bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of allostatic load on neural systems subserving motivation, mood regulation, and social affiliation
Authors: Beauchaine Theodore P. , Neuhaus Emily , Zalewski Maureen , Crowell Sheila E. , Potapova Natalia
Published: October 2011

The term allostasis, which is defined as stability through change, has been invoked repeatedly by developmental psychopathologists to describe long-lasting and in some cases permanent functional alterations in limbic–hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis responding following recurrent and/or prolonged exposure to stress. Increasingly, allostatic load models have also been invoked to describe psychological sequelae of abuse, neglect, and other forms of maltreatment. In contrast, neural adaptations to stress, including those incurred by monoamine systems implicated in (a) mood and emotion regulation, (b) behavioral approach, and (c) social affiliation and attachment, are usually not included in models of allostasis. Rather, structural and functional alterations in these systems, which are exquisitely sensitive to prolonged stress exposure, are usually explained as stress mediators, neural plasticity, and/or programming effects. Considering these mechanisms as distinct from allostasis is somewhat artificial given overlapping functions and intricate coregulation of monoamines and the limbic–hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. It also fractionates literatures that should be mutually informative. In this article, we describe structural and functional alterations in serotonergic, dopaminergic, and noradrenergic neural systems following both acute and prolonged exposure to stress. Through increases in behavioral impulsivity, trait anxiety, mood and emotion dysregulation, and asociality, alterations in monoamine functioning have profound effects on personality, attachment relationships, and the emergence of psychopathology.
Allostasis model facilitates understanding race differences in the diurnal cortisol rhythm
Authors: Skinner Martie L. , Shirtcliff Elizabeth A. , Haggerty Kevin P. , Coe Christopher L. , Catalano Richard F.
Published: October 2011

The concept of allostasis suggests that greater cumulative stress burden can influence stress-responsive physiology. Dysregulation of allostatic mediators, including the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, is thought to precede many other signs of age-related pathology as the persistent burden of stressors accumulates over the individual's life span. We predicted that even in young adulthood, HPA regulation would differ between Blacks and Whites, reflecting, in part, higher rates of stressor exposure and greater potential for stressors to “get under the skin.” We examined whether stressor exposure, including experiences with racism and discrimination, explained race differences in waking cortisol and the diurnal rhythm. We also examined whether HPA functioning was associated with mental health outcomes previously linked to cortisol. Salivary cortisol was assayed in 275 young adults (127 Blacks, 148 Whites, 19 to 22 years old), four times a day across 3 days. Hierarchical linear models revealed flatter slopes for Blacks, reflecting significantly lower waking and higher bedtime cortisol levels compared to Whites. Associations of HPA functioning with stressors were typically more robust for Whites such that more stress exposure created an HPA profile that resembled that of Black young adults. For Blacks, greater stressor exposure did not further impact HPA functioning, or, when significant, was often associated with higher cortisol levels. Across both races, flatter slopes generally indicated greater HPA dysregulation and were associated with poor mental health outcomes. These differential effects were more robust for Whites. These findings support an allostatic model in which social contextual factors influence normal biorhythms, even as early as young adulthood.
Child maltreatment and allostatic load: Consequences for physical and mental health in children from low-income families
Authors: Rogosch Fred A. , Dackis Melissa N. , Cicchetti Dante
Published: October 2011

Child maltreatment and biomarkers of allostatic load were investigated in relation to child health problems and psychological symptomatology. Participants attended a summer research day camp and included 137 maltreated and 110 nonmaltreated low-income children, who were aged 8 to 10 years (M= 9.42) and racially and ethnically diverse; 52% were male. Measurements obtained included salivary cortisol and dehydroepiandosterone, body mass index, waist–hip ratio, and blood pressure; these indicators provided a composite index of allostatic load. Child self-report and camp adult-rater reports of child symptomatology were obtained; mothers provided information on health problems. The results indicated that higher allostatic load and child maltreatment status independently predicted poorer health outcomes and greater behavior problems. Moderation effects indicated that allostatic load was related to somatic complaints, attention problems, and thought problems only among maltreated children. Risks associated with high waist–hip ratio, low morning cortisol, and high morning dehydroepiandosterone also were related to depressive symptoms only for maltreated children. The results support an allostatic load conceptualization of the impact of high environmental stress and child abuse and neglect on child health and behavioral outcomes and have important implications for long-term physical and mental health.
Follow-up of rheumatic carditis treated with steroids
Authors: Herdy Gesmar V. H. , Gomes Rafael S. , Silva Anna E. A. , Silva Leandro S. , Lopes Vânia G. S.
Published: October 2011

Objective

To present the long-term follow-up of children hospitalised for severe rheumatic carditis who were treated with corticosteroids.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of the outcome of 242 patients with severe rheumatic carditis after discharge from two public hospitals in Niteroi, Brazil. We followed up 118 patients for 4 years or more, with an average of 7.7 years. They were treated with antibiotics to accomplish bacterial eradication and either intravenous methylprednisolone – 40 cases – or oral prednisone – 78 patients – to treat carditis. They were followed up in outpatient clinic.

Results

Cardiac failure was categorised as classes III and IV according to the New York Heart Association classification. In the intravenous corticosteroid group, 21 cases (52.5%) had isolated mitral valve regurgitation, 12 (30%) had mitral plus aortic involvement, and seven (17.5%) had aortic lesion only. In the oral prednisone group, 45 (58%) had mitral valve regurgitation only, 27 (34%) had mitral plus aortic involvement, and six (8%) had aortic lesion only. A total of 28 children were in their first disease attack, of whom 19 (68%) had a rupture of chordae tendineae. A total of 58 patients (49%) sustained recurrence of carditis because of neglected secondary prophylaxis. In all, 19 cases (16%) underwent cardiac surgery – valve replacement or valvuloplasty. In 33% of the cases, the outcome was favourable – asymptomatic at follow-up. The overall mortality rate was 6.8%.

Conclusion

Many critically ill patients who complied with secondary prophylaxis were left with minor injuries, whereas those who neglected it or abandoned it had serious sequelae. The rate of abandonment and loss to follow-up was very high. Many cases (49%) were re-hospitalised because of carditis recurrence.
SYMMETRIC SOLUTIONS FOR TWO-BODY DYNAMICS IN A COLLISION PREVENTION MODEL
Authors: GATES DAVID J.
Published: October 2011

This paper presents the first analytical solutions for the three-dimensional motion of two idealized mobiles controlled by a particular guidance law designed to avoid a collision with minimal path deviation. The mobiles can be regarded as particles, and guidance can be interpreted as complex forces of interaction between the particles. The motion is then a generalized form of two-body Newtonian dynamics. If the mobiles have equal speeds, the relative motion is determined through various transformations of the differential equations. Solvability relies on congruence and symmetries of the paths, which is exploited to reduce the original twelve first-order differential equations to three first-order equations for the relative motion. The resulting state space is partitioned into five invariant subsets, with various symmetries and stabilities. One of these sets describes planar motion, where simple explicit solutions are given. In nonplanar motion, the solution is formally reduced to quadrature. A numerical calculation gives the separation at the closest point of approach, which provides control over minimum separation. The results should be of interest because of their application, which includes, most importantly, the prevention of midair collisions between aircraft, but also potential application to land, water and space vehicles. The solutions should be of interest to mathematical specialists in dynamical systems, because of some novel constants of the motion, novel symmetries, and the associated reducibility of the equations.
The (proper) microfoundations of routines and capabilities: a response to Winter, Pentland, Hodgson and Knudsen
Authors: FELIN TEPPO , FOSS NICOLAI J.
Published: October 2011

Sidney Winter (2011), Brian Pentland (2011), and Geoffrey Hodgson and Thorbjørn Knudsen (2011) take issue with the arguments in Teppo Felin and Nicolai J. Foss (2011), along with more generally critiquing the ‘microfoundations project’ related to routines and capabilities. In this rejoinder we argue that the responses of our critics reinforce a number of the points stated in our writings on the routines and capabilities literature. In response to their many points we address the following key issues in the debate: (1) lack of construct clarity; (2) universal mechanisms or comparative chauvinism; (3) models of mind and man; (4) levels of analysis; (5) agency and uncaused causes; and then further discuss (6) a rationalist alternative.
Wide band via-less transition from FG-CBCPW to microstrip
Authors: Singh Kamaljeet , Nagachenchaiah Kunapareddy
Published: October 2011

A novel wideband transition from finite ground-conductor backed-CPW (FG-CB-CPW) to microstrip has been demonstrated in 8–23 GHz band. Proposed transition provides a very low-loss alterative to microstrip/coplanar lines at higher frequencies. Simulated results are detailed for both alumina and silicon substrates. Simulated results are validated on alumina substrate providing more than 100% bandwidth with maximum insertion loss of around 1.5 dB in the targeted frequency range. Comparison of the results along with design procedures is detailed in this article.
Analog-type millimeter-wave phase shifters based on MEMS tunable high-impedance surface and dielectric rod waveguide
Authors: Chicherin Dmitry , Sterner Mikael , Lioubtchenko Dmitri , Oberhammer Joachim , Räisänen Antti V.
Published: October 2011

Millimeter-wave phase shifters are important components for a wide scope of applications. An analog-type phase shifter for W-band has been designed, analyzed, fabricated, and measured. The phase shifter consists of a reconfigurable high-impedance surface (HIS) controlled by micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) varactors and placed adjacent to a silicon dielectric rod waveguide. The analog-type phase shift in the range of 0–32° is observed at 75 GHz whereas applying bias voltage from 0 to 40 V to the MEMS varactors. The insertion loss of the MEMS tunable HIS is between 1.7 and 5 dB, depending on the frequency.
Abi-1-bridged tyrosine phosphorylation of VASP by Abelson kinase impairs association of VASP to focal adhesions and regulates leukaemic cell adhesion
Authors: Maruoka Masahiro , Sato Mizuho , Yuan Yunfeng , Ichiba Masayoshi , Fujii Ryosuke , Ogawa Takuya , Ishida-Kitagawa Norihiro , Takeya Tatsuo , Watanabe Naoki
Published: October 2011

Mena [mammalian Ena (Enabled)]/VASP (vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein) proteins are the homologues of Drosophila Ena. In Drosophila, Ena is a substrate of the tyrosine kinase DAbl (Drosophila Abl). However, the link between Abl and the Mena/VASP family is not fully understood in mammals. We previously reported that Abi-1 (Abl interactor 1) promotes phosphorylation of Mena and BCAP (B-cell adaptor for phosphoinositide 3-kinase) by bridging the interaction between c-Abl and the substrate. In the present study we have identified VASP, another member of the Mena/VASP family, as an Abi-1-bridged substrate of Abl. VASP is phosphorylated by Abl when Abi-1 is co-expressed. We also found that VASP interacted with Abi-1 both in vitro and in vivo. VASP was tyrosine-phosphorylated in Bcr-Abl-positive leukaemic cells in an Abi-1-dependent manner. Co-expression of c-Abl and Abi-1 or the phosphomimetic Y39D mutation in VASP resulted in less accumulation of VASP at focal adhesions. VASP Y39D had a reduced affinity to the proline-rich region of zyxin. Interestingly, overexpression of both phosphomimetic and unphosphorylated forms of VASP, but not wild-type VASP, impaired adhesion of K562 cells to fibronectin. These results suggest that the phosphorylation and dephosphorylation cycle of VASP by the Abi-1-bridged mechanism regulates association of VASP with focal adhesions, which may regulate adhesion of Bcr-Abl-transformed leukaemic cells.
An integrable many-body problem
Authors: Calogero F.
Published: October 2011

Some years ago, Mikhailov and Sokolov identified as integrable the neat system of two evolution equations \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\dot{U}=V^{2},$\end{document}U̇=V2, \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\dot{V}=U^{2}$\end{document}V̇=U2, where U ≡ U(t) and V ≡ V(t) are two N × N matrices, N is an arbitrarypositive integer, t (“time”) is the independent variable, and superimposed dots indicate the time derivatives. This entails, rather trivially, that the generic solution of the modified version of this model reading \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\dot{U}=V^{2}+i \omega U,$\end{document}U̇=V2+iωU, \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\dot{V}=U^{2}+i \omega V$\end{document}V̇=U2+iωV, with ω an arbitrary positive constant, is completely periodicwith period T = 2π/ω (or possibly a period which is an integer multiple of T): “isochrony.” Another, less trivial, consequence of their finding is the observation that the solution of the many-body problem characterized by the Hamiltonian system of N Newtonian evolution equations, \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\ddot{x}_{n}=-a^{2} x_{n}^{5}\break+\frac{g^{2}}{2}\sum _{m=1, m\ne n}^{N}[ ( x_{n}-x_{m}) ^{-3}+\left( x_{n}+x_{m}\right) ^{-3}], n=1,\ldots ,N$\end{document}ẍn=−a2xn5+g22∑m=1,m≠nN[(xn−xm)−3+xn+xm−3],n=1,...,N, where xn ≡ xn(t) are N scalar dependent variables and a, g are two arbitrary constants, is simply related to the evolution of the (appropriately rescaled) eigenvalues of a matrix simply related to an appropriate solution of the original Mikhailov-Sokolov integrablematrix evolution system, hence is itself integrable.
Entropic selectivity of binary mixtures in cylindrical pores
Authors: González A. , White J. A. , Román F. L. , Velasco S.
Published: October 2011

We show that a simple model consisting of a binary hard-sphere mixture in a narrow cylindrical pore can lead to strong size selectivity by considering a situation where each species of the mixture sees a different radius of the cylinder. Two mechanisms are proposed to explain the observed results depending on the radius of the cylinder: for large radii the selectivity is driven by an enhancement of the depletion forces at the cylinder walls whereas for the narrowest cylinders excluded-volume effects lead to a shift of the effective chemical potential of the particles in the pore.
Fluctuations in collisional plasma in the presence of an external electric field
Authors: Momot A. I. , Zagorodny A. G.
Published: October 2011

The theory of large-scale fluctuations in a plasma is used to calculate the correlations functions of electron and ion density with regard to particle collisions described within the Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook (BGK) model and the presence of a constant external electric field. The changes of plasma particle distribution functions due to an external electric field and their influence on the plasma dielectric response are taken into account. The dispersion relations for longitudinal waves in such a plasma are studied in details. It is shown that external electric field can lead to the ion-acoustic wave instability and anomalous growth of the fluctuation level. Detailed numerical studies of the general relations for electron number density fluctuations are performed and the effect of external electric field on the fluctuation spectra is studied.
Efficient spin resolved spectroscopy observation machine at Hiroshima Synchrotron Radiation Center
Authors: Okuda Taichi , Miyamaoto Koji , Miyahara Hirokazu , Kuroda Kenta , Kimura Akio , Namatame Hirofumi , Taniguchi Masaki
Published: October 2011

Highly efficient spin- and angle-resolved photoelectron spectrometer named ESPRESSO (Efficient SPin REsolved SpectroScopy Observation) machine has been developed at the beamline BL-9B in Hiroshima Synchrotron Radiation Center. Combination of high-resolution hemispherical electron analyzer and the high-efficient spin detector based on very low energy electron diffraction by the ferromagnetic target makes the high-energy resolution and angular resolution compatible with spin- and angle-resolved photoemission (SARPES) measurement. 7.5 meV in energy and ±0.18° in angular resolution have been achieved with spin resolution. The ESPRESSO machine, combination of quick energy-band dispersion measurement and Fermi surface mapping by two-dimensional electron detector for the spin integrated ARPES and the high-efficient spin analysis by the efficient spin detector realizes the comprehensive investigation of spin electronic structure of materials.
Synthesis and electrical and magnetic properties of Mn-doped SnO2 nanowires
Authors: Chi Junhong , Ge Honglei , Wang Juan , Zuo Yalu , Zhang Li
Published: October 2011

Diluted magnetic semiconductor Sn0.98Mn0.02O2 nanowires were fabricated using catalyst assisted chemical vapor deposition. Field-effect transistor based on an individual nanowire was fabricated, and the electrical properties were measured. The resistivity, conduction electron density, and the mobility of Sn0.98Mn0.02O2 nanowire were estimated to be 0.7 Ω cm, 5.17 × 1018 cm−3, and 12.8 cm2/Vs, respectively. Magnetic measurements reveal that sample exhibits room temperature ferromagnetism (RTFM), which should be an intrinsic characteristic. The origin of RTFM can be interpreted in terms of the band coupling model.
Cellular convection in a chamber with a warm surface raft
Authors: Whitehead J. A. , Shea Erin , Behn Mark D.
Published: October 2011

We calculate velocity and temperature fields for Rayleigh-Benard convection in a chamber with a warm raft that floats along the top surface for Rayleigh number up to Ra = 20 000. Two-dimensional, infinite Prandtl number, Boussinesq approximation equations are numerically advanced in time from a motionless state in a chamber of length L′ and depth D′. We consider cases with an insulated raft and a raft of fixed temperature. Either oscillatory or stationary flow exists. In the case with an insulated raft over a fluid, there are only three parameters that govern the system: Rayleigh number (Ra), scaled chamber length (L = L′/D′), and scaled raft width (W). For W = 0 and L = 1, linear theory shows that the marginal state without a raft is at a Rayleigh number of 23π4=779.3, but we find that for the smallest W (determined by numerical grid size) the raft approaches the center monotonically in time for Ra<790. For 790<Ra<811, the raft has a decaying oscillation consisting of raft movement back and forth accompanied by convection cell reversal. For 811<Ra<871, the oscillation amplitude is constant in time and it increases with larger Ra. Finally, there is no raft motion for Ra>871. For larger raft widths, there is a range of W that produces raft oscillation at each Ra up to 20 000. Rafts in longer cavities (L = 2 and 4) have almost no oscillatory behavior. With a raft of temperature set to different values of Tr rather than insulating, a fixed Rayleigh number Ra=20000, a square chamber (L = 1), fixed raft width, and with internal heat generation, there are two ranges of oscillating flow.
Numerical studies of the high power microwave breakdown in gas using the fluid model with a modified electron energy distribution function
Authors: Zhao Pengcheng , Liao Cheng , Lin Wenbin , Chang Lei , Fu Haijun
Published: October 2011

A modified electron energy distribution function (EEDF) is introduced into the fluid model and its effects on the high power microwave (HPM) breakdown in air and argon are investigated. A proper numerical scheme for the finite-difference time-domain method is employed to solve the fluid model. Numerical simulations show that the HPM breakdown time in argon predicted by the fluid model with the modified EEDF agrees well with the results of Particle-in-cell-Monte Carlo collision simulations, while the Maxwellian EEDF results in faster HPM breakdown when the mean electron energy is less than 20 eV. We also confirm that the Maxwellian EEDF can be used in the fluid model for simulating the air breakdown at the low frequencies based on the reported experiments.
Thermoelectric properties of chlorine doped compounds of In4Se2.7Clx
Authors: Rhyee Jong-Soo , Choi Dukhyun
Published: October 2011

Thermoelectric properties were investigated on the chlorine doped In4Se2.7Clx (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.05) polycrystalline materials. The chlorine doping has an effect of increasing chemical potential by electron doping, resulting in the increase of electrical conductivity. While the thermal conductivity κ(T) of chlorine doped compounds are increased at mid-temperature range, the κ(T)s of Cl-doped compounds are comparably small or decreased at high temperature range (T ≥ 275 °C). By virtue of decrease of the electrical resistivity and high Seebeck coefficient, power factors S2σ of chlorine doped compounds are increased at high temperature range (T ≥ 275 °C). The maximum ZT of In4Se2.7Cl0.03 reaches about 0.67 at 400 °C, which is 59% improved result comparing with the undoped compound. The control of the Se-deficiency and chlorine doping concentration with optimized materials process routes can increase the ZT on the order of unity or more on those compounds.
Folding dynamics of tethered giant DNA under strong flow
Authors: Saito Takuya , Sakaue Takahiro , Kaneko Daiji , Washizu Masao , Oana Hidehiro
Published: October 2011

Using a microfluidic device, we investigate the folding dynamics of individual linear long DNA, whose one end is tethered under a strong flow in the presence of a condensing agent. Direct observations of the folding process of DNA molecules reveal a characteristic dynamics with pronounced non-monotonic velocity of the folded part at the free end against the flow. We discuss this unique dynamics in relation to the inhomogeneous spatial fluctuation and the structure change at the multiple order levels along the stretched DNA, which is induced by the increasing tension due to the build-up of the hydrodynamic drag force.
Intermediate state representation approach to physical properties of dicationic states
Authors: Velkov Yasen , Miteva Tsveta , Sisourat Nicolas , Schirmer Jochen
Published: October 2011

The second-order algebraic construction (ADC(2)) approach to the two-particle (pp) propagator, devised to compute double ionization energies and associated spectroscopic amplitudes, is reformulated and extended using the concept of intermediate state representations (ISR). The ISR formulation allows one to go beyond the general limitations inherent to the propagator approach, as here (N−2)-electron wave functions and properties become directly accessible. The (N−2)-electron ISR(2) equations for a general one-particle operator have been derived and implemented in a recent version of the double ionization ADC(2) program. As a first test of the method, the dipole moments of a series of 2h states of LiH, HF, and H2O were computed and compared to the results of a full configuration interaction (FCI) treatment. The dipole moments obtained at the ADC(2)/ISR(2) computational level are in good agreement with the FCI results.
Magneto-optical investigation of the shape anisotropy of individual micron-sized magnetic elements
Authors: Sebastian T. , Conca A. , Wolf G. , Schultheiss H. , Leven B. , Hillebrands B.
Published: October 2011

In this work, the anisotropy of individual microstructured magnetic elements has been investigated. The investigated elements are of elliptical shape with different sizes and aspect ratios (AR), structured from a 5-nm-thick permalloy (Ni80Fe20) film. For the measurements, a new magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) magnetometer was used. To allow for the investigation of individual microstructured elements, a micro-focused probing laser beam (spatial resolution ≈1μm) has been combined with a self-stabilizing positioning system of high accuracy, including a rotating unit. Hysteresis loops can be taken for varying orientation of the symmetry axes of the magnetic elements relative to the applied field. For the characterization of the anisotropy, the coercive field as a function of the magnetization direction is extracted from the corresponding hysteresis loops. These results make a quantitative and systematic study of the influence of the shape anisotropy on the magnetic behavior of microstructures possible. The experimental data has been compared to an extended Stoner-Wohlfarth model.
Orientational and translational correlations of liquid methane over the nanometer-picosecond scales by molecular dynamics simulation and inelastic neutron scattering
Authors: Sampoli M. , Guarini E. , Bafile U. , Barocchi F.
Published: October 2011

Five models for the site-site intermolecular pair interactions of methane are compared in some detail and used to investigate both structural and dynamical properties of the dense liquid deuteromethane by means of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The orientational distribution probabilities of molecular pairs are carefully analyzed for each anisotropic potential model. We propose a revision of existing classification methods used to group the innumerable relative orientations of methane-methane pairs into six basic geometries. With this new approach, our results for the probability of the six basic categories as a function of the intermolecular distance are different from the ones present in the literature, where the role of the angular spread on the anisotropic interaction energy is not taken in full consideration and certain configurations with no significant change in the pair-potential are assigned to different categories. The analysis of the static orientational correlations in liquid methane and the prevalence of certain configurations in different ranges guide the subsequent discussion of the MD model-dependent results for the dynamic structure factor. Comparison with our inelastic neutron scattering results for liquid CD4 at the nanometer and picosecond space and time scales allows us to confirm the full adequacy of the Tsuzuki, Uchimaru and Tanabe model of 1998 with respect to more recent potentials.
Canted magnetization in Fe thin films on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite
Authors: Lin Wen-Chin , Lo Fang-Yuh , Huang Ya-Yun , Wang Chih-Hsiung , Chern Ming-Yau
Published: October 2011

Because of the unique properties of graphene, the combination of perpendicular magnetized materials and a carbon-based template is especially useful. This study examines the effect of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surface defects on Fe thin films. Numerous Fe thin films were grown on planar HOPG (p-HOPG) and Ar+ sputtered HOPG (s-HOPG), for comparison. X-ray diffraction showed the preferred (110) texture for Fe films on both p-HOPG and s-HOPG. Fe/p-HOPG exhibited only in-plane magnetization. In contrast, Fe/s-HOPG exhibited the coexistence of in-plane and perpendicular magneto-optical Kerr effect hysteresis loops, indicating a stable, canted magnetization. The canted magnetization of Fe/s-HOPG persisted to at least 20 atomic monolayers and might be attributed to a volume-contributed perpendicular anisotropy. These observations are relevant to a combination of ferromagnetic thin films and graphene-related templates.
Electric control of magnetization relaxation in thin film magnetic insulators
Authors: Wang Zihui , Sun Yiyan , Song Young-Yeal , Wu Mingzhong , Schultheiß Helmut , Pearson John E. , Hoffmann Axel
Published: October 2011

Control of magnetization relaxation in magnetic insulators via interfacial spin scattering is demonstrated. The experiments use nanometer-thick yttrium iron garnet (YIG)/Pt layered structures, with the Pt layer biased by an electric voltage. The bias voltage produces a spin current across the Pt thickness. As this current scatters off the YIG surface, it exerts a torque on the YIG surface spins. This torque can reduce or enhance the damping and thereby decrease or increase the ferromagnetic resonance linewidth of the YIG film, depending on the field/current configuration.
The elastic properties of Mn3(Cu1−xGex)N compounds
Authors: Qu B. Y. , He H. Y. , Pan B. C.
Published: October 2011

We present an ab initio study of the elastic properties of the negative thermal expansion (NTE) compound Mn3(Cu1−xGex)N. The calculated energies show that the Ge atoms can be easily doped into the compound and, the distribution of the Ge atoms in the compound is very uniform. The elastic moduli of the compound in the form of polycrystalline are evaluated according to the Voigt-Reuss-Hill approximation, which show that the doped Ge enhances the ductile character of the compound, with fairly high elastic anisotropy. Furthermore, it is found that the bulk modulus and the Young's modulus of the compound increase as the Ge content increases from 12.5 % to 50 %, being in agreement with experiments. Through analyzing the electronic structures, we propose that these elastic features are essentially stemmed from the valence states and the valence electrons of the doped Ge.
The challenge and limitations of combining data: a case study examining the relationship between intramuscular fat content and flavour intensity based on the BIF-BEEF database
Authors: Hocquette J. F. , Meurice P. , Brun J. P. , Jurie C. , Denoyelle C. , Bauchart D. , Renand G. , Nute G. R. , Picard B.
Published: October 2011

The BIF-BEEF (Beef Integrated and Functional Biology) data warehouse for muscle biology to predict beef quality gathers data related to bovines, their carcasses and their beef. These data come mainly from three sources: the INRA database named FiLiCol, the European GEMQUAL program and the French QUALVIGENE program databases plus other minor sources. At the beginning of 2011, the BIF-BEEF data warehouse contained 331 745 measurements for 621 variables. Measurements were obtained on eight muscles and/or from 5197 animals (mainly young bulls) belonging to 20 different breeds (mainly Charolais, Limousin, Blonde d’Aquitaine, the three major French beef breeds) from experiments carried out over a 10-year period. A web interface was developed to extract data and to analyse them using basic statistical tools (correlation, variance analysis, etc) with R software. Clearly, since the various experiments were not designed initially to ultimately link together, it appeared very difficult to integrate some data which differ a lot by units, scales or laboratory methods. Ontology will help to address these issues. However, the usefulness of the BIF-BEEF data warehouse is described by studying the relationship in M. longissimus thoracis between intramuscular fat content (IMF) and flavour assessed by sensory panels. When data from different sources or different sensory panels were used, they were corrected for these fixed factors in the regression model. They were also corrected for known sources of variation (sex, breed and age of the animals). On average, the relationship between IMF and flavour was low (partial correlation coefficient r = 0.11) but significant. This relationship was no more significant for breeds with low IMF levels (such as Blonde d’Aquitaine) or for animals with the highest IMF such as steers or females.
Engaging general practice nurses in chronic disease self-management support in Australia: insights from a controlled trial in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Walters Julia A. E. , Courtney-Pratt Helen , Cameron-Tucker Helen , Nelson Mark , Robinson Andrew , Scott Jenn , Turner Paul , Walters E. Haydn , Wood-Baker Richard
Published: October 2011

The growing burden of chronic disease will increase the role of primary care in supporting self-management and health behaviour change. This role could be undertaken to some extent by the increased practice nurse workforce that has occurred over recent years. Mixed methods were used to investigate the potential for general practice nurses to adopt this role during a 12-month randomised controlled study of telephone-delivered health mentoring in Tasmanian practices. Nurses (general practice and community health) were trained as health mentors to assist chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients to identify and achieve personal health related goals through action plans. Of 21% of invited practices that responded, 19 were allocated to health mentoring; however, general practice nurses were unable to train as health mentors in 14 (74%), principally due to lack of financial compensation and/or workload pressure. For five general practice nurses trained as health mentors, their roles had previously included some chronic disease management, but training enhanced their understanding and skills of self-management approaches and increased the focus on patient partnership, prioritising patients’ choices and achievability. Difficulties that led to early withdrawal of health mentors were competing demands, insufficient time availability, phone calls having lower priority than face-to-face interactions and changing employment. Skills gained were rated as valuable, applicable to all clinical practice and transferable to other health care settings. Although these results suggest that training can enhance general practice nurses’ skills to deliver self-management support in chronic disease, there are significant system barriers that need to be addressed through funding models and organisational change.
Validation of the research capacity and culture (RCC) tool: measuring RCC at individual, team and organisation levels
Authors: Holden Libby , Pager Susan , Golenko Xanthe , Ware Robert S.
Published: October 2011

Research capacity building (RCB) in Australia has recently focussed on strategies that take a whole of system approach to developing research culture at individual, team and organisation levels. Although a theoretical framework exists, no tool has been published that quantitatively measures the effectiveness of RCB interventions aimed at these three levels. A sample of 134 allied health workers was used to validate the research capacity and culture (RCC) tool. Item level analysis was undertaken using Cronbach’s α and exploratory factor analysis, and test–retest reliability was examined using intra-class correlations (ICC). The tool had one factor emerge for each domain, with excellent internal consistency for organisation, team and individual domains (α = 0.95, 0.96 and 0.96 respectively; and factor loadings ranges of 0.58–0.89, 0.65–0.89 and 0.59–0.93 respectively). The overall mean score (total) for each domain was: 5.4 (inter-quartile range 3.9–7.7), 4.4 (IQR 2.6–6.1) and 3.9 (IQR 2.9–6) for the organisation, team and individual domains respectively. Test–retest reliability was strong for each domain: organisation ICC = 0.77, team ICC = 0.83 and individual ICC = 0.82. The RCC tool has three domains measuring research capacity and culture at organisation, team and individual levels. It demonstrates excellent internal consistency and strong test–retest reliability.
Supporting chronic disease self-management: translating policies and principles into clinical practice
Authors: Higgins Rosemary , Murphy Barbara , Worcester Marian , Daffey Angela
Published: October 2011

To support self-management, health professionals need to adopt a client-centred approach and learn to deliver evidence-based behaviour change interventions. This paper reports on the evaluation of 1- and 2-day training programs developed to improve health professionals’ capacity to support chronic disease self-management (CDSM). The 321 participants attended one of eighteen supporting CDSM courses held in urban and rural settings. Participants included nurses, allied health professionals, Aboriginal health workers and general practitioners. Data were collected at three time points: before participation; immediately after the training; and, for a sub-sample of 37 participants, 2 months after the training. Results revealed a significant and sustained increase in CDSM self-efficacy following training regardless of participants’ gender, age or qualifications. A thematic analysis of the responses concerning intended practice revealed four main areas of intended practice change, namely: use behavioural strategies; improve communication with clients; adopt a client-centred approach; and improve goal setting. The number of practice changes at 2 months reported by a sub-sample of participants ranged from 1 to 20 with a mean of 14 (s.d. = 4). The three most common areas of practice change point to the adoption by health professionals of a collaborative approach with chronic disease patients. Lack of staff trained in CDSM was seen as a major barrier to practice change, with lack of support and finance also named as barriers to practice change. Participants identified that increased training, support and awareness of the principles of supporting CDSM would help to overcome barriers to practice change. These results indicate a readiness among health professionals to adopt a more collaborative approach given the skills and the tools to put this approach into practice.
An evaluation of the self-management support capacity of providers of chronic condition primary care
Authors: Cheffins Tracy E. , Twomey Julie A. , Grant Jane A. , Larkins Sarah L.
Published: October 2011

Self-management support (SMS) is an important skill for health professionals providing chronic condition management in the primary health care sector. Training in SMS alone does not always lead to its utilisation. This study aimed to ascertain whether SMS is being used, and to identify barriers and enablers for SMS in practice. Health professionals who underwent SMS training were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview. A response rate of 55% (14 of 24) was achieved. All interviewees rated their understanding of the principles of SMS as moderate or better. In relation to how much they use these principles in their practice, several (5 of 14) said minimally or not at all. The tools they were most likely to use were SMART goals (8 of 14) and decision balance (5 of 14). Core skills that were being used included problem solving (11 of 14), reflective listening (13 of 14), open-ended questions (12 of 14), identifying readiness to change (12 of 14) and goal setting (10 of 14). The most important barriers to implementing SMS were current funding models for health care, lack of space and staff not interested in change. The most highly rated enabling strategies were more training for general practitioners and more training for practice nurses; the lowest rated was more training for receptionists. The increasing prevalence of chronic conditions due to ageing and lifestyle factors must be addressed through new ways of delivering primary health care services. Self-management support is a necessary component of such programs, so identified barriers to SMS must be overcome.
Review of HIV vulnerability and condom use in central and eastern Europe
Authors: Amirkhanian Yuri A.
Published: October 2011

The epidemiological trend of increasing HIV incidence rates due to sexual transmission in central and eastern Europe has been documented. The current review analysed research articles that report on a wide spectrum of vulnerable populations from this world region. Studies of injection drug users, commercial sex workers, men who have sex with men, adolescents and young adults all reported inconsistent condom use. However, these patterns varied across populations and geographic areas. Populations in former Soviet countries – the most affected by HIV – also often appeared to have lower condom use rates. Intensified, comprehensive and locally tailored measures to curb sexual HIV transmission are urgently needed. Social development programs need to incorporate HIV prevention.
Lattice thermal conductivity of lower mantle minerals and heat flux from Earth’s core
Authors: Manthilake Geeth M. , de Koker Nico , Frost Dan J. , McCammon Catherine A.
Published: October 2011

The amount of heat flowing from Earth’s core critically determines the thermo-chemical evolution of both the core and the lower mantle. Consisting primarily of a polycrystalline aggregate of silicate perovskite and ferropericlase, the thermal boundary layer at the very base of Earth’s lower mantle regulates the heat flow from the core, so that the thermal conductivity (
k
) of these mineral phases controls the amount of heat entering the lowermost mantle. Here we report measurements of the lattice thermal conductivity of pure, Al-, and Fe-bearing MgSiO
3
perovskite at 26 GPa up to 1,073 K, and of ferropericlase containing 0, 5, and 20% Fe, at 8 and 14 GPa up to 1,273 K. We find the incorporation of these elements in silicate perovskite and ferropericlase to result in a ∼50% decrease of lattice thermal conductivity relative to the end member compositions. A model of thermal conductivity constrained from our results indicates that a peridotitic mantle would have
k
 = 9.1 ± 1.2 W/m K at the top of the thermal boundary layer and
k
 = 8.4 ± 1.2 W/m K at its base. These values translate into a heat flux of 11.0 ± 1.4 terawatts (TW) from Earth’s core, a range of values consistent with a variety of geophysical estimates.
Comparison between multiple sets and half‐pyramid resistance exercise bouts for muscle damage profile
Authors: Charro Mario A. , Aoki Marcelo S. , Nosaka Kazunori , Foschini Denis , Figueira Aylton , Bacurau Reury F.
Published: October 2011

The present study compared the changes in markers of muscle damage after bouts of resistance exercise employing the Multiple‐sets (MS) and Half‐pyramid (HP) training systems. Ten healthy men (26.1±6.3 years), who had been involved in regular resistance training, performed MS and HP bouts, 14 days apart, in a randomised, counter‐balanced manner. For the MS bout, participants performed three sets of maximum repetitions at 75%‐1RM (i.e. 75% of a One Repetition Maximum) for the three exercises, starting with the bench press, followed by pec deck and decline bench press. For the HP bout, the participants performed three sets of maximum repetitions with 67%‐1RM, 74%‐1RM and 80%‐1RM for the first, second and third sets, respectively, for the same three exercise sequences as the MS bout. The total volume of load lifted was equated between both bouts. Muscle soreness, plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity, myoglobin (Mb) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were assessed before and for three days after each exercise bout, and the changes over time were compared between MS and HP using two‐way repeated measures ANOVA. Muscle soreness developed significantly (P<0.01) after both bouts, but no significant difference was observed between MS and HP. Plasma CK activity and Mb concentration increased significantly (P<0.01) without significant differences between bouts, and CRP concentration did not change significantly after either bout. These results suggest that the muscle damage profile is similar for MS and HP, probably due to the similar total volume of load lifted.
Alginate encapsulated cells secreting Fas‐ligand reduce lymphoma carcinogenicity
Authors: Goren Amit , Gilert Ariel , Meyron‐Holtz Esther , Melamed Doron , Machluf Marcelle
Published: October 2011

Fas ligand (CD95L/APO‐1) is considered as a potent anti‐tumor agent due to its mediated cell death properties. We have designed a polymeric microencapsulation system, which encapsulates soluble FasL secreting cells. The encapsulated cells continuously release soluble FasL (sFasL) at the tumor site, while the device protects the encapsulated cells from the host immune system. The potential and efficacy of this system are demonstrated in vitro and in vivo for tumor inhibition. Polymeric microcapsules composed of Alginate Poly‐l‐lysine were optimized to encapsulate L5 secreting sFasL cells. The expression and anti‐tumor activities of the sFasL were confirmed in vitro and tumor inhibition was studied in vivo in SCID mice bearing subcutaneous lymphoma tumors. In vitro, sFasL secreted by the encapsulated L5‐sFasL cells was biologically active, inhibited proliferation and induced apoptotic cell death in Fas sensitive tumor cells. Mice injected with encapsulated L5‐sFasL cells on the day of tumor injection or 10 days after tumor injection showed significant reduction in tumor volume, of 87% and 95%, respectively. Our findings show that encapsulated cells expressing sFasL can be used as a local device and efficiently suppress malignant Fas sensitive tumors with no side effects. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 116–124)
Global changes in gene expression of grapefruit peel tissue in response to the yeast biocontrol agent Metschnikowia fructicola
Authors: HERSHKOVITZ VERA , BEN‐DAYAN CLARITA , RAPHAEL GINAT , PASMANIK‐CHOR METSADA , LIU JIA , BELAUSOV EDUARD , ALY RADI , WISNIEWSKI MICHAEL , DROBY SAMIR
Published: October 2011

To gain a better understanding of the molecular changes taking place in citrus fruit tissue following the application of the yeast biocontrol agent Metschnikowia fructicola, microarray analysis was performed on grapefruit surface wounds using an Affymetrix Citrus GeneChip. Using a cut‐off of P < 0.05 and a 1.5‐fold change difference as biologically significant, the data indicated that 1007 putative unigenes showed significant expression changes following wounding and yeast application relative to wounded controls. Microarray results of selected genes were validated by reverse transcription‐quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). The data indicated that yeast application induced the expression of the genes encoding Respiratory burst oxidase (Rbo), mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK), G‐proteins, chitinase (CHI), phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL), chalcone synthase (CHS) and 4‐coumarate‐CoA ligase (4CL). In contrast, three genes, peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), were down‐regulated in grapefruit peel tissue treated with yeast cells. Moreover, suppression was correlated with significantly higher levels of hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical production in yeast‐treated surface wounds. Interestingly, large amounts of hydrogen peroxide were detected inside yeast cells recovered from wounded fruit tissue, indicating the ability of the yeast to activate reactive oxygen species when it is in contact with plant tissue. This study provides the first global picture of gene expression changes in grapefruit in response to the yeast antagonist M. fructicola.