bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrophysiological responses of males of the potato cyst nematodes,Globodera rostochiensisandG. pallida, to their sex pheromones
Authors: Riga E. , Perry R. N. , Barrett J. , Johnston M. R. L.
Published: March 2010

The response of individual adult males of the potato cyst nematodes,Globodera rostochiensisandG. pallida, to sex pheromones from adult females was investigated using electrophysiological techniques. Each male nematode was pierced with an electrode close to the cephalic region and then exposed to pheromones from virgin females. Cellular responses in the form of action potentials were recorded as spike activity. The spike frequency produced byG. rostochiensisandG. pallidamales increased significantly after the application of their homospecific pheromone. The spike frequency produced byG. pallidamales also increased significantly after the application ofG. rostochiensisfemale sex pheromone. In contrast, males ofG. rostochiensisshowed no significant response toG. pallidafemale sex pheromone. The electrophysiological results support and considerably extend information from agar plate behavioural bioassays.
An electrophysiological preparation ofAscaris suumpharyngeal muscle reveals a glutamate-gated chloride channel sensitive to the avermectin analogue, milbemycin D
Authors: Martin R. J.
Published: March 2010

An electrophysiological preparation ofAscaris suumpharyngeal muscle suitable for recording changes of input conductance using a 2-microelectrode current clamp and pharmacological study is described. The preparation is shown to contain a glutamate-gated Cl (ion sensitive) channel sensitive to the avermectin analogue, milbemycin D. The application of glutamate produces a dose-dependent increase in Cl conductance and the effect of glutamate is potentiated by milbemycin D. Milbemycin D also produced a dose-dependent increase in input conductance.
Effects of reading goals on reading comprehension, reading rate, and allocation of working memory in children and adolescents with spina bifida meningomyelocele
Authors: ENGLISH LIANNE , BARNES MARCIA A. , FLETCHER JACK M. , DENNIS MAUREEN , RAGHUBAR KIMBERLY P.
Published: March 2010

Spina bifida meningomyelocele (SBM) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with intact word decoding and deficient text and discourse comprehension. This study investigated the ability to adjust reading in accordance with specified reading goals in 79 children and adolescents with SBM (9–19 years of age) and 39 controls (8–17 years of age). Both groups demonstrated slower reading times and enhanced comprehension when reading to study or to come up with a title than when reading for specific information or for entertainment. For both groups, verbal working memory contributed to comprehension performance in those reading conditions hypothesized to require more cognitive effort. Despite their sensitivity to the goals of reading, the group with SBM answered fewer comprehension questions correctly across all reading goal conditions. The results are discussed in relation to the hypothesized cognitive underpinnings of comprehension deficits in SBM and to current models of text comprehension. (JINS, 2010, 16, 517–525.)
Trends in the prevalence of obesity and overweight in English adults by age and birth cohort, 1991–2006
Authors: Howel Denise
Published: March 2010

Objective

To describe trends in the prevalence of obesity and overweight in English adults.

Design

Analysis of nationally representative cross-sectional population surveys. Sociodemographic information was gathered by an interviewer-administered questionnaire and measurements of height and weight were used to calculate the prevalence of obesity and overweight.

Subjects

A total of 61 515 men and 69 733 women aged 16–65 years participating in the annual Health Survey for England between 1991 and 2006.

Results

When the 4-year periods 1991/94 and 2003/06 were compared, male and female obesity had risen by 8·2 % and 6·0 %, and male and female overweight had risen by 8·8 % and 7·4 %. However, the rate of increase appears to be slowing down: the increases between 1995/98 and 1999/02 were greater than those between 1999/02 and 2003/06. There was relatively little variation across the age range in the average changes in obesity or overweight prevalence between time periods, except that the increase in male obesity between periods was significantly greater for older than younger males. When the subjects were divided into 10-year pseudo birth cohorts, it was seen that the prevalence of obesity and overweight was consistently higher at a given average age for pseudo cohorts born more recently. This agreed with data from two British cohort studies.

Conclusions

Obesity and overweight continued to rise over the study period, but there are signs that the rate of increase is slowing down, even though the prevalence is consistently higher for a given age in cohorts born more recently.
Determinants of the prevalence and incidence of overweight in children and adolescents
Authors: Plachta-Danielzik Sandra , Landsberg Beate , Johannsen Maike , Lange Dominique , Müller Manfred James
Published: March 2010

Objective

To systematically analyse determinants of overweight prevalence and incidence in children and adolescents, as a basis of treatment and prevention.

Design

Cross-sectional and longitudinal data of the Kiel Obesity Prevention Study (KOPS).

Setting

Schools in Kiel, Germany.

Subjects

Cross-sectional data from 6249 students aged 5–16 years and 4-year longitudinal data from 1087 children aged 5–11 years. Weight status of students was assessed and familial factors (weight status of parents and siblings, smoking habits), social factors (socio-economic status, nationality, single parenting), birth weight as well as lifestyle variables (physical activity, media time, nutrition) were considered as independent variables in multivariate logistic regression analyses to predict the likelihood of the student being overweight.

Results

The cross-sectional data revealed the prevalence of overweight as 18·3 % in boys and 19·2 % in girls. In both sexes determinants of overweight prevalence were overweight and obese parents, overweight siblings, parental smoking, single parenthood and non-German nationality. High birth weight and low physical activity additionally increased the risk in boys. High media time and low parental education were significant determinants in girls. Effect of media time was mediated by maternal weight status in boys as well as by socio-economic status and age in girls. From the longitudinal data, the 4-year cumulative incidence of overweight was 10·0 % in boys and 8·2 % in girls. Parental obesity, parental smoking and low physical activity were determinants of overweight incidence in boys, whereas paternal obesity increased the risk in girls.

Conclusions

Treatment and prevention should address family and social determinants with a focus on physical activity and media use.
Commentary on the Appellate Body Report inEC–Bananas III (Article 21.5): waiver-thin, or lock, stock, and metric ton?
Authors: SCHROPP SIMON A. B. , PALMETER DAVID
Published: March 2010

At first glance, the Appellate Body Report inBananas III (Article 21.5; Second Recourse) does not seem to be a case for theGuinness Book. The AB upheld most of the Panel's findings, and the EC lost big. This was hardly surprising, given that the contested measure only marginally differed from the measure at issue in the first recourse to a compliance Panel. It is at second sight that this AB Report reveals its interesting facets. We highlight a few remarkable legal and economics aspects, some of a more systemic nature, some offering practical insights: For practitioners, the role ofestoppelin WTO litigation, the legal effect of Panel suggestions, and the relevance of Uruguay Round Modalities Papers as interpretative tools may be of interest. Readers more concerned with systemic aspects of the WTO may take interest in the economics of tariff quotas, the inherently discriminatory nature of tariff-quota allocation in the WTO, and the relevance of compliance proceedings for the damage calculation under Article 22.6 of the DSU.
Guilt by association:US – Measures Relating to Shrimp from ThailandandUS – Customs Bond Directive for Merchandise Subject to Anti-Dumping/Countervailing Duties
Authors: PRUSA THOMAS J. , VERMULST EDWIN
Published: March 2010

The United States's enhanced continuous bond requirement [EBR] for goods subject to anti-dumping and countervailing duties was the focus of this dispute. Because of perceived problems with its ability to collect anti-dumping duties, the US amended its bonding requirements in 2004. Under the new rules, importers were required to secure a bond for an amount equal to the cash-deposit rate in effect on the date of entry of the merchandise multiplied by the importer's value of imports from the previous year, as well as pay cash deposits equal to the amount of anti-dumping duties per entry. The US claimed the additional deposit was reasonable and necessary to guarantee duty payment in case the anti-dumping duty increased during the administrative review. Thailand and India claimed that the additional deposit was unreasonable and an additional action against dumping and was therefore impermissible under GATT 1994 and the Anti-Dumping Agreement. The Appellate Body upheld the Panel's findings that while the Ad Note to Article VI:2 and 3 GATT 1994 authorizes the imposition of security requirements during the period following the imposition of an anti-dumping duty order, the additional security requirement resulting from the application of the EBR to shrimp was not ‘reasonable’ within the meaning of the Ad Note. The Appellate Body reversed the legal interpretation by the Panel that there is no obligation under the Ad Note to assess the risk of default by individual importers; however, the AB upheld the Panel's finding that the EBR is not ‘necessary’ within the meaning of Article XX(d) of the GATT 1994. As a result, the AB upheld the Panel's conclusion that the application of the EBR to shrimp was inconsistent with Article 18(1) of the Anti-Dumping Agreement because it was inconsistent with the Ad Note to Article VI:2 and 3 of the GATT 1994 and not justified by Article XX(d). We consider the AB's legal and economic reasoning to be largely correct. The US employed a sledgehammer to kill a mosquito and the AB used the concepts of ‘reasonableness’ in the Ad Note and ‘necessity’ in Article XX(d) to reject what fundamentally was a lack of proportionality, while leaving the door open for more reasonable application of bonding requirements.
US–Stainless Steel (Mexico)
Authors: CROWLEY MEREDITH , HOWSE ROBERT
Published: March 2010

TheUS–Mexico Stainless-Steeldispute presents two interesting questions. First, what role does and should stare decisis (precedent) play in the WTO dispute-resolution system? Second, are there circumstances under which exceptional methodologies, i.e. ‘zeroing’, can better achieve the stated objectives of the agreement than the standard methodologies explicitly stated in the agreement? We argue that the institutional structure and foundational norms of the WTO imply the need for Panels to be bound by the prior decisions of the Appellate Body. Our economic analysis describes the costs and benefits of legal systems with and without precedent. Regarding methodology, we argue that any analysis of the suitability of a methodology (i.e. ‘zeroing’) must be undertaken jointly with an analysis of the underlying objective of the agreement (i.e. remedying injury). We conclude that, under limited circumstances, the ‘zeroing’ methodology is more effective at remedying injury than the ordinary methodology outlined in the Anti-Dumping Agreement.
Continued suspense: EC–Hormones and WTO disciplines on discrimination and domestic regulation Appellate Body Reports: Canada/United States – Continued Suspension of Obligations in the EC – Hormones Dispute, WT/DS320/AB/R,WT/DS321/AB/R, adopted 14 November 2008
Authors: HOEKMAN BERNARD , TRACHTMAN JOEL
Published: March 2010

Based on the reasoning of the Appellate Body in Canada/United States – Continued Suspension of Obligations in the EC–Hormones Dispute (‘Continued Suspension’), this paper analyzes the distinction between the national-treatment obligation under Article III of GATT and the requirement under the Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures that such measures be based on a risk assessment that takes into account available scientific evidence. The Appellate Body's reasoning makes clear that the primary purpose of the SPS Agreement is to discipline discriminatory regulation, and not the level of protection. We argue that the case clarifies that de facto protection (market segmentation) created by an SPS measure must be motivated by demonstrating that the measure is addressing a market failure, as reflected in the existence of some scientific basis for a health or safety concern. The scientific-basis requirement is a means for determining the intent of an SPS measure. While this is a factor that is ostensibly not relevant in GATT national-treatment cases, the need for scientific justification is not a move away from a concern with preventing illegitimate discrimination against imported products.
China – Measures Affecting Imports of Automobile Parts
Authors: WAUTERS JASPER , VANDENBUSSCHE HYLKE
Published: March 2010

This paper reviews the WTO Appellate Body Report on China – Measures Affecting Imports of Automobile Parts (WT/DS342/AB/R, 15 December 2008). This dispute concerns a set of regulatory measures imposing a 25% ‘charge’ on imported automobile parts used in the manufacture of motor vehicles in China. The main legal question in this case consisted of the nature of this charge as either a border charge subject to China's tariff concessions or an internal charge, subject to the basic nondiscrimination requirement of GATT Article III. In our report, we examine the reasoning of the Appellate Body relating to the difference between these two types of charges. We discuss the role and relevance of this distinction in the GATT/WTO legal system in general, and for the purposes of resolving this dispute in particular. We also address the important systemic question relating to the review of a Member's domestic laws for purposes of determining their GATT/WTO consistency. This was an important issue in this case, as China claimed that the Panel misunderstood the meaning of the relevant Decree and requested the Appellate Body to review the Panel's erroneous reading of this Decree. We discuss the Appellate Body's reasoning relating to the review of domestic laws by Panels and the Appellate Body and express concern over the distinction drawn by the Appellate Body between legal and factual elements of relevance in the interpretation of such laws.

The ‘economic bone’ in this case is less straightforward to split than the legal one. In legal terms, the Appellate Body's decision is a time-consistent one, but, in economic terms, it is not clear if it is also a welfare-optimal one. The main reason is that many questions relevant to the case were left unaddressed by the Appellate Body. Due to the lack of factual evidence to substantiate its allegations, the Panel's ruling remains rather speculative on certain accounts. For this purpose, we engage in our own examination of the facts, using mainly a unique dataset of Chinese firm-level data. We analyze issues of ownership in China's car industry, the growth of the import-competing Chinese industry over time, the elasticity of the demand for cars, and duty pass-through, etc. The purpose is to verify more closely who ‘benefits’ and who ‘loses’ from the Chinese import duty so as to understand the economic incentives involved. In this respect, we attempt to determine whether the economics support the conclusion that China pursued a beggar-thy-neighbor policy in the car-part industry.
Mütterliche Depressivität, Erziehung und kindliche Erlebens- und Verhaltensprobleme
Authors: Kötter Charlotte , Stemmler Mark , Bühler Anneke , Lösel Friedrich
Published: March 2010

Welche Auffälligkeiten zeigen sich in der Erziehung emotional belasteter Mütter sowie im Verhalten ihrer vier bis sieben Jahre alten Kinder im Vergleich zu einer unausgelesenen Kindergartenstichprobe? Gibt es Zusammenhänge zwischen mütterlicher Depressivität, verschiedenen Aspekten der Erziehung und kindlichen Erlebens- und Verhaltensproblemen? Welche Aspekte der Erziehung vermitteln diese Zusammenhänge? Um diese Fragen zu untersuchen, wurden subklinisch depressive Mütter (N = 380) zu kindlichem Verhalten, Erziehungspraktiken, elterlichem Stress sowie zu elterlichem Kompetenzerleben befragt. Die Daten wurden mit einer Kindergartenstichprobe ( Lösel et al., 2005 ) verglichen. Die depressiv gestimmten Mütter zeigten im Vergleich zu den unausgelesenen Müttern ein ungünstigeres Erziehungsverhalten, erlebten sich weniger kompetent in der Erziehung und sie berichteten über höheren elterlichen Stress. Ihre Kinder wiesen mehr Störungen des Erlebens und Verhaltens auf. Die Merkmale Elterlicher Stress und Kompetenzerleben in der Erziehung erwiesen sich als Mediatoren des Zusammenhangs von mütterlicher Depressivität und kindlichen Auffälligkeiten. Die Bedeutung der Ergebnisse für die Prävention wird diskutiert.
Counteracting Depression and Delinquency in Late Adolescence
Authors: Caprara Gian Vittorio , Gerbino Maria , Paciello Marinella , Di Giunta Laura , Pastorelli Concetta
Published: March 2010

A prospective study was conducted to examine a conceptual model in which affective and interpersonal social self-efficacy beliefs affect depression and delinquency concurrently and at 4 years of distance, controlling for earlier adolescents’ exposure to family violence and adolescents’ self-regulation problems. Three hundred and ninety adolescents aged 11–13 years at Time 1 participated in the study. Data were collected 1, 3, and 7 years later. Self-reported questionnaires were used to measure emotional and interpersonal self-efficacy, depression, and delinquency. Findings of structural equation modeling corroborated the posited paths of relations, showing that in middle adolescence self-efficacy beliefs related to individuals’ perceived capacity to handle negative emotions and to express positive emotions influence depression and delinquency concurrently and longitudinally through interpersonal social self-efficacy, namely individuals’ beliefs in their capability to handle relations with parents, to rebuff peer pressures toward transgressive behavior, and to empathize with others’ feelings. A significant and direct path from self-efficacy to manage negative emotions to concurrent depression was found. The posited covariates (i.e., adolescents’ self-regulation problems at age 12 and exposure to family violence at age 13) predicted both lower self-efficacy beliefs and higher adjustment problems. Findings showed the importance of adolescents’ emotional and interpersonal self-efficacy beliefs in contrasting maladjustment, despite the impairing effect of personal and contextual risk factors. Overall, the study provides suggestions regarding the crucial factors that could decrease adolescents’ risk of detrimental outcomes.
Genetics and Cognition
Authors: Carlier Michèle , Roubertoux Pierre
Published: March 2010

How genes contribute to cognition is a perennial question for psychologists and geneticists. In the early 21st century, familial studies, including twin studies, supported the theory that genetic variations contribute to differences in cognition, but have been of little practical use to clinical and educational practitioners as no individual predictions can be made using such data; heritability cannot predict the impact of environmental factors or intervention programs. With the sequencing of animal genomes and the development of molecular genetics, new methodologies have been developed: gene targeting (replacing a functional gene with a neutral gene by homologous recombination), transgenesis (overexpressing one gene or a set of genes from one species in another species), and genome-wide scans and quantitative trait loci mapping (a strategy for identifying chromosomal regions involved in complex traits). Association studies can be performed to find associations between allelic forms and variations in IQ. Genes linked to “normal” variations in cognition have been detected but for the moment such discoveries have had no direct applications in a clinical setting; the number of genes identified as being linked to intellectual impairment has increased rapidly. Links have been reported between chromosomal deletions and triplications and behavioral phenotypes. The identification of mechanisms involved in genetic diseases should have long-term consequences on educational and/or psychological support programs as well as on health care. Psychologists need to keep up to date on advances in research establishing relationships between genetics and intellectual disability and will thus be able to refer children with cognitive impairments to specialized care services.
Stress‐induced anisotropy of partially molten rock analogue deformed under quasi‐static loading test
Authors: Takei Yasuko
Published: March 2010

Two quasi‐static loading tests one with and one without repeated changes in the principal stress directions were performed on a partially molten rock analogue. In both runs, development of stress‐induced anisotropy was observed through a continuous, nondestructive monitoring of the sample microstructure using ultrasonic shear waves. The direction of the shear wave anisotropy showed that the area of the grain‐to‐grain contact faces whose normals are nearly parallel to the σ3 direction decreased, while the area of the other contact faces remained almost unchanged. Large viscous anisotropy caused by this microstructural anisotropy could be detected through the strong coupling between shear and isotropic stress components. The large amplitude of viscous anisotropy relative to the small amplitude of shear wave (elastic) anisotropy is consistent with the prediction from theoretical models. Amplitude and direction of this anisotropy almost synchronized with those of shear stress, indicating the existence of steady state microstructure under a given shear stress. A small hysteresis, however, was also observed, which led to a significant grain boundary wetting due to the repeated changes in the shear direction. The present results show the validity of the theoretical models for elasticity and viscosity. The coupling between shear and isotropic components produced by viscous anisotropy significantly affects the dynamics of partially molten mantle, because it enhances shear‐induced melt segregation.
First observations of turbulence parameters in the troposphere over the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea using radiosonde
Authors: Alappattu Denny P. , Kunhikrishnan P. K.
Published: March 2010

This paper discusses the turbulence characteristics of the free atmosphere over the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea during the premonsoon season of 2006. The turbulence scaling concepts, developed over the past decades for application to oceanic mixing, are used for retrieving turbulence properties in the free atmosphere from high‐resolution soundings, as described by Clayson and Kantha (2008). The variability in the vertical turbulence structure over a large spatial region is studied using this novel method for the first time. Investigations revealed the presence of a highly turbulent band at upper troposphere below the cold point tropopause (CPT) with significant enhancements in Thorpe length and eddy diffusion coefficient. This increased turbulence is studied in conjunction with the observations of the tropical tropopause layer (TTL). It is seen that the lower and upper boundaries of this turbulence band nearly coincide with the height where the potential temperature lapse rate begins to show a decrease (LRHmin) and cold point tropopause, respectively. The TTL is the transition regime from convectively dominated troposphere to radiatively dominated stratosphere, and is characterized by a decrease in the static stability. The enhanced zonal and meridional wind shear observed in this region shows that the stability in this region is further weakened because of the breaking of Kelvin–Helmholtz waves, which results in the enhancement of turbulence. The study reveals the potential of high‐resolution soundings to be used in the investigations of turbulence in the free atmosphere.
Characteristics of deep convection measured by using the A‐train constellation
Authors: Iwasaki S. , Shibata T. , Nakamoto J. , Okamoto H. , Ishimoto H. , Kubota H.
Published: March 2010

We show characteristics of a tropical deep convection observed in an experiment employing the A‐train constellation, the spaceborne imager Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), the sounder Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS)‐advanced microwave sounding unit (AMSU), the cloud radar CloudSat, and the lidar Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarisation (CALIOP). CloudSat and CALIOP measured a vertical cross section of a deep convection at 1.1 km from its center, where the center is defined as the local minimum of the brightness temperature TB (11 μm) measured by using MODIS. This deep convection should be overshooting since its cloud top height measured by using CALIOP was 840 m higher than that of 380 K potential temperature as estimated by using AIRS‐AMSU data. The cloud morphology observed by using CALIOP indicates that deep convections raised the isentropic surface in the tropical tropopause layer and that there were downdrafts around the deep convection. The averaged mode radius of ice particles and ice water content (IWC) in the deep convection above 380 K are estimated as 23.0 ± 4.9 μm and 7.2 ± 8.0 mg/m3, respectively, by the use of CloudSat and CALIOP data. The volume of the deep convection above a height of 380 K and the averaged IWC, of which the particle size is less than 20 μm, are estimated and the deep convection has the potential to hydrate the stratosphere with about 1 × 102 t of water vapor. We also show deep convections above a height of 380 K are not rare phenomena over the tropical land and warm water pool.
Initial results from the thermal and electrical conductivity probe (TECP) on Phoenix
Authors: Zent Aaron P. , Hecht Michael H. , Cobos Doug R. , Wood Stephen E. , Hudson Troy L. , Milkovich Sarah M. , DeFlores Lauren P. , Mellon Michael T.
Published: March 2010

The thermal and electrical conductivity probe (TECP), a component of the Microscopy, Electrochemistry, and Conductivity Analyzer (MECA), was included on the Phoenix Lander to conduct in situ measurements of the exchange of heat and water in the Martian polar terrain. TECP measured regolith thermal conductivity, heat capacity, temperature, electrical conductivity, and dielectric permittivity throughout the mission. A relative humidity sensor returned the first in situ humidity measurements from the Martian surface. The dry overburden above the ground ice is a good thermal insulator (average κ = 0.085 W m−1 K−1 and average Cρ = 1.05 × 106 J m−3 K−1). Surface thermal inertia (I) calculated from these values agrees well with daytime orbital determinations, but differences in the spatial and temporal scale of heat transport lead to very different measurements at night. Electrical conductivity was consistent with open circuit throughout the mission; an upper limit conductivity of 2 nS cm−1 is derived. Bulk dielectric permittivity (ɛb) shows several puzzling signals but also a systematic increase overnight in the latter half of the mission, contemporaneous with H2O adsorption. The magnitude of the increase is difficult to reconcile with expected changes in unfrozen water. Atmospheric H2O averages around 1.8 Pa during the day, corresponding to a RH < 5%. At night, much of the H2O disappears from the atmosphere, and RH increases to ∼100%. Temperature and H2O partial pressure data suggest that adsorption on mineral surfaces plays a major role in scrubbing H2O, with a possible contribution from perchlorate salts.
High-performance CdS:P nanoribbon field-effect transistors constructed with high-κ dielectric and top-gate geometry
Authors: Wu Di , Jiang Yang , Wang Li , Li Shanying , Wu Bo , Lan Xinzheng , Yu Yongqiang , Wu Chunyan , Wang Zhuangbing , Jie Jiansheng
Published: March 2010

High-performance field-effect transistors (FETs) based on single phosphorus-doped n-type CdS nanoribbon with high-κ HfO2 dielectric and top-gate geometry were constructed. In contrast to the nano-FETs that were fabricated on SiO2/Si substrate with back-gate device configuration, the top-gate FETs exhibit a substantial improvement in performances, i.e., work voltage was reduced to a small value of within ±5 V, the subthreshold swing was reduced to 200 mV/dec and the Ion/Ioff ratio was increased by about six orders of magnitude. The top-gate CdS:P nano-FET shows high sensitivity upon light irradiation, revealing that the top-gate FETs are promising candidates for nanoelectronic and optoelectronic applications.
Communications: High-temperature water under pressure
Authors: Ikeda Takashi , Katayama Yoshinori , Saitoh Hiroyuki , Aoki Katsutoshi
Published: March 2010

The effects of temperature and pressure upon structural, dynamical, and electronic properties of liquid H2O were systematically investigated via first principles molecular dynamics and in situ x-ray diffraction in the chosen isochore (1.00–1.61 g/cm3) and isotherm (300–900 K) conditions. Our study suggests that the crossover occurs between H-bonded and simple-liquidlike liquids by raising temperature in molecular liquid phase.
First-Principle Study of Atomic Hydrogen Interaction with a Fluorinated Corannulene Radical
Authors: Zhang Hong , Smith Sean C. , Nanbu Shinkoh , Nakamura Hiroki
Published: March 2010

In this work, we study fluorination effects on atomic hydrogen interactions with the fluorinated corannulene radical (C15H10F5), which was built as a model for a partially fluorinated nanotube (or fullerene). Complete active space self-consistent field and multi-reference configuration interaction methods are employed to calculate the potential energy surfaces for both ground and excited electronic states, and the R-matrix quantum dynamics method is used to investigate the atomic hydrogen transmission and reflection dynamics through the five-membered ring in the fluorinated corannulene radical, which includes resonance effects as well as non-adiabatic transitions between the ground and excited electronic states. We also investigate hydrogen adsorptions at two sites in the middle five-membered ring, namely, on top of a carbon atom and in the middle of a carbon–carbon bond. We found that on carbon-top site, the adsorption is almost barrierless, whereas in the middle bond site, there is a barrier to hydrogen adsorption.
Molecular Modelling of Ground- and Excited-States Vibrations in Organic Conducting Devices: Hexakis(n-hexyloxy)triphenylene (HAT6) as Case Study
Authors: Zbiri M. , Johnson M. R. , Haverkate L. , Mulder F. M. , Kearley G. J.
Published: March 2010

In order to gain insight into fundamental aspects of organic photocell materials, we have calculated ground and excited electronic-state structures and molecular vibrations for an isolated HAT6 molecule (hexakis(n-hexyloxy)triphenylene). Excited-state calculations are carried out using time-dependent density functional theory and frequencies are evaluated analytically using coupled perturbed Kohn–Sham equations. These model calculations have been validated against new infrared and ultraviolet data on HAT6 in solution. The main allowed valence excitation, having the largest oscillator strength, is chosen for the structural and vibrational investigations. Comparison with the ground-state vibrational dynamics reveals surprisingly large spectral differences. In addition, the alkoxy tails, which are usually considered to play only a structural role, are clearly involved in the molecular vibrations and the structural distortion of the excited electronic state compared with the ground state. The tails may play a more important role in charge separation, transport and excited-state relaxation than was previously thought. In this case, chemical modification of the tails would allow vibrational and related properties of organic photocell materials to be tailored.
Structural and Relaxation Effects in Proton Wire Energetics: Model Studies of the Green Fluorescent Protein Photocycle
Authors: Sun Qiao , Wang Sufan , Zhang Hong , Li Zhen , Pifisterer Christoph , Fischer Stefan , Nanbu Shinko , Smith Sean C.
Published: March 2010

We present the results of a systematic series of constrained minimum energy pathway calculations on ground state potential energy surfaces, for a cluster model of the proton chain transfer that mediates the photocycle of the green fluorescent protein, as well as for a model including the solvated protein environment. The calculations vary in terms of the types of modes that are assumed to be capable of relaxing in concert with the movement of the protons and the results demonstrate that the nature and extent of dynamical relaxation has a substantive impact on the activation energy for the proton transfer. We discuss the implications of this in terms of currently available dynamical models and chemical rate theories that might be brought to bear on the kinetics of this important example of proton chain transfer in a biological system.
The utility of phenotypic plasticity of root hair length for phosphorus acquisition
Authors: Zhu Jinming , Zhang Chaochun , Lynch Jonathan P.
Published: March 2010

Root hairs are subcellular protrusions from the root epidermis that are important for the acquisition of immobile nutrients such as phosphorus (P). Genetic variation exists for both root hair length and the plasticity of root hair length in response to P availability, where plasticity manifests as increased root hair length in response to low P availability. Although it is known that long root hairs assist P acquisition, the utility of phenotypic plasticity for this trait is not known. To assess the utility of root hair plasticity for adaptation to low phosphorus availability, we evaluated six recombinant inbred lines of maize (Zea mays L.) with varying root hair lengths and root hair plasticity in a controlled environment and in the field. Genotypes with long root hairs under low P availability had significantly greater plant growth, P uptake, specific P absorption rates and lower metabolic cost-benefit ratios than short-haired genotypes. Root hair length had no direct effect on root respiration. In the controlled environment, plastic genotypes had greater biomass allocation to roots, greater reduction in specific root respiration and greater final biomass accumulation at low phosphorus availability than constitutively long-haired genotypes. In the field study, the growth of plastic and long-haired genotypes were comparable under low P, but both were superior to short-haired genotypes. We propose that root hair plasticity is a component of a broader suite of traits, including plasticity in root respiration, that permit greater root growth and phosphorus acquisition in low P soils.
Differentiation and concordance in smallholder land use strategies in southern Mexico's conservation frontier
Authors: Roy Chowdhury Rinku
Published: March 2010

Forest cover transitions in the developing tropics are conditioned by agricultural change. The expansion, intensification, and diversification of agricultural land uses are tied to regional economic/environmental regimes and decisions of local farming households. Land change science and agrarian systems research share an interest in the drivers of household strategies, land use impacts, and typologies of those land uses/drivers. This study derives a typology of farming households in southern Mexico based on emergent patterns in their land use combinations and analyzes their household and policy drivers. The results reveal broadly diversified household land use portfolios as well as three emergent clusters of farmstead production orientation: (i) extensive subsistence-oriented conservationists, (ii), dual extensive-intensive farmers, and (iii) nonextensive diversified land users. Household membership in these clusters is uneven and strongly related to tenancy, land endowments, wage labor, and policy subsidies. Although most households are following a nonextensive agricultural strategy incorporating off-farm incomes, the likelihood of a regional forest transition remains debatable because of the disproportionate deforestation impacts of the less common strategies. Conservation development policies in the region need to accommodate diverse smallholder farming rationales, increase off-farm opportunities, and target sustainable development with the assistance of community conservation leaders.
An Objective Justification of Bayesianism II: The Consequences of Minimizing Inaccuracy
Authors: Leitgeb Hannes , Pettigrew Richard
Published: March 2010

In this article and its prequel, we derive Bayesianism from the following norm: Accuracy—an agent ought to minimize the inaccuracy of her partial beliefs. In the prequel, we make the norm mathematically precise; in this article, we derive its consequences. We show that the two core tenets of Bayesianism follow from Accuracy, while the characteristic claim of Objective Bayesianism follows from Accuracy together with an extra assumption. Finally, we show that Jeffrey Conditionalization violates Accuracy unless Rigidity is assumed, and we describe the alternative updating rule that Accuracy mandates in the absence of Rigidity.
Why Does the Law of One Price Fail? An Experiment on Index Mutual Funds
Authors: Choi James J. , Laibson David , Madrian Brigitte C.
Published: March 2010

We evaluate why individuals invest in high-fee index funds. In our experiments, subjects each allocate $10,000 across four S&P 500 index funds and are rewarded for their portfolio's subsequent return. Subjects overwhelmingly fail to minimize fees. We reject the hypothesis that subjects buy high-fee index funds because of bundled nonportfolio services. Search costs for fees matter, but even when we eliminate these costs, fees are not minimized. Instead, subjects place high weight on annualized returns since inception. Fees paid decrease with financial literacy. Interestingly, subjects who choose high-fee funds sense they are making a mistake.
Are lobster fisheries being managed effectively? Examples from New Zealand and Nova Scotia
Authors: MILLER R. J. , BREEN P. A.
Published: March 2010

Abstract  Based on performance, management of the New Zealand and Nova Scotia lobster fisheries can be considered successful, but management can be improved by clearer statements of objectives, more efficient mechanics of governance and quicker response to changes in stocks or fisheries. Principal tactics for lobster fishery management are individual transferable quotas and input controls in New Zealand and Nova Scotia respectively. Decision rules were considered important in both approaches and examples are provided of underperforming fisheries in the absence of decision rules. In Nova Scotia, strong fishers’ organisations and fishery scientists were effective agents for change, whereas fisher advisory committees operating by consensus were not. In New Zealand, the quota management system provided strong incentives for fishers to become involved in responsible management, to take longer‐term views of their resource and to take major management action on their own.
Effects of an anticoagulant and a lipid‐lowering agent on the prevention of steroid‐induced osteonecrosis in rabbits
Authors: Kang Pengde , Gao Hong , Pei Fuxing , Shen Bin , Yang Jing , Zhou Zongke
Published: March 2010

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of the combined treatment with an anti‐coagulant (enoxaparin) agent and a lipid‐lowering agent (lovastatin) on prevention or decrease in the occurrence of steroid‐induced osteonecrosis in rabbits. A total of 112 rabbits, which were injected intramuscularly with 20 mg/kg of methylprednisolone acetate were divided into four groups and treated as follows: one group received enoxaparin combined with lovastatin (EL; n = 30), another received enoxaparin alone (EA; n = 28), another received lovastatin alone (LA; n = 28) and the last received no treatment (non‐prophylactic; NP, n = 26). Haematological examination for serum lipid levels and prothrombin time was carried out and both femora and humeri were examined histopathologically for the presence of osteonecrosis (ON) before injection and at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after the injection. The incidence of ON in the EL group (15%) was significantly lower than that observed in the NP group (68%). The incidence in the EA and LA groups was also significantly lower than that in the NP group (31%, 35%vs. 68%). The fat cell sizes of the bone marrow in both EL (46.49 ± 1.27 μm) and LA (50.8 ± 2.31 μm) groups were lower than in the NP group (59.89 ± 6.33 μm). The prothrombin time was prolonged and plasma lipid levels were reduced in the EL group during the study. Combination treatment with an anti‐coagulant agent and a lipid‐lowering agent can reduce the incidence of steroid‐induced ON in rabbits. Future evaluation in clinical practice is necessary.
Ischaemia–reperfusion modulates inflammation and fibrosis of skeletal muscle after contusion injury
Authors: Ghaly Ahmed , Marsh Daniel R.
Published: March 2010

Regeneration of skeletal muscle following injury is dependent on numerous factors including age, the inflammatory response, revascularization, gene expression of myogenic and growth factors and the activation and proliferation of endogenous progenitor cells. It is our hypothesis that oxidative stress preceding a contusion injury to muscle modulates the inflammatory response to inhibit muscle regeneration and enhance fibrotic scar formation. Male F344/BN rats were assigned to one of four groups. Group 1: uinjured control; Group 2: ischaemic occlusion of femoral vessels for 2 h followed by reperfusion (I‐R); Group 3: contusion injury of the tibialis anterior (TA); Group 4: I‐R, then contusion injury. The acute inflammatory response (8 h, 3 days) was determined by expression of the chemokine CINC‐1, TGF‐β1, IFN‐γ and markers of neutrophil (myeloperoxidase) and macrophage (CD68) activity and recruitment. Acute oxidative stress caused by I‐R and/or contusion, was determined by measuring GP91phox and lipid peroxidation. Muscle recovery (21 days) was assessed by examining the fibrosis after I‐R and contusion injuries to the TA with Sirius Red staining and quantification of collagen I expression. Consistent with our hypothesis, I‐R preceding contusion increased all markers of the acute inflammatory response and oxidative stress after injury and elevated the expression of collagen. We conclude that ischaemia‐induced oxidative stress exacerbated the inflammatory response and enhanced fibrotic scar tissue formation after injury. This response may be attributable to increased levels of TGF‐β1 and diminished expression of IFN‐γ in the ischaemic contused muscle.
End‐of‐life decisions: an important theme in the care for people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Wagemans A. , Van Schrojenstein Lantman‐de‐Valk H. , Tuffrey‐Wijne I. , Widdershoven G. , Curfs L.
Published: March 2010

Background While end‐of‐life decisions in the general population have received attention in several countries, not much is known about this in people with intellectual disabilities (IDs). Therefore, the prevalence and nature of end‐of‐life decisions were investigated in a Dutch centre providing residential care for 335 people with IDs.

Method A retrospective study of medical files of people who died between January 2002 and July 2007.

Results One or more end‐of‐life decisions were taken in 27 out of 47 cases. A non‐treatment decision was taken for seven residents, possibly shortening life expectancy in some cases. The family was involved in decision making in half of the 27 cases. No information was found about the process of end‐of‐life decision making. There was no evidence in the notes that any of the people with IDs was asked for his or her own opinion in taking an end‐of‐life decision.

Conclusion This study demonstrates that medical end‐of‐life decisions played a part in significant numbers of people with IDs who have died within this centre, but further studies are needed to establish decision‐making processes.
Increased serum thymic stromal lymphopoietin in children with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Lee Eun Byoul , Kim Kyung Won , Hong Jung Yeon , Jee Hye Mi , Sohn Myung Hyun , Kim Kyu‐Earn
Published: March 2010

Lee EB, Kim KW, Hong JY, Jee HM, Sohn MH, Kim K‐E. Increased serum thymic stromal lymphopoietin in children with atopic dermatitis. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: e457–e460. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S

The present study investigated the relationship between serum thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) levels and the presence and severity of atopic dermatitis (AD). Serum TSLP levels, blood eosinophil counts, and serum total and specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were measured in 232 children. Subjects were characterized as having atopic eczema (AE; n = 75), non‐atopic eczema (NAE; n = 70), or normal controls (n = 87). Serum TSLP levels in children with AD were significantly higher than normal controls but there were no differences in children with atopic and non‐atopic eczema. However, serum TSLP levels in children with AD were not significantly correlated with disease severity, blood eosinophil counts and serum total IgE levels. Our findings show an association between TSLP and AD including both AE and NAE. It is suggested that TSLP may play a contributory role in the pathogenesis of AD regardless of the presence of atopy.
Structural Characterisation of Acetaldehyde Adducts Formed by a Synthetic Peptide Mimicking the N‐Terminus of the Hemoglobin β‐Chain Under Reducing and Nonreducing Conditions
Authors: Sillanaukee Pekka , Hurme Liisa , Tuominen Jari , Ranta Esko , Nikkari Seppo , Seppä Kaija
Published: March 2010

This work was carried out to elucidate the structures resulting from acetaldehyde‐induced modifications at the haemoglobin β‐chain N‐terminal residues under different experimental conditions. A synthetic peptide (Val‐His‐Leu‐Thr‐Pro‐Glu‐Cys) ofm/z798, which represents the six N‐terminal residues of the haemoglobin β‐chain N‐terminus with an additional C‐terminal cysteine, was used as a model compound. Peptide–acetaldehyde adducts were separated by reverse‐phase HPLC. Fast‐atom‐bombardment MS and linked‐scan (B/E) spectra were used to study adduct structures. Under nonreducing conditions at pH 7.4 (1:10 peptide/acetaldehyde molar ratio), two types of adducts ofm/z824 were formed, both with modifications at the N‐terminal valine. These two adducts were shown to be a Schiff base, and a cyclic 2‐methyl‐imidazolidine‐4‐one. The 2‐methyl‐imidazolidine‐4‐one adduct was demonstrated to be formed via the Schiff base and to undergo dissociation gradually after 24 h. Reducing conditions at pH 7.4 (peptide/acetaldehyde molar ratio of 1:1 with 20 mM NaCNBH3) resulted in the formation of an adduct ofm/z826, which was shown to be an N‐ethylated adduct of valine. A small amount of nonreduced adducts were also formed under these conditions. Reducing conditions at pH 9.0 (1:10 peptide/acetaldehyde molar ratio with 20 mM NaCNBH3) yielded two secondary, i.e. diethylated (m/z854), products very rapidly. The cysteine residue of the peptide was not found to form an adduct with acetaldehyde under physiological pH.