bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological Structure in Native and Nonnative Language Processing
Authors: Clahsen Harald , Felser Claudia , Neubauer Kathleen , Sato Mikako , Silva Renita
Published: February 2010

This article presents a selective overview of studies that have investigated how advanced adult second language (L2) learners process morphologically complex words. The studies reported here have used different kinds of experimental tasks (including speeded grammaticality judgments, lexical decision, and priming) to examine three domains of morphological processing (regular and irregular inflection, derived word forms, and morphosyntactic phenomena) in L2 learners from typologically different first language (L1) backgrounds. The results from these studies demonstrate clear differences between native and nonnative processing in all three domains, indicating that adult L2 learners are less sensitive to morphological structure than native speakers and rely more on lexical storage than on morphological parsing during processing.
Total nail ablation for onychodystrophy with optimized gauze–phenol application
Authors: Becerro de Bengoa Vallejo R , Losa Iglesias ME , Alou Cervera L , Sevillano Fernández D , Prieto Prieto J
Published: February 2010

Background  Nail disorders are frequent among the geriatric population and unfortunately, repeat avulsion procedures often result in complications.

Objective  To utilize a phenol‐based total matricectomy technique for permanent nail ablation and evaluate its effectiveness.

Methods  We performed total nail ablation on 34 toenails of the hallux (30 patients) with a gauze–phenol application technique and evaluated the degree of pain reported by the patient 12 months postoperatively compared with the preoperative stage. Furthermore, we evaluated the patients’ satisfaction with the final cosmetic appearance as well as their satisfaction with the overall procedure.

Results  All patients reported ‘too much’ or ‘severe’ pain prior to surgery and 94.11% reported ‘no pain’ 12 months post‐surgery. A vast majority of the patients (82.35%) felt pleased with the cosmetic results and all patients reported that they were ‘very satisfied’ or ‘strongly satisfied’ with the procedure when interviewed at their 12 month follow‐up examination.

Limitations  There were a limited number of participants in this study across an extensive timeframe.

Conclusion  Phenol‐based total nail ablation with specific gauze application is safe, inexpensive and has a high rate of patient satisfaction.
Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis‐like lesions in patients with mycosis fungoides: a new adverse effect of phototherapy
Authors: Friedland R , David M , Feinmesser M , Fenig‐Nakar S , Hodak E
Published: February 2010

Background Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) is a common pigmentary disorder, the aetiology and pathogenesis of which are largely unknown. The appearance of IGH‐like lesions during phototherapy has been reported previously in only one patient.

Objective To describe the clinical and histological features of phototherapy‐induced IGH‐like lesions, their relation to ultraviolet dosimetry and the course of this eruption in patients with mycosis fungoides (MF).

Methods The files of all patients with MF who underwent phototherapy in our centre from 1992 to 2008 were searched to identify those in whom IGH‐like lesions appeared during treatment.

Results Among 87 patients with early‐stage MF who underwent phototherapy, seven acquired IGH‐like lesions during monotherapy with narrow‐band ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB; four patients) or psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA; three patients). All but one had a light complexion. The lesions appeared in areas exposed to ultraviolet light, and not exclusively on the skin previously involved by the disease. The mean number of exposures until appearance of the lesions was 92 for NB‐UVB and 137 for PUVA. Biopsy study showed a decreased number of melanocytes. Phototherapy was discontinued in four patients, of whom three showed a partial or complete disappearance of the IGH‐lesions. The other three patients are still receiving phototherapy, with no change in their IGH‐like lesions.

Conclusions Phototherapy may induce an eruption bearing similar clinical and histopathological features to IGH. The eruption is rare, appears to emerge only after prolonged therapy and seems to be reversible upon discontinuation of phototherapy. IGH‐like eruption should be added to the list of side‐effects of phototherapy.
How age influences unravelling morphology of annular lamellae – a study of interfibre cohesivity in the lumbar disc
Authors: Schollum Meredith L. , Robertson Peter A. , Broom Neil D.
Published: February 2010

Although age‐ and degeneration‐related changes in the morphology and biochemistry of the annulus fibrosus have been extensively reported, studies of tensile strength changes show only a weak correlation with maturity. Given that the disc is a tissue system in which significant levels of deformation occur with normal physiological loading, there may be structure‐related properties that provide a better indicator of the influence of ageing on its function. This study is a morphological investigation of lamellar interfibre cohesivity with respect to maturity. Anterior segments of ovine lumbar discs in two age groups were cut at one of two section angles to generate intralamellar and interlamellar slices. These slices of hydrated annular tissue were subjected separately to microtensile and swelling forces, and examined using differential interference contrast microscopy. There were distinct differences in microstructural responses to transverse extension between the immature and mature intralamellar slices. The immature tissue exhibited a diffuse expansion of the array to form a fine fibrous net. In contrast, the mature tissue displayed a discontinuous expansion with the development of clefts and localized fibre buckling. A difference was also observed in the free‐swelling response; the immature slices remained planar, whereas the cropped lamellar fibres in the mature slices exhibited a folded, buckled morphology. Morphological evidence from these experiments infers differences in fibre cohesivity between the immature and mature tissues, consistent with biochemical and histological studies. More extreme levels of deformation in the mature tissue could result in discontinuous opening of the fibrous arrays, which might have the potential to lead to cleft formation. These clefts may, in turn, provide micropaths through which nuclear material could extrude. Importantly, with many animal studies carried out on immature discs, the results here suggest that some caution is required with respect to extrapolating annular behaviour beyond this age group.
Nuclear factor‐κB activation regulates cyclooxygenase‐2 induction in human astrocytes in response to CXCL12: role in neuronal toxicity
Authors: Álvarez Susana , Blanco Almudena , Fresno Manuel , Muñoz‐Fernández MªÁngeles
Published: February 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 772–783.

Neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disorders are commonly associated with local chemokine release. In other way, emerging data indicate that the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), one of the major prostaglandins produced in the brain, play a central role in several pathological diseases. In this study, we investigated the relationship between CXCL12, cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 and PGE2 in human brain cells. CXCL12 induced COX‐2 and secretion of PGE2 in a dose‐dependent manner in human astrocytes. This induction was abolished by treatment with pertussis toxin and AMD3100, confirming the role of CXCR4 signaling. The nuclear factor‐κB involvement was confirmed by using pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, and with transient transfection assays. Over‐expression of inhibitory proteins of nuclear factor‐κB abrogated COX‐2 induction, and CXCL12 induced p65/relA translocation. Culture supernatants from CXCL12‐treated astrocytes reduced viability of neuroblastoma cells, and COX inhibitors abrogated this toxicity. Therefore, the relationship between chemokines and PGs could differentially influence the pathogenic network responsible for neurodegeneration.
Evidence for two conductive pathways in P2X7 receptor: differences in modulation and selectivity
Authors: Alloisio Susanna , Di Garbo Angelo , Barbieri Raffaella , Bozzo Luigi , Ferroni Stefano , Nobile Mario
Published: February 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 796–806.

The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is an ATP‐gated cation channel whose biophysical properties remain to be unravelled unequivocally. Its activity is modulated by divalent cations and organic messengers such as arachidonic acid (AA). In this study, we analysed the differential modulation of magnesium (Mg2+) and AA on P2X7R by measuring whole‐cell currents and intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and Na+ ([Na+]i) dynamics in HEK293 cells stably expressing full‐length P2X7R and in cells endowed with the P2X7R variant lacking the entire C‐terminus tail (trP2X7R), which is thought to control the pore activation. AA induced a robust potentiation of the P2X7R‐ and trP2X7R‐mediated [Ca2+]i rise but did not affect the ionic currents in both conditions. Extracellular Mg2+ reduced the P2X7R‐ and trP2X7R‐mediated [Ca2+]i rise in a dose‐dependent manner through a competitive mechanism. The modulation of the magnitude of the P2X7R‐mediated ionic current and [Na+]i rise were strongly dependent on Mg2+ concentration but occurred in a non‐competitive manner. In contrast, in cells expressing the trP2X7R, the small ionic currents and [Na+]i signals were totally insensitive to Mg2+. Collectively, these results support the tenet of a functional structure of P2X7R possessing at least two distinct conductive pathways one for Ca2+ and another for monovalent ions, with the latter which depends on the presence of the receptor C‐terminus.
Getting the most out of atlas data
Authors: Robertson M. P. , Cumming G. S. , Erasmus B. F. N.
Published: February 2010

Aim  To review some of the applications in ecology and conservation biogeography of datasets derived from atlas projects. We discuss data applications and data quality issues and suggest ways in which atlas data could be improved.

Location  Southern Africa and worldwide.

Methods  Atlas projects are broadly defined as collections or syntheses of original, spatially explicit data on species occurrences. We review uses of atlas datasets and discuss data quality issues using examples from atlas projects in southern Africa and worldwide.

Results  Atlas projects must cope with tradeoffs between data quality and quantity, standardization of sampling methods, quantification of sampling effort, and mismatches in skills and expectations between data collectors and data users. The most useful atlases have a good measure of sampling effort; include data collected at a fine enough resolution to link to habitat variables of potential interest; have a sufficiently large sample size to work with in a multivariate context; and offer clear, quantitative indications of the quality of each record to allow for the needs of users who have specific demands for high‐quality data.

Main conclusions  Atlases have an important role to play in biodiversity conservation and ideally should aim to offer reliable, high quality data that can withstand public, scientific and legal scrutiny.
Climate, climate change and range boundaries
Authors: Thomas Chris D.
Published: February 2010

Aim A major issue in ecology, biogeography, conservation biology and invasion biology is the extent to which climate, and hence climate change, contributes to the positions of species’ range boundaries. Thirty years of rapid climate warming provides an excellent opportunity to test the hypothesis that climate acts as a major constraint on range boundaries, treating anthropogenic climate change as a large‐scale experiment.

Location UK and global data, and literature.

Methods This article analyses the frequencies with which species have responded to climate change by shifting their range boundaries. It does not consider abundance or other changes.

Results For the majority of species, boundaries shifted in a direction that is concordant with being a response to climate change; 84% of all species have expanded in a polewards direction as the climate has warmed (for the best data available), which represents an excess of 68% of species after taking account of the fact that some species may shift in this direction for non‐climatic reasons. Other data sets also show an excess of animal range boundaries expanding in the expected direction.

Main conclusions Climate is likely to contribute to the majority of terrestrial and freshwater range boundaries. This generalization excludes species that are endemic to specific islands, lakes, rivers and geological outcrops, although these local endemics are not immune from the effects of climate change. The observed shifts associated with recent climate change are likely to have been brought about through both direct and indirect (changes to species’ interactions) effects of climate; indirect effects are discussed in relation to laboratory experiments and invasive species. Recent observations of range boundary shifts are consistent with the hypothesis that climate contributes to, but is not the sole determinant of, the position of the range boundaries of the majority of terrestrial animal species.
Continuous Delivery of Biomaterials to the Skin–Percutaneous Device Interface Using a Fluid Pump
Authors: Peramo Antonio , Marcelo Cynthia L. , Goldstein Steven A. , Martin David C.
Published: February 2010

We have developed an in vitro culture system composed of organotypic human skin explants interfaced with titanium rods attached to a fluid pump. This device was designed to mimic the process of natural mucosa delivery at the point where a rigid, permanent object penetrates living skin. Full thickness human breast skin explants discarded from surgeries were cultured at different time points at the air‐liquid interface. The skin specimens were punctured to fit at the bottom of hollow cylindrical titanium rods. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) was delivered continuously to the specimens through the rods by using an attached fluid pump. Histological analysis of the skin explants as well as no‐pump controls was then performed. Our results show substantial differences between controls, where no material was pumped at the interface of rod–skin, and specimens treated with SLS, indicating that the technique of pumping the material is effective in producing observable epithelial changes. These results suggest that an adaptation of this type of device may be useful for the treatment of complications arising from the contact between tissues and percutaneous devices in vivo.
Noninvasive Activity‐based Control of an Implantable Rotary Blood Pump: Comparative Software Simulation Study
Authors: Karantonis Dean M. , Lim Einly , Mason David G. , Salamonsen Robert F. , Ayre Peter J. , Lovell Nigel H.
Published: February 2010

A control algorithm for an implantable centrifugal rotary blood pump (RBP) based on a noninvasive indicator of the implant recipient's activity level has been proposed and evaluated in a software simulation environment. An activity level index (ALI)—derived from a noninvasive estimate of heart rate and the output of a triaxial accelerometer—forms the noninvasive indicator of metabolic energy expenditure. Pump speed is then varied linearly according to the ALI within a defined range. This ALI‐based control module operates within a hierarchical multiobjective framework, which imposes several constraints on the operating region, such as minimum flow and minimum speed amplitude thresholds. Three class IV heart failure (HF) cases of varying severity were simulated under rest and exercise conditions, and a comparison with other popular RBP control strategies was performed. Pump flow increases of 2.54, 1.94, and 1.15 L/min were achieved for the three HF cases, from rest to exercise. Compared with constant speed control, this represents a relative flow change of 30.3, 19.8, and −15.4%, respectively. Simulations of the proposed control algorithm exhibited the effective intervention of each constraint, resulting in an improved flow response and the maintenance of a safe operating condition, compared with other control modes.
Piezoelectric Strontium Niobate and Calcium Niobate Ceramics with Super‐High Curie Points
Authors: Ning Huanpo , Yan Haixue , Reece Michael J.
Published: February 2010

The perovskite‐like layer structured strontium niobate (Sr2Nb2O7) and calcium niobate (Ca2Nb2O7) are good candidates for high‐temperature piezoelectric applications because of their high Curie points. Single‐phase dense Sr2Nb2O7 and Ca2Nb2O7 ceramics with grain‐oriented microstructures were prepared by spark plasma sintering using a two‐step method. The Lotgering orientation factors were 0.86 and 0.70 for Sr2Nb2O7 and Ca2Nb2O7, respectively. The Tc of Sr2Nb2O7 and Ca2Nb2O7 were measured as 1327±5°C and above 1525°C, respectively. The dielectric, piezoelectric, ferroelectric properties, and direct‐current electrical conductivity are higher along the directions perpendicular to the pressing direction compared with parallel. The piezoelectric constant d33 for Sr2Nb2O7 was 2.8±0.2 pC/N.
Time‐Domain Response Simulation of ZnO Varistors by Voronoi Network with an Actual Grain Boundary Model
Authors: Long Wangcheng , Hu Jun , He Jinliang , Liu Jun
Published: February 2010

A special simulation model for the time‐domain responses of ZnO varistors is proposed in this paper. This model is based on the Voronoi network and contains the actual conduction mechanism of the grain boundaries, as well as the capacitances of the grain boundaries. The AC responses of the actual varistor samples were simulated and compared with the experimental results. The simulated waveforms agree with the measured ones very well, which indicates that the simulation model is quite reasonable.
A Coupled Nanoindentation/SEM‐EDS Study on Low Water/Cement Ratio Portland Cement Paste: Evidence for C–S–H/Ca(OH)2 Nanocomposites
Authors: Chen Jeffrey J. , Sorelli Luca , Vandamme Matthieu , Ulm Franz‐Josef , Chanvillard Gilles
Published: February 2010

A low water/cement ratio (w/c=0.20) hydrated Portland cement paste was analyzed by grid‐indentation coupled with ex situ scanning electron microscope‐energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectra (SEM‐EDS) analysis at each indentation point. Because finite element and Monte‐Carlo simulations showed that the microvolumes probed by each method are of comparable size (approximately 2 μm), the mechanical information provided by nanoindentation was directly comparable to the chemical information provided by SEM‐EDS. This coupled approach provided the opportunity to determine whether the local indentation response was a result of a single‐ or a multiphase response—the latter being shown predominant in the highly concentrated w/c=0.20 hydrated cement paste. Results indicate that, in the selected microvolumes where C–S–H and nanoscale Ca(OH)2 (CH) are present, increasing fractions of CH increase the local indentation modulus (and hardness), yielding values above those reported for high‐density (HD) C–S–H. Micromechanical analyses show that C–S–H and CH are associated, not merely as a simple biphase mixture, but as an intimate nanocomposite where nanoscale CH reinforces C–S–H by partially filling the latter's gel pores. The paper discusses the mechanism of forming the C–S–H/CH nanocomposite, as well as the impact of nanocomposites on various macroscopic properties of concrete (e.g., shrinkage, expansion). On a general level, this study illustrates how a coupled nanoindentation/X‐ray microanalysis/micromechanics approach can provide otherwise inaccessible information on the nanomechanical properties of highly heterogeneous composites with intermixing at length scales smaller than the stress field in a nanoindentation experiment.
Yttrium‐Doped Barium Zirconate Powders Synthesized by the Gel‐Casting Method
Authors: Gao Dongyun , Guo Ruisong
Published: February 2010

BaZr0.9Y0.1O2.95 powders were synthesized using both gel‐casting process and solid‐state reaction. The gel‐casting process with citric acid as the complexing agent could result in nanoparticles with a single perovskite phase. Lower calcining temperature and shorter holding time were required to synthesize the BaZr0.9Y0.1O2.95 powders than the traditional solid‐state reaction method. The work demonstrates that the gel‐casting process is a simple, fast, and convenient method for preparing a high‐temperature proton conductor BaZr0.9Y0.1O2.95 powder.
Glass‐Phase Movement in Yttria‐Stabilized Zirconia/Alumina Composites
Authors: Knibbe Ruth , Auchterlonie Graeme J. , Mori Toshiyuki , Lashtabeg Anna , Drennan John
Published: February 2010

The mechanism for siliceous liquid‐phase movement during sintering and thermal etching is investigated using single crystal alumina rods in a yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) matrix. Bulk glass‐phase extraction and intergranular movement during sintering is attributed to a chemically driven force; however, glass‐phase expulsion is predominately due to thermal expansion differences in the glass phase, alumina fiber, and YSZ matrix. An increased understanding of the glass‐phase mechanism will facilitate the reduction of the resistive grain‐boundary phase, which consequently will decrease the operating temperature of high‐temperature solid oxide fuel cells. In this paper, we demonstrated that scavengers such as alumina in combination with a suitable thermal treatment can be used to purify the grain boundaries from unwanted impurities, such as Si, through the expulsion of the unwanted liquid impurity phase. The driving forces behind the expulsion are mechanically and chemically driven capillary flow.
Individual‐Layer Thickness Effects on the Preferred c‐Axis‐Oriented BiFeO3 Films by Chemical Solution Deposition
Authors: Tang Xianwu , Dai Jianmin , Zhu Xuebin , Yin Lihua , Ang Ran , Song Wenhai , Yang Zhaorong , Sun Yuping , Zhang Ruili
Published: February 2010

BiFeO3 films are prepared directly on n‐type Si (100) substrates using chemical solution deposition method. The effects of individual‐layer thickness via controlling the solution concentration on the texture, morphology, magnetic properties as well as the magnetoelectric properties are investigated. It was first observed that the derived films are the highly preferred c‐axis oriented on Si substrates. With decreasing individual‐layer thickness, the c‐axis texture is improved due to preferred nucleation at the interfaces. The magnetization and the dielectric constant is increased and decreased with decreasing individual‐layer thickness, respectively. It is interesting to observe that the magnetoelectric coupling is obviously enhanced with decreasing individual‐layer thickness, which is beneficial for potential applications.
Claiming HIV Infection From Improbable Modes as a Possible Coping Strategy
Authors: Moskowitz David A.
Published: February 2010

Despite the extreme improbability of contracting HIV from oral intercourse, individuals continue to claim seroconversion via such behaviors. Among a sample of HIV‐positive men who have sex with men (MSM), those who attributed contracting HIV from oral intercourse or other non‐anal intercourse sexual behaviors were 5 times more likely to be a racial minority and 2 times more likely to be of lower socioeconomic status. Those believing less in a just world were 2 times more likely to attribute contracting HIV from non‐anal intercourse sexual behaviors. Attributing HIV contraction to improbable modes may be an attractive coping strategy to deflect the stigma more intensely felt among poorer, minority HIV‐positive MSM, and among men who are sensitive to fairness and justice.
Women's Experiences With Volunteering: A Comparative Analysis by Stages of the Life Cycle
Authors: Kulik Liat
Published: February 2010

The author conducted a cross‐sectional study on experiences with and resources for volunteering among 201 Israeli women at 4 life stages: adolescence, young adulthood, middle age, and late adulthood. The experiences examined were positive responses (satisfaction with volunteering; perceived contribution to others), and negative responses (burnout; difficulties with the provider organization and beneficiaries; sense of sacrifice). The resources examined were family support for volunteer activity and empowerment in volunteering. Women in the oldest group reported greater satisfaction and empowerment than did the adolescents, whereas perceived contribution to others was stronger among the adolescents than among women in the other age groups. Differences were found between the women in the oldest and youngest groups with respect to difficulties in volunteering.
Tipping Motivations and Behavior in the U.S. and Israel
Authors: Azar Ofer H.
Published: February 2010

Tipping is a multibillion dollar phenomenon and a major source of income for millions of workers. The results of a study conducted in the U.S. and Israel suggest that people tip mainly to show gratitude, conform to the social norm, and because they know that waiters' income depends on tips. Tipping is motivated more by the positive consequences of tipping than by the negative results of not tipping. Patronage frequency and dining alone had no systematic effects on the level of tips or their sensitivity to service quality. Respondents reported tipping much more for excellent service than for poor service, suggesting that tipping can provide significant incentives for high‐quality service. A large majority prefers tipping to service charges.
Managers' Tradeoffs Between Equality and Efficiency: Preferences and Emotional Responses
Authors: Johansson Lars‐Olof , Eek Daniel , Caprali Tuomo , Gärling Tommy
Published: February 2010

In a survey questionnaire, 81 Swedish managers working in the private and public sectors were presented with scenarios in which a manager chose among inefficient (i.e., economically worse) alternatives, implying equal rewards to subordinates; and efficient (i.e., economically better) alternatives, implying unequal rewards. The managers also rated 26 different emotion words, describing their responses to the inequality of rewards in the scenarios. The results showed stronger outward‐directed and inward‐directed negative emotions, and weaker inward‐directed positive emotions when the inequality of rewards increased. Furthermore, negative emotions were found to mediate the choices among efficient and inefficient alternatives.
REVIEW ARTICLE: The Contribution of Macrophages to Normal and Pathological Pregnancies
Authors: Nagamatsu Takeshi , Schust Danny J.
Published: February 2010

Citation Nagamatsu T, Schust DJ. The contribution of macrophages to normal and pathological pregnancies. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010

Macrophages represent one of the major leukocyte subsets in the uterine decidua. Owing to their remarkable phenotypic plasticity, decidual macrophages can participate in diverse activities during pregnancy. At baseline, decidual macrophages are characterized by an immunosuppressive phenotype and M2 polarization, supporting feto‐maternal immune tolerance. In early pregnancy, macrophage‐derived pro‐angiogenic factors prompt vascular remodeling within the uterine wall to ensure appropriate utero‐placental circulation. Upon invasion by pathogens, pattern recognition receptors on decidual macrophages help to alter the characteristics of these malleable cells toward an M1, inflammatory phenotype. Similar inflammatory characteristics are seen in those macrophages that accumulate in the lower segment of the uterus to drive cervical ripening. Disturbances in the tight control that balances macrophage function during pregnancy can trigger the development of pregnancy complications. Here, we discuss the physiologic role of uterine macrophages at different stages of pregnancy and describe their relevance in selected pregnancy disorders.
Behavioural food anticipation in clock genes deficient mice: confirming old phenotypes, describing new phenotypes
Authors: Mendoza J. , Albrecht U. , Challet E.
Published: February 2010

Animals fed daily at the same time exhibit circadian food‐anticipatory activity (FAA), which has been suggested to be driven by one or several food‐entrainable oscillators (FEOs). FAA is altered in mice lacking some circadian genes essential for timekeeping in the main suprachiasmatic clock (SCN). Here, we confirmed that single mutations of clock genes Per1−/− and Per2Brdm1 alter FAA expression in constant darkness (DD) or under a light–dark cycle (LD). Furthermore, we found that Per1−/−;Per2Brdm1 and Per2Brdm1;Cry1−/− double mutant animals did not display a stable and significant FAA either in DD or LD. Interestingly, rescued behavioural rhythms in Per2Brdm1;Cry2−/− mice in DD were totally entrained to feeding time and re‐synchronized after phase‐shifts of mealtime, indicating a higher SCN sensitivity to feeding cues. However, under an LD cycle and restricted feeding at midday, FAA in double Per2Brdm1;Cry2−/− mutant mice was absent. These results indicate that shutting down one or two clock genes results in altered circadian meal anticipation. Moreover, we show that in a genetically rescued SCN clock (Per2Brdm1;Cry2−/−), food is a powerful zeitgeber to entrain behavioural rhythms, leading the SCN to be more sensitive to feeding cues than in wild‐type littermates.
Biochemical properties of the human guanylate binding protein 5 and a tumor‐speciﬁc truncated splice variant
Authors: Wehner Mark , Herrmann Christian
Published: February 2010

The human guanylate binding protein 5 (hGBP5) belongs to the family of interferon‐γ‐inducible large GTPases, which are well known for their high induction by pro‐inﬂammatory cytokines. The cellular role of this protein family is unclear at this point, but there are indications for antiviral and antibacterial activity of hGBP1. hGBP5 exists in three splice variants, forming two different proteins, of which the tumor‐speciﬁc one is C‐terminally truncated by 97 amino acids, and therefore lacks the CaaX motif for geranylgeranylation. Here we present biochemical data on the splice variants of hGBP5. We show that, unlike hGBP1, hGBP5a/b and hGBP5ta do not bind GMP or produce any GMP during hydrolysis despite the fact the residues involved in GMP production from hGBP1 are conserved in hGBP5. Hydrolysis of GTP is concentration‐dependent and shows weak self‐activation. Thermodynamic studies showed strongly negative entropic changes during nucleotide binding, which reﬂect structural ordering in the protein during nucleotide binding. These structural changes were also observed during changes in the oligomerization state. We observed only a minor inﬂuence of the C‐terminal truncation on hydrolysis, nucleotide binding and oligomerization of hGBP5. Based on these similarities we speculate that the missing C‐terminal part, which also carries the geranylgeranylation motif, is the reason for the dysregulation of hGBP5′s function in lymphoma cells.

Structured digital abstract

MINT‐7555035, MINT‐7555053: hGBP5 a/b (uniprotkb:Q96PP8) and hGBP5 a/b (uniprotkb:Q96PP8) bind (MI:0407) by molecular sieving (MI:0071)

MINT‐7555028, MINT‐7555044: hGBP5ta (uniprotkb:Q86TM5) and hGBP5ta (uniprotkb:Q86TM5) bind (MI:0407) by molecular sieving (MI:0071)
Stochastic equilibrium: Concepts and computations for Lindley processes
Authors: Iams Sarah , Majumdar Mukul
Published: February 2010

This paper deals with the question of estimating an invariant distribution of Lindley processes using simulation techniques. The results are of interest in problems of resource management with supply‐side uncertainty and constant harvesting.
Economic growth under political accountability
Authors: Benhabib Jess , Przeworski Adam
Published: February 2010

We examine the impact of political and criminal accountability on economic growth. Governments seek to maximize their own consumption by extracting rents that are costly to growth. When citizens are able to depose politicians through elections, governments are tightly controlled. The rents politicians are able to extract increase in the length of their term. The effect of the threshold of criminal responsibility on the ability of voters to control politicians is non‐monotonic. When tenure in power does not depend on economic performance, rent extraction is limited only by the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms but does not depend on time horizons of the rulers. Accumulation constraint binds only rulers who are neither politically nor criminally accountable.
Fixed‐step anonymous overtaking and catching‐up
Authors: Asheim Geir B. , Banerjee Kuntal
Published: February 2010

We investigate criteria for evaluating infinite utility streams that satisfy fixed‐step anonymity and include some notion of overtaking or catching‐up. We do so in a generalized setting that does not require us to specify the underlying finite‐dimensional criterion (e.g. utilitarianism or leximin). We present axiomatizations that rely on weaker axioms than those in the literature, and which in one case is new. We also provide a complete analysis of the relationships between the symmetric parts of these criteria and likewise for the asymmetric parts.
Mixed strategy equilibria in repeated games with one‐period memory
Authors: Dutta Prajit K. , Siconolfi Paolo
Published: February 2010

Infinitely repeated games is the pre‐dominant paradigm within which economists study long‐term strategic interaction. The standard framework allows players to condition their strategies on all past actions; that is, assumes that they have unbounded memory. That is clearly a convenient simplification that is at odds with reality. In this paper we restrict attention to one‐period memory and characterize all totally mixed equilibria. In particular, we focus on strongly mixed equilibria. We provide conditions that are necessary and sufficient for a game to have such an equilibrium. We further demonstrate the exact set of payoffs that can be generated by such equilibria.
Analysis and discussion of Maned wolf Chrysocyon brachyurus population trends in Brazilian institutions: lessons from the Brazilian studbook, 1969–2006
Authors: VANSTREELS R. E. T. , PESSUTTI C.
Published: February 2010

The Maned wolf Chrysocyon brachyurus is the largest canid of South America and is considered Near Threatened by IUCN. Annual studbook questionnaires were sent to 62 institutions in Brazil, and data were obtained for 932 animals (422.406.104) from 1969 to 2006. The historical trend has shown that the Brazilian captive population has progressed towards a maximum size plateau of 140 individuals; several demographic parameters indicated a poor overall breeding success in the population (only 14% of all the potential founders have effectively bred, mean breeding population each year was 18%), low gene flow (only 22% of the animals were transferred between institutions), high infant mortality (79% of all captive‐born cubs die within their first year) and poor management of over‐represented individuals (20% of the breeding animals had ten or more cubs). A high influx of wild‐caught animals was noted (median 12 captures year−1), with most being captured in the economically developed south‐eastern region. It is concluded that the captive population is demographically unstable and highly dependent on the influx of wild‐caught animals. Broader collaborations with field conservationists and paired research programmes are advised to maximize future ex situ contribution to the conservation of Maned wolf in Brazil.
A Qualitative Study of State‐Level Zoonotic Disease Surveillance in New England
Authors: Scotch M. , Mattocks K. , Rabinowitz P. , Brandt C.
Published: February 2010

Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases transmittable between animals and humans and outbreaks of these diseases in animals can signify that humans are also infected (or vice versa). Thus, communication between animal and human health agencies is critical for surveillance. Understanding how these agencies conduct surveillance and share information is important for the development of successful automated zoonotic monitoring systems. Individual interviews were conducted with 13 professionals who perform animal or human zoonotic disease surveillance in one of the New England states. Questions centred on existing surveillance methods, collaborations between animal and human health agencies, and technological and data needs. The results showed that agencies routinely communicate over suspected zoonotic disease cases, yet there are barriers preventing automated electronic linking of health data of animals and humans. These include technological barriers and barriers due to sensitivity and confidentiality of information. Addressing these will facilitate the development of electronic systems for integrating animal and human zoonotic disease surveillance data.
Large Eddy Simulation of Turbulent Axial Flow Along an Array of Rods
Authors: Abbasian F. , Yu S. D. , Cao J.
Published: February 2010

Large eddy simulation (LES) is employed in this paper to model the axial flow along a circular array of rods with a focus on anisotropic large-scale turbulence. The circular array consists of four whole rods and eight half rods, with a pitch-to-diameter ratio of 1.08. A dynamic Smagorinsky model with SIMPLE coupling method and a bounded central difference scheme are used to reduce numerical errors. The high demands for computations of the three-dimensional turbulent flows are afforded through parallel processing and utilization of 20 processors. The numerical results obtained using LES are compared with independent experimental data available in the literature; good agreement is achieved. The LES model was developed to accurately predict (i) the dependence of turbulence intensity and dominant frequency on the gap size and (ii) the turbulence structure in different directions.
Comparison of Experiments and Simulation of Joule Heating in ac Electrokinetic Chips
Authors: Williams Stuart J. , Chamarthy Pramod , Wereley Steven T.
Published: February 2010

ac electrokinetic manipulations of particles and fluids are important techniques in the development of lab-on-a-chip technologies. Most of these systems involve planar micro-electrode geometries, generating high strength electric fields. When these fields are applied to a dielectric medium, Joule heating occurs. Understanding electrothermal heating and monitoring the temperature in these environments are critical for temperature-sensitive investigations including biological applications. Additionally, significant changes in fluid temperature when subjected to an electric field will induce electrohydrodynamic flows, potentially disrupting the intended microfluidic profile. This work investigates heat generated from the interaction of ac electric fields and water at various electrical conductivities (from 0.92 mS/m to 390 mS/m). The electrode geometry is an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode strip 20 μm wide and a grounded, planar ITO substrate separated by a 50 μm spacer with microfluidic features. Laser-induced fluorescence is used to measure the experimental changes in temperature. A normalization procedure that requires a single temperature-sensitive dye, Rhodamine B (RhB), is used to reduce uncertainty. The experimental electrothermal results are compared with theory and computer simulations.
Computational Investigation of a Race Car Wing With Vortex Generators in Ground Effect
Authors: Kuya Yuichi , Takeda Kenji , Zhang Xin
Published: February 2010

Vortex generators can be applied to control separation in flows with adverse pressure gradients, such as wings. In this paper, a study using three-dimensional steady computations for an inverted wing with vortex generators in ground effect is described. The main aim is to provide understanding of the flow physics of the vortex generators, and how they affect the overall aerodynamic performance of the wing to complement previous experimental studies of the same configuration. Rectangular vane type sub-boundary layer and large-scale vortex generators are attached to the suction surface of the wing, including both counter-rotating and co-rotating configurations. In order to provide confidence, Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes simulations using the Spalart–Allmaras turbulence model are validated against the experimental results regarding force, pressure, and wake characteristics, with the validation exhibiting close agreement with the experimental results. The streamwise friction shows the downwash induced by the generated vortex acts to suppress flow separation. The flow field survey downstream of the vortex generators features breakdown and dominance of the generated vortex in the flow. The vortex generated by the counter-rotating sub-boundary layer vortex generator grows in size and breaks down as it develops downstream, while the vortex generated by the counter-rotating large-scale vortex generator shows high vorticity even further downstream, indicating the persistence of the vortex in the flow. The flow field behind the co-rotating sub-boundary layer vortex generator is dominated by a lateral flow, having the spanwise flow component rather than a swirling flow, and the vortex quickly dissipating as it develops downstream. The results from this paper complement previous experimental measurements by highlighting the flow physics of how vortex generators can help control flow separation for an inverted wing in ground effect, and how critical vortex generator type and size are for its effectiveness.
Computational and Experimental Studies on Cavity Filling Process by Cold Gas Dynamic Spray
Authors: Takana Hidemasa , Li HongYang , Ogawa Kazuhiro , Kuriyagawa Tsunemoto , Nishiyama Hideya
Published: February 2010

Time-dependent computational simulations on cavity filling process by cold gas dynamic spray and powder jet deposition process ranging from microscale to macroscale were carried out in order to give an insight for their advanced applications to joining, crack repair, and dental treatment. Shock wave appears in front of the substrate due to underexpansion of jet and in-flight particles interact with the shock wave before their impact. The relation between shock wave, cavity configuration, and particle in-flight behavior in supersonic jet has been discussed in detail. Based on numerical and experimental studies, it was found that when the shock wave covers up the cylindrical cavity, the cavity cannot be filled at all by deposited powders. Moreover, under the condition of shock wave appearing inside the cylindrical cavity, conical deposition was formed due to the secondary back flow jet along the cavity side wall. By adopting conical cavity, cavity can be filled completely resulting from the suppression of the secondary back flow jet along the cavity side wall.
Thermodynamic Effect on a Cavitating Inducer—Part II: On-Board Measurements of Temperature Depression Within Leading Edge Cavities
Authors: Franc Jean-Pierre , Boitel Guillaume , Riondet Michel , Janson Éric , Ramina Pierre , Rebattet Claude
Published: February 2010

Temperature depression within the leading edge cavities on a space inducer is measured in Refrigerant 114 using miniature thermocouples mounted on the rotating blades. Time-averaged values of cavity temperature depression are determined all along the descent in cavitation number and correlated with the extent of cavities. In addition to mean values, temperature fluctuations are analyzed with respect to the onset of cavitation instabilities, namely, alternate blade cavitation and supersynchronous rotating cavitation. Temperature spectra relative to a rotating frame of reference are compared with pressure spectra obtained in a fixed frame of reference. Temperature oscillations issued from different blades are compared, and phase shifts between consecutive and opposite blades are evaluated in the case of the supersynchronous instability regime.
Gene Doping and Sport
Authors: Friedmann Theodore , Rabin Olivier , Frankel Mark S.
Published: February 2010

Advances in gene therapy set the stage for the next generation of illegal doping, and doping detection, in sport.
Water Freezes Differently on Positively and Negatively Charged Surfaces of Pyroelectric Materials
Authors: Ehre David , Lavert Etay , Lahav Meir , Lubomirsky Igor
Published: February 2010

Freezing Supercool Water

Under equilibrium conditions, water will freeze at 0°C, but, under certain conditions, it can be kept in a supercooled liquid form below this temperature.

Ehre
et al.

(p.
672
) present a careful and detailed study of the freezing of water drops on both positively and negatively charged pyroelectric surfaces using a combination of optical microscopy and x-ray diffraction: Supercooled water froze at different temperatures, depending on the charge of the substrate with the initial freezing occurring at the liquid-substrate interface on a positively charged substrate and at the air-water interface on a negatively charged substrate. Thus, freezing could be induced upon heating when the substrate charge also changed from negative to positive.
Gradual Adaptation Toward a Range-Expansion Phenotype Initiated the Global Radiation of Toads
Authors: Van Bocxlaer Ines , Loader Simon P. , Roelants Kim , Biju S. D. , Menegon Michele , Bossuyt Franky
Published: February 2010

Evolutionary Hops

In order for animals to colonize new environments and disperse, specific traits may be required. Toads form a large and ecologically diverse group and have achieved extremely wide distribution in a very short time frame. To test what traits may be associated with species range in modern toads,

Van Bocxlaer
et al.

(p.
679
; see the news story by
Pennisi
) phylogenetically reconstructed the evolutionary history of morphological and physiological traits linked to the toads' geographic ranges. Toads have evolved an optimal dispersal phenotype comprising many traits, including those affecting reproductive choices and water retention, which preceded their expansion and radiation.
Flight Orientation Behaviors Promote Optimal Migration Trajectories in High-Flying Insects
Authors: Chapman Jason W. , Nesbit Rebecca L. , Burgin Laura E. , Reynolds Don R. , Smith Alan D. , Middleton Douglas R. , Hill Jane K.
Published: February 2010

Not at the Mercy of the Wind

How can insects that migrate at high altitudes on fast-moving winds influence their direction of migration, when wind speeds typically exceed their self-propelled air speeds by a factor of three or four? Using automated vertical-looking entomological radar systems,

Chapman
et al.

(p.
682
) show that compass-mediated selection of favorable tailwinds, and partial correction for crosswind drift, are widespread phenomena in migrant insect species. Specialized flight behaviors have decisive influence on the migration pathways achieved by insects. Thus, contrary to popular belief, migrant insects are not at the mercy of the wind.
Fearful Distractions
Atomic Obsession
Nuclear Alarmism from Hiroshima to Al-Qaeda

by John Mueller

Oxford University Press, New York, 2010. 336 pp. $27.95, £16.99. 9780195381368.
Authors: Holloway David
Published: February 2010

Offering a revisionist perspective, Mueller argues that the importance of nuclear weapons has been vastly overrated.
Obama Shakes Up Satellite Programs For Clearer Picture of Earth
Authors: Kintisch Eli
Published: February 2010

More money to study climate change is a central element in the president's 2011 budget, and much of that science will be done in orbit.
New Korean Science City Caught in Political Crossfire
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: February 2010

Plans for a new $34 billion Korean science city inched forward last week when the South Korean administration unveiled enabling legislation that will eventually go to the National Assembly.
Publications and Expats Warn Of Russia's Dangerous Decline
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: February 2010

Last week, information provider Thomson Reuters released an analysis* of worldwide scientific publications that shows that Russia's research output has continued to slide since the demise of the Soviet Union.
Relief Among The Rubble
Authors: Roberts Leslie
Published: February 2010

A network of tropical disease experts in Haiti pulled off a remarkable relief effort as a group of their colleagues miraculously survived the 12 January earthquake.
From the Bottom Up
Authors: Kean Sam
Published: February 2010

Haiti needs robust buildings that cost little and are acceptable to locals. Can scientists provide them?