bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effective untestability and bounded rationality help in seeing religion as adaptive misbelief
Authors: Talmont-Kaminski Konrad
Published: January 2010

McKay & Dennett (M&D) look for adaptive misbeliefs that result from the normal, though fallible, functioning of human cognition. Their account can be substantially improved by the addition of two elements: (1) significance of a belief's testability for its functionality, and (2) an account of reason appropriate to understanding systemic misbelief. Together, these points show why religion probably is an adaptive misbelief.
Ideology as cooperative affordance
Authors: Bulbulia Joseph , Sosis Richard
Published: January 2010

McKay & Dennett (M&D) observe that beliefs need not be true in order to evolve. We connect this insight with Schelling's work on cooperative commitment to suggest that some beliefs – ideologies – are best approached as social goals. We explain why a social-interactive perspective is important to explaining the dynamics of belief formation and revision among situated partners.
“Can do” attitudes: Some positive illusions are not misbeliefs
Authors: Flanagan Owen
Published: January 2010

McKay & Dennett (M&D) argue that positive illusions are a plausible candidate for a class of evolutionarily “selected for” misbeliefs. I argue (Flanagan 1991; 2007) that the class of alleged positive illusions is a hodge-podge, and that some of its members are best understood as positive attitudes, hopes, and the like, not as beliefs at all.
10,000 Just so stories can't all be wrong
Authors: Marcus Gary F.
Published: January 2010

The mere fact that a particular aspect of mind could offer an adaptive advantage is not enough to show that that property was in fact shaped by that adaptive advantage. Although it is possible that the tendency towards positive illusion is an evolved misbelief, it it also possible that positive illusions could be a by-product of a broader, flawed cognitive mechanism that itself was shaped by accidents of evolutionary inertia.
Adaptive misbeliefs are pervasive, but the case for positive illusions is weak
Authors: Wilson David Sloan , Lynn Steven Jay
Published: January 2010

It is a foundational prediction of evolutionary theory that human beliefs accurately approximate reality only insofar as accurate beliefs enhance fitness. Otherwise, adaptive misbeliefs will prevail. Unlike McKay & Dennett (M&D), we think that adaptive belief systems rely heavily upon misbeliefs. However, the case for positive illusions as an example of adaptive misbelief is weak.
Our evolving beliefs about evolved misbelief
Authors: McKay Ryan T. , Dennett Daniel C.
Published: January 2010

The commentaries raise a host of challenging issues and reflect a broad range of views. Some commentators doubt that there is any convincing evidence for adaptive misbelief, and remain (in our view, unduly) wedded to our “default presumption” that misbelief is maladaptive. Others think that the evidence for adaptive misbelief is so obvious, and so widespread, that the label “default presumption” is disingenuous. We try to chart a careful course between these opposing perspectives.
‘Tout, dans ses charmes, est dangereux’: music, gesture and the dangers of French pantomime, 1748–1775
Authors: LAW HEDY
Published: January 2010

In 1779 Chabanon noted the potential danger inherent in gesture because it might produce instantaneous and harmful effects. This article examines how Rameau, Rousseau and Grétry incorporated putatively dangerous gestures into the pantomimes they wrote for their operas, and explains why these pantomimes matter at all. In Rameau's Pygmalion (1748), Rousseau's Le Devin du village (1752–3) and Grétry's Céphale et Procris (1773, 1775), pantomime was presented as a type of dance opposite to the conventional social dance. But the significance of this binary opposition changed drastically around 1750, in response to Rousseau's own moral philosophy developed most notably in the First Discourse (1750). Whereas the pantomimes in Rameau's Pygmalion dismiss peasants as uncultured, it is high culture that becomes the source of corruption in the pantomime of Rousseau's Le Devin du village, where uncultured peasants are praised for their morality. Grétry extended Rousseau's moral claim in the pantomime of Céphale et Procris by commending an uneducated girl who turns down sexual advances from a courtier. Central to these pantomimes are the ways in which musical syntax correlates with drama. Contrary to the predictable syntax in most social dances, these pantomimes bring to the surface syntactical anomalies that may be taken to represent moral licence: an unexpected pause, a jarring diminished-seventh chord, and a phrase in a minuet with odd-number bars communicate danger. Although social dances were still the backbone of most French operas, pantomime provided an experimental interface by which composers contested the meanings of expressive topoi; it thus emerged as a vehicle for progressive social thinking.
Recognizing textual entailment: Rational, evaluation and approaches – Erratum
Authors: DAGAN IDO , DOLAN BILL , MAGNINI BERNARDO , ROTH DAN
Published: January 2010

Due to publisher error, this article was omitted from the printed issue ofNatural Language Engineeringvolume 15 issue 4.

It is published online in the correct volume (journals.cambridge.org/nle) and also printed here in volume 16 issue 1. Sincere apologies are extended to the authors for this error.
Protective effects of combined micronutrients on islet β-cells of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice
Authors: Chang Ying , Zhang Gui-Zhen , Piao Song-Lan , Gao Shen , Zheng De-Ming , Song Yang , Tsicopoulos Anne , Ying Sun
Published: January 2010

There is a tendency for the incidence of diabetes in a population to increase with an improvement in living standards. This would imply the involvement of nutritional factors in the development of diabetes, and so nutritional considerations could be a key aspect in the research and development of an effective remedy for diabetes. In this study, combined micronutrients (selenium, vitamin E, vanadium, and chromium) were orally supplemented to streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Results showed that combined micronutrients could decrease the high blood glucose levels (p<0.05 or p<0.01) of diabetic mice. The protective effects of combined micronutrients on structures of β-cells in pancreatic islets of diabetic mice were observed histopathologically and ultrastructurally. In addition, the supplementation of combined micronutrients increased insulin expression by β-cells in pancreatic islets of diabetic mice at both translational and transcriptional levels. The immune molecular mechanisms involved were preliminarily regarded as downregulation of the expression of pathogenic T-helper 1 lymphocyte (Th1) cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (p<0.01) along with upregulation of the expression of protective T-helper 2 lymphocyte Th2 cytokine interleukin 10 (IL-10) (p<0.01) which ameliorates the Th1/Th2 imbalance in diabetes. In conclusion, supplementation of combined micronutrients to diabetic mice could effectively improve disordered glucose metabolism, protect islet structures, and improve the function of β-cells in pancreatic islets, which are affected by differential regulation of the expression of Th1/Th2 cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes.
Supplementation with a multivitamin containing 800 µg of folic acid shortens the time to reach the preventive red blood cell folate concentration in healthy women
Authors: Brämswig Susanne , Prinz-Langenohl Reinhild , Lamers Yvonne , Tobolski Oliver , Wintergerst Eva , Berthold Heiner K. , Pietrzik Klaus
Published: January 2010

Background: The lowest risk of having a child with a neural tube defect (NTD) was related to red blood cell (RBC) folate concentrations of >906 nmol/L. For NTD prevention, it is recommended that women use periconceptional supplementation of 400 µg/day folic acid. Using this dose previous studies indicate that RBC folate >906 nmol/L was not reached within four weeks of supplementation. Objective: The effectiveness of a multivitamin/multimineral supplement containing 800 µg folic acid (verum) was evaluated using RBC folate concentration exceeding 906 nmol/L as primary endpoint. In addition, the time frame of achieving the threshold level was established as well as the effect of supplementation of other B vitamins on folate metabolism. Subjects and Methods: 46 healthy females received 800 µg/day of folic acid or placebo for 16 weeks. Blood samples were collected in four-week intervals. Plasma and RBC folate were measured with the microbiological method. Results: Mean (±SED) RBC folate increased over time to 1430±53 nmol/L, but did not reach a steady state after 16 weeks of intervention. Mean time to reach the target level was 4.2 ± 3.5 weeks in the verum group. Intake of verum also led to an increase over time of plasma folate. Conclusions: Preventive RBC folate concentration of more than 906 nmol/L can be reached within four weeks of supplementation with daily intake of 800 µg folic acid. With respect to NTD prevention, we suggest the re-evaluation of the current recommendation of folic acid supplementation.
Vitamin D status modification by two slightly hypocaloric diets in young overweight/obese women
Authors: Ortega Rosa M. , López-Sobaler Ana M. , Aparicio Aránzazu , Bermejo Laura M. , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Elena , Perea Jose M. , Andrés Pedro
Published: January 2010

Obesity has been linked with poorer vitamin D status. The aim of this work was to analyze the changes in vitamin D status and body weight of 61 young, overweight/obese women following two different weight control programs. The study subjects were randomly assigned to one of two slightly hypocaloric diets: diet V, in which the consumption of greens and vegetables was increased, or diet C, in which the consumption of cereals (some of which were enriched with vitamin D) was increased. Dietary, anthropometric, and biochemical data were collected at the start of the study and at 2 weeks. At the beginning of the study, when taking into account only those women with a vitamin D intake below that recommended, obese women had a significantly lower mean serum 25(OH)D concentration than those who were lighter. Dietary intervention led to a greater reduction in energy intake among group C subjects; their weight was also that which was most reduced. In addition, the vitamin D intake and serum 25(OH)D values were increased only in group C women. Excess body weight was associated with deterioration in vitamin D status, especially when the intake of this vitamin was lower than that recommended. Subjects with higher serum vitamin D at the beginning of the study lost more weight than those subjects with lower initial values. Diet C was associated with a greater weight loss than diet V, and led to a greater increase in vitamin D intake and serum 25(OH)D levels. This might be of interest in the improvement of health in people trying to lose weight.
Fallstudie: Praktische Anwendung der Selbstpflegedefizit-Theorie bei einem Patienten mit neuroendokrinem Karzinom des Duodenums
Authors: Holler Eva-Maria , Paulsen Annika
Published: January 2010

Der Fall beschreibt die Pflege eines 66-jährigen Patienten, der zur Therapie eines hepatisch metastasierenden, neuroendokrinen Karzinoms des Duodenums elektiv in einer Klinik aufgenommen wurde. Es wurde eine atypische Leberresektion, eine Duodeno-Pankreatektomie und eine Sigmaresektion vorgenommen. Entstandene Komplikationen machten über zehn Re-Laparatomien mit der Resektion von Magen und Ösophagus, einem Blindverschluss des Jejunums und der Anlage eines Ösophagostomas notwendig. Durch eine totale Pankreatektomie entstand ein Diabetes mellitus. Zur Ernährung erhielt Herr B. eine perkutane endoskopische Jejunostomie, die nach dem Entstehen einer Dünndarmfistel in den Bauchraum zunächst nicht weiter genutzt werden konnte, weshalb ein Port implantiert wurde. Zur Darstellung der Fallsituation und deren Analyse werden folgende Konzepte der Selbstpflegedefizit-Theorie genutzt: Grundlegende Bedingungsfaktoren, Selbstpflegeerfordernisse, Situativer Selbstpflegebedarf und Selbstpflegekompetenz. Zukünftig notwendige Selbstmanagementfähigkeiten umfassen unter anderem die Versorgung des Ösophagostomas sowie der perkutanen endoskopischen Jejunostomie und den Umgang mit dem Diabetes mellitus, dem veränderten Selbstbild, den Bewegungseinschränkungen sowie den entsprechenden Prophylaxen. Die Kompetenzförderung fand durch Wissensvermittlung, Anleitung bei der Durchführung von Tätigkeiten und Entwicklung von Fertigkeiten statt. Weiterhin wurde evaluiert, ob der Patient in der Lage ist, seine Handlungen zu reflektieren und daraufhin einzuschätzen, ob er auf Abweichungen von der festgelegten Vorgehensweise korrekt und angemessen reagieren kann. Nach Entlassung wurde durch ein poststationäres Telefonat festgestellt, dass der Patient selbstständig mit den neuen Selbstpflegeerfordernissen umgehen kann.
Der pflegerische Beitrag zur Identifizierung von Risikofaktoren für Kindesmisshandlung und -vernachlässigung
Authors: Grunau Anne
Published: January 2010

Prävention von Kindesmisshandlung bedeutet, Risikomechanismen und familiären Unterstützungsbedarf frühzeitig zu erkennen, um eine mögliche Kindeswohlgefährdung durch rechzeitig eingeleitete Hilfemaßnahmen zu vermeiden. Kinderkliniken kommt bei der Früherkennung von Risiken und dem Einleiten unterstützender Interventionen eine bedeutende Funktion zu. Pflegende können dabei einen wichtigen Beitrag leisten, wenn sie für die Erfassung von Risikofaktoren sensibilisiert sind und diese Einschätzung systematisch in den Pflegeprozess integrieren. Als besonders gewichtige und tendenziell vorhersagestarke Risikofaktoren für eine Kindeswohlgefährdung gelten biografische Aspekte der Eltern, ausgeprägte Belastungsgefühle und inadäquate bzw. fehlende Kompetenzen in der Wahrnehmung und Erfüllung der Bedürfnisse des Kindes. Die Anwendung standardisierter Risikoerfassungsinstrumente wird in der Forschung kontrovers diskutiert. Die Gefahr einer Stigmatisierung und eingeschränkte psychometrische Eigenschaften sprechen gegen, die gesellschaftliche Verpflichtung zum Schutz von Kindern für die Anwendung vorhandener Instrumente. Ein aus pflegerischer Perspektive konzipiertes und wissenschaftlich überprüftes Instrument steht in Deutschland bisher noch nicht zur Verfügung. Die Einschätzung der elterlichen Kompetenz und der situativen elterlichen Belastung stellt aus pflegerischer Perspektive einen Dreh- und Angelpunkt dar, an dem gesundheitsfördernde und präventive Maßnahmen ansetzen könnten. Hierzu könnte die Theorie der Dependenzpflege eine geeignete Grundlage bieten.
CURA SUI – Die Selbstsorge und ihre Beziehung zur Pflege
Authors: Schnell Martin W.
Published: January 2010

Selbstsorge ist eine Antwort auf die Herausforderung der Endlichkeit, die durch das Faktum des menschlichen Leibes gegeben ist. Der Aufsatz führt mit Blick auf die Selbstpflegedefinzit-Theorie (Orem, 2006) die Beziehung zwischen alltäglicher Selbstsorge, die die römische Antike als Cura sui bezeichnete, und krankeitsbezogener Pflege, besonders der Akutpflege, vor. Selbstsorge erweist sich schließlich als eine ambivalente Kategorie, die zwischen Macht und Ethik angesiedelt ist.
Gas isotopic signatures (He, C, and Ar) in the Lake Kivu region (western branch of the East African rift system): Geodynamic and volcanological implications
Authors: Tedesco D. , Tassi F. , Vaselli O. , Poreda R. J. , Darrah T. , Cuoco E. , Yalire M. M.
Published: January 2010

On 17 January 2002, the city of Goma was partly destroyed by two of the several lava flows erupted from a roughly N‐S oriented fracture system opened along the southern flank of Mount Nyiragongo (Democratic Republic of Congo), in the western branch of the East African rift system. A humanitarian and scientific response was promptly organized by international, governmental, and nongovernmental agencies coordinated by the United Nations and the European Union. Among the different scientific projects undertaken to study the mechanisms triggering this and possible future eruptions, we focused on the isotopic (He, C, and Ar) analysis of the magmatic‐hydrothermal and cold gas discharges related to the Nyiragongo volcanic system, the Kivu and Virunga region. The studied area includes the Nyiragongo volcano, its surroundings, and peripheral areas inside and outside the rift. They have been subdivided into seven regions characterized by distinct 3He/4He (expressed as R/Rair) ratios and/or δ13C‐CO2 values. The Nyiragongo summit crater fumaroles, whose R/Rair and δ13C‐CO2 values are up to 8.73 and from −3.5‰ to −4.0‰ VPDB, respectively, show a clear mantle, mid‐ocean ridge basalt (MORB)‐like contribution. Similar mantle‐like He isotopic values (6.5–8.3 R/Rair) are also found in CO2‐rich gas emanations (mazukus) along the northern shoreline of Lake Kivu main basin, whereas the 13δC‐CO2 values range from −5.3‰ to −6.8‰ VPDB. The mantle influence progressively decreases in (1) dissolved gases of Lake Kivu (2.6–5.5 R/Rair) and (2) the distal gas discharges within and outside the two sides of the rift (from 0.1 to 1.7 R/Rair). Similarly, δ13C‐CO2 ratios of the peripheral gas emissions are lighter (from −5.9‰ to −11.6‰ VPDB) than those of the crater fumaroles. Therefore, the spatial distribution of He and C signatures in the Lake Kivu region is mainly produced by mixing of mantle‐related (e.g., Nyiragongo crater fumaroles and/or mazukus gases) and crustal‐related (e.g., gas discharges in the Archean craton) fluids. The CO2/3He ratio (up to 10 × 1010) is 1 order of magnitude higher than those found in MORB, and it is due to the increasing solubility of CO2 in the foiditic magma feeding the Nyiragongo volcano. However, the exceptionally high 40Ar*/4He ratio (up to 8.7) of the Nyiragongo crater fumaroles may be related to the difference between He and Ar solubility in the magmatic source. The results of the present investigation suggest that in this area the uprising of mantle‐originated f luids seems strongly controlled by regional tectonics in relation to the geodynamic assessment of the rift. These fluids are mainly localized in a relatively small zone between Lake Kivu and Nyiragongo volcano, with important implications in terms of volcanic activity.
Recent increases in global HFC‐23 emissions
Authors: Montzka S. A. , Kuijpers L. , Battle M. O. , Aydin M. , Verhulst K. R. , Saltzman E. S. , Fahey D. W.
Published: January 2010

Firn‐air and ambient air measurements of CHF3 (HFC‐23) from three excursions to Antarctica between 2001 and 2009 are used to construct a consistent Southern Hemisphere (SH) atmospheric history. The results show atmospheric mixing ratios of HFC‐23 continuing to increase through 2008. Mean global emissions derived from this data for 2006–2008 are 13.5 ± 2 Gg/yr (200 ± 30 × 1012 gCO2‐equivalent/yr, or MtCO2‐eq./yr), ∼50% higher than the 8.7 ± 1 Gg/yr (130 ± 15 MtCO2‐eq./yr) derived for the 1990s. HFC‐23 emissions arise primarily from over‐fluorination of chloroform during HCFC‐22 production. The recent global emission increases are attributed to rapidly increasing HCFC‐22 production in developing countries since reported HFC‐23 emissions from developed countries decreased over this period. The emissions inferred here for developing countries during 2006–2008 averaged 11 ± 2 Gg/yr HFC‐23 (160 ± 30 MtCO2‐eq./yr) and are larger than the ∼6 Gg/yr of HFC‐23 destroyed in United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Clean Development Mechanism projects during 2007 and 2008.
Importance of biogenic opal as ballast of particulate organic carbon (POC) transport and existence of mineral ballast‐associated and residual POC in the Western Pacific Subarctic Gyre
Authors: Honda Makio C. , Watanabe Shuichi
Published: January 2010

We determined particulate organic carbon (POC) and mineral ballast (biogenic opal: Opal, CaCO3, lithogenic material) fluxes and estimated mineral ballast carrying coefficients (CCs) using time‐series sediment trap (ST) data from multiple depths in the Western Pacific Subarctic Gyre (WSG). The deep sea POC flux was highly correlated with mineral ballast flux, which accounted for almost 100% of the POC flux. About 70% was associated with Opal flux, suggesting its importance to vertical POC transport in the WSG unlike previous reports documenting importance of CaCO3. Opal had the highest CC at all depths, but CC decreased with decreasing depth, as did the fraction of “mineral ballasts‐associated” POC (M‐POC). Conversely, the residual POC fraction (R‐POC) increased with decreasing depth, from about at most 10% at ca. 5000 m to 80% at ca. 150 m. Thus, total POC flux includes M‐POC and R‐POC, and decomposition rate are greater in R‐POC than in M‐POC.
Intense mixing of the Faroe Bank Channel overflow
Authors: Fer Ilker , Voet Gunnar , Seim Knut S. , Rudels Bert , Latarius Katrin
Published: January 2010

The continuous, swift flow of cold water across the sill of the Faroe Bank Channel, the deepest passage from the Nordic Seas to the North Atlantic Ocean, forms a bottom‐attached dense plume (overflow). The amount and distribution of entrainment and mixing that the overflow encounters during its descent influence the ventilation of the deep North Atlantic, however, remain poorly known due to lack of direct measurements. Using the first direct turbulence measurements, we describe the dynamic properties and mixing of the overflow plume as it descends toward the Iceland Basin. The vigorously turbulent plume is associated with intense mixing and enhanced turbulent dissipation near the bottom and at the plume‐ambient interface, but with a quiescent core. Our measurements show a pronounced transverse circulation consistent with rotating plume dynamics, a strong lateral variability in entrainment velocity, and a vertical structure composed of order 100 m thick stratified interface and comparably thick well‐mixed bottom boundary layer with significant transport and entrainment.
On the causes of plasmaspheric rotation variability: IMAGE EUV observations
Authors: Galvan David A. , Moldwin Mark B. , Sandel Bill R. , Crowley Geoff
Published: January 2010

IMAGE EUV observations demonstrate that the plasmasphere usually does not corotate as assumed in simple convection models, even at low L shells. We carry out a statistical survey of plasmaspheric rotation rates over several months of IMAGE EUV data in 2001, using two different measurement techniques. We test the prevailing hypothesis, that subcorotation is due to enhanced auroral zone Joule heating driving equatorward thermospheric winds, by testing for correlation of rotation rates with several geomagnetic indices. Azimuthal features such as “notches” are tracked in local time over a single pass of the IMAGE satellite, both visually and using an automated cross‐correlation routine. Each technique provides an estimate of the plasmasphere's rotation rate. We find a weak correlation between rotation rate and Dst, Kp, AE, the midnight boundary index (MBI), and Joule heating estimates from assimilative mapping of ionospheric electrodynamics (AMIE) at L = 2.5, but not at L = 3.5. In general, lower rotation rates correspond to higher auroral and geomagnetic activity. We also make the first direct observation of plasmaspheric superrotation. The plasmaspheric rotation rate is found to be highly variable on multiday timescales, but the typical state of the plasmasphere is subcorotation, with inferred mean values ranging from 88% to 95% of corotation, depending on L shell. In addition, a statistical analysis shows that rotation rates near dusk are generally lower than those at dawn, suggesting that local time and magnetospheric convection contribute to the variation in rotation rate as well. We conclude that the cause of variability in plasmaspheric rotation rate is a combination of storm phase, local‐time‐dependent convection, and westward ionospheric drift.
Waveform inversion for localized seismic structure and an application to D″ structure beneath the Pacific
Authors: Kawai Kenji , Geller Robert J.
Published: January 2010

In order to extract more information on localized seismic structure from observed seismic data, we have developed and applied a new method of waveform inversion. The calculation of synthetic seismograms and their partial derivatives is the key steps in such an inversion. We formulate the inverse problem of waveform inversion for localized structure, computing partial derivatives for the 1‐D and 3‐D anisotropic elastic moduli at particular depth or at points in space. Our method does not use any great circle approximations in computing the synthetics and their partial derivatives. In this study we invert for the vertical dependence of the shear velocity in the lowermost mantle beneath the Pacific using the transverse component of broadband waveforms for the period range 8–200 s. We find 1%–1.5% velocity decreases and increases in the zones from 400 to 500 km and from 300 to 400 km above the core‐mantle boundary (CMB), respectively. In addition, we find 0.5%–1% velocity increases and decreases in the zones from 100 to 200 km and from 0 to 100 km above the CMB, respectively. This is interpreted as evidence for phase transitions between perovskite and postperovskite (although a chemical stratification model cannot be excluded).
Genome-wide analysis of diel gene expression in the unicellular N2-fixing cyanobacteriumCrocosphaera watsoniiWH 8501
Authors: Shi Tuo , Ilikchyan Irina , Rabouille Sophie , Zehr Jonathan P
Published: January 2010

The unicellular cyanobacterium Crocosphaera watsonii is an important nitrogen fixer in oligotrophic tropical and subtropical oceans. Metabolic, energy and cellular processes in cyanobacteria are regulated by the circadian mechanism, and/or follow the rhythmicity of light–dark cycles. The temporal separation of metabolic processes is especially essential for nitrogen fixation because of inactivation of the nitrogenase by oxygen. Using a microarray approach, we analyzed gene expression in cultures of Crocosphaera watsonii WH 8501 (C. watsonii) over a 24-h period and compared the whole-genome transcription with that in Cyanothece sp. ATCC 51142 (Cyanothece), a unicellular diazotroph that inhabits coastal marine waters. Similar to Cyanothece, regulation at the transcriptional level in C. watsonii was observed for all major metabolic and energy processes including photosynthesis, carbohydrate and amino acid metabolisms, respiration, and nitrogen fixation. Increased transcript abundance for iron acquisition genes by the end of the day appeared to be a general pattern in the unicellular diazotrophs. In contrast, genes for some ABC transporters (for example, phosphorus acquisition), DNA replication, and some genes encoding hypothetical proteins were differentially expressed in C. watsonii only. Overall, C. watsonii showed a higher percentage of genes with light–dark cycling patterns than Cyanothece, which may reflect the habitats preferences of the two cyanobacteria. This study represents the first whole-genome expression profiling in cultivated Crocosphaera, and the results will be useful in determining the basal physiology and ecology of the endemic Crocosphaera populations.
Acute Molecular Mechanisms Responsive to Feeding and Meal Constitution in Mesenteric Adipose Tissue
Authors: Bolduc Carl , Yoshioka Mayumi , St‐Amand Jonny
Published: January 2010

To identify the acute effects of feeding on mesenteric fat, we have performed a transcriptomic study in the mesenteric adipose tissue after low‐fat (LF) and high‐fat (HF) meal ingestion. After fasting, one group of mice was killed and the others were fed ad libitum with HF or LF meal, and killed 3 h after the ingestion. Serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) was performed, generating ∼150,000 tags/sample. The results were confirmed using quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR). Transcripts involved in lipid biosynthesis were upregulated only by LF meal, whereas intracellular lipid catabolism was repressed by feeding. Apoptotic genes were downregulated, whereas antiapoptosis and proteolysis were upregulated by feeding. The expression levels of genes coding for adiponectin and ribosomal proteins were decreased by HF meal, as well as transcripts involved in mRNA processing, cytoskeleton, and extracellular matrix. Several other fat‐responsive genes were identified, including diverse uncharacterized transcripts. These results revealed that mesenteric adipose tissue transcriptome was responsive to food intake and was affected differently according to meal constitution. The identification of uncharacterized transcripts regulated by LF and HF meals is a first step toward further understanding the early mechanisms of diet‐induced obesity as well as discovering new therapeutic targets for obesity‐related diseases.
Healthy Home Offerings via the Mealtime Environment (HOME): Feasibility, Acceptability, and Outcomes of a Pilot Study
Authors: Fulkerson Jayne A. , Rydell Sarah , Kubik Martha Y. , Lytle Leslie , Boutelle Kerri , Story Mary , Neumark‐Sztainer Dianne , Dudovitz Bonnie , Garwick Ann
Published: January 2010

The primary objective was to develop and test the feasibility and acceptability of the Healthy Home Offerings via the Mealtime Environment (HOME) program, a pilot childhood obesity prevention intervention aimed at increasing the quality of foods in the home and at family meals. Forty‐four child/parent dyads participated in a randomized controlled trial (n = 22 in intervention and n = 22 in control conditions). The intervention program, held at neighborhood facilities, included five, 90‐min sessions consisting of interactive nutrition education, taste testing, cooking skill building, parent discussion groups, and hands‐on meal preparation. Children (8–10‐year olds) and parents (89% mothers) completed assessments at their home at baseline, postintervention, and 6‐month follow‐up, including psychosocial surveys, anthropometry, 24‐h dietary recalls, and home food availability and meal offering inventories. Feasibility/acceptability was assessed with participant surveys and process data. All families completed all three home‐based assessments. Most intervention families (86%) attended at least four of five sessions. Nearly all parents (95%) and 71% of children rated all sessions very positively. General linear models indicated that at postintervention, compared to control children, intervention children were significantly more likely to report greater food preparation skill development (P < 0.001). There were trends suggesting that intervention children had higher consumption of fruits and vegetables (P < 0.08), and higher intakes of key nutrients (all P values <0.05) than control children. Obesity changes did not differ by condition. Not all findings were sustained at 6‐month follow‐up. Obesity prevention programming with families in community settings is feasible and well accepted. Results demonstrate the potential of the HOME program.
A Food Store Intervention Trial Improves Caregiver Psychosocial Factors and Children's Dietary Intake in Hawaii
Authors: Gittelsohn Joel , Vijayadeva Vinutha , Davison Nicola , Ramirez Vickie , Cheung Leo W.K. , Murphy Suzanne , Novotny Rachel
Published: January 2010

Diet‐related chronic diseases are at epidemic levels in low‐income ethnic minority populations. The purpose of this study is to decrease risk for obesity in children by modifying the food environment and conducting point‐of‐purchase promotions that will lead to changes in psychosocial factors and behaviors associated with healthier food choices among low‐income communities with a preponderance of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. We implemented an intervention trial over a 9–11‐month period in five food stores in two low‐income multiethnic communities in Hawaii, targeting both children and their adult caregivers. The Healthy Foods Hawaii (HFH) intervention consisted of an environmental component to increase store stocking of nutritious foods, point‐of‐purchase promotions, interactive sessions, and involved local producers and distributors. We evaluated the impact of the program on 116 child–caregiver dyads, sampled from two intervention and two comparison areas before and after intervention implementation. Program impacts were evaluated using multivariable linear regression. The HFH program had a significant impact on caregiver knowledge and the perception that healthy foods are convenient. Intervention children significantly increased their Healthy Eating Index (HEI) score for servings of grains, their total consumption of water, and showed an average 8.5 point (out of 90 total, eliminating the 10 points for variety, giving a 9.4% increase) increase in overall HEI score. A food store intervention was effective in improving healthy food knowledge and perception that healthy foods are convenient among caregivers, and increased the consumption of several targeted healthy foods by their children. Greater intensity, sustained food system change, and further targeting for children are needed to show greater and sustained change in food‐related behaviors in low‐income Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.
The Association of Restrained Eating With Weight Change Over Time in a Community‐Based Sample of Twins
Authors: Schur Ellen A. , Heckbert Susan R. , Goldberg Jack H.
Published: January 2010

We investigated the association of restrained eating with BMI and weight gain while controlling for the influence of genes and shared environment. Participants were 1,587 twins enrolled in the University of Washington Twin Registry (UWTR). Restrained eating was assessed by the Herman and Polivy Restraint Scale. Height and weight were self‐reported on two occasions. Analyses used generalized estimating equations or multiple linear regression techniques. Restraint Scale scores were positively associated with both BMI (adjusted β = 0.39 kg/m2; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.34–0.44; P < 0.001) and weight gain (adjusted β = 0.33 pounds; 95% CI = 0.17–0.49; P < 0.001). High Restraint Scale scorers had an adjusted mean BMI of 27.9 kg/m2 (95% CI = 27.4–28.4) as compared to intermediate (mean = 25.5 kg/m2; 95% CI = 25.2–25.8) and low scorers (mean = 23.0 kg/m2; 95% CI = 22.7–23.3). In within‐pair analyses among 598 same‐sex twin pairs, the adjusted association between Restraint Scale scores and BMI persisted even when genetic and shared environmental factors were controlled for (adjusted β = 0.18; 95% CI = 0.12–0.24; P < 0.001), as did the association with weight gain (adjusted β = 0.37; 95% CI = 0.13–0.61; P = 0.003). In stratified analyses, dizygotic (DZ) twins differed more in BMI for a given difference in the Restraint Scale score than monozygotic (MZ) twins, for whom genetics are 100% controlled (adjusted β = 0.32; 95% CI = 0.20–0.44 vs. adjusted β = 0.10; 95% CI = 0.04–0.16; P = 0.001 for test of interaction). These data demonstrate that observed relationships between BMI, weight gain, and restrained eating, as assessed by the Restraint Scale, have a strong environmental influence and are not solely due to shared genetic factors.
Reciprocal Contribution of Pentraxin 3 and C‐Reactive Protein to Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Ogawa Tsuneo , Kawano Yurika , Imamura Takuroh , Kawakita Kumiko , Sagara Mina , Matsuo Takeshi , Kakitsubata Yousuke , Ishikawa Tadashi , Kitamura Kazuo , Hatakeyama Kinta , Asada Yujiro , Kodama Tatsuhiko
Published: January 2010

Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is an acute‐phase protein that shares structural homology with C‐reactive protein (CRP). PTX3 is produced in macrophages, endothelial cells, and adipocytes in response to inflammatory stimuli, whereas hepatocytes are the main source of CRP. Because obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are considered chronic inflammatory states, PTX3 might be involved in the pathogenesis of obesity and MetS as well as CRP. Levels of CRP correlated positively with body weight, BMI, waist circumference (WC), fasting plasma glucose and interleukin (IL)‐6, and negatively with high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and adiponectin in healthy males. In contrast, PTX3 correlated positively with adiponectin, and negatively with body weight, BMI, WC, and triglyceride. Plasma CRP significantly increased, whereas plasma PTX3 significantly decreased with increasing BMI. Plasma CRP and PTX3 levels were significantly higher and lower, respectively, in individuals who had more than one MetS component compared with those who had none. In conclusion, PTX3 and CRP antagonistically participate in the development of obesity or MetS.
Serum Leptin and Adiponectin Levels and Risk of Barrett's Esophagus and Intestinal Metaplasia of the Gastroesophageal Junction
Authors: Thompson Olivia M. , Beresford Shirley A.A. , Kirk Elizabeth A. , Bronner Mary P. , Vaughan Thomas L.
Published: January 2010

Persons diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus (BE) are at increased risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA). Obesity is a major risk factor for both BE and EA. The primary purposes of this study were to determine whether circulating levels of leptin and adiponectin, both of which are deregulated in obese states, predict risk of specialized intestinal metaplasia (SIM) occurring in the esophagus (BE) and/or gastroesophageal junction, and evaluate the extent to which they mediate the relationship between obesity and these conditions. In this case‐control study, 177 persons newly diagnosed with SIM were compared with 173 general population controls using unconditional logistic regression. Females in the highest tertiles of BMI and waist circumference were at the greatest risk (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 4.6 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.9, 11.6), Ptrend = 0.002; OR = 5.1 (95% CI = 2.0, 13.0), Ptrend = 0.002, respectively) compared to females in the lowest tertiles. Adjustment for leptin and adiponectin attenuated these associations by 52 and 42%, respectively. Males in the highest tertile of waist‐to‐hip ratio were at the greatest risk (adjusted OR = 2.8 (95% CI = 1.3, 5.9), Ptrend = 0.014) compared to males in the lowest tertile. However, adjustment for leptin and adiponectin did not attenuate these associations. Our study results are consistent with the notion that circulating leptin and adiponectin partially mediate the obesity‐BE relationship in women. Leptin and adiponectin's role in the progression from normal epithelium to SIM/BE and on to EA should be further elucidated.
Adipose Depots Possess Unique Developmental Gene Signatures
Authors: Yamamoto Yuji , Gesta Stephane , Lee Kevin Y. , Tran Thien T. , Saadatirad Parshin , Kahn C. Ronald
Published: January 2010

We have previously demonstrated that subcutaneous and intra‐abdominal adipose tissue show different patterns of expression for developmental genes (Shox2, En1, Tbx15 Hoxa5, Hoxc8, and Hoxc9), and that the expression level of Tbx15 and Hoxa5 in humans correlated with the level of obesity and fat distribution. To further explore the role of these developmental genes in adipose tissue, we have characterized their expression in different adipose depots in mice, and studied their regulation in obesity and by fasting. Developmental and adipogenic gene expression was compared in two subcutaneous and three intra‐abdominal white adipose tissue (WAT) depots as well as brown adipose tissue (BAT) from lean or obese mice in a fed or fasting state. Each of these six adipose depots display a unique pattern of developmental gene expression, whereas expression of adipogenic transcription factors PPARγ2 C/EBPα, β, and Δ showed constant expression levels in all depots. Expression levels of developmental genes were similar in obese (ob/ob and high‐fat diet (HFD)) and lean mice in most depots. Fasting systematically decreased expression of Hoxc8, PPARγ2, and increased C/EBPΔ in both lean and ob/ob mice, but produced only variable changes in the expression of other developmental and adipogenic genes. These data indicate that each fat depot has a unique developmental gene expression signature, which is largely independent of nutritional state. This finding further supports a fundamental role of developmental genes in fat distribution and the development and/or function of specific adipose tissue depots.
Insulin‐Induced Ectodomain Shedding of Heparin‐Binding Epidermal Growth Factor‐Like Growth Factor in Adipocytes In Vitro
Authors: Yamamoto Takanobu , Suganami Takayoshi , Kiso‐Narita Minako , Scherle Peggy A. , Kamei Yasutomi , Isobe Mitsuaki , Higashiyama Shigeki , Ogawa Yoshihiro
Published: January 2010

Heparin‐binding epidermal growth factor‐like growth factor (HB‐EGF) is synthesized as a type I transmembrane protein, which is proteolytically cleaved to release a soluble form via members of the a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) family of proteolytic enzymes. This study was designed to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying insulin‐induced HB‐EGF shedding in adipocytes in vitro. The 3T3‐L1 adipocytes with stable expression of alkaline phosphatase (AP)‐tagged proHB‐EGF (3T3‐L1/HB‐EGF‐AP adipocytes) were developed and AP activities of conditioned media were determined. Using 3T3‐L1/HB‐EGF‐AP adipocytes, we demonstrated that insulin induces HB‐EGF shedding in differentiated 3T3‐L1 adipocytes in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. There is no significant increase in insulin‐induced HB‐EGF shedding in undifferentiated 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes. Studies with metalloprotease inhibitors suggested that insulin‐induced HB‐EGF shedding in adipocytes is mediated at least in part via ADAM17. Treatment with recombinant HB‐EGF results in a dose‐ and time‐dependent increase in HB‐EGF shedding in adipocytes, which is significantly suppressed by pharmacologic blockade of ADAM17 (P < 0.01). Moreover, insulin‐induced HB‐EGF shedding in adipocytes is significantly inhibited by AG1478, an EGF receptor antagonist (P < 0.01). This study provides in vitro evidence that insulin induces HB‐EGF shedding in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. Our data also suggest the role of ADAM17 in insulin‐induced HB‐EGF shedding in adipocytes.
Antimicrobial polysiloxane polymers and coatings containing pendant levofloxacin
Authors: Kugel Alex , Chisholm Bret , Ebert Scott , Jepperson Michael , Jarabek Laura , Stafslien Shane
Published: January 2010

A siloxane copolymer with covalently attached levofloxacin was synthesized. Crosslinked coatings made from the siloxane copolymer displayed a uniform drug distribution, higher initial kill, and sustained antimicrobial surface activity.
Light-emitting electrochemical cells using polymeric ionic liquid/polyfluorene blends as luminescent material
Authors: Marcilla Rebeca , Mecerreyes David , Winroth Gustaf , Brovelli Sergio , del Mar Rodriguez Yebra Maria , Cacialli Franco
Published: January 2010

We report the use of blends composed of poly(9,9′-dioctylfluorene-alt-benzothiadiazole), F8BT, and a polymeric ionic liquid (PIL), poly(vinyl-ethylimidazolium bistrifluoromethanesulfonimide), as the active layer in light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) with the simple indium-tin-oxide/active-layer/Al configuration. The PIL provides both the ionic charge and the transport channel necessary for the devices to operate as LECs resulting in reduction of charge injection barriers at the electrode/active-layer interfaces. We find that the performance of devices using PIL:F8BT blends improved with respect to pure F8BT with maximum luminance increasing from 10–20 cd/m2 for pure F8BT to 2000–4000 cd/m2 for blends. Turn-on voltages were also reduced from above 7 V down to around 3.6–4 V. The maximum external quantum efficiency was increased from 10−3%–10−4% to values higher than 0.1%.
Modified spontaneous emission rate in three-dimensional layer-by-layer photonic crystals with planar defects
Authors: Chen Ji-Feng , Hong Rong-Tai , Yang Jaw-Yen
Published: January 2010

A finite three-dimensional layer-by-layer photonic crystal with planar defects in a layer is shown to drastically modify the spontaneous emission rate of an embedded dipole. Finite-difference time-domain calculations with one quarter symmetric boundary condition and perfectly matched layer demonstrate the strong enhancement effects induced by the cavity resonance of defect modes and band-edge resonant modes. Simulation shows that the emission spectra are quite different when the position or polarization of the dipole is changed. Moreover, the extraction efficiency is calculated to observe the percentage of light leakage through a substrate.
Increased size selectivity of Si quantum dots on SiC at low substrate temperatures: An ion-assisted self-organization approach
Authors: Seo D. H. , Rider A. E. , Das Arulsamy A. , Levchenko I. , Ostrikov K.
Published: January 2010

A simple, effective, and innovative approach based on ion-assisted self-organization is proposed to synthesize size-selected Si quantum dots (QDs) on SiC substrates at low substrate temperatures. Using hybrid numerical simulations, the formation of Si QDs through a self-organization approach is investigated by taking into account two distinct cases of Si QD formation using the ionization energy approximation theory, which considers ionized in-fluxes containing Si3+ and Si1+ ions in the presence of a microscopic nonuniform electric field induced by a variable surface bias. The results show that the highest percentage of the surface coverage by 1 and 2 nm size-selected QDs was achieved using a bias of −20 V and ions in the lowest charge state, namely, Si1+ ions in a low substrate temperature range (227–327 °C). As low substrate temperatures (≤500 °C) are desirable from a technological point of view, because (i) low-temperature deposition techniques are compatible with current thin-film Si-based solar cell fabrication and (ii) high processing temperatures can frequently cause damage to other components in electronic devices and destroy the tandem structure of Si QD-based third-generation solar cells, our results are highly relevant to the development of the third-generation all-Si tandem photovoltaic solar cells.
Nonlinear characterization of GeS2–Sb2S3–CsI glass system
Authors: Fedus K. , Boudebs G. , Coulombier Q. , Troles J. , Zhang X. H.
Published: January 2010

We present the results of Z-scan measurements (1064 nm, 17 ps) of nonlinear refractive indices and nonlinear absorption coefficients for different compositions of chalcogenide glasses in GeS2–Sb2S3–CsI system. We show that the simple well known Boling, Glass, and Owyoung model based on the theory of the semiclassical harmonic oscillator can be a useful tool for theoretical predictions of the nonlinear refractive index in these infrared glasses. A quasi-linear behavior is observed relating the nonlinear index and the linear one. Some of the compositions reveal properties potentially useful for all optical switching applications.
Directional emissions achieved with anomalous reflection phases of metamaterials
Authors: Ding Kun , Jiang Tao , Hao Jiaming , Ran Lixin , Zhou Lei
Published: January 2010

For a small antenna placed on a metamaterial ground plane vertically or horizontally, we analyzed the conditions under which the antenna emissions are highly directional. We found through finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations that a previously discovered directional emission phenomenon can be explained by our theory for the horizontal antenna case. For the vertical antenna case, we employed FDTD simulations to design a realistic metamaterial ground plane with desired reflection phase properties, and performed microwave experiments to verify its ability to support directional emissions.