bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comment on “Dissipation and decay of fractal-generated turbulence” [Phys. Fluids 19, 105108 (2007)]
Authors: Valente P. C. , Vassilicos J. C.
Published: November 2011

We comment on the experimental results of Seoud and Vassilicos “Dissipation and decay of fractal-generated turbulence” [Phys. Fluids 19, 105108 (2007)] and show that, although their main observation that Cε~Reλ-1 for the fractal square grid-generated turbulence is essentially correct, their quantitative estimations of turbulent quantities depending on small scales (e.g., ɛ, λ, Reλ, and Cɛ) are biased by their anemometry system.
Identification of boron clusters in silicon crystal by B1s core-level X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy: A first-principles study
Authors: Yamauchi Jun , Yoshimoto Yoshihide , Suwa Yuji
Published: November 2011

We carried out a comprehensive study on the B1s core-level X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) binding energies for B clusters in crystalline Si using a first-principles calculation with careful evaluation of the local potential boundary condition for the model system, where convergence within 0.1 eV was confirmed for the supercell size. For ion-implanted samples, we identified experimental peaks due to B clusters and threefold B as icosahedral B12 and 〈001〉B-Si defects, respectively. For as-doped samples prepared by plasma doping, it was found that the calculated XPS binding energies for complexes of vacancies and B atoms were consistent with the experimental spectra.
Breakover mechanism of GaAs photoconductive switch triggering spark gap for high power applications
Authors: Tian Liqiang , Shi Wei , Feng Qingqing
Published: November 2011

A spark gap (SG) triggered by a semi-insulating GaAs photoconductive semiconductor switch (PCSS) is presented. Currents as high as 5.6 kA have been generated using the combined switch, which is excited by a laser pulse with energy of 1.8 mJ and under a bias of 4 kV. Based on the transferred-electron effect and gas streamer theory, the breakover characteristics of the combined switch are analyzed. The photoexcited carrier density in the PCSS is calculated. The calculation and analysis indicate that the PCSS breakover is caused by nucleation of the photoactivated avalanching charge domain. It is shown that the high output current is generated by the discharge of a high-energy gas streamer induced by the strong local electric field distortion or by overvoltage of the SG resulting from quenching of the avalanching domain, and periodic oscillation of the current is caused by interaction between the gas streamer and the charge domain. The cycle of the current oscillation is determined by the rise time of the triggering electric pulse generated by the PCSS, the pulse transmission time between the PCSS and the SG, and the streamer transit time in the SG.
Solid-immersion-lens-enhanced nonlinear frequency-variation mapping of a silicon integrated-circuit
Authors: Serrels K. A. , Farrell C. , Lundquist T. R. , Reid D. T. , Vedagarbha P.
Published: November 2011

By inducing two-photon absorption within the active layer of a proprietary silicon test chip, we demonstrate here solid-immersion-lens-enhanced nonlinear frequency-variation mapping of a 500-MHz ring oscillator circuit at 1560 nm. This work compares the performance of conventional single-photon linear methodologies against advanced two-photon alternatives and reports a maximum laser-induced change in the oscillator stage-delay of approximately 1 ps, and a signal injection resolution of 260 nm.
NpN-GaN/InxGa1−xN/GaN heterojunction bipolar transistor on free-standing GaN substrate
Authors: Lochner Zachary , Jin Kim Hee , Lee Yi-Che , Zhang Yun , Choi Suk , Shen Shyh-Chiang , Doug Yoder P. , Ryou Jae-Hyun , Dupuis Russell D.
Published: November 2011

Data and analysis are presented for NpN-GaN/InGaN/GaN double-heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) grown and fabricated on a free-standing GaN (FS-GaN) substrate in comparison to that on a sapphire substrate to investigate the effect of dislocations in III-nitride HBT epitaxial structures. The performance characteristics of HBTs on FS-GaN exhibit a maximum collector current density of ∼12.3 kA/cm2, dc current gain of ∼90, and maximum differential gain of ∼120 without surface passivation, representing a substantial improvement over similar devices grown on sapphire. This is attributed to the reduction in threading dislocation density afforded by using a homoepitaxial growth on a high-crystalline-quality substrate. The minority carrier diffusion length increases significantly owing to not only a mitigated carrier trap effect via fewer dislocations, but also possibly reduced microscopic localized states.
Junctionless in-plane-gate transparent thin-film transistors
Authors: Jiang Jie , Sun Jia , Dou Wei , Zhou Bin , Wan Qing
Published: November 2011

Junctionless transparent electric-double-layer thin-film transistors with an in-plane-gate figure are fabricated on glass substrates at room temperature. The unique feature of such junctionless transistors is that the channel and source/drain electrodes are the same thin indium-tin-oxide film without any source/drain junction. Effective field-effect modulation of drain current can be obtained when the indium-tin-oxide thickness is reduced to 20 nm. Such junctionless transparent thin-film transistors exhibit a good electrical performance with a small subthreshold swing (<0.2 V/decade), a high mobility (∼20 cm2/Vs), and a large on/off ratio (>106), respectively. A serial-capacitor model is proposed to understand the operation mechanism.
Adjustable stiffness of individual piezoelectric nanofibers by electron beam polarization
Authors: Chen Xi , Li Anton , Yao Nan , Shi Yong
Published: November 2011

We present a method to adjust the stiffness of individual piezoelectric nanofiber by electron beam induced polarization under an in situ scanning electron microscopy. The lead zirconate titanate (PZT) nanofibers were fabricated by an electrospinning process. The Young’s modulus was calculated from the resonant frequency excited by an oscillating electric field applied through a nanomanipulator. The stiffness can be adjusted up to 75% by induced polarization under the exposure of an electron beam to control the domain boundaries in single PZT nanofibers. Splitting effect of the resonant frequencies was observed due to anisotropic stiffness in polarized PZT nanofibers.
Optical fiber tips functionalized with semiconductor photonic crystal cavities
Authors: Shambat Gary , Provine J , Rivoire Kelley , Sarmiento Tomas , Harris James , Vučković Jelena
Published: November 2011

We demonstrate a simple and rapid epoxy-based method for transferring photonic crystal (PC) cavities to the facets of optical fibers. Passive Si cavities were measured via fiber taper coupling as well as direct transmission from the fiber facet. Active quantum dot containing GaAs cavities showed photoluminescence that was collected both in free space and back through the original fiber. Cavities maintain a high quality factor (2000-4000) in both material systems. This design architecture provides a practical mechanically stable platform for the integration of photonic crystal cavities with macroscale optics and opens the door for innovative research on fiber-coupled cavity devices.
More Parts Than Elements: How Databases Multiply
Authors: Mackenzie Adrian
Published: November 2011

Databases organise, configure, and perform thing-and-people multiples in sets. Belonging, inclusion, participation, and membership: many of the relations that make up the material-social life of people and things can be formally apprehended in terms of set-like multiples stored in databases. Mid-20th century database design derived different ways of gathering, sorting, ordering, and searching data from mathematical set theory. The dominant database architecture, the relational database management system, can be seen as a specific technological enactment of the mathematics of set theory. More recent developments such as grids, clouds, and other data-intensive architectures apprehend ever greater quantities of data. Arguably, in emerging data architectures databases themselves are subsumed by even more intensive set-like operations. Whole databases undergo set-like transformations as they are aggregated, divided, filtered, and sorted. At least at a theoretical level, the mathematics of set theory, as philosophically rendered by Alain Badiou, can also suggest some explanations of how multiples expand, ramify, and split in databases. Badiou's account locates forms of instability or incoherence inherent in any set-based doing of multiples in the relation between parts and elements, between inclusion and belonging. Against the grain of Badiou's resolutely philosophical project, a set-theoretical account of databases might also point towards some vertiginous elements that elude regulation, norms, and representation.
How feasible are lifestyle modification programs for disease prevention in general practice?
Authors: Schütze Heike , Rix Elizabeth F. , Laws Rachel A. , Passey Megan , Fanaian Mahnaz , Harris Mark F.
Published: November 2011

Vascular disease is a leading cause of death and disability. While it is preventable, little is known about the feasibility or acceptability of implementing interventions to prevent vascular disease in Australian primary health care. We conducted a cluster randomised controlled trial assessing prevention of vascular disease in patients aged 40–65 by providing a lifestyle modification program in general practice. Interviews with 13 general practices in the intervention arm of this trial examined their views on implementing the lifestyle modification program in general practice settings. Qualitative study, involving thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 11 general practitioners, four practice nurses and five allied health providers between October 2009 and April 2010. Providing brief lifestyle intervention fitted well with routine health-check consultations; however, acceptance and referral to the program was dependent on the level of facilitation provided by program coordinators. Respondents reported that patients engaged with the advice and strategies provided in the program, which helped them make lifestyle changes. Practice nurse involvement was important to sustaining implementation in general practice, while the lack of referral services for people at risk of developing vascular disease threatens maintenance of lifestyle changes as few respondents thought patients would continue lifestyle changes without long-term follow up. Lifestyle modification programs to prevent vascular disease are feasible in general practice but must be provided in a flexible format, such as being offered out of hours to facilitate uptake, with ongoing support and follow up to assist maintenance. The newly formed Medicare Locals may have an important role in facilitating lifestyle modification programs for this target group.
What predicts patient-reported GP management of smoking, nutrition, alcohol, physical activity and weight?
Authors: Harris Mark F. , Fanaian Mahnaz , Jayasinghe Upali W. , Passey Megan , Lyle David , McKenzie Suzanne , Davies Gawaine Powell
Published: November 2011

This study aimed to describe patient-reported management of behavioural risk factors in Australian general practice. Six hundred and ninety-eight eligible patients from 30 general practices in two rural and three urban Divisions of General Practice responded to a mailed invitation to participate and completed a questionnaire. Data were analysed using univariate and multi-level multivariate methods. The prevalence of risk factors varied between 12.6% for smoking and 72.6% for at-risk diet (56.2% were overweight). Most patients were at the action or maintenance phases of their readiness to change their risky behaviours. General practitioners (GPs) provided education or advice to between one-quarter and one-third of those at risk for each risk factor; 9.2% and 9.6% of patients reported having been referred for diet or physical activity interventions. Patient body mass index was associated with increased likelihood of receiving GP advice or referral for diet and physical activity interventions. Having poor diet or physical activity levels and being more ready for change were not associated with the likelihood of GP referral. The major challenge for general practice is to ensure that effective lifestyle interventions are provided to those who will most benefit. Patient-reported GP behavioural risk factor advice and referral is less frequent than is optimal. Priority needs to be given to those most at risk and ready to change their behaviour.
Effects of land use and topographical attributes on soil properties in an agricultural landscape
Authors: Guo Peng-Tao , Wu Wei , Liu Hong-Bin , Li Mao-Fen
Published: November 2011

Knowledge about soil properties associated with land use and topographical attributes is vital for modelling soil–landscape relationships and establishing sustainable on-field management practices. Our study focuses on an arable area in south-western China, where paddy fields and vegetable growing are dominant land uses. These are representative of millions of hectares of farmland in south-western China. Samples from 120 sites were collected according to a gridded sampling scheme and analysed. Land-use map units were delineated at a scale of 1 : 2000 from field survey. Topographical indicators (elevation, aspect, slope) were extracted from a digital elevation model with a resolution of 2 m. One-way and two-way analyses of variance and Pearson correlations were adopted to investigate the effects of land use and topographical variables on the selected soil properties: pH, organic matter (OM), ammonium-nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (P), available potassium (K), exchangeable calcium (Ca), and exchangeable magnesium (Mg). Statistically significant differences were found for OM, P, Ca, Mg, and pH between the land-use types and elevation gradient as well as slope classes. Mean contents of OM and P in paddy fields (lower and flat locations) were lower than in vegetable lands (higher and steep places) (P < 0.05). Mean values of Ca, Mg, and pH in paddy fields were higher than in vegetable lands (P < 0.05). Further analysis combining with management practice demonstrated that the redistribution of pH, OM, N, P, Ca, and Mg was mainly controlled by the interactive effects of topography and land use. Therefore, interactions between topography and land-use types need to be considered in regional soil properties inventory assessments.
Conserved metabolic energy production pathways govern Eiger/TNF-induced nonapoptotic cell death
Authors: Kanda Hiroshi , Igaki Tatsushi , Okano Hideyuki , Miura Masayuki
Published: November 2011

Caspase-independent cell death is known to be important in physiological and pathological conditions, but its molecular regulation is not well-understood. Eiger is the sole fly ortholog of TNF. The ectopic expression of Eiger in the developing eye primordium caused JNK-dependent but caspase-independent cell death. To understand the molecular basis of this Eiger-induced nonapoptotic cell death, we performed a large-scale genetic screen inDrosophilafor suppressors of the Eiger-induced cell death phenotype. We found that molecules that regulate metabolic energy production are central to this form of cell death: it was dramatically suppressed by decreased levels of molecules that regulate cytosolic glycolysis, mitochondrial β-oxidation of fatty acids, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and the electron transport chain. Importantly, reducing the expression of energy production-related genes did not affect the cell death triggered by proapoptotic genes, such asreaper,hid,or debcl, indicating that the energy production-related genes have a specific role in Eiger-induced nonapoptotic cell death. We also found that energy production-related genes regulate the Eiger-induced cell death downstream of JNK. In addition, Eiger induced the production of reactive oxygen species in a manner dependent on energy production-related genes. Furthermore, we showed that this cell death machinery is involved in Eiger's physiological function, because decreasing the energy production-related genes suppressed Eiger-dependent tumor suppression, an intrinsic mechanism for removing tumorigenic mutant clones from epithelia by inducing cell death. This result suggests a link between sensitivity to cell death and metabolic activity in cancer.
Wip1 promotes RUNX2-dependent apoptosis in p53-negative tumors and protects normal tissues during treatment with anticancer agents
Authors: Goloudina Anastasia R. , Tanoue Kan , Hammann Arlette , Fourmaux Eric , Le Guezennec Xavier , Bulavin Dmitry V. , Mazur Sharlyn J. , Appella Ettore , Garrido Carmen , Demidov Oleg N.
Published: November 2011

The inactivation of the p53 tumor suppressor pathway in many cancers often increases their resistance to anticancer therapy. Here we show that a previously proposed strategy directed to Wip1 inhibition could be ineffective in tumors lacking p53. On the contrary, Wip1 overexpression sensitized these tumors to chemotherapeutic agents. This effect was mediated through interaction between Wip1 and RUNX2 that resulted, in response to anticancer treatment, in RUNX2-dependent transcriptional induction of the proapoptotic Bax protein. The potentiating effects of Wip1 overexpression on chemotherapeutic agents were directed only to tumor cells lacking p53. The overexpression of Wip1 in normal tissues provided protection from cisplatin-induced apoptosis through decreased strength of upstream signaling to p53. Thus, Wip1 phosphatase promotes apoptosis in p53-negative tumors and protects normal tissues during treatment with anticancer agents.
Evolution of D-lactate dehydrogenase activity from glycerol dehydrogenase and its utility for D-lactate production from lignocellulose
Authors: Wang Qingzhao , Ingram Lonnie O. , Shanmugam K. T.
Published: November 2011

Lactic acid, an attractive, renewable chemical for production of biobased plastics (polylactic acid, PLA), is currently commercially produced from food-based sources of sugar. Pure optical isomers of lactate needed for PLA are typically produced by microbial fermentation of sugars at temperatures below 40 °C.
Bacillus coagulans
produces L(+)-lactate as a primary fermentation product and grows optimally at 50 °C and pH 5, conditions that are optimal for activity of commercial fungal cellulases. This strain was engineered to produce D(−)-lactate by deleting the native
ldh
(L-lactate dehydrogenase) and
alsS
(acetolactate synthase) genes to impede anaerobic growth, followed by growth-based selection to isolate suppressor mutants that restored growth. One of these, strain QZ19, produced about 90 g L
-1
of optically pure D(−)-lactic acid from glucose in < 48 h. The new source of D-lactate dehydrogenase (D-LDH) activity was identified as a mutated form of glycerol dehydrogenase (GlyDH; D121N and F245S) that was produced at high levels as a result of a third mutation (insertion sequence). Although the native GlyDH had no detectable activity with pyruvate, the mutated GlyDH had a D-LDH specific activity of 0.8 
μ
moles min
-1
(mg protein)
-1
. By using QZ19 for simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of cellulose to D-lactate (50 °C and pH 5.0), the cellulase usage could be reduced to 1/3 that required for equivalent fermentations by mesophilic lactic acid bacteria. Together, the native
B. coagulans
and the QZ19 derivative can be used to produce either L(+) or D(−) optical isomers of lactic acid (respectively) at high titers and yields from nonfood carbohydrates.
RNAi-mediated knockdown of
Xist
can rescue the impaired postimplantation development of cloned mouse embryos
Authors: Matoba Shogo , Inoue Kimiko , Kohda Takashi , Sugimoto Michihiko , Mizutani Eiji , Ogonuki Narumi , Nakamura Toshinobu , Abe Kuniya , Nakano Toru , Ishino Fumitoshi , Ogura Atsuo
Published: November 2011

Cloning mammals by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is highly inefficient. Most SCNT-generated embryos die after implantation because of unidentified, complex epigenetic errors in the process of postimplantation embryonic development. Here we identify the most upstream level of dysfunction leading to impaired development of clones by using RNAi against
Xist
, a gene responsible for X chromosome inactivation (XCI). A prior injection of
Xist
-specific siRNA into reconstructed oocytes efficiently corrected SCNT-specific aberrant
Xist
expression at the morula stage, but failed to do so thereafter at the blastocyst stage. However, we found that shortly after implantation, this aberrant XCI status in cloned embryos had been corrected autonomously in both embryonic and extraembryonic tissues, probably through a newly established XCI control for postimplantation embryos. Embryo transfer experiments revealed that siRNA-treated embryos showed 10 times higher survival than controls as early as embryonic day 5.5 and this high survival persisted until term, resulting in a remarkable improvement in cloning efficiency (12% vs. 1% in controls). Importantly, unlike control clones, these
Xist
-siRNA clones at birth showed only a limited dysregulation of their gene expression, indicating that correction of
Xist
expression in preimplantation embryos had a long-term effect on their postnatal normality. Thus, contrary to the general assumption, our results suggest that the fate of cloned embryos is determined almost exclusively before implantation by their XCI status. Furthermore, our strategy provides a promising breakthrough for mammalian SCNT cloning, because RNAi treatment of oocytes is readily applicable to most mammal species.
“Native here and to the manner born”
Authors: Owen David
Published: November 2011

In the context of academic publication, there is a need to recognise the validity and acceptability of texts written by non-native authors that, whilst eschewing formal error, may nevertheless still fail to correspond to the pragmatic expectations imposed by criteria of nativeness. In this article I describe what I take to be a form of linguistic imperialism at work in the processes of academic publication, most specifically as these refer to the manner in which the English of research reported in written format by nonnative speakers of English is treated by reviewers and editors. The article challenges the assumption that native standards of English should be the basic criteria of linguistic quality in international academic publication.Since a fundamental aim of such publication is effective diffusion of content, this paper proposes that journals be more open to variants of English that may not fully comply with the expectations of the ‘standard’ language, and it calls for language consciousness-raising on the part of all those involved in the writing/revising/publishing process with a view to insuring a fairer and less linguistically exclusive publishing scenario.
Sharp weak type inequalities for the Haar system and related estimates for nonsymmetric martingale transforms
Authors: Osȩkowski Adam
Published: November 2011

For any

1
≤
p
>
∞

1\leq p>\infty

, we determine the optimal constant

C
p

C_p

such that the following holds. If

(

h
k

)

k
≥
0

(h_k)_{k\geq 0}

is the Haar system, then for any vectors

a
k

a_k

from a separable Hilbert space

H

\mathcal {H}

and

θ
k

∈
{
0
,
1
}

\theta _k\in \{0,1\}

,

k
=
0
,

1
,

2
,

…

k=0,\,1,\,2,\,\ldots

, we have
\[
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="StartAbsoluteValue StartAbsoluteValue sigma-summation Underscript k equals 0 Overscript n Endscripts theta Subscript k Baseline a Subscript k Baseline h Subscript k Baseline EndAbsoluteValue EndAbsoluteValue Subscript p comma normal infinity Baseline less-than-or-equal-to upper C Subscript p Baseline StartAbsoluteValue StartAbsoluteValue sigma-summation Underscript k equals 0 Overscript n Endscripts a Subscript k Baseline h Subscript k Baseline EndAbsoluteValue EndAbsoluteValue Subscript p Baseline period">

|

|

∑

k
=
0

n

θ
k

a
k

h
k

|

|

p
,
∞

≤

C
p

|

|

∑

k
=
0

n

a
k

h
k

|

|

p

.

\left |\left |\sum _{k=0}^n \theta _ka_kh_k\right |\right |_{p,\infty }\leq C_p\left |\left |\sum _{k=0}^n a_kh_k\right |\right |_p.

\]
This is generalized to the weak type inequality
\[
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="StartAbsoluteValue EndAbsoluteValue g StartAbsoluteValue EndAbsoluteValue Subscript p comma normal infinity Baseline less-than-or-equal-to upper C Subscript p Baseline StartAbsoluteValue EndAbsoluteValue f StartAbsoluteValue EndAbsoluteValue Subscript p Baseline comma">

|

|

g

|

|

p
,
∞

≤

C
p

|

|

f

|

|

p

,

||g||_{p,\infty }\leq C_p||f||_p,

\]
where

f
f

is an

H

\mathcal {H}

-valued martingale and

g
g

is its transform by a predictable sequence taking values in

[
0
,
1
]

[0,1]

. We extend this further to the estimate
\[
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="StartAbsoluteValue EndAbsoluteValue upper Y StartAbsoluteValue EndAbsoluteValue Subscript p comma normal infinity Baseline less-than-or-equal-to upper C Subscript p Baseline StartAbsoluteValue EndAbsoluteValue upper X StartAbsoluteValue EndAbsoluteValue Subscript p Baseline comma">

|

|

Y

|

|

p
,
∞

≤

C
p

|

|

X

|

|

p

,

||Y||_{p,\infty }\leq C_p||X||_p,

\]
valid for any two

H

\mathcal {H}

-valued continuous-time martingales

X
X

,

Y
Y

, such that

(
[
Y
,
X
−
Y

]
t

)

([Y,X-Y]_t)

is nondecreasing and nonnegative as a function of

t
t

.
Pleiotropic effects of pitavastatin
Authors: Davignon Jean
Published: November 2011

3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG‐CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) are established first line treatments for hypercholesterolaemia. In addition to the direct effects of statins in reducing concentrations of atherogenic low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), several studies have indicated that the beneficial effects of statins may be due to some of their cholesterol‐independent, multiple (pleiotropic) effects which may differ between different members of the class. Pitavastatin is a novel synthetic lipophilic statin that has a number of pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties distinct from those of other statins, which may underlie its potential pleiotropic benefits in reducing cardiovascular risk factors. This review examines the principal pleiotropic effects of pitavastatin on endothelial function, vascular inflammation, oxidative stress and thrombosis. The article is based on a systematic literature search carried out in December 2010, together with more recent relevant publications where appropriate. The available data from clinical trials and in vitro and animal studies suggest that pitavastatin is not only effective in reducing LDL‐C and triglycerides, but also has a range of other effects. These include increasing high density lipoprotein cholesterol, decreasing markers of platelet activation, improving cardiac, renal and endothelial function, and reducing endothelial stress, lipoprotein oxidation and, ultimately, improving the signs and symptoms of atherosclerosis. It is concluded that the diverse pleiotropic actions of pitavastatin may contribute to reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality beyond that achieved through LDL‐C reduction.
Multi‐objective behavioural mechanisms are adopted by foraging animals to achieve several optimality goals simultaneously
Authors: Wajnberg Eric
Published: November 2011

1. Animals foraging for resources are under a variety of selective pressures, and separate optimality models have been developed predicting the optimal reproductive strategies they should adopt.

2. In most cases, the proximate behavioural mechanisms adopted to achieve such optimality goals have been identified. This is the case, for example, for optimal patch time and sex allocation in insect parasitoids. However, behaviours modelled within this framework have mainly been studied separately, even though real animals have to optimize some behaviours simultaneously.

3. For this reason, it would be better if proximate behavioural rules were designed to attain several goals simultaneously. Despite their importance, such multi‐objective proximate rules remain to be discovered.

4. Based on experiments on insect parasitoids that simultaneously examine their optimal patch time and sex allocation strategies, it is shown here that animals can adopt multi‐objective behavioural mechanisms that appear consistent with the two optimal goals simultaneously.

5. Results of computer simulations demonstrate that these behavioural mechanisms are indeed consistent with optimal reproductive strategies and have thus been most likely selected over the course of the evolutionary time.
Getting the most from pleural fluid analysis
Authors: SAHN STEVEN A.
Published: November 2011

Virtually, every pulmonary disease and most non‐pulmonary diseases may be associated with a pleural effusion. The presence of a pleural effusion allows the clinician to ‘diagnose’ or narrow the differential diagnosis and aetiology of the fluid collection. However, pleural fluid analysis (PFA) in isolation rarely provides a definitive diagnosis. This review discusses the rationale for evaluating patients with a pleural effusion. If the clinician obtains a detailed history, performs a comprehensive physical examination, reviews pertinent blood tests, and evaluates the chest imaging findings prior to thoracentesis, there should be a high likelihood of establishing a firm clinical diagnosis based on the appropriate PFA. This manuscript reviews the clinical presentation, chest imaging findings, duration and natural course of specific pleural effusions to help narrow the range of pre‐thoracentesis diagnoses. A diagnosis of transudative effusion confirms an imbalance in hydrostatic and oncotic pressures, normal pleura and a limited differential diagnosis, which is typically apparent from the clinical presentation. Exudates are the result of infections, malignancies, inflammation, impaired lymphatic drainage or the effects of drugs, and pose a greater diagnostic challenge. The differential diagnosis for a pleural exudate can be narrowed if LDH levels exceed 1000 IU/L, the proportion of lymphocytes is ≥80%, pleural fluid pH is <7.30 or there is pleural eosinophilia of >10%.
Influence of cell surface structures on crenarchaeal biofilm formation using a thermostable green fluorescent protein
Authors: Henche Anna‐Lena , Koerdt Andrea , Ghosh Abhrajyoti , Albers Sonja‐Verena
Published: November 2011

The thermoacidophilic crenarchaeote Sulfolobus acidocaldarius displays three distinct type IV pili‐like structures on its surface: (i) the flagellum, (ii) the UV‐induced pili and (iii) the adhesive pili. In bacteria, surface appendages play an important role in the spatial organization of cells from initial surface attachment to the development of mature community structures. To investigate the influence of the diverse set of type IV pili‐like structures in S. acidocaldarius, single, double and triple mutants lacking the cell surface appendages were constructed and analysed for their behaviour in attachment assays and during biofilm formation. A heat stable green fluorescent protein was employed the first time in a hyperthermophilic archaeon. A codon adjusted eCGP123 was expressed to study mixed biofilms of different deletion mutants to understand the interplay of the surface structures during biofilm formation. During this process the deletion of the adhesive pili and UV‐induced pili led to the most pronounced effects, either an increase in cell density or increased cluster formation respectively. However, all three cell surface appendages played a role in the colonization of surfaces and only the interplay of all three appendages leads to the observed wild‐type biofilm phenotype.
Paraneuronal pseudobranchial neurosecretory cells in scorpion catfish Heteropneustes fossilis: an environment scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope study
Authors: Yadav Laxmi , Sengar Manvendra , Zaccone Daniele , Gopesh Anita
Published: November 2011

Yadav, L., Sengar, M., Zaccone, D. and Gopesh, A. 2011. Paraneuronal pseudobranchial neurosecretory cells in scorpion catfish Heteropneustes fossilis: an environment scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope study. —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 00: 1–8.

Pseudobranchial neurosecretory system (PNS), found in the gill region of certain groups of teleosts, falls under the category of the ‘diffuse neuroendocrine system’ (DNES). The cells belonging to the system share morpho‐functional features with the paraneuronal cells observed in respiratory tract and airway surfaces of higher vertebrates. On the basis of the experimental observations, a role in condition of hypoxia has been recorded for this system. In an attempt to elucidate the ultrastructure of pseudobranchial neurosecretory cells, present investigation was undertaken using environment scanning electron microscope (ESEM) and TEM in an air‐breathing catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis. The external morphology of PNS under ESEM appeared as a mass of cells supplied with nerves and blood capillaries. Each cell mass is made up of numerous pear‐shaped neurosecretory cells, confirmed by neurosecretion‐specific acid violet stain. The TEM investigation of the cells revealed the presence of different sizes of dense‐cored vesicles in the cytoplasm, which was observed as granular cytoplasm under light microscope. Presence of large number of mitochondria in the cytoplasm confirmed active involvement of these cells in the physiology of fishes. Although lacuna prevails regarding the exact function of this system of fish, its probable role in hypoxic condition and surfacing behavior are speculated.
Securing a sustainable British horticulture industry
Authors: Campbell‐Gibbons H.
Published: November 2011

Food security is increasingly a major political issue. Furthermore, growing public awareness about where our food comes from and concerns about the sustainability of some food production systems have meant that farmers and growers are producing food to ever higher standards of environmental protection, quality, hygiene and traceability. Therefore, the real question in any debate about sustainability is: ‘how can British horticulture produce more food to feed more people and make a profit from doing so, while using less land and resources and improving the environment at the same time?’

In 2009, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs announced the establishment of a Fruit and Vegetables Task Force, which has set a target to increase UK self‐sufficiency of indigenous vegetables to 73% and indigenous fruit to 50%; thus reversing a decade of decline. This will be essential for securing a viable, profitable, successful and sustainable British horticulture industry.

Achieving this target will require greater engagement with consumers, enhanced monitoring of the supply chain and reduced regulatory burdens. Ultimately, sustainability in horticulture requires a balance to be struck between the competing and pressing demands that are placed on British growers and then maintained.
Mediating Risk through the International Health Regulations and Bio-Political Surveillance
Authors: Youde Jeremy
Published: November 2011

The International Health Regulations (IHR) remain the primary international legal treaty specifically focused on infectious disease control. In the mid-1990s, international public health officials recognised the need to overhaul the IHR to make them more relevant to the modern world. In revising the IHR, the treaty vastly expanded the scope of reportable conditions, strengthened and widened reporting requirements, and sought explicitly to incorporate human rights considerations – all in the name of reducing transborder risks associated with infectious disease. In this article, I trace the development of the IHR as a tool for mitigating infectious disease risk and examine how well the revised version of the IHR responds to contemporary infectious disease concerns. In particular, I focus on how the IHR have expanded surveillance requirements while also recognising the need to respect international human rights.
Pandemics on the Radar Screen: Health Security, Infectious Disease and the Medicalisation of Insecurity
Authors: Elbe Stefan
Published: November 2011

How is the rise of global health security transforming contemporary practices of security? To date the literature on global health security has sought to trace how the securitisation of global health is affecting the governance of diseases in the international system; yet no-one has analysed – conversely – how the practices of security also begin subtly to change when they become concerned with a growing number of contemporary health issues. This article identifies three such changes. First, health security debates endow our understandings of security and insecurity in contemporary world politics with an important medical dimension. Second, the rise of global health security enables a range of medical and public health experts to play a greater role in the formulation and analysis of contemporary security policy. Finally, health security debates have also encouraged attempts to secure populations through recourse to a growing array of pharmacological interventions and new medical countermeasures. Drawing upon a rich literature in medical sociology, these three transformations in the contemporary practice of security collectively constitute the ‘medicalisation of security’. This novel perspective on the rise of global health security also reveals new limitations inherent in the emerging health–security interface – limitations associated not so much with the processes of ‘securitisation’ already noted in the global health literature, but rather with wider social processes of ‘medicalisation’. Awareness of the additional limitations renders the threat of a future pandemic even more serious than is commonly thought.
The 2011 Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework: Global Health Secured or a Missed Opportunity?
Authors: Kamradt-Scott Adam , Lee Kelley
Published: November 2011

In early 2007 the Indonesian government announced that it would cease sharing H5N1 influenza virus samples with the World Health Organization's Global Influenza Surveillance Network. At the heart of the government's complaint was the fact that samples were being passed by the WHO to pharmaceutical companies which developed, and patented, influenza vaccines that the Indonesian authorities could not purchase. The decision gained widespread support among advocates of greater equity of access to medicines, and in response the WHO established an intergovernmental process to agree a framework for influenza virus sharing. The process officially concluded in April 2011 and a new Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework (PIPF) was agreed at the 64th World Health Assembly in May 2011. This article investigates the events that prompted the re-examination of a technical cooperation system that has provided effective global health security on influenza for 60 years, and evaluates the framework that has now been agreed. Drawing the distinction between functional and moral-political benefits, the article argues that PIPF more accurately represents a diplomatic stand-off – one that has now been effectively sidelined with the passage of the agreement – rather than genuine reform. In fact, the PIPF papers over fundamental disagreements regarding authority in global health governance, the relationship between the WHO and governments, and the role of private industry. The article concludes by examining an alternative mechanism that would arguably better address the inherent tensions between national and collective interests, and accomplish the functional and moral-political benefits that the negotiations set out to achieve.
Pulse monthly steroids during an elective interruption of natalizumab: a post‐marketing study
Authors: Borriello G. , Prosperini L. , Mancinelli C. , Giannì C. , Fubelli F. , Pozzilli C.
Published: November 2011

Background and purpose:  Temporary discontinuation of natalizumab is sometimes considered as the observed risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, interruption of natalizumab may result in a re‐start of disease activity.

Methods:  In this prospective post‐marketing study, 23 patients with MS treated with natalizumab elected a trial of treatment interruption (90–150 days) because of safety concerns on the risk of developing PML. To reduce the risk of disease activity return, patients received monthly intravenous (i.v.) steroid pulses before natalizumab re‐start.

Results:  Despite the steroid coverage, seven patients (30.4%) had an active scan during the natalizumab interruption period; of these, four also had a concomitant clinical exacerbation.

Conclusions:  Our findings suggest that i.v. steroids are not currently recommendable as drug coverage during a scheduled treatment interruption period.
Subsidiarity and the European Court of Justice: Missing Pieces in the Subsidiarity Jigsaw?*
Authors: HORSLEY THOMAS
Published: November 2011

This article reviews the evolution of subsidiarity as a constitutional principle within the case law of the European Court of Justice. It argues that, to date, discussion of subsidiarity as a judicial principle remains narrowly focused on its impact as a restraint on the Union legislature. In an effort to steer debate in another direction, this article revisits and supports arguments in favour of applying subsidiarity as a brake on the Court's own interpretative functions. Thereafter, it isolates the Court's interpretation of the Treaty free movement provisions as an empirical example to test this underdeveloped dimension of subsidiarity.
Perceptions of aggressive conflicts and others’ distress in children with callous‐unemotional traits: ‘I’ll show you who’s boss, even if you suffer and I get in trouble’
Authors: Pardini Dustin A. , Byrd Amy L.
Published: November 2011

Background:  Children with callous‐unemotional (CU) traits may have a particularly malevolent view of social conflicts and a pervasive insensitivity to others’ distress. The current study examined whether children with CU traits have unique expectations and values regarding the consequences of aggressive conflicts and a ubiquitous lack of concern for others’ feelings independent of co‐occurring aggression.

Methods:  Participants were 96 (46 males, 50 females) children recruited from elementary schools within an urban city. Associations between CU traits and child reports of outcome expectancies/values following aggressive conflicts and facets of empathy were examined after controlling for aggression, academic abilities, and demographic covariates.

Results:  Children with higher CU traits were less likely to expect that aggression would result in victim suffering and feelings of remorse. After controlling for co‐occurring aggression, children with higher CU traits were more likely to expect that aggression would result in peer dominance, while children with higher levels of aggression were more likely to expect that attacking others would reduce their aversive behavior. Children with higher CU traits were less concerned that aggressive behavior would result in punishment, victim suffering, and feelings of remorse. Moreover, children with higher CU traits reported lower levels of empathetic concern and sadness in response to others’ distress outside of aggressive conflicts.

Conclusions:  Children with CU traits tend to minimize the extent to which aggression causes victim suffering and openly acknowledge caring less about distress and suffering in others. They are less intimidated by the possibility of being punished for aggressive behavior and tend to view aggression as an effective means for dominating others. In sum, children with CU traits have a particularly malicious social schema that may be difficult to change using conventional treatment methods.
Expression of divalent metal transporter 1 in primary hippocampal neurons: reconsidering its role in non‐transferrin‐bound iron influx
Authors: Pelizzoni Ilaria , Zacchetti Daniele , Smith Craig P. , Grohovaz Fabio , Codazzi Franca
Published: November 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 269–278.

The divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) is the best characterized Fe2+ transporter involved in cellular iron uptake in mammals. Four possible isoforms have been identified as a result of alternative promoter (DMT1‐1A and DMT1‐1B) and alternative splicing involving the C‐terminus and producing transcripts with or without an iron responsive element [DMT1‐IRE(+) and DMT1‐IRE(−), respectively]. Despite the general importance of DMT1 in controlling iron homeostasis, the distribution and the role of the transporter in the CNS is still controversial. In this study, we characterize the expression of DMT1 in hippocampal neurons and astrocytes. We found that the main isoform endogenously expressed is DMT1‐1B/IRE(+), which shows cytoplasmic distribution, colocalization with late endosome/lysosome markers and iron regulation, as expected from the presence of an iron responsive element. Our results also show that DMT1‐1B/IRE(+) isoform does not sustain iron entry, even after its neuronal over‐expression. Overall, our results argue against a physiological role of the endogenous DMT1 in neuronal iron uptake but do not exclude that, under pathological conditions, the expression of other DMT1 isoforms might contribute to iron overload.
The challenges and opportunities of participatory video in geographical research: exploring collaboration with indigenous communities in the North Rupununi, Guyana
Authors: Mistry Jayalaxshmi , Berardi Andrea
Published: November 2011

Participatory video, a methodological approach with a history in social and community development, is increasingly being used in geographic research. In this paper, we reflect on the dual processes of research and participatory video and discuss some of the challenges, struggles as well as successes during the process of using participatory video as a means of creating and communicating geographical knowledge. Working within a natural resource management context with indigenous communities in the North Rupununi district of Guyana, we trace our participatory video research journey and highlight some of the tensions as well as opportunities arising through the participatory video process. We conclude that if an adaptive research approach is taken when doing participatory video research, it can engender greater enabling outcomes for research participants, while at the same time produce more nuanced and grounded academic research.
Delay in Seeing a Doctor Due to Cost: Disparity between Older Adults with and without Disabilities in the United States
Authors: Lee Jae Chul , Hasnain‐Wynia Romana , Lau Denys T.
Published: November 2011

Objective

To examine the disparity in delaying seeing a doctor due to cost between older adults with and without disabilities, and whether the disparity could be explained by health and financial variables.

Data Sources

Nationally representative sample of community‐dwelling adults aged ≥65 who have health insurance and a usual source of care from the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (n = 85,015).

Study Design

This cross‐sectional study used sequential logistic regression models to examine the associations of delaying seeing a doctor due to cost with disability status, including demographic, health, and financial variables.

Principal Findings

Older adults with disabilities had significantly higher odds of delaying seeing a doctor due to cost compared to older adults without disabilities after controlling for demographic, health, and financial factors. Although health and financial variables collectively attenuated the disparity, they did not fully explain the disparity.

Conclusions

Despite having health insurance and a usual source of care, older adults with disabilities encountered greater economic difficulties in seeing a doctor than their counterparts without disabilities. Policy makers should continue addressing the economic burden to improve timely visits to health care providers.