bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of long‐term measurements of water vapor from the midstratosphere to the mesosphere at two Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change sites
Authors: Nedoluha Gerald E. , Gomez R. Michael , Neal Helen , Lambert Alyn , Hurst Dale , Boone Chris , Stiller Gabriele
Published: November 2012

We present measurements from the Water Vapor Millimeter‐wave Spectrometer (WVMS) instruments at Table Mountain, California (34.4°N, 242.3°E), and Mauna Loa, Hawaii (19.5°N, 204.4°E), and highlight the extended altitude range of the measurements at these sites, which now provide measurements down to 26 km. We show that this extended altitude range has been acquired without disturbing the existing long‐term WVMS data set at Mauna Loa. Validation of the successful transition is provided by comparing WVMS measurements with coincident satellite measurements from the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS), the Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment, and the Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding. At the lowest altitudes where WVMS measurements are possible, we also compare with frost‐point hygrometer balloon measurements. The water vapor mixing ratios measured at 50 km over Mauna Loa are the highest ever reported in the WVMS (since 1996) or MLS (since 2004) time series. Particularly encouraging for the new 26 km WVMS measurements is that they indicate an increase between 2010 and 2011 that is comparable to that observed by other instruments. This shows that these measurements are sensitive to variations at this altitude and that the instrumental baseline remains stable.
Manganese uptake in marine bacteria; the novel MntX transporter is widespread in Roseobacters, Vibrios, Alteromonadales and the SAR11 and SAR116 clades
Authors: Green Robert T , Todd Jonathan D , Johnston Andrew W B
Published: November 2012

We showed that two very different manganese transporters occur in various important genera of marine bacteria. The ABC transporter encoded by sitABCD of the model Roseobacter-clade bacterium Ruegeria pomeroyi DSS-3 is required for Mn2+ import and was repressed by the Mur (Manganese uptake regulator) transcriptional regulator in Mn-replete media. Most genome-sequenced Roseobacter strains contain SitABCD, which are in at least two sub-groups, judged by their amino-acid sequences. However, a few Roseobacters, for example, Roseovarius nubinhibens, lack sitABCD, but these contain another gene, mntX, which encodes a predicted inner membrane polypeptide and is preceded by cis-acting Mur-responsive MRS sequences. It was confirmed directly that mntX of Roseovarius nubinhibens encodes a manganese transporter that was required for growth in Mn-depleted media and that its expression was repressed by Mur in Mn-replete conditions. MntX homologues occur in the deduced proteomes of several bacterial species. Strikingly, all of these live in marine habitats, but are in distantly related taxonomic groups, in the γ- and α-proteobacteria. Notably, MntX was prevalent in nearly all strains of Vibrionales, including the important pathogen, Vibrio cholerae. It also occurs in a strain of the hugely abundant Candidatus Pelagibacter (SAR11), and in another populous marine bacterium, Candidatus Puniceispirillum marinum (SAR116). Consistent with this, MntX was abundant in marine bacterial metagenomes, with one sub-type occurring in an as-yet unknown bacterial clade.
Ocean currents shape the microbiome of Arctic marine sediments
Authors: Hamdan Leila J , Coffin Richard B , Sikaroodi Masoumeh , Greinert Jens , Treude Tina , Gillevet Patrick M
Published: November 2012

Prokaryote communities were investigated on the seasonally stratified Alaska Beaufort Shelf (ABS). Water and sediment directly underlying water with origin in the Arctic, Pacific or Atlantic oceans were analyzed by pyrosequencing and length heterogeneity-PCR in conjunction with physicochemical and geographic distance data to determine what features structure ABS microbiomes. Distinct bacterial communities were evident in all water masses. Alphaproteobacteria explained similarity in Arctic surface water and Pacific derived water. Deltaproteobacteria were abundant in Atlantic origin water and drove similarity among samples. Most archaeal sequences in water were related to unclassified marine Euryarchaeota. Sediment communities influenced by Pacific and Atlantic water were distinct from each other and pelagic communities. Firmicutes and Chloroflexi were abundant in sediment, although their distribution varied in Atlantic and Pacific influenced sites. Thermoprotei dominated archaea in Pacific influenced sediments and Methanomicrobia dominated in methane-containing Atlantic influenced sediments. Length heterogeneity-PCR data from this study were analyzed with data from methane-containing sediments in other regions. Pacific influenced ABS sediments clustered with Pacific sites from New Zealand and Chilean coastal margins. Atlantic influenced ABS sediments formed another distinct cluster. Density and salinity were significant structuring features on pelagic communities. Porosity co-varied with benthic community structure across sites and methane did not. This study indicates that the origin of water overlying sediments shapes benthic communities locally and globally and that hydrography exerts greater influence on microbial community structure than the availability of methane.
A Mechanistic, Model‐Based Approach to Safety Assessment in Clinical Development
Authors: Lippert J , Brosch M , von Kampen O , Meyer M , Siegmund H.‐U , Schafmayer C , Becker T , Laffert B , Görlitz L , Schreiber S , Neuvonen PJ , Niemi M , Hampe J , Kuepfer L
Published: November 2012

Assessing the safety of pharmacotherapies is a primary goal of clinical trials in drug development. The low frequency of relevant side effects, however, often poses a significant challenge for risk assessment. Methodologies allowing robust extrapolation of safety statistics based on preclinical data and information from clinical trials with limited numbers of patients are hence needed to further improve safety and efficacy in the drug development process. Here, we present a generic systems pharmacology approach integrating prior physiological and pharmacological knowledge, preclinical data, and clinical trial results, which allows predicting adverse event rates related to drug exposure. Possible fields of application involve high‐risk populations, novel drug candidates, and different dosing scenarios. As an example, the approach is applied to simvastatin and pravastatin and the prediction of myopathy rates in a population with a genotype leading to a significantly increased myopathy risk.

CPT: Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology (2012) 1, e13; doi:10.1038/psp.2012.14; advance online publication 7 November 2012
Revisiting the structure zone model for sculptured silver thin films deposited at low substrate temperatures
Authors: Singh Dhruv P. , Goel Pratibha , Singh J. P.
Published: November 2012

In this study, we examined the low substrate temperature (Ts) growth mechanism of Ag thin films in the atomic shadowing regime (Ts ≪ melting point Tm). The Ag thin films were deposited using glancing angle deposition (GLAD) at different substrate temperatures varying from 320 K to 100 K. Interestingly, it is observed that on lowering the substrate temperature instead of showing a monotonic variation, the Ag film morphology changes from the ordered nanocolumns to random and distorted columns, and then to the columnar bunches of nanowires. These growth results suggest that this temperature regime of effective adatom shadowing does not hold a unique growth mechanism for the GLAD within the low temperature range from 320 K to 100 K and depending on the observed temperature dependent variation in morphological and structural properties of the Ag film, it can be sub-divided into three characteristic zones. The observed growth mechanism of the Ag film is explained in terms of the temperature dependent change in terrace diffusion and the interlayer diffusion of Ag adatoms which finally controls the formation of nucleation centers in initial stage and their evolution during the final growth. The understanding of low temperature growth mechanism along with the identification of appropriate temperature range for the growth of nanocolumnar metallic films during GLAD is the novelty in this work.
Influence of surface oxidation on plasmon resonance in monolayer of gold and silver nanoparticles
Authors: Kuzma Anton , Weis Martin , Flickyngerova Sona , Jakabovic Jan , Satka Alexander , Dobrocka Edmund , Chlpik Juraj , Cirak Julius , Donoval Martin , Telek Peter , Uherek Frantisek , Donoval Daniel
Published: November 2012

Surface plasmon resonance of gold and silver nanoparticle (NP) layers is investigated by the experiment as well as simulations. Although the good agreement was found for gold NP film, a significant mismatch in the resonance energy for silver NP film was observed. The deviation was assigned to the presence of silver oxide (Ag2O) in silver NPs. As an alternative to the NP size-dependent Drude model, the analysis based on effective medium approximation for refractive index of Ag-Ag2O material system is carried out and compared with the core-shell model. Both Mie's model and numerical simulation results illustrate shift of the surface plasmon resonance due to silver NP surface oxidation.
Potential energy surface of H2O on Al{111} and Rh{111} from theoretical methods
Authors: Ranea Víctor A.
Published: November 2012

The potential energy surfaces of molecular water on the Al{111} and on the Rh{111} metal surfaces have been investigated using density functional theory. Similar landscapes were found on both surfaces. In the only minimum found, the water molecule is monocoordinated to the surface via the oxygen atom (top configuration) with its plane nearly parallel to the surface. The maxima are around the bridge and hollow configurations and no local minima or maxima were found. Along the investigated minimum energy pathways, no strong preferential orientation of the water dipole was found, as long as the molecular plane is nearly parallel to the surface.
Feasibility analysis of renewable energy powered tourism island—Hainan, China
Authors: Bin Ye , Jie Tang , Qiang Lu
Published: November 2012

The current paper presents a feasibility analysis on a renewable energy dominated power structure in terms of both technological and economic considerations for Hainan Island, China. To determine the optimal system configuration for a hybrid renewable energy system, the software HOMER is used. The assessment criteria include net present cost, cost of energy (COE), and carbon emission intensity (CEI). The modeling results demonstrate that renewable energy dominated power structures can meet the power demand of the island not only in 2010 but also in 2020, despite the almost doubled demand for electricity in 2020 assumed in our model. Thus, building a nuclear power station in this location is unnecessary. The modeling results also show that the COE of the power system decreases from $0.074/kW h in 2010 to $0.051/kW h in 2020 as a result of the declining cost of renewable power equipment. Additionally, CEI can be reduced by 69.2%–74.9% against the current status. Sensitivity analysis shows that the correlation between interest rate and COE is linearly positive. However, the relationship between gas prices and COE is not linearly positive because COE increases significantly faster than gas price does when it is less than $0.24/m3. A counter-intuitive phenomenon is found from the sensitivity analysis, in which COE decreases with increasing carbon tax.
Calculation of electronic excitations using wave-function in wave-function frozen-density embedding
Authors: Höfener Sebastian , Visscher Lucas
Published: November 2012

Recently, a general framework suitable for general frozen-density embedding (FDE) methods was published [S. Höfener, A. S. P. Gomes, and L. Visscher, J. Chem. Phys. 136, 044104 (2012)]10.1063/1.3675845. In the present article, we report the fragmentation of a supermolecule while treating all subsystems with coupled-cluster theory and the interaction of the subsystems with density-functional theory. This variant is denoted wave-function theory in wave-function theory FDE, or coupled-cluster theory in coupled-cluster theory FDE. Main target of this approach is not the embedding of a single molecule in large solvation shells, but rather the possibility to divide a complex system consisting of several molecules when all subsystems are to be treated with, e.g., coupled-cluster methods to provide a balanced and unbiased description. We present numerical results for hydrogen-bonded complexes which exhibit rather strong interactions. Cases with weakly interacting subsystems are expected to exhibit even higher accuracy. This facilitates the study of properties of larger complexes such as DNA base pairs with coupled-cluster methods.
Partial-ion-yield studies of SOCl2 following x-ray absorption around the S and Cl K edges
Authors: Bowen K. P. , Stolte W. C. , Lago A. F. , Dávalos J. Z. , Piancastelli M. N. , Lindle D. W.
Published: November 2012

We present a series of photoabsorption and partial-ion-yield experiments on thionyl chloride, SOCl2, at both the sulfur and chlorine K edges. The photoabsorption results exhibit better resolution than previously published data, leading to alternate spectral assignments for some of the features, particularly in the Rydberg-series region. Based on measured fragmentation patterns, we suggest the LUMO, of a′ character, is delocalized over the entire molecular skeleton. Unusual behavior of the S2 + fragment hints at a relatively localized bond rupture (the S–O bond below the S K edge and the S–Cl bonds below the Cl K edge) following excitation to some of the higher lying intermediate states.
An optical absolute position measurement method using a phase-encoded single track binary code
Authors: Kim Jong-Ahn , Kim Jae Wan , Kang Chu-Shik , Jin Jonghan , Bong Eom Tae
Published: November 2012

We present a new absolute position measurement method using a single track binary code where an absolute position code is encoded by changing the phase of one binary state representation. It can be decoded efficiently using structural property of the binary code, and its sub-division is possible by detecting the relative positions of the binary state representation used for the absolute position encoding. Therefore, the absolute position encoding does not interfere with the sub-division process and so any pseudo-random sequence can be used as the absolute position code. Because the proposed method does not require additional sensing part for the sub-division, it can be realized with a simple configuration and efficient data processing. To verify and evaluate the proposed method, an absolute position measurement system was setup using a binary code scale, a microscopic imaging system, and a CCD camera. In the comparison results with a laser interferometer, the measurement system shows the resolution of less than 50 nm and the nonlinearity error of less than ±60 nm after compensation.
Traits and gradients influence the canopy position of small-statured rain forest trees
Authors: Kooyman Robert M.
Published: November 2012

Plant height determines a species’ position in the canopy and regulates access to light. Shifts in trait values for assemblages (plots) arrayed along abiotic gradients can reflect changes in species composition, and shifts in species trait values. Multivariate analysis was used to quantify the relationship of assemblage-level floristic composition to environmental gradients. Species trait values for maximum height, leaf area, seed size and wood density were quantified for woody species in the assemblage samples, and partitioned into within- and among-assemblage components to enable trait correlations to be identified, including in relation to abiotic gradients. Assemblages in upslope topographic positions had lower height, smaller leaves and higher wood density. Across the assemblages, shifts in species composition, decreasing canopy height and the position of smaller trees in the canopy were all linked to decreasing soil depth in upslope topographic positions. Regardless of stand height, the canopy position of most main canopy dominants remained largely unchanged in response to shifts in environmental gradients. In contrast, shorter-stature tree species retained height along the gradient and subsequently shifted from the subcanopy to the canopy as soil depth and site (plot) canopy height decreased. Within a community, height and position in the canopy can shift under differing environmental conditions.
Interplay between autophagy and apoptosis in the development of Danio rerio follicles and the effects of a probiotic
Authors: Gioacchini Giorgia , Valle Luisa Dalla , Benato Francesca , Fimia Gian Maria , Nardacci Roberta , Ciccosanti Fabiola , Piacentini Mauro , Borini Andrea , Carnevali Oliana
Published: November 2012

The present study investigated autophagic processes in Danio rerio preovulatory follicles (Stage III and IV). There were more autophagosomes, as revealed by electron microscopy, in follicles from females fed the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus IMC 501. This was confirmed by increased expression of genes involved in the autophagic process, namely ambra1, becn1, lc3 and uvrag. In addition, preovulatory follicles from females fed the probiotic contained more microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 isoform II (LC3-II) and less p62 protein. The increased autophagy in preovulatory follicles from females fed the probiotic was concomitant with a decrease in the apoptotic process in the ovary, as evidenced by terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP–digoxigenin nick end-labelling analysis and confirmed by lower expression of genes involved in apoptosis (i.e. p53, bax, apaf and cas3) and higher expression as igfII and igf1r. The results of the present study provide preliminary evidence of the involvement of autophagy during follicle development in the zebrafish ovary. In addition, we have demonstrated for the first time that a functional food, such as L. rhamnosus IMC 501, can modulate the balance between apoptosis and autophagy that regulates ovary physiology in zebrafish by inhibiting follicular apoptosis and improving follicular survival.
Rejection of unfair offers in the ultimatum game is no evidence of strong reciprocity
Authors: Yamagishi Toshio , Horita Yutaka , Mifune Nobuhiro , Hashimoto Hirofumi , Li Yang , Shinada Mizuho , Miura Arisa , Inukai Keigo , Takagishi Haruto , Simunovic Dora
Published: November 2012

The strong reciprocity model of the evolution of human cooperation has gained some acceptance, partly on the basis of support from experimental findings. The observation that unfair offers in the ultimatum game are frequently rejected constitutes an important piece of the experimental evidence for strong reciprocity. In the present study, we have challenged the idea that the rejection response in the ultimatum game provides evidence of the assumption held by strong reciprocity theorists that negative reciprocity observed in the ultimatum game is inseparably related to positive reciprocity as the two sides of a preference for fairness. The prediction of an inseparable relationship between positive and negative reciprocity was rejected on the basis of the results of a series of experiments that we conducted using the ultimatum game, the dictator game, the trust game, and the prisoner’s dilemma game. We did not find any correlation between the participants’ tendencies to reject unfair offers in the ultimatum game and their tendencies to exhibit various prosocial behaviors in the other games, including their inclinations to positively reciprocate in the trust game. The participants’ responses to postexperimental questions add support to the view that the rejection of unfair offers in the ultimatum game is a tacit strategy for avoiding the imposition of an inferior status.
Thymic nurse cells provide microenvironment for secondary T cell receptor α rearrangement in cortical thymocytes
Authors: Nakagawa Yasushi , Ohigashi Izumi , Nitta Takeshi , Sakata Mie , Tanaka Keiji , Murata Shigeo , Kanagawa Osami , Takahama Yousuke
Published: November 2012

Distinct subsets of thymic epithelial cells (TECs) support T-cell development and selection. Isolated TECs contain multicellular complexes that enclose many viable thymocytes. However, the functions of those TECs, termed thymic nurse cells (TNCs), are unclear and the idea that TNCs are present in vivo is questioned. Here, we show that TNCs represent a fraction of cortical (c)TECs that are defined by the expression of thymoproteasomes. Intravital imaging revealed TNCs in the thymic cortex in situ, whereas TNCs were detected neither during embryogenesis nor in the postnatal thymuses of various “positive-selector” T-cell receptor (TCR)-transgenic mice, indicating that TNCs are not essential for T-cell differentiation, including positive selection. Rather, cells within TNCs were enriched for long-lived CD4+CD8+thymocytes that underwent secondary TCR-Vα rearrangement. Thus, TNC complexes are formed in vivo by persistent cTEC–thymocyte interactions that then provide a microenvironment that optimizes T-cell selection through secondary TCR rearrangement.
Orthogonal acoustic dimensions define auditory field maps in human cortex
Authors: Barton Brian , Venezia Jonathan H. , Saberi Kourosh , Hickok Gregory , Brewer Alyssa A.
Published: November 2012

The functional organization of human auditory cortex has not yet been characterized beyond a rudimentary level of detail. Here, we use functional MRI to measure the microstructure of orthogonal tonotopic and periodotopic gradients forming complete auditory field maps (AFMs) in human core and belt auditory cortex. These AFMs show clear homologies to subfields of auditory cortex identified in nonhuman primates and in human cytoarchitectural studies. In addition, we present measurements of the macrostructural organization of these AFMs into “clover leaf” clusters, consistent with the macrostructural organization seen across human visual cortex. As auditory cortex is at the interface between peripheral hearing and central processes, improved understanding of the organization of this system could open the door to a better understanding of the transformation from auditory spectrotemporal signals to higher-order information such as speech categories.
Allosteric networks in thrombin distinguish procoagulant vs. anticoagulant activities
Authors: Gasper Paul M. , Fuglestad Brian , Komives Elizabeth A. , Markwick Phineus R. L. , McCammon J. Andrew
Published: November 2012

The serine protease α-thrombin is a dual-action protein that mediates the blood-clotting cascade. Thrombin alone is a procoagulant, cleaving fibrinogen to make the fibrin clot, but the thrombin–thrombomodulin (TM) complex initiates the anticoagulant pathway by cleaving protein C. A TM fragment consisting of only the fifth and sixth EGF-like domains (TM56) is sufficient to bind thrombin, but the presence of the fourth EGF-like domain (TM456) is critical to induce the anticoagulant activity of thrombin. Crystallography of the thrombin–TM456 complex revealed no significant structural changes in thrombin, suggesting that TM4 may only provide a scaffold for optimal alignment of protein C for its cleavage by thrombin. However, a variety of experimental data have suggested that the presence of TM4 may affect the dynamic properties of the active site loops. In the present work, we have used both conventional and accelerated molecular dynamics simulation to study the structural dynamic properties of thrombin, thrombin:TM56, and thrombin:TM456 across a broad range of time scales. Two distinct yet interrelated allosteric pathways are identified that mediate both the pro- and anticoagulant activities of thrombin. One allosteric pathway, which is present in both thrombin:TM56 and thrombin:TM456, directly links the TM5 domain to the thrombin active site. The other allosteric pathway, which is only present on slow time scales in the presence of the TM4 domain, involves an extended network of correlated motions linking the TM4 and TM5 domains and the active site loops of thrombin.
Autophagosomes induced by a bacterial Beclin 1 binding protein facilitate obligatory intracellular infection
Authors: Niu Hua , Xiong Qingming , Yamamoto Akitsugu , Hayashi-Nishino Mitsuko , Rikihisa Yasuko
Published: November 2012

Autophagy, a cytoplasmic catabolic process, plays a critical role in defense against intracellular infection. In turn, evasion or inhibition of autophagy has emerged as an important virulence factor for intracellular pathogens. However,
Anaplasma phagocytophilum
, the obligatory intracellular bacterium that causes human granulocytic anaplasmosis, replicates in the membrane-bound compartment resembling early autophagosome. Here, we found that
Anaplasma
translocated substrate 1 (Ats-1), a type IV secretion effector, binds Beclin 1, a subunit of the class III PI3K and Atg14L, and it nucleates autophagosomes with markers of omegasomes, double FYVE-containing protein 1, Atg14L, and LC3. Ats-1 autophagy induction did not activate the starvation signaling pathway of mammalian target of rapamycin. These autophagy proteins were also localized to the
Anaplasma
inclusion. Ectopically expressed Ats-1 targeted the
Anaplasma
inclusions and enhanced infection, whereas host cytoplasmic delivery of anti–Ats-1 or Beclin 1 depletion by siRNA suppressed the infection;
beclin 1
heterozygous-deficient mice were resistant to
Anaplasma
infection. Furthermore,
Anaplasma
growth arrest by the class III PI3K inhibitor 3-methyladenine was alleviated by essential amino acid supplementation. Thus,
Anaplasma
actively induces autophagy by secreting Ats-1 that hijacks the Beclin 1-Atg14L autophagy initiation pathway likely to acquire host nutrients for its growth.
Rapid communication: Mental time travel: Effects of trial duration on episodic and semantic content
Authors: Cole Scott N. , Gill Natalie C. L. , Conway Martin A. , Morrison Catriona M.
Published: November 2012

Studies exploring mental time travel commonly use cue-word paradigms to elicit past and future autobiographical events. However, the effect of trial duration (how long participants are allowed to describe events) on the relationship between episodic and nonepisodic detail and episodic specificity (i.e., whether longer durations increase event specificity) has not been examined. To resolve these issues, a cue-word study was devised whereby participants described past and future events under three randomly administered time constraints: short (1-min), standard (3-min), and long (5-min) durations. Findings indicated that an individual's capacity for episodic and nonepisodic thought for the past and future were unrelated. This lends supports to the idea that independent mechanisms are responsible for episodic and semantic information. This study also offers clarity concerning the effect of different trial durations on episodic specificity, which may aid the design of future studies of mental time travel.
Absorption Spectroscopy of (8,1) Band ind3Δ-a3Π System of CS Radical
Authors: Li Chuan-liang , Deng Lun-hua , Zhang Yan , Wei Ji-lin , Chen Yang-qin
Published: November 2012

The CS radical was generated by discharging the mixture gas of CS2 and Helium. The Doppler limited spectra of CS were recorded in the region of 12350–12950 cm−1 using optical heterodyne concentration modulation absorption spectroscopy. Three hundred and twenty-six lines were recorded and assigned to the d3Δ-a3Π (8,1) band, in which eighty-three transitions were first observed. A set of improved molecular constants for the d3Δ(v=8) and a3Π(v=1) levels were determined by a non-linear least-squares fitting of all the lines to the effective Hamiltonian.
A Universal Reduced Rupture Creep Approach for Prediction of Long Term Failure Behavior of Aged Glass Polymers from the Short Term Test of Rupture Creep Compliance by the Unified Master Curved Extrapolation
Authors: Song Guang-jun , Wu Da-ming , Song Wei-yue , Song Ming-shi , Hu Gui-xian
Published: November 2012

The prediction of long term failure behaviors and lifetime of aged glass polymers from the short term tests of reduced rupture creep compliance (or strain) is one of difficult problems in polymer science and engineering. A new “universal reduced rupture creep approach" with exact theoretical analysis and computations is proposed in this work. Failure by creep for polymeric material is an important problem to be addressed in the engineering. A universal equation on reduced extensional failure creep compliance for PMMA has been derived. It is successful in relating the reduced extensional failure creep compliance with aging time, temperature, levels of stress, the average growth dimensional number and the parameter in K-W-W function. Based on the universal equation, a method for the prediction of failure behavior, failure strain criterion, failure time of PMMA has been developed which is named as a universal “reduced rupture creep approach". The results show that the predicted failure strain and failure time of PMMA at different aging times for different levels of stress are all in agreement with those obtained directly from experiments, and the proposed method is reliable and practical. The dependences of reduced extensional failure creep compliance on the conditions of aging time, failure creep stress, the structure of fluidized-domain constituent chains are discussed. The shifting factor, exponent for time-stress superposition at different levels of stress and the shifting factor, exponent for time-time aging superposition at different aging time are theoretically defined respectively.
Interaction Mechanism of Nano-silicon Dioxide Modified by Poly(amidoamine) Dendrimers
Authors: Jin Tao , Li Xiao-yu
Published: November 2012

To gain insight into the attachment of ≡Si+ (SC) ion (regarded as guest) to the lowest generation, NH2-terminated poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers (regarded as host) in the liquid phase, density functional theory is used to investigate the structures and energetics of the host-guest complex. The effect of solvent on the structures and energetics is also investigated. Various initial configurations of the ion bound to PAMAM are tested, and two stable conformers are found, i.e, types A (≡Si+ is bound to the amine site) and C (≡Si+ is bound to the amide site). Types A and C are the most stable due to the chemical bond formations of Si—N° (amine nitrogen atoms) and Si—O, respectively. The IR spectra for the lowest energy conformers are thoroughly analyzed and compared with the available experimental data.
The JCMT Gould Belt Survey: SCUBA-2 observations of radiative feedback in NGC 1333
Authors: Hatchell J. , Wilson T. , Drabek E. , Curtis E. , Richer J. , Nutter D. , Francesco J. Di , Ward-Thompson D. ,   on behalf of the JCMT GBS Consortium
Published: November 2012

We present observations of NGC 1333 from SCUBA-2 on the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT), observed as a JCMT Gould Belt Survey pilot project during the shared risk campaign when the first of four arrays was installed at each of 450 and 850 μm. Temperature maps are derived from 450 and 850 μm ratios under the assumption of constant dust opacity spectral index β = 1.8. Temperatures indicate that the dust in the northern (IRAS 6/8) region of NGC 1333 is hot, 20–40 K, due to heating by the B star SVS3, other young stars in the IR/optically visible cluster and embedded protostars. Other luminous protostars are also identified by temperature rises at the 17 arcsec resolution of the ratio maps (0.02 pc assuming a distance of 250 pc for Perseus). The extensive heating raises the possibility that the radiative feedback may lead to increased masses for the next generation of stars.
Financial Development, Fixed Costs, and International Trade
Authors: Becker Bo , Chen Jinzhu , Greenberg David
Published: November 2012

Exports require significant up-front costs in product design, marketing, and distribution. These are intangible, firm-specific investments that are likely difficult to finance externally. We argue that a developed financial system can therefore facilitate exports. We test this prediction and find support for it. First, financial development is associated with more exports in industries in which fixed costs are high as well as to importers that require high costs. Second, trade dynamics are affected by financial development. In countries with better finance, exports are more sensitive to exchange rates. Finally, we predict and document that countries with more developed finance experience more volatile exports. (JEL F14, F36, G20, G30)
Brassinosteroids Suppress Rice Defense Against Root-Knot Nematodes Through Antagonism With the Jasmonate Pathway
Authors: Nahar Kamrun , Kyndt Tina , Hause Bettina , Höfte Monica , Gheysen Godelieve
Published: November 2012

The importance of phytohormone balance is increasingly recognized as central to the outcome of plant–pathogen interactions. Next to their well-known developmental role, brassinosteroids (BR) were recently found to be involved in plant innate immunity. In this study, we examined the role of BR in rice (Oryza sativa) innate immunity during infection with the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne graminicola, and we studied the inter-relationship with the jasmonate (JA) pathway. Exogenous epibrassinolide (BL) supply at low concentrations induced susceptibility in the roots whereas high concentrations of BL enforced systemic defense against this nematode. Upon high exogenous BL supply on the shoot, quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) confirmed a strong feedback inhibitory effect, leading to reduced BR biosynthesis in the root. Moreover, we demonstrate that the immune suppressive effect of BR is at least partly due to negative cross-talk with the JA pathway. Mutants in the BR biosynthesis or signaling pathway accumulate slightly higher levels of the immediate JA-precursor 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid, and qRT-PCR data showed that the BR and JA pathway are mutually antagonistic in rice roots. Collectively, these results suggest that the balance between the BR and JA pathway is an effective regulator of the outcome of the rice–M. graminicola interaction.
The Amino Acid Permeases AAP3 and AAP6 Are Involved in Root-Knot Nematode Parasitism of Arabidopsis
Authors: Marella Heather H. , Nielsen Erik , Schachtman Daniel P. , Taylor Christopher G.
Published: November 2012

The root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, is an obligate parasite which depends entirely on the host plant for its nutrition. Root-knot nematodes induce the formation of a highly specialized feeding site consisting of several giant cells surrounded by a network of vascular tissues. Nutrients, including amino acids and sugars, are transferred apoplastically from the vascular tissues to the feeding site. Using Arabidopsis thaliana lacking the vascular-expressed amino acid permeases (AAP) AAP3 or AAP6, we demonstrate that disruption of amino acid transport can affect nematode parasitism. Nematode infestation levels are significantly reduced on the aap3 and aap6 mutants. AAP3 and AAP6 act distinctly in the transport of amino acids to the feeding site, as demonstrated by differences in their carrying capacity profiles. Furthermore, analyses of promoter: β-glucuronidase lines show different expression patterns for AAP3 and AAP6 in infected roots. In the aap3-3 mutant, part of the decrease in infestation is connected to a defect in early infection, where juveniles enter but then leave the root. Both aap3-3 and aap6-1 produce fewer females and produce more adult male nematodes. Additionally, detrimental effects are observed in the nematodes harvested from aap3-3 and aap6-1 mutants, including decreased egg hatching and infectivity and lower levels of lipid reserves. The transport of amino acids by AAP3 and AAP6 is important for nematode infection and success of the progeny.
Protracted Maturation of Pancreatic‐Specific Elastase 1 Excretion in Preterm Infants of Extremely Low Gestational Age
Authors: Münch Annette , Garten Lars , Bührer Christoph
Published: November 2012

Objectives:

The aim of the present study was to better understand the exocrine pancreatic function of extremely preterm infants.

Methods:

Pancreatic‐specific elastase 1 (PSE1) activity was determined in spot stool samples of 69 preterm infants of gestational age <32 weeks and birth weight <1250 g. Assays were conducted on samples collected at 2 (N = 56), 4 (N = 46), and 6 weeks of age (N = 23).

Results:

PSE1 activity increased from week 2 (median [interquartile range] 84 [48–187] μg/g) to week 4 (164 [87–251 μg/g; P < 0.001) but not thereafter (169 [82–298] μg/g at week 6). The maturational increase in PSE1 activity was observed only in infants of gestational age <28 weeks (P < 0.001). At 2 weeks after birth, PSE1 levels were lower in infants of gestational age <28 weeks than in infants of gestational age ≥28 weeks (77 [43–110] vs 165 [56–300] μg/g; P = 0.019), but this difference was less pronounced at 4 weeks (153 [77–226] vs 230 [108–503] μg/g; P = 0.070) and had disappeared by 6 weeks (163 [76–258] vs 175 [85–418] μg/g; P = 0.576). In infants on full enteral feeding regimens 4 weeks after birth, PSE1 levels were associated with weight gain per unit of energy intake (Rs = 0.431; P = 0.005). This measure of weight gain was lower (P = 0.040) in infants with PSE1 levels <200 μg/g (0.110 [0.081–0.139] g/kcal, N = 25) than in those with PSE1 levels ≥200 μg/g (0.139 [0.117–0.157] g/kcal, N = 15). Administration of pancreatic enzymes to infants showing PSE1 excretion levels <200 μg/g did not enhance weight gain.

Conclusions:

Extremely preterm infants have limited exocrine pancreatic function during the first weeks of life, which may contribute to growth failure.
The current status of greenhouse gas reporting by Chinese companies
Authors: Ieng Chu Choi , Chatterjee Bikram , Brown Alistair
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors driving greenhouse gas reporting by Chinese companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis of annual reports and corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports for the year 2010 of the top 100 A‐share companies listed on Shanghai Stock Exchange was conducted to investigate the extent of greenhouse gas reporting. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the factors driving these companies' greenhouse gas reporting.

Findings

It was found that most Chinese companies reported neutral and good news. The results also indicate larger companies operating in an industry which has higher level of carbon dioxide emissions tend to have higher levels of greenhouse gas disclosures, consistent with the expectation of legitimacy theory. However, profitability and overseas listing were not significantly related to greenhouse gas reporting. This is consistent with the findings of previous literature. Finally, contrary to expectations, state‐owned companies report less greenhouse gas information than private companies.

Originality/value

The paper contributes towards theory development by testing legitimacy theory in the context of greenhouse gas reporting by Chinese companies and contributes to existing literature on greenhouse gas reporting by focussing on the large emerging economy of China. The practical contribution of the paper rests in the area of accounting practice. The results outline the dearth in greenhouse gas reporting by Chinese companies, suggesting there needs to be future development of accounting standards in this area.
The next therapeutic community: autocracy, and other notes toward integrating old and new therapeutic communities
Authors: De Leon George
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a comparison of “old” democratic therapeutic communities, and “new” therapeutic communities for drug abuse.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a review of historical and cultural influences on therapeutic community development, with particular reference to leadership.

Findings

Free from bias, cultural, psychological or ideological, the next therapeutic communities should integrate elements of both old and new therapeutic communities, in a development strategy which assimilates, socializes and finally prepares the individual for full participation in the larger community. Within this strategy, a rational authority model is not inherently flawed but can provide a structured stage for corrective experience leading toward personal autonomy. Regardless of its particular form, however, the efficacy of the next therapeutic community will relate directly to the extent to which they incorporate the essential of its modern and ancient prototypes, that of community and healer and teacher.

Originality/value

The two main types of therapeutic community have tended to operate and develop separately. The author calls the rigid separation into question and identifies key shared elements.
Mental health, poverty and development
Authors: Funk Michelle , Drew Natalie , Knapp Martin
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This paper, which builds on the findings of WHO's Report on Mental Health and Development, aims to highlight the health, social, economic, and human rights effects of unaddressed mental disorders in low and middle income countries (LMICs) and to propose effective strategies to address mental disorders and their impacts as part of an overall development strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first reviews the findings of relevant research on mental disorders and poverty and then proposes solutions that can be adopted by countries to promote development.

Findings

This evidence of strong links between poverty and mental disorder supports the argument that mental disorders should be an important concern for development strategies. Mental disorders have diverse and far‐reaching social impacts, including homelessness, higher rates of imprisonment, poor educational opportunities and outcomes, lack of employment and reduced income. Targeted poverty alleviation programmes are needed to break the cycle between mental illness and poverty. These must include measures specifically addressing the needs of people with mental health conditions, such as the provision of accessible and effective services and support, facilitation of education, employment opportunities and housing, and enforcement of human rights protection.

Originality/value

The paper highlights that four out of every five people suffering from mental disorders are living in LMICs. Many LMICs have identified mental health as an important issue, yet lack the finances and technical expertise to address the problem. Having mental health on the agenda of development organizations will be a critical step for overcoming the negative development consequences of mental disorders.
Sweet Mother: evaluation of a pilot mental health service for asylum‐seeking mothers and babies
Authors: O'Shaughnessy Ruth , Nelki Julia , Chiumento Anna , Hassan Amira , Rahman Atif
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the evaluation of an innovative pilot mental health service for asylum seeking mothers and their babies in their first year of life, and to highlight the challenges and possibilities when intervening with this group.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed‐methods evaluation was designed based upon the participatory action research framework, viewing mothers and their infants as active participants in the research process. Evaluation comprised reflective infant‐led session evaluations, CARE Index video microanalysis, and reflective focus group discussions. CARE Index analysis was conducted by a trained Psychologist and an external coder to ensure reliability of findings. Focus group discussions were thematically analysed, and reflective infant‐led session evaluations scored for comparison.

Findings

Evaluation has highlighted the imperative of designing responsive service models able to adapt to cultural nuances and the realities of asylum seekers' lives. Qualitative data provide a rich narrative of the benefits of therapeutic interventions for this group, which are reaffirmed by CARE Index analysis and session evaluations.

Research limitations/implications

As a pilot service the numbers involved in this evaluation are small. Furthermore, a paucity of measurement tools validated in languages other than English forced reliance upon self‐designed tools such as the reflective infant‐led session evaluation designed to complement a “keeping the baby in mind” ethos of the intervention. This has been complemented by CARE Index analysis and qualitative focus group discussions. The combination of measurement instruments and data analysis tools provides a comprehensive indication of the impact of this pilot intervention.

Practical implications

The benefits and challenges of establishing an early‐intervention therapeutic service for refugee and asylum seeking women and their infants are detailed and reflected upon. It is hoped that by chronicling the experience and findings an evidence base is being built to support development of future innovative service models.

Social implications

Policy aspirations to meet the needs of refugee and asylum seeking women and their infants identify the need to provide rights‐based, humane and person‐centred services. The pilot model described here meets these aspirations and can be used as an adaptable and responsive model upon which other services can draw.

Originality/value

The paper provides a comprehensive service evaluation, highlighting key policy and practice implications to support the delivery of health and social care services targeting refugee and asylum seeking women and their infants.
Core–Shell Microcapsules With Embedded Microactuators for Regulated Release
Authors: Yang Haifeng , Qiao Xuan , Hong Wei , Dong Liang
Published: November 2012

Core-shell microcapsules capable of regulating the release profile of encapsulated molecules are developed. These microcapsules uniquely embed miniature actuators in their liquid core. The internal actuators are made of stimuli-responsive smart hydrogel beads. The embedded hydrogel beads swell in response to external electric fields, regulating the internal pressure of the liquid core and thus the diffusion rate of the encapsulated molecules from the microcapsules. The incorporation of the actuators into the interior of the microcapsules provides an internal control variable to a conventional diffusion-based release process. The microcapsules, which behave much like microelectromechanical systems, are fabricated by a simple co-electrospray process. This fabrication technique allows integrating the hydrogel beads, forming the polymer shell, and loading the releasable molecules simultaneously in one step.