bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ideas, Interests and Foreign Aid
Authors: van der Veen A. Maurits
Published: October 2011

Why do countries give foreign aid? Although many countries have official development assistance programs, this book argues that no two of them see the purpose of these programmes in the same way. Moreover, the way countries frame that purpose has shaped aid policy choices past and present. The author examines how Belgium long gave aid out of a sense of obligation to its former colonies, The Netherlands was more interested in pursuing international influence, Italy has focused on the reputational payoffs of aid flows and Norwegian aid has had strong humanitarian motivations since the beginning. But at no time has a single frame shaped any one country's aid policy exclusively. Instead, analysing half a century of legislative debates on aid in these four countries, this book presents a unique picture both of cross-national and over time patterns in the salience of different aid frames and of varying aid programmes that resulted.
Failures of American Civil Justice in International Perspective
Authors: Maxeiner James R. , Lee Gyooho , Weber Armin , Howard Philip K.
Published: October 2011

Civil justice in the United States is neither civil nor just. Instead it embodies a maxim that the American legal system is a paragon of legal process which assures its citizens a fair and equal treatment under the law. Long have critics recognized the system's failings while offering abundant criticism but few solutions. This book provides a comparative-critical introduction to civil justice systems in the United States, Germany and Korea. It shows the shortcomings of the American system and compares them with German and Korean successes in implementing the rule of law. The author argues that these shortcomings could easily be fixed if the American legal systems were open to seeing how other legal systems' civil justice processes handle cases more efficiently and fairly. Far from being a treatise for specialists, this book is an introductory text for civil justice in the three aforementioned legal systems.
Life of the Honourable Mountstuart Elphinstone
Authors: Colebrooke Thomas Edward
Published: October 2011

Mountstuart Elphinstone (1779–1859) was appointed through family influence to the East India Company, and arrived in India in 1796. He learnt Persian, and developed an interest in Indian literature and politics. After postings in Afghanistan and Poona he became Governor in 1819 of the recently acquired territory that became known as the Bombay Presidency. His biographer also had connections to India. Thomas Edward Colebrooke (1813–1890) was the son of British administrator and Sanskrit scholar Henry Thomas Colebrooke (1765–1837), and although he lived in England and served as an M. P., Colebrooke remained interested in colonial affairs. He had written about Elphinstone's life in 1861 for the Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society and subsequently expanded his work into these two volumes, published in 1884. Volume 1 examines Elphinstone's childhood, education and early career, covering the period up to 1817.
The Life and Opinions of General Sir Charles James Napier, G.C.B.
Authors: Napier William Francis Patrick
Published: October 2011

Heroic, ambitious, opinionated and independent to the point of insubordination, Sir Charles James Napier (1782–1853) was an inspiring leader. Published in 1857 in four volumes, this is the story of Napier's remarkable, action-packed and often controversial life and military career, as told by his brother William. The biography places Napier's life in historical context, and contains portraits, extracts from his letters and entertaining anecdotes. William's admiration for his brother is evident throughout, and he describes how Charles's fiery character divided opinion. A close friend of Lord Byron, Napier also had a great admirer in Thomas Carlyle, who described him as 'more of a hero than any modern I have seen for a long time'. Volume 4 includes Napier's resignation in 1847 and return to England, his social engagements, his final posting to India in 1849, the controversies that followed him into retirement, and his death in 1853.
Mesmeric Experiences
Authors: Hall Spencer Timothy
Published: October 2011

Spencer Timothy Hall (1812–1885) was a writer and practitioner of mesmerism. He grew up in rural Nottinghamshire, apprenticed himself to a printer, and in 1836 he started his own printing business. He later became co-editor of the Sheffield newspaper The Iris, and published several books describing the countryside. After watching a demonstration of mesmerism in 1841 Hall became a practitioner himself, demonstrating mesmerism throughout Britain and offering treatment. His most famous patient was Harriet Martineau, who became an enthusiastic supporter of the technique. This book, first published in 1845, describes Hall's first encounter with mesmerism and explains his decision to become a mesmerist. He discusses thirty-four cases in which mesmerism apparently cured medical problems and describes the treatment he gave to Harriet Martineau. This fascinating book provides valuable insights into both the practice and theory of mesmerism in the early Victorian period.
Die Symbolik des Traumes
Authors: Schubert Gotthilf Heinrich von
Published: October 2011

The German scientist and philosopher Gotthilf Heinrich von Schubert (1780–1860) studied theology and medicine, but gave up his medical practice to teach natural history at Erlangen and Munich, specialising in botany, forestry and mineralogy. He also gave public lectures on topics including animal magnetism, clairvoyance and dreams, and strove to develop an understanding of the cosmos that could reconcile Enlightenment philosophy with Christian faith. This 1814 study of the symbolism of dreams was highly regarded in its day, and its influence extended to the works of Freud and Jung nearly a century later. Schubert considers the working of the mind in the state between waking and sleeping, and proposes that dreams and their symbols, not being bound by language, are universally comprehensible. His book focuses mainly on those dreams that, in his view, lead to prophetic insights and an experience of the divine presence.
Statistical Physics of Liquids at Freezing and Beyond
Authors: Das Shankar Prasad
Published: October 2011

Exploring important theories for understanding freezing and the liquid-glass transition, this book is useful for graduate students and researchers in soft-condensed matter physics, chemical physics and materials science. It details recent ideas and key developments, providing an up-to-date view of current understanding. The standard tools of statistical physics for the dense liquid state are covered. The freezing transition is described from the classical density functional approach. Classical nucleation theory as well as applications of density functional methods for nucleation of crystals from the melt are discussed, and compared to results from computer simulation of simple systems. Discussions of supercooled liquids form a major part of the book. Theories of slow dynamics and the dynamical heterogeneities of the glassy state are presented, as well as nonequilibrium dynamics and thermodynamic phase transitions at deep supercooling. Mathematical treatments are given in full detail so readers can learn the basic techniques.
Fundamentals of Object Tracking
Authors: Challa Subhash , Morelande Mark R. , Mušicki Darko , Evans Robin J.
Published: October 2011

Kalman filter, particle filter, IMM, PDA, ITS, random sets... The number of useful object-tracking methods is exploding. But how are they related? How do they help track everything from aircraft, missiles and extra-terrestrial objects to people and lymphocyte cells? How can they be adapted to novel applications? Fundamentals of Object Tracking tells you how. Starting with the generic object-tracking problem, it outlines the generic Bayesian solution. It then shows systematically how to formulate the major tracking problems – maneuvering, multiobject, clutter, out-of-sequence sensors – within this Bayesian framework and how to derive the standard tracking solutions. This structured approach makes very complex object-tracking algorithms accessible to the growing number of users working on real-world tracking problems and supports them in designing their own tracking filters under their unique application constraints. The book concludes with a chapter on issues critical to successful implementation of tracking algorithms, such as track initialization and merging.
Apoptosis
Authors: Green Douglas R.
Published: October 2011

Apoptosis, or cell death, can be pathological, a sign of disease and damage, or physiological, a process essential for normal health. This book, with contributions from experts in the field, provides a timely compilation of reviews of mechanisms of apoptosis. The book is organized into three convenient sections. The first section explores the different processes of cell death and how they relate to one another. The second section focuses on organ-specific apoptosis-related diseases. The third section explores cell death in non-mammalian organisms, such as plants. This comprehensive text is a must-read for all researchers and scholars interested in apoptosis.
Engineering Strategies for Greenhouse Gas Mitigation
Authors: Jones Ian S. F.
Published: October 2011

Controlling the level of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere is a rapidly growing area of commercial activity. While debate continues both about the impact of greenhouse gas on climate and the role humans play in influencing its concentration, engineers are faced with less controversial questions of how to manage this uncertainty and how to control greenhouse gases at a minimum cost to society. This book gives a concise review of current knowledge required for engineers to develop strategies to help us manage and adapt to climate change. It has been developed from the author's graduate course in environmental engineering. It is written without technical jargon so as to be accessible to a wide range of students and policymakers who do not necessarily have scientific or engineering backgrounds. Appendices allow readers to calculate for themselves the impact of the various strategies, and the book contains student exercises and references for further reading.
The Gay Science
Authors: Dallas Eneas Sweetland
Published: October 2011

Eneas Sweetland (E. S.) Dallas (1828–1879) was a journalist who worked for The Times among other publications and whose interest in psychology and love of poetry led to his writing the two-volume – though he originally intended four – The Gay Science, published in 1866. The work takes its title from an expression used by Provençal troubadours to describe the art of composing poetry, and the volumes are concerned with the unclear and often shifting boundaries between art and science and whether they can be reconciled. Volume 2 considers this question in relation to pleasure: what it is, the historical and philosophical understanding of this emotion and sensation, whether it should be pursued, and its relation to artistic production. The remainder of the book looks at the issue of the ethics of art and the nature of artistic enterprise, as well as the changing stance of the viewer.
Why Europe Grew Rich and Asia Did Not
Authors: Parthasarathi Prasannan
Published: October 2011

Why Europe Grew Rich and Asia Did Not provides a striking new answer to the classic question of why Europe industrialised from the late eighteenth century and Asia did not. Drawing significantly from the case of India, Prasannan Parthasarathi shows that in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries the advanced regions of Europe and Asia were more alike than different, both characterized by sophisticated and growing economies. Their subsequent divergence can be attributed to different competitive and ecological pressures that in turn produced varied state policies and economic outcomes. This account breaks with conventional views, which hold that divergence occurred because Europe possessed superior markets, rationality, science or institutions. It offers instead a groundbreaking rereading of global economic development that ranges from India, Japan and China to Britain, France and the Ottoman Empire and from the textile and coal industries to the roles of science, technology and the state.
The Supernatural?
Authors: Weatherly Lionel A. , Maskelyne John Nevil
Published: October 2011

Lionel Weatherly (1852–1940) was a respected psychiatrist who advocated a more modern and sympathetic approach to mental illness than many of his contemporaries. In this work, first published in 1891, he discusses a variety of supernatural phenomena, seeking scientific and rational explanations for ghostly apparitions and paranormal experiences. Weatherly scrutinises stories of mirages, prophetic dreams and the experiences of historical figures like Joan of Arc. Also included is a chapter by famous illusionist and inventor J. N. Maskelyne. Maskelyne famously exposed the fraud of a number of spiritualists, and created illusions which are still performed today. His witty and colourful chapter examines the truth behind a number of famous Eastern magical illusions, sharing insights on trade secrets. Maskelyne also delves into mediumistic fraud, questioning the credibility of figures like D. D. Home and Madame Blavatsky, in an entertaining and carefully argued investigation of phenomena which have mystified for centuries.
Thomas Carlyle
Authors: Froude James Anthony
Published: October 2011

Thomas Carlyle (1795–1881) was one of the most influential authors of the nineteenth century. His satirical essays and perceptive historical biographies caused him to be regarded for much of the Victorian period as a literary genius and eminent social philosopher. These volumes, first published in 1884, form the second part of Carlyle's official biography, describing his life and literary work after his move to London in 1834. Carlyle's fame and scholarly reputation were firmly established during this period of his life. Written by his close friend James Anthony Froude (1818–1894), this candid and controversial biography describes in vivid detail the effect of Carlyle's fame on his literary work, and on his relationship with his wife and close friends. This revealing work broke traditional Victorian biographical conventions, and is considered a classic for its critical analysis of Carlyle's actions and character. Volume 1 covers the years 1834–1849.
Essays on the Intellectual Powers of Man
Authors: Reid Thomas
Published: October 2011

Thomas Reid (1710–1796) was a philosopher who founded the Scottish school of 'common sense'. Much of Reid's work is a critique of his contemporary, David Hume (1711–1776), whose empiricism he rejects. In this work, written after Reid's appointment to a professorship at the university of Glasgow, and published in 1785, he turns his attention to ideas about perception, memory, conception, abstraction, judgement, reasoning and taste. He examines the work of his predecessors and contemporaries, arguing that 'when we find philosophers maintaining that there is no heat in the fire, nor colour in the rainbow … we may be apt to think the whole to be only a dream of fanciful men, who have entangled themselves in cobwebs spun out of their own brain'. Written by one of the Scottish Enlightenment's most important thinkers, this work brings to life the intellectual debates of the time.
Travels into North America
Authors: Kalm Peter
Published: October 2011

Peter Kalm (1716–79) was a Finnish-Swedish botanist who travelled extensively to observe the natural world in Sweden, Finland, Russia and Ukraine, and became a professor of 'oeconomie' - the economic application of subjects such as mineralogy, botany, zoology and chemistry - at the university of Turku. Between 1747 and 1751 he set out on a journey through eastern North America to gather specimens, especially from regions with a similar climate to Sweden. Because Kalm travelled though the area when much of it was still unknown to Europeans, this work has some of the first recorded accounts of places such as Niagara Falls. Kalm played an important part in forging scientific links between Sweden, England and North America. This three-volume work details his travels, and was first published in English in 1770–1. Volume 2 gives detailed descriptions of the plants and animals Kalm observes in New Jersey and New York.
Porcine zona pellucida glycoprotein ZP4 is responsible for the sperm-binding activity of the ZP3/ZP4 complex
Authors: Yonezawa Naoto , Kanai-Kitayama Saeko , Kitayama Tetsushi , Hamano Ayumi , Nakano Minoru
Published: October 2011

The zona pellucida (ZP) is a transparent envelope that surrounds the mammalian oocyte and mediates species-selective sperm–egg interactions. Porcine and bovine ZPs consist of glycoproteins ZP2, ZP3, and ZP4. In both pig and bovine a heterocomplex consisting of ZP3 and ZP4 binds to sperm, however it is not clarified whether ZP3 or ZP4 in the complex is responsible for the sperm binding. Previously, we have established a baculovirus-Sf9 cell expression system for porcine ZP glycoproteins. A mixture of recombinant ZP3 (rZP3) and rZP4 displayed sperm-binding activity toward bovine sperm but not porcine sperm, probably due to differences in carbohydrate structure between the native and recombinant ZP glycoproteins. In this study, a mixture of porcine rZP3 and native ZP4 (nZP4) inhibited the binding of porcine sperm to the ZP. In contrast, a mixture of porcine nZP3 and rZP4 did not inhibit the binding of porcine sperm, although the mixture inhibited the binding of bovine sperm. The porcine rZP3/nZP4 mixture bound to the acrosomal region of porcine sperm, in a manner similar to that of the nZP3/nZP4 mixture. nZP3 was precipitated with rZP4, and nZP4 was precipitated with rZP3 by utilising theN-terminal tags on the recombinant proteins. These results indicated that nZP4, but not rZP4, is necessary for binding activity of porcine ZP3/ZP4 complex towards porcine sperm and further suggested that the carbohydrate structures of ZP4 in the porcine ZP3/ZP4 complex are responsible for porcine sperm-binding activity of the complex.
Massive multiplication of genome and ribosomes in dormant cells (akinetes) of Aphanizomenon ovalisporum (Cyanobacteria)
Authors: Sukenik Assaf , Kaplan-Levy Ruth N , Welch Jessica Mark , Post Anton F
Published: October 2011

Akinetes are dormancy cells commonly found among filamentous cyanobacteria, many of which are toxic and/or nuisance, bloom-forming species. Development of akinetes from vegetative cells is a process that involves morphological and biochemical modifications. Here, we applied a single-cell approach to quantify genome and ribosome content of akinetes and vegetative cells in Aphanizomenon ovalisporum (Cyanobacteria). Vegetative cells of A. ovalisporum were naturally polyploid and contained, on average, eight genome copies per cell. However, the chromosomal content of akinetes increased up to 450 copies, with an average value of 119 genome copies per akinete, 15-fold higher than that in vegetative cells. On the basis of fluorescence in situ hybridization, with a probe targeting 16S rRNA, and detection with confocal laser scanning microscopy, we conclude that ribosomes accumulated in akinetes to a higher level than that found in vegetative cells. We further present evidence that this massive accumulation of nucleic acids in akinetes is likely supported by phosphate supplied from inorganic polyphosphate bodies that were abundantly present in vegetative cells, but notably absent from akinetes. These results are interpreted in the context of cellular investments for proliferation following a long-term dormancy, as the high nucleic acid content would provide the basis for extended survival, rapid resumption of metabolic activity and cell division upon germination.
Introduction to the Baltimore Ecosystem Study, Long-Term Ecological Research Project, Phase III
Authors: Pickett Steward
Published: October 2011

The Baltimore Ecosystem Study (BES) is one of two urban Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) projects in the United States. It began its third funding cycle in 2011. Although the project continues key measurements that were started in 1997 at the inception of the research, the third phase is characterized by a new conceptual framework. Phase III of BES focuses on metropolitan Baltimore, Maryland, as a system poised for transition from a "sanitary city" -- characterized by engineered environmental solutions, management via discrete disciplines, and government control to a "sustainable city" -- which would be characterized by additional biological solutions, collaborative management, and polycentric and multi-level governance. In such a situation, the guiding research question becomes, "What are the effects of adaptive processes aimed at sustainability in the Baltimore socio-ecological system?" Adaptive processes are those social and biophysical features and actions which allow a complex system to adjust to changing internal and external drivers. The full proposal and other details of BES can be discovered on the project website: www.beslter.org
Epicardial Fat Volume Is Associated With Coronary Microvascular Response in Healthy Subjects: A Pilot Study
Authors: Gaborit Bénédicte , Kober Frank , Jacquier Alexis , Moro Pierre Julien , Flavian Antonin , Quilici Jacques , Cuisset Thomas , Simeoni Umberto , Cozzone Patrick , Alessi Marie‐Christine , Clément Karine , Bernard Monique , Dutour Anne
Published: October 2011

Epicardial fat (EF) is an active ectopic fat depot, which has been associated with coronary atherosclerosis, and which could early influence endothelial function. We thus investigated the relationship between EF and endothelium‐dependent vasoreactivity of the coronary microcirculation, in highly selected healthy volunteers. Myocardial blood flow (MBF) was determined by measuring coronary sinus flow with velocity‐encoded cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 3T. We measured MBF at baseline and in response to sympathetic stimulation by cold pressor testing (CPT) in 30 healthy volunteers with normal left ventricular (LV) function (age 22 ± 4 years, BMI = 21.3 ± 2.8 kg/m2). EF volume was volumetrically assessed by manual delineation on short‐axis views. CPT was applied by immersing one foot in ice water for 4 min. Mean EF volume was 56 ± 26 ml and mean LV mass 100 ± 28 g. CPT significantly increased heart rate (HR) by 32 ± 19%, systolic blood pressure by 14 ± 10%, and rate‐pressure product by 45 ± 25%, P < 0.0001. The increase in HR, reflecting sympathetic stimulation, was not influenced by sex, age or EF volume. CPT induced a decrease in coronary vascular resistance (135 ± 72 vs. 100 ± 42 mm Hg.ml−1.min.g, P = 0.0006), and a significant increase in MBF (0.81 ± 0.37 vs. 1.24 ± 0.56 ml.min−1.g−1, P < 0.0001). Interestingly, we found a significant negative correlation between EF volume and ΔMBF (r= − 0.40, P = 0.03), which remained significant after adjusting for ΔHR. ΔMBF was also associated with adiponectin (r = 0.41, P = 0.046), but not with waist circumference, BMI, C‐reactive protein, lipid or glycemic parameters. In multivariate analysis, adiponectin and EF volume remained both independently associated with ΔMBF. A high EF amount is associated with a lower coronary microvascular response, suggesting that EF could early influence endothelial function.
Master Clinician Network: An Online Social Network for the Observation of Peer-Reviewed Clinical Practice in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Authors: Fischer Martin A.
Published: October 2011

The Master Clinician Network is a project designed to make peer-reviewed examples of evidence-based clinical practice in speech-language pathology available for observation and critical discourse. The importance of clinical observation in communication sciences and disorders is discussed along with concerns regarding traditional methodology. An innovative approach is presented that includes an online social network designed to provide access to clinical videos, including results of a pilot project. These results are available at
http://masterclinician.org
.
Active Learning: Relevancy Matters
Authors: Baker Kimberly Frazier
Published: October 2011

Active learning theory is quickly becoming the instructional method of choice in today’s higher education institutions. This article presents a description of 3 relevant group projects used in a junior-level Language Disorders in Children class. Student reflections on learning highlight the success and importance of relevant active learning instruction in undergraduate coursework in communication sciences and disorders programs.
A Sensory-Motor Approach to Feeding
Authors: Overland Lori
Published: October 2011

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play an increasingly significant role in the treatment of children with feeding disorders (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2009). Physicians often refer children for feeding therapy secondary to what is seemingly a behavioral issue. This assumed diagnosis usually reflects a child's refusal to eat; a self-limited diet based upon taste, texture, and visual appearance; or difficulty progressing from breast or bottle to pureed or solid foods. However, a child's case history review may reveal gagging, choking, or vomiting incidents with the introduction of pureed or solid foods, in addition to possible medical and developmental issues. Food refusals can develop secondary to these concerns. Additionally, the child's motor skills may not be adequate to handle the food, and the resulting sensory reaction can be described as “fright, fight, flight” (Overland, 2010). Interactions between the sensory and motor systems cannot be ignored (Fisher, Murray, & Bundy, 1991). The use of a purely behavioral approach to treat these children negates the impact of sensory-motor issues on the oral phase of feeding. Though behavioral issues may develop secondary to sensory-motor problems in the mouth, we need to consider the child's refusal as an adaptive, communicative response to a negative experience, rather than as the primary disability to be addressed. Assessment and treatment of the underlying sensory-motor issues should, in many cases, precede behavioral interventions.
Charge resolved electrostatic diagnostic of colliding copper laser plasma plumes
Authors: Yeates P. , Fallon C. , Kennedy E. T. , Costello J. T.
Published: October 2011

The collision of two laser generated plasma plumes can result, under appropriate conditions, in the formation of a “stagnation layer.” The processes underlying this phenomenon are complex and time dependent. The majority of experiments over the last few decades have focused upon spectroscopic diagnostic of colliding plasmas. We have performed electrostatic diagnosis of multiply charged copper ions (Cu+ to Cu5+) generated via Q-switched pulsed laser (λ = 1.06 μm, τ = 6 ns, and EL = 52−525 mJ) generation of copper plasma plumes from a planar target. Time dependent current traces, charge yields, and kinetic energy (Ke) distributions are obtained for single plasma plumes (Sp) and colliding plasma plumes (Cp). The charge yield from a Cp relative to twice that from a Sp is characterized by a charge yield ratio (CYR) parameter. Superior ion yields for all charge states occur for a discrete range of fluences (F) from colliding plasma plumes leading to a CYR parameter exceeding unity. The kinetic energy distributions from colliding plasma plumes display well defined energy compression via narrowing of the distributions for all fluences and charge states. The extent of this energy compression is charge dependent. Space charge forces within the stagnation layer and the resulting charge dependent acceleration of ions are proposed to account for the transfer of ion kinetic energy in favour of collisional ionization mechanisms.
Triangular resonator with surface plasmon resonance around the critical angle
Authors: Kim Doo Gun , Oh Geum-Yoon , Kim Seon Hoon , Ki Hyun Chul , Kim Hyo Jin , Kim Hwe Jong , Kim Jae Hun , Chung Tae Kyung , Choi Young-Wan
Published: October 2011

A novel triangular resonator with total internal reflection and attenuated total reflection (ATR) mirrors is proposed. The resonance characteristics are analyzed for the first time. The optimum gold thickness in the ATR mirror is 33 nm and the resonance angle is 17.777°. Extinction ratio greater than 66 dB could be achieved with the appropriate choice of resonance angle and coupling ratios. The triangular ring resonator with an incident angle of 18° inside the resonator was also fabricated and measured. The resulting free spectral range of the resonator is approximately 0.85 nm near 1558 nm, and the on-off ratio was about 3.5 dB. These resonance characteristics of the triangular resonator are found to be useful in realizing bio/chemical sensors when the ATR mirror carries a special electromagnetic wave called a surface plasmon wave.
Detection of atomic and molecular mega-electron-volt projectiles using an x-ray charged coupled device camera
Authors: Chabot M. , Martinet G. , Béroff K. , Pino T. , Bouneau S. , Genolini B. , Grave X. , Nguyen K. , le Gailliard C. , Rosier P. , Féraud G. , Friha H. , Villier B.
Published: October 2011

We show that an x-ray charge coupled device (CCD) may be used as a particle detector for atomic and molecular mega-electron-volt (MeV) projectiles of around a few hundred keV per atomic mass unit. For atomic species, spectroscopic properties in kinetic energy measurements (i.e., linearity and energy resolution) are found to be close to those currently obtained with implanted or surface barrier silicon particle detectors. For molecular species, in order to increase the maximum kinetic energy detection limit, we propose to put a thin foil in front of the CCD. This foil breaks up the molecules into atoms and spreads the charges over many CCD pixels and therefore avoiding saturation effects. This opens new perspectives in high velocity molecular dissociation studies with accelerator facilities.
Photon-driven charge transfer and Herzberg-Teller vibronic coupling mechanism in surface-enhanced Raman scattering of p-aminothiophenol adsorbed on coinage metal surfaces: A density functional theory study
Authors: Zhao Liu-Bin , Huang Rong , Huang Yi-Fan , Wu De-Yin , Ren Bin , Tian Zhong-Qun
Published: October 2011

The chemical enhancement effects in surface-enhanced Raman scattering of p-aminothiophenol (PATP, it is also called p-mercaptoaniline or p-aminobenzenthiol) adsorbed on coinage metal surfaces with single thiol end or trapped into metal-molecule-metal junctions with both thiol and amino groups have been studied by density functional theory (DFT). We focus on the influence of photon-driven charge transfer (PDCT) and chemical bonding interaction (ground-state charge transfer) on the intensity enhancement and frequency shift in the surface Raman spectra of PATP. For comparison, the electronic structures and transitions of free PATP are studied first. The simulated pre-resonance UV Raman spectra illustrate that b2 modes can be selectively enhanced via vibronic coupling. The fundamentals of all the b2 modes in the frequency range of 1000 to 1650 cm−1 are assigned in detail. For PATP adsorbed on coinage metals, the time-dependent-DFT calculations indicate that the low-lying CT excited state arises from the π bonding orbital of molecule to the antibonding s orbital of metallic clusters. Our results further show that the PDCT resonance-like Raman scattering mechanism enhances the totally symmetric vibrational modes and the NH2 wagging vibration. Finally, the effect of chemical bonding interaction is also investigated. The amino group binding to metals gives a characteristic band of the NH2 wagging mode with the large blueshift frequency and an intense Raman signal.
Effect of solvent on carrier transport in poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(4-styrenesulfonate) studied by terahertz and infrared-ultraviolet spectroscopy
Authors: Yamashita Masatsugu , Otani Chiko , Shimizu Masahiro , Okuzaki Hidenori
Published: October 2011

The effect of solvent such as ethylene glycol (EG) on the carrier transport in poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT/PSS) was studied by the combination of terahertz (THz) time-domain transmission spectroscopy (0.1–3 THz) and broadband reflectance spectroscopy (4–800 THz). While the broadband reflectance showed a plasma edge in the near-infrared, the frequency dependence of the THz conductivity of PEDOT/PSS indicated weakly localized carrier behavior. The simultaneous fitting of both spectra by the localization-modified Drude model allowed us to conclude that the significant increase in conductivity with the addition of EG is due to improved carrier mobility in the PEDOT/PSS.
A non-biased framework for the annotation and classification of the non-miRNA small RNA transcriptome
Authors: Pantano Lorena , Estivill Xavier , Martí Eulalia
Published: October 2011

Motivation: Recent progress in high-throughput sequencing technologies has largely contributed to reveal a highly complex landscape of small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs), including novel non-canonical sRNAs derived from long non-coding RNA, repeated elements, transcription start sites and splicing site regions among others. The published frameworks for sRNA data analysis are focused on miRNA detection and prediction, ignoring further information in the dataset. As a consequence, tools for the identification and classification of the sRNAs not belonging to miRNA family are currently lacking.

Results: Here, we present, SeqCluster, an extension of the currently available SeqBuster tool to identify and analyze at different levels the sRNAs not annotated or predicted as miRNAs. This new module deals with sequences mapping onto multiple locations and permits a highly versatile and user-friendly interaction with the data in order to easily classify sRNA sequences with a putative functional importance. We were able to detect all known classes of sRNAs described to date using SeqCluster with different sRNA datasets.

Availability: tool and video-tutorials are available at http://estivill_lab.crg.es/seqbuster.

Contact:  eulalia.marti@crg.es; xavier.estivill@crg.es

Supplementary Information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Changes in exon–intron structure during vertebrate evolution affect the splicing pattern of exons
Authors: Gelfman Sahar , Burstein David , Penn Osnat , Savchenko Anna , Amit Maayan , Schwartz Schraga , Pupko Tal , Ast Gil
Published: October 2011

Exon–intron architecture is one of the major features directing the splicing machinery to the short exons that are located within long flanking introns. However, the evolutionary dynamics of exon–intron architecture and its impact on splicing is largely unknown. Using a comparative genomic approach, we analyzed 17 vertebrate genomes and reconstructed the ancestral motifs of both 3′ and 5′ splice sites, as also the ancestral length of exons and introns. Our analyses suggest that vertebrate introns increased in length from the shortest ancestral introns to the longest primate introns. An evolutionary analysis of splice sites revealed that weak splice sites act as a restrictive force keeping introns short. In contrast, strong splice sites allow recognition of exons flanked by long introns. Reconstruction of the ancestral state suggests these phenomena were not prevalent in the vertebrate ancestor, but appeared during vertebrate evolution. By calculating evolutionary rate shifts in exons, we identified cis-acting regulatory sequences that became fixed during the transition from early vertebrates to mammals. Experimental validations performed on a selection of these hexamers confirmed their regulatory function. We additionally revealed many features of exons that can discriminate alternative from constitutive exons. These features were integrated into a machine-learning approach to predict whether an exon is alternative. Our algorithm obtains very high predictive power (AUC of 0.91), and using these predictions we have identified and successfully validated novel alternatively spliced exons. Overall, we provide novel insights regarding the evolutionary constraints acting upon exons and their recognition by the splicing machinery.
Two Ancient Bacterial-like PPP Family Phosphatases from Arabidopsis Are Highly Conserved Plant Proteins That Possess Unique Properties
Authors: Uhrig R. Glen , Moorhead Greg B.
Published: October 2011

Protein phosphorylation, catalyzed by the opposing actions of protein kinases and phosphatases, is a cornerstone of cellular signaling and regulation. Since their discovery, protein phosphatases have emerged as highly regulated enzymes with specificity that rivals their counteracting kinase partners. However, despite years of focused characterization in mammalian and yeast systems, many protein phosphatases in plants remain poorly or incompletely characterized. Here, we describe a bioinformatic, biochemical, and cellular examination of an ancient, Bacterial-like subclass of the phosphoprotein phosphatase (PPP) family designated the Shewanella-like protein phosphatases (SLP phosphatases). The SLP phosphatase subcluster is highly conserved in all plants, mosses, and green algae, with members also found in select fungi, protists, and bacteria. As in other plant species, the nucleus-encoded Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) SLP phosphatases (AtSLP1 and AtSLP2) lack genetic redundancy and phylogenetically cluster into two distinct groups that maintain different subcellular localizations, with SLP1 being chloroplastic and SLP2 being cytosolic. Using heterologously expressed and purified protein, the enzymatic properties of both AtSLP1 and AtSLP2 were examined, revealing unique metal cation preferences in addition to a complete insensitivity to the classic serine/threonine PPP protein phosphatase inhibitors okadaic acid and microcystin. The unique properties and high conservation of the plant SLP phosphatases, coupled to their exclusion from animals, red algae, cyanobacteria, archaea, and most bacteria, render understanding the function(s) of this new subclass of PPP family protein phosphatases of particular interest.
Teaching of the repair of defective composite restorations in Scandinavian dental schools
Authors: BLUM I. R. , LYNCH C. D. , WILSON N. H. F.
Published: October 2011

Summary  Given increased tooth retention into later years of life, dentists face increasing challenges in maintaining teeth with extensive composite restorations. Accompanying the increase in placement of composite restorations in general practice, there has also been increased evidence that repair, rather than replacement, of composite restorations is being increasingly considered as a treatment option. Previous work has demonstrated that such techniques are often underutilised in practice. The aim of this study was to examine contemporary teaching of composite repair techniques in Scandinavian dental schools. A questionnaire was distributed by email to each of the 12 Scandinavian dental schools in late 2010/early 2011. This questionnaire sought information on the undergraduate teaching of composite repair techniques as well as indications and materials utilised for this technique. A 100% response rate was achieved (12 schools). Eleven of the 12 respondent schools indicated that they included the teaching of composite repair techniques within their dental school programme. The most commonly reported indications for the teaching of the repair of direct composite restorations were tooth substance preservation (11 schools) and reduced risk of harmful effects on the pulp (10 schools). The most commonly taught surface treatment was mechanical roughening of the existing composite restoration, including the removal of the surface layer of material, prior to application of fresh composite (11 schools). Overall, the results of this study showed that the teaching of composite repair techniques is established within Scandinavian dental schools. This may influence the practising habits of dentists graduating from these schools when considering treatment options for defective composite restorations.
Differential resilience of invertebrates to fire
Authors: PRYKE JAMES S. , SAMWAYS MICHAEL J.
Published: October 2011

Fires are natural to ecosystems in many parts of the world, yet few studies have examined multi‐taxa invertebrate responses to these fires. We sampled a wide range of invertebrate taxa and feeding guilds at sites 3 months, 1 year and 3 years after fire, and in unburned control sites at the same time. A range of invertebrate sampling techniques was used on Table Mountain, in the Cape Floristic Region biodiversity hotspot, an area prone to natural and human‐induced fires. Sampling time differences strongly affected the composition of the whole assemblage, with fire having a major additional influence. Assemblages showed differential resilience to fire, especially in terms of species richness and abundance. One year after fire, the burned sites had the most compositional differences for the surface‐active species compared to control sites, while after 3 years, these sites were similar. Aerial assemblages were very different 3 years after burning, especially the pollination guild. Furthermore, these 3‐year‐old burned sites had the most unique species, suggesting that burning and longer‐term recovery is important for overall diversity. Some components of the invertebrate assemblage were remarkably resilient to fire (particularly ants), while others were far more conservative (pollinators). Nevertheless, fire allows new species to enter the ecosystem and can thus be used to promote local biodiversity if used appropriately. Ants alone should not be used to represent the whole invertebrate assemblage as they do not represent the more fire‐prone groups. A cross‐section of functional guilds is recommended in invertebrate recovery/fire management conservation programmes. These results have general significance in that a variety of feeding guilds need to be sampled when monitoring invertebrate responses to fire.
Prevalence, severity and clinical features of psoriasis in fingernails and toenails in adult patients: Italian experience
Authors: Brazzelli V. , Carugno A. , Alborghetti A. , Grasso V. , Cananzi R. , Fornara L. , De Silvestri A. , Borroni G.
Published: October 2011

Background  Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting 2.0–6.5% of the European population. Although the most striking clinical features of psoriasis involve the skin, other organs including nails and joints may be affected in a substantial proportion of patients. Literature reports nail involvement in 10–56% of psoriatic patients, with common physical and social impairment. However, the precise prevalence of specific clinical features of nail psoriasis is somewhat under‐reported.

Objectives  Our cross‐sectional study aimed at describing the prevalence and the clinical features of nail involvement in adult psoriatic patients in a psoriasis referral centre in northern Italy.

Methods  A total of 178 (124 men, 54 women) consecutive adult patients (≥18 years old) with psoriasis were included. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) scores were calculated for each patient. Relevant medical history was recorded.

Results  Nail involvement was present in 137 (99 men, 38 women) patients (76.9%). The most common nail abnormality was onycholysis, followed by crumbling, subungual hyperkeratosis, pitting and discoloration. Pitting and onycholysis were the most prevalent patterns observed in fingernails, whereas onycholysis and crumbling were the most frequent changes detected in toenails. The most frequently and severely affected nails were the fourth fingernail and the first toenail. The average PASI score was higher in individuals with nail involvement (12.0 vs. 8.7, P = 0.06). Nail changes were present in 85.7% of patients with psoriatic arthritis.

Conclusions  Our study confirms that nail involvement may be overlooked in psoriasis patients. Different psoriatic patterns in the nail affect specific digits more frequently.
Measurement of vascular tone and stroke volume baroreflex gain
Authors: Vaschillo Evgeny G. , Vaschillo Bronya , Buckman Jennifer F. , Pandina Robert J. , Bates Marsha E.
Published: October 2011

The arterial baroreflex system (BRS) consists of at least three closed‐loop control systems: the heart rate (HR), vascular tone (VT), and stroke volume (SV) BRSs. Whereas HR‐BRS gain is well studied, VT‐BRS and SV‐BRS gain are not. This study aimed to develop a method for quantifying VT‐BRS and SV‐BRS gain using an established HR‐BRS gain measurement approach. ECG and beat‐to‐beat blood pressure (BP) were recorded in 31 young healthy participants during three tasks. Sequences of R‐to‐R wave intervals (RRI) of the ECG, pulse transit time (PTT), and SV were measured to assess HR‐, VT‐, and SV‐BRS gain using the cross‐spectral technique of computing the BP‐RRI, BP‐PTT, and BP‐SV transfer functions. Gain in each BRS arch was measured in individuals with intact BRS functioning. Functional overlap and independence was noted in the BRS arches. The implications of the proposed method are discussed.
Content Analysis of Newspaper Coverage of the Florida Panther
Authors: JACOBSON SUSAN K. , LANGIN CYNTHIA , CARLTON J. STUART , KAID LYNDA LEE
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  Populations of large carnivores are declining globally, and analysis of public discourse about carnivores is useful for understanding public opinion and influences on management and policy. Portrayal of carnivores in the media affects public perceptions and support for their conservation. We conducted a content analysis of 513 articles about Florida panthers (Puma concolor coryi) published from 2003 to 2006 in newspapers with local circulation in core panther habitat in southwest Florida and papers with statewide circulation to compare the differences in the amount of coverage and portrayals of panther risks to people and property on the basis of proximity of human communities to panthers. Local papers published significantly more news articles and significantly longer news articles primarily about panthers. Articles in local and statewide papers used both episodic frames, which focus on specific occurrences (e.g., a panther sighting or predation) and thematic frames, which focus on general trends (e.g., abundance of panthers over time). Local articles more often emphasized risks that panthers might harm people, pets, or livestock than statewide papers. Our results are consistent with theory that proximity to human–carnivore conflict influences perceptions and salience of risks posed by large carnivores. Most articles mentioned panthers as a secondary topic, which we believe was a result of the relevance an endangered carnivore has in discussions of public land management, development, and regulations in Florida. Claims made by sources quoted in each article had a neutral to positive depiction of panthers, and most quotations were from federal and state agency scientists. We suggest continued use by the media of agency sources provides the opportunity for clear, concordant messages about panther management. Content analysis provides a way to monitor media portrayal of carnivores for consistency with agency outreach goals.