bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laboratory Experiments on the Effect of Microtopography on Soil-Water Movement: Spatial Variability in Wetting Front Movement
Authors: Sande Leif , Chu Xuefeng
Published: February 2012

The effect of microtopography on soil-water movement is a topic of interest for a range of disciplines, with experimental studies investigating the relationship between the two lacking. Laboratory experiments were conducted by simulating rainfall across packed soil surfaces to investigate the effect of microtopography on wetting front movement within experimental soil profiles. In small soil box experiments, the observed wetting fronts for soil profiles showed considerably deeper movement beneath a smooth surface than depressions for 12–60 min rainfalls. For large soil box experiments, the wetting front reached moisture sensors installed at 5 and 10 cm depths and corresponding to various rough and smooth surface features at significantly different times, with movement being most rapid beneath the smooth surface. Wetting front movement was “quicker” beneath surface peaks than depressions for the rough surface as attributed to 2D/3D unsaturated flow. This study provides valuable experimentally based insight into the effect of microtopography on soil-water movement.
Association between a Primitive Brain Tumor and Cerebral Aspergillosis
Authors: Hélage Siegfried , Duyckaerts Charles , Seilhean Danielle , Hauw Jean-Jacques , Chiras Jacques
Published: February 2012

Cerebral aspergillosis is a rare pathology of poor prognosis in spite of the use of adapted antifungal treatments. This infection of the central nervous system is generally the complication of an invasive aspergillosis with hematogenic scattering from pulmonary focal spots. It can arise in immunocompetent patients treated with prolonged corticotherapy or chemoradiotherapy for cancer. A case of lethal cerebral aspergillosis in a patient with an infiltrative glioma treated with corticotherapy and radiotherapy is reported. Clinicopathological aspects and therapeutic approach are described.
Impact of CCSDS‐IDC and JPEG 2000 Compression on Image Quality and Classification
Authors: Zabala Alaitz , Vitulli Raffaele , Pons Xavier
Published: February 2012

This study measures the impact of both on‐board and user‐side lossy image compression (CCSDS‐IDC and JPEG 2000) on image quality and classification. The Sentinel‐2 Image Performance Simulator was modified to include these compression algorithms in order to produce Sentinel‐2 simulated images with on‐board lossy compression. A multitemporal set of Landsat images was used for the user‐side compression scenario in order to study a crop area. The performance of several compressors was evaluated by computing the Signal‐to‐Noise Ratio (SNR) of the compressed images. The overall accuracy of land‐cover classifications of these images was also evaluated. The results show that on‐board CCSDS performs better than JPEG 2000 in terms of compression fidelity, especially at lower compression ratios (from CR 2:1 up to CR 4:1, i.e., 8 to 4 bpppb). The effect of compression on land cover classification follows the same trends, but compression fidelity may not be enough to assess the impact of compression on end‐user applications. If compression is applied by end‐users, the results show that 3D‐JPEG 2000 obtains higher compression fidelity than CCSDS and JPEG 2000 with other parameterizations. This is due to the high dynamic range of the images (representing reflectances * 10000), which JPEG 2000 is able to exploit better.
Relationship between Abdominal Pressure, Pulmonary Compliance, and Cardiac Preload in a Porcine Model
Authors: Wauters Joost , Claus Piet , Brosens Nathalie , McLaughlin Myles , Hermans Greet , Malbrain Manu , Wilmer Alexander
Published: February 2012

Rationale. Elevated intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) may compromise respiratory and cardiovascular function by abdomino-thoracic pressure transmission. We aimed (1) to study the effects of elevated IAP on pleural pressure, (2) to understand the implications for lung and chest wall compliances and (3) to determine whether volumetric filling parameters may be more accurate than classical pressure-based filling pressures for preload assessment in the setting of elevated IAP.Methods. In eleven pigs, IAP was increased stepwise from 6 to 30 mmHg. Hemodynamic, esophageal, and pulmonary pressures were recorded.Results. 17% (end-expiratory) to 62% (end-inspiratory) of elevated IAP was transmitted to the thoracic compartment. Respiratory system compliance decreased significantly with elevated IAP and chest wall compliance decreased. Central venous and pulmonary wedge pressure increased with increasing IAP and correlated inversely (r=-0.31) with stroke index (SI). Global end-diastolic volume index was unaffected by IAP and correlated best with SI (r=0.52).Conclusions. Increased IAP is transferred to the thoracic compartment and results in a decreased respiratory system compliance due to decreased chest wall compliance. Volumetric filling parameters and transmural filling pressures are clearly superior to classical cardiac filling pressures in the assessment of cardiac preload during elevated IAP.
Oxidative Metabolism Genes Are Not Responsive to Oxidative Stress in Rodent Beta Cell Lines
Authors: Morrison Faer , Johnstone Karen , Murray Anna , Locke Jonathan , Harries Lorna W.
Published: February 2012

Altered expression of oxidative metabolism genes has been described in the skeletal muscle of individuals with type 2 diabetes. Pancreatic beta cells contain low levels of antioxidant enzymes and are particularly susceptible to oxidative stress. In this study, we explored the effect of hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress on a panel of oxidative metabolism genes in a rodent beta cell line. We exposed INS-1 rodent beta cells to low (5.6 mmol/L), ambient (11 mmol/L), and high (28 mmol/L) glucose conditions for 48 hours. Increases in oxidative stress were measured using the fluorescent probe dihydrorhodamine 123. We then measured the expression levels of a panel of 90 oxidative metabolism genes by real-time PCR. Elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was evident in INS-1 cells after 48 hours (P<0.05). TLDA analysis revealed a significant (P<0.05) upregulation of 16 of the 90 genes under hyperglycemic conditions, although these expression differences did not reflect differences in ROS. We conclude that although altered glycemia may influence the expression of some oxidative metabolism genes, this effect is probably not mediated by increased ROS production. The alterations to the expression of oxidative metabolism genes previously observed in human diabetic skeletal muscle do not appear to be mirrored in rodent pancreatic beta cells.
Current Status of Magnetoelectric Composite Thin/Thick Films
Authors: Kambale Rahul C. , Jeong Dae-Yong , Ryu Jungho
Published: February 2012

Here we review the current status of magnetoelectric (ME) multiferroics and ME composite thin/thick films. The magnitude of ME coupling in the composite systems is dependent upon the elastic coupling occurring at the interface of piezoelectric and magnetostrictive phases. The multiferroic ME films in comparison with bulk ME composites have some unique advantages and show higher magnitude of ME response. In ME composite films, thickness of the films is one of the important factors to have enough signal. However, most of all reported ME nanocomposite structured films in literature are limited in overall thickness which might be related to interface strain resulting from difference in thermal expansion mismatch between individual phases and the substrate. We introduced noble ME composite film fabrication technique, aerosol deposition (AD) to overcome these problems. The success in AD fabrication and characterization of ME composite films with various microstructure such as 3-2, 2-2 connectivity are discussed.
Compost and Wildflowers for the Management of Urban Derelict Soils
Authors: Pini Roberto , Bretzel Francesca , Sparvoli Enzo , Pezzarossa Beatrice , Scatena Manuele
Published: February 2012

The aim of this study was to verify whether the use of source-separated municipal waste compost could improve the physical quality of urban soils and create better conditions for their management when planted with herbaceous species. A sandy soil in traffic islands was tilled to a depth of 10 cm, and half of the surface was treated with compost (3 kg/m2). A mixture of 25 herbaceous annuals was then sown in the entire area. Organic carbon content and physical characteristics were determined at different times in the soil treated and not treated with compost. The vegetation was monitored in terms of its growth and flowering. The compost-treated soil showed an increase in organic carbon content. Total porosity increased with time in the compost-treated soil, due to a higher volume of transmission pores, which play a role in water movement. Soil aggregate stability also improved in the compost-treated soil. The duration of flowering of the individual species and the overall quantity of flowers were greater in the compost-treated soil.
Comparison of Fetal Nuchal Fold Thickness Measurements by Two- and Three-Dimensional Ultrasonography (3DXI Multislice View)
Authors: de Freitas Leonardo da Silva Valladão , de Bello Barros Fernanda Silveira , Negrini Rômulo , de Silva Bussamra Luiz Cláudio , Araujo Júnior Edward , Piato Sebastião , Nardozza Luciano Marcondes Machado , Moron Antonio Fernandes , Aoki Tsutomu
Published: February 2012

Purpose. To compare the measurements of fetal nuchal fold (NF) thickness by two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography using the three-dimensional extended imaging (3DXI).Methods. A cross-sectional study was performed with 60 healthy pregnant women with a gestational age between 16 and 20 weeks and 6 days. The 2D-NF measurements were made as the distance from the outer skull bone to the outer skin surface in the transverse axial image in the suboccipital-bregmatic plane of the head. For the 3D we employed the 3DXI multislice view software, in which3×2tomographic planes was displayed on the screen and the distance between the tomographic slices was 0.5 mm. Maximum, minimum, mean, and standard deviation were calculated for 2D and 3D ultrasonography, as well the maximum and minimum, mean, and standard deviation for the difference between both methods. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the two different techniques.Results. 2D-NF showed a mean of thickness of3.52±0.95 mm (1.69–7.14). The mean of 3D-NF was3.90±1.02 mm (2.13–7.72). The mean difference between the methods was 0.38 mm, with a maximum difference of 3.12 mm.Conclusion. The NF thickness measurements obtained by 3D ultrasonography were significantly larger than those detected with 2D ultrasonography.
The Molecular Biology of Vestibular Schwannomas and Its Association with Hearing Loss: A Review
Authors: Celis-Aguilar Erika , Lassaletta Luis , Torres-Martín Miguel , Rodrigues F. Yuri , Nistal Manuel , Castresana Javier S. , Gavilan Javier , Rey Juan A.
Published: February 2012

Hearing loss is the most common symptom in patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS). In the past, compressive mechanisms caused by the tumoral mass and its growth have been regarded as the most likely causes of the hearing loss associated with VS. Interestingly, new evidence proposes molecular mechanisms as an explanation for such hearing loss. Among the molecular mechanisms proposed are methylation of TP73, negative expression of cyclin D1, expression of B7-H1, increased expression of the platelet-derived growth factor A, underexpression of PEX5L, RAD54B, and PSMAL, and overexpression of CEA. Many molecular mechanisms are involved in vestibular schwannoma development; we review some of these mechanisms with special emphasis on hearing loss associated with vestibular schwannoma.
Regularized Mixed Variational‐Like Inequalities
Authors: Noor Muhammad Aslam , Noor Khalida Inayat , Zainab Saira , Al-Said Eisa
Published: February 2012

We use auxiliary principle technique coupled with iterative regularization method to suggest and analyze some new iterative methods for solving mixed variational‐like inequalities. The convergence analysis of these new iterative schemes is considered under some suitable conditions. Some special cases are also discussed. Our method of proofs is very simple as compared with other methods. Our results represent a significant refinement of the previously known results.
Geometric Analysis of Reachability and Observability for Impulsive Systems on Complex Field
Authors: Zhao Shouwei , Sun Jitao , Lin Hai
Published: February 2012

Nowadays, quantum systems have become one of the focuses of the ongoing research and they
are typical complex systems, whose state variables are defined on the complex field. In this paper,
the issue of reachability and observability is addressed for a class of linear impulsive systems on
complex field, for simplicity, complex linear impulsive systems. This kind of time‐driven impulsive
systems allows free impulsive instants, which leads to the limitation of using traditional definitions of
reachability and observability directly. New notations about the span reachable set and unobservable
set are proposed. Sufficient and necessary conditions for span reachability and observability of such
systems are established. Moreover, the explicit characterization of span reachable set and unobservable
set is presented by geometric analysis. It is pointed out that the geometric conditions are equivalent to
the algebraic ones in known results for special cases. Numerical examples are also presented to show
the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Development of an Environmentally Friendly Resist-Removal Process Using Wet Ozone
Authors: Horibe Hideo , Goto Yousuke
Published: February 2012

We investigated the removal of polymers with various chemical structures and the removal of ion-implanted resists using wet ozone. The removal rates of polymers that have carbon-carbon (C–C) double bonds in the main chain were high. The main chain of these polymers may be decomposed. The removal rates of polymers that have C–C double bonds in the side chain were low. The benzene ring in the side chain changes into carboxylic acid, so their ability to dissolve in water increased. The polymers without C–C double bonds were not removed. Removal of B and P ion-implanted resists became difficult with increasing acceleration energy of ions at implantation. The resist with plastic-deformation hardness that was twice as hard as that of nonimplanted resist should be removed similarly to nonimplanted resist. Using TOF-SIMS, we clarified that the molecule of cresol novolak resin was destroyed and carbonized by ion implantation.
Vasculitis, Atherosclerosis, and Altered HDL Composition in Heme-Oxygenase-1-Knockout Mice
Authors: Ishikawa Kazunobu , Navab Mohamad , Lusis Aldons J.
Published: February 2012

To elucidate roles of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in cardiovascular system, we have analyzed one-year-old HO-1-knockout mice. Homozygous HO-1-knockout mice had severe aortitis and coronary arteritis with mononuclear cellular infiltration and fatty streak formation even on a standard chow diet. Levels of plasma total cholesterol and HDL were similar among the three genotypes. However, homozygous HO-1-knockout mice had lower body weight and plasma triglyceride. HO-1-deficiency resulted in alteration of the composition of HDL. The ratio of apolipoprotein AI to AII in HO-1-knockout mice was reduced about 10-fold as compared to wild-type mice. In addition, paraoxonase, an enzyme against oxidative stress, was reduced less than 50% in HO-1-knockout mice. The knockout mice also exhibited significant elevation of plasma lipid hydroperoxides. This study using aged HO-1-knockout mice strengthened the idea that HO-1 functions to suppress systemic inflammation in artery wall and prevents plasma lipid peroxidation.
A Case of Boomerang Dysplasia with a Novel Causative Mutation in Filamin B: Identification of Typical Imaging Findings on Ultrasonography and 3D-CT Imaging
Authors: Tsutsumi Seiji , Maekawa Ayako , Obata Miyuki , Morgan Timothy , Robertson Stephen P. , Kurachi Hirohisa
Published: February 2012

Boomerang dysplasia is a rare lethal osteochondrodysplasia characterized by disorganized mineralization of the skeleton, leading to complete nonossification of some limb bones and vertebral elements, and a boomerang-like aspect to some of the long tubular bones. Like many short-limbed skeletal dysplasias with accompanying thoracic hypoplasia, the potential lethality of the phenotype can be difficult to ascertain prenatally. We report a case of boomerang dysplasia prenatally diagnosed by use of ultrasonography and 3D-CT imaging, and identified a novel mutation in the gene encoding the cytoskeletal protein filamin B (FLNB) postmortem. Findings that aided the radiological diagnosis of this condition in utero included absent ossification of two out of three long bones in each limb and elements of the vertebrae and a boomerang-like shape to the ulnae. The identified mutation is the third described for this disorder and is predicted to lead to amino acid substitution in the actin-binding domain of the filamin B molecule.
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: Then and Now
Authors: Philip Alistair G.S.
Published: February 2012

When bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) was first described in 1967, the use of assisted ventilation in neonates was in its infancy. High concentrations of oxygen were implicated, and BPD was equated with ‘pulmonary oxygen toxicity’. The etiologic role of not only oxygen but also peak inspiratory pressures and the duration of exposure to both was emphasized in the 1970s, but BPD remained a dreaded complication of managing respiratory distress syndrome in the 1980s. It was only after exogenous surfactant became commercially available for endotracheal administration that ‘classical’ BPD began to disappear and was replaced by the ‘new’ BPD. ‘Classical’ BPD was seen in more mature preterm infants (>28 weeks’ gestational age) and in its severe form was characterized radiographically by micro- and macrocysts of the lung, lung hyperinflation and flattening of the diaphragms. In contrast, ‘new’ BPD is seen in less mature infants (<28 weeks’ gestational age), has comparatively mild radiographic abnormalities and has been defined as continued oxygen requirement at 36 weeks’ postmenstrual age. Pathologically, ‘classical’ BPD frequently revealed obstructive bronchiolitis and fibrosis of lung parenchyma, whereas ‘new’ BPD demonstrates minimal fibrosis but uniform arrest of development. Herein, factors which may contribute to the etiology of BPD are described, as well as possible preventative and therapeutic strategies.
Differences in the Association between Serum Leptin Levels and Body Mass Index in Black and White Women: A Report from the Southern Community Cohort Study
Authors: Cohen Sarah S. , Fowke Jay H. , Cai Qiuyin , Buchowski Maciej S. , Signorello Lisa B. , Hargreaves Margaret K. , Zheng Wei , Blot William J. , Matthews Charles E.
Published: February 2012

Background/Aims: Leptin may be an important link between obesity and many high-burden diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular disease, but leptin levels and correlates in individuals of diverse racial backgrounds have not been well characterized despite racial differences in incidence and mortality patterns for many obesity-related diseases. Methods: In a cross-sectional study of 915 white and 892 black women enrolled in the Southern Community Cohort Study (age 40–79 years, half postmenopausal), serum leptin levels were compared between the race groups and across categories of body mass index (BMI). Potential correlates of leptin were assessed via race-stratified linear regression models. Results: Blacks had higher unadjusted leptin levels than whites (geometric mean 22.4 vs. 19.0 ng/ml; p < 0.0001). Leptin increased with increasing BMI, and racial differences in leptin were most pronounced in women with BMI ≥25. Significant correlates of leptin included BMI, age, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, diabetes (both races) and fat consumption (black women only). Leptin remained higher in black women (22.7 vs. 18.8 ng/ml) after adjustment for these factors. Conclusions: Persistent racial differences in leptin concentrations exist after adjustment for BMI and other factors. Leptin assessment may be informative in future studies that investigate racial differences in the development of obesity-related diseases.
The Active Site Residue V266 of Chlamydial HtrA Is Critical for Substrate Binding during both in vitro and in vivo Conditions
Authors: Gloeckl Sarina , Tyndall Joel D.A. , Stansfield Scott H. , Timms Peter , Huston Wilhelmina M.
Published: February 2012

HtrA is a complex, multimeric chaperone and serine protease important for the virulence and survival of many bacteria. Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate, intracellular bacterial pathogen that is responsible for severe disease pathology. C. trachomatis HtrA (CtHtrA) has been shown to be highly expressed in laboratory models of disease. In this study, molecular modelling of CtHtrA protein active site structure identified putative S1–S3 subsite residues I242, I265, and V266. These residues were altered by site-directed mutagenesis, and these changes were shown to considerably reduce protease activity on known substrates and resulted in a narrower and distinct range of substrates compared to wild type. Bacterial two-hybrid analysis revealed that CtHtrA is able to interact in vivo with a broad range of protein sequences with high affinity. Notably, however, the interaction was significantly altered in 35 out of 69 clones when residue V266 was mutated, indicating that this residue has an important function during substrate binding.
The Global Role of Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Garcia Guillermo Garcia , Harden Paul , Chapman Jeremy ,   for the World Kidney Day Steering Committee 201
Published: February 2012

World Kidney Day on March 8th 2012 provides a chance to reflect on the success of kidney transplantation as a therapy for end stage kidney disease that surpasses dialysis treatments both for the quality and quantity of life that it provides and for its cost effectiveness. Anything that is both cheaper and better, but is not actually the dominant therapy, must have other drawbacks that prevent replacement of all dialysis treatment by transplantation. The barriers to universal transplantation as the therapy for end stage kidney disease include the economic limitations which, in some countries place transplantation, appropriately, at a lower priority than public health fundamentals such as clean water, sanitation and vaccination. Even in high income countries the technical challenges of surgery and the consequences of immunosuppression restrict the number of suitable recipients, but the major finite restrictions on kidney transplantation rates are the shortage of donated organs and the limited medical, surgical and nursing workforces with the required expertise. These problems have solutions which involve the full range of societal, professional, governmental and political environments. World Kidney Day is a call to deliver transplantation therapy to the one million people a year who have a right to benefit.
Finding Common Ground Between Europe and Asia: Understanding and Conflict During the Persian Embassy to France in 1715
Authors: Mokhberi Susan
Published: February 2012

Abstract

In 1715, Louis XIV received Mohammad Reza Beg, an ambassador from distant Persia in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. The aging monarch greeted the ambassador in a suit encrusted with diamonds, a costume worthy of an Oriental potentate. The Beg and his entourage were no less splendid and the similarity between the Frenchmen and the Persian must have struck some viewers. King and ambassador played roles in a common drama—the ambassadorial visit—and they had more in common than one might expect. Thanks to the memoirs in manuscript of the introducteur des ambassadeurs, Baron de Breteuil, we know that the French worked hard to cooperate with the Beg despite cultural differences. After all, Breteuil and the Beg shared the goal of projecting the grandeur of their respective monarchies. This common ambition resulted in clashes of precedence between the French and Persian representatives, similar to those that occurred between European powers. This article suggests that “Orientalism” and cultural conflict did not necessarily shape the French response to the Persians. Rather, common diplomatic interests that transcended cultural differences underlay the encounter between West and East.
Ultrastructural profile of metapleural gland cells of the ant Atta laevigata (F. Smith, 1858) (Formicidae: Attini)
Authors: Camargo-Mathias Maria Izabel , Bueno Odair Correa , Vieira Alexsandro Santana
Published: February 2012

The metapleural gland is considered a synapomorphy of ants, and is characterized as a paired structure located at the two postlateral ends of the thorax and secretes substances capable of inhibiting and controlling fungi and bacteria in the fungus garden and inside the nest. This study was aimed at investigating if and which are the ultrastructural differences in the metapleural gland cells of workers (three castes) of Atta laevigata using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This study revealed the presence of Golgi regions, rough endoplasmic reticulum (lamellar and vesicular shapes), smooth endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria (elongated, round-shaped), vacuoles, secretion granules with different electron densities, and myelin figures in the cytoplasm of secretory cells, indicating that this gland produces substances composed of proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides (glycogen in major workers). Lipid droplets and secretion granules were found very near to the microvilli, especially in minor workers. The intracellular portion of canaliculi exhibited invaginations that increased the surface area and modified the secretion produced by the secretory cells. In the three castes examined, the gland exhibited a reservoir preceded by a collecting chamber, both lined by a simple squamous epithelium with a cuticular intima. Workers of the three castes of A. laevigata might be involved in the production of secretion mainly composed of proteins with antibiotic properties and, minor workers, may be responsible for producing a wider variety of secretions compared to median and major workers in the colony.
A comparative study of the diets of barn owl (Tyto alba) and spotted owlet (Athene brama) inhabiting Ahmadpur East, Southern Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Nadeem Muhammad Sajid , Shah Syed Israr , Kayani Amjad Rashid , Imran Syed Muhammad Khalid , Mahmood Tariq
Published: February 2012

The diets of the barn owl (Tyto alba) and the spotted owlet (Athene brama) inhabiting the periphery of the Cholistan Desert at Ahmedpur East, southern Punjab were compared. Pellets of the two owl species were analyzed to learn more about their diets. The barn owl mainly consumed Suncus murinus (60.2%), birds (24.1%) and rodents (12.7%), while the spotted owlet depended on Mus species (36.8%), Suncus murinus (20.1%), birds (14.1%), reptiles (8.9%) and insects (6.7%) for its food. There was a low degree of food overlap of the two owls among the seasons.
Comparison of the seasonal variation of the biochemical composition in two species of freshwater crayfish from southern Brazil
Authors: Dutra Bibiana Kaiser , Buckup Ludwig , Silva-Castiglioni Daiana Da , Oliveira Guendalina Turcato
Published: February 2012

The aim of this study was to compare seasonal variations in the metabolism of two crayfish species with different habitats, Parastacus defossus that lives in subterranean galleries with low oxygen concentrations and Parastacus brasiliensis that lives in oxygenated environments. The metabolism of the species was compared, mainly evaluating the mobilization of the reserves for the reproductive period, and the metabolic response during the seasonal cycle. Seasonal sampling was conducted from spring 2006 to winter 2007. P. brasiliensis was collected at Mariana Pimentel, and P. defossus at Lami, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. Hemolymph, hepatopancreas, muscle, gills, and gonads were removed for determination of glucose, free glucose, glycogen, lactate, total protein, total lipids, total cholesterol, and arginine phosphate. The hepatopancreatic and gonadosomatic indexes were determined. The results showed different seasonal responses between the species for all metabolic parameters, with the exception of proteins in gills, and of lactate in haemolymph. Lactate levels were slightly, but insignificantly, higher in P. defossus than in P. brasiliensis during the period of reduced oxygen. A significant difference between sexes was recorded in only some metabolites. The variability of the metabolism appears to be related to the reproductive period, but the exploratory activity in the environment also seems to be related to these variations. However, other factors may also be influencing the metabolism, such as the availability of food, and environmental conditions such as water, pH, temperature and dissolved oxygen levels, as previously observed for other decapods.
Evolution of sexual dimorphism in the forelimb muscles of Andrew's toad (Bufo andrewsi) in response to putative sexual selection
Authors: Liao Wen Bo , Wu Qing Gui , Barrett Kyle
Published: February 2012

Sexual differences in morphological traits are widespread among animals. Theory predicts that dimorphism in secondary sexual characters evolves as a consequence of sexual selection. We investigated the intersexual difference in mass of forelimb muscles of the Andrew's toad, Bufo andrewsi, an elongated species inhabiting montane regions in western China. Our results showed that average body size of females was significantly larger than males. However, when the influence of body size was removed, the forelimb muscle mass of males significantly exceeded that of females, and total mass of forelimb muscles of amplectant males was significantly larger than that of non-amplectant males. These results suggest that the robustness of the forelimbs can allow amplectant males to retain a firm grip on the female in amplexus, which may aid resistance to inference by conspecific males. Our findings are consistent with the prediction that sexual selection favors large forelimb muscle mass in males.
The Islamic Veil and its Discontents: How Do They Undermine Gender Equality
Authors: Krivenko Ekaterina Yahyaoui
Published: February 2012

Abstract

The article addresses the use of notions of gender equality and non-discrimination in the discussions concerning the practice of Islamic veiling by the European Court of Human Rights as well as by French authorities in relation to the recent adoption of the law banning full face veils in public spaces in France. The author argues that the use of the rhetoric of gender equality without the required knowledge and understanding of the justifications for and discussions about this practice existing within Islam is in both cases very inadequate and leads to results opposite to those they intended to promote. Based on insights into the discussions of Muslims about the practice of veiling the author makes some proposals for a more adequate approach to this practice both from the point of view of women’s status as well as from the point of view of relationship between Islam and the West.
APHRODITE: Constructing a Long-Term Daily Gridded Precipitation Dataset for Asia Based on a Dense Network of Rain Gauges
Authors: Yatagai Akiyo , Kamiguchi Kenji , Arakawa Osamu , Hamada Atsushi , Yasutomi Natsuko , Kitoh Akio
Published: February 2012

A daily gridded precipitation dataset covering a period of more than 57 yr was created by collecting and analyzing rain gauge observation data across Asia through the activities of the Asian Precipitation—Highly Resolved Observational Data Integration Towards Evaluation of Water Resources (APHRODITE) project. APHRODITE's daily gridded precipitation is presently the only long-term, continental-scale, high-resolution daily product. The product is based on data collected at 5,000–12,000 stations, which represent 2.3–4.5 times the data made available through the Global Telecommunication System network and is used for most daily gridded precipitation products. Hence, the APHRODITE project has substantially improved the depiction of the areal distribution and variability of precipitation around the Himalayas, Southeast Asia, and mountainous regions of the Middle East. The APHRODITE project now contributes to studies such as the determination of Asian monsoon precipitation change, evaluation of water resources, verification of high-resolution model simulations and satellite precipitation estimates, and improvement of precipitation forecasts. The APHRODITE project carries out outreach activities with Asian countries, and communicates with national institutions and world data centers. We have released open-access APHRO_V1101 datasets for monsoon Asia, the Middle East, and northern Eurasia (at 0.5° × 0.5° and 0.25° × 0.25° resolution) and the APHRO_JP_V1005 dataset for Japan (at 0.05° × 0.05° resolution; see www.chikyu.ac.jp/precip/ and http://aphrodite.suiri.tsukuba.ac.jp/). We welcome cooperation and feedback from users.
Seasonal Variations of the Urban Heat Island at the Surface and the Near-Surface and Reductions due to Urban Vegetation in Mexico City
Authors: Cui Yu Yan , de Foy Benjamin
Published: February 2012

The contrast of vegetation cover in urban and surrounding areas modulates the magnitude of the urban heat island (UHI). This paper examines the seasonal variations of the UHI using the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), surface meteorological observations, and the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. A distinction is made between the land surface UHI observed by satellite and the near-surface UHI observed by measuring the air temperature. The land surface UHI is found to be high at night throughout the year but drops during the wet season. The daytime UHI is low or even exhibits an urban cool island throughout the year but increases during the wet season. The near-surface air temperature UHI trend is similar to the land surface temperature UHI at night. By day, however, the air temperature UHI remains constant throughout the year. Regression analysis showed that the daytime land surface UHI correlates with the difference in vegetation fraction between the urban and surrounding areas, and, to a lesser extent, with daytime insolation. At night, the UHI correlates with nighttime atmospheric stability and only weakly with differences in vegetation cover and daytime insolation. WRF simulations with the single-layer Urban Canopy Model were initialized with MODIS data, especially for the urban fraction parameter. The simulations correctly represented the distinct seasonal variations of both types of UHIs. The model was used to test the impact of changes in vegetation fraction in the urban area, indicating that increased vegetation would reduce both the land surface UHI and the air temperature UHI at night, as well as the land surface UHI during the daytime.
Infrared Continental Surface Emissivity Spectra and Skin Temperature Retrieved from IASI Observations over the Tropics
Authors: Capelle Virginie , Chédin Alain , Péquignot Eric , Schlüssel Peter , Newman Stuart M. , Scott Noelle A.
Published: February 2012

Land surface temperature and emissivity spectra are essential variables for improving models of the earth surface–atmosphere interaction or retrievals of atmospheric variables such as thermodynamic profiles, chemical composition, cloud and aerosol characteristics, and so on. In most cases, emissivity spectral variations are not correctly taken into account in climate models, leading to potentially significant errors in the estimation of surface energy fluxes and temperature. Satellite infrared observations offer the dual opportunity of accurately estimating these properties of land surfaces as well as allowing a global coverage in space and time. Here, high-spectral-resolution observations from the Infrared Atmospheric Sounder Interferometer (IASI) over the tropics (30°N–30°S), covering the period July 2007–March 2011, are interpreted in terms of 1° × 1° monthly mean surface skin temperature and emissivity spectra from 3.7 to 14 μm at a resolution of 0.05 μm. The standard deviation estimated for the surface temperature is about 1.3 K. For the surface emissivity, it varies from about 1%–1.5% for the 10.5–14- and 5.5–8-μm windows to about 4% around 4 μm. Results from comparisons with products such as Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) low-resolution emissivity and surface temperature or ECMWF forecast data (temperature only) are presented and discussed. Comparisons with emissivity derived from the Airborne Research Interferometer Evaluation System (ARIES) radiances collected during an aircraft campaign over Oman and made at the scale of the IASI field of view offer valuable data for the validation of the IASI retrievals.
The Effect of the South Pacific Convergence Zone on the Termination of El Niño Events and the Meridional Asymmetry of ENSO*
Authors: McGregor Shayne , Timmermann Axel , Schneider Niklas , Stuecker Malte F. , England Matthew H.
Published: February 2012

During large El Niño events the westerly wind response to the eastern equatorial Pacific sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) shifts southward during boreal winter and early spring, reaching latitudes of 5°–7°S. The resulting meridional asymmetry, along with a related seasonal weakening of wind anomalies on the equator are key elements in the termination of strong El Niño events. Using an intermediate complexity atmosphere model it is demonstrated that these features result from a weakening of the climatological wind speeds south of the equator toward the end of the calendar year. The reduced climatological wind speeds, which are associated with the seasonal intensification of the South Pacific convergence zone (SPCZ), lead to anomalous boundary layer Ekman pumping and a reduced surface momentum damping of the combined boundary layer/lower-troposphere surface wind response to El Niño. This allows the associated zonal wind anomalies to shift south of the equator. Furthermore, using a linear shallow-water ocean model it is demonstrated that this southward wind shift plays a prominent role in changing zonal mean equatorial heat content and is solely responsible for establishing the meridional asymmetry of thermocline depth in the turnaround (recharge/discharge) phase of ENSO. This result calls into question the sole role of oceanic Rossby waves in the phase synchronized termination of El Niño events and suggests that the development of a realistic climatological SPCZ in December–February/March–May (DJF/MAM) is one of the key factors in the seasonal termination of strong El Niño events.
Galatians 3: 28 – Liberating for women’s ministry? Or of limited application?
Authors: Reiher Jim
Published: February 2012

The long standing debate over how to interpret Galatians 3:28 gets bogged down in two main ways. The first is disagreement over whether it only applies to our justification with God, or if it also has implications for our relationships with each other. In other words, is this passage just about our vertical relationship with God – soteriology - or does it also include the horizontal relationship we have with others – ecclesiology? The second problem hovers around an associated question: the nature of ‘equality in being’ but ‘difference in function’. Can a person be inherently equal if they are disqualified from certain roles they are capable of doing, and that disqualification is entirely based on their gender? This paper argues that the full context of Galatians demonstrates that Galatians 3:28 is in fact relevant for egalitarian social interaction as well as equality with God through justification. It then demonstrates how ‘equality in being’ but a ‘different function imposed on some people because of their essential being’, is self-contradictory and unsustainable. This discussion is critical for a more confident acceptance of the egalitarian position in church life today.
The Biblical Tale of Two Scouts
Authors: Powers B. Ward
Published: February 2012

Twelve scouts sent out by Moses surveyed the land. What happened next is frequently misread by people, even by Bible teachers, as being that ten scouts brought back a pessimistic report, “We can’t defeat these people”, while two of them, Joshua and Caleb, urged, “We can do it.” But this is to misread the text, and to miss a significant point in the story: for the record informs us that eleven (not ten) brought the negative report. There was only one, Caleb, who said, “With God’s help, we can take possession of the land.” However, overnight one man, Joshua, changed his mind - and that man subsequently came to play a crucial role as Israel’s leader.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders— Implications for Child Neurology, Part 1: Prenatal Exposure and Dosimetry
Authors: Paintner Ashley , Williams Andrew D. , Burd Larry
Published: February 2012

In the United States, approximately 80 000 women consume ethanol through all 3 trimesters of pregnancy each year. In this article, we review prevalence rates of prenatal alcohol exposure in the United States and discuss the mechanisms of prenatal alcohol exposure and placental-umbilical effects. Cigarette smoking and delayed prenatal care are often associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. In addition, increased risk for postnatal adversity is common, including maternal depression, foster care placement, and developmental delay. In part 2, we review prevalence rates and the diagnostic criteria for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and the implications for child neurologists. We discuss management strategies and the importance of a long-term management plan and anticipatory management to prevent the development of secondary disabilities in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Child neurologists play a key role in diagnosis and the development of appropriate intervention programs for affected children and their families.
‘On what condition is the equation organism–society valid?’ Cell theory and organicist sociology in the works of Alfred Espinas (1870s–80s)
Authors: D’Hombres Emmanuel , Mehdaoui Soraya
Published: February 2012

In 1877, the young Alfred Espinas defended a philosophical study, ‘doctorat ès lettres’, at the Sorbonne University, entitled Des Sociétés animales. This was to become one of the principal sources of French organicist sociology. The paradox, however, is that this work seems to be fundamentally a study of natural science. Espinas tried to justify his position theoretically through two types of reciprocally exclusive and uncomplementary arguments. The first one consists in showing that only certain kinds of animal groupings belong legitimately, if not academically, to sociology. The second one has a greater audacious and uncontrollable dimension. It consists in asserting that all pluricellular organisms are true societies. In this article we first focus on the role played by cellular theory in such a ‘sociologization’ of biology, concerning the extension of sociology. Second, we examine the importance of such confusion within the fields of extension, in aiming to explain the conceptual transfers between social sciences and life sciences, in the second half of the 19th century.
Combinatorial analysis of lupulin gland transcription factors from R2R3Myb, bHLH and WDR families indicates a complex regulation of chs_H1 genes essential for prenylflavonoid biosynthesis in hop (Humulus LupulusL.)
Authors: Matoušek Jaroslav , Kocábek Tomáš , Patzak Josef , Füssy Zoltán , Procházková Jitka , Heyerick Arne
Published: February 2012

Background

Lupulin glands of hop produce a specific metabolome including hop bitter acids valuable for the brewing process and prenylflavonoids with promising health-beneficial activities. The detailed analysis of the transcription factor (TF)-mediated regulation of the oligofamily of one of the key enzymes, i.e., chalcone synthase CHS_H1 that efficiently catalyzes the production of naringenin chalcone, a direct precursor of prenylflavonoids in hop, constitutes an important part of the dissection of the biosynthetic pathways leading to the accumulation of these compounds.

Results

Homologues of flavonoid-regulating TFsHlMyb2(M2),HlbHLH2(B2) andHlWDR1(W1) from hop were cloned using a lupulin gland-specific cDNA library from the hop variety Osvald's 72. Using a "combinatorial" transient GUS expression system it was shown that these unique lupulin-gland-associated TFs significantly activated the promoter (P) ofchs_H1 in ternary combinations of B2, W1 and either M2 or the previously characterizedHlMyb3 (M3). The promoter activation was strongly dependent on the Myb-P binding box TCCTACC having a core sequence CCWACC positioned on its 5' end region and it seems that the complexity of the promoter plays an important role. M2B2W1-mediated activation significantly exceeded the strength of expression of nativechs_H1 gene driven by the 35S promoter of CaMV, while M3B2W1 resulted in 30% of the 35S:chs_H1 expression level, as quantified by real-time PCR. Another newly cloned hop TF,HlMyb7, containing a transcriptional repressor-like motif pdLNLD/ELxiG/S (PDLNLELRIS), was identified as an efficient inhibitor ofchs_H1-activating TFs. Comparative analyses of hop andA. thalianaTFs revealed a complex activation of Pchs_H1 and Pchs4 in combinatorial or independent manners.

Conclusions

This study on the sequences and functions of various lupulin gland-specific transcription factors provides insight into the complex character of the regulation of thechs_H1 gene that depends on variable activation by combinations of R2R3Myb, bHLH and WDR TF homologues and inhibition by a Myb repressor.