bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two-dimensional superstructures and softened C–H stretching vibrations of cyclohexane on Rh(111): Effects of preadsorbed hydrogen
Authors: Koitaya Takanori , Mukai Kozo , Yoshimoto Shinya , Yoshinobu Jun
Published: December 2011

Adsorption structures and interaction of cyclohexane molecules on the clean and hydrogen-preadsorbed Rh(111) surfaces were investigated using scanning tunneling microscopy, spot-profile-analysis low-energy electron diffraction, temperature-programmed desorption, and infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRAS). Various ordered structures of adsorbed cyclohexane were observed as a function of hydrogen and cyclohexane coverages. When the fractional coverage (θH) of preadsorbed hydrogen was below 0.8, four different commensurate or higher-order commensurate superstructures were found as a function of θH; whereas more densely packed incommensurate overlayers became dominant at higher θH. IRAS measurements showed sharp softened C–H vibrational peaks at 20 K, which originate from the electronic interaction between adsorbed cyclohexane and the Rh surface. The multiple softened C–H stretching peaks in each phase are due to the variation in the adsorption distance from the substrate. At high hydrogen coverages they became attenuated in intensity and eventually diminished at θH = 1. The gradual disappearance of the soft mode correlates well with the structural phase transition from commensurate structures to incommensurate structures with increasing hydrogen coverage. The superstructure of adsorbed cyclohexane is controlled by the delicate balance between adsorbate-adsorbate and adsorbate-substrate interactions which are affected by preadsorbed hydrogen.
Dependence of dispersion coefficients on atomic environment
Authors: Johnson Erin R.
Published: December 2011

Addition of a dispersion-energy correction to density-functional theory significantly improves potential-energy curves for dispersion-bound complexes. The exchange-hole dipole moment (XDM) model allows non-empirical calculation of atomic and molecular dispersion coefficients using only occupied orbitals and polarizabilities. In this work, the XDM model is applied to examine the dependence of dispersion coefficients on changes in atomic environment, such as charge, oxidation state, and hybridization. The variations in dispersion coefficients, and resulting energy contributions, are assessed for selected chemical examples.
Fast-switching phase gratings using in-plane addressed short-pitch polymer stabilized chiral nematic liquid crystals
Authors: Morris Stephen M. , Gardiner Damian J. , Castles Flynn , Hands Philip J. W. , Wilkinson Timothy D. , Coles Harry J.
Published: December 2011

We demonstrate a fast-switching (sub-millisecond) phase grating based upon a polymer stabilized short-pitch chiral nematic liquid crystal that is electrically addressed using in-plane electric fields. The combination of the short-pitch and the polymer stabilization enables the diffraction pattern to be switched “on” and “off” reversibly in 600 µs. Results are presented on the far-field diffraction pattern along with the intensity of the diffraction orders as a function of the applied electric field and the response times.
Climate zones and the influence on industrial nonprocess energy consumption
Authors: Bawaneh Khaled , Overcash Michael , Twomey Janet
Published: December 2011

This paper begins with the recognition that climate zones influence nonprocess energy use in industrial buildings. Nonprocess energies are heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation. Nonprocess energy data have been collected from the literature (about 68 buildings) across a wide range of climate zones. The hypothesis tested in this research is: if an industrial building has a characteristic nonprocess energy related to physical dimensions and desired comfort level, then using cooling degrees day (CDD) and heating degrees day (HDD) factors can normalize the measured nonprocess temperature control data for the climate zone differences. That is, do measured nonprocess energy intensities (W/m2), if corrected for climate zone differences, within each building category become more similar and hence reflecting the basic building temperature control energy use? The five U.S. climate zones and the location for each facility in this study were identified. To investigate how the location influences the amount of heating and cooling at each facility, a baseline analysis of five representative cities in each zone was done to obtain the 5-year average CDD and HDD. The reported values of heating and cooling for each facility were then adjusted using this baseline and the climate zones of that facility, so that each facility was then referenced to zone 3; that is, as if all manufacturing facilities were in the same zone 3. The mean, median, standard deviation, and total nonprocess energies for current and zone-adjusted nonprocess energy for each facility in this study were calculated. The mean values of current and adjusted heating and cooling remained close to each other and the standard deviation was not reduced by these adjustments. Thus, the hypothesis of using CDD/HDD to quantitatively account for and hence to adjust for different climate zones appears to not be valid. The absence of improvement (reducing the standard deviation) by normalizing heating and cooling energy using adjustment for climate factors using the concept of CDD/HDD implies that some other correction principles are needed for evaluating fundamental needs for industrial building heating and cooling. The inability to reduce the geographic (that is, climate zone) effects of industrial plant nonprocess energy intensities supports the de-emphasis of this tool in the ASHRAE Handbook.
Surface modification of monocrystalline zinc oxide induced by high-density electronic excitation
Authors: Museur Luc , Manousaki Alexandra , Anglos Demetrios , Kanaev Andrei V.
Published: December 2011

Strong modifications of semiconductors can be provoked by high-density electronic excitation. We report on surface structuring of monocrystalline wurtzite O-face (0001) ZnO excited by UV femtosecond laser pulses (248 nm) below the ablation threshold. At fluences above 11 mJ/cm2, nanoholes of D=10 nm diameter appear quasi-periodically separated by a distance ∼30 nm (=3 D). Dual-pulse (pump-pump) experiments permit estimation of the electronic excitation lifetime responsible for this nanostructuring, which is in agreement with the electron-hole plasma lifetime 220 ps. The nanostructuring results in a smaller monocrystalline domain of ∼0.1 μm size and increases the crystalline interplane c-distance by 0.11%. The excitonic luminescence of the irradiated sample is found to increase by about 10 times. The nanostructuring remains stable in a limited range of laser fluences: above 40 mJ/cm2 the surface melts, which accelerates the photoinduced bonds breaking leading to surface erosion. We tentatively ascribe the related mechanism to the nucleation-growth of cluster vacancies at crystal dislocations accelerated by the non-thermal (electronic) melting of the surface layer. At fluences lower than 11 mJ/cm2, larger volcano-like features of 60-nm diameter were observed. The characteristic crater shape and irregular surface repartition permit their assignment to thermal explosion of impurities due to multiple exciton condensation.
DNA hybridization detection in a miniaturized electromagnetic band gap resonator
Authors: Dragoman Mircea , Cismaru Alina , Radoi Antonio , Voicu Marius , Dragoman Daniela
Published: December 2011

The hybridization of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is sensed in a miniaturized electromagnetic band gap resonator, which has a resonance frequency f0=17.3 GHz when unloaded. The resonance frequency f0 is shifted to the left when a single-stranded DNA is immobilized on the resonator and to the right for an immobilized double-stranded DNA. The shifted frequencies of the two states of the DNA are separated by a span of 1 GHz in the band 16-20 GHz and are explained by different effective electrical permittivity values of single- and double-stranded DNA molecules.
Off-resonant coupling between a single quantum dot and a nanobeam photonic crystal cavity
Authors: Rundquist Armand , Majumdar Arka , Vučković Jelena
Published: December 2011

We demonstrate off-resonant coupling between a single quantum dot and a nanobeam photonic crystal cavity, under resonant excitation of the quantum dot or the cavity. These results are consistent with previous descriptions of off-resonant coupling as an incoherent phonon-mediated process. The extension of this phenomenon to a nanobeam photonic crystal cavity presents interesting possibilities for coherent control of this interaction by tailoring the phonon density of states.
Unusual magnetic anisotropy in the ferromagnetic shape-memory alloy Ni50Fe23Ga27
Authors: Qian J. F. , Liu E. K. , Feng L. , Zhu W. , Li G. J. , Wang W. H. , Wu G. H. , Du Z. W. , Fu X.
Published: December 2011

Unusual magnetic anisotropy of the ferromagnetic shape-memory alloy Ni50Fe23Ga27 has been observed. The anisotropy of the austenite becomes very large, even larger than that of the martensite in ribbon samples. Lowering the temperature from 300 K to 80 K, the saturation field of the austenite is dramatically increased from 200 Oe up to 6 kOe. This high-anisotropy behavior clearly highlights the demagnetization effect of the martensitic transformation. The physical mechanism is attributed to a collective effect coming from the atomic disorder, the premartensitic transformation, and the off-stoichiometric Ga-rich composition of the alloys.
Liquid theory with high accuracy and broad applicability: Coupling parameter series expansion and non hard sphere perturbation strategy
Authors: Zhou Shiqi
Published: December 2011

Thermodynamic and structural properties of liquids are of fundamental interest in physics, chemistry, and biology, and perturbation approach has been fundamental to liquid theoretical approaches since the dawn of modern statistical mechanics and remains so to this day. Although thermodynamic perturbation theory (TPT) is widely used in the chemical physics community, one of the most popular versions of the TPT, i.e. Zwanzig (Zwanzig, R. W. J. Chem. Phys. 1954, 22, 1420-1426) 1st-order high temperature series expansion (HTSE) TPT and its 2nd-order counterpart under a macroscopic compressibility approximation of Barker-Henderson (Barker, J. A.; Henderson, D. J. Chem. Phys. 1967, 47, 2856-2861), have some serious shortcomings: (i) the nth-order term of the HTSE is involved with reference fluid distribution functions of order up to 2n, and the higher-order terms hence progressively become more complicated and numerically inaccessible; (ii) the performance of the HTSE rapidly deteriorates and the calculated results become even qualitatively incorrect as the temperature of interest decreases. This account deals with the developments that we have made over the last five years or so to advance a coupling parameter series expansion (CPSE) and a non hard sphere (HS) perturbation strategy that has scored some of its greatest successes in overcoming the above-mentioned difficulties. In this account (i) we expatiate on implementation details of our schemes: how input information indispensable to high-order truncation of the CPSE in both the HS and non HS perturbation schemes is calculated by an Ornstein-Zernike integral equation theory; how high-order thermodynamic quantities, such as critical parameters and excess constant volume heat capacity, are extracted from the resulting excess Helmholtz free energy with irregular and inevitable numerical errors; how to select reference potential in the non HS perturbation scheme. (ii) We give a quantitative analysis on why convergence speed of the CPSE in both the HS and non HS perturbation schemes is certainly faster than that of the HTSE and the HS perturbation scheme. (iii) We illustrate applications of the CPSE TPT in both the HS and non HS perturbation schemes in calculating thermodynamic properties of various coarse-grained potential function models and as input information of other liquid state theories such as a classical density functional theory (DFT), and also discuss, in the framework of classical DFT, the potential of our CPSE scheme in several typical problems of chemical physics interest. (iv) Finally, we consider several topics which are possibly expected to be settled in the immediate future and possible integration with other liquid state theory frameworks aiming to solve problems in complex fluids in both bulk and inhomogeneous states.
Dual-purpose cereals: can the relative influences of management and environment on crop recovery and grain yield be dissected?
Authors: Harrison Matthew T. , Evans John R. , Dove Hugh , Moore Andrew D.
Published: December 2011

Growing cereal crops for the dual-purposes (DP) of livestock forage during the early vegetative stages and harvesting grain at maturity has been practised for decades. It follows that scientific experiments using DP crops are nearly as old. A survey of more than 270 DP crop experiments revealed that the average effect of crop defoliation on grain yield (GY) was −7 ± 25% (range –35 to 75%). In light of these results, the first purpose of this review was to assess how alternative crop and grazing management regimes affected forage production and GY. Management techniques in order of decreasing importance likely to maximise grain production include (i) terminating grazing at or before GS 30, (ii) matching crop phenology to environment type, (iii) sowing DP crops 2–4 weeks earlier than corresponding sowing dates of grain-only crops, and (iv) ensuring good crop establishment before commencement of grazing. The second aim was to identify the environmental and biotic mechanisms underpinning crop responses to grazing, and to identify crop traits that would be most conducive to minimising yield penalty. A variety of mechanisms increased GY after grazing. Under favourable conditions, increased GY of grazed crops occurred via reduced lodging, mitigation of foliar disease and rapid leaf area recovery after grazing. Under stressful conditions, increased yields of grazed crops were caused by reduced transpiration and conservation of soil water, delayed phenology (frost avoidance at anthesis), and high ability to retranslocate stem reserves to grain. Yield reductions caused by grazing were associated with (i) frost damage soon after grazing, (ii) poor leaf area development or (iii) delayed maturation, which led to water or temperature stress around anthesis, culminating in increased rates of green area senescence and decreased duration of grain-filling. The third aim was to examine the role of simulation models in dissecting the effects of environment from management on crop physiology. Simulation studies of DP crops have extended the results from experimental studies, confirming that forage production increases with earlier sowing, but have also revealed that chances of liveweight gain increase with earlier sowing. Recent modelling demonstrates that potential for inclusion of DP crops into traditional grain-only systems is high, except where growing-season rainfall is <300 mm. Prospective research involving crop defoliation should focus on crop recovery, specifically (i) the effects of defoliation on phenology, (ii) the time-course of leaf area recovery and dry matter partitioning, and/or (iii) development of crop-grazing models, for these three areas will be most conducive to increasing the understanding of crop responses to grazing, thereby leading to better management guidelines.
Assemblage structure and trophic ecology of deep-sea demersal cephalopods in the Balearic basin (NW Mediterranean)
Authors: Fanelli Emanuela , Cartes Joan E. , Papiol Vanesa
Published: December 2011

Despite the important ecological role of cephalopods in energy and material flow in marine ecosystems, they are poorly understood, particularly those inhabiting deep-sea bottoms below 800 m. To define cephalopod species assemblages from the upper to the lower slope, we conducted 13 oceanographic and trawl surveys in the Balearic basin (NW Mediterranean) in 1985–92 and 2007–10 at depths between 450 and 2200 m. Multivariate analysis suggests the existence of three assemblages on the upper (450–600 m), middle (650–1500 m) and lower (1600–2200 m) slopes. Although seasonal changes in species abundance and composition were evident, no significant variations in the assemblage structure were observed between the two time periods. Two main trophic pathways involving deep-sea cephalopods were apparent: species mainly linked to benthic resources and species mostly connected to the pelagic food web through active swimming and frequent vertical migrations. Accordingly, two environmental variables best explained the observed patterns: net primary production and river discharge. Phytoplankton availability controls the increase of zooplankton that influences the distribution and abundance of pelagic cephalopods. River discharge affects, in some instances with delays, transfer of organic matter to the benthic trophic pathway and thus to bottom-dwelling cephalopods.
Monitoring live fuel moisture content of heathland, shrubland and sclerophyll forest in south-eastern Australia using MODIS data
Authors: Caccamo G. , Chisholm L. A. , Bradstock R. A. , Puotinen M. L. , Pippen B. G.
Published: December 2011

Live fuel moisture content is an important variable for assessing fire risk. Satellite observations provide the potential for monitoring fuel moisture across large areas. The objective of this study was to use data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer to monitor live fuel moisture content of three fire-prone vegetation types (shrubland, heathland and sclerophyll forest) in south-eastern Australia. The performances of four spectral indices (Normalised Difference Vegetation Index, Visible Atmospherically Resistant Index, Normalised Difference Infrared Index centred on 1650 nm and Normalised Difference Water Index) were compared. Models based on Visible Atmospherically Resistant Index and Normalised Difference Infrared Index centred on 1650 nm provided the best results (R2 values of 0.537 and 0.586). An empirical model based on these two indices was developed and its performance compared with a meteorological index traditionally used in this context, the Keetch–Byram Drought Index. The empirical model (R2 = 0.692) outperformed the meteorological index (R2 = 0.151), showing an enhanced capability to predict live fuel moisture content of the fire-prone vegetation types considered.
B-cell adaptor for PI3K (BCAP) negatively regulates Toll-like receptor signaling through activation of PI3K
Authors: Ni Minjian , MacFarlane Alexander W. , Toft Michelle , Lowell Clifford A. , Campbell Kerry S. , Hamerman Jessica A.
Published: December 2011

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize pathogens and their components, thereby initiating immune responses to infectious organisms. TLR ligation leads to the activation of NF-κB and MAPKs through well-defined pathways, but it has remained unclear how TLR signaling activates PI3K, which provides an inhibitory pathway limiting TLR responses. Here, we show that the signaling adapter B-cell adaptor for PI3K (BCAP) links TLR signaling to PI3K activation. BCAP-deficient macrophages and mice are hyperresponsive to TLR agonists and have reduced PI3K activation. The ability of BCAP to inhibit TLR responses requires its capacity to bind PI3K. BCAP is constitutively phosphorylated and associated with the p85 subunit of PI3K in macrophages. This tyrosine-phosphorylated BCAP is transiently enriched in the membrane fraction in response to LPS treatment, suggesting a model whereby TLR signaling causes the phosphorylation of the small amount of BCAP that is associated with membranes in the resting state or the translocation of phosphorylated BCAP from the cytoplasm to the membrane. This accumulation of tyrosine-phosphorylated BCAP at the membrane with its associated PI3K would then allow for the catalysis of Ptd Ins P2 to Ptd Ins P3 and downstream PI3K-dependent signals. Therefore, BCAP is an essential activator of the PI3K pathway downstream of TLR signaling, providing a brake to limit potentially pathogenic excessive TLR responses.
The proteasomal subunit Rpn6 is a molecular clamp holding the core and regulatory subcomplexes together
Authors: Pathare Ganesh Ramnath , Nagy István , Bohn Stefan , Unverdorben Pia , Hubert Agnes , Körner Roman , Nickell Stephan , Lasker Keren , Sali Andrej , Tamura Tomohiro , Nishioka Taiki , Förster Friedrich , Baumeister Wolfgang , Bracher Andreas
Published: December 2011

Proteasomes execute the degradation of most cellular proteins. Although the 20S core particle (CP) has been studied in great detail, the structure of the 19S regulatory particle (RP), which prepares ubiquitylated substrates for degradation, has remained elusive. Here, we report the crystal structure of one of the RP subunits, Rpn6, and we describe its integration into the cryo-EM density map of the 26S holocomplex at 9.1 Å resolution. Rpn6 consists of an α-solenoid-like fold and a proteasome COP9/signalosome eIF3 (PCI) module in a right-handed suprahelical configuration. Highly conserved surface areas of Rpn6 interact with the conserved surfaces of the Pre8 (alpha2) and Rpt6 subunits from the alpha and ATPase rings, respectively. The structure suggests that Rpn6 has a pivotal role in stabilizing the otherwise weak interaction between the CP and the RP.
Metaphern als Ausdruck subjektiver Theorien zum Übersetzen
Authors: Martín de León Celia , Presas Maris
Published: December 2011

In this article we introduce a model for and an empirical study of the role of metaphors in the construction and application of subjective or implicit theories by novice translators. Our goals are to analyze the structure of the subjective knowledge of translators and to determine their role in the process of translation, but also to develop a specific research method. From a theoretical point of view the study is based on our model of the nature, the function and the acquisition of subjective theories of translation. The analysis of metaphors is based on conceptual metaphor theory and on empirical research on metaphor in applied linguistics. Both the model and the research method have proved to be useful for the investigation of implicit theories about translation.
The influence of sensory delay on the yaw dynamics of a flapping insect
Authors: Elzinga Michael J. , Dickson William B. , Dickinson Michael H.
Published: December 2011

In closed-loop systems, sensor feedback delays may have disastrous implications for performance and stability. Flies have evolved multiple specializations to reduce this latency, but the fastest feedback during flight involves a delay that is still significant on the timescale of body dynamics. We explored the effect of sensor delay on flight stability and performance for yaw turns using a dynamically scaled robotic model of the fruitfly,Drosophila. The robot was equipped with a real-time feedback system that performed active turns in response to measured torque about the functional yaw axis. We performed system response experiments for a proportional controller in yaw velocity for a range of feedback delays, similar in dimensionless timescale to those experienced by a fly. The results show a fundamental trade-off between sensor delay and permissible feedback gain, and suggest that fast mechanosensory feedback in flies, and most probably in other insects, provide a source of active damping which compliments that contributed by passive effects. Presented in the context of these findings, a control architecture whereby a haltere-mediated inner-loop proportional controller provides damping for slower visually mediated feedback is consistent with tethered-flight measurements, free-flight observations and engineering design principles.
Identification of unexpected hydrides in Mg–20 wt% Dy alloy by high-brilliance synchrotron radiation
Authors: Gan Weimin , Huang Yuanding , Yang Lei , Kainer Karl Ulrich , Jiang Miao , Brokmeier Heinz-Günter , Hort Norbert
Published: December 2011

An unexpected precipitate phase was observed in Mg–20 wt% Dy alloy, with a cuboid morphology not compatible with any shown in the Mg–Dy binary phase diagram. As observed by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, the ratio of atomic percent of Dy to Mg is very high in these particles, probably largely because of the poor spatial resolution of that technique but already showing the mismatch with any previously characterized Mg–Dy compound. High-brilliance synchrotron diffraction and transmission electron microscopy experiments confirmed that these particles are composed of DyH2. They are formed during sample preparation at room temperature when hydrogen-containing sources such as water are used.
High-pressure X-ray diffraction studies of potassium chlorate
Authors: Pravica Michael , Bai Ligang , Bhattacharya Neelanjan
Published: December 2011

Two static high-pressure X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies of potassium chlorate have been performed at pressures of up to ∼14.3 GPa in a diamond anvil cell at ambient temperature using the 16 ID-B undulator beamline at the Advanced Photon Source for the X-ray source. The first experiment was conducted to ascertain decomposition rates of potassium chlorate as a function of pressure. Below 2 GPa, the sample was observed to decompose rapidly in the presence of the X-ray beam and release oxygen. Above 2 GPa (near the phase I → phase II transition), the decomposition rate dramatically slowed so that good quality XRD patterns could be acquired. This suggests a phase-dependent decomposition rate. In the second study, X-ray diffraction spectra were collected at pressures from 2 to 14.3 GPa by aligning virgin portions of the sample into the focused X-ray beam at each pressure. The results suggest the co-existence of mixed monoclinic (I) and rhombohedral (II) phases of potassium chlorate near 2 GPa. At pressures beyond 4 GPa, the XRD patterns show a very good fit to KClO3in the rhombohedral phase with space groupR3m, in agreement with earlier studies. No further phase transitions were observed with pressure. Decompression of the sample to ambient pressure indicated mixed phases I and II coupled with a small amount of synchrotron X-ray-induced decomposition product. The equation of state within this pressure regime has been determined.
FISCAL POLICY AND ASSET PRICES
Authors: Agnello Luca , Sousa Ricardo M.
Published: December 2011

We analyse the impact of fiscal policy on asset prices using a panel vector auto‐regressive (PVAR) approach and quarterly data for ten industrialized countries. We find that positive fiscal shocks lead to a temporary fall in stock prices and a gradual and persistent decrease in housing prices. The empirical findings also point to: (i) a contractionary effect of fiscal policy on output in line with the existence of crowding‐out effects and the deterioration of credit conditions; (ii) a weakening of the effectiveness of fiscal policy in recent times; (iii) a more persistent response of asset prices for countries with a lower degree of openness; (iv) a larger impact of fiscal policy on asset prices for small countries; (v) a close link between the responsiveness of asset prices to fiscal policy and the government’s size; (vi) an increase of the sensitivity of asset prices to fiscal policy shocks following the process of financial deregulation and mortgage liberalization; and (vii) significant fiscal multiplier effects in the context of severe housing busts. Finally, the evidence suggests that changes in equity prices may help governments towards consolidation of public finances.
High concentrations of circulating interleukin‐6 and monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 with low concentrations of interleukin‐8 were associated with severe chikungunya fever during the 2009–2010 outbreak in Thailand
Authors: Lohachanakul Jindarat , Phuklia Weerawat , Thannagith Montri , Thonsakulprasert Tipparat , Ubol Sukathida
Published: December 2011

The recent outbreak of Chikungunya virus in Thailand caused a rheumatic fever associated with considerable morbidity and fatalities. Thus, it is important to identify biomarker(s) of severe disease induced by this threatening arbovirus. Putative biomarkers in cases of chikungunya fever during an outbreak in the southern part of Thailand in 2009–2010 were identified. Sixty‐two patients who had developed fever and myalgia, with or without arthralgia/arthritis, were enrolled and grouped into severe chikungunya fever (CHIKF) (n= 15), mild CHIKF (n= 20) and non‐CHIKF (n= 27) to investigate circulating immunological mediators that might serve as markers of severity. Blood samples were taken at presentation (day 1) and 30 days later (day 30) and plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐17, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1), matrix metalloproteinase‐1, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase‐1 and viral load were measured by ELISA. On day 1, severe CHIKF and mild CHIKF groups had viral loads of 108.5 and 108.3 of RNA copies/mL, respectively. At presentation, all CHIKF patients had circulating concentrations of IL‐6 and MCP‐1 higher than did non‐CHIKF patients, whereas amongst the CHKF patients, the severe CHIKF patients had higher IL‐6 concentrations than did mild CHIKF patients. Interestingly, severe CHIKF patients had significantly lower concentrations of circulating IL‐8 than the other groups of patients, suggesting that high concentrations of IL‐6 and MCP‐1 with low concentrations of IL‐8 may be a determinant of severe chikungunya virus infection.
Associations between maternal stress and smoking: findings from a population‐based prospective cohort study
Authors: Hauge Lars Johan , Torgersen Leila , Vollrath Margarete
Published: December 2011

Aims  To investigate associations between maternal stress and smoking prior to, during and 6 months after the pregnancy.

Design  A prospective population‐based cohort study.

Setting  Norway.

Participants  A total of 71 757 women in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) participating twice during pregnancy and at 6 months postpartum.

Measurements  Respondents' estimates of anxiety and depression, relationship discord and negative life events were measured, along with self‐reports of smoking behaviour and demographic variables. Smoking was assessed at gestation weeks 17 and 30 and at 6 months postpartum.

Findings  Of the 27.5% women who smoked at conception, 55.8% quit smoking during pregnancy. At 6 months postpartum, 28.9% of quitters had relapsed to smoking. In total, 12.9% of the sample reported smoking during the pregnancy. Adjusted for well‐known risk factors, women reporting high levels of anxiety and depression had a decreased likelihood of quitting smoking during pregnancy [odds ratio (OR) 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.73, 0.88) and an increased likelihood of relapsing after delivery (OR 1.26, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.44). Both relationship discord (OR 0.82, 95% CI: 0.75, 0.90) and exposure to negative life events (OR 0.93, 95%: CI 0.90, 0.96) had a negative influence on quitting smoking during pregnancy but had no influence on relapse to smoking postpartum.

Conclusions  Maternal stress and relationship discord may inhibit smoking cessation during pregnancy and promote resumption of smoking after pregnancy in women who have achieved abstinence.
Characterization of cytochrome b diversity in Chinese domestic horses
Authors: Yue X. P. , Qin F. , Campana M. G. , Liu D. H. , Mao C. C. , Wang X. B. , Lan X. Y. , Chen H. , Lei C. Z.
Published: December 2011

Previous mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D‐loop and microsatellite studies have shown that Chinese horses have multiple maternal origins and high genetic diversity. To better characterize maternal genetic origins and diversity of Chinese domestic horses, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of 407 complete 1140 bp sequences of the horse mitochondrially encoded cytochrome b (CYTB) gene, including 323 horses from 13 Chinese indigenous breeds and 84 reference sequences from GenBank. A total of 114 haplotypes were identified, of which 73 appeared among the 13 Chinese horse breeds. The high mitochondrially encoded cytochrome b haplotypic diversity suggests multiple maternal origins in Chinese horses.
The Munich‐LTX‐Score: predictor for survival after lung transplantation
Authors: Huppmann Patrick , Neurohr Claus , Leuschner Stefan , Leuchte Hanno , Baumgartner Rainer , Zimmermann Gregor , Meis Tobias , von Wulffen Werner , Überfuhr Peter , Hatz Rudolf , Frey Lorenz , Behr Jürgen ,   for the Munich Lung Transplant Group (MLTG)
Published: December 2011

Huppmann P, Neurohr C, Leuschner S, Leuchte H, Baumgartner R, Zimmermann G, Meis T, von Wulffen W, Überfuhr P, Hatz R, Frey L, Behr J for the Munich Lung Transplant Group (MLTG). The Munich‐LTX‐Score: predictor for survival after lung transplantation.  Clin Transplant 2012: 26: 173–183.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Background:  The purpose of this study was to create a prognostic score calculated one yr after LTX based on post‐transplant factors inclusive of donor and recipient characteristics that could be used to predict long‐term survival in patients after lung transplantation (LTX).

Methods:  Uni‐ and multivariate analysis in 206 consecutive LTX patients identified independent risk factors for post‐transplant mortality and onset of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome. Munich‐LTX‐Score is devised by summing up each identified risk factor.

Results:  Multivariate analyses revealed acute rejection, lymphocytic bronchiolitis, donor age ≥55 yr, and HLA‐A ≥ 2‐/DR ≥ 2 mismatch and single LTX to be independent negative predictors for long‐term survival (p < 0.05). Munich‐LTX‐Score identified three discrete groups: low‐, moderate‐, and high risk. The actuarial five‐yr survival after score calculation one yr after LTX of the entire cohort was 58%, compared with 91% in low‐, 54% in moderate‐, and 0% in the high‐risk group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:  Within our cohort of patients calculation of the Munich‐LTX‐Score, consisting of donor‐, recipient‐, and post‐transplant characteristics, one yr after LTX allowed to predict long‐term survival of lung transplant recipients. After prospective validation, this score could identify patients who may benefit from intensified surveillance after LTX.
Risk factors for chronic anemia in pediatric orthotopic liver transplantation: Analysis of data from the SPLIT registry
Authors: Liem R. I. , Anand R. , Yin W. , Alonso E. M.
Published: December 2011

Liem RI, Anand R, Yin W, Alonso EM. Risk factors for chronic anemia in pediatric orthotopic liver transplantation: Analysis of data from the SPLIT registry.  Pediatr Transplantation 2012: 16: 137–143. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Risk factors for chronic anemia in the post‐transplant period have not been clearly delineated in pediatric liver transplant recipients. We analyzed data from children transplanted from 2000 to 2008 with at least two consecutive hemoglobin values from follow‐up between six months and five yr post‐transplant. A multivariate model was derived to determine independent risk factors associated with chronic anemia. Of 1026 children in this analysis, 242 (23.6%) were found to have chronic anemia. On multivariate analysis, GI bleeding (OR 11.83 [2.08–67.49], p = 0.0054), presence of leukopenia (OR 9.55 [95% CI 3.71–24.62], p < 0.0001), use of cyclosporine (OR 3.69, [95% CI 1.56–8.76], p = 0.0039) and corticosteroids (OR 2.90 [95% CI 1.94–4.33], p < 0.0001), and cGFR <90 mL/min/1.73 m2 (OR 4.62 [95% CI 2.47–8.67], p < 0.0001) represented the most significant risk factors for chronic anemia. Use of antihypertensive medications (OR 1.89 [95% CI 1.23–2.91], p = 0.0039) was also significantly associated with a higher risk. In summary, chronic anemia is common in children following liver transplant. Our findings underscore the need to define the mechanisms by which these risk factors, some of which are modifiable, result in chronic anemia in pediatric liver transplant recipients.
Gene Expression Differences in Oocytes Derived From Adult and Prepubertal Japanese Black Cattle during In Vitro Maturation
Authors: Dorji  , Ohkubo Y , Miyoshi K , Yoshida M
Published: December 2011

Contents

The present study was carried out to compare the gene expression profiles in oocytes derived from adult and prepubertal Japanese Black cattle during in vitro maturation (IVM) using microarray gene chips (Bovine genome array containing 24 072 probe sets representing over 23 000 transcripts). Microarray experiments were conducted using total RNA isolated from immature [germinal vesicle (GV)] and in vitro matured [metaphase II, (MII)] oocytes derived from adult and prepubertal animals. A total of 333 (1.4%) and 549 (2.3%) genes were differentially expressed between prepubertal vs adult bovine GV and MII stages oocytes, respectively. Of these, 176 and 312 genes were up‐regulated, while 157 and 237 were down‐regulated in prepubertal when compared with adult GV and MII oocytes, respectively. It was also observed that 695 (2.9%) and 553 (2.3%) genes were differentially expressed between GV vs MII stage oocytes in the adult and prepubertal groups, respectively. Gene ontological classification of the differentially expressed genes revealed that up‐regulated genes in adult oocytes were involved in signal transduction, transcriptional control and transport. Quantitative reverse transcription‐PCR validated the expression profile of some selected transcripts and confirmed differences in the expression levels of transcripts between adult vs prepubertal groups in both GV and MII stages oocytes as identified by microarray data analysis. This study indicated for the first time that significant number of genes were differentially expressed (>2‐fold, p < 0.01) between oocytes derived from adult and those from prepubertal Japanese Black cattle, and this difference increased during IVM.
Detection of patients presenting with adverse drug events in the emergency department
Authors: Chen Y.‐C. , Fan J.‐S. , Hsu T.‐F. , Chen M.‐H. , Huang H.‐H. , Cheng K.‐W. , Yen D. H.‐T. , Huang M.‐S. , Lee C.‐H. , Chen L.‐K. , Yang C.‐C.
Published: December 2011

Background:  Adverse drug events (ADE) have been studied widely in hospitalised and emergency department (ED) patients. Less is known about the ED visits of drug‐related injury in Taiwan. This study seeks to determine the incidence, risk and patient outcomes of ADE in an ED population.

Methods:  We conducted a prospective observational cohort study of patients 18 years and older presenting to the ED of an urban, tertiary medical centre. ED visits between 1 March 2009 and 28 February 2010 identified by investigators for suspected ADE were further assessed by using the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction probability scale. Outcomes (ED disposition, injury severity and preventability) and associated variables (triage, gender, drug category, number of drugs, Charlson comorbidity index score and ADE mechanism) were measured.

Results:  Of 58 569 ED visits, 452 patients (0.77%) had physician‐documented ADE. 24% of patients with ADE were hospitalised with life‐threatening conditions, with a mortality rate of 10.0%. The majority of ADE were considered preventable (73.4%), and the unintentional overdose was the most common cause. Cardiovascular agents accounted for the most ADE (25.8%) and consisted of 65.3% of ADE in patients aged 65 years and older. Risk factors for ADE‐related hospitalisation were elderly age (odds ratio (OR) 1.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–3.4), severity of ADE (OR 6.9, 95% CI 3.3–14.5) and higher Charlson comorbidity index scores (OR 3.4, 95% CI 2.0–5.7).

Conclusion:  ADE‐related ED visits are not uncommon in Taiwan and many cases are preventable. ED‐based surveillance may provide useful information for monitoring outpatient ADE.
Thermal legacies: transgenerational effects of temperature on growth in a vertebrate
Authors: Salinas Santiago , Munch Stephan B.
Published: December 2011

Ecology Letters(2011)

Transgenerational plasticity (TGP), a generalisation of more widely studied maternal effects, occurs whenever environmental cues experienced by either parent prior to fertilisation results in a modification of offspring reaction norms. Such effects have been observed in many traits across many species. Despite enormous potential importance—particularly in an era of rapid climate change—TGP in thermal growth physiology has never been demonstrated for vertebrates. We provide the first evidence for thermal TGP in a vertebrate: given sufficient time, sheepshead minnows adaptively program their offspring for maximal growth at the present temperature. The change in growth over a single generation (c. 30%) exceeds the single‐generation rate of adaptive evolution by an order of magnitude. If widespread, transgenerational effects on thermal performance may have important implications on physiology, ecology and contemporary evolution, and may significantly alter the extinction risk posed by changing climate.
Do assembly history effects attenuate from species to ecosystem properties? A field test with wood‐inhabiting fungi
Authors: Dickie Ian A. , Fukami Tadashi , Wilkie J. Paula , Allen Robert B. , Buchanan Peter K.
Published: December 2011

Ecology Letters (2011)

Assembly history, or the order of species arrival, can have wide‐ranging effects on species, communities and ecosystems. However, it remains unclear whether assembly history primarily affects individual species, with effects attenuating at the level of communities and ecosystems or, alternatively, has consistent effect sizes across increasing levels of ecological organisation. We address this question using a field‐based manipulation of assembly history of wood‐inhabiting fungi. The largest effect sizes were observed for the frequency of some individual species, and mean effect sizes were lower for community metrics of fungi immigrating from the regional species pool. There was little evidence, however, of attenuation in effect sizes at the ecosystem level (carbon, nitrogen, decomposition) in comparison to the species or community level. These results indicate that assembly history can have strong effects on ecosystem properties even under natural levels of environmental variability.
Gender Differences in Entrepreneurial Propensity*
Authors: Koellinger Philipp , Minniti Maria , Schade Christian
Published: December 2011

Using data from representative population surveys in 17 countries, we find that the lower rate of female business ownership is primarily due to women's lower propensity to start businesses rather than to differences in survival rates across genders. We show that women are less confident in their entrepreneurial skills, have different social networks and exhibit higher fear of failure than men. After controlling for endogeneity, we find that these variables explain a substantial part of the gender gap in entrepreneurial activity. Although, of course, their relative importance varies significantly across countries, these factors appear to have a universal effect.
‘Yeah but, no but’ – Pinnock and Powell in the Supreme Court
Authors: Cowan Dave , Hunter Caroline
Published: December 2011

This note considers the Supreme Court decisions in Manchester CC v Pinnock and Hounslow LBC v Powell. It is argued that there are a number of remaining outstanding questions around proportionality, including: deference; section 89, Housing Act 1980; procedural issues; ‘publicness’; and the future landscape.
Reluctant Bedfellows: Want of Authority and Knowing Receipt
Authors: Lee Rebecca , Ho Lusina
Published: December 2011

The case note examines the recent decision of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal in Thanakharn Kasikorn Thai Chamkat (Mahachon) v Akai Holdings Ltd, where Lord Neuberger of Abbotsbury adopted the test of irrationality in determining whether a defaulting agent had apparent authority to act on behalf of his principal to confer benefits on a third party. His Lordship further held that a concurrent claim in knowing receipt arose against the third party, and the test of unconscionability is substantially the same as that of irrationality. The present note argues that symmetry of the two tests is not necessary, for knowing receipt and apparent authority deal with issues that are categorically different and serve different purposes. It also examines, in the context of benefits conferred upon an underlying agreement that is void, the oft‐overlooked issue as to what amounts to receipt for the purpose of knowing receipt.
Estimating the Allele Frequency of Autosomal Recessive Disorders through Mutational Records and Consanguinity: The Homozygosity Index (HI)
Authors: Gialluisi Alessandro , Pippucci Tommaso , Anikster Yair , Ozbek Ugur , Medlej‐Hashim Myrna , Mégarbané Andre , Romeo Giovanni
Published: December 2011

In principle mutational records make it possible to estimate frequencies of disease alleles (q) for autosomal recessive disorders using a novel approach based on the calculation of the Homozygosity Index (HI), i.e., the proportion of homozygous patients, which is complementary to the proportion of compound heterozygous patients P(CH). In other words, the rarer the disorder, the higher will be the HI and the lower will be the P(CH). To test this hypothesis we used mutational records of individuals affected with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) and Phenylketonuria (PKU), born to either consanguineous or apparently unrelated parents from six population samples of the Mediterranean region. Despite the unavailability of precise values of the inbreeding coefficient for the general population, which are needed in the case of apparently unrelated parents, our estimates of q are very similar to those of previous descriptive epidemiological studies. Finally, we inferred from simulation studies that the minimum sample size needed to use this approach is 25 patients either with unrelated or first cousin parents. These results show that the HI can be used to produce a ranking order of allele frequencies of autosomal recessive disorders, especially in populations with high rates of consanguineous marriages.
Female postmating immune responses, immune system evolution and immunogenic males
Authors: Morrow Edward H. , Innocenti Paolo
Published: December 2011

Females in many taxa experience postmating activation of their immune system, independently of any genital trauma or pathogenic attack arising from male‐female genital contact. This response has always been interpreted as a product of natural selection as it either prepares the female immune system for antigens arising from an implanted embryo (in the case of placental mammals), or is a “pre‐emptive strike” against infection or injury acquired during mating. While the first hypothesis has empirical support, the second is not entirely satisfactory. Recently, studies that have experimentally dissected the postmating responses of Drosophila melanogaster females point to a different explanation: male reproductive peptides/proteins that have evolved in response to postmating male‐male competition are directly responsible for activating particular elements of the female immune system. Thus, in a broad sense, males may be said to be immunogenic to females. Here, we discuss a possible direct role of sexual selection/sexual conflict in immune system evolution, in contrast to indirect trade‐offs with other life‐history traits, presenting the available evidence from a range of taxa and proposing ways in which the competing hypotheses could be tested. The major implication of this review is that immune system evolution is not only a product of natural selection but also that sexual selection and potentially sexual conflict enforces a direct selective pressure. This is a significant shift, and will compel researchers studying immune system evolution and ecological immunity to look beyond the forces generated by parasites and pathogens to those generated by the male ejaculate.