bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adsorption of Cu(II) on β‐cyclodextrin modified multiwall carbon nanotube/iron oxides in the absence/presence of fulvic acid
Authors: Hu Jun , Yang Shitong , Wang Xiangke
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: The adsorption of Cu(II) on β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) modified multiwall carbon nanotubes/iron oxides (denoted as MWCNT/IO/CD) as a function of contact time, pH, adsorbent content, temperature, fulvic acid (FA) and initial Cu(II) concentrations was investigated using a batch technique under ambient conditions.

RESULTS: The adsorption of Cu(II) was strongly dependent on pH, adsorbent content, temperature and FA. A positive effect of FA on Cu(II) adsorption was found at pH < 6.5, whereas a negative effect was observed at pH > 6.5. Different effects of FA/Cu(II) concentrations on Cu(II) and FA adsorption were observed, indicating enhanced Cu(II) adsorption on FA bound MWCNT/IO/CD, whereas FA adsorption was decreased in the presence of Cu(II) ions. The adsorption isotherms were well fitted by the linear isotherm model. The adsorption thermodynamic parameters calculated from temperature dependent adsorption isotherms suggested that the adsorption of Cu(II) on MWCNT/IO/CD was an endothermic and spontaneous process.

CONCLUSIONS: MWCNT/IO/CD is a promising magnetic material for the preconcentration and separation of Cu(II) ions from aqueous solutions in environmental pollution cleanup. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Monitoring and control of biogas desulphurization using oxidation reduction potential under denitrifiying conditions
Authors: Turker Mustafa , Baspinar Ahmet Burak , Hocalar Akif
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) present in biogas can be oxidized to elemental sulphur (S0) or sulphate (SO42−) using nitrate and nitrite. Both nitrate and nitrite are normally available in most wastewater treatment plants and could be used to oxidize H2S depending on the molar loading ratio of wastewater and biogas. A control approach is required in order to minimize the fluctuations in inlet and outlet H2S concentrations in biogas, and the oxidation potential of the wastewater used.

RESULTS: A control scheme has been developed for biogas desulphurization using oxidation reduction potential under industrial conditions. The redox potential was maintained at about + 50 to + 100 mV in the activated sludge plant to monitor the performance of the nitrification process. The redox potential in the bioscrubber was related to sulphide removal from biogas. More than 90% of the hydrogen sulphide was removed from the biogas.

CONCLUSION: The oxidation reduction potential can be used as a key parameter for monitoring and controlling biogas cleaning. Fluctuations of the inlet H2S concentration in biogas can be compensated by manipulating the flowrates of wastewater used in order to achieve consistent and desired H2S concentrations in treated biogas. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Raman spectroscopy of nonstacked graphene flakes produced by plasma microjet deposition
Authors: Passoni Matteo , Russo Valeria , Dellasega David , Causa Federica , Ghezzi Francesco , Wolverson Daniel , Bottani Carlo E.
Published: December 2011

An extensive Raman investigation of few‐layer graphene structures, obtained using a plasma microjet technique, is presented. Raman spectroscopy represents a unique method to characterize specific features of these systems. Excitation energies both in the visible and in the deep ultraviolet range are exploited, allowing to extract the main structural properties of the in‐house deposited samples. Particular attention is given to the determination of the stacking order properties of these few‐layer graphene structures. The results presented here also validate the plasma microjet as an efficient deposition technique to obtain graphene‐based systems with a low number of layers and reduced coupling on well defined and spatially localized areas. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantification of purine basis in their mixtures at femto‐molar concentration levels using FT‐SERS
Authors: Ranc Vaclav , Hruzikova Jana , Maitner Kamil , Prucek Robert , Milde David , Kvítek Libor
Published: December 2011

Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy represents one of the unique techniques for studying nanoscale objects, and its distinctive properties can be used in the process of further analysis. The careful evaluation of the particular influence of selected key‐role experimental parameters (e.g. pH value of measured sample mixture, size and distribution of used nanoparticles) and the influence of reduction agent used in the process of formation of desired nanoparticle objects presents an important task in the further study of surface‐enhanced Raman scattering effect. A broad study of these experimental parameters was performed in this paper. The main aim of the presented work was to a demonstrate an application potential of selected experimental conditions in the determination of three purine bases: adenine, xanthine, and hypoxanthine. The resulting limits of detection are at femtomolar concentration levels for all three studied compounds. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman spectroscopic detection of Nickel impact on single Streptomyces cells – possible bioindicators for heavy metal contamination
Authors: Walter Angela , Kuhri Susanne , Reinicke Martin , Bocklitz Thomas , Schumacher Wilm , Rösch Petra , Merten Dirk , Büchel Georg , Kothe Erika , Popp Jürgen
Published: December 2011

Heavy metal contamination of soil has an immense impact on the surrounding environment, such as the ground water, and hence, has become an important issue within bioremediation. Therefore, heavy metal contamination has to be determined preferably cost‐efficiently, rapidly, and reliably. Here, soil bacteria of the genus Streptomyces are used as bioindicators for heavy metal contamination investigated via micro‐Raman spectroscopy. A single cell approach is studied to avoid time‐consuming culturing and plate counting. Bacteria of Streptomyces galilaeus were incubated in Ni2+ enriched media and single cell spectra were recorded. Supervised statistics linear discriminant analysis was used to evaluate the influence of the culture age and the anion on bacterial cells, which has been determined to be minor compared with the spectral impact of Ni2+. The identification of the Raman spectra according to different Ni2+ concentration ranges is accomplished with a prediction accuracy of about 88%. Therefore, we conclude that Streptomyces can be used as a bioindicator to predict Ni2+ concentrations in the micromolar range. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman spectra of osmotic solutes of halophiles
Authors: Jehlička Jan , Oren Aharon , Edwards Howell G. M.
Published: December 2011

Organic osmotic solutes (compatible solutes) are accumulated within the cytoplasm of many microorganisms living in hypersaline environments to provide osmotic balance and to protect the cells against extreme osmotic pressure. Some hyperthermophilic prokaryotes also contain high intracellular concentrations of such compounds. A great diversity of organic osmotic solutes, including small sugars, sugar alcohols, amino acids, and amino acid derivatives, is found in nature. Thanks to the high concentrations in which these compounds are often present, Raman spectroscopy may be a useful technique for rapid analysis of such solute(s) both in individual organisms and in natural microbial communities in high‐salt environments, including the possible use of portable miniaturised Raman spectrometers outdoors. Here, we present a database of Raman spectra of some of the most commonly encountered compatible solutes, as well as some less common ones such as ectoine, hydroxyectoine, glycine betaine, glucosylglycerol, mannosylglycerate (potassium salt), and di‐myo‐inositol phosphate, complementing existing information on the Raman spectra of other such solutes such as glycerol, sucrose, and trehalose. Spectra were collected using excitation at 785 nm, and assignment of the major bands was proposed. The data presented complement our knowledge of the spectroscopic characteristics of biomolecules and enable the rapid assessment of the mode of osmotic adaptation used by halophilic microorganisms in culture; this information may be used to obtain information on the distribution of the different solutes in extreme environments on earth and has the added potential for astrobiological applications to estimate the presence of such solutes in stressed environments elsewhere in the universe. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the determination of diameter distribution in multi‐wall carbon nanotubes by Raman spectroscopy: issues related to excitation laser energy
Authors: Scalese S. , Scuderi V. , Bagiante S. , Deretzis I. , La Magna A. , Bongiorno C. , Compagnini G. , Gibilisco S. , Piluso N. , Privitera V.
Published: December 2011

Multi‐wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) produced by the arc discharge between two graphite rods in liquid nitrogen have been investigated with the use of Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The effects of the applied voltage on the structural properties of the produced MWCNTs have been observed, in particular, as it concerns the size of the innermost and outermost diameters. The apparent discrepancies observed between the Raman and TEM results are explained through the observation of a selective response of the MWCNTs to the excitation laser energy in Raman spectroscopy, similar to the case of single‐wall CNTs. Electronic structure calculations correlate such behavior with optical transitions, in the presence of strong electronic localizations, spatially confined in a few neighboring walls. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Free amino acid content of goat's milk cheese made with animal rennet and plant coagulant
Authors: Abellán Adela , Cayuela José María , Pino Antonio , Martínez‐Cachá Adela , Salazar Eva , Tejada Luis
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: Enzymes present in the flowers of Cynara cardunculus (cyprosins) are used in the production of some traditional Spanish and Portuguese cheeses, replacing animal rennet. The aim of this work was to study the changes that take place in free amino acids during the ripening of a goat's milk cheese (Murcia al Vino) manufactured with plant coagulant (PC) or animal rennet (AR).

RESULTS: The total free amino acid (TFAA) concentration increased during ripening, with Ile, Val, Ala, Phe, Gaba, Arg and Lys representing more than 50% of the TFAA content at 60 days in both types of cheese. The TFAA concentration was significantly higher in cheeses made with PC (854 mg 100 g−1 total solids (TS)) than those made with AR (735 mg 100 g−1 TS). The concentration of most free amino acids, especially His, Ser, Gln, Thr, Ala, Met and Ile, was higher in the PC cheese.

CONCLUSION: Cheese made using PC as coagulant presented higher contents of free amino acid throughout the ripening period than cheese made using AR. Therefore we can conclude that the use of PC to produce Murcia al Vino goat's cheese would accelerate the ripening process as a result of increased cyprosin proteolytic activity. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Compression of Project Schedules using the Analytical Hierarchy Process
Authors: Moselhi Osama , Roofigari‐Esfahan Nazila
Published: December 2011

This paper presents a new method for schedule compression of construction projects using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The method utilizes a multi‐objective decision environment in which activities are queued for crashing based on the priorities established in that environment. Schedule compression is commonly needed in management of engineering, procurement and construction projects. A wide range of methods are introduced in the literature to perform schedule compression utilizing genetic algorithms, heuristic rules, near‐optimum solutions using harmony search and analogy with the direct stiffness method for structural analysis. Although all these methods consider only cost in the process of schedule compression, a recently conducted survey, by the authors, indicates that project managers consider more than one factor in this process. In fact, the lack of consideration of factors beyond cost has been attributed to the limited use of existing methods. The method presented in this paper aims to circumvent the limitation of the existing methods. It utilizes the findings of a recently conducted survey questionnaire as well as the AHP to develop a multi‐objective decision environment to perform schedule compression in a practical and flexible manner. It further allows for consideration of risk associated with the individual attributes considered in setting priorities for activity crashing. A numerical example is analysed to demonstrate the use of the developed method and to illustrate its practical features. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding the mechanical and biodegradation behaviour of poly(hydroxybutyrate)/rubber blends in relation to their morphology
Authors: Calvão Patrícia S. , Chenal Jean‐Marc , Gauthier Catherine , Demarquette Nicole R. , Bogner Agnès , Cavaille Jean Yves
Published: December 2011

In this work poly(hydroxybutyrate/poly(vinyl butyral)‐ co‐(vinyl alcohol)‐co(vinyl acetate) (or ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber) blends were prepared by conventional processing techniques (extrusion and injection moulding). A droplet type morphology was obtained for P(3HB)/PVB blends whereas P(3HB)/EPDM blends presented some extent of co‐continuous morphology. In addition, rubbery domains were much smaller in the case of PVB. These differences in morphology are discussed taking into account solubility parameters and rheological behaviours of each component. For both blends, the increase of elastomer ratio led to a decrease of Young's modulus but an increase in elongation at break and impact strength. The latter increased more in the case of P(3HB)/EPDM blends although the rubbery domains were larger. These results are explained in the light of the glass transition of the rubber and the presence of plasticizer in the case of PVB. The addition of elastomer also resulted in an increase of P(3HB) biodegradation rate, especially in the case of EPDM. It is assumed that, in this case, the size and morphology of the rubbery domains induce a geometrical modification of the ‘erosion front’ which leads to an increase of the interface between P(3HB) phase and the degradation medium and consequently to an apparently faster biodegradation kinetics of PHB/rubber blends. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Low‐temperature side‐chain cleavage and decarboxylation of polythiophene esters by acid catalysis
Authors: Søndergaard Roar R. , Norrman Kion , Krebs Frederik C.
Published: December 2011

Solubility switching of polymers is very useful in thin layer processing of conjugated polymers, as it allows for multilayer processing and increases the stability of the polymer. Acid catalyzed thermocleavage of ester groups from thiophene polymers carrying primary, secondary, and tertiary substituents have been examined by TGA‐MS using different sulphonic acids. A substantial lowering of the cleavage temperature is observed, and the ester cleavage can even be performed in situ on roll‐to‐roll‐coated films on polyethylene terephthalate (PET). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Structural thermal adaptation of β‐tubulins from the Antarctic psychrophilic protozoan Euplotes focardii
Authors: Chiappori Federica , Pucciarelli Sandra , Merelli Ivan , Ballarini Patrizia , Miceli Cristina , Milanesi Luciano
Published: December 2011

Tubulin dimers of psychrophilic eukaryotes can polymerize into microtubules at 4°C, a temperature at which microtubules from mesophiles disassemble. This unique capability requires changes in the primary structure and/or in post‐translational modifications of the tubulin subunits. To contribute to the understanding of mechanisms responsible for microtubule cold stability, here we present a computational structural analysis based on molecular dynamics (MD) and experimental data of three β‐tubulin isotypes, named EFBT2, EFBT3, and EFBT4, from the Antarctic protozoon Euplotes focardii that optimal temperature for growth and reproduction is 4°C. In comparison to the β‐tubulin from E. crassus, a mesophilic Euplotes species, EFBT2, EFBT3, and EFBT4 possess unique amino acid substitutions that confer different flexible properties of the polypeptide, as well as an increased hydrophobicity of the regions involved in microtubule interdimeric contacts that may overcome the microtubule destabilizing effect of cold temperatures. The structural analysis based on MD indicated that all isotypes display different flexibility properties in the regions involved in the formation of longitudinal and lateral contacts during microtubule polymerization. We also investigated the role of E. focardii β‐tubulin isotypes during the process of cilia formation. The unique characteristics of the primary and tertiary structures of psychrophilic β‐tubulin isotypes seem responsible for the formation of microtubules with distinct dynamic and functional properties. Proteins 2012;. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Examining the promiscuous phosphatase activity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa arylsulfatase: A comparison to analogous phosphatases
Authors: Luo Jinghui , van Loo Bert , Kamerlin S. C. L.
Published: December 2011

Pseudomonas aeruginosa arylsulfatase (PAS) is a bacterial sulfatase capable of hydrolyzing a range of sulfate esters. Recently, it has been demonstrated to also show very high proficiency for phosphate ester hydrolysis. Such proficient catalytic promiscuity is significant, as promiscuity has been suggested to play an important role in enzyme evolution. Additionally, a comparative study of the hydrolyses of the p‐nitrophenyl phosphate and sulfate monoesters in aqueous solution has demonstrated that despite superficial similarities, the two reactions proceed through markedly different transition states with very different solvation effects, indicating that the requirements for the efficient catalysis of the two reactions by an enzyme will also be very different (and yet they are both catalyzed by the same active site). This work explores the promiscuous phosphomonoesterase activity of PAS. Specifically, we have investigated the identity of the most likely base for the initial activation of the unusual formylglycine hydrate nucleophile (which is common to many sulfatases), and demonstrate that a concerted substrate‐as‐base mechanism is fully consistent with the experimentally observed data. This is very similar to other related systems, and suggests that, as far as the phosphomonoesterase activity of PAS is concerned, the sulfatase behaves like a “classical” phosphatase, despite the fact that such a mechanism is unlikely to be available to the native substrate (based on pKa considerations and studies of model systems). Understanding such catalytic versatility can be used to design novel artificial enzymes that are far more proficient than the current generation of designer enzymes. Proteins 2012; © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interaction between saflufenacil and imazethapyr in red rice (Oryza ssp.) and hemp sesbania (Sesbania exaltata) as affected by light intensity
Authors: Camargo Edinalvo R , Senseman Scott A , McCauley Garry N , Bowe Steven , Harden John , Guice John B
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: Saflufenacil is a broadleaf herbicide for preplant burndown and pre‐emergence applications in various crops. This study was established to evaluate the absorption and translocation of saflufenacil in hemp sesbania and imazethapyr in red rice as a function of their post‐emergence interaction and light intensity.

RESULTS: Imazethapyr plus saflufenacil provided a greater uptake (30%) and translocation (35%) of 14C‐imazethapyr than imazethapyr alone. In the section above treated leaf (ATL), a higher percentage of the absorbed imazethapyr (23%) was quantified in the imazethapyr plus saflufenacil treatment after 168 h. Faster basipetal movement of imazethapyr was identified under higher light availability. Absorption of 14C‐saflufenacil ranged from approximately 40 to 60% among herbicide and light intensity treatments. At 12 and 24 h after treatment (HAT) a greater percentage (15–20%) of the absorbed saflufenacil was quantified above the treated leaf at the two lower light intensities. Similar trends were observed for basipetal movement of saflufenacil.

CONCLUSION: Saflufenacil enhanced absorption, overall translocation and acropetal movement of imazethapyr in the TX4 red rice. Basipetal movement of imazethapyr was faster under higher light intensities. Overall, imazethapyr improved absorption of saflufenacil in hemp sesbania plants. Reduction in light intensity resulted in greater translocation of saflufenacil, promoting acropetal and basipetal distribution at the two lower light intensity treatments. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Longevity of a mixture of acetamiprid and bifenthrin (TransportTM) at the termiticidal application rate
Authors: Peterson Chris J
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: The 30 month longevity, mobility and insecticidal activity of a combination of acetamiprid and bifenthrin currently marketed in the United States for the prevention of termite infestation in buildings was investigated in greenhouse and laboratory studies.

RESULTS: Acetamiprid dissipated to below the limit of detection within 7 months of application, while bifenthrin remained in the soil at levels sufficient to kill termites for the duration of the study. Acetamiprid was detected in decreasing amounts in eluates of treated soil from months 1 to 4, while no bifenthrin was detected in eluates at any time. The treated soil remained toxic to termites for the 30 month duration of the study. Two indices of synergy between technical‐grade acetamiprid and bifenthrin demonstrated that it is unlikely that there would be any synergism between the two active ingredients in the field. The presence of vegetation did not have a significant effect on the longevity of bifenthrin, except at intermediate times, where residues in the treated soil were higher in vegetated plots, depending on depth and time.

CONCLUSIONS: Acetamiprid has a short residual time in soil, and this formulation's effectiveness beyond about 7 months against subterranean termites is due to the bifenthrin content. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Short‐ and long‐term control of Vespula pensylvanica in Hawaii by fipronil baiting
Authors: Hanna Cause , Foote David , Kremen Claire
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: The invasive western yellowjacket wasp, Vespula pensylvanica (Saussure), has significantly impacted the ecological integrity and human welfare of Hawaii. The goals of the present study were (1) to evaluate the immediate and long‐term efficacy of a 0.1% fipronil chicken bait on V. pensylvanica populations in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, (2) to quantify gains in efficacy using the attractant heptyl butyrate in the bait stations and (3) to measure the benefits of this approach for minimizing non‐target impacts to other arthropods.

RESULTS: The 0.1% fipronil chicken bait reduced the abundance of V. pensylvanica by 95 ± 1.2% during the 3 months following treatment and maintained a population reduction of 60.9 ± 3.1% a year after treatment in the fipronil‐treated sites when compared with chicken‐only sites. The addition of heptyl butyrate to the bait stations significantly increased V. pensylvanica forager visitation and bait take and significantly reduced the non‐target impacts of fipronil baiting.

CONCLUSION: In this study, 0.1% fipronil chicken bait with the addition of heptyl butyrate was found to be an extremely effective large‐scale management strategy and provided the first evidence of a wasp suppression program impacting Vepsula populations a year after treatment. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
On the performance of multi‐hop wireless relay networks
Authors: Jaafar Wael , Ajib Wessam , Haccoun David
Published: December 2011

User cooperation has evolved as a popular coding technique in wireless relay networks (WRNs). Using the neighboring nodes as relays to establish a communication between a source and a destination achieves an increase of the diversity order. The relay nodes can be seen as a distributed multi‐antenna system, which can be exploited for transmit diversity by using distributed space–time block coding (STBC). In this paper, we investigate the bit error rate (BER) of multi‐hop WRNs employing distributed STBC at the relay nodes. We develop the general model of WRNs using distributed STBC, and we derive the pairwise error probability and an approximation of the BER. We examine the impact of several parameters, such as distributed STBC at the relays, the number of relays, the distances between the nodes, and the channel state information available at the receivers, on the BER performance of the multi‐hop WRN. The obtained results provide guidelines about the expected error performance and the design of channel estimation for these networks. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Informed Choice in Direct‐to‐Consumer Genetic Testing (DTCGT) Websites: A Content Analysis of Benefits, Risks, and Limitations
Authors: Singleton Amanda , Erby Lori Hamby , Foisie Kathryn V. , Kaphingst Kimberly A.
Published: December 2011

An informed choice about health‐related direct‐to‐consumer genetic testing (DTCGT) requires knowledge of potential benefits, risks, and limitations. To understand the information that potential consumers of DTCGT services are exposed to on company websites, we conducted a content analysis of 23 health‐related DTCGT websites. Results revealed that benefit statements outweighed risk and limitation statements 6 to 1. The most frequently described benefits were: 1) disease prevention, 2) consumer education, 3) personalized medical recommendations, and 4) the ability to make health decisions. Thirty‐five percent of websites also presented at least one risk of testing. Seventy‐eight percent of websites mentioned at least one limitation of testing. Based on this information, potential consumers might get an inaccurate picture of genetic testing which could impact their ability to make an informed decision. Practices that enhance the presentation of balanced information on DTCGT company websites should be encouraged.
Neurobiological research in psychiatry—classification of dimensions of learning mechanisms instead of reification of categories?
Authors: Heinz A. , Beck A.
Published: December 2011

Neuroscientific research in mental disorders is plagued by unclear nosological boundaries, phenotypic diversity, and high intra- and interindividual variability of identified neurobi­ological correlates. Likewise, genotypes asso­ciated with an increased risk for, e.g., schizophrenia are regularly found to also increase the risk for uni- and/or bipolar affective dis­orders. Therefore, one major research strategy of the last decade was to avoid correlation of genetic variation with complex clinical dis­orders and instead to focus on so-called intermediate or endophenotypes, i.e., neurobiological variables such as in vivo receptor expression or neuronal activation patterns, which are hypothetically more closely related to direct gene effects. We describe one such attempt and show that intermediate phenotypes such as brain activation patterns elic­ited by more or less complex cognitive tasks underlie complex regulations and influences and may thus not be the best target for neurobiological research. We suggest that in­stead of reifying brain activation as correlates of mental disorders, such disorders may best be conceptualized as results of alterations/biases in basic learning mechanisms (e.g., Pav­lovian and operant conditioning) interacting with individual and social environments and that neuroscientific research can rely on animal models and computationalized modeling to reveal their neurobiological correlates.
Dissociation of the insulin receptor from caveolae during TNFα‐induced insulin resistance and its recovery by d‐PDMP
Authors: Sekimoto Junji , Kabayama Kazuya , Gohara Kazutoshi , Inokuchi Jin-ichi
Published: December 2011

Previously, we demonstrated that an inhibitor of ganglioside biosynthesis, d‐PDMP, could restore impaired insulin signaling in tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)‐treated adipocytes by blocking the increase of GM3 ganglioside. Here, we analyzed the interaction between insulin receptor (IR) and GM3 in the plasma membranes using immunoelectron microscopy. In normal adipocytes, most GM3 molecules localized at planar and non‐caveolar regions. Approximately 19% of IR molecules were detected in caveolar regions. The relative ratio of IRs associated with caveolae in TNFα‐treated adipocytes was decreased to one‐fifth of that in normal adipocytes, but this decrease was restored by d‐PDMP. Thus, we could obtain direct evidence that insulin resistance is a membrane microdomain disorder caused by aberrant expression of ganglioside.
Skill‐based versus effort‐based task difficulty: A task‐analysis approach to the role of specific emotions in motivating difficult actions
Authors: Passyn Kirsten , Sujan Mita
Published: December 2011

We make a distinction between primarily effort‐based and skilled‐based tasks and examine the correspondence between emotion and task. We reverse attribution theory results wherein failure to expend effort engenders regret and accomplishing tasks with skill engenders pride, and propose these emotions as antecedents to effort‐based and skill‐based behaviors. Specifically, pride (regret) produces higher self‐efficacy, behavioral intentions and sign‐ups when the task (CPR training) is portrayed as skill‐intensive (effort‐intensive) compared to effort‐intensive (skill‐intensive) or easy. Our research highlights the value of integrating an attributional analysis of tasks into an appraisal theory of emotions and suggests mechanisms that might underlie this relationship.
Associations of the FTO rs9939609 variant with discrete body fat depots and dietary intake in a multi-ethnic cohort
Authors: LEAR SCOTT A. , DENG WEI Q. , PARÉ GUILLAUME , SULISTYONINGRUM DIAN C. , LOOS RUTH J. F. , DEVLIN ANGELA
Published: December 2011

The fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) gene has been implicated with obesity and dietary intake predominantly in European populations. We assessed the association between the FTO rs9939609 variant with body fat distribution and dietary intake in a multi-ethnic population. Aboriginal, Chinese, European and South Asian participants living in Canada (n=706) were assessed for body fat and inner-abdominal fat using imaging techniques, dietary intake and genotyped for the FTO rs9939609 variant. Linear regression was used to study the associations between the minor allele of the variant and measures of adiposity and dietary intake. Minor allele frequencies were: Aboriginals (17%), Chinese (17%), Europeans (39%) and South Asians (31%). The rs9939609 variant was associated with intake of dietary macronutrients in Aboriginals and Europeans only. In the total population, there were positive associations between the rs9939609 minor allele and greater fat mass (0·94±0·56 kg, P=0·045), per cent body fat (0·7±0·4%, P=0·031), relative greater subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue (4·9±2·8%, P=0·039) and percent daily calories from fat (0·4±0·2%, P=0·064). Our findings suggest that the FTO rs9939609 minor allele may be associated with dietary intake in adults and is positively associated with regional fat deposition.
Inheritance of bacterial blight resistance in the rice cultivar Ajaya and high-resolution mapping of a major QTL associated with resistance
Authors: SUJATHA K. , NATARAJKUMAR P. , LAHA G. S. , MISHRA B. , RAO K. SRINIVASA , VIRAKTAMATH B. C. , KIRTI P. B. , HARI Y. , BALACHANDRAN S. M. , RAJENDRAKUMAR P. , RAM T. , HAJIRA S. K. , MADHAV M. SHESHU , NEERAJA C. N. , SUNDARAM R. M.
Published: December 2011

The cultivar Ajaya (IET 8585) exhibits durable broad-spectrum resistance to bacterial blight (BB) disease of rice and is widely used as a resistance donor. The present study was carried out to decipher the genetics of BB resistance in Ajaya and map the gene(s) conferring resistance. Genetic analysis in the F2indicated a quantitative/additive nature of resistance governed by two loci with equal effects. Linked marker analysis and allelic tests revealed that one of the resistance genes isxa5. Sequence analysis of a 244 bp region of the second exon of the gene-encoding Transcription factor IIAγ (the candidate gene forxa5) confirmed the presence ofxa5. Bulked-segregant analysis (BSA) revealed the putative location of the two quantitative trait loci (QTLs)/genes associated with resistance on chromosomes 5 and 8. Composite interval mapping located the first locus on Chr. 5S exactly in the genomic region spanned byxa5and the second locus (qtl BBR 8.1) on Chr. 8L. Owing to its differential disease reaction with a set of seven hyper-virulent isolates ofXanthomonas oryzae, a map location on Chr. 8L, which was distinct fromxa13and data from allelism tests, the second resistance locus in Ajaya was determined to be novel and was designated asxaAj. A contig map spanningxaAjwas constructedin silicoand the genomic region was delimited to a 13·5 kb physical interval.In silicoanalysis of the genomic region spanningxaAjidentified four putatively expressed candidate genes, one of which could be involved in imparting BB resistance in Ajaya along withxa5.
What Strange Parallels Sought to Accomplish
Authors: Lieberman Victor
Published: December 2011

Three broad concerns inspired Strange Parallels. First, like many students of Southeast Asia, I was long troubled by the fragmented, kaleidoscopic nature of much precolonial historiography. Curiosity to see if I could detect long term, overarching patterns provided my initial spur.
Comments on Victor Lieberman'sStrange Parallels
Authors: Andaya Leonard Y.
Published: December 2011

In this historical tour-de-force Victor Lieberman moves beyond the traditional area studies boundaries to examine common patterns in another configuration, Eurasia. He argues that island and mainland Southeast Asia, Japan, Russia, France, China, and South Asia experienced parallel developments in territorial consolidation, administrative centralization, and cultural integration that strengthened lowland polities at the expense of outlying areas. What made it all possible was the convergence of a number of factors: the expansion of material resources, new cultural currents, intense interstate competition, and state interventions. Lieberman nonetheless acknowledges that there were “major discrepancies” in geography, population, and social and cultural models among the polities that he examined (Lieberman II: 50–1). For island Southeast Asia, these “major discrepancies” constituted a fundamental impediment to the “territorial consolidation, administrative centralization, and cultural integration” by which Lieberman characterizes Eurasia
State Formation and Comparative Area Studies – Between Globalization and Territorialization
Authors: Cartier Carolyn
Published: December 2011

In his review of Southeast Asia in the Age of Commerce, 1450–1860: Expansion and Crisis, Victor Lieberman plied the margins of Anthony Reid's (1995) portrayal of early modern Southeast Asia and objected with purpose: “critical cultural and political transformations on the mainland without close archipelagic analogy receive little or no attention” (Lieberman 1995, 799). Where connections and crossings characterize historic social formation in insular Southeast Asia, Lieberman focused on a different shore – territorial consolidation of kingdoms in mainland Southeast Asia, from over 20 in the pre-modern era to only three major empires, Burma, Thailand and Vietnam, by the end of the seventeenth century. Yet Reid's two-volume work was exquisitely timed with the theoretical pulses of globalization and their keywords of crossings – diasporas, flows, linkages, mobilities, networks, routes and travels. Closely related to the poststructural theoretical shift, these themes have guided new area studies and are likely to prevail in international scholarship for some time to come.
Comments on Victor Lieberman, Strange Parallels
Authors: Mair Victor H.
Published: December 2011

When volume 2 of Victor Lieberman's magnum opus first came out a couple of years ago, several colleagues specializing in Southeast Asian Studies called it to my attention and suggested that I read it. They told me that it made use of my ideas (which rather surprised me, since I am in East Asian Studies) and said that I would like it. I certainly found the title intriguing, but never had a chance to read it until being asked to join this roundtable. Now that I have read the book, I find it tremendously invigorating and thought-provoking, so I am all the more grateful for the opportunity afforded by my participation in this roundtable to become acquainted with Lieberman's masterwork.
Response to Comments on Strange Parallels
Authors: Lieberman Victor
Published: December 2011

I am grateful to The Journal of Asian Studies for organizing this forum and to the seven contributors for taking the time to read my volume(s) and to wrestle with the issues raised therein. The resultant essays fall into two categories. Eric Tagliacozzo, Carolyn Cartier, and John Wills, Jr., examine Asia or Eurasia broadly conceived, whereas Robert Hellyer, Victor Mair, Ramya Sreenivasan, and Leonard Andaya weigh the applicability of my work to particular Asian regions. I consider each set of contributions in turn.
Physical properties of surface outcrop cataclastic fault rocks, Alpine Fault, New Zealand
Authors: Boulton C. , Carpenter B. M. , Toy V. , Marone C.
Published: December 2011

We present a unified analysis of physical properties of cataclastic fault rocks collected from surface exposures of the central Alpine Fault at Gaunt Creek and Waikukupa River, New Zealand. Friction experiments on fault gouge and intact samples of cataclasite were conducted at 30–33 MPa effective normal stress (σn′) using a double‐direct shear configuration and controlled pore fluid pressure in a true triaxial pressure vessel. Samples from a scarp outcrop on the southwest bank of Gaunt Creek display (1) an increase in fault normal permeability (k = 7.45 × 10−20 m2 to k = 1.15 × 10−16 m2), (2) a transition from frictionally weak (μ = 0.44) fault gouge to frictionally strong (μ = 0.50–0.55) cataclasite, (3) a change in friction rate dependence (a‐b) from solely velocity strengthening, to velocity strengthening and weakening, and (4) an increase in the rate of frictional healing with increasing distance from the footwall fluvioglacial gravels contact. At Gaunt Creek, alteration of the primary clay minerals chlorite and illite/muscovite to smectite, kaolinite, and goethite accompanies an increase in friction coefficient (μ = 0.31 to μ = 0.44) and fault‐perpendicular permeability (k = 3.10 × 10−20 m2 to k = 7.45 × 10−20 m2). Comminution of frictionally strong (μ = 0.51–0.57) cataclasites forms weaker (μ = 0.31–0.50) foliated cataclasites and fault gouges with behaviors associated with aseismic creep at low strain rates. Combined with published evidence of large magnitude (Mw ∼ 8) surface ruptures on the Alpine Fault, petrological observations indicate that shear failure involved frictional sliding within previously formed, velocity‐strengthening fault gouge.
Detecting historical ocean climate variability
Authors: Carton James A. , Seidel Howard F. , Giese Benjamin S.
Published: December 2011

While ocean observations of temperature and salinity extend back to the 19th century, their observation count, as well as geographical and vertical distributions all changed dramatically between successive decades. Similarly, atmospheric observations were unevenly distributed in space and time. This study explores the usefulness of past oceanic and atmospheric observing systems to detect extreme climate events through a set of observing system simulation experiments. In these experiments an initial simulation of the evolving ocean state during 1995–1998 (Nature Run) is sub‐sampled using the same distribution of surface and subsurface observations as exists in successive decades. The result is a set of synthetic ocean observation re‐samples of the massive mainly tropical/subtropical climate anomalies of the 1995–1998 years. These synthetic observation re‐samples are then assimilated into a general circulation ocean model using a conventional assimilation scheme. In one set of experiments the model used in data assimilation is driven with climatological forcing to mimic the effects of poorly specified surface forcing. The results indicate that prior to the 1940s the historical observing network alone was only able to resolve limited aspects of tropical/subtropical variability. In contrast, by the 1960s the observing system was sufficient to resolve variability without additional wind information. In a second set of assimilation experiments surface meteorological forcing is improved to an extent consistent with meteorological error estimates for past decades. When this historical surface forcing is also included the results suggest that this extreme climate variability is reproducible even back to the early years of the 20th century. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of several simplifying assumptions used to obtain these optimistic results.
Information‐based potential predictability of the Asian summer monsoon in a coupled model
Authors: Yang Dejian , Tang Youmin , Zhang Yaocun , Yang Xiuqun
Published: December 2011

In this study, we applied two information‐based measures, relative entropy (RE) and mutual information (MI), to explore the potential predictability of the Asian summer monsoon (ASM) at seasonal time scales using the hindcasts of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Climate Forecast System (CFS). Several important issues related to ASM predictability were addressed, including the dominant precursors of forecast skill and the degree of confidence that can be placed in an individual forecast. We found that the MI‐based average potential predictability can explain, to a large extent, the variation in overall prediction skill, especially anomaly correlation skill. Compared with the conventional signal‐to‐noise ratio approach, the MI‐based measures can characterize more potential prediction utility. As a potential predictability measure for an individual prediction, RE has a good relationship with C, the contribution of an individual forecast to overall anomaly correlation skill, and a poor relationship with the absolute error (AE). Further analyses revealed that RE is highly related to sea surface temperature (SST) and SST‐ASM correlation patterns in the model resemble the typical El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) structure. The different impacts of ENSO on the South Asian summer monsoon and the East Asian summer monsoon, the two main components of the ASM, well explain the different potential predictability features in the two regions, in particular, in terms of their interannual variability. Thus, ENSO is the main source of ASM seasonal predictability.
Bacteroidales ectosymbionts of gut flagellates shape the nitrogen-fixing community in dry-wood termites
Authors: Desai Mahesh S , Brune Andreas
Published: December 2011

Although it is well documented that the lack of nitrogen in the diet of wood-feeding termites is compensated by the nitrogen-fixing capacity of their gut microbiota, the bacteria responsible for this activity are largely unknown. Here, we analyzed the diversity and expression of nitrogenase genes (homologs of nifH) in four species of dry-wood termites (Kalotermitidae), which thrive on a particularly nitrogen-poor resource. Although each species harbored a highly diverse suite of termite-specific homologs in their microliter-sized hindgut, only a core set related to nifH genes of Treponema and Azoarcus spp., ‘Azobacteroides pseudotrichonymphae’, the first member of the Bacteroidales identified as a diazotroph, and termite-gut-specific anfH genes of hitherto unknown origin were preferentially expressed. Transcription patterns corroborated that the populations of active diazotrophs differ fundamentally between termite genera. Capillary-picked suspensions of the flagellates Devescovina arta and Snyderella tabogae revealed that their bacterial ectosymbionts each possess two paralogs of nifH, which apparently have been acquired consecutively during evolution of Bacteroidales, but only one of them (anfH) is actively expressed. Transcription patterns correlated neither with the molybdenum content of the diet nor with intestinal hydrogen concentrations, measured with microsensors. We propose that the nitrogen-fixing community in different dry-wood termites is shaped by the symbionts of their specific flagellate populations. Our findings suggest that the diazotrophic nature of ‘Armantifilum devescovinae’ has an important role in the nitrogen metabolism of dry-wood termites and is the driving force of co-evolution with its flagellate host.
Thermal fluctuations in shape, thickness, and molecular orientation in lipid bilayers
Authors: Watson Max C. , Penev Evgeni S. , Welch Paul M. , Brown Frank L. H.
Published: December 2011

We present a unified continuum-level model for bilayer energetics that includes the effects of bending, compression, lipid orientation (tilting relative to the monolayer surface normal), and microscopic noise (protrusions). Expressions for thermal fluctuation amplitudes of several physical quantities are derived. These predictions are shown to be in good agreement with molecular simulations.
Electron energy-loss spectroscopy study of metallic Nb and Nb oxides
Authors: Tao Runzhe , Todorovic Ruzica , Liu Jingjing , Meyer Randall J. , Arnold Andrew , Walkosz Weronika , Zapol Peter , Romanenko Alexander , Cooley Lance D. , Klie Robert F.
Published: December 2011

We present a series of electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) studies on niobium (Nb) and its oxides (NbO, NbO2, and Nb2O5) to develop a reliable method for quantifying the oxidation state in mixed niobium oxide thin films. Our approach utilizes a combination of transmission electron microscopy and EELS experiments with density functional theory calculations to distinguish between metallic niobium and the different niobium oxides. More specifically, the differences in the near-edge fine-structure of the Nb M-edge and O K-edge provide sufficient information to determine the valence state of niobium. Based on these observed changes in the core-loss edges, we propose a linear relationship that correlates the peak positions in the Nb M- and O K-edges with the Nb valence state. The methods developed in this paper are also applied to ultrathin niobium oxide films to examine the effects of low-temperature baking on the films’ oxidation states.
Enhancement of the upper critical field in codoped iron-arsenic high-temperature superconductors
Authors: Weickert F. , Nicklas M. , Schnelle W. , Wosnitza J. , Leithe-Jasper A. , Rosner H.
Published: December 2011

We present the first study of codoped iron-arsenide superconductors of the 122 family (Sr/Ba)1-xKxFe2-yCoyAs2 with the purpose to increase the upper critical field Hc2 compared to single doped Sr/BaFe2As2 materials. Hc2 was investigated by measuring the magnetoresistance in high pulsed magnetic fields up to 64 T. We find, that Hc2 extrapolated to T=0 is indeed enhanced significantly to ≈ 90 T for polycrystalline samples of Ba0.55K0.45Fe1.95Co0.05As2 compared to ≈75 T for Ba0.55K0.45Fe2As2 and BaFe1.8Co0.2As2 single crystals. Codoping thus is a promising way for the systematic optimization of iron-arsenic based superconductors for magnetic-field and high-current applications.