bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hurricane Katrina's First Responders: The Struggle to Protect and Serve in the Aftermath of the Disaster
Authors: Osofsky Howard J. , Osofsky Joy D. , Arey James , Kronenberg Mindy E. , Hansel Tonya , Many Michele
Published: August 2011

Objective: Hurricane Katrina highlighted both the crucial role of first responders in times of disaster and the resultant stress on them and their families. The primary objective of this study was to describe the mental health status and symptoms of first responders in the New Orleans area. We further hypothesized that given the extent of the disaster and slowness of recovery, symptoms of posttraumatic stress and depression would not decrease after the first-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

Methods: A total of 1382 first responders, including respondents from police, fire, emergency medical services, and city workers, participated in this longitudinal study. The first screening was conducted between 6 and 9 months after Hurricane Katrina and the second round of data collection was conducted 13 to 18 months after the hurricane. A subsample of the respondents (n = 87) were matched at both time points, which allowed for paired sample comparisons. We measured all of the respondents' levels of traumatic experiences, alcohol use, partner conflict, requests for services, posttraumatic stress, and depression.

Results: More than one-quarter of the first responders reported the following traumatic experiences: witnessed injury or death (70%); damage to home (93%); injury to a friend (25%); and previous loss or trauma (30%). Data also revealed that at least 10% of the respondents had significant levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms; 25% of the participants reported significant levels of depression; and more than 40% reported increased alcohol use and conflict with partner (41%). A statistically significant decrease in the symptoms of posttraumatic stress or depression was not found within 18 months of Hurricane Katrina.

Conclusions: Results suggest that the severity of the traumas experienced from both the impact of Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent recovery has important mental health implications for first responders. Reports of symptoms of anxiety or depression should be attended to so as to prevent increasing symptoms that could negatively affect the first responder and his or her family. These findings highlight the importance of not only providing mental health services for first responders but also having adequate plans in place before natural or technological disasters strike.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2011;5:S214-S219)
Gravity‐related critical periods in vestibular and tail development of Xenopus laevis
Authors: Horn Eberhard R. , Gabriel Martin
Published: August 2011

Sensory systems are characterized by developmental periods during which they are susceptible to environmental modifications, in particular to sensory deprivation. The experiment, XENOPUS, on Soyuz in 2008 was the fourth space flight experiment since 1993 to explore whether tail and vestibular development of Xenopus laevis has a gravity‐related critical period. During this flight, tadpoles were used that had developed either the early hindlimb (stage 47) or forelimb bud (stage 50) at launch of the spacecraft. The results revealed (1) no impact of microgravity on the development of the roll‐induced vestibuloocular reflex (rVOR) in both stages and (2) a stage‐related sensitivity of tail development to microgravity exposure. These results were combined and compared with observations from space flights on other orbital platforms. The combined data revealed (1) a narrow gravity‐related critical period for rVOR development close to the period of the first appearance of the reflex and (2) a longer one for tail development lasting from the early tail bud to the early forelimb bud stage. J. Exp. Zool. 315:505–511, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Highly accurate SNR measurement using the covariance of two SEM images with the identical view
Authors: Oho Eisaku , Suzuki Kazuhiko
Published: August 2011

Quality of an SEM image is strongly influenced by the extent of noise. As a well‐known method in the field of SEM, the covariance is applied to measure the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). This method has potential ability for highly accurate measurement of the SNR, which is hardly known until now. If the precautions discussed in this article are adopted, that method can demonstrate its real ability. These precautions are strongly related to “proper acquisition of two images with the identical view,” “alignment of an aperture diaphragm,” “reduction of charging phenomena,” “elimination of particular noises,” and “accurate focusing,” As necessary, characteristics in SEM signal and noise are investigated from a few standpoints. When using the maximum performance of this measurement, SNR of many SEM images obtained in a variety of the SEM operating conditions and specimens can be measured accurately. SCANNING 34: 43–50, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Arsenicosis history and research progress in Mainland China
Authors: Sun Guifan , Xu Yuanyuan , Zheng Quanmei , Xi Shuhua
Published: August 2011

This article provides the history of arsenicosis in Mainland China and the research situation in the recent 10 years. The first large area of arsenicosis caused by high levels of arsenic in drinking water in Mainland China was discovered in Kuitun, Xinjiang Province, in 1983. The government attached great importance to arsenicosis and finally regarded it as the epidemic disease throughout the nation in 1994. Until 2006, the survey areas of wells with arsenic concentration greater than 50 μg/L in drinking water have involved 16 provinces in Mainland China. The molecular epidemiological studies on relationship between arsenic metabolism and manifestations of arsenicosis caused by chronic exposure to high level of arsenic in drinking water and the studies on arsenic exposure and related health effects in different arsenic exposure populations are summarized in this review.
Urinary arsenic speciation profiles in mice subchronically exposed to low concentrations of sodium arsenate in drinking water
Authors: Wu Huijie , Krishnamohan Manonmanii , Lam Paul Kwan Sing , Ng Jack Chakmeng
Published: August 2011

Arsenic is a proven human carcinogen. Although the mechanism of its carcinogenicity is still largely unknown, methylation is thought to have an important role to play in arsenic toxicity. In this study, urinary methylation profiles were investigated in female C57BL/6J black mice given drinking water containing 500 μg arsenate (AsV)/L, 250 μg AsV/L, or 100 μg AsV/L as sodium arsenate for 2 months. The concentrations of arsenic chosen reflected those in the drinking water often encountered in arsenic‐endemic areas. Urine samples were collected from the mice at the end of the exposure period, and the arsenic species were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry. All detectable arsenic species showed strong linear correlation with the administered dosage. The methylation patterns were similar in all three groups with a slight decrease of dimethylarsinic acid/AsV ratio in the 500‐μg/L group, which corresponded to the significantly higher arsenic retention in the tissue. The results indicate that urinary arsenic could be used as a good biomarker for internal dose and potential biological effects. Different doses of arsenic exposure could result in different degrees of methylation, excretion, and tissue retention, and this may contribute to the understanding of arsenic carcinogenicity.
The Middle Ordovician litho- and biostratigraphy of northwestern Gorny Altai
Authors: Bukolova E.V.
Published: August 2011

The structure of the Lower–Middle Ordovician Tuloi and Karasa Formations, which occur widely in northeastern Gorny Altai, has been studied. A bed-by-bed description of a new section of the boundary sediments between these stratigraphic units has been given. The graptolite, trilobite, and brachiopod assemblages typical of the Tuloi and Karasa Formations have been analyzed. Graptolite zones and subzones have been recognized, which permit correlating the stratotype and key sections of these local stratigraphic units with the stages of the International Stratigraphic Chart (ISC). The Karasa Formation occupies a considerably larger stratigraphic volume than presumed: It spans the late Arenig and the entire Llanvirn (including the Llandeilo) of the British standard, which is used in Russia (=Upper Dapingian–Darriwilian of the new Ordovician standard in the ISC). Finally, the paper discusses the suggested changes in the names of regional stratigraphic units (horizons) in the Ordovician stratigraphic chart of the western Altai–Sayan fold belt.
Strong historical earthquakes in the northwestern Issyk Kul’ basin (northern Tien Shan)
Authors: Korjenkov A.M. , Abdieva S.V. , Dzhumabaeva A.B. , Fortuna A.B. , Mamyrov E. , Morozova E.A. , Orlova L.A. , Vakhrameeva P.S.
Published: August 2011

The northern Tien Shan is the northern front of the Himalayan mountain belt, which resulted from the collision between the Indian and Eurasian Plates. This region encompasses the most active seismic zones of the orogen, which generated the strongest (M > 8) earthquakes. Since there are scarcely any written accounts, the only way to trace back strong earthquakes is the paleoseismologic method. Since 1984 we have been studying the northwestern Issyk Kul’ basin, where there are differently directed anticlines, which constitute the Kungei meganticline. Here, several active tectonic structures (faults, folds) are located, whose development was accompanied by strong earthquakes. Our field studies of 2008 in the Iiri-Taldybulak Valley, along the adyrs (foothills) of the Kungei-Ala-Too Range, revealed two unknown historical earthquakes. The first one, which occurred along the southern rupture in the late 7th century A.D., gave rise to a seismic scarp; the latter broke through the river floodplain and a tash-koro (ancient settlement). The second one, which occurred along the northern rupture in the late 9th century A.D., increased the height of the seismic scarp, existing on the Early Holocene and older terraces. Note that this region already records a strong seismic event around 500 A.D. Archeologic data have revealed one more strong earthquake, which took place in the 14th century A.D. Note that the above-mentioned strong seismic events are coeval with the decline of the nomadic cultures (Wusun, Turkic, Mogul) in the northern Tien Shan and Zhetysu (Semirech’e).
Turbulent flow over a liquid layer revisited: multi-equation turbulence modelling
Authors: Ó Náraigh Lennon , Spelt Peter D. M. , Zaki Tamer A.
Published: August 2011

The mechanisms by which turbulent shear flow causes waves on a gas–liquid interface are studied analytically, with a critical assessment of the possible role played by wave-induced Reynolds stresses (WIRSs). First, turbulent flow past a corrugated surface of a small slope is analysed; the surface can either be stationary or support a travelling wave. This problem serves as a useful model because direct numerical simulation (DNS) and experimental data are available to test the analysis, and because this picture is itself a model for the fully coupled two-layer problem. It is demonstrated that the WIRSs play no significant role in shear-driven turbulent flow past a moving wavy wall, and that they alter the structure of the flow only in a quantitative fashion in the pressure-driven case. In the shear-driven case in particular, excellent agreement is obtained with previously reported DNS results. Two closure assumptions are made in our model: the first concerns the wave-induced dissipation of turbulent kinetic energy; the second concerns the importance of rapid distortion. The results of our calculations are sensitive to the assumptions used to close the wave-induced dissipation but are insensitive to the details of the rapid-distortion modelling. Finally, the fully coupled two-layer problem is addressed in the setting of waves of small amplitude, where it is demonstrated that the WIRSs do not play a significant role in the growth of interfacial waves, even at relatively high Reynolds numbers. Again, good agreement is obtained between data from experiments and DNS.
Deliberation with Evidence
Authors: MATHIS JÉRÔME
Published: August 2011

In committee deliberation, requiring a unanimous vote intuitively provides the strongest incentives for actors to share fully their opinions and private information. It is also believed that full revelation of (decision-relevant) information occurs when personal biases are made clear before deliberation. However, recent literature suggests that both intuitions are flawed. Austen-Smith and Feddersen propose a model in which the unanimity rule performs worse than other rules in promoting fully revealing deliberation, and uncertainty about individuals' preferences promotes full sharing of information. We extend this work by incorporating the possibility that individuals may provide verifiable evidence for their private information. Under this circumstance, we demonstrate that Austen-Smith and Feddersen's results are reversed. First, a unanimous voting rule performs better than any other, as unanimity is the only rule that always promotes fully revealing deliberation. Second, under fairly general conditions, uncertainty about individuals' preferences prevents full sharing of information.
Inhibition of advanced glycation end-product formation on eye lens protein by rutin
Authors: Muthenna P. , Akileshwari C. , Saraswat Megha , Bhanuprakash Reddy G.
Published: August 2011

Formation of advanced glycation end products (AGE) plays a key role in the several pathophysiologies associated with ageing and diabetes, such as arthritis, atherosclerosis, chronic renal insufficiency, Alzheimer's disease, nephropathy, neuropathy and cataract. This raises the possibility of inhibition of AGE formation as one of the approaches to prevent or arrest the progression of diabetic complications. Previously, we have reported that some common dietary sources such as fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices have the potential to inhibit AGE formation. Flavonoids are abundantly found in fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices, and rutin is one of the commonly found dietary flavonols. In the present study, we have demonstrated the antiglycating potential and mechanism of action of rutin using goat eye lens proteins as model proteins. Underin vitroconditions, rutin inhibited glycation as assessed by SDS-PAGE, AGE-fluorescence, boronate affinity chromatography and immunodetection of specific AGE. Further, we provided insight into the mechanism of inhibition of protein glycation that rutin not only scavenges free-radicals directly but also chelates the metal ions by forming complexes with them and thereby partly inhibiting post-Amadori formation. These findings indicate the potential of rutin to prevent and/or inhibit protein glycation and the prospects for controlling AGE-mediated diabetic pathological conditionsin vivo.
Social Policy Digest Online
Authors: Bennett Fran , Jones Ken
Published: August 2011

The Social Policy Digest is a major online resource providing up-to-date listings of developments across the whole range of social policy issues – including links to source materials and related commentaries. The Digest is published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the Social Policy Association.
Evolutionary psychology and Bayesian modeling
Authors: Al-Shawaf Laith , Buss David
Published: August 2011

The target article provides important theoretical contributions to psychology and Bayesian modeling. Despite the article's excellent points, we suggest that it succumbs to a few misconceptions about evolutionary psychology (EP). These include a mischaracterization of evolutionary psychology's approach to optimality; failure to appreciate the centrality of mechanism in EP; and an incorrect depiction of hypothesis testing. An accurate characterization of EP offers more promise for successful integration with Bayesian modeling.
The uncertain status of Bayesian accounts of reasoning
Authors: Hayes Brett K. , Newell Ben R.
Published: August 2011

Bayesian accounts are currently popular in the field of inductive reasoning. This commentary briefly reviews the limitations of one such account, the Rational Model (Anderson 1991b), in explaining how inferences are made about objects whose category membership is uncertain. These shortcomings are symptomatic of what Jones & Love (J&L) refer to as “fundamentalist” Bayesian approaches.
Enlightenment grows from fundamentals
Authors: Navarro Daniel Joseph , Perfors Amy Francesca
Published: August 2011

Jones & Love (J&L) contend that the Bayesian approach should integrate process constraints with abstract computational analysis. We agree, but argue that the fundamentalist/enlightened dichotomy is a false one: Enlightened research is deeply intertwined with – and to a large extent is impossible without – the basic, fundamental work upon which it is based.
Bayesian computation and mechanism: Theoretical pluralism drives scientific emergence
Authors: Sewell David K. , Little Daniel R. , Lewandowsky Stephan
Published: August 2011

The breadth-first search adopted by Bayesian researchers to map out the conceptual space and identify what the framework can do is beneficial for science and reflective of its collaborative and incremental nature. Theoretical pluralism among researchers facilitates refinement of models within various levels of analysis, which ultimately enables effective cross-talk between different levels of analysis.
Genetic targeting and physiological features of VGLUT3+ amacrine cells
Authors: GRIMES WILLIAM N. , SEAL REBECCA P. , OESCH NICHOLAS , EDWARDS ROBERT H. , DIAMOND JEFFREY S.
Published: August 2011

Amacrine cells constitute a diverse class of interneurons that contribute to visual signal processing in the inner retina, but surprisingly, little is known about the physiology of most amacrine cell subtypes. Here, we have taken advantage of the sparse expression of vesicular glutamate transporter 3 (VGLUT3) in the mammalian retina to target the expression of yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) to a unique population of amacrine cells using a new transgenic mouse line. Electrophysiological recordings made from YFP-positive (VGLUT3+) amacrine cells provide the first functional data regarding the active membrane properties and synaptic connections of this recently identified cell type. We found that VGLUT3+ amacrine cells receive direct synaptic input from bipolar cells via both N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and non-NMDARs. Voltage-gated sodium channels amplified these excitatory inputs but repetitive spiking was never observed. VGLUT3+ amacrine cells responded transiently to both light increments (ON response) and decrements (OFF response); ON responses consisted exclusively of inhibitory inputs, while OFF responses comprised both excitatory and inhibitory components, although the inhibitory conductance was larger in amplitude and longer in time course. The physiological properties and anatomical features of the VGLUT3+ amacrine cells suggest that this bistratified interneuron may play a role in disinhibitory signaling and/or crossover inhibition between parallel pathways in the retina.
Acquired ventricular septal aneurysm in a patient with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum
Authors: Patel Akash R. , Farrell Paul , Harris Matthew , Gaynor J. William , Gillespie Matthew J.
Published: August 2011

Myocardial ischaemia and infarction in pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum with right ventricular-dependent coronary circulation is a well-established complication. We report an interesting case of an acquired aneurysm in the ventricular septum in a patient who underwent staged palliation.
Prevalence of psychosocial problems in Dutch children aged 8–12 years and its association with risk factors and quality of life
Authors: Bot M. , de Leeuw den Bouter B. J. E. , Adriaanse M. C.
Published: August 2011

Aims.

To determine the prevalence of psychosocial problems among Dutch children aged 8–12 years and studying its association with risk factors and quality of life.

Methods.

This study was conducted within the framework of a community-based health study in the north-west region of the Netherlands. The cross-sectional study sample consisted of 2703 children (1392 boys and 1311 girls). Psychosocial problems and quality of life were measured with the extended version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and KIDSCREEN-10, respectively. Questionnaires and data about risk factors (parental education level, ethnicity, family structure, income, chronic diseases and life events) were completed by the parents or caregivers.

Results.

The prevalence of psychosocial problems (SDQ score ≥14) in the total sample was 10.4%. The prevalence was higher in boys compared with girls (13.9% v. 6.6%, OR = 2.28; 95% CI = 1.75–2.97). Boys had significantly more hyperactivity/inattention, conduct, peer relationship and prosocial behaviour problems compared with girls. Risk factors associated with psychosocial problems were: one or more chronic disease(s), life event(s), a low parental educational level (for boys only) and an income under a modal level. Psychosocial problems were significantly inverse related with quality of life in the total sample (rho = −0.47).

Conclusions.

Psychosocial problems are common in children, especially among boys, and are inversely related with children's quality of life. The identified risk factors in this study can be useful for developing targeted prevention strategies aimed at children at high risk for psychosocial problems.
The seasonal appearance of ice shelf water in coastal Antarctica and its effect on sea ice growth
Authors: Mahoney Andrew R. , Gough Alexander J. , Langhorne Patricia J. , Robinson Natalie J. , Stevens Craig L. , Williams Michael M. J. , Haskell Timothy G.
Published: August 2011

In this paper we report measurements from the first year‐round mooring underneath sea ice in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, which we combine with full‐depth ocean profiles to identify the incremental appearance of potentially supercooled ice shelf water (ISW). We investigate the effects of ISW on sea ice using observations of sea ice growth and crystal structure together with under‐ice photography. We show that the appearance of ISW at the surface leads to a disruption in the columnar texture of the sea ice, but that persistent growth enhancement occurs only once the entire water column has cooled to the surface freezing point. In doing so, we demonstrate the possibility of inferring the presence of ISW beneath sea ice through crystallographic analysis of cores. These findings will be useful for both modeling and observing the extent of ISW‐enhanced ice growth. In addition, we found that the local growth of first‐year landfast sea ice only accounted for half of the observed increase in salinity over the water column, which indicates that polynyas are responsible for approximately half of the salt flux into McMurdo Sound.
Arctic Ocean tides from GRACE satellite accelerations
Authors: Killett E. , Wahr J. , Desai S. , Yuan D. , Watkins M.
Published: August 2011

Models are routinely used to remove the effects of global ocean tides from GRACE data during processing to reduce temporal aliasing into monthly GRACE solutions. These models have typically been derived using data from satellite altimeters such as TOPEX/Poseidon. Therefore the Arctic ocean components of tide models are not constrained by altimetry data, potentially resulting in errors that are likely to alias into monthly GRACE gravity fields at all latitudes. Seven years of GRACE inter‐satellite accelerations are inverted to solve for corrections to the amplitude and phase of major solar and lunar ocean tides at latitudes north of 50°N using a mascon approach. The tide model originally applied to our data was FES2004, truncated to maximum degree lmax = 90. Simulations are performed to verify that our inversion algorithm works as designed. Uncertainty estimates are derived from tidal solutions on land, and by subtracting two independent solutions that each use 3.5 years of data. Features above the noise floor in the M2, K1, S2, and O1 solutions likely represent errors in FES2004. Errors due to truncating the spherical harmonic expansion of FES2004 are too small, and errors in the land mask model (needed to transform sea surface heights into mass) only affect coastal areas and do not produce similar relative amplitudes for any examined tides. In the oceans north of 50°N, these residuals tend to reduce the FES2004 amplitudes for M2, K1, S2, and O1. Reductions in the variance of accelerations not used in our inversion suggest that our results can be used to improve GRACE processing.
Comment on “What do we know about the evolution of Mg to Ca ratios in seawater?” by Wally Broecker and Jimin Yu
Authors: Coggon Rosalind M. , Teagle Damon A. H. , Dunkley Jones Tom
Published: August 2011

A record of the Mg/Ca ratio of ancient seawater is essential to understand variations in the major geological processes that control ocean chemistry and for estimating past ocean temperatures. A recent contribution by Broecker and Yu (2011) regarding past seawater Mg/Ca provides an unbalanced assessment of the uncertainties and key assumptions of the methodologies considered. It misrepresents aspects of a new method to estimate past ocean Mg/Ca proposed by Coggon et al. (2010); here we provide clarification of that approach. We estimate the accuracy and precision of seawater Mg/Ca estimates derived from planktonic foraminifera test calcite, the preferred approach of Broecker and Yu. These are shown to be consistent with other records that suggest major changes in seawater cation chemistry. An explanation of how major changes in the Mg/Ca of seawater might occur is beyond the scope of this comment.
Impaired Insulin Sensitivity and Elevated Ectopic Fat in Healthy Obese vs. Nonobese Prepubertal Children
Authors: Bennett Brian , Larson‐Meyer D. Enette , Ravussin Eric , Volaufova Julia , Soros Arlette , Cefalu William T. , Chalew Stuart , Gordon Stewart , Smith Steven R. , Newcomer Bradley R. , Goran Michael , Sothern Melinda
Published: August 2011

Insulin sensitivity is impaired and ectopic fat (accretion of lipids outside of typical adipose tissue depots) increased in obese adults and adolescents. It is unknown how early in life this occurs; thus, it is important to evaluate young children to identify potential factors leading to the development of metabolic syndrome. We examined an ethnically diverse cohort of healthy, exclusively prepubertal children (N = 123; F = 57, M = 66; age 8.04 ± 0.77 years) to examine differences in insulin sensitivity and ectopic and visceral fat deposition between obese and nonobese youth. Obesity was categorized by age‐ and sex‐adjusted BMI z‐scores (nonobese = z‐score <2 (N = 94) and obese = z‐score ≥2 (N = 29)). Insulin sensitivity was assessed by both a frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (Si) and the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMAIR). Intramyocellular lipids (IMCLs) from soleus and intrahepatic lipids (IHLs) were assessed by magnetic resonance spectroscopy, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) by magnetic resonance imaging, and total body fat by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. We also examined serum lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol) and blood pressure (diastolic and systolic). Obese children exhibited significantly lower Si (5.9 ± 5.98 vs. 13.43 ± 8.18 (mµ/l)−1·min−1, P = 0.01) and HDL‐C and higher HOMAIR (1.68 ± 1.49 vs. 0.63 ± 0.47, P < 0.0001), IMCL (0.74 ± 0.39 vs. 0.44 ± 0.21% water peak, P < 0.0001), IHL (1.49 ± 1.13 vs. 0.54 ± 0.42% water peak, P < 0.0001), VAT (20.16 ± 8.01 vs. 10.62 ± 5.44 cm2, P < 0.0001), total cholesterol, triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and systolic blood pressure relative to nonobese children. These results confirm significantly increased ectopic fat and insulin resistance in healthy obese vs. nonobese children prior to puberty. Excessive adiposity during early development appears concomitant with precursors of type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome.
Use of Balance Methods for Assessment of Short‐Term Changes in Body Composition
Authors: Müller Manfred J. , Bosy‐Westphal Anja , Lagerpusch Merit , Heymsfield Steven B.
Published: August 2011

Balance methods reveal changes in body energy, nitrogen, macro‐ and micronutrients as well as fluid in response to different feeding regimens. Under metabolic ward conditions, where physical activity is restricted and activity and food intake are controlled, the errors of estimates of energy intake, energy expenditure, and energy losses are about 2, 4, and 2%, respectively. Balance techniques can be used to validate techniques of in vivo body composition analysis (BCA). This is necessary since immediate and transient changes in body composition in response to a change in diet adversely affect the validity of techniques by violating the assumptions underlying standard methods (i.e., a constant composition or hydration of lean mass). Using two compartment reference methods, like densitometry, dual X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) or deuterium dilution, changes in fat mass with caloric restriction and overfeeding can be measured with a minimal detectable change (MDC) of 1.0–2.0 kg. However, when compared against balance data, the validity of these techniques to measure short‐term changes in body composition is poor. The noninvasive and rapid new quantitative magnetic resonance (QMR) technique has a high precision with a MDC of 0.18 kg of fat mass. The validity of QMR to assess short‐term changes in fat mass is challenged by comparison to balance data. Today, techniques used for in vivo BCA should be related to steady state conditions only, while in the nonsteady state, the use of balance methods is recommended to assess short‐term changes in body composition.
A novel class of PTEN protein in Arabidopsis displays unusual phosphoinositide phosphatase activity and efficiently binds phosphatidic acid
Authors: Pribat Anne , Sormani Rodnay , Rousseau-Gueutin Mathieu , Julkowska Magdalena M. , Testerink Christa , Joubès Jerôme , Castroviejo Michel , Laguerre Michel , Meyer Christian , Germain Véronique , Rothan Christophe
Published: August 2011

PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome ten) proteins are dual phosphatases with both protein and phosphoinositide phosphatase activity. They modulate signalling pathways controlling growth, metabolism and apoptosis in animals and are implied in several human diseases. In the present paper we describe a novel class of PTEN pro-teins in plants, termed PTEN2, which comprises the AtPTEN (Arabidopsis PTEN) 2a and AtPTEN2b proteins in Arabidopsis. Both display low in vitro tyrosine phosphatase activity. In addition, AtPTEN2a actively dephosphorylates in vitro the 3′ phosphate group of PI3P (phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate), PI(3,4)P2 (phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate) and PI(3,5)P2 (phosphatidylinositol 3,5-bisphosphate). In contrast with animal PTENs, PI(3,4,5)P3 (phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate) is a poor substrate. Site-directed mutagenesis of AtPTEN2a and molecular modelling of protein–phosphoinositide interactions indicated that substitutions at the PTEN2 core catalytic site of the Lys267 and Gly268 residues found in animals, which are critical for animal PTEN activity, by Met267 and Ala268 found in the eudicot PTEN2 are responsible for changes in substrate specificity. Remarkably, the AtPTEN2a protein also displays strong binding activity for PA (phosphatidic acid), a major lipid second messenger in plants. Promoter::GUS (β-glucuronidase) fusion, transcript and protein analyses further showed the transcriptional regulation of the ubiquitously expressed AtPTEN2a and AtPTEN2b by salt and osmotic stress. The results of the present study suggest a function for this novel class of plant PTEN proteins as an effector of lipid signalling in plants.
Revealing the structural origin of the redox-Bohr effect: the first solution structure of a cytochrome from Geobacter sulfurreducens
Authors: Morgado Leonor , Paixão Vítor B. , Schiffer Marianne , Pokkuluri P. Raj , Bruix Marta , Salgueiro Carlos A.
Published: August 2011

Gs (Geobacter sulfurreducens) can transfer electrons to the exterior of its cells, a property that makes it a preferential candidate for the development of biotechnological applications. Its genome encodes over 100 cytochromes and, despite their abundance and key functional roles, to date there is no structural information for these proteins in solution. The trihaem cytochrome PpcA might have a crucial role in the conversion of electronic energy into protonmotive force, a fundamental step for ATP synthesis in the presence of extracellular electron acceptors. In the present study, 15N-labelled PpcA was produced and NMR spectroscopy was used to determine its solution structure in the fully reduced state, its backbone dynamics and the pH-dependent conformational changes. The structure obtained is well defined, with an average pairwise rmsd (root mean square deviation) of 0.25 Å (1 Å=0.1 nm) for the backbone atoms and 0.99 Å for all heavy atoms, and constitutes the first solution structure of a Gs cytochrome. The redox-Bohr centre responsible for controlling the electron/proton transfer was identified, as well as the putative interacting regions between PpcA and its redox partners. The solution structure of PpcA will constitute the foundation for studies aimed at mapping out in detail these interacting regions.
Quantitative potential measurements of nanoparticles with different surface charges in liquid by open-loop electric potential microscopy
Authors: Kobayashi Naritaka , Asakawa Hitoshi , Fukuma Takeshi
Published: August 2011

Local potential distribution plays important roles in physical, chemical and biological processes at a solid/liquid interface. However, the measurement of a local potential distribution in liquid has been a long-standing challenge, which has hindered understanding of the mechanisms for the various interfacial phenomena. Recently, we have developed a method to overcome this problem [Kobayashi et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 81, 123705 (2010)], which is referred to as open-loop electric potential microscopy (OL-EPM). Here, we present its first application to quantitative measurements of local potential distribution in liquid. In OL-EPM, an ac bias voltage is applied between a tip and sample and the first and second harmonic cantilever oscillations induced by the electrostatic force are detected and used for the calculation of a potential value. In the equation for the potential calculation, here we introduce a correction factor to cancel out the error caused by the difference in the deflection sensitivity to the first and second harmonic electrostatic forces. With the improved method, we have performed potential measurements of two types of latex beads with different surface charges. The measured potential difference between the different types of latex beads approximately corresponds to their zeta potential difference, which demonstrates the quantitative capability of OL-EPM.
Crystal-field analysis and Zeeman splittings of energy levels of Nd3+ (4f3) in GaN
Authors: Gruber John B. , Burdick Gary W. , Woodward Nathaniel T. , Dierolf Volkmar , Chandra Sreerenjini , Sardar Dhiraj K.
Published: August 2011

The crystal-field splitting and Zeeman splitting of energy levels of Nd3+ (4f3) doped into semi-conducting GaN (3.2 eV) grown in the hexagonal (huntite) phase by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy have been modeled using a parameterized Hamiltonian defined to operate within the complete 4f3 electronic configuration of Nd3+ substituted for Ga3+ in the lattice. Zeeman splittings were obtained by applying magnetic fields up to 6.6 T with the fields parallel and perpendicular to the crystallographic c-axis. The experimental energy (Stark) levels were obtained from a recent spectroscopic study on the same samples, where the combined excitation emission spectroscopy (CEES) identified the majority of Nd3+ ions as replacing Ga3+ in sites of C3v symmetry. The manifolds of Nd3+ (4f3)2S+1LJ modeled for the crystal-field splitting include the ground state, 4I9/2, and excited states 4I11/2, 4I13/2, 4F3/2, 4F5/2, 2H9/2, 4F7/2, 4S3/2, 4G5/2, and 4G7/2. The energies of 41 experimental Stark levels from these manifolds were modeled through the use of a Monte Carlo method in which independent crystal-field parameters (CFP) were given random starting values and optimized using standard least-squares fitting between calculated and experimental Stark levels. Irreducible representations (irreps) and crystal field quantum numbers (μ) were assigned to the energy level states of the 4I9/2 and 4F3/2 multiplet manifolds based on an analysis of the Zeeman data. This allows determination of which of the competing local minima should be considered to be the physically significant minimum. Using standard least-squares fitting between calculated and experimental Stark levels for Nd3+ in C3v symmetry, we obtain a final standard deviation of 7.01 cm−1 (rms = 5.48 cm−1).
Effect of carrier capture by deep levels on lateral photoconductivity of InGaAs/GaAs quantum dot structures
Authors: Vakulenko O. V. , Golovynskyi S. L. , Kondratenko S. V.
Published: August 2011

Having used thermally stimulated conductivity (TSC) technique, we identified deep electron traps that produce strong effects on charge carrier transport and photoconductivity in InGaAs/GaAs quantum dot (QD) structures. The values of deep levels below the conduction band of GaAs at 0.16, 0.22, and 0.35 eV are obtained from the analysis of the shapes of TSC curves after the excitation with the quanta energy hv = 0.9, 1.2, and 1.6 eV. The level 0.16 eV in depth is an effective electron trap that provides crossing of lateral conductivity with a high-resistance mode and, therefore, causes a high photocurrent sensitivity of about 3 A/W at 77 K with excitation by interband transitions in QDs. We determined the charge density of electrons captured by the (Ec – 0.16 eV) level to be 2 × 10−6 C/cm2 at 77 K that induces electric field ∼ 105 V/cm in a vicinity of QDs. The state at Ec – 0.22 eV is shown to be related to the recombination center that can hold non-equilibrium holes over a long time under the condition that the non-equilibrium holes are localized by the quantum states of QDs. In the course of long-term electron storage in a vicinity of QDs, an electron trapped at the (Ec – 0.16) eV level can be recaptured by a deeper spatially remote (Ec – 0.22 eV) level that allows the TSC peak observation at 106 K.
T-junction waveguide-based combining high power microwave beams
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Yuan Chengwei , Liu Lie
Published: August 2011

Waveguide-based combining microwave beams is an attractive technique for enhancing the output capacities of narrow-band high power microwave devices. A specific T-junction combiner is designed for combining the X/X band microwave beams, and the detailed combining method and experimental results are presented. In the experiments, two microwave sources which can generate gigawatt level microwaves are driven by a single accelerator simultaneously, and their operation frequencies are 9.41 and 9.60 GHz, respectively. The two microwave beams with durations of about 35 ns have been successfully combined, and no breakdown phenomenon occurs.
Generalized coherent states and their statistical characteristics in power-law potentials
Authors: Iqbal Shahid , Saif Farhan
Published: August 2011

Generalized coherent states based on Gazeau-Klauder formalism are developed for one-dimensional power-law potentials and their quantum statistical characteristics, together with generalized Heisenberg algebra coherent states, are reported. We show that these states exhibit super-Poissonian, Poissonian, or sub-Poissonian distributions as a function of the power-law exponent. The analytical results are supported by numerical calculations. In addition, we explain possible sources of errors in numerical analysis.
Thermocapillary instabilities in liquid bridges revisited
Authors: Ryzhkov Ilya I.
Published: August 2011

The study of convective thermocapillary instabilities in liquid bridges [J. J. Xu and S. H. Davis, Phys. Fluids 27(5), 1102 (1984)] is revisited. A new branch of neutral mode m = 1 is found. The previously reported results are confirmed in the range of low Prandtl numbers. It is shown that for large Prandtl numbers, the flow becomes unstable at much smaller values of the Marangoni number than it was reported previously. The calculations are performed for adiabatic and heat conductive free surface. In both cases, the critical mode is m = 1. The previously reported change of critical mode from m = 1 to m = 0 with increasing the Prandtl number is not confirmed. The corrected results provide a better agreement with the experimental data.
Spin dependent charge pumping in SiC metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect-transistors
Authors: Bittel B. C. , Lenahan P. M. , Ryan J. T. , Fronheiser J. , Lelis A. J.
Published: August 2011

We demonstrate a very powerful electrically detected magnetic resonance (EDMR) technique, spin dependent charge pumping (SDCP) and apply it to 4H SiC metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect-transistors. SDCP combines a widely used electrical characterization tool with the most powerful analytical technique for providing atomic scale structure of point defects in electronic materials. SDCP offers a large improvement in sensitivity over the previously established EDMR technique called spin dependent recombination, offering higher sensitivity and accessing a wider energy range within the bandgap.
Ordered 180° ferroelectric domains in epitaxial submicron structures
Authors: Vrejoiu Ionela , Morelli Alessio , Johann Florian , Biggemann Daniel
Published: August 2011

Large range ordered La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 and SrRuO3 epitaxial dots were fabricated by pulsed laser deposition using stencil masks and were embedded in ferroelectric PbTiO3 epitaxial films. PbTiO3 films grown on top of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 dots form arrays of 180° domains that are switchable and have good ferroelectric properties. PbTiO3 films made on top of SrRuO3 dots have a monodomain polarization state. These observations point out the importance of the electronic properties of the bottom electrode in the selection of a preferential polarization state in epitaxial ferroelectric films and propose a route of fabricating large arrays of switchable 180° ferroelectric domains.
Comparing the coding of complications in Queensland and Victorian admitted patient data
Authors: Michel Jude L. , Cheng Diana , Jackson Terri J.
Published: August 2011

Objective. To examine differences between Queensland and Victorian coding of hospital-acquired conditions and suggest ways to improve the usefulness of these data in the monitoring of patient safety events. Design. Secondary analysis of admitted patient episode data collected in Queensland and Victoria. Methods. Comparison of depth of coding, and patterns in the coding of ten commonly coded complications of five elective procedures. Results. Comparison of the mean complication codes assigned per episode revealed Victoria assigns more valid codes than Queensland for all procedures, with the difference between the states being significantly different in all cases. The proportion of the codes flagged as complications was consistently lower for Queensland when comparing 10 common complications for each of the five selected elective procedures. The estimated complication rates for the five procedures showed Victoria to have an apparently higher complication rate than Queensland for 35 of the 50 complications examined. Conclusion. Our findings demonstrate that the coding of complications is more comprehensive in Victoria than in Queensland. It is known that inconsistencies exist between states in routine hospital data quality. Comparative use of patient safety indicators should be viewed with caution until standards are improved across Australia. More exploration of data quality issues is needed to identify areas for improvement. What is known about the topic? Routine data are low cost, accessible and timely but the quality is often questioned. This deters researchers and clinicians from using the data to monitor aspects of quality improvement. Previous studies have reported on the quality of diagnosis coding in Australia but not specifically on the quality of use of the condition-onset flag denoting hospital-acquired conditions. What does this paper add? Few studies have tested the consistency of the data between Australian states. No previous studies have evaluated the comprehensiveness of the coding of hospital-acquired conditions using routine data. This paper compares two states to highlight the differences in the coding of complications, with the aim of improving routine data to support patient safety. What are the implications for practitioners? The results imply more work needs to be done to improve the coding and flagging of complications so the data are valid and comprehensive. Further research should identify problem areas responsible for differences in the data so that training and audit strategies can be developed to improve the collection of this information. Practitioners may then be more confident in using routine coded inpatient data as part of the process of monitoring patient safety.
Factors affecting potassium release in calcareous soils of southern Iran
Authors: Ghiri Mahdi Najafi , Abtahi Ali , Jaberian Fatemeh
Published: August 2011

Experiments were conducted on 48 representative surface and subsurface soils collected from different climatic and physiographic conditions in southern Iran to assess factors affecting potassium (K) release and to find the best fitting models to describe the release kinetics of K to 0.01 m CaCl2. Mineralogical analysis showed that smectite, mica, chlorite, and palygorskite were the main clay minerals in the studied soils, whereas quartz, mica, and feldspars were abundant in the silt and sand fractions. Results indicated that cumulative K released ranged from 26.7 to 260 mg/kg (mean 176 mg/kg) for surface soils and from 37.9 to 198 mg/kg (mean 130 mg/kg) for subsurface soils. The predominant source of K in the soils appeared to be mica, because there was a significant relationship between cumulative K released and mica content. The percentage of non-exchangeable K release to CaCl2 during 1496 h was also correlated with the ratio of mica in the coarse fractions to total mica in the whole soil. Results showed that the Elovich equation adequately described the reaction rates of K release from surface and subsurface soils and suggested a heterogeneous diffusion process. We concluded that mica content and its particle size, soil depth, and some soil properties are the main factors controlling K release rate. On the other hand, we found no significant relationships between K release rate and climatic conditions, or physiographic positions.
Magic in Classical Persian Amatory Literature
Authors: Seyed‐Gohrab A. A.
Published: August 2011

jamālat muᶜjiz-i ḥusn ast līkan

ḥadī-i ghamzihat siḥr-i mubīn ast

The Belief that Persia is the Center of Magic has been Deeply ingrained in Western culture. In fact, the generic term for magic is derived from the name of the Zoroastrian priests, the magi, and Persia has been depicted from antiquity up to the present age as the ancient fountainhead of magic and wonders in Western literature. When in the second century B.C.E. the young philosopher Apuleius of Madaura married a woman fifteen years older because of her wealth, he was suspected of having used magic.