bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microseismicity and stress in the vicinity of the Alpine Fault, central Southern Alps, New Zealand
Authors: Boese C. M. , Townend J. , Smith E. , Stern T.
Published: December 2011

We investigate present‐day microseismicity associated with the central Alpine Fault and the zone of active deformation and uplift in the central Southern Alps. Using 14 months of data, robust hypocenter locations have been obtained for ∼1800 earthquakes of magnitudes between −0.3 and 4.2. We derived a magnitude scale with a frequency‐dependent attenuation factor, γ(f) = γ0f, where γ0 = 1.89 ± 0.02 × 10−3 s/km, that enables magnitudes to be calculated consistently for earthquakes of different sizes and frequency contents. The maximum depth of the seismicity varies systematically with distance from the Alpine Fault, from 10 ± 2 km near the fault to 8 ± 2 km within 20 km and 15 ± 2 km further southeast. This distribution correlates with lateral variations in crustal resistivity: earthquake hypocenters are concentrated in areas of strong resistivity gradients and restricted to depths of resistivities >100 Ωm. Rocks at greater depth are too hot, too fluid‐saturated, or too weak to produce detectable earthquakes. Focal mechanism solutions computed for 211 earthquakes (ML > 0.44) exhibit predominantly strike‐slip mechanisms. We obtain a maximum horizontal compressive stress direction of 115 ± 10° from focal mechanism inversion. This azimuth is consistent with findings from elsewhere in the central and northern South Island, and indicates a uniform crustal stress field despite pronounced variations in crustal structure and topographic relief. Our stress estimates suggest that the Alpine Fault (with a mean strike of 055°) is poorly oriented in an Andersonian sense but that individual thrust and strike‐slip segments of the fault's surface trace have close to optimal orientations.
An analytical model for gas overpressure in slug‐driven explosions: Insights into Strombolian volcanic eruptions
Authors: Del Bello Elisabetta , Llewellin Edward W. , Taddeucci Jacopo , Scarlato Piergiorgio , Lane Steve J.
Published: December 2011

Strombolian eruptions, common at basaltic volcanoes, are mildly explosive events that are driven by a large bubble of magmatic gas (a slug) rising up the conduit and bursting at the surface. Gas overpressure within the bursting slug governs explosion dynamics and vigor and is the main factor controlling associated acoustic and seismic signals. We present a theoretical investigation of slug overpressure based on magma‐static and geometric considerations and develop a set of equations that can be used to calculate the overpressure in a slug when it bursts, slug length at burst, and the depth at which the burst process begins. We find that burst overpressure is controlled by two dimensionless parameters: V′, which represents the amount of gas in the slug, and A′, which represents the thickness of the film of magma that falls around the rising slug. Burst overpressure increases nonlinearly as V′ and A′ increase. We consider two eruptive scenarios: (1) the “standard model,” in which magma remains confined to the vent during slug expansion, and (2) the “overflow model,” in which slug expansion is associated with lava effusion, as occasionally observed in the field. We find that slug overpressure is higher for the overflow model by a factor of 1.2–2.4. Applying our model to typical Strombolian eruptions at Stromboli, we find that the transition from passive degassing to explosive bursting occurs for slugs with volume >24–230 m3, depending on magma viscosity and conduit diameter, and that at burst, a typical Strombolian slug (with a volume of 100–1000 m3) has an internal gas pressure of 1–5 bars and a length of 13–120 m. We compare model predictions with field data from Stromboli for low‐energy “puffers,” mildly explosive Strombolian eruptions, and the violently explosive 5 April 2003 paroxysm. We find that model predictions are consistent with field observations across this broad spectrum of eruptive styles, suggesting a common slug‐driven mechanism; we propose that paroxysms are driven by unusually large slugs (large V′).
Quantifying riverine surface currents from time sequences of thermal infrared imagery
Authors: Puleo Jack A. , McKenna Thomas E. , Holland K. Todd , Calantoni Joseph
Published: December 2011

River surface currents are quantified from thermal and visible band imagery using two methods. One method utilizes time stacks of pixel intensity to estimate the streamwise velocity at multiple locations. The other method uses particle image velocimetry to solve for optimal two‐dimensional pixel displacements between successive frames. Field validation was carried out on the Wolf River, a small coastal plain river near Landon, Mississippi, United States, on 26–27 May 2010 by collecting imagery in association with in situ velocities sampled using electromagnetic current meters deployed 0.1 m below the river surface. Comparisons are made between mean in situ velocities and image‐derived velocities from 23 thermal and 6 visible‐band image sequences (5 min length) during daylight and darkness conditions. The thermal signal was a small apparent temperature contrast induced by turbulent mixing of a thin layer of cooler water near the river surface with underlying warmer water. The visible‐band signal was foam on the water surface. For thermal imagery, streamwise velocities derived from the pixel time stack and particle image velocimetry technique were generally highly correlated to mean streamwise current meter velocities during darkness (r2 typically greater than 0.9) and early morning daylight (r2 typically greater than 0.83). Streamwise velocities from the pixel time stack technique had high correlation for visible‐band imagery during early morning daylight hours with respect to mean current meter velocities (r2 > 0.86). Streamwise velocities for the particle image velocimetry technique for visible‐band imagery had weaker correlations with only three out of six correlations performed having an r2 exceeding 0.6.
Selective reduction of hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acids to their hydroxy derivatives by apolipoprotein D: implications for lipid antioxidant activity and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Bhatia Surabhi , Knoch Bianca , Wong Jenny , Kim Woojin S. , Else Paul L. , Oakley Aaron J. , Garner Brett
Published: December 2011

ApoD (apolipoprotein D) is up-regulated in AD (Alzheimer's disease) and upon oxidative stress. ApoD inhibits brain lipid peroxidation in vivo, but the mechanism is unknown. Specific methionine residues may inhibit lipid peroxidation by reducing radical-propagating L-OOHs (lipid hydroperoxides) to non-reactive hydroxides via a reaction that generates MetSO (methionine sulfoxide). Since apoD has three conserved methionine residues (Met49, Met93 and Met157), we generated recombinant proteins with either one or all methionine residues replaced by alanine and assessed their capacity to reduce HpETEs (hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acids) to their HETE (hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid) derivatives. ApoD, apoDM49-A and apoDM157-A all catalysed the reduction of HpETEs to their corresponding HETEs. Amino acid analysis of HpETE-treated apoD revealed a loss of one third of the methionine residues accompanied by the formation of MetSO. Additional studies using apoD(M93-A) indicated that Met93 was required for HpETE reduction. We also assessed the impact that apoD MetSO formation has on protein aggregation by Western blotting of HpETE-treated apoD and human brain samples. ApoD methionine oxidation was associated with formation of apoD aggregates that were also detected in the hippocampus of AD patients. In conclusion, conversion of HpETE into HETE is mediated by apoD Met93, a process that may contribute to apoD antioxidant function.
The causal exposure model of vascular disease
Authors: Sniderman Allan D. , Lawler Patrick R. , Williams Ken , Thanassoulis George , de Graaf Jacqueline , Furberg Curt D.
Published: December 2011

Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease is governed at present by the risk factor model for cardiovascular events, a model which is widely accepted by physicians and professional associations, but which has important limitations: most critically, that effective treatment to reduce arterial damage is often delayed until the age at which cardiovascular events become common. This delay means that many of the early victims of vascular disease will not be identified in time. This delay also allows atherosclerosis to develop and progress unchecked within the arterial tree with the result that the absolute effectiveness of preventive therapy is limited by the time it is eventually initiated. The causal exposure model of vascular disease is an alternative to the risk factor model for cardiovascular events. Whereas the risk factor model aims to identify and treat those at markedly increased risk of vascular events within the next decade, the causal exposure model of vascular disease aims to prevent events by treating the causes of the disease when they are identified. In the risk factor model, age is an independent non-modifiable risk factor and the predictive power of age far outweighs that of the other risk factors. In the causal exposure model, age is the duration of time the arterial wall is exposed to the causes of atherosclerosis: apoB (apolipoprotein B) lipoproteins, hypertension, diabetes and smoking. Preventing the development of advanced atherosclerotic lesions by treating the causes of vascular disease is the simplest, surest and most effective way to prevent clinical events.
Reflections on the Hand: The Use of a Mirror Highlights the Contributions of Interpreted and Retinotopic Representations in the Rubber-Hand Illusion
Authors: Kontaris Ioannis , Downing Paul E
Published: December 2011

In the rubber-hand illusion, observing a rubber hand stroked in synchrony with one's own hand results in mislocalisation of the own hand, which is perceived as being located closer to the rubber hand. This illusion depends on having the rubber hand placed at a plausible egocentric orientation with respect to the observer. In the present study, we took advantage of this finding in order to compare the relative influence on the illusion of the rubber hand's perceived retinotopic image against its real-world position. The rubber hand was positioned egocentrically (fingers away from the participant) or allocentrically (fingers towards the participant), while participants viewed it either directly or via a mirror that was placed facing the participant. In the mirror conditions, the orientation of the retinotopic image of the hand (either egocentric or allocentric) was opposed to its real-world orientation. We found that the illusion was elicited in both mirror conditions, to roughly the same extent. Thus either of two representations can elicit the rubber-hand illusion: a world-centred understanding of the scene, resulting from the inferred position of the hand based on its mirror reflection, or a purely visual retinotopic representation of the viewed hand. In the mirror conditions, the illusion was somewhat weaker than in the typical directly viewed egocentric condition. We attribute this to competition between two incompatible representations introduced by the presence of the mirror. Finally, in two control experiments we ruled out that this reduction was due to two properties of mirror reflections: the increased perceived distance of items and the reversal of the apparent handedness of the rubber hand.
Bleaching/blinking assisted localization microscopy for superresolution imaging using standard fluorescent molecules
Authors: Burnette Dylan T. , Sengupta Prabuddha , Dai Yuhai , Lippincott-Schwartz Jennifer , Kachar Bechara
Published: December 2011

Superresolution imaging techniques based on the precise localization of single molecules, such as photoactivated localization microscopy (PALM) and stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM), achieve high resolution by fitting images of single fluorescent molecules with a theoretical Gaussian to localize them with a precision on the order of tens of nanometers. PALM/STORM rely on photoactivated proteins or photoswitching dyes, respectively, which makes them technically challenging. We present a simple and practical way of producing point localization-based superresolution images that does not require photoactivatable or photoswitching probes. Called bleaching/blinking assisted localization microscopy (BaLM), the technique relies on the intrinsic bleaching and blinking behaviors characteristic of all commonly used fluorescent probes. To detect single fluorophores, we simply acquire a stream of fluorescence images. Fluorophore bleach or blink-off events are detected by subtracting from each image of the series the subsequent image. Similarly, blink-on events are detected by subtracting from each frame the previous one. After image subtractions, fluorescence emission signals from single fluorophores are identified and the localizations are determined by fitting the fluorescence intensity distribution with a theoretical Gaussian. We also show that BaLM works with a spectrum of fluorescent molecules in the same sample. Thus, BaLM extends single molecule-based superresolution localization to samples labeled with multiple conventional fluorescent probes.
Moving ‘East’ or ‘West’?
Authors: Dixon Jeffrey C. , Borlu Yetkin , Kasdoğan Duygu
Published: December 2011

In light of debates over the compatibility of Islam and democracy, their importance in the EU candidate state of Turkey which has been led by the religious-based Justice and Development Party (JDP) since 2002, and the paucity of research examining liberal-democratic value change, we examine liberal-democratic value change and its sources in Turkey between 2000 and 2008. The results of our descriptive, factor, and multivariate analyses of European and World Values Survey data (2000, 2001, 2007, and 2008) indicate that despite Huntington's (1996) and Turkish secularists' pessimism, people in Turkey have not adopted more politically religious values during this time. However, personal expressions of religiosity are on the rise, and they are intertwined with politically religious values to some extent. People in Turkey have generally adopted less politically authoritarian values, but they are more supportive of military rule in 2008 than before the JDP came to power. Ethnic tolerance peaked in 2007 but declined below its 2001 level in 2008. While human development theory helps to explain these trends and values, the case of Turkey reveals that other, more political factors –such as nationalism –may counteract liberal-democratic value change. The results are suggestive of a political realignment in Turkey that transcends a secular-religious divide. They further suggest that Turkey is moving neither ‘East’ nor ‘West’; rather, it is very much moving in its own direction.
First Report of Bacterial Canker of Kiwifruit Caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae in Turkey
Authors: Bastas K. K. , Karakaya A.
Published: December 2011

A new disease was observed during the spring and autumn of 2009 and 2010 on kiwifruit plants (Actinidia deliciosa cv. Hayward) in Rize Province of Turkey. Disease incidence was estimated as 3% in approximately 10 ha. Symptoms were characterized by dark brown spots surrounded by yellow halos on leaves and cankers with reddish exudate production on twigs and stems. Eight representative bacterial strains were isolated from leaf spots and tissues under the bark on King's B medium (KB) and identified as Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae on the basis of biochemical, physiological (1,2), and PCR tests (3). Bacteria were gram negative, rod shaped, and nonfluorescent on KB; positive for levan production, sucrose and inositol utilization, and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv. White Burley) hypersensitivity; and negative for growth at 37°C, oxidase, potato soft rot, arginine dihydrolase, urease, arbutin, erythritol, lactic acid, aesculin hydrolysis, gelatin liquefaction, and syringomycin production. Identity of the eight isolates was confirmed by PCR using P. syringae pv. actinidiae-specific primers PsaF1/R3 to generate a 280-bp DNA fragment (3). P. syringae pv. actinidiae reference strain NCPPB 3739, and CJW7 from Jae Sung Jung, Department of Biology, Sunchon National University, Korea, were employed in all biochemical, physiological, and molecular tests as positive controls. Pathogenicity was confirmed by artificial inoculation of 2-year-old A. deliciosa cv. Hayward. A bacterial suspension (108 CFU ml–1) was injected into kiwifruit twig tips, stems, and leaves with a hypodermic syringe, and the inoculated plants were placed at 25 to 28°C and 80% relative humidity growth chamber for 3 weeks. First symptoms were observed on leaves within 5 days after inoculation and on twigs after 20 days. No symptoms were observed on control plants that were inoculated with sterile water. Reisolation was made from dark brown lesions surrounded by yellow halos on leaves and cankers on twigs and stem and their identities were confirmed using the techniques previously described. All tests were performed three times and pathogenicity tests employed three plants for each strain. To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. syringae pv. actinidiae causing disease on kiwifruit in Turkey. Kiwifruit production in Turkey has expanded rapidly during the last 10 years ( http://www.tuik.gov.tr ) and phytosanitary measures are needed to prevent further spread of the bacterium to other kiwifruit orchards.

References: (1) Y. J. Koh et al. N. Z. J. Crop Hortic. Sci. 38:4, 275, 2010. (2) R. A. Lelliott and D. E. Stead. Methods for the Diagnosis of Bacterial Diseases of Plants. Blackwell Scientific, Sussex, UK, 1988. (3) J. Rees-George et al. Plant Pathol. 59:453, 2010.
Air motion sensing hairs of arthropods detect high frequencies at near-maximal mechanical efficiency
Authors: Bathellier Brice , Steinmann Thomas , Barth Friedrich G. , Casas Jérôme
Published: December 2011

Using measurements based on particle image velocimetry in combination with a novel compact theoretical framework to describe hair mechanics, we found that spider and cricket air motion sensing hairs work close to the physical limit of sensitivity and energy transmission in a broad range of relatively high frequencies. In this range, the hairs closely follow the motion of the incoming flow because a minimum of energy is dissipated by forces acting in their basal articulation. This frequency band is located beyond the frequency at which the angular displacement of the hair is maximum which is between about 40 and 600 Hz, depending on hair length (Barthet al. [1]Phil. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. B340, 445–461 (doi:10.1098/rstb.1993.0084)). Given that the magnitude of natural airborne signals is known to decrease with frequency, our results point towards the possible existence of spectral signatures in the higher frequency range that may be weak but of biological significance.
Sexual selection favours male parental care, when females can choose
Authors: Alonzo Suzanne H.
Published: December 2011

Explaining the evolution of male care has proved difficult. Recent theory predicts that female promiscuity and sexual selection on males inherently disfavour male care. In sharp contrast to these expectations, male-only care is often found in species with high extra-pair paternity and striking variation in mating success, where current theory predicts female-only care. Using a model that examines the coevolution of male care, female care and female choice; I show that inter-sexual selection can drive the evolution of male care when females are able to bias mating or paternity towards parental males. Surprisingly, female choice for parental males allows male care to evolve despite low relatedness between the male and the offspring in his care. These results imply that predicting how sexual selection affects parental care evolution will require further understanding of why females, in many species, either do not prefer or cannot favour males that provide care.
Isometric size-scaling of metabolic rate and the size abundance distribution of phytoplankton
Authors: Huete-Ortega María , Cermeño Pedro , Calvo-Díaz Alejandra , Marañón Emilio
Published: December 2011

The relationship between phytoplankton cell size and abundance has long been known to follow regular, predictable patterns in near steady-state ecosystems, but its origin has remained elusive. To explore the linkage between the size-scaling of metabolic rate and the size abundance distribution of natural phytoplankton communities, we determined simultaneously phytoplankton carbon fixation rates and cell abundance across a cell volume range of over six orders of magnitude in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean. We found an approximately isometric relationship between carbon fixation rate and cell size (mean slope value: 1.16; range: 1.03–1.32), negating the idea that Kleiber's law is applicable to unicellular autotrophic protists. On the basis of the scaling of individual resource use with cell size, we predicted a reciprocal relationship between the size-scalings of phytoplankton metabolic rate and abundance. This prediction was confirmed by the observed slopes of the relationship between phytoplankton abundance and cell size, which have a mean value of −1.15 (range: −1.29 to −0.97), indicating that the size abundance distribution largely results from the size-scaling of metabolic rate. Our results imply that the total energy processed by carbon fixation is constant along the phytoplankton size spectrum in near steady-state marine ecosystems.
Improving the time‐machine: estimating date of birth of grade II gliomas
Authors: Gerin C. , Pallud J. , Grammaticos B. , Mandonnet E. , Deroulers C. , Varlet P. , Capelle L. , Taillandier L. , Bauchet L. , Duffau H. , Badoual M.
Published: December 2011

Objectives:  Here we present a model aiming to provide an estimate of time from tumour genesis, for grade II gliomas. The model is based on a differential equation describing the diffusion–proliferation process. We have applied our model to situations where tumour diameter was shown to increase linearly with time, with characteristic diametric velocity.

Materials and methods:  We have performed numerical simulations to analyse data, on patients with grade II gliomas and to extract information concerning time of tumour biological onset, as well as radiology and distribution of model parameters.

Results and conclusions:  We show that the estimate of tumour onset obtained from extrapolation using a constant velocity assumption, always underestimates biological tumour age, and that the correction one should add to this estimate is given roughly by 20/v (year), where v is the diametric velocity of expansion of the tumour (expressed in mm/year). Within the assumptions of the model, we have identified two types of tumour: the first corresponds to very slowly growing tumours that appear during adolescence, and the second type corresponds to slowly growing tumours that appear later, during early adulthood. That all these tumours become detectable around a mean patient age of 30 years could be interesting for formulation of strategies for early detection of tumours.
Home environment: association with hyperactivity/impulsivity in children with ADHD and their non‐ADHD siblings
Authors: Mulligan A. , Anney R. , Butler L. , O'Regan M. , Richardson T. , Tulewicz E. M. , Fitzgerald M. , Gill M.
Published: December 2011

Objective  We wished to ascertain if there is an association between symptoms of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and home environment in children with ADHD and non‐ADHD siblings, controlling for other environmental measures.

Methods  96 children with ADHD combined type (ADHD‐CT) and their siblings participated in the study. Parent and teacher Conners' rating scales were completed and home environment was assessed using the middle childhood and early adolescent Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (HOME). ADHD symptoms were assessed for correlation with HOME in children with ADHD‐CT and non‐ADHD siblings and multiple regression analysis was used to control for gender, socio‐economic status, exposure to nicotine, exposure to alcohol in utero, birth weight, gestational age, pregnancy and perinatal risk factors. The presence of oppositional disorders was assessed for association with HOME score in those with ADHD‐CT. The multiple regression analysis was repeated controlling for environmental factors and for oppositional disorders in those with ADHD‐CT. Oppositional symptoms were assessed for correlation with HOME score in non‐ADHD siblings.

Results  Teacher‐rated hyperactive/impulsive scores correlated with HOME (r=−0.27, P < 0.01) in children with ADHD‐CT. This association remained significant when other environmental factors and oppositional disorders were controlled for. Environmental factors and gender contributed to 30% of the variance of ADHD symptoms in ADHD‐CT. Parent‐rated hyperactive/impulsive scores also correlated with HOME (r=−0.28, P < 0.05) for non‐ADHD siblings. An association between HOME and diagnosis of oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder was found for children with ADHD‐CT and between HOME and oppositional symptoms in non‐ADHD siblings.

Conclusions  The home environment has a small but significant association with hyperactive/impulsive symptoms in children with ADHD‐CT and non‐ADHD siblings. This association remained when other environmental factors were taken into account. Oppositional symptoms are associated with home environment in ADHD‐CT and in non‐ADHD siblings.
Human‐knowledge resources and interorganisational systems
Authors: Ibrahim Mohammed , Ribbers Pieter M. , Bettonvil Bert
Published: December 2011

This paper analyses how human‐knowledge resources affect interorganisational systems (IOS) capabilities and subsequently attainment of operational and strategic benefits. A conceptual model is constructed combining the transaction cost economics (TCE) view, resource‐based view (RBV) and insights from IOS literature. The model is tested through a triangulation approach combining two qualitative case studies and a quantitative field study within the logistics sector. This sector is chosen due to its need for high reliance on information technology. The findings indicate that human knowledge positively influences IOS capabilities related to cross‐organisational business processes and transfer of knowledge. Findings also show that strategic benefits are the consequence of knowledge transfer, when the transfer supports business processes resulting in operational benefits. The main theoretical contribution of this paper is that it combines a TCE view and RBV to analyse the effect of relationship‐specificity of human‐based knowledge resources in IOS.
Establishment of quality predictive models for bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) fillets during storage at different temperatures
Authors: Hong Hui , Luo Yongkang , Zhu Sichao , Shen Huixing
Published: December 2011

Quality predictive models were developed to predict the freshness of bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) fillets during storage at different temperatures. Quality indices [sensory score, total volatile base nitrogen (TVB‐N), total aerobic counts (TAC) and K value] at −3, 0, 3, 9 and 15 °C were estimated and kinetically modelled by the Arrhenius equation. The activation energy (EA) of sensory score, TVB‐N, TAC and K value was 78.17, 75.93, 106.53 and 76.21 kJ mol−1, and the corresponding rate constants (k0) were 1.16 × 1015, 2.60 × 1014, 4.05 × 1019 and 1.36 × 1015. The high regression coefficients (R2 > 0.87) indicated the acceptability of the zero‐order reaction for sensory score, TVB‐N, TAC and K value. Relative errors between predicted and observed freshness indicators values of sensory score, TVB‐N, TAC and K value were all below 10% except the values at 6th day of K value, 3rd day and 9th day of TVB‐N. These results indicated that the models based on sensory score, TVB‐N, TAC and K value could effectively predict the freshness indicators of bighead carp fillets at the range of −3 to 15 °C.
Construction of the mutant strain in Aspergillus oryzae 3.042 for abundant proteinase production by the N+ ion implantation mutagenesis
Authors: Zhao Guozhong , Hou Lihua , Lu Meifang , Wei Yonghua , Zeng Bin , Wang Chunling , Cao Xiaohong
Published: December 2011

Because of secreting large amounts of enzymes, Aspergillus oryzae was widely used in the fermentation of soy sauce in many Asian countries. Here, N+ ion implantation mutagenesis was applied to improve the ability of A. oryzae to secrete acid protease. Several mutants were screened using three kinds of plates (Casein medium, Czapek’s medium and carboxymethyl cellulose medium agar plates). Compared with the other mutants, the mutant A100‐8 could secrete the most protease. Acid protease activity of A100‐8 was enhanced about 44.1% at 36 h by koji fermentation test. In addition, A100‐8 was stable by periodically subculturing and maintaining on the agar slant. The mRNA expression levels of two kinds of acid protease (serine carboxypeptidase and aspartyl protease) were measured by RT‐PCR at different periods. Serine carboxypeptidase and some kinds of aspartyl protease of A100‐8 were significantly (P < 0.01) expressed higher than the control at all times.
Combinations of glucose oxidase, α‐amylase and xylanase affect dough properties and bread quality
Authors: Eugenia Steffolani María , Ribotta Pablo D. , Pérez Gabriela T. , León Alberto E.
Published: December 2011

The objective of this work was to study the effects of the combination of glucose oxidase (Gox), α‐amylase (AM) and xylanase (Xyl) on dough properties and bread quality, applying response surface analysis. Gox improved dough stickiness and bread crumb uniformity, but had a negative effect on specific volume. A positive synergist effect was observed combining Xyl and AM on specific volume and crumb firmness but this synergist effect was negative on crumb uniformity. Using the ‘desirability function’, two optimal formulations for the baking process were obtained. In the first optimisation, the combination of Gox 0.0026, Xyl 0.016 and AM 0.01 g per 100 g of flour will allow to obtain breads with high specific volume and low firmness. Second optimisation (Gox 0.0037, Xyl 0.0089 and AM 0.0105 g per 100 g of flour) will allow to obtain breads with 37% higher specific volume than control and, additionally, with low dough stickiness.
Bridging evidence and consensus methodology for inherited metabolic disorders: creating nutrition guidelines
Authors: Singh Rani H. , Rohr Fran , Splett Patricia L.
Published: December 2011

Rationale, aims and objectives  The management of many inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs) is dependent on nutrition intervention, but few clinical management guidelines for these uncommon disorders exist. Clinicians are forced to make nutrition treatment decisions using limited data. This results in clinical variations in both service and cost. We describe a method for establishing management guidelines to help clinicians treat patients with IMDs.

Methods  The Southeast Newborn Screening and Genetics Collaborative (Region 3) convened a group of nine national experts in metabolic nutrition to determine the pertinent issues in the development of nutrition management guidelines for IMDs. These experts were trained in evidence analysis and examined established consensus techniques for guideline development.

Results  The workgroup developed a multi‐step process for guideline development known as the Delphi‐Nominal Group‐Delphi‐Field Testing methodology, which includes a review of scientific and grey (unpublished) literature, a Delphi survey of practice, a nominal group meeting to clarify discrepancies, a formulation of recommendations and a second Delphi round to assess the degree of consensus with the proposed recommendations. External review and field testing are also built into the process.

Conclusion  The evidence‐ and consensus‐based method suggested for the development of nutrition management guidelines for IMDs will result in the production of consistent and accessible guidelines that can be created in a timely and cost‐effective manner and offer a validated methodology to develop management guidelines for this field to optimize outcomes.
Social organization and genetic structure: insights from codistributed bat populations
Authors: ROSSITER STEPHEN J. , ZUBAID AKBAR , MOHD‐ADNAN ADURA , STRUEBIG MATTHEW J. , KUNZ THOMAS H. , GOPAL SUCHARITA , PETIT ERIC J. , KINGSTON TIGGA
Published: December 2011

The impact of ecology and social organization on genetic structure at landscape spatial scales, where gene dynamics shape evolution as well as determine susceptibility to habitat fragmentation, is poorly understood. Attempts to assess these effects must take into account the potentially confounding effects of history. We used microsatellites to compare genetic structure in seven bat species with contrasting patterns of roosting ecology and social organization, all of which are codistributed in an ancient forest habitat that has been exceptionally buffered from radical habitat shifts. Over one thousand individuals were captured at foraging sites and genotyped at polymorphic microsatellite loci. Analyses of spatially explicit genotype data revealed interspecies differences in the extent of movement and gene flow and genetic structure across continuous intact forest. Highest positive genetic structure was observed in tree‐roosting taxa that roost either alone or in small groups. By comparison, a complete absence of genetic autocorrelation was noted in the cave‐roosting colonial species across the study area. Our results thus reveal measurable interspecies differences in the natural limits of gene flow in an unmodified habitat, which we attribute to contrasting roosting ecology and social organization. The consequences of ecology and behaviour for gene flow have important implications for conservation. In particular, tree‐roosting species characterized by lower vagility and thus gene flow will be disproportionally impacted by landscape‐scale forest clearance and habitat fragmentation, which are prevalent in the study region. Our method also highlights the usefulness of rapid sampling of foraging bats for assaying genetic structure, particularly where roosting sites are not always known.
Incidental kidney stones: a single center experience with kidney donor selection
Authors: Kim Irene K. , Tan Jane C. , Lapasia Jessica , Elihu Arvand , Busque Stephan , Melcher Marc L.
Published: December 2011

Kim IK, Tan JC, Lapasia J, Elihu A, Busque S, Melcher ML. Incidental kidney stones: a single center experience with kidney donor selection.

Abstract:  The presence of kidney stones has been a relative contraindication for living donation. With the widespread use of more sensitive imaging techniques as part of the routine living donor workup, kidney stones are more frequently detected, and their clinical significance in this setting is largely unknown. Records from 325 potential kidney donors who underwent MRA or CT‐angiography were reviewed; 294 proceeded to donation. The prevalence of kidney stones found incidentally during donor evaluation was 7.4% (24 of 325). Sixteen donors with stones proceeded with kidney donation. All incidental calculi were nonobstructing and small (median 2 mm; range 1–9 mm). Eleven recipients were transplanted with allografts containing stones. One recipient developed symptomatic nephrolithasis after transplantation. This recipient was found to have newly formed stones secondary to hyperoxaluria, suggesting a recipient‐driven propensity for stone formation. The remaining ten recipients have stable graft function, postoperative ultrasound negative for nephrolithiasis, and no sequelae from stones. No donor developed symptomatic nephrolithiasis following donation. Judicious use of allografts with small stones in donors with normal metabolic studies may be acceptable, and careful follow‐up in recipients of such allografts is warranted.
Mapping QTL for heat tolerance at flowering stage in rice using SNP markers
Authors: Ye Changrong , Argayoso May A. , Redoña Edilberto D. , Sierra Sheryl N. , Laza Marcelino A. , Dilla Christine J. , Mo Youngjun , Thomson Michael J. , Chin Joonghyoun , Delaviña Celia B. , Diaz Genaleen Q. , Hernandez Jose E.
Published: December 2011

With 3 figures and 5 tables

To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling heat tolerance in rice, the progeny of BC1F1 and F2 populations derived from an IR64 × N22 cross were exposed to 38/24°C for 14 days at the flowering stage, and spikelet fertility was assessed. A custom 384‐plex Illumina GoldenGate genotyping assay was used to genotype the F2 and selected BC1F1 plants. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms were associated with heat tolerance in the BC1F1 population using selective genotyping and single marker analysis, and four putative QTL were found to be associated with heat tolerance in the F2 population. Two major QTL were located on chromosome 1 (qHTSF1.1) and chromosome 4 (qHTSF4.1). These two major QTL could explain 12.6% (qHTSF1.1) and 17.6% (qHTSF4.1) of the variation in spikelet fertility under high temperature. Tolerant allele of qHTSF1.1 was from the susceptible parent IR64, and that of qHTSF4.1 was from tolerant parent N22. The effect of qHTSF4.1 on chromosome 4 was confirmed in selected BC2F2 progeny from the same IR64 × N22 cross, and the plants with qHTSF4.1 showed significantly higher spikelet fertility than other genotypes.
Linking biology to fishing regulations: Australia’s Murray Crayfish (Euastacus armatus)
Authors: Zukowski Sylvia , Watts Robyn , Curtis Allan
Published: December 2011

Summary  Murray Crayfish (Euastacus armatus) can be legally fished by recreational fishers in two states of Australia; however, there is limited published biological information on which recreational fishing regulations can be based. Murray Crayfish populations were surveyed in a 230‐km river reach of the River Murray, New South Wales, Australia. Only 39% of the female Murray Crayfish were sexually matured at the minimum legal length (90‐mm occipital carapace length) set by current fishing regulations. Females first came into berry 16 days after the commencement of the open fishing season. During handling of berried females, an average of 1.3 eggs dropped off when the tail was left closed and 3.9 when the tail was opened. Results of this study suggest that fishing regulations relating to minimum legal length and timing of the open fishing season may need to be re‐evaluated.
Emotional intelligence: A promise unfulfilled?
Authors: MATTHEWS GERALD , ZEIDNER MOSHE , ROBERTS RICHARD D.
Published: December 2011

Emotional intelligence (EI) is a relatively new construct in differential psychology. Proponents of EI have made strong claims for its importance in basic and applied psychology. This article considers whether the promise of EI has been fulfilled. We examine various fundamental challenges to establishing EI as a major individual differences factor, including cross‐cultural issues. We then examine strategies for assessing EI as a personal quality distinct from general intelligence and personality, and evaluate leading tests and scales for EI. Various sources of validity evidence demonstrate the value of research on EI, but we also identify various weaknesses of existing instruments. It appears that there is no strong, over‐arching general factor of EI that shapes human emotional functioning across a range of diverse contexts. Instead, we advocate a “multipolar” conception of EI that discriminates temperament, information‐processing, emotion‐regulation and acquired skills. Focusing research on more narrowly defined but conceptually coherent research domains may be a more productive strategy than seeking to define an all‐embracing general EI.
DIFFERENCES IN GROWTH AND PHYSIOLOGY OF MARINE SYNECHOCOCCUS (CYANOBACTERIA) ON NITRATE VERSUS AMMONIUM ARE NOT DETERMINED SOLELY BY NITROGEN SOURCE REDOX STATE1
Authors: Collier Jackie L. , Lovindeer Raisha , Xi Yue , Radway JoAnn C. , Armstrong Robert A.
Published: December 2011

The preference of phytoplankton for ammonium over nitrate has traditionally been explained by the greater metabolic cost of reducing oxidized forms of nitrogen. This “metabolic cost hypothesis” implies that there should be a growth disadvantage on nitrate compared to ammonium or other forms of reduced nitrogen such as urea, especially when light limits growth, but in a variety of phytoplankton taxa, this predicted difference has not been observed. Our experiments with three strains of marine Synechococcus (WH7803, WH7805, and WH8112) did not reveal consistently faster growth (cell division) on ammonium or urea as compared to nitrate. Urease and glutamine synthetase (GS) activities varied with nitrogen source in a manner consistent with regulation by cellular nitrogen status via NtcA (rather than by external availability of nitrogen) in all three strains and indicated that each strain experienced some degree of nitrogen insufficiency during growth on nitrate. At light intensities that strongly limited growth, the composition (carbon, nitrogen, and pigment quotas) of WH7805 cells using nitrate was indistinguishable from that of cells using ammonium, but at saturating light intensities, cellular carbon, nitrogen, and pigment quotas were significantly lower in cells using nitrate than ammonium. These and similar results from other phytoplankton taxa suggest that a limitation in some step of nitrate uptake or assimilation, rather than the extra cost of reducing nitrate per se, may be the cause of differences in growth and physiology between cells using nitrate and ammonium.
‘Get alongside us’, women's experiences of being overweight and pregnant in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Mills Annie , Schmied Virginia A. , Dahlen Hannah G.
Published: December 2011

Studies of women's experiences of being overweight and pregnant are limited in the literature. Given the increasing rates of obesity in pregnant women, and the impact of being overweight on the health of the mother and the child, this qualitative descriptive study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of overweight pregnant women attending two maternity units in Sydney, Australia. Fourteen women aged between 25 and 42 years with a body mass index greater than 30 kg/m2 participated in a face‐to‐face interview in their third trimester of pregnancy or in the early post‐natal period. All interviews were recorded and transcribed. Field notes were also recorded following each interview. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Four themes were identified in the data: ‘being overweight and pregnant’, ‘being on a continuum of change’, ‘get alongside us’ and finally ‘wanting the same treatment as everyone else’. Most women recognised their weight as an issue both for their own health and well‐being and for its impact on the baby. Women believed health professionals should address the issue of obesity with them but do so in a supportive and positive way that recognised their individual needs and expectations. Health professionals need to consider new approaches or models of care for overweight women that give them support and enable individual needs and expectations to be met. Culturally specific programs may also need to be developed.
THE LURE OF STATISTICS FOR EDUCATIONAL RESEARCHERS
Authors: Labaree David F.
Published: December 2011

In this essay David Labaree explores the historical and sociological elements that have made educational researchers dependent on statistics. He shows that educational research as a domain, with its focus on a radically soft and thoroughly applied form of knowledge and with its low academic standing, fits the pattern in which weak professions have been most likely to adopt quantification. One problem with educational researchers' seduction by the quantitative turn is that it deflects attention away from many of the most important issues in the field, which are not easily reduced to standardized quanta. Another is that by adopting this rationalized, quantified, abstracted, statist, and reductionist vision of education, educational policymakers risk imposing reforms that will destroy the local practical knowledge that makes the ecology of the classroom function effectively. Quantification, Labaree suggests, may be useful for the professional interests of educational researchers, but it can be devastating for school and society.
CONSIDERING MATERIALITY IN EDUCATIONAL POLICY: MESSY OBJECTS AND MULTIPLE REALS
Authors: Fenwick Tara , Edwards Richard
Published: December 2011

Educational analysts need new ways to engage with policy processes in a networked world of complex transnational connections. In this discussion, Tara Fenwick and Richard Edwards argue for a greater focus on materiality in educational policy as a way to trace the heterogeneous interactions and precarious linkages that enact policy as complex manifestations. In particular, Fenwick and Edwards point to the methodologies of actor‐network theory (ANT), at least in its most recent permutations, as a useful approach to materiality in policy analysis. Published examples of educational policy studies drawing from these methodologies are beginning to appear. In reviewing these, we argue that ANT sensibilities help to make visible the sociomaterial assemblages—the “messy objects”—that enact policy, the micro‐negotiations that mobilize and stabilize (and destabilize) these assemblages, and the multiple ontologies that often coexist in policy environments. Fenwick and Edwards conclude with a discussion of methodological issues for working with concepts of ontological variance and messy objects in educational policy.
Association between the Interleukin 10−1082G>A polymorphism and coronary heart disease risk in a Caucasian population: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Y. , Zheng J. , Liu P. , Yu X. , Zhou D. , Jiang L. , You Y. , Zhou Y.
Published: December 2011

Interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) is a cytokine with anti‐inflammatory and B‐cell‐stimulating activity. IL‐10 is expressed in human atherosclerotic plaques and studies have shown the involvement of IL‐10 in the atherosclerotic process. The IL‐10−1082G/A polymorphism is one of the most commonly studied polymorphisms in this gene because of its association with coronary heart disease (CHD) risks, but previous results have been conflicting. We performed a meta‐analysis using six eligible case–control studies (including 14 data sets) with a total of 5006 patients and 3968 controls to summarize the existing data on the association between the IL‐10−1082G/A polymorphism and CHD risk. Compared with the common IL‐10−1082G/A GG genotype, the carriers of variant genotypes (IL‐10−1082GA/AA) had a 1.12‐fold elevated risk of CHD (95% CI = 1.01–1.23, P = 0.03) under the dominant genetic model, as estimated using a random effect model. The effect of the IL‐10−1082G/A polymorphism was further evaluated using stratification analysis. In the three disease of artery studies, with the variant genotypes had a not obvious increased risk of disease of artery (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 0.98–1.44, P = 0.08) as estimated using a fixed effect model. Similar results were found in the nine myocardial infarction studies (OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.00–1.27, P = 0.05). It was also demonstrated that the increased risk of CHD associated with IL‐10−1082G/A variant genotypes was more pronounced in Caucasians (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.01–1.23, P = 0.03). Our meta‐analysis suggests that the IL‐10−1082G/A polymorphism genotypes (GA+AA) might be associated with an increased risk of CHD, especially in Caucasians.