the molecular basis of these effects is not fully known. We report in this paper that VEGF and Ang1 regulate endothelial cell (EC) junctions by determining the localization of the RhoA-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor Syx. Syx was recruited to junctions by members of the Crumbs polarity complex and promoted junction integrity by activating Diaphanous. VEGF caused translocation of Syx from cell junctions, promoting junction disassembly, whereas Ang1 maintained Syx at the junctions, inducing junction stabilization. The VEGF-induced translocation of Syx from EC junctions was caused by PKD1 (protein kinase D1)-mediated phosphorylation of Syx at Ser806, which reduced Syx association to its junctional anchors. In support of the pivotal role of Syx in regulating EC junctions, syx−/− mice had defective junctions, resulting in vascular leakiness, edema, and impaired heart function.
Apoptotic regulators promote cytokinetic midbody degradation in C. elegans
Authors: Chai Yongping , Tian Dong , Yang Yihong , Feng Guoxin , Cheng Ze , Li Wei , Ou Guangshuo
Published: December 2012

Cell death genes are essential for apoptosis and other cellular events, but their nonapoptotic functions are not well understood. The midbody is an important cytokinetic structure required for daughter cell abscission, but its fate after cell division remains elusive in metazoans. In this paper, we show through live-imaging analysis that midbodies generated by Q cell divisions in Caenorhabditis elegans were released to the extracellular space after abscission and subsequently internalized and degraded by the phagocyte that digests apoptotic Q cell corpses. We further show that midbody degradation is defective in apoptotic cell engulfment mutants. Externalized phosphatidylserine (PS), an engulfment signal for corpse phagocytosis, exists on the outer surface of the midbody, and inhibiting PS signaling delayed midbody clearance. Thus, our findings uncover a novel function of cell death genes in midbody internalization and degradation after cell division.
Up-regulation of a death receptor renders antiviral T cells susceptible to NK cell–mediated deletion
Authors: Peppa Dimitra , Gill Upkar S. , Reynolds Gary , Easom Nicholas J.W. , Pallett Laura J. , Schurich Anna , Micco Lorenzo , Nebbia Gaia , Singh Harsimran D. , Adams David H. , Kennedy Patrick T.F. , Maini Mala K.
Published: December 2012

Antiviral T cell responses in hepatotropic viral infections such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) are profoundly diminished and prone to apoptotic deletion. In this study, we investigate whether the large population of activated NK cells in the human liver contributes to this process. We show that in vitro removal of NK cells augments circulating CD8+ T cell responses directed against HBV, but not against well-controlled viruses, in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We find that NK cells can rapidly eliminate HBV-specific T cells in a contact-dependent manner. CD8+ T cells in the liver microcirculation are visualized making intimate contact with NK cells, which are the main intrahepatic lymphocytes expressing TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) in CHB. High-level expression of the TRAIL death receptor TRAIL-R2 is found to be a hallmark of T cells exposed to the milieu of the HBV-infected liver in patients with active disease. Up-regulation of TRAIL-R2 renders T cells susceptible to caspase-8–mediated apoptosis, from which they can be partially rescued by blockade of this death receptor pathway. Our findings demonstrate that NK cells can negatively regulate antiviral immunity in chronic HBV infection and illustrate a novel mechanism of T cell tolerance in the human liver.
Follicular helper T cells serve as the major CD4 T cell compartment for HIV-1 infection, replication, and production
Authors: Perreau Matthieu , Savoye Anne-Laure , De Crignis Elisa , Corpataux Jean-Marc , Cubas Rafael , Haddad Elias K. , De Leval Laurence , Graziosi Cecilia , Pantaleo Giuseppe
Published: December 2012

In the present study, we have investigated the distribution of HIV-specific and HIV-infected CD4 T cells within different populations of memory CD4 T cells isolated from lymph nodes of viremic HIV-infected subjects. Four memory CD4 T cell populations were identified on the basis of the expression of CXCR5, PD-1, and Bcl-6: CXCR5−PD-1−Bcl-6−, CXCR5+PD-1−Bcl-6−, CXCR5−PD-1+Bcl-6−, and CXCR5+PD-1+Bcl-6+. On the basis of Bcl-6 expression and functional properties (IL-21 production and B cell help), the CXCR5+PD-1+Bcl-6+ cell population was considered to correspond to the T follicular helper (Tfh) cell population. We show that Tfh and CXCR5−PD-1+ cell populations are enriched in HIV-specific CD4 T cells, and these populations are significantly increased in viremic HIV-infected subjects as compared with healthy subjects. The Tfh cell population contained the highest percentage of CD4 T cells harboring HIV DNA and was the most efficient in supporting productive infection in vitro. Replication competent HIV was also readily isolated from Tfh cells in subjects with nonprogressive infection and low viremia (<1,000 HIV RNA copies). However, only the percentage of Tfh cells correlated with the levels of plasma viremia. These results demonstrate that Tfh cells serve as the major CD4 T cell compartment for HIV infection, replication, and production.
Chronic elevation of pulmonary microvascular pressure in chronic heart failure reduces bi‐directional pulmonary fluid flux
Authors: Dixon Dani‐Louise , Mayne George C. , Griggs Kim M. , de Pasquale Carmine G. , Bersten Andrew D.
Published: December 2012

Aims

Chronic heart failure leads to pulmonary vascular remodelling and thickening of the alveolar–capillary barrier. We examined whether this protective effect may slow resolution of pulmonary oedema consistent with decreased bi‐directional fluid flux.

Methods and results

Seven weeks following left coronary artery ligation, we measured both fluid flux during an acute rise in left atrial pressure (n = 29) and intrinsic alveolar fluid clearance (n = 45) in the isolated rat lung. Chronic elevation of pulmonary microvascular pressure prevented pulmonary oedema and decreased lung compliance when left atrial pressure was raised to 20 cmH2O, and was associated with reduced expression of endothelial aquaporin 1 (P = 0.03). However, no other changes were found in mediators of fluid flux or cellular fluid channels. In isolated rat lungs, chronic LV dysfunction (LV end‐diastolic pressure and infarct circumference) was also inversely related to alveolar fluid clearance (P ≤ 0.001). The rate of pulmonary oedema reabsorption was estimated by plasma volume expansion in eight patients with a previous clinical history of chronic heart failure and eight without, who presented with acute pulmonary oedema. Plasma volume expansion was reduced at 24 h in those with chronic heart failure (P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Chronic elevation of pulmonary microvascular pressure in CHF leads to decreased intrinsic bi‐directional fluid flux at the alveolar–capillary barrier. This adaptive response defends against alveolar flooding, but may delay resolution of alveolar oedema.
Gastrojejunal Feeding Tube Use by Gastroenterologists in a Pediatric Academic Center
Authors: Al‐Zubeidi Dina , Demir Hulya , Bishop Warren P. , Rahhal Riad M.
Published: December 2012

Background and Objectives:

Enteral feeding through gastrojejunal (GJ) tubes is an established method of nutrition for patients with feeding difficulty who do not tolerate intragastric feedings. The pediatric literature about the long‐term outcome, safety, and complications of different GJ tubes and placement methods is lacking. Our study aims to provide information about indications, techniques, and long‐term outcome of GJ tube use in children.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review for GJ tube placement procedures was used at our center for 10 years (1999–2009). Data collected included demographics, placement indications, underlying diagnosis, tube type, placement methods, complications, tube survival, and patient outcome.

Results:

Thirty‐three patients using GJ tubes were identified, with a total of 160 successful procedures documented (overall success rate of 97.6%). At initial placement, the mean age was 6 years (range 0.6–21.6) and the mean weight was 19.4 kg (range 6.6–72.2). Patients had a mean of 4.9 tubes placed per patient (range 1–20) during a follow‐up of 26.8 months (range 0.4–115.3). The most common indications for replacement included accidental dislodgement, tube obstruction, coiling back into the stomach, and broken tube component. At the end of the study, 39% continued using GJ tubes, 30% were transitioned back to gastrostomy or oral feeds, and 15% underwent a surgical intervention.

Conclusions:

Long‐term GJ tube use is possible and safe in children. Various feeding tubes and placement methods can be used by pediatric gastroenterologists to provide long‐term jejunal feeds in children.
Beta-Thalassemia in Iran: New Insight into the Role of Genetic Admixture and Migration
Authors: Rezaee Ali Reza , Banoei Mohammad Mehdi , Khalili Elham , Houshmand Massoud
Published: December 2012

Iran with an area of 1.648 million km2is located between the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf. The Iranian population consists of multiethnic groups that have been influenced by various invasions and migration throughout history. Studies have revealed the presence of more than 47 differentβ-globin gene mutations responsible forβ-Thalassemia in Iran. This paper is an attempt to study the origin ofβ-Thalassemia mutations in different parts of Iran. Distribution ofβ-Thalassemia mutations in Iran shows different patterns in different areas.β-Thalassemia mutations have been a reflection of people and area in correlation with migration and origin of ancestors. We compared the frequencies ofβ-globin mutations in different regions of Iran with those derived from neighboring countries. The analysis provided evidence of complementary information about the genetic admixture and migration of some mutations, as well as the remarkable genetic classification of the Iranian people and ethnic groups.
Evaluating Ecological and Economic Benefits of a Low-Carbon Industrial Park Based on Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Framework
Authors: Chen Bin , He Guoxuan , Yang Jin , Zhang Jieru , Su Meirong , Qi Jing
Published: December 2012

The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) framework was modified with a special focus on ecosystem service values. A case study of a typical low-carbon industrial park in Beijing was conducted to assess the ecological and economic benefits. The total economic value of this industrial park per year is estimated to be1.37×108 RMB yuan, where the accommodating and social cultural services are the largest two contributors. Due to the construction of small grasslands or green roofs, considerable environmental regulation services are also provided by the park. However, compared with an ecoindustrial park, carbon mitigation is the most prominent service for the low-carbon industrial park. It can be concluded that low-carbon industrial park construction is an efficacious way to achieve coordinated development of society, economy, and environment, and a promising approach to achieving energy saving and carbon reduction.
RNF8 regulates active epigenetic modifications and escape gene activation from inactive sex chromosomes in post-meiotic spermatids
Authors: Sin Ho-Su , Barski Artem , Zhang Fan , Kartashov Andrey V. , Nussenzweig Andre , Chen Junjie , Andreassen Paul R. , Namekawa Satoshi H.
Published: December 2012

Sex chromosomes are uniquely subject to chromosome-wide silencing during male meiosis, and silencing persists into post-meiotic spermatids. Against this background, a select set of sex chromosome-linked genes escapes silencing and is activated in post-meiotic spermatids. Here, we identify a novel mechanism that regulates escape gene activation in an environment of chromosome-wide silencing in murine germ cells. We show that RNF8-dependent ubiquitination of histone H2A during meiosis establishes active epigenetic modifications, including dimethylation of H3K4 on the sex chromosomes. RNF8-dependent active epigenetic memory, defined by dimethylation of H3K4, persists throughout meiotic division. Various active epigenetic modifications are subsequently established on the sex chromosomes in post-meiotic spermatids. These RNF8-dependent modifications include trimethylation of H3K4, histone lysine crotonylation (Kcr), and incorporation of the histone variant H2AFZ. RNF8-dependent epigenetic programming regulates escape gene activation from inactive sex chromosomes in post-meiotic spermatids. Kcr accumulates at transcriptional start sites of sex-linked genes activated in an RNF8-dependent manner, and a chromatin conformational change is associated with RNF8-dependent epigenetic programming. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this RNF8-dependent pathway is distinct from that which recognizes DNA double-strand breaks. Our results establish a novel connection between a DNA damage response factor (RNF8) and epigenetic programming, specifically in establishing active epigenetic modifications and gene activation.