bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydromagnetic Stability Analysis of a Film Coating Flow Down a Rotating Vertical Cylinder
Authors: Cheng P.-J. , Liu K.-C. , Lin D. T. W.
Published: March 2011

The influence of both the Rossby number and the Hartmann number on the hydromagnetic stability of a thin liquid film flowing down along the surface of a vertical cylinder is investigated. The long-wave perturbation method is employed to solve for generalized nonlinear kinematic equations with a free film interface. The normal mode approach is used to compute the stability solution for the film flow. The modeling results indicate that the stability of the liquid film is enhanced by increasing the strength of the magnetic field or reducing the speed at which the cylinder rotates. By contrast, the flow becomes relatively more unstable as the cylinder radius is increased at larger values of the Rossby number. Notably, this finding is the opposite of that observed for film flows along a stationary vertical cylinder.
Out of Sync: The Disconnect Between Constitutional Clauses and State Legislation on Religion
Authors: Fox Jonathan
Published: March 2011

Abstract. This study examines the influence of constitutional clauses—which either establish religions (EOR) or separation of religion and state (SRAS)—on state religion policy as measured by the Religion and State (RAS) dataset's religious legislation variable for 166 states. The results show that, even when controlling for structural factors which have been shown to influence the level of religious legislation, constitutional clauses have a significant impact. However, this influence is small compared to structural factors and is limited to the presence or absence of EOR and SRAS clauses. The specific wording of these clauses has minimal, if any, impact on legislation. This study also finds that religious legislation is ubiquitous even in states with SRAS clauses in their constitutions.

Résumé. Cette étude examine l'influence exercée par les clauses constitutionnelles – qui régissent l'établissement d'une religion officielle (EOR) ou la séparation de l'Église et de l'État (SRAS) – sur la politique religieuse des États, telle que mesurée par les données de la législation religieuse de 166 États, celles-ci étant répertoriées dans la base de données RAS (l'Église et l'État). Les résultats montrent que même lorsqu'on étudie les facteurs structurels qui ont une incidence reconnue sur le niveau de législation religieuse, les clauses constitutionnelles ont un impact notable. Leur influence s'avère toutefois faible en comparaison de celle des facteurs structurels et elle se limite à la présence ou à l'absence de clauses EOR et SRAS. La formulation précise de ces clauses influe peu ou pas du tout sur la législation. L'étude conclut également que la législation religieuse est omniprésente, même dans les États dont la constitution comporte des clauses de séparation de l'Église et de l'État.
The Limits of Deliberative Democracy and Empowerment: Elite Motivation in Three Canadian Cases
Authors: Johnson Genevieve Fuji
Published: March 2011

Abstract.In recent years, elites in the Canadian Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO), Nova Scotia Power Incorporated (NSP) and Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) held consultations based on principles of deliberative democracy with members of their affected publics. I explore five factors that may help us understand why some elites are inclined to empower members of their affected publics. These factors can be understood as characteristics of each policy context and include normative principle, public pressure, policy requirement, strategic management interest, and economic interest. Based on a comparative case study of a series of semi-structured interviews with a range of actors, written public submissions, and official reports, I identify these as pertinent factors and argue that the convergence of the economic interests of the organization and the deliberative empowerment of its affected public is critical. This examination serves constructively in helping us better understand a persistent gap between the theoretical aims and practical instantiations of deliberative democracy.

Résumé.Au cours des dernières années, les élites dirigeantes de la Société canadienne de gestion des déchets nucléaires, de la Nova Scotia Power Inc. et de la Société de logement communautaire de Toronto ont tenu des séances de consultation fondées sur les principes de la démocratie délibérative avec les membres concernés par leurs politiques. J'examine cinq facteurs qui peuvent nous aider à mieux comprendre pourquoi certains décideurs sont enclins à reconnaître un droit de regard aux membres touchés par leurs politiques. Ces facteurs peuvent être analysés en tant que caractéristiques des contextes particuliers de chaque politique concernée et incluent les dimensions liées aux principes normatifs, aux pressions publiques, au contenu des politiques, à la gestion stratégique des intérêts et aux enjeux économiques. À l'aide d'une étude comparative de cas comprenant des entretiens semi-dirigés avec divers acteurs, des soumissions publiques écrites et des rapports officiels, je présente ces dimensions à titre de facteurs pertinents et soutiens que la convergence des intérêts économiques des organisations et le pouvoir de délibération accordé au public concerné revêtent une importance cruciale. Cet examen se révèle constructif et nous aide à mieux comprendre le fossé persistant entre les finalités théoriques et la mise en pratique de la démocratie délibérative.
Ears Wide Shut: Epistemological Populism, Argutainment and Canadian Conservative Talk Radio
Authors: Saurette Paul , Gunster Shane
Published: March 2011

Abstract.Although scholars have identified political talk radio (PTR) as an important site of political socialization, the current literature has largely failed to examine the political relevance of PTR's rhetorical strategies and has virtually ignored Canadian PTR altogether. This article addresses these gaps by analyzingAdler On Line, Canada's only nationally syndicated commercial PTR program, to show thathowCanadian PTR talks, particularly its use of populist rhetoric, plays a central role in establishing what type of political deliberation and debate is possible within it. Divided into two main sections, the article first explores howAdler On Linerenders a particular epistemological framework authoritative. The second section then analyzes the rules and norms of political expression and debate encouraged by the show's style of argutainment debate. The article concludes with a more speculative evaluation of the practical consequences as well as the theoretical and normative implications of these discursive practices.

Résumé.Bien que les auteurs de recherches reconnaissent que la radio interactive politique (RIP) représente un lieu important de socialisation politique, la littérature courante dans ce domaine omet, en grande partie, d'analyser la signification politique des stratégies rhétoriques de la RIP, tout en laissant entièrement dans l'ombre les activités de RIP canadiennes. Visant à combler ces lacunes, le présent article offre, dans un premier temps, une analyse de l'émissionAdler On Line, qui est la seule émission de RIP commerciale souscrite nationalement au Canada, puis démontre quele mode d'expressiontypique adopté dans cette émission, et surtout son usage de la rhétorique populiste, ont une incidence déterminante sur le genre de délibération et de débat politiques que permet la radio parlée au Canada. L'article se divise en deux grandes parties. La première explore le cadre épistémologique particulier de l'émissionAdler On Lineetla manièredont ce cadre se voit empreint d'autorité. La seconde partie analyse les règles ou normes de débat et d'expression des opinions politiques qu'encourage le style divertissant de cette émission-débat. Pour conclure, les auteurs évaluent de façon plus spéculative les conséquences pratiques de ces formes d'expression discursive, tout comme leur incidence théorique et normative.
See No Evil: Heterogeneity in Public Perceptions of Corruption
Authors: Tverdova Yuliya V.
Published: March 2011

Abstract.This paper investigates how people form perceptions about corruption. By combining survey data with system-level indicators in 30 countries, the author first explores the relationship between elite and mass evaluations of corruption. Furthermore, the author tests a series of hypotheses pertaining to how individual-level factors, such as political allegiances, personal economic conditions and education may influence people's perceptions. The findings reveal that mass assessments of corruption track closely those of the elites. In addition, more economically fortunate individuals and those who supported the government in the previous election tend to be less critical of corruption. The effect of education is contingent on a country's level of corruption. Specifically, more educated citizens in “cleaner” countries do not see as much corruption as their less educated counterparts. However, this difference is substantively modest.

Résumé.Cet article étudie la façon dont le public établit sa perception de la corruption. En utilisant conjointement les informations données par les enquêtes d'opinion et par les indicateurs de pointage de 30 pays, l'auteur va d'abord explorer les évaluations de la corruption des élites et celles de la masse populaire. De plus, l'auteur va tester une série d'hypothèses concernant la façon dont la perception du public est influencée par des facteurs personnels, l'appartenance politique par exemple, ou par la situation économique personnelle ou l'éducation. Les résultats révèlent que les jugements de la masse sur la corruption suivent de près ceux des élites. De plus, les individus plus fortunés ou ceux qui ont voté pour le gouvernement aux dernières élections ont tendance à se montrer moins critiques au sujet de la corruption. L'effet de l'éducation est aléatoire quant au niveau de corruption d' un pays. En particulier, dans les pays considérés comme les plus « propres », les citoyens plus éduqués constatent moins la corruption que ceux qui sont moins éduqués. La différence cependant est extrêmement modeste.
On Hölder continuity-in-time of the optimal transport map towards measures along a curve
Authors: Gigli Nicola
Published: March 2011

We discuss the problem of the regularity-in-time of the map t ↦ Tt ∊ Lp(ℝd, ℝd; σ), where Tt is a transport map (optimal or not) from a reference measure σ to a measure μt which lies along an absolutely continuous curve t ↦ μt in the space ($(\mathscr{P}_p(\mathbb{R}^d),W_p)$)). We prove that in most cases such a map is no more than 1/p-Hölder continuous.
Groups with few conjugacy classes
Authors: Héthelyi László , Horváth Erzsébet , Keller Thomas Michael , Maróti Attila
Published: March 2011

Let G be a finite group, let p be a prime divisor of the order of G and let k(G) be the number of conjugacy classes of G. By disregarding at most finitely many non-solvable p-solvable groups G, we have $k(G)\geq2\smash{\sqrt{p-1}}$ with equality if and only if if $\smash{\sqrt{p-1}}$ is an integer, $G=C_{p}\rtimes\smash{C_{\sqrt{p-1}}}$ and CG(Cp) = Cp. This extends earlier work of Héthelyi, Külshammer, Malle and Keller.
Effective population size of current human population
Authors: PARK LEEYOUNG
Published: March 2011

In order to estimate the effective population size (Ne) of the current human population, two new approaches, which were derived from previous methods, were used in this study. One is based on the deviation from linkage equilibrium (LE) between completely unlinked loci in different chromosomes and another is based on the deviation from the Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE). When random mating in a population is assumed, genetic drifts in population naturally induce linkage disequilibrium (LD) between chromosomes and the deviation from HWE. The latter provides information on theNeof the current population, and the former provides the same when theNeis constant. IfNefluctuates, recentNechanges are reflected in the estimates based on LE, and the comparison between two estimates can provide information regarding recent changes ofNe. Using HapMap Phase III data, the estimates were varied from 622 to 10 437, depending on populations and estimates. TheNeappeared to fluctuate as it provided different estimates for each of the two methods. TheseNeestimates were found to agree approximately with the overall increment observed in recent human populations.
The subtle dynamics of liquid sheets
Authors: EGGERS JENS
Published: March 2011

Liquid sheets are a generic occurrence in nature. They provide a key pathway by which liquid matter breaks up and is dispersed into smaller entities, as in the formation of sprays. However, the stability of liquid sheets is surprisingly subtle, and involves a range of physical effects, without which a quantitative understanding is impossible. As a result, even the linear stability of liquid sheets has remained open for over half a decade. Now, by a combination of experiment and thorough theoretical analysis by Tammisola et al. (J. Fluid Mech., this issue, vol. 672, 2011, pp. 5–32), we have finally gained a solid understanding of the key factors that control the initial stages of sheet breakup.
Divine attitudes, divine commands, and the modal status of moral truths
Authors: JORDAN MATTHEW CAREY
Published: March 2011

This essay presents a theistic account of deontic properties that can lay claim to many of the advantages of divine command theory but which avoids its flaws. The account, divine attitude theory, asserts that moral properties should be understood in terms of divine attitudes, such that an action is morally wrong just in case God would be displeased with the performance of that action. Among the virtues of this account is its ability to explain the modal status of fundamental moral truths, something that divine command theory cannot do.
Gender difference of insecure attachment: Universal or culture-specific?
Authors: Li Nanxin , He Jibo , Li Tonggui
Published: March 2011

Our research in China does not show gender differences in insecure attachment patterns. We believe that cultural differences between Chinese and Western societies may help to explain this phenomenon. Mating and parenting circumstances in China do not allow males to adopt a zero-investment strategy. In addition, attachment styles are transmitted across generations and last for the whole lifespan. Here, we argue that the influence of mating and parenting on the well-developed attachment patterns in childhood is relatively small.
A NEW LOOK AT ORGAN TRANSPLANTATION MODELS AND DOUBLE MATCHING QUEUES
Authors: Boxma Onno J. , David Israel , Perry David , Stadje Wolfgang
Published: March 2011

In this paper we propose a prototype model for the problem of managing waiting lists for organ transplantations. Our model captures the double-queue nature of the problem: there is a queue of patients, but also a queue of organs. Both may suffer from “impatience”: the health of a patient may deteriorate, and organs cannot be preserved longer than a certain amount of time. Using advanced tools from queueing theory, we derive explicit results for key performance criteria: the rate of unsatisfied demands and of organ outdatings, the steady-state distribution of the number of organs on the shelf, the waiting time of a patient, and the long-run fraction of time during which the shelf is empty of organs.
ON STOCHASTIC AND AGING PROPERTIES OF GENERALIZED ORDER STATISTICS
Authors: Tavangar Mahdi , Asadi Majid
Published: March 2011

The generalized order statistics (GOS) model is a unified model that contains the well-known ordered random data such as order statistics and record values. In the present article, we investigate some stochastic ordering results and aging properties of the conditional GOS. The results of the article subsume some of the existing results, which recently are obtained in the literature, on conditional GOS. In particular, our results hold for the model of progressively type II right censored order statistics without any restriction on the censoring scheme.
SOME NEW RESULTS ON RÉNYI ENTROPY OF RESIDUAL LIFE AND INACTIVITY TIME
Authors: Li Xiaohu , Zhang Shuhong
Published: March 2011

This article deals with Rényi entropies for the residual life and the inactivity time. Monotonic properties of the entropy in order statistics, record values, and weighted distributions are investigated, and the comparison on weighted random variables is studied in terms of residual Rényi entropy as well.
Optimising echocardiographic screening for rheumatic heart disease in New Zealand: not all valve disease is rheumatic
Authors: Webb Rachel H. , Wilson Nigel J. , Lennon Diana R. , Wilson Elizabeth M. , Nicholson Ross W. , Gentles Tom L. , O'Donnell Clare P. , Stirling John W. , Zeng Irene , Trenholme Adrian A.
Published: March 2011

Aims

Echocardiography detects a greater prevalence of rheumatic heart disease than heart auscultation. Echocardiographic screening for rheumatic heart disease combined with secondary prophylaxis may potentially prevent severe rheumatic heart disease in high-risk populations. We aimed to determine the prevalence of rheumatic heart disease in children from an urban New Zealand population at high risk for acute rheumatic fever.

Methods and results

To optimise accurate diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease, we utilised a two-step model. Portable echocardiography was conducted on 1142 predominantly Māori and Pacific children aged 10–13 years. Children with an abnormal screening echocardiogram underwent clinical assessment by a paediatric cardiologist together with hospital-based echocardiography. Rheumatic heart disease was then classified asdefinite, probable, orpossible. Portable echocardiography identified changes suggestive of rheumatic heart disease in 95 (8.3%) of 1142 children, which reduced to 59 (5.2%) after cardiology assessment. The prevalence ofdefiniteandprobablerheumatic heart disease was 26.0 of 1000, with 95% confidence intervals ranging from 12.6 to 39.4. Portable echocardiography overdiagnosed rheumatic heart disease with physiological valve regurgitation diagnosed in 28 children. A total of 30 children (2.6%) had non-rheumatic cardiac abnormalities, 11 of whom had minor congenital mitral valve anomalies.

Conclusions

We found high rates of undetected rheumatic heart disease in this high-risk population. Rheumatic heart disease screening has resource implications with cardiology evaluation required for accurate diagnosis. Echocardiographic screening for rheumatic heart disease may overdiagnose rheumatic heart disease unless congenital mitral valve anomalies and physiological regurgitation are excluded.
The global availability of n-3 fatty acids
Authors: Petrova Stefka , Dimitrov Plamen , Willett Walter C , Campos Hannia
Published: March 2011

Objectives

To assess the validity of FAO data on the availability of fish and vegetable oils as an indicator of national n-3 fatty acid (FA) intake and to estimate the worldwide population living in countries with low n-3 FA intake.

Design

Levels of the essential FA α-linolenic acid (ALA) and DHA, measured by GC in adipose tissue from participants in the present study and from published studies in eleven other countries, were used to validate ALA and fish availability estimated from FAO food balance sheets. On the basis of the validated FAO data for ALA and fish availability, we estimated the global prevalence of low n-3 FA availability.

Setting

Rural and urban areas of Bulgaria.

Subjects

Fifty men and fifty-eight women.

Results

Adipose tissue ALA and DHA levels (0·34 % and 0·11 % of total FA, respectively) in Bulgaria were lower than those of the eleven other countries with available data. A strong positive correlation was found between adipose tissue DHA and fish availability (r = 0·88) and between adipose tissue ALA and ALA availability (r = 0·92). Approximately half of the world's population lived in middle- and low-income countries with limited access to n-3 FA (fish < 400 g/week and ALA < 4 % of total vegetable oils), with the largest proportion being in South-East Asia (53·6 %), followed by Africa (27·1 %) and Eastern Europe (8·5 %). Of this half, 33 % lived in countries such as Bulgaria where n-3 FA was almost unavailable (fish < 200 g/week and ALA < 2 % of total vegetable oils).

Conclusions

Very low availability of n-3 FA is extensive worldwide.
Associations between the perceived presence of vending machines and food and beverage logos in schools and adolescents’ diet and weight status
Authors: Minaker Leia M , Storey Kate E , Raine Kim D , Spence John C , Forbes Laura E , Plotnikoff Ronald C , McCargar Linda J
Published: March 2011

Objective

The increasing prevalence of obesity among youth has elicited calls for schools to become more active in promoting healthy weight. The present study examined associations between various aspects of school food environments (specifically the availability of snack- and beverage-vending machines and the presence of snack and beverage logos) and students’ weight status, as well as potential influences of indices of diet and food behaviours.

Design

A cross-sectional, self-administered web-based survey. A series of multinomial logistic regressions with generalized estimating equations (GEE) were constructed to examine associations between school environment variables (i.e. the reported presence of beverage- and snack-vending machines and logos) and self-reported weight- and diet-related behaviours.

Setting

Secondary schools in Alberta, Canada.

Subjects

A total of 4936 students from grades 7 to 10.

Results

The presence of beverage-vending machines in schools was associated with the weight status of students. The presence of snack-vending machines and logos was associated with students’ frequency of consuming vended goods. The presence of snack-vending machines and logos was associated with the frequency of salty snack consumption.

Conclusions

The reported presence of snack- and beverage-vending machines and logos in schools is related to some indices of weight status, diet and meal behaviours but not to others. The present study supported the general hypothesis that the presence of vending machines in schools may affect students’ weight through increased consumption of vended goods, but notes that the frequency of ‘junk’ food consumption does not seem to be related to the presence of vending machines, perhaps reflecting the ubiquity of these foods in the daily lives of students.
Video instructions improve accuracy of self-measures of waist circumference compared with written instructions
Authors: McEneaney Dara F , Lennie Susan C
Published: March 2011

Objective

To determine whether video-based instructions improve the accuracy of self-measures of waist and hip circumference compared with written instructions.

Design

Population-based, cross-sectional study. Self-measurements of waist circumference (WC) and hip circumference (HC) of fifty-seven participants randomly allocated to receive either written instruction or video instruction were compared with those of a trained technician.

Setting

Aberdeen, Scotland, and Brussels, Belgium, between February and April 2010.

Subjects

Adults aged 18–62 years with a high level of English language and no prior training in anthropometry.

Results

WC was significantly overestimated by the written method (1·75 cm bias; P = 0·007) but not the video method (0·95 cm bias; P = 0·239). HC was significantly underestimated in both written (−0·35 cm bias; P = 0·009) and video methods (−0·75 cm bias; P = 0·046). Reliability was not significantly affected by age, sex, BMI or WC. Bland–Altman plots demonstrated wide limits of agreement for WC (−6·83, 6·08 cm for written method; −10·14, 6·72 cm for video method) and HC (−12·85, 1·60 cm for written method; −10·82, 2·50 cm for video method).

Conclusions

Video technology can support more accurate self-measurements of anthropometric data in epidemiological studies. Further research is warranted using larger and more heterogeneous samples in order that results can be generalised.
Relative validity of an FFQ for assessing dietary fluoride intakes of infants and young children living in Iowa
Authors: Rankin Scott J , Levy Steven M , Warren John J , Gilmore Julie E , Broffitt Barbara
Published: March 2011

Objective

To determine the relative validity of a quantitative FFQ in assessing dietary fluoride intakes using 3 d food and beverage diaries for reference.

Design

Parents were asked to complete questionnaires for the preceding week and diaries for 3 d for their children. Fluoride intakes were estimated from ‘selected’ foods and beverages for questionnaires and from ‘all foods and beverages’ for diaries. Data collected at 6, 9, 12, 16, 20, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months were analysed cross-sectionally.

Setting

A 3 d food and beverage diary and an FFQ collected through mail from children living in the state of Iowa.

Subjects

Children from the Iowa Fluoride Study whose parents completed both an FFQ and a 3 d food and beverage diary at each analysed time point.

Results

Correlations between daily mean dietary fluoride intake estimated from questionnaires and diaries range from 0·90 to 0·65.

Conclusions

A quantitative FFQ can provide relative estimates of dietary fluoride intake.
A PRECONDITIONED METHOD FOR THE SOLUTION OF THE ROBBINS PROBLEM FOR THE HELMHOLTZ EQUATION
Authors: LE JIANG , JIN HUANG , LV XIAO-GUANG , CHENG QING-SONG
Published: March 2011

A preconditioned iterative method for the two-dimensional Helmholtz equation with Robbins boundary conditions is discussed. Using a finite-difference method to discretize the Helmholtz equation leads to a sparse system of equations which is too large to solve directly. The approach taken in this paper is to precondition this linear system with a sine transform based preconditioner and then solve it using the generalized minimum residual method (GMRES). An analytical formula for the eigenvalues of the preconditioned matrix is derived and it is shown that the eigenvalues are clustered around 1 except for some outliers. Numerical results are reported to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Trading Cultures: Appellate Body Report on China–Audiovisuals (WT/DS363/AB/R, adopted 19 January 2010)
Authors: CONCONI PAOLA , PAUWELYN JOOST
Published: March 2011

In China–Audiovisuals, a series of Chinese restrictions on the importation and distribution of certain ‘cultural’ or ‘content’ goods and services were found to violate GATT, GATS, and China's Accession Protocol. This paper reviews the definition of what is a ‘good’ (is a ‘film’ a good or a service?) and the extent to which GATT Article XX exceptions can justify violations under WTO instruments other than the GATT itself. We argue that trade volumes are unlikely to significantly rise as a result of this ruling as it does not affect China's right to keep out foreign films and publications if China finds them objectionable. However, foreign producers of audiovisuals can now gain potentially large economic rents, by being able to export and distribute their products into the Chinese market. Finally, we discuss the issue of the protection of cultural goods and review the recent literature on trade and culture that has put forward economic arguments to justify, under some conditions, the protection of cultural goods.
United States – Continued Existence and Application of Zeroing Methodology: the end of Zeroing?
Authors: PRUSA THOMAS J. , VERMULST EDWIN
Published: March 2011

This is the eighth Appellate Body Report in which some aspect of zeroing was adjudicated. As in the prior cases, the AB again found the US practice inconsistent with several aspects of the Anti-Dumping Agreement. The novelty in this dispute was the EC attempt to broaden the concept of what constitutes an appealable measure. The EC challenged whether a WTO decision regarding zeroing could apply to subsequent proceedings that might modify duty levels and asked the AB to decide whether the United States' continued use of zeroing in the context of a given case was consistent with WTO obligations. The AB stated that in its attempt to bring an effective resolution to the zeroing issue, the EC is entitled to frame the subject of its challenge in such a way as to bring the ongoing use of the zeroing methodology in these cases, under the scrutiny of WTO dispute settlement. The AB then cautiously applied the new perspective to US zeroing practice.
Diversity and functional analysis of luxS genes in Vibrios from marine sponges Mycale laxissima and Ircinia strobilina
Authors: Zan Jindong , Fuqua Clay , Hill Russell T
Published: March 2011

Sponges harbor highly diverse and dense microbial communities, providing an environment in which bacterial signaling may be important. Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell density-dependent signaling process that bacteria employ to coordinate and regulate their gene expression. Previous studies have found that bacteria isolated from sponges are able to produce acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs), an important class of QS molecules found in proteobacteria. Autoinducer-2 (AI-2) is a second class of QS molecule, and is considered to be an interspecies signal. However, AI-2 signaling has not been reported in sponge bacterial symbionts. In this study, degenerate primers were designed based on known Vibrio luxS sequences to amplify the luxS genes encoding AI-2 synthases of several Vibrio isolates from marine sponges Mycale laxissima and Ircinia strobilina. All the vibrios isolated from these two sponges had luxS genes and were able to produce signals with AI-2 activity as detected using a biological reporter. A novel group of luxS sequences was found, thus extending the known diversity of luxS genes. One isolate was chosen for further analysis of its luxS gene by expression of the gene in Escherichia coli DH5α and by characterization of the profile of AI-2 activity. This work provides the first information about luxS genes and AI-2 activity in sponge-associated bacterial communities.
Phylogenetic analysis of the fecal microbial community in herbivorous land and marine iguanas of the Galápagos Islands using 16S rRNA-based pyrosequencing
Authors: Hong Pei-Ying , Wheeler Emily , Cann Isaac K O , Mackie Roderick I
Published: March 2011

Herbivorous reptiles depend on complex gut microbial communities to effectively degrade dietary polysaccharides. The composition of these fermentative communities may vary based on dietary differences. To explore the role of diet in shaping gut microbial communities, we evaluated the fecal samples from two related host species—the algae-consuming marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) and land iguanas (LI) (genus Conolophus) that consume terrestrial vegetation. Marine and LI fecal samples were collected from different islands in the Galápagos archipelago. High-throughput 16S rRNA-based pyrosequencing was used to provide a comparative analysis of fecal microbial diversity. At the phylum level, the fecal microbial community in iguanas was predominated by Firmicutes (69.5±7.9%) and Bacteroidetes (6.2±2.8%), as well as unclassified Bacteria (20.6±8.6%), suggesting that a large portion of iguana fecal microbiota is novel and could be involved in currently unknown functions. Host species differed in the abundance of specific bacterial groups. Bacteroides spp., Lachnospiraceae and Clostridiaceae were significantly more abundant in the marine iguanas (MI) (P-value>1E−9). In contrast, Ruminococcaceae were present at >5-fold higher abundance in the LI than MI (P-value>6E−14). Archaea were only detected in the LI. The number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in the LI (356–896 OTUs) was >2-fold higher than in the MI (112–567 OTUs), and this increase in OTU diversity could be related to the complexity of the resident bacterial population and their gene repertoire required to breakdown the recalcitrant polysaccharides prevalent in terrestrial plants. Our findings suggest that dietary differences contribute to gut microbial community differentiation in herbivorous lizards. Most importantly, this study provides a better understanding of the microbial diversity in the iguana gut; therefore facilitating future efforts to discover novel bacterial-associated enzymes that can effectively breakdown a wide variety of complex polysaccharides.
The Role of Parental Motivation in Family‐Based Treatment for Childhood Obesity
Authors: Gunnarsdottir Thrudur , Njardvik Urdur , Olafsdottir Anna S. , Craighead Linda W. , Bjarnason Ragnar
Published: March 2011

This study investigated the role of parental motivation (importance, confidence and readiness) for predicting dropout and outcome from family‐based behavioral treatment for childhood obesity. Parent and child demographics, adherence to treatment, and weight loss parameters were also explored as potential predictors. Eighty‐four obese children (BMI‐standard deviation scores (SDS) >2.14) and a participating parent with each child started treatment consisting of 12 weeks of group and individual treatment sessions (24 sessions total) delivered over a period of 18 weeks. Sixty‐one families (73%) completed treatment and attended follow‐up at 1 year after treatment. Child session attendance and completion of self‐monitoring records served as measures of adherence. In regression analyses, parent reports (pretreatment) of confidence for doing well in treatment was the strongest predictor of treatment completion (P = 0.003) as well as early treatment response (weight loss at week 5) (P = 0.003). This variable remained a significant predictor of child weight loss at post‐treatment (P = 0.014), but was not associated with child outcome at 1‐year follow‐up (P > 0.05). The only significant predictor of child weight loss at that point was child baseline weight (P = 0.001). However, pretreatment parent ratings of importance of and readiness for treatment did not predict dropout or weight loss at any point. The results underscore the importance of addressing parental motivation, specifically parental confidence for changing lifestyle related behaviors, early in the treatment process. Doing so may reduce treatment dropout and enhance treatment outcome.
Upregulation of Lipocalin 2 in Adipose Tissues of Severely Obese Women: Positive Relationship With Proinflammatory Cytokines
Authors: Auguet Teresa , Quintero Yunuen , Terra Ximena , Martínez Salomé , Lucas Anna , Pellitero Silvia , Aguilar Carmen , Hernández Mercè , Del Castillo Daniel , Richart Cristobal
Published: March 2011

Because the role of lipocalin 2 (LCN2) in morbid obesity is still not well defined, the aim of this study was to evaluate the circulating levels and the expression of LCN2 in visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) in severely obese (SO) women. We also analyzed its relationship with inflammatory cytokines in the same subjects. The study comprised 90 white women, 39 of whom were lean controls (BMI ≤25 kg/m2) and 51 SO (BMI ≥40 kg/m2). Both circulating and adipose tissue levels of LCN2 were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. LCN2 mRNA levels from VAT and SAT were assessed by real‐time reverse transcriptase‐PCR (n = 60). LCN2 serum levels were significantly higher in the SO women than in the lean controls (P = 0.042), and were found to be strongly correlated with tumor necrosis factor receptor I (TNFR1) circulating levels. In the SO cohort, LCN2 serum levels were also associated with higher BMI values, but not with the homeostasis model assessments of insulin resistance (HOMA2‐IR). LCN2 mRNA expression was markedly higher in SO women than in lean women in both VAT (P = 0.043) and SAT (P = 0.031). In SAT, LCN2 was negatively correlated with adiponectin and adiponectin receptor‐2 expression, and positively with interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) expression. A strong positive correlation was also found between LCN2 expression and the mean diameter of adipocytes in VAT. Our results revealed that the circulating level of LCN2 is associated with obesity and BMI. LCN2 mRNA is over‐expressed in adipose tissue from SO subjects. Finally, the expression of LCN2 is strongly related to an expression profile of proinflammatory cytokines but not to insulin resistance in nondiabetic SO women.
Mobile Technology and AAC Apps From an AAC Developer's Perspective
Authors: Hershberger Dave
Published: March 2011

Mobile computer technology has undergone profound changes over the past few years. It is important to appreciate the benefits and challenges of using mobile technology for AAC applications and to understand how various AAC stakeholders are affected by mobile devices and the corresponding changes in service delivery. This article will help us appreciate how our concept of an ‘AAC Solution’ may need to evolve to accommodate these new technologies.
The Evolution of Augmentative Communication and the Importance of Alternate Access
Authors: Chapple David
Published: March 2011

Over the past 20 years, there have been many advances in the computer industry as well as in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. Computers are becoming more compact and have multiple purposes, such as the iPhone, which is a cell phone, mp3 player, and an Internet browser. AAC devices also have evolved to become multi-purpose devices; the most sophisticated devices have functionality similar to the iPhone and iPod. Recently, the idea of having the iPhone and iPad as a communication device was initiated with the development of language applications specifically for this format. It might be true that this idea could become the future of AAC devices; however, there are major access issues to overcome before the idea is a reality. This article will chronicle advancements in AAC devices, specifically on access methods, throughout the years, towards the transition to handheld devices. The newest technologies hold much promise with both features and affordability factors being highly attractive. Yet, these technologies must be made to incorporate alternate access if they are to meet their fullest potential as AAC tools.
AAC Evaluations and New Mobile Technologies: Asking and Answering the Right Questions
Authors: McBride Debby
Published: March 2011

The latest mobile technology options have heightened the interest in AAC today. Due to the ease of access and the availability of this technology, there are considerably more device choices available for persons with complex communication needs (CCN). There is an opportunity to build upon the enthusiasm surrounding these new mobile technologies by including all stakeholders in the AAC evaluation process. The clinician needs to ensure the use of sound AAC evaluation principles and procedures and prioritize the individual needs of the communicator. Recommendations about the use of an AAC high-tech device should flow from the evaluation and feature-matching process. The purpose of this paper is to suggest new ways to revisit the basics of a comprehensive AAC evaluation in order to better ensure that individuals who use AAC are being provided with the tools and features they need.
Thinking like a Fish? Engaging with Nonhuman Difference through Recreational Angling
Authors: Bear Christopher , Eden Sally
Published: March 2011

This paper investigates how recreational anglers make sense of, and engage with, fish behaviour over space and time. Drawing on fieldwork conducted around rivers in Yorkshire, UK, it explores how anglers differently categorise and differentiate between fish through their fishing practices. Drawing on Deleuze and Guattari's notion of becoming-animal, and attentive to Haraway's concerns for “beings-in-encounter”, the paper examines angling as a transformative practice whereby anglers and fish adapt through their coconstitutive encounters. While anglers often attempt to ‘think like a fish’ when deciding on their tactics, we demonstrate their ambiguous classification of ‘fish’ on the basis of species, size, and rhythm. Their attempts to become-fish are not always, therefore, with Haraway's “actual animals” but with complex groupings. The paper argues that studies should be more attentive to the heterogeneity of the categories of human and nonhuman. It is also critical of assumptions that certain animals, such as fish, are alien to humans and calls for greater attention to be paid to these and to the nonairy spaces in which they dwell.
The Spatialising Politics of EUropean Political Practice: Transacting ‘Eastness’ in the European Union
Authors: Clark Julian R A , Jones Alun R
Published: March 2011

Building on recent academic exchanges theorising sociospatial relations, we argue that it is not sociospatial concepts or metaphors per se that delineate the substance of such relations—rather it is the different politics by and through which these concepts are conceived, represented, and mobilised by elite actors. We make an empirically founded contribution to these exchanges by examining the context of the European Union's (EU) sociospatialities, illustrated specifically through central European elite activities in the wake of the 2004 accession to the EU. We show how central European elite assertions of sociospatial concepts were embroiled in complex ways with enactments of these sociospatialities—that is, how the assertion and performance of concepts such as space, territory, and positionality by elite actors created novel forms of politics which, subsequently, have become pivotal to the reconfiguration of contemporary EUropean space.
Phenotypic heterogeneity and instability of human ovarian tumor-initiating cells
Authors: Stewart Jocelyn M. , Shaw Patricia A. , Gedye Craig , Bernardini Marcus Q. , Neel Benjamin G. , Ailles Laurie E.
Published: March 2011

The cancer stem cell (CSC) model proposes that tumors have a hierarchical organization in which only some cells indefinitely self-renew and thereby sustain tumor growth. In addition, the CSC model requires that tumor-initiating cells (TICs) be prospectively isolatable on the basis of their phenotype. Previous studies have suggested that serous ovarian cancer (SOC) conforms to the CSC model, but these used arguably nonfidelitous immortalized cell lines, cultured primary cells, or passaged xenografts as the source of tumor cells. We developed a robust assay for quantifying TICs from primary SOC. Using this assay, we find that TICs are rare when assayed in either NOD/SCID or NOD/SCID/IL2Rγ
−/−
(NSG) mice. TIC frequency (TICf) varies substantially between patients, although it is similar in primary ovarian masses and omental metastases, suggesting that TICf is an intrinsic property of ovarian tumors. CD133 marks all TICs from several primary SOC cases. However, in other cases, substantial TIC activity is found in both the CD133
+
and CD133
−
fractions, whereas still other cases have exclusively CD133
−
TICs. Furthermore, the TIC phenotype can change in xenografts: primary tumors in which all TICs are CD133
+
can give rise to xenografts that contain substantial numbers of CD133
−
TICs. Our results highlight the need for quantitative rigor in the evaluation of TICs and for caution when using passaged xenografts for such studies. Furthermore, although our data suggest that SOC conforms to the CSC hypothesis, the heterogeneity of the TIC phenotype may complicate its clinical application.
Eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF) 5A stimulates protein synthesis in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Henderson Allen , Hershey John W.
Published: March 2011

Within the field of eukaryotic protein synthesis, one factor remained putative for decades: eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF) 5A. Because eIF5A is an essential protein required for cell proliferation, and one easily targeted by inhibitors, identifying its role in the cell remains important and urgent. Recent reports support early findings that eIF5A stimulates protein synthesis and newly assign the factor a role in elongation rather than initiation. Here we show that eIF5A directly stimulates protein synthesis on native mRNAs, that rapid depletion of eIF5A in vivo immediately leads to a 2-fold inhibition of protein synthesis, and that both the immediate and lasting effects of eIF5A depletion are a reduction in polysome size concomitant with eIF5A depletion. Addition of purified eIF5A to a depleted lysate results in a roughly 2-fold stimulation of protein synthesis in vitro, a result consistent with both older methionyl–puromycin synthesis data and more recently published findings. We find that although eIF5A is not required for protein synthesis, it stimulates the process by about 2- to 3-fold. Our data, along with other published results, reinforce the conclusion that eIF5A stimulates protein synthesis with one important difference: Polysome profiles observed immediately after eIF5A depletion are diagnostic for a role in initiation. This discrepancy is discussed.
To model or not to model?
Authors: Fletcher Daniel A.
Published: March 2011

In theory, the combination of mathematical modeling with experimental studies can be a powerful and compelling approach to understanding cell biology. In practice, choosing appropriate problems, identifying willing and able collaborators, and publishing the resulting research can be remarkably challenging. To provide perspective on the question of whether and when to combine modeling and experiments, a panel of experts at the 2010 ASCB Annual Meeting shared their personal experiences and advice on how to use modeling effectively.
Exact and complete short-read alignment to microbial genomes using Graphics Processing Unit programming
Authors: Blom Jochen , Jakobi Tobias , Doppmeier Daniel , Jaenicke Sebastian , Kalinowski Jörn , Stoye Jens , Goesmann Alexander
Published: March 2011

Motivation: The introduction of next-generation sequencing techniques and especially the high-throughput systems Solexa (Illumina Inc.) and SOLiD (ABI) made the mapping of short reads to reference sequences a standard application in modern bioinformatics. Short-read alignment is needed for reference based re-sequencing of complete genomes as well as for gene expression analysis based on transcriptome sequencing. Several approaches were developed during the last years allowing for a fast alignment of short sequences to a given template. Methods available to date use heuristic techniques to gain a speedup of the alignments, thereby missing possible alignment positions. Furthermore, most approaches return only one best hit for every query sequence, thus losing the potentially valuable information of alternative alignment positions with identical scores.

Results: We developed SARUMAN (Semiglobal Alignment of short Reads Using CUDA and NeedleMAN-Wunsch), a mapping approach that returns all possible alignment positions of a read in a reference sequence under a given error threshold, together with one optimal alignment for each of these positions. Alignments are computed in parallel on graphics hardware, facilitating an considerable speedup of this normally time-consuming step. Combining our filter algorithm with CUDA-accelerated alignments, we were able to align reads to microbial genomes in time comparable or even faster than all published approaches, while still providing an exact, complete and optimal result. At the same time, SARUMAN runs on every standard Linux PC with a CUDA-compatible graphics accelerator.

Availability:  http://www.cebitec.uni-bielefeld.de/brf/saruman/saruman.html.

Contact:  jblom@cebitec.uni-bielefeld.de

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.