bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of spatially resolved Z-pinch spectra to investigate the nature of “bright spots”
Authors: Apruzese J. P. , Giuliani J. L. , Thornhill J. W. , Coverdale C. A. , Jones B. , Ampleford D. J.
Published: February 2013

Localized, intensely radiating regions are often observed in Z pinches. High resolution images of such areas have been recorded at least as far back as the 1970s. However, there is as yet no widely accepted consensus on the nature of these “bright spots” or how they are formed. This phenomenon has also been referred to “hot spots” or “micropinches.” To shed further light on this issue, we have analyzed axially resolved K-shell spectra from 4 Z pinches driven by the refurbished Z generator (“ZR”) at Sandia National Laboratories, and the previous version of the Z machine (“Z”). The atomic numbers of the loads varied from 13 to 29. We find that higher spatial K-shell intensity in the Al pinch correlates with density. The K-shell intensity within a copper shot taken on ZR correlates strongly with increased electron temperature, but another, somewhat less well-diagnosed copper shot from Z shows correlation with density. The bright spots in a Ti pinch correlate with neither density nor temperature, but do correlate with the product of density and diameter (proportional to opacity). This opacity correlation is also observed in the other 3 pinches.
Reducing the vulnerability of network by inserting modular topologies
Authors: Zou Zhiyun , Lai Junyi , Gao Jianzhi
Published: February 2013

In this paper, we present a strategy whose purpose is to reduce the vulnerability of a network via inserting modular topologies. The modular topologies are generated as WS small-world random network, which is relatively highly robust. Using betweenness and betweenness centrality as the vulnerability measurement, the strategy searches for remote nodes with low betweenness in the network and sets these nodes to be connected to the modular topologies. We test our strategy on some basis networks and the results show sufficient availability of our strategy. And by comparing with other methods of adding topologies into the network, we show that our strategy is especially efficient in reducing the vulnerability of the critical network components.
Correlations between the morphology and emission properties of trench defects in InGaN/GaN quantum wells
Authors: Massabuau F. C.-P. , Trinh-Xuan L. , Lodié D. , Thrush E. J. , Zhu D. , Oehler F. , Zhu T. , Kappers M. J. , Humphreys C. J. , Oliver R. A.
Published: February 2013

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with cathodoluminescence (CL) were performed on exactly the same defects in a blue-emitting InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well (QW) sample enabling the direct correlation of the morphology of an individual defect with its emission properties. The defects in question are observed in AFM and SEM as a trench partially or fully enclosing a region of the QW having altered emission properties. Their sub-surface structure has previously been shown to consist of a basal plane stacking fault (BSF) in the plane of the QW stack, and a stacking mismatch boundary (SMB) which opens up into a trench at the sample surface. In CL, the material enclosed by the trench may emit more or less intensely than the surrounding material, but always exhibits a redshift relative to the surrounding material. A strong correlation exists between the width of the trench and both the redshift and the intensity ratio, with the widest trenches surrounding regions which exhibit the brightest and most redshifted emission. Based on studies of the evolution of the trench width with the number of QWs from four additional MQW samples, we conclude that in order for a trench defect to emit intense, strongly redshifted light, the BSF must be formed in the early stages of the growth of the QW stack. The data suggest that the SMB may act as a non-radiative recombination center.
Revisiting magnetic stripe domains — anisotropy gradient and stripe asymmetry
Authors: McCord Jeffrey , Erkartal Burak , von Hofe Thomas , Kienle Lorenz , Quandt Eckhard , Roshchupkina Olga , Grenzer Jörg
Published: February 2013

The thickness dependent generation of magnetic stripe domains in NiFe films is investigated by in-depth magnetic domain and micromagnetic analysis, as well as complementary analysis of the microstructure by x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. A gradient of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy with film thickness is found. Micromagnetic simulations show that the anisotropy gradient results in an asymmetric stripe domain configuration. Columnar grain coarsening and texture development with thickness are derived from the microstructural investigations. The variations correspondingly lead to the gradient of magnetic anisotropy and to an asymmetric magnetic stripe domain structure.
Investigating the origin of intense photoluminescence in Si capping layer on Ge1−xSnx nanodots by transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Kikkawa Jun , Nakamura Yoshiaki , Fujinoki Norihito , Ichikawa Masakazu
Published: February 2013

The authors investigated the annealing effects on atomic structures and elemental compositions in a stacking structure, Si capping layer on Ge1−xSnx nanodots on Si substrate covered with ultrathin SiO2 film, to clarify the origin of intense photoluminescence at ∼0.8 eV from the structure, using transmission electron microscopy. After the annealing, it was found that decay of Ge1−xSnx nanodots, formation of SiOx precipitates embedded in Si-rich Si1−xGex layer at the Si cap/Si substrate interface, formation of SnO2 nanoparticles on the oxidized surface of the Si capping layer, and morphological change of dislocations in the Si capping layer occur. Reaction products that appear as a result of the movement of dislocations can be related to the origin of intense photoluminescence.
Flow-induced voltage generation in non-ionic liquids over monolayer graphene
Authors: Ho Lee Seung , Jung Yousung , Kim Soohyun , Han Chang-Soo
Published: February 2013

To clarify the origin of the flow-induced voltage generation in graphene, we prepared a new experimental device whose electrodes were aligned perpendicular to the flow with a non-ionic liquid. We found that significant voltage in our device was generated with increasing flow velocity, thereby confirming that voltage was due to an intrinsic interaction between graphene and the flowing liquid. To understand the mechanism of the observed flow-induced voltage generation, we systematically varied several important experimental parameters: flow velocity, electrode alignment, liquid polarity, and liquid viscosity. Based on these measurements, we suggest that polarity of the fluid is a significant factor in determining the extent of the voltage generated, and the major mechanism can be attributed to instantaneous potential differences induced in the graphene due to an interaction with polar liquids and to the momentum transferred from the flowing liquid to the graphene.
Influence of a Dy overlayer on the precessional dynamics of a ferromagnetic thin film
Authors: Marcham M. K. , Yu W. , Keatley P. S. , Shelford L. R. , Shafer P. , Cavill S. A. , Qing H. , Neudert A. , Childress J. R. , Katine J. A. , Arenholz E. , Telling N. D. , van der Laan G. , Hicken R. J.
Published: February 2013

Precessional dynamics of a Co50Fe50(0.7)/Ni90Fe10(5)/Dy(1)/Ru(3) (thicknesses in nm) thin film have been explored by low temperature time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect and phase-resolved x-ray ferromagnetic resonance measurements. As the temperature was decreased from 300 to 140 K, the magnetic damping was found to increase rapidly while the resonance field was strongly reduced. Static x-ray magnetic circular dichroism measurements revealed increasing ferromagnetic order of the Dy moment antiparallel to that of Co50Fe50/Ni90Fe10. Increased coupling of the Dy orbital moment to the precessing spin magnetization leads to significantly increased damping and gyromagnetic ratio of the film while leaving its magnetic anisotropy effectively unchanged.
Tunable all electric spin polarizer
Authors: Charles J. , Bhandari N. , Wan J. , Cahay M. , Newrock R. S.
Published: February 2013

We propose a tunable all-electric spin polarizer made of a quantum point contact (QPC) with four gates—two in-plane side gates in series. The pair of gates near the source is asymmetrically biased to create spin polarization in the QPC channel, the second pair near the drain is symmetrically biased and this bias is varied to maximize the QPC spin polarization. The range of common mode bias on the first set of gates over which maximum spin polarization is achieved is much broader for the four gate structure compared to a QPC with a single pair of gates.
Communication: Spectroscopic evidence for a planar cyclic CO trimer
Authors: Rezaei Mojtaba , Sheybani-Deloui S. , Moazzen-Ahmadi N. , Michaelian K. H. , McKellar A. R. W.
Published: February 2013

A high-resolution spectrum in the region of 2144 cm−1 is assigned to the previously elusive CO trimer. In spite of interference from the CO dimer and some remaining unexplained details, there is strong evidence for a planar, cyclic, C-bonded trimer structure, with C3h symmetry and 4.42 Å intermolecular separation, in agreement with theoretical calculations. A modest vibrational blueshift of +0.85 cm−1 is observed for the CO trimer, as compared to +0.71 cm−1 for the C-bonded form of the dimer.
Does Size Matter?
Authors: Sousa Rita , Smeets Jeroen B J , Brenner Eli
Published: February 2013

For isolated objects in complete darkness, retinal image size contributes to distance judgments even if the true object size is unknown. Here we show that the same is true under more natural conditions. On a wide beach we positioned a red cube at 10–20 m distance and then asked subjects to walk to it while blindfolded. Subjects never had a close view of the cube and were unaware that on separate trials cubes with sides of 15 cm and 20 cm were positioned at the same locations. On average, subjects walked 1 m further after seeing the 15 cm cube than after seeing the 20 cm cube.
Apparent Height and Body Mass Index Influence Perceived Leadership Ability in Three-Dimensional Faces
Authors: Re Daniel E , Dzhelyova Milena , Holzleitner Iris J , Tigue Cara C , Feinberg David R , Perrett David I
Published: February 2013

Facial appearance has a well-documented effect on perceived leadership ability. Face judgments of leadership ability predict political election outcomes across the world, and similar judgments of business CEOs predict company profits. Body height is also associated with leadership ability, with taller people attaining positions of leadership more than their shorter counterparts in both politics and in the corporate world. Previous studies have found some face characteristics that are associated with leadership judgments, however there have been no studies with three-dimensional faces. We assessed which facial characteristics drive leadership judgments in three-dimensional faces. We found a perceptual relationship between height and leadership ability. We also found that facial maturity correlated with leadership judgments, and that faces of people with an unhealthily high body mass index received lower leadership ratings. We conclude that face attributes associated with body size and maturity alter leadership perception, and may influence real-world democratic leadership selection.
Perceptions of Synchrony: Different Strokes for Different Folks?
Authors: Lumsden Joanne , Miles Lynden K , Macrae C Neil
Published: February 2013

The spectacle of synchronous activity is both engaging and, for the social perceiver, informative. Judgments of the quality of social interactions covary with key characteristics of coordination dynamics (ie relative phase). Here we examined the converse relationship—are perceptions of synchrony shaped by social factors? Participants judged dyads consisting of individuals with dissimilar skin tones to be less coordinated than those with similar complexions, despite the amount of coordination being objectively equivalent. The methodological and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Opening up three quantum boxes causes classically undetectable wavefunction collapse
Authors: George Richard E. , Robledo Lucio M. , Maroney Owen J. E. , Blok Machiel S. , Bernien Hannes , Markham Matthew L. , Twitchen Daniel J. , Morton John J. L. , Briggs G. Andrew D. , Hanson Ronald
Published: February 2013

One of the most striking features of quantum mechanics is the profound effect exerted by measurements alone. Sophisticated quantum control is now available in several experimental systems, exposing discrepancies between quantum and classical mechanics whenever measurement induces disturbance of the interrogated system. In practice, such discrepancies may frequently be explained as the back-action required by quantum mechanics adding quantum noise to a classical signal. Here, we implement the “three-box” quantum game [Aharonov Y, et al. (1991)J Phys A Math Gen24(10):2315–2328] by using state-of-the-art control and measurement of the nitrogen vacancy center in diamond. In this protocol, the back-action of quantum measurements adds no detectable disturbance to the classical description of the game. Quantum and classical mechanics then make contradictory predictions for the same experimental procedure; however, classical observers are unable to invoke measurement-induced disturbance to explain the discrepancy. We quantify the residual disturbance of our measurements and obtain data that rule out any classical model by ≳7.8 standard deviations, allowing us to exclude the property of macroscopic state definiteness from our system. Our experiment is then equivalent to the test of quantum noncontextuality [Kochen S, Specker E (1967)J Math Mech17(1):59–87] that successfully addresses the measurement detectability loophole.
Ecophysiology.
Authors: Schaffer B. , Gil P. M. , Mickelbart M. V. , Whiley A. W.
Published: February 2013

This chapter focuses on the ecophysiology of avocado trees and summarizes the impact of environmental variables including light, temperature, water, salinity, carbon dioxide and pollution on the physiology, growth and development of avocado.
Cultivars and rootstocks.
Authors: Crane J. H. , Douhan G. , Faber B. A. , Arpaia M. L. , Bender G. S. , Balerdi C. F. , Barrientos-Priego A. F.
Published: February 2013

This chapter focuses on the various avocado cultivars and rootstocks belonging to 2 main ecological groups, those adapted to subtropical climates and those best adapted to tropical lowland and warm to hot subtropical climates. Descriptions and attributes of these avocado cultivars and rootstocks are presented and the importance of breeding new cultivars with Phytophthora root rot resistance and desirable horticultural attributes for varying conditions is also discussed.
Biotechnology.
Authors: Pliego-Alfaro F. , Barceló-Muñoz A. , López-Gómez R. , Ibarra-Laclette E. , Herrera-Estrella L. , Palomo-Ríos E. , Mercado J. A. , Litz R. E.
Published: February 2013

This chapter focuses on the role of biotechnology in avocado breeding, such as micropropagation of shoots via axillary branching for fungal resistance, embryo rescue for the efficient recovery of genotypes from selected crosses, genomics and establishment of embryogenic lines from immature zygotic embryos. TMethods for transforming avocado embryogenic cultures are discussed and advances in gene cloning linked to improvements of avocado regeneration are presented. The use of currently available cryopreservation techniques for preserving selected embryogenic cell lines and avoiding the loss of embryogenic competence, which occurs with time, is also pointed out.
Comparative Epidemiology of Bacteremia due to Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureusbetween Older and Younger Adults A Propensity Score Analysis
Authors: Kullar Ravina , Rybak Michael J. , Kaye Keith S.
Published: February 2013

Objective.

We evaluated the clinical and molecular epidemiology of bloodstream infections (BSIs) due to methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) in older versus younger patients treated with vancomycin, determining the independent effect of increased age on outcomes.

Design.

Observational retrospective cohort study.

Setting.

Detroit Medical Center, level I trauma center.

Patients.

Adult older (65 years and older) and younger (younger than 65 years) patients with documented BSIs due to MRSA treated with vancomycin (2005–2010).

Methods.

Collected demographics, comorbidities, microbiology, treatment, outcomes. Multivariable model used to generate propensity score for each patient on the basis of the probability of being 65 years of age or older.

Results.

Three hundred twenty patients were eligible (69 patients 65 years and older; 251 patients younger than 65 years). Catheter-related infections and endocarditis were the most common sites of infection for older (20.3%) and younger (19.1%) adults, respectively. Median first total 24-hour vancomycin dose (1,000 vs 2,000 mg;P< .001) and initial trough (13.1 vs 15.0 mg/L;P= .043) was significantly lower in older versus younger patients. Vancomycin treatment failure rates were similar among older and younger patients (49.3% vs 53.4%;P= .545). In multivariable analysis of outcomes, after controlling for predictors of older age, there was no difference in clinical outcomes between older and younger adults.

Conclusions.

After accounting for confounders associated with increased age, failure rate of patients with BSIs due to MRSA treated with vancomycin was similar between older and younger patients. Older adults were less likely to have optimal vancomycin dosing and initial trough levels than younger patients. Efforts should be made to optimize dosing of medications such as vancomycin in older adults.
SPINAL: scalable protein interaction network alignment
Authors: Aladağ Ahmet E. , Erten Cesim
Published: February 2013

Motivation: Given protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks of a pair of species, a pairwise global alignment corresponds to a one-to-one mapping between their proteins. Based on the presupposition that such a mapping provides pairs of functionally orthologous proteins accurately, the results of the alignment may then be used in comparative systems biology problems such as function prediction/verification or construction of evolutionary relationships.

Results: We show that the problem is NP-hard even for the case where the pair of networks are simply paths. We next provide a polynomial time heuristic algorithm, SPINAL, which consists of two main phases. In the first coarse-grained alignment phase, we construct all pairwise initial similarity scores based on pairwise local neighborhood matchings. Using the produced similarity scores, the fine-grained alignment phase produces the final one-to-one mapping by iteratively growing a locally improved solution subset. Both phases make use of the construction of neighborhood bipartite graphs and the contributors as a common primitive. We assess the performance of our algorithm on the PPI networks of yeast, fly, human and worm. We show that based on the accuracy measures used in relevant work, our method outperforms the state-of-the-art algorithms. Furthermore, our algorithm does not suffer from scalability issues, as such accurate results are achieved in reasonable running times as compared with the benchmark algorithms.

Availability: Supplementary Document, open source codes, useful scripts, all the experimental data and the results are freely available at http://code.google.com/p/spinal/.

Contact:  cesim@khas.edu.tr

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Mutual Fund's R2 as Predictor of Performance
Authors: Amihud Yakov , Goyenko Ruslan
Published: February 2013

We propose that fund performance can be predicted by its R2, obtained from a regression of its returns on a multifactor benchmark model. Lower R2 indicates greater selectivity, and it significantly predicts better performance. Stock funds sorted into lowest-quintile lagged R2 and highest-quintile lagged alpha produce significant annual alpha of 3.8%. Across funds, R2 is positively associated with fund size and negatively associated with its expenses and manager's tenure.
Impact of the Prone Position in an Animal Model of Unilateral Bacterial Pneumonia Undergoing Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Ladoire Sylvain , Pauchard Laure-Anne , Barbar Saber-Davide , Tissieres Pierre , Croisier-Bertin Delphine , Charles Pierre-Emmanuel
Published: February 2013

Background:

The prone position (PP) has proven beneficial in patients with severe lung injury subjected to mechanical ventilation (MV), especially in those with lobar involvement. We assessed the impact of PP on unilateral pneumonia in rabbits subjected to MV.

Methods:

After endobronchial challenge with Enterobacter aerogenes, adult rabbits were subjected to either “adverse” (peak inspiratory pressure = 30 cm H2O, zero end-expiratory pressure; n = 10) or “protective” (tidal volume = 8 ml/kg, 5 cm H2O positive end-expiratory pressure; n = 10) MV and then randomly kept supine or turned to the PP. Pneumonia was assessed 8 h later. Data are presented as median (interquartile range).

Results:

Compared with the supine position, PP was associated with significantly lower bacterial concentrations within the infected lung, even if a “protective” MV was applied (5.93 [0.34] vs. 6.66 [0.86] log10 cfu/g, respectively; P = 0.008). Bacterial concentrations in the spleen were also decreased by the PP if the “adverse” MV was used (3.62 [1.74] vs. 6.55 [3.67] log10 cfu/g, respectively; P = 0.038). In addition, the noninfected lung was less severely injured in the PP group. Finally, lung and systemic inflammation as assessed through interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α measurement was attenuated by the PP.

Conclusions:

The PP could be protective if the host is subjected to MV and unilateral bacterial pneumonia. It improves lung injury even if it is utilized after lung injury has occurred and nonprotective ventilation has been administered.
Education and social stratification across Europe
Authors: Vryonides Marios , Lamprianou Iasonas
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate factors that affect progression to university education across Europe.

Design/methodology/approach

The data used are obtained from the fourth round of the European Social Survey (2008).

Findings

Findings point to interesting age by gender and age by parental education interactions affecting the entrance to university. It demonstrates the disparity that exists across Europe whereby in some countries progression has been a smooth process for the past few decades while in others widening participation to higher education has only been a recent phenomenon.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study are discussed with reference to social reproduction theories and have implications for wider European educational policies for enhancing access to university education.

Originality/value

In a globalised education market inequalities may be observed within countries but also between countries making the outcomes of policies for offering equal opportunities a complex one.
A fuzzy AHP approach for inbound supply risk assessment
Authors: Ganguly Kunal K. , Guin Kalyan K.
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a methodology for assessing supply risk for a product category. The fuzzy based analytic hierarchy process (Fuzzy AHP) has been used for the purpose. The technique is used to determine the supply related risk and its potential impact on the buyer organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses case analysis approach to understand the supply related risks and then applying fuzzy AHP for prioritization of the same.

Findings

The result of the case example indicates that the suggested approach of fuzzy AHP methodology seems feasible for risk assessment in supply chain management as it allows the personnel to express their judgments regarding the importance of each type of risk elements and evaluate the situation from their own perspective and then have this input coordinated in a quantitative fashion.

Practical implications

Supply chain managers can use this research as a base for developing risk assessment tool. The result can help as a benchmarking tool for the supply management professionals. By having a better understanding of which element has the greatest effect on risk, they can focus their attention on reducing the chance that risk can have on their organizations success and profitability.

Originality/value

This paper provides practitioners with a methodology for analyzing supply side risk as an objective of creating customer value by delivering perfect order.
“Missing signposts?”
Authors: Strongman Luke
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is first, to explore communicative practice in conflict resolution in its unitary and pluralistic forms; and second, to highlight ways in which interpersonal conflict negotiation and resolution may be recapitulated in organisational or international experiences of conflict resolution.

Design/methodology/approach

The methods of research are qualitative discourse analysis in the new critical paradigm. The approach to the topic is one of reflective interlocution of defined topic areas.

Findings

A tension exists between unitary and pluralistic components of rational arguments in organisational communication. This is observable in the claims to relational authenticity in both scientific arguments and in the management of conflict negotiations. The main drivers of this tension are the scalability of arguments and the contexts in which they occur. Determining the ontological validity and mutually understood “reference points” of participant perspectives are essential in reaching understandings that have elements of successful communication, clarity and mutuality.

Research limitations/implications

The research is theoretical in design and mimetically reflects developments in pedagogy and practice in its designated area.

Practical implications

Scientists, media commentators need to be mindful of argumentational bias. Conflict resolution negotiators will have a better understanding of the ethical dynamics of their interaction and processes.

Social implications

As the title suggests, the article highlights tensions between the unitary and pluralistic components of rational arguments and conflict resolution in organisational communication.

Originality/value

The originality and value of the paper is its analysis and juxtaposition of the communication ethics of rational arguments used by scientists, and conflict resolution negotiators.
Positive association between thrips and spider mites in seedling cotton
Authors: Martini Xavier , Kincy Natalie , Vaughn Kathy , Dever Jane , Christian Nansen
Published: February 2013

In cotton fields in Texas, spider mites are sporadic pests, whereas thrips are considered as major pests on early stages (before the fourth true leaf stage). Thrips are also important predators of spider mite eggs. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the presence of spider mites on seedling cotton may increase the likelihood of the occurrence of thrips.

Based on a greenhouse experiment, it was confirmed that seedling cotton was a suitable host for spider mites. Subsequently, we conducted a 2‐year field experiment in which we studied the likelihood of thrips infestation in cotton plants with/without experimental spider mite infestations.

Spider mites established better in 2011 (dry and hot season) than in 2010 (rainy and cooler season), and there was a positive association between spider mites on cotton plants and natural thrips infestation. Thus, we showed that the probability of thrips infestation strongly increased with the presence of spider mites.

To confirm the proposed hypothesis on a larger scale, a second field experiment was performed, in which one half of a field was infested with spider mites. Weekly sampling of thrips and spider mites showed a two‐fold increase of thrips immatures on plots previously infested with spider mites.

The results obtained in the present study emphasize the importance of incorporating spider mite population dynamics into risk assessments of thrips infestation in seedling cotton fields in Texas and elsewhere.
Fresh water snails as bioindicator for some heavy metals  in the aquatic environment
Authors: Mahmoud Kadria M. A. , Abu Taleb Hoda M. A.
Published: February 2013

The aim of this investigation is to study some freshwater snails as bioindicator for heavy metals Cd, Cu and Pb by determining the concentration of these metals in the field water samples and in whole snail tissues. Seven freshwater snails were used in the present study, some of which are considered medically important snails in Egypt, Biomphalaria alexandrina and Bulinus truncatus, the intermediate hosts for schistosomiasis and nontarget snails Bellamya unicolor, Cleopatra bulimoides, Helisoma duryi, Physa acuta and Theodoxus niloticus. Samples of snails were gathered from three Egyptian governorates: Damietta, Giza and Monufia.. The snails were arranged according to their accumulated concentration of the above‐mentioned microelements in descending order as follows: C. bulimoides > H. duryi > B. truncatus > B. alexandrina >P. acuta > B. unicolor > T. niloticus. It is concluded from the analysis of water and the investigated snails that these snails can accumulate Cu, Pb and Cd with high concentrations in their bodies, so they can be used as bioindicators for heavy metals.
Inhibition of endotoxin‐induced perinatal asthma protection by pollutants in an experimental mouse model
Authors: Reiprich M. , Rudzok S. , Schütze N. , Simon J. C. , Lehmann I. , Trump S. , Polte T.
Published: February 2013

Background

One of the most promising strategies to face the increasing asthma prevalence and to prevent disease development might be an early contact with microbial compounds. However, little is known about an interaction between an early‐life contact to microbial compounds leading to asthma protection in the offspring and a co‐exposure to allergy‐promoting pollutants.

Methods

Pregnant BALB/c mice were repeatedly exposed to aerosolized endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS). The offspring was further exposed to aerosolized LPS before allergen sensitization with ovalbumin (OVA). Some of the mice were co‐exposed to mycotoxins or diesel exhaust particles (DEP) during pregnancy. The 6‐week‐old offspring was immunized with OVA and analyzed in a murine asthma model.

Results

While the offspring of naïve mothers developed an asthma‐like phenotype, the offspring of mice perinatally exposed to LPS was significantly protected. Co‐exposure of mice to mycotoxins or DEP during pregnancy inhibited the LPS‐induced protection leading to the development of eosinophilic airway inflammation, airway hyperactivity, and increased antigen‐specific IgE levels in the offspring. Furthermore, the asthma‐preventive effect of perinatal LPS exposure was IFN‐gamma dependent. Additionally, the IFN‐gamma promoter of CD4+ T cells in the LPS‐exposed offspring revealed a significant protection against loss of histone 4 acetylation, which was abolished after prenatal co‐exposure to pollutants. Prenatal treatment of mice with the antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine reversed the pollutant‐induced increased asthma risk in the offspring.

Conclusion

Our results show that exposure to pollutants during pregnancy may cause the development of allergic asthma in the offspring by inhibiting the endotoxin‐induced perinatal asthma protection.
Ionotropic but not metabotropic glutamatergic receptors in the locus coeruleus modulate the hypercapnic ventilatory response in unanaesthetized rats
Authors: Taxini C. L. , Puga C. C. I. , Dias M. B. , Bícego K. C. , Gargaglioni L. H.
Published: February 2013

Aim

Central chemoreceptors are important to detect changes of CO2/H+, and the Locus coeruleus (LC) is one of the many putative central chemoreceptor sites. Here, we studied the contribution of LC glutamatergic receptors on ventilatory, cardiovascular and thermal responses to hypercapnia.

Methods

To this end, we determined pulmonary ventilation (VE), body temperatures (Tb), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) of male Wistar rats before and after unilateral microinjection of kynurenic acid (KY, an ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonist, 10 nmol/0.1 μL) or α‐methyl‐4‐carboxyphenylglycine (MCPG, a metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonist, 10 nmol/0.1 μL) into the LC, followed by 60 min of air breathing or hypercapnia exposure (7% CO2).

Results

Ventilatory response to hypercapnia was higher in animals treated with KY intra‐LC (1918.7 ± 275.4) compared with the control group (1057.8 ± 213.9, P < 0.01). However, the MCPG treatment within the LC had no effect on the hypercapnia‐induced hyperpnea. The cardiovascular and thermal controls were not affected by hypercapnia or by the injection of KY and MCPG in the LC.

Conclusion

These data suggest that glutamate acting on ionotropic, but not metabotropic, receptors in the LC exerts an inhibitory modulation of hypercapnia‐induced hyperpnea.
Expected Returns to Stock Investments by Angel Investors in Groups
Authors: DeGennaro Ramon P. , Dwyer Gerald P.
Published: February 2013

Previous research calculates realised internal rates of return on angel investments but does not estimate expected returns. We present the first estimates of expected returns on angel investments by applying a consistent statistical framework to a new data set. Our sample spans 1972 to 2007 with 419 exited investments. Our results suggest that expected returns on stock for angel investors in groups are about 70% per year in excess of the riskfree rate. These expected returns have a large variance and are heavily skewed, with many losses and occasional extraordinarily high returns.
Block Premia, Litigation Risk, and Shareholder Protection
Authors: Maux Julien Le , Francoeur Claude
Published: February 2013

Blocks of shares are typically traded at a premium for the buyer. The academic literature shows that anticipated private benefits are the main determinant of this premium rather than the projected value of future synergies. The results of this study indicate that a target's litigation risk has a significant impact on the control premium. Acquirers tend to lower block premia significantly in anticipation of potential litigation related to financial disclosure or the target's market value. Legal shareholder protection also plays a significant role in countering shareholder expropriation. Block buyers pay higher premia to acquire targets that operate in protective legal environments.
Deficiency of n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids is mainly responsible for atopic dermatitis‐like pruritic skin inflammation in special diet‐fed hairless mice
Authors: Fujii Masanori , Nakashima Hiroyuki , Tomozawa Junko , Shimazaki Yuki , Ohyanagi Chie , Kawaguchi Naomi , Ohya Susumu , Kohno Shigekatsu , Nabe Takeshi
Published: February 2013

Hairless mice fed a special diet, HR‐AD, develop atopic dermatitis (AD)‐like skin inflammation with skin barrier defects and itch‐related scratching; however, the ingredient(s) causing the dermatitis remains unclear. In this study, we examined whether deficiency of certain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is involved in HR‐AD‐induced AD. High‐purity PUFAs were given to HR‐AD‐fed mice by dietary supplementation or gavage. Fatty acid levels in the serum and skin were determined by using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. In serum from HR‐AD‐fed mice, linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n‐6) and α‐linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n‐3), as well as their metabolites, were markedly decreased. When mice were fed HR‐AD supplemented with LA or ALA in an amount equal to that contained in a normal diet, the development of AD‐like symptoms was completely prevented by supplementation with LA but not with ALA. Relatively high dose of ALA slightly alleviated skin barrier defects, but did neither itch‐related scratching nor skin inflammation. On the other hand, gavage administration of LA metabolites, such as γ‐linolenic acid and arachidonic acid (AA), significantly ameliorated established dermatitis without increasing LA in the serum and skin. Moreover, AA‐induced amelioration of dermatitis was not affected by pharmacological blockade of 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LOX) and cyclooxygenase (COX), suggesting no involvement of 5‐LOX‐ or COX‐mediated AA metabolites in the amelioration. In conclusion, our results indicate that deficiency of n‐6 PUFAs is mainly responsible for AD‐like symptoms by HR‐AD feeding. Thus, this model could be useful for studying the pathomechanisms associated with deficiency of n‐6 PUFAs in AD.
Unauthorized Immigration to the United States: Annual Estimates and Components of Change, by State, 1990 to 2010
Authors: Warren Robert , Warren John Robert
Published: February 2013

We describe a method for producing annual estimates of the unauthorized immigrant population in the United Sates and components of population change, for each state and DC, for 1990–2010. We quantify a sharp drop in the number of unauthorized immigrants arriving since 2000, and we demonstrate the role of departures from the population (emigration, adjustment to legal status, removal by the Department of Homeland Security [DHS], and deaths) in reducing population growth from one million in 2000 to population losses in 2008 and 2009. The number arriving in the U.S. peaked at more than one million in 1999–2001 and then declined rapidly through 2009. We provide evidence that population growth stopped after 2007 primarily because entries declined and not because emigration increased during the economic crisis. Our estimates of the total unauthorized immigrant population in the U.S. and in the top ten states are comparable to those produced by DHS and the Pew Hispanic Center. However, our data and methods produce estimates with smaller ranges of sampling error.
Resin infiltration of developmentally hypomineralised enamel
Authors: Crombie Felicity , Manton David , Palamara Joseph , Reynolds Eric
Published: February 2013

Background

Molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) is a problematic condition with several characteristics for which infiltrant resins could theoretically improve clinical outcomes.

Aim

To investigate whether caries infiltrant resin can penetrate MIH‐affected enamel.

Design

Molar incisor hypomineralisation lesions (n = 21) were infiltrated using either the standard protocol or with the addition of a sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) irrigation step. Lesions were sectioned and examined microscopically for infiltrant penetration before undergoing Vickers hardness testing. The surfaces of several lesions were also examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Results

Infiltrant resin could penetrate MIH lesions; however, the pattern was erratic. Two lesions were confined to inner enamel, and no infiltration occurred. On average, the resin penetrated to a depth of 0.67 ± 0.39 mm and 23.1 ± 15.2% of the area of the lesion. Microhardness increased in areas of resin penetration by 1.0 ± 0.7 GPa representing a proportional increase of 2.2 ± 2.5 times. There were no significant differences in results based on either the infiltration protocol or the type of MIH lesion.

Conclusion

Caries infiltrant resin is capable of penetrating MIH enamel lesions; however, the pattern, extent, and change in hardness produced are currently unpredictable.
Use of dehydrated human amniotic membrane allografts to promote healing in patients with refractory non healing wounds
Authors: Sheikh Emran S , Sheikh Ednan S , Fetterolf Donald E
Published: February 2013

Non healing wounds present a significant social and economic burden. Chronic non healing wounds are estimated to affect as many as 1–2% of individuals during their lifetime, and account for billions of dollars of expense annually on both a national and global basis. Our purpose is to describe the use of a novel dehydrated amniotic membrane allograft (EpiFix®; MiMedx Group, Inc., Kennesaw, GA) for the treatment of chronic non healing wounds. We describe the results of EpiFix treatment in four patients who had not achieved wound closure with both conservative and advanced measures, and had been referred for a definitive plastic surgery procedure. Healing was observed in a variety of wounds with one to three applications of the dehydrated amniotic membrane material. The material was well tolerated by patients. Healed wounds did not recur in long‐term follow‐up. Further investigation of the use of dehydrated amniotic membrane in broader application to various types of dermal wounds should be considered.
Novel p53 splicing site mutation in Li‐Fraumeni‐like syndrome with osteosarcoma
Authors: Sakurai Naoto , Iwamoto Shotaro , Miura Yoshihiro , Nakamura Tomoki , Matsumine Akihiko , Nishioka Junji , Nakatani Kaname , Komada Yoshihiro
Published: February 2013

We describe a 15‐year‐old girl with a novel germline
p53
splice site mutation who developed an osteosarcoma. She received several cycles of chemotherapy with complete resection of the primary tumor without amputation, and has maintained remission for 18 months. Li‐Fraumeni‐like syndrome was suspected based on familial history. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of a novel germline
p53
gene mutation resulting in a G to A transition at position +1 at the donor splice site of intron 6, creating a 6 amino acid insertion. This case provides interesting insight into the phenotype‐genotype correlation in LFL syndrome with a TP53 splicing mutation.
Do Feminists Need an Economic Sociology of Law?
Authors: Kotiswaran Prabha
Published: February 2013

Feminist legal scholars have long exposed the mutually constitutive relationship between the market and the social sphere, particularly, of the family, as mediated by the state. A peculiar division of labour has emerged in American feminist legal theorizing on the market in the context of care work, on the one hand, and sex work on the other. Care is valorized, thus entrenching the family‐market dichotomy while the sex‐work debates view the market as a source of harm and violence and therefore to be eliminated from the social. This produces a problematic feminist understanding of the market and generates legal reforms that produce unintended consequences for women themselves. The article offers an economic sociology of law pursued in legal ethnographic terms as a way of revitalizing contemporary feminist legal thought on the market and, indeed, the economy, illustrating its use in the context of international anti‐trafficking law and transnational surrogacy.
Development Dynamics of Chinese Resource-Based Investment in Peru and Ecuador
Authors: González-Vicente Rubén
Published: February 2013

This article analyzes the developmental impact of two of the earliest investments made by Chinese companies in South America, the Shougang Corporation's mining activities in Peru and Andes Petroleum’s oil extraction operations in Ecuador. The article draws attention to the importance of contextualizing and disaggregating instances of Chinese resource-based investment in order to adequately grasp the complexity of processes that are contingent to particular regimes of natural resource governance, companies’ backgrounds, and the strength and nature of local reactions, among other factors. It thereby encourages a critical examination of Chinese investment in South America that explores how the characteristics of that investment are reshaped by the long and contested histories of resource extraction in the region, the promotion of and resistance to particular visions of development, the agency of multiply situated and complex actors, and the wider transnational production networks in which resource extraction processes are embedded.
Judging the Judiciary: Understanding Public Confidence in Latin American Courts
Authors: Salzman Ryan , Ramsey Adam
Published: February 2013

Although there is a substantial literature examining public confidence in the judiciary in developed nations, scholars have paid scant attention to analyzing judicial confidence in developing countries. Building on extant work regarding developed nations and introducing original hypotheses in the context of developing nations, this research explains influences on public confidence in Latin American judiciaries by developing a theory that focuses on the potential influences of institutional quality, experiences, and individual attitudes. The hypotheses are empirically tested with the rich individual-level data compiled by the Latin American Public Opinion Project 2006 survey. The results indicate that a variety of factors influence public confidence in Latin American courts; the role of context explains points of consistency and divergence with research on developed nations.
Legislative Coalitions in Presidential Systems: The Case of Uruguay
Authors: Zucco Cesar
Published: February 2013

The article analyzes executive-legislative relations in Uruguay between 1985 and 2005. It demonstrates that even after controlling for ideological affinity and acknowledging that ideology affects presence in the cabinet, legislators whose factions hold ministerial positions behave in a more progovernment way than their ideology would predict. This result not only shows that coalitions “work” but suggests that they work because the presidents use resources under their control to attract support from legislators. This article presents a systematic analysis of executive-legislative relations in multiparty settings that builds on the finding that nonideologically contiguous coalitions often form to separate the ideological from the strategic determinants of legislative behavior. It also contributes to the literature by presenting a new set of roll call data and, more generally, highlights the risks of attempting to infer ideology directly from legislative behavior in presidential multiparty settings.
Peace on Earth?: The Future of Internal Armed Conflict
Authors: Hegre Håvard
Published: February 2013

Warfare seems endemic to mankind. Nations around the world are riven by conflict. But is the impetus to war decreasing? Håvard Hegre finds statistical grounds for hope.
Nathan Yau
Authors: Grant Robert
Published: February 2013

Nathan Yau showcases the best data visualisations around. Robert Grant wants to improve his own ways of communicating. Who better to talk to?
Etiology and prognosis of fulminant hepatitis and late‐onset hepatic failure in Japan: Summary of the annual nationwide survey between 2004 and 2009
Authors: Oketani Makoto , Ido Akio , Nakayama Nobuaki , Takikawa Yasuhiro , Naiki Takafumi , Yamagishi Yoshiyuki , Ichida Takafumi , Mochida Satoshi , Onishi Saburo , Tsubouchi Hirohito ,   Intractable Hepato‐Biliary Diseases Study Group of Japan
Published: February 2013

Aim

To summarize the annual nationwide survey on fulminant hepatitis (FH) and late‐onset hepatic failure (LOHF) between 2004 and 2009 in Japan.

Methods

The annual survey was performed in a two‐step questionnaire process to detail the clinical profile and prognosis of patients in special hospitals.

Results

Four hundred and sixty (n = 227 acute type; n = 233 subacute type) patients had FH and 28 patients had LOHF. The mean age of patients with FH and LOHF were 51.1 ± 17.0 and 58.0 ± 14.4 years, respectively. The causes of FH were hepatitis A virus in 3.0%, hepatitis B virus (HBV) in 40.2%, other viruses in 2.0%, autoimmune hepatitis in 8.3%, drug allergy‐induced in 14.6% and indeterminate etiology in 29.6% of patients. HBV reactivation due to immunosuppressive therapy was observed in 6.8% of FH patients. The short‐term survival rates of patients without liver transplantation (LT) were 48.7% and 24.2% for the acute and subacute type, respectively, and 13.0% for LOHF. The prognosis was poor in patients with HBV reactivation. The implementation rate for LT in FH patients was equivalent to that in the previous survey. The short‐term survival rates of total patients, including LT patients, were 54.2% and 40.8% for the acute and subacute type, respectively, and 28.6% for LOHF.

Conclusion

The demographic features and etiology of FH patients has gradually changed. HBV reactivation due to immunosuppressive therapy is problematic. Despite advances in therapeutic approaches, the prognosis of patients without LT has not improved.