bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrodeposited PdNi as possible ferromagnetic contacts for carbon nanotubes
Authors: Usgaocar A. R. , de Groot C. H.
Published: February 2010

A process for electrodepositing PdNi alloys and subsequent characterisation studies are reported. PdNi alloys are deposited on 0.019–0.021 and 1–2 Ω cm n‐type silicon from a bath of Pd‐ethylenediamine dichloride and Ni sulphate. The deposited films form excellent Schottky barriers on 1–2 Ω cm Si with leakage currents of the order of µA/cm2 and forward current higher than the reverse current by about six orders of magnitude at 1 V. Ni atomic fractions in the deposited films are studied for different bath concentrations and the deposition potential was found to play an important role in deciding the composition of the deposited film. For high Ni concentration solutions, it is possible to deposit films with a wide range of Ni content by varying the deposition potential, while this method cannot be used with low Ni concentration solutions. Films with Ni concentrations above 30% were observed to be ferromagnetic at room temperature and ferromagnetic properties strengthened with Ni content. A structure for a carbon nanotube (CNT) transistor is described and electrical characterisation of the device using PdNi alloy contacts is presented. The Schottky barrier characteristics and ferromagnetic character make PdNi alloys a good material for ferromagnetic contacts to CNTs on a Si substrate.
Magnetically driven superconducting pairing interaction in the two‐dimensional Hubbard model within a spin‐rotationally invariant approach
Authors: Kopeć T. K. , Apinyan V. A.
Published: February 2010

We implement the rotationally invariant formulation of the two‐dimensional Hubbard model, with nearest‐neighbors hopping t, which allows for the analytic study of the system in the low‐energy limit. Both U(1) and SU(2) gauge transformation are used to factorize the charge and spin contribution to the original electron operator in terms of the corresponding gauge fields. The Hubbard Coulomb energy U‐term is then expressed in terms of quantum phase variables conjugate to the local charge and variable spin quantization axis, providing a useful representation of strongly correlated systems. It is shown that these gauge fields play a similar role as phonons in the BCS theory: they act as the “glue” for fermion pairing.
Development of the critical exponent at the antiferromagnetic phase transition of YbRh2Si2 under chemical pressure
Authors: Krellner Cornelius , Klingner Christoph , Geibel Christoph , Steglich Frank
Published: February 2010

We present specific‐heat measurements in the vicinity of the antiferromagnetic phase transition on single crystals of the alloy Yb(Rh1−xCox)2Si2 for x ≤ 0.38. This study was motivated by the violation of critical universality in the undoped YbRh2Si2 [Krellner et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 196402, 2009] where we have found a large critical exponent α = 0.38. For Co‐doped samples we observe a drastic change of the critical fluctuations resulting in a negative α, explainable within the universality classes of phase transitions. The development of α under chemical pressure gives strong indication that the violation of critical universality in YbRh2Si2 is due to the nearby quantum critical point.
Coupled spin–phonon excitations in helical multiferroics
Authors: Jia Chenglong , Berakdar Jamal
Published: February 2010

Both the Dzyaloshiskii–Moriya interaction and the exchange striction are shown to affect dynamically the magnetoelectric excitations in the helical multiferroics. The exchange striction results in a biquadratic interaction between the spins and the transverse phonons, giving rise to quantum fluctuations of the ferroelectric polarization P. This leads to low‐lying phonon modes that are perpendicular to P and to the helical spins at small wave vector but are parallel to P at a wave vector close to the magnetic modulation vector. For spin‐1/2 helimagnet, the local polarization can be completely reversed by the spin fluctuation, and so does the direction of the on‐site spin chirality, which allows for a finite differential scattering intensity of polarized neutrons from a cycloidal magnet.
Photoinduced nonequilibrium spin, charge polarizations and spin‐dependent current in quantum rings
Authors: Zhu Z. G. , Berakdar J.
Published: February 2010

We investigate the spin‐dependent dynamical response of a semiconductor quantum ring with a spin orbit interaction upon the application of a single and two linearly polarized, picosecond, asymmetric electromagnetic pulses in the presence of a static magnetic flux. We find that the pulse‐generated electric dipole moment is spin dependent. It is also shown that the spin orbit interaction induces an extra SU(2) effective flux in addition to the static external magnetic flux which is reflected in an additional periodicity of the spin‐dependent dipole moment. Furthermore, the pulses may induce a net dynamical charge currents and dynamical spin currents when the clockwise and anti‐clockwise symmetry of the carrier is broken upon the pulse application.
Phase diagram of the sodium‐rich NaxCoO2 cobaltates
Authors: Zorkovská A. , Baran A. , Kajňaková M. , Feher A. , Šebek J. , Šantavá E. , Lin C. T. , Peng J. B.
Published: February 2010

Specific heat of layered NaxCoO2 single crystals (x = 0.76–0.87) down to 100 mK and the dc‐susceptibility down to 2 K in magnetic field applied parallel to the layers has been measured. The specific heat data of single crystals of exceptional high quality with 0.71 ≤ x ≤ 0.747 reported in L. Balicas et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett., 100, 126405 (2008)] with the kind permission of the authors have been also analyzed. Non‐Fermi liquid (NFL) features observed in Na concentration dependent temperature region have been analyzed and discussed in terms of disorder induced NFL behavior with quantum Griffiths phases in the background. The phase diagram is proposed, the results indicate possible quantum critical point below x = 0.7 and closeness to metal–insulator transition at doping above x = 0.87.
Quantum criticality of Ce1−xLaxRu2Si2: The magnetically ordered phase
Authors: Raymond Stéphane , Knafo William , Flouquet Jacques , Bourdarot Frédéric , Lejay Pascal
Published: February 2010

We report specific heat and neutron scattering experiments performed on the system Ce1−xLaxRu2Si2 on the magnetic side of its quantum critical phase diagram. The Kondo temperature does not vanish at the quantum phase transition and elastic scattering indicates a gradual localization of the magnetism when x increases in the ordered phase.
Low temperature properties of the electron spin resonance in YbRh2Si2
Authors: Sichelschmidt J. , Kambe T. , Fazlishanov I. , Zakharov D. , Krug von Nidda H.‐A. , Wykhoff J. , Skvortsova A. , Belov S. , Kutuzov A. , Kochelaev B.I. , Pashchenko V. , Lang M. , Krellner C. , Geibel C. , Steglich F.
Published: February 2010

We present the field and temperature behavior of the narrow electron spin resonance (ESR) response in YbRh2Si2 well below the single ion Kondo temperature. The ESR g‐factor reflects a Kondo‐like field and temperature evolution of the Yb3+ magnetism. Measurements toward low temperatures (> 0.5 K) have shown distinct crossover anomalies of the ESR parameters upon approaching the regime of a well‐defined heavy Fermi liquid. Comparison with the field dependence of specific heat and electrical resistivity reveal that the ESR parameters can be related to quasiparticle mass and cross section and, hence, contain inherent heavy electron properties.
Single crystal growth of CeNi2Ge2 using the floating zone technique
Authors: Bergmann C. , Jeevan H. S. , Schubert M. , Geibel C. , Gegenwart P.
Published: February 2010

In order to investigate the low‐temperature electronic properties of the heavy‐fermion metal CeNi2Ge2, single crystals were grown using the floating zone technique. Previous investigations on polycrystals of CeNi2Ge2 have revealed that the low‐temperature properties, i.e., non‐Fermi liquid (NFL) behavior and incipient superconductivity, are strongly sample dependent, possibly due to a slight variation of the Ni and Ge content. We prepared polycrystalline feed rods of slightly off‐stoichiometric composition by induction or arc‐melting methods and grew single crystals using a four‐mirror optical furnace under high‐purity argon atmosphere. As a result, large single crystals of few centimeter size have been obtained. Annealed pieces were investigated by measurements of the temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity ρ(T). A clear correlation between the starting composition and the obtained resistivity ratio (RR2K) was found with the highest ratio for a nominal starting composition of Ce0.98Ni2.025Ge1.975 (${\rm RR}_{2{\rm K}} = 29$). The temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity is similar as reported previously and displays NFL behavior below 1 K.
Competition and/or coexistence of antiferromagnetism and superconductivity in CeRhIn5 and CeCoIn5
Authors: Knebel Georg , Aoki Dai , Brison Jean‐Pascal , Howald Ludovic , Lapertot Gerard , Panarin Justin , Raymond Stephane , Flouquet Jacques
Published: February 2010

The Ce compounds CeCoIn5 and CeRhIn5 are ideal model systems to study the competition of antiferromagnetism (AF) and superconductivity (SC). Here we discuss the pressure–temperature and magnetic field phase diagrams of both compounds. In CeRhIn5 the interesting observation is that in zero magnetic field a coexistence AF + SC phase exist inside the AF phase below the critical pressure $p_{\rm c}^{\rm *} \approx 2$ GPa. Above $p_{\rm c}^{\rm *} $ AF is suppressed in zero field but can be re‐induced by applying a magnetic field. The collapse of AF under pressure coincides with the abrupt change of the Fermi surface. In CeCoIn5 a new phase appears at low temperatures and high magnetic field (LTHF) which vanishes at the upper critical field Hc2. In both compounds the paramagnetic pair breaking effect dominates at low temperature. We discuss the evolution of the upper critical field under high pressure of both compounds and propose a simple picture of the glue of reentrant magnetism to the upper critical field in order to explain the interplay of antiferromagnetic order and SC.
Effect of chemical substitution and pressure on YbRh2Si2
Authors: Nicklas M. , Macovei M. E. , Ferstl J. , Krellner C. , Geibel C. , Steglich F.
Published: February 2010

We carried out electrical resistivity experiments on (Yb,La)Rh2Si2 and on Yb(Rh,Ir)2Si2 under pressure and in magnetic fields. YbRh2Si2 exhibits a weak antiferromagnetic transition at atmospheric pressure with a Néel temperature of only $T_N \approx 70$ mK. By applying a small magnetic field TN can be continuously suppressed to $T = 0$ at $B_c = 60$ mT ($B \bot c$) driving the system to a quantum critical point (QCP). On applying external pressure the magnetic phase is stabilized and TN (p) is increasing as usually observed in Yb‐based heavy‐fermion metals. Substituting Yb by La or Rh by Ir allows to create a negative chemical pressure, La (Ir) being smaller than Yb (Rh), and eventually to drive YbRh2Si2 to a pressure controlled QCP. In this paper we compare the effect of external hydrostatic pressure and chemical substitution on the ground‐state properties of YbRh2Si2.
Power law specific heat divergence in Sr3Ru2O7
Authors: Rost A. W. , Berridge A. M. , Perry R. S. , Mercure J.‐F. , Grigera S. A. , Mackenzie A. P.
Published: February 2010

We present measurement and analysis of field‐dependent specific heat measurements on Sr3Ru2O7, showing that, at low temperatures, an incipient divergence is cut off by the formation of a new phase previously identified to show the transport properties of an electronic nematic. We discuss how to interpret a specific heat divergence in a system with van Hove singularities, and caution against a simple‐minded comparison of experimentally determined power laws with the predictions of quantum critical theories.
Different nature of instabilities in BaFe2As2 and BaNi2As2 as revealed by optical spectroscopy
Authors: Chen Z. G. , Hu W. Z. , Wang N. L.
Published: February 2010

The interplay between different instabilities, such as structural distortions, magnetic orderings, and superconductivity, is of great interest in condensed matter physics. The Fe‐ and Ni‐based layered pnictides offer a new opportunity to study the intriguing interplay between those instabilities. Both the FeAs‐ and NiAs‐based 122 compounds show rather sharp phase transitions, and similar anomalies can be found from resistivity and specific heat measurements. Here we show by optical spectroscopy measurements that the charge dynamics across the transitions in BaFe2As2 and BaNi2As2 are significantly different. The study reveals that the driving mechanisms for the instabilities are different.
Hidden low‐temperature instability in PrOs4Sb12
Authors: Grube K. , Zaum S. , Bauer E. D. , Maple M. B. , Löhneysen H. v.
Published: February 2010

The low‐temperature behavior of many correlated electron systems is characterized by the appearance of macroscopically ordered states that show a dome‐shaped evolution of their transition temperatures as a function of non‐thermal control parameters. In the heavy‐fermion compound PrOs4Sb12, a field‐induced phase emerges in a magnetic field range between $B \approx 4.5$ and 13.5 T. The phase is characterized by antiferroquadrupolar (AFQ) ordering of the Pr3+ ions. We measured the specific heat of PrOs4Sb12 single crystals in magnetic fields up to $B = 14$ T parallel to the crystallographic [100] direction to determine the entropy S as a function of T and B. Above the maximum AFQ transition temperature, the entropy $S(T = {\rm const},B)$ reveals a pronounced maximum. We show that this maximum can be related to a low‐temperature instability which is produced by the degeneracy of the lowest crystalline electric field (CEF) energy levels.
Statistical resource needs to be increased in the European regulatory agencies
Authors: Keene Oliver N. , Hughes Sara H. , Howitt Nigel ,   on behalf of the PSI and EFSPI Boards of Directors
Published: February 2010

The following viewpoint from PSI and EFSPI regarding the current level of statistical resource in the European regulatory agencies was first presented as a position paper to a meeting of the EU Heads of Agencies in July 2009, and was endorsed by EFPIA. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microcontact Printing onto Oxide‐Free Silicon via Highly Reactive Acid Fluoride‐Functionalized Monolayers
Authors: Scheres Luc , ter Maat Jurjen , Giesbers Marcel , Zuilhof Han
Published: February 2010

This work describes a new route for patterning organic monolayers on oxide‐free silicon by microcontact printing (µCP) on a preformed, reactive, acid‐fluoride‐terminated monolayer. This indirect printing approach is fast and easily preserves the oxide‐free and well‐defined monolayer–silicon interface, which is the most important property for potential applications in biosensing and molecular electronics. Water‐contact‐angle measurements, ellipsometry, attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) demonstrate the formation of the initial acid‐fluoride‐terminated monolayers without upside‐down attachment. Subsequent printing for twenty seconds with an N‐hexadecylamine‐inked poly(dimethylsiloxane) stamp results in well‐defined 5‐µm N‐hexadecylamide dots, as evidenced by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Printing with a flat stamp allows investigation of the efficiency of amide formation by µCP and water‐contact‐angle measurements, ellipsometry, and XPS reveal the quantitative conversion of the acid fluoride groups to the corresponding amide within twenty seconds. The absence of silicon oxide, even after immersion in water for 16 h, demonstrates that the oxide‐free monolayer–silicon interface is easily preserved by this patterning route. Finally, it is shown by fluorescence microscopy that complex biomolecules, like functionalized oligo‐DNA, can also be immobilized on the oxide‐free silicon surface via µCP.
Significance and outcome of left heart hypoplasia in fetal congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Vogel M. , McElhinney D. B. , Marcus E. , Morash D. , Jennings R. W. , Tworetzky W.
Published: February 2010

Objective

In patients with a left‐sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), the left ventricle (LV) is often compressed and smaller than normal. The objective of this study was to investigate whether small left heart dimensions prenatally normalize after birth in patients with CDH, or whether prenatal indices of left heart size and flow predict postnatal outcome.

Methods

Clinical and echocardiographic data were reviewed for patients diagnosed with left‐sided CDH prenatally. Cardiac dimensions and flows were compared with normative data. Among liveborn patients, pre‐ and postnatal Z‐scores of left heart structures were compared, and associations between prenatal indices and outcome were assessed.

Results

Of 125 patients diagnosed prenatally with CDH, 111 had a left‐sided defect. Of these, 85 were liveborn, including 20 with congenital heart disease. Gestational age‐adjusted dimensions of fetal left heart structures, including aortic valve diameter, mitral valve (MV) diameter, LV long‐axis, LV short‐axis and LV volume, were all smaller than normal (P < 0.001). On average, the LV contributed 33 ± 8% of combined ventricular output, lower than the normal 40–50%. Z‐scores of left heart structures increased from the prenatal echocardiogram to the postnatal study, with average changes ranging from 0.56 ± 1.68 (aortic valve) to 1.39 ± 1.85 (LV volume). Among liveborn patients, there was no association between prenatal left heart Z‐scores and postnatal survival.

Conclusions

Hypoplasia of and reduced flow through the left heart are common among fetuses with CDH. After birth and CDH repair, left heart dimensions generally normalize, with adequate size to support a biventricular circulation, even when there is very low flow through the left heart in mid‐ and late‐gestation. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Peculiar Site Preference of Boron in MgAl2–xBxO4 (x = 0.0, 0.11, and 0.13) Spinel under High‐Pressure and High‐Temperature
Authors: Yoshiasa Akira , Ito Tomokazu , Sugiyama Kazumasa , Nakatsuka Akihiko , Okube Maki , Kurosawa Masanori , Katsura Tomoo
Published: February 2010

Single crystals of MgAl2–xBxO4 (x = 0.0, 0.11 and 0.13) spinel were synthesized under high pressure (5 and 11 GPa) and high temperature (1873 and 1273 K) using a 1000 ton “6–8” type uniaxial split‐sphere apparatus. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction measurements were carried out using a laboratory diffractometer with a Weissenberg‐type imaging plate detector and using a four‐circle diffractometer with synchrotron radiation at Photon Factory, Japan. The maximum content of boron was about x = 0.13 at 1273K and 11GPa. The smallest boron ion occupies the octahedral site in top priority in the spinel solid solution of the Mg/Al/B systems. The B3+ ions can replace considerably bigger Al3+ ion under pressure. We estimated the cation distribution of each site from the reproduction of the observed average distance using the observed local bond lengths for Mg–O and Al–O and the normal B–O distance. The chemical formula of boron‐bearing spinels are estimated as (Mg0.47,Al0.53)[Al1.36,Mg0.53,B0.11]O4 (x = 0.11) and (Mg0.50,Al0.50)[Al1.37,Mg0.50,B0.13]O4 (x = 0.13), respectively. These spinel solid solutions are largely disordered crystals and the inversion parameter grow up to 0.5 in the tetrahedral site. The temperature factor Beq for oxygen site in boron‐bearing spinels were significantly larger than that in pure MgAl2O4 spinel. Only the positional shifts of oxygen ions have, therefore, been relaxing the disorder in structure.
Intestinal Ascariasis in Children
Authors: Wani Imtiaz , Rather Muddasir , Naikoo Ghulam , Amin Abid , Mushtaq Syed , Nazir Mir
Published: February 2010

Background

Ascariasis is a staggering health problem commonly seen in children of endemic areas. In the abdomen, ascaris lumbricoides can cause a myriad of surgical complications. Intestinal obstruction by ascaris lumbricoides is commonly seen in children. Most cases are managed conservatively. The purpose was to study the clinical presentation and management of symptomatic intestinal ascariasis in children.

Methods

A 3‐year study was performed from April 2006 to April 2009 of pediatric‐age patients who had symptomatic intestinal ascariasis. All patients had detailed clinical history, examination, plain X‐ray of abdomen, and ultrasonography of abdomen. Peroperative findings were recorded in all patients who had surgical intervention.

Results

This prospective study had 360 patients. Male to female ratio was 1.37:1. 187 patients (52%) presented within 2–4 days of duration of illness. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) age of patients was 6.35 ± 2.25 years. Age group of 4–7 years (80%) was commonest group affected. Abdominal pain was a leading symptom in 357 patients (99%) with the pain in periumbilical area present in 215 patients (60%). In 227 patients (63%) abdominal distension was seen and was the commonest physical finding. Palpable worm masses were seen in 129 patients (36%); 81 patients (63%) had palpable worm masses in the umbilical quadrant. On X‐ray of abdomen, visible worm masses were seen in 83 patients (23%). Abdominal sonography showed interloop fluid in 177 patients (49%) and free fluid in the pelvis of 97 patients (27%). The number of patients who were managed conservatively was 281 (78%), and 79 patients (22%) had surgical intervention. In patients who had surgical intervention, 39 patients (49%) had enterotomy and 7 patients (9%) had kneading of worms. Postoperative complications occurred in 33 patients, and an overall mortality of 1% (1 patient) was seen.

Conclusions

Ascaridial intestinal obstruction is common in children in the Kashmir. Abdominal pain is the leading symptom in intestinal ascariasis. Plain X‐ray and ultrasonography of the abdomen are used to diagnosis intestinal ascariasis. The majority of the patients can be managed conservatively.
Roux‐en‐Y Reconstruction is Superior to Billroth I Reconstruction in Reducing Reflux Esophagitis After Distal Gastrectomy: Special Relationship with the Angle of His
Authors: Namikawa Tsutomu , Kitagawa Hiroyuki , Okabayashi Takehiro , Sugimoto Takeki , Kobayashi Michiya , Hanazaki Kazuhiro
Published: February 2010

Background

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between the angle of His in Roux‐en‐Y (RY) or Billroth I (BI) reconstruction and reflux esophagitis after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Methods

Results for 47 patients undergoing BI reconstruction and 38 patients undergoing RY reconstruction were examined retrospectively. The angle of His and the incidence of reflux esophagitis were determined, and the quality of life (QOL) was evaluated with the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS).

Results

The angle of His was significantly greater in patients who underwent BI compared with RY reconstruction, as well as in patients with reflux esophagitis. Scores for reflux, diarrhea, and total symptoms on the GSRS were significantly better in the RY group than in the BI group.

Conclusions

The angle of His is an important determinant of reflux esophagitis following distal gastrectomy. The decreased angle of His in patients after RY compared with BI reconstruction may contribute significantly to the reduced incidence of reflux esophagitis and improved QOL in patients who undergo RY reconstruction.
Posterior Retroperitoneoscopic Adrenalectomy for Clinical and Subclinical Cushing’s Syndrome
Authors: Alesina Pier F. , Hommeltenberg Silvia , Meier Beate , Petersenn Stephan , Lahner Harald , Schmid Kurt W. , Mann Klaus , Walz Martin K.
Published: February 2010

Background

Because of co‐morbidity, adrenalectomy for adrenal Cushing’s syndrome may be associated with an increased complication rate and long operating times. In the present study we report our experience with the posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy in a large group of patients with clinical or subclinical Cushing’s syndrome.

Patients and methods

Between July 1994 and June 2009, 170 patients (17 males, 153 females age 50 ± 13 years; range: 12–78 years) affected by Cushing’s syndrome underwent operation via posterior retroperitoneoscopic access. Patients were divided into two groups, those with manifest Cushing’s syndrome (mCS) [99 patients: 6 male, 93 female; age 45 ± 13 years] and those with subclinical Cushing’s syndrome (sCS) [71 patients: 11 male, 60 female; age: 56 ± 11 years]. The sCS classification was assumed in cases without typical clinical symptoms but with a pathological dexamethasone suppression test. Partial adrenalectomy was performed in 35 cases (24 in the mCS‐group and 11 in the sCS‐group).

Results

Mortality was zero; major complications did not occur. The incidence of postoperative minor complications was 5.3%. Mean operating time was 58 ± 36 min (range: 20–230 min) and did not differ between mCS and sCS patients (58 versus 59 min; p = ns). Postoperative oral steroids supplementation (POSS) was administered in 136 patients (99 mCS, 37 sCS). If POSS was started, mean duration of therapy was 12.3 months (mCS) and 10.3 months (sCS) [p = 0.08], respectively. After a mean follow‐up of 70.9 ± 46.5 months the cure rate was 99.4%.

Conclusions

The posterior retroperitoneoscopic approach is fast and safe even in patients with Cushing’s syndrome. Partial adrenalectomy represents a new option in the treatment of cortisol‐producing adenomas.
Effects of ingestion of seeds by sika deer (Cervus nippon) and dung presence on their germination in a herbaceous community
Authors: Ishikawa Haruna
Published: February 2010

In a herbaceous community subjected to continual impacts of sika deer (Cervusnippon), I examined the effects of seed ingestion by deer on seeds by comparing the ripening and germination rates of seeds of two dominant species, Zoysia japonica and Hydrocotyle maritima, between seeds taken out of fecal pellets (deer‐ingested seeds) and mature seeds collected directly from living plants (control seeds). Seeds of Z. japonica were likely to have tolerance to ingestion from earlier periods of seed maturity. In contrast, only ripened seeds of H. maritima may have tolerance to ingestion. When the seeds ripened, the germination rates of two species did not differ significantly between deer‐ingested seeds and control seeds. Thus, although immature seeds may be crushed by ingestion, many mature seeds can be dispersed by sika deer with no alteration of germination rate. However, the other germination experiment showed that the germination rates were significantly higher for seeds of Juncus tenuis in artificially broken fecal pellets than for those kept confined in the pellets, and all seeds germinated from intact pellets were situated near the surface of the pellets. These results suggest that dung may physically prevent seeds inside from germinating and decomposition of dung enables herbaceous small seeds in the dung to germinate.
Role of the HLA System in the Pathogenesis of Dupuytren's Disease
Authors: McCarty Sara , Syed Farhatullah , Bayat Ardeshir
Published: February 2010

Dupuytren's disease (DD) is a familial, fibroproliferative, irreversible, and progressive disease of the palmar fascia, yet with unknown etiology. However, there is compelling evidence which has consistently suggested a genetic ethiopathogenesis given the high occurrence among the Northern European extraction, familial nature, and demonstration of concordance in twins. DD is an incurable, recurrent, and potentially debilitating disease with limited and ineffective treatments. Although a number of possible candidate genes have been investigated including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) genes, as yet, no consistent genetic biomarker has been identified for DD. The highly polymorphic human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region is an ideal biomarker target. There have been some coherent data within the literature to suggest a genotype to phenotype association between certain HLA loci and a number of fibrotic disorders such as keloid and scleroderma, markedly with class II molecules and disease pervasiveness and clinical progression. The aim of this review, therefore, was to investigate the evidence indicative of both positive and negative associations between particular HLA alleles and DD. There is a clear association with specific HLA alleles and predilection or protection to DD, though there is a pressing need for further supportive data. The most promising of links to the HLA region in terms of a definitive genetic biomarker is with the class II HLA-DR loci. This paper presents a detailed account of the immunogenetic component of DD and explores the possible mechanisms of association between specific HLA molecules and susceptibility to DD.
CCN3/CCN2 regulation and the fibrosis of diabetic renal disease
Authors: Riser Bruce L. , Najmabadi Feridoon , Perbal Bernard , Rambow Jo Ann , Riser Melisa L. , Sukowski Ernest , Yeger Herman , Riser Sarah C. , Peterson Darryl R.
Published: February 2010

Prior work in the CCN field, including our own, suggested to us that there might be co‐regulatory activity and function as part of the actions of this family of cysteine rich cytokines. CCN2 is now regarded as a major pro‐fibrotic molecule acting both down‐stream and independent of TGF‐β1, and appears causal in the disease afflicting multiple organs. Since diabetic renal fibrosis is a common complication of diabetes, and a major cause of end stage renal disease (ESRD), we examined the possibility that CCN3 (NOV), might act as an endogenous negative regulator of CCN2 with the capacity to limit the overproduction of extracellular matrix (ECM), and thus prevent, or ameliorate fibrosis. We demonstrate, using an in vitro model of diabetic renal fibrosis, that both exogenous treatment with CCN3 and transfection with the over‐expression of the CCN3 gene in mesangial cells markedly down‐regulates CCN2 activity and blocks ECM over‐accumulation stimulated by TGF‐β1. Conversely, TGF‐β1 treatment reduces endogenous CCN3 expression and increases CCN2 activity and matrix accumulation, indicating an important, novel yin/yang effect. Using the db/db mouse model of diabetic nephropathy, we confirm the expression of CCN3 in the kidney, with temporal localization that supports these in vitro findings. In summary, the results corroborate our hypothesis that one function of CCN3 is to regulate CCN2 activity and at the concentrations and conditions used down‐regulates the effects of TGF‐β1, acting to limit ECM turnover and fibrosis in vivo. The findings suggest opportunities for novel endogenous‐based therapy either by the administration, or the upregulation of CCN3.
Die räumliche Nähe von Akteuren zählt in der nachhaltigen Entwicklung.
Authors: Lintz Gerd , Altenburg Astrid
Published: February 2010

The literature often points out that the local and regional political levels are important for achieving sustainable development objectives. However, it is not sufficiently clear in what this importance consists. Looking at the example of the Ökoprofit management approach, the article discusses indications that towns, cities and regions do indeed show a specific capacity for facilitating sustainability owing to the spatial proximity of actors. Local authorities are in charge of implementing Ökoprofit projects in which companies engage in environmental management. The article draws empirically on the case of an Ökoprofit project carried out in Dresden, examining the social mechanisms at work.
Plus ça change: Electoral law reform and the 2008 Romanian parliamentary elections
Authors: Marian Cosmin Gabriel , King Ronald F.
Published: February 2010

Romania reformed the law governing its parliamentary elections between 2004 and 2008, shifting from a complex proportional representation system based on county-level party lists to a complex uninominal system in which each district for the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate elects one representative. The change in law emerged after more than a year of heated political controversies, including partisan and personal animosity between President Basescu and Prime Minister Tariceanu, a failed attempt at impeachment, a deadlocked special electoral commission, a failed popular referendum, an unfavorable constitutional court ruling, and a confusing final accord brokered under deadline. Qualitative comparison of the 2004 and 2008 laws reveals that the heralded reform merely added an additional layer of calculation to the previous electoral system. Quantitative analysis using counterfactual estimation reveals that the new law had absolutely zero effect on the partisan outcome. In the conclusion, we explore the implications of these findings for Romanian politics and the politics of electoral reform more generally.
Fungal Morphogenesis
Authors: Moore David
Published: February 2010

Fungal Morphogenesis brings together in one book, for the first time, the full scope of fungal developmental biology. It provides a coherent account of the subject and puts forward ideas that can provide the basis of future research. Throughout, the author blends together physiological, biochemical, structural and molecular descriptions within an evolutionary framework. Sufficient information is provided about fungal biology to give the reader a rounded view of the mycological context within which fungal morphogenesis is played out, without obscuring the broader biological significance. Readers with a background in basic biology should not need to bring any other knowledge with them, nor should it be necessary to refer elsewhere, in order to appreciate fungal morphogenesis. Written by one of the few people with the necessary breadth of research expertise to deal authoritatively with the wide range of topics, this book will appeal to developmental and cell biologists, microbiologists, and geneticists.
An Introduction to Mill's Utilitarian Ethics
Authors: West Henry R.
Published: February 2010

John Stuart Mill was the leading British philosopher of the nineteenth century and his famous essay Utilitarianism is the most influential statement of the philosophy of utilitarianism: that actions, laws, policies and institutions are to be evaluated by their utility or contribution to good or bad consequences. Henry West has written the most up-to-date and user-friendly introduction to utilitarianism available. The book serves as both a commentary to and interpretation of the text. It also defends Mill against his critics. An appendix reviews in detail the structure and arguments of Utilitarianism. This book is primarily intended as a textbook for students in philosophy assigned to read Utilitarianism but it should also prove helpful to students and professionals in other fields such as political science, history and economics.
Simulating Ecological and Evolutionary Systems in C
Authors: Wilson Will
Published: February 2010

Computer simulations provide a powerful tool for understanding ecological and evolutionary systems. Simulating Ecological and Evolutionary Systems in C models a diverse range of biological processes and systems, including competition, foraging, predation, mating systems, and life-history optimization, by simulating large collections of interacting individuals. Using the widely available computer programming language C, the book starts with elementary programs modeling stochastic birth-death processes, slowly increasing programming complexity as the chapters progress. All the important features of C are covered, including arrays, files, pointers, and structures, within biologically motivated simulations. Although computer simulations of extremely complicated biological processes are released from rigid mathematical constraints, each of the simulations is also placed in the context of a mathematical formulation examined either analytically or numerically. Procedures covered include testing random number generators, producing PostScript files, root-finding, numerical integration and using the genetic algorithm.
Strontium isotope evidence for the age of Eocene fossil whales of Kutch, western India
Authors: RAVIKANT VADLAMANI , BAJPAI S.
Published: February 2010

The Indian subcontinent is widely considered to be the birthplace of whales (Cetacea), and the middle Eocene Harudi Formation of Kutch has long been known to be a major source of early whales. The Kutch cetaceans are of critical importance in understanding the evolutionary transition of whales from land to sea. Strontium isotope analysis of marine biogenic carbonates from the Harudi Formation was conducted to obtain a numerical age of the whale-bearing strata. Although the measured87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.707742 to 0.707764) correspond to two distinct age clusters of 46–47.5 Ma or 41–42.5 Ma, we prefer the latter, late Lutetian, age cluster.
Local balance and cross-scale flux of available potential energy
Authors: MOLEMAKER M. JEROEN , McWILLIAMS JAMES C.
Published: February 2010

Gravitational available potential energy is a central concept in an energy analysis of flows in which buoyancy effects are dynamically important. These include, but are not limited to, most geophysical flows with persistently stable density stratification. The volume-integrated available potential energy ap is defined as the difference between the gravitational potential energy of the system and the potential energy of a reference state with the lowest potential energy that can be reached by adiabatic material rearrangement; ap determines how much energy is available for conservative dynamical exchange with kinetic energy k. In this paper we introduce new techniques for computing the local available potential energy density Eap in numerical simulations that allow for a more accurate and complete analysis of the available potential energy and its dynamical balances as part of the complete energy cycle of a flow. In particular, the definition of Eap and an associated gravitation disturbance field permit us to make a spectral decomposition of its dynamical balance and examine the cross-scale energy flux. Several examples illustrate the spatial structure of Eap and its evolutionary influences. The greatest attention is given to an analysis of a turbulent-equilibrium simulation Eady-like vertical-shear flow with rotation and stable stratification. In this regime Eap exhibits a vigorous forward energy cascade from the mesoscale through the submesoscale range – first in a scale range dominated by frontogenesis and positive buoyancy-flux conversion from ap to k and then, after strong frontal instability and frontogenetic arrest, in a coupled kinetic-potential energy inertial-cascade range with negative buoyancy-flux conversion – en route to fine-scale dissipation of both energy components.
Computational modelling and analysis of the hydrodynamics of a highly deformable fish pectoral fin
Authors: DONG H. , BOZKURTTAS M. , MITTAL R. , MADDEN P. , LAUDER G. V.
Published: February 2010

Numerical simulations are used to investigate the flow associated with a bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) pectoral fin during steady forward motion. The simulations are intended to match the experiments of Lauderet al. (Bioinsp. Biomim., vol. 1, 2006, p. S25), and the results obtained from the simulations complement the experimental analysis. The focus of the current paper is on the quantitative characterization of the propulsive performance of the pectoral fin, which undergoes significant deformation during its stroke. This includes a detailed analysis of the thrust production mechanisms as well as their connection to the vortex dynamics and other flow features. The simulations indicate that the fish fin produces high propulsive performance by employing a complex fin gait driven by active and passive fin deformation. By connecting the vortex dynamics and fin kinematics with the surface distribution of the force on the fin, it is found that during abduction, the fin moves such that the tip of the fin undergoes a complex, three-dimensional flapping motion that produces a strong and long-lasting, attached tip vortex. This tip vortex is associated with most of the thrust production during the abduction phase of the stroke. During the adduction phase, the fin motion is similar to a ‘paddling’ stroke. Comparisons are made with rigid flapping foils to provide insights into the remarkable performance of the fish fin and to interpret the force production from the viewpoint of functional morphology.
Swinburne on divine necessity
Authors: LEFTOW BRIAN
Published: February 2010

Most analytic philosophers hold that if God exists, He exists with broad logical necessity. Richard Swinburne denies the distinction between narrow and broad logical necessity, and argues that if God exists, His existence is narrow-logically contingent. A defender of divine broad logical necessity could grant the latter claim. I argue, however, that not only is God's existence broad-logically necessary, but on a certain understanding of God's relation to modality, it comes out narrow-logically necessary. This piece argues against Swinburne's overall account of modality and rebuts his argument for narrow-logical contingency.
The meaning of representation in animal memory
Authors: Roitblat H. L.
Published: February 2010

A representation is a remnant of previous experience that allows that experience to affect later behavior. This paper develops a metatheoretical view of representation and applies it to issues concerning representation in animals. To describe a representational system one must specify the following: thedomainor range of situations in the represented world to which the system applies; thecontentor set of features encoded and preserved by the system; thecodeor transformational rules relating features of the representation to the corresponding features of the represented world; themedium, or the representation's physical instantiation; and thedynamics, or how the system changes with time. In part because of the behaviorist assumption that the hypothetical, covert changes occurring in an organism during learning correspond to the overt physical changes that are observed, issues of representation in animal behavior have been largely ignored as irrelevant or misleading. However, it can be inferred that representations, acting as models of environmental regularities, operate at many levels of behavioral functioning, both cognitive and noncognitive. Objections to the use of this concept in explanations of animal behavior, based on the claim that it is indeterminate and on behaviorist considerations of parsimony, can be answered. Animal representations may be specialized in terms of tasks and species. Data from tasks involving spatial memory, delayed matching-to-sample, and sequence learning suggest some foundations for a general theory of animal representations.
Swimming in Histories of Gender Oppression: Grupo XIX de Teatro's Hysteria
Authors: Aston Elaine
Published: February 2010

Hysteria, first performed in São Paulo, Brazil, in 2001, was assembled from oral histories, medical cases, records, and remnants documenting the lives of Brazilian women from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries who were incarcerated in Rio de Janeiro's Pedro II Institute. Its UK premiere in 2008, performed by the all-female cast of the Brazilian Grupo XIX de Teatro, included a setting of the show in the old Victoria Baths in Manchester. In this article Elaine Aston identifies ways in which Hysteria keeps open or re-opens the question of feminist liberation. Exploring the show's critique of Western feminism's claims to independence and liberation, her analysis moves towards a mode of interdependent feminist thinking through which liberation might be realized. Elaine Aston is Professor of Contemporary Performance at Lancaster University and editor of Theatre Research International. Her most recent publications include Feminist Views on the English Stage (2003); Feminist Futures: Theatre, Performance, Theory (edited with Geraldine Harris, 2006); Staging International Feminisms (edited with Sue-Ellen Case, 2007); and Performance Practice and Process: Contemporary (Women) Practitioners (with Geraldine Harris, 2008).
Daring to Think Seriously: the Need for Aesthetic Judgements
Authors: Hewitt Jon
Published: February 2010

The issue of attitudes towards the arts in England is here compared and contrasted with those evident in the rest of Europe today. This article was written in June 2009, following discussions in Wroclaw during the festival ‘The World as a Place of Truth’, part of the Year of Grotowski. Jon Hewitt is Artistic Director of Admiration Theatre Company, based in London. He has directed several productions, the most recent being Romeo and Juliet Docklands, set in the East End of London. In February 2010 his latest production, Tower Hamlet, opens at the Courtyard Theatre.
Sounds can affect visual perception mediated primarily by the parvocellular pathway
Authors: JAEKL PHILIP M. , HARRIS LAURENCE R.
Published: February 2010

We investigated the effect of auditory–visual sensory integration on visual tasks that were predominantly dependent on parvocellular processing. These tasks were (i) detecting metacontrast-masked targets and (ii) discriminating orientation differences between high spatial frequency Gabor patch stimuli. Sounds that contained no information relevant to either task were presented before, synchronized with, or after the visual targets, and the results were compared to conditions with no sound. Both tasks used a two-alternative forced choice technique. For detecting metacontrast-masked targets, one interval contained the visual target and both (or neither) intervals contained a sound. Sound–target synchrony within 50 ms lowered luminance thresholds for detecting the presence of a target compared to when no sound occurred or when sound onset preceded target onset. Threshold angles for discriminating the orientation of a Gabor patch consistently increased in the presence of a sound. These results are compatible with sound-induced activity in the parvocellular visual pathway increasing the visibility of flashed targets and hindering orientation discrimination.
Moral Schizophrenia and the Paradox of Friendship
Authors: WOODCOCK SCOTT
Published: February 2010

In his landmark paper, ‘The Schizophrenia of Modern Ethical Theories’, Michael Stocker introduces an affliction that is, according to his diagnosis, endemic to all modern ethical theories. Stocker's paper is well known and often cited, yet moral schizophrenia remains a surprisingly obscure diagnosis. I argue that moral schizophrenia, properly understood, is not necessarily as disruptive as its name suggests. However, I also argue that Stocker's inability to demonstrate that moral schizophrenia constitutes a reductio of modern ethical theories does not rule out the possibility that he has identified a noteworthy psychological phenomenon. Stocker is, in my opinion, correct to note that balancing our broad ethical obligations with authentic personal motives is a non-trivial psychological challenge, even if this challenge is not equivalent to a mental disorder. Hence, I conclude that proponents of modern ethical theorists should not be complacent about the burdens associated with implementing a ‘schizophrenic’ moral psychology.
Are Some Prima Facie Duties More Binding than Others?
Authors: ROBINSON MICHAEL
Published: February 2010

In The Right and the Good, W. D. Ross commits himself to the view that, in addition to being distinct and defeasible, some prima facie duties are more binding than others. David McNaughton has argued that there appears to be no way of making sense of this claim that is both coherent and consistent with Ross's overall picture. I offer an alternative way of understanding Ross's remarks about the comparative stringency of prima facie duties, which, in addition to being compatible with his view as presented in the text, provides us with a coherent, and indeed plausible, account of what it means for some duties to be more binding than others.