bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social inclusion in an ageing world: introduction to the special issue
Authors: WARBURTON JENI , NG SIK HUNG , SHARDLOW STEVEN M.
Published: December 2012

This paper provides an introduction to a special issue focusing on diverse examples of policy practice in social inclusion and ageing across different regions of the world. These examples illustrate the multifaceted nature of the concept of social inclusion, and how it is applied in the context of global demographic ageing. The paper begins with an exploration of the history and development of the concept of social inclusion, as applied to ageing policy, and how the concept has emerged following its initial association with economic disadvantage. Now commonly defined as relating to social participation in key activities of the society in which people live, a social inclusionary approach highlights the risks of social exclusion and isolation faced by older people. Social inclusion thus incorporates core issues in ageing such as civil engagement, an ageing workforce, age-friendly communities, and civic involvement. There are some particular challenges to implementing social inclusion policies within the current environment, which are addressed within this special issue, and these include the impact of social and cultural change, particularly across some of the East Asian countries, and the impact of global financial crises on work and retirement.
Researching complex dynamic systems: ‘Retrodictive qualitative modelling’ in the language classroom
Authors: Dörnyei Zoltán
Published: December 2012

While approaching second language acquisition from a complex dynamic systems perspective makes a lot of intuitive sense, it is difficult for a number of reasons to operationalise such a dynamic approach in research terms. For example, the most common research paradigms in the social sciences tend to examine variables in relative isolation rather than as part of a system or network, and most established quantitative data analytical procedures (e.g. correlation analysis or structural equation modelling) are based on linear rather than nonlinear relationships. In this paper I will first summarise some of the main challenges of dynamic systems research in general and then present a concrete research template that can be applied to investigate instructed second language acquisition. This approach involves a special type of qualitative system modelling – ‘retrodictive qualitative modelling’ – that reverses the usual research direction by starting at the end – the system outcomes – and then tracing back to see why certain components of the system ended up with one outcome option and not another. By way of illustration I will provide examples from two classroom-oriented research projects in which the language classroom was taken to be the dynamic system, and the system outcome options were the various learner prototypes (e.g. motivated, laid back, passive) observed in the classroom.
Lexical variation in theBBC Voices Recordings
Authors: Robinson Jonnie
Published: December 2012

This paper presents preliminary findings from the lexicographic strand of a British Library (BL) project to document variation in British English.Voices of the UK(VoUK) is the first attempt to present significant amounts of raw data emerging from a nationwide survey of spoken English in the UK since the 1950s. The data derive from theBBC Voices Recordings: a set of group conversations about language, accent and dialect recorded in locations across the UK by BBC Local Radio in 2004 and 2005. The recordings capture speakers from all walks of life exploring their responses to an identical set of prompt words. The result is a large, rich but targeted corpus of lexical variation.
Characteristic lexical choices in Singaporean English
Authors: Poole Brian
Published: December 2012

In a widely cited paper, Schneider (2003) offers a model of the developmental phases undergone by new Englishes. One important feature of this model is reference to exonormative and endonormative standards, and Schneider suggests (2003: 264) that Singapore currently finds itself at stage four on this developmental journey – a stage at which local norms may be beginning to gain acceptance and literary creativity in English by local writers is abundant. In this paper I would like to provide a few examples of distinctively Singaporean use of English and raise the question of when (if ever) Singapore will move to an endonormative, Singaporean English, as the standard variety taught in schools.
Annoying Danish relatives: Comprehension and production of relative clauses by Danish children with and without SLI
Authors: JENSEN DE LÓPEZ KRISTINE , SUNDAHL OLSEN LONE , CHONDROGIANNI VASILIKI
Published: December 2012

This study examines the comprehension and production of subject and object relative clauses (SRCs, ORCs) by children with Specific Language Impairment (SLI) and their typically developing (TD) peers. The purpose is to investigate whether relative clauses are problematic for Danish children with SLI and to compare errors with those produced by TD children. Eighteen children with SLI, eighteen TD age-matched (AM) and nine TD language-matched (LM) Danish-speaking children participated in a comprehension and in a production task. All children performed better on the comprehension compared with the production task, as well as on SRCs compared to ORCs and produced various avoidance strategies. In the ORC context, children with SLI produced more reversal errors than the AM children, who opted for passive ORCs. These results are discussed within current theories of SLI and indicate a deficiency with the assignment of thematic roles rather than with the structural make-up of RCs.
Nationwide outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo infections associated with contaminated imported black and red pepper: warehouse membership cards provide critical clues to identify the source
Authors: GIERALTOWSKI L. , JULIAN E. , PRINGLE J. , MACDONALD K. , QUILLIAM D. , MARSDEN-HAUG N. , SAATHOFF-HUBER L. , VON STEIN D. , KISSLER B. , PARISH M. , ELDER D. , HOWARD-KING V. , BESSER J. , SODHA S. , LOHARIKAR A. , DALTON S. , WILLIAMS I. , BEHRAVESH C. BARTON
Published: December 2012

In November 2009, we initiated a multistate investigation of Salmonella Montevideo infections with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis pattern JIXX01.0011. We identified 272 cases in 44 states with illness onset dates ranging from 1 July 2009 to 14 April 2010. To help generate hypotheses, warehouse store membership card information was collected to identify products consumed by cases. These records identified 19 ill persons who purchased company A salami products before onset of illness. A case-control study was conducted. Ready-to-eat salami consumption was significantly associated with illness (matched odds ratio 8·5, 95% confidence interval 2·1–75·9). The outbreak strain was isolated from company A salami products from an environmental sample from one manufacturing plant, and sealed containers of black and red pepper at the facility. This outbreak illustrates the importance of using membership card information to assist in identifying suspect vehicles, the potential for spices to contaminate ready-to-eat products, and preventing raw ingredient contamination of these products.
Prevalence estimates of diagnosed viral hepatitis B, liver condition outcomes and hospitalization costs: a population record-linkage study in Tayside, Scotland
Authors: McLERNON D. J. , DONNAN P. T. , DILLON J. F.
Published: December 2012

We estimated prevalence and incidence of liver condition outcomes, and costs to the health service of diagnosed hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Tayside, UK. HBV patients were identified from electronic virology data between 1989 and 2003. The health resource costs of HBV for surface antigen-positive (HBsAg+) patients and HBV (HBsAg+ or immune, i.e. recovered) patients were calculated. A total of 633 patients had HBV (275 HBsAg+), and were more likely to be male (62% vs. 48%), older (mean age 42·6 vs. 39·2 years) and deprived than the general population. The prevalence of immune individuals increased steadily. Post-HBV diagnosis, 24% of immune and 13% of HBsAg+ patients were diagnosed with a liver condition. The median cost per immune patient (£3023) was greater than per HBsAg+ patient (£1498) (P = 0·02). While increasing prevalence of immune HBV patients highlights an increase in screening and treatment, the costs associated with this group are high.
Early high CMV seroprevalence in pregnant women from a population with a high rate of congenital infection
Authors: YAMAMOTO A. Y. , CASTELLUCCI R. A. C. , ARAGON D. C. , MUSSI-PINHATA M. M.
Published: December 2012

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection rates increase with maternal seroprevalence due to transmission from maternal non-primary infection. CMV seroprevalence estimates of pregnant women are needed for planning strategies against congenital CMV transmission. We aimed to determine the age-specific prevalence of serum antibodies for CMV in a representative age-stratified sample of unselected pregnant women from a Brazilian population. A total of 985 pregnant women, aged 12–46 years (median 24 years), were enrolled. Overall CMV seroprevalence was 97% (95% confidence interval 95·8–98·0), with age-specific (years) prevalence as follows: 12–19 (96·3%), 20–24 (97·7%), 25–29 (97·1%), and 30–46 (96·7%). CMV seroprevalence is almost universal (97%) and is found at similar levels in pregnant women of ages ranging from 12 to 46 years. Because high CMV seroprevalence is found even in women of a younger age in this population, this finding suggests that the majority of primary CMV infections occur early, in infancy or childhood. As a consequence, vaccines currently under development to prevent primary infection may not be a solution for the prevention of congenital CMV infection in this population.
Patterns of dietary intake and psychological distress in older Australians: benefits not just from a Mediterranean diet
Authors: Hodge Allison , Almeida Osvaldo P. , English Dallas R. , Giles Graham G. , Flicker Leon
Published: December 2012

Background: Anxiety and depression contribute to morbidity in elderly adults and may be associated with diet. We investigated the association between diet and psychological distress as a marker for depression.

Methods: Dietary patterns were defined by factor analysis or the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS); depression and anxiety were assessed 12 years later. A total of 8,660 generally healthy men and women born in Australia and aged 50–69 years from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study were included. At baseline (1990–1994), diet (food frequency questionnaire), education, Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) – Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage, medication use, social engagement, physical activity, smoking status, alcohol use, and health conditions were assessed; at follow-up (2003–2007), psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Logistic regression was used to identify associations between diet and a K10 score ≥20, indicative of psychological distress.

Results: The MDS was inversely associated with psychological distress, with the odds ratio in the top-scoring group relative to the lowest scoring group being 0.72 (95% confidence interval = 0.54–0.95). Stronger adherence to a traditional Australian-style eating pattern was also associated with a lower K10 score at follow-up, with the odds ratio for having a K10 score indicative of psychological distress for the top 20% of adherence to this pattern relative to the lowest being 0.61 (95% confidence interval = 0.40–0.91).

Conclusions: A Mediterranean-style diet was associated with less psychological distress, possibly through provision of a healthy nutrient profile. The Australian dietary pattern, which included some foods high in fat and sugar content along with whole foods, also showed a weak inverse association. Adherence to this pattern may reflect a feeling of belonging to the community associated with less psychological distress.
Unnatural history of the right ventricle in patients with congenitally malformed hearts
Authors: Lopez Leo , Cohen Meryl S. , Anderson Robert H. , Redington Andrew N. , Nykanen David G. , Penny Daniel J. , Deanfield John E. , Eidem Benjamin W.
Published: December 2012

The long-term outcome of patients with congenitally malformed hearts involving abnormal right ventricular morphology and haemodynamics is variable. In most instances, the patients are at risk for right ventricular failure, in part due to morphological differences between the right and left ventricles and their response to chronic volume and pressure overload. In patients after repair of tetralogy of Fallot, and after balloon valvotomy for valvar pulmonary stenosis, pulmonary regurgitation is the most significant risk factor for right ventricular dysfunction. In patients with a dominant right ventricle after Fontan palliation, and in those with systemic right ventricles in association with surgically or congenitally corrected transposition, the right ventricle is not morphologically capable of dealing with chronic exposure to the high afterload of the systemic circulation. In patients with Ebstein’s malformation of the tricuspid valve, the degree of atrialisation of the right ventricle determines how well the right ventricle will function as the pump for the pulmonary vascular bed.
INTANGIBLE CAPITAL AND INTERNATIONAL INCOME DIFFERENCES
Authors: Hashmi Aamir Rafique
Published: December 2012

I add intangible capital to a variant of the neoclassical growth model that already features physical and human capital, and study the implications for international income differences. I calibrate the parameters associated with intangible capital by using new estimates of investment in intangibles by Corrado et al. [Review of Income and Wealth 55, 661–685 (2009)] and depreciation rates by Corrado and Hulten [American Economic Review 100, 99–104 (2010)]. I find that for a given efficiency difference between rich and poor countries, the model with intangible capital can explain more than double the income differences of the model without. Put another way, in the benchmark case, differences in intangible capital account for 14.3% of the observed income differences. I also examine the role played by intangible capital in versions of the model with barriers to accumulation. In all the variants that I consider, differences in intangible capital account for 10% to 22% of the observed income differences.
Excessive iodine intake, water chemicals and endemic goitre in a Sudanese coastal area
Authors: Medani Abdel Monim MH , Elnour Abdelsalam A , Saeed Amal M
Published: December 2012

Objective

To study the associations between intakes of iodine and water chemicals and the thyroid gland status of schoolchildren living in the coastal city of Port Sudan.

Design

In our previous nationwide study on goitre, it was observed that the prevalence of goitre was high in Port Sudan city despite high urinary iodine excretion. A cross-sectional study including schoolchildren aged 6–12 years was designed. Measurements determined the prevalence of goitre, urinary iodine concentration and thiocyanate secretion in casual urine samples, serum levels of thyroxine, triiodothyronine, thyroid-stimulating hormone and thyroglobulin, as well as the levels of Cl–, F–, Ca2+, Mg2+and total hardness of drinking water.

Subjects

Schoolchildren (n654) aged 6–12 years.

Setting

Port Sudan city is located at the western bank of the Red Sea. The city is surrounded by a mountainous area known as the Red Sea Hills. It is the main sea port in the Sudan, inhabited by ethnically and socio-economically heterogeneous populations.

Results

The prevalence of goitre in Port Sudan was 34·86 % while the median urinary iodine concentration was 46·4 μg/dl. Out of thirty-one pupils from Port Sudan, twenty-four (77·42 %) were found to have urinary iodine concentration greater than 30 μg/dl and twelve (38·71 %) had different degrees of biochemical hypothyroidism. Excessive concentrations of Cl–, Ca2+, Mg2+and water hardness (369·2, 116·48, 60·21 and 539·0 mg/l, respectively) were detected in drinking water samples collected from Port Sudan that exceeded levels permitted by the WHO.

Conclusions

The coastal city of Port Sudan is a goitre-endemic area. In contrast to other Sudanese cities in which endemic goitre is related to iodine deficiency, goitre in Port Sudan is associated with iodine excess. Water chemicals seemed to have no effects on thyroid status.
Manuka honey mouthwash does not affect oral mucositis in head and neck cancer patients in New Zealand
Authors: Parsons Emma , Begley Aubrey , Herst Patries
Published: December 2012

Oral mucositis is an unavoidable side effect of radiation therapy to the head and neck, which can compromise patient health and quality of life. This study investigates the effect of manuka honey on the extent of oral mucositis in head and neck patients in New Zealand. A total of 28 patients were recruited; 10 patients received standard care and 18 patients were given additional manuka honey. Honey was used three times a day; assessment included: extent of oral mucositis using a multi-site mucositis scoring system, weight and quality of life. The first six patients, randomised to the honey arm, used undiluted honey and pulled out in the first week because of extreme nausea, vomiting and stinging sensations in the mouth. The next 12 honey patients used a honey mouthwash (diluted 1:3). Six of these patients completed the trial and four more completed the first 4 weeks of the trial. Eight control patients completed the trial. In contrast to previous honey trials in Malaysia, Egypt, Iran and India, diluted manuka honey did not decrease the extent and onset of radiation-induced oral mucositis but did appear to ameliorate radiation-induced weight loss and increase quality of life in the absence of cisplatin chemotherapy.
Modulation of attention network activation under antidepressant agents in healthy subjects
Authors: Graf Heiko , Abler Birgit , Hartmann Antonie , Metzger Coraline D. , Walter Martin
Published: December 2012

While antidepressants are supposed to exert similar effects on mood and drive via various mechanisms of action, diverging effects are observed regarding side-effects and accordingly on neural correlates of motivation, emotion, reward and salient stimuli processing as a function of the drugs impact on neurotransmission. In the context of erotic stimulation, a unidirectional modulation of attentional functioning despite opposite effects on sexual arousal has been suggested for the selective serotonin reuptake-inhibitor (SSRI) paroxetine and the selective dopamine and noradrenaline reuptake-inhibitor (SDNRI) bupropion. To further elucidate the effects of antidepressant-related alterations of neural attention networks, we investigated 18 healthy males under subchronic administration (7 d) of paroxetine (20 mg), bupropion (150 mg) and placebo within a randomized placebo-controlled cross-over double-blind functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) design during an established preceding attention task. Neuropsychological effects beyond the fMRI-paradigm were assessed by measuring alertness and divided attention. Comparing preceding attention periods of salient vs. neutral pictures, we revealed congruent effects of both drugs vs. placebo within the anterior midcingulate cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, anterior prefrontal cortex, superior temporal gyrus, anterior insula and the thalamus. Relatively decreased activation in this network was paralleled by slower reaction times in the divided attention task in both verum conditions compared to placebo. Our results suggest similar effects of antidepressant treatments on behavioural and neural attentional functioning by diverging neurochemical pathways. Concurrent alterations of brain regions within a fronto-parietal and cingulo-opercular attention network for top-down control could point to basic neural mechanisms of antidepressant action irrespective of receptor profiles.
Lines on Maps and the Frontiers of Legal Research
Authors: Larkin John
Published: December 2012

This article by John Larkin QC, Attorney General for Northern Ireland, is based on his keynote speech which he delivered at the BIALL Conference which was held in Belfast in June 2012. He discusses the ways in which serendipity can play an important part in researching law, speaks of the frontiers that stand as limitations to contemporary legal research and identifies how these limits can be overcome; and he promotes the importance of both libraries and law librarians.
The Uniqueness of Northern Ireland Public Law
Authors: Anthony Gordon
Published: December 2012

This article is broadly based upon a presentation given by Gordon Anthony, which was given at the annual conference of the British and Irish Association of Law Librarians on 15 June 2012 in Belfast. Its purpose is to outline some of the ways in which public law in Northern Ireland is unique within the wider setting of the UK. Although it is true that the law of Northern Ireland shares much in common with principle and practice elsewhere in the UK, there are some notable differences that are attributable to the fact that Northern Ireland has its own court system and legal and political history. The article thus examines some of the differences that exist at the constitutional level and which can be associated with, most famously, the Belfast Agreement 1998. It also summaries some of the differences that can be found at the level of legal citation, for instance of case law and statute law for the jurisdiction.
Communication, Culture and Context: Best Practice for Working Internationally
Authors: Batts Sara , Breslin Jas , Winter Susanna
Published: December 2012

A job with a global law firm can involve meeting or working alongside colleagues from many different countries. In order to communicate effectively, we need to be aware of the different norms within which we work. Sara Batts, Jas Breslin and Susanna Winter, who together have many years’ experience working internationally, discuss three key areas which can help enhance our interactions with our counterparts overseas.
From Oxford to Williamsburg: Part 2 – The College of William & Mary Law School and Wolf Law Library
Authors: Heller James S.
Published: December 2012

William & Mary, chartered in 1693 by King William III and Queen Mary II, is the second oldest college in America. When George Wythe was appointed Professor of Law and Policy in 1779, the College opened the first American law school. This article, written by Jim Heller, traces the development of the law school and its library in four stages. The Founding Stage, from 1779 until the commencement of the Civil War in 1861, shows gradual growth for the young law program. The Stage of Decline lasted from the closing of the College in 1861 to the reinstitution of the study of law at the College in the early 1920's. The fifty-year Struggling Revival Era runs from the early 1920's through to the 1970s. The Modern Era, from 1980 to the present, shows maturation and growth of the law school and the law library.
Caregiver unmet needs, burden, and satisfaction in symptomatic
advanced cancer patients at a Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center
Authors: HWANG SHIRLEY S. , CHANG VICTOR T. , ALEJANDRO YVETTE , OSENENKO PAMELA , DAVIS CASAUNDRA , COGSWELL JANET , SRINIVAS SHANTHI , KASIMIS BASIL
Published: December 2012

Objectives: Caregiver outcomes among those caring
for symptomatic advanced cancer patients at VA Medical Centers
have not been well reported. The purposes of this study were (1) to
identify the caregiver characteristics and their unmet needs; (2) to
examine the association between caregiver unmet needs, caregiver
burden, and caregiver satisfaction; and (3) to identify the independent
predictors of different caregiver outcomes.

Methods: One hundred caregivers completed three caregiver
outcomes instruments: Family Inventory of Needs (FIN), Care Strain
Index (CSI), and Family Satisfaction with Advanced Cancer Care
(FAMCARE). The caregivers' demographics and their function,
depression, health status, and social support status as well as the
caregivers' perception of the patients' unmet needs (PPUN)
were obtained. Principal component analysis was performed to examine
the underlying dimensions of caregiver outcome measures. Pearson
correlation and stepwise multivariate regression analyses were
performed.

Results: The median number of unmet needs was 2 and the
median CSI score was 4. Most of unmet needs were related to information
needs (needing more information related to home care, finding help with
the problems at home, and disease prognosis) and symptom management.
The majority of caregivers were satisfied or very satisfied by the care
patients received. Spouse caregivers (N = 60, 60%) were
significantly older (p = 0.006) with higher unemployment rates
(p = 0.001), higher depression scores (p = 0.04), and
lower social support scores (p < 0.0001) than nonspouse
caregivers (N = 40, 40%). The PPUN predicted caregiver burden
and the presence of caregiver unmet needs independently. The presence
of caregiver unmet needs was the only independent predictor of
caregiver satisfaction. Caregivers with a high PPUN and higher
depression score experienced a higher burden.

Significance of the research: The caregiver outcome model is
proposed and needs to be further validated in a new cohort of
caregivers.
Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, Gross Motor Coordination, and Metabolic Syndrome: Focus of Twin Research in Portugal
Authors: Maia José António Ribeiro , Santos Daniel , de Freitas Duarte Luis , Thomis Martine
Published: December 2012

A very brief history of Portuguese twin research in sport and human movement sciences is presented. Recruitment procedures, zygosity determination, and phenotypes are given for twins and their parents from the mainland, and Azores and Madeira archipelagos. Preliminary findings are mostly related to physical activity, health-related physical fitness, gross motor coordination, neuromotor development, and metabolic syndrome traits.
The spectral extent of chorus in the off‐equatorial magnetosphere
Authors: Bunch N. L. , Spasojevic M. , Shprits Y. Y. , Gu X. , Foust F.
Published: December 2012

Magnetospheric chorus waves are a major driver of acceleration and loss in the Earth's outer electron radiation belt. The spectral extent of chorus is a key parameter in quantifying the global effect of chorus on energetic particle populations by determining the range of resonant electron energies. However, statistics of spectral properties are sparse, particularly in the off‐equatorial magnetosphere. We use a database of chorus observations from the Polar spacecraft to generate statistics on the normalized chorus frequency (with the respect to the minimum field line gyrofrequency, Ωmin) as a function of magnetic local time (MLT) (0 < MLT < 24), L‐shell (3 < L < 11), and magnetic latitude (|λ|< 65°). We find that, on average, the chorus spectrum peaks in the range of 0.1–0.4 Ωmin, varying significantly with λ, R0 and MLT. The normalized chorus peak frequency is found to decrease with increasing R0, and decreases with increasing latitude below ∼ 25°. When fit to a Gaussian spectral model, lower band chorus is found to have a bandwidth < 0.1 Ωmin, which is narrower than assumed in most diffusion models. Diffusion coefficients calculated using the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Full Diffusion Code show that wave‐particle interactions on the nightside are highly sensitive to both the peak frequency and bandwidth of chorus, yet on the dayside scattering is mostly sensitive to the peak frequency as a result of the wider latitudinal extent of the waves. We also find that fitting a Gaussian to the logarithm of the spectrum reduces fit errors by over 60%, indicating that inclusion of arbitrary spectral forms may improve the accuracy of wave models within radiation belt simulations.
Assessment of thunderstorm neutron radiation environment at altitudes of aviation flights
Authors: Drozdov A. , Grigoriev A. , Malyshkin Y.
Published: December 2012

High‐energy radiation emitted from thunderclouds supposes generation of neutrons in photonuclear reactions of the gamma photons with air. This observation is supported by registration of neutrons during thunderstorm activity in a number of experiments, most of which established correlation with lightning. In this work we perform a modeling of the neutron generation and propagation processes at low atmospheric altitudes using current knowledge of the TGF source properties. On this basis we obtain dosimetric maps of thunderstorm neutron radiation and investigate possible radiation threat for aircraft flights. We estimate the maximal effective neutron dose that potentially can be received on board an aircraft in close proximity to the gamma source, to be of the order of 0.54 mSv over a time less than 0.1 s. This dose is considerably less than estimations obtained earlier for the associated electron and gamma radiation; nevertheless, this value is quite large by itself and under some circumstances the neutron component seems to be the most important for the dosimetric effect. Due to wide distribution in space, the thunderstorm neutrons are thought to also provide a convenient means for experimental investigation of gamma emissions from thunderclouds. To register neutrons from powerful gamma flashes that occur at the tops of thunderclouds, however, in the most favorable case one has to take a location above the 2 km level that is appropriate to mountains or aircraft facilities.
Excitation of electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves under different geomagnetic activities: THEMIS observation and modeling
Authors: Zhou Qinghua , Xiao Fuliang , Shi Jiankui , Yang Chang , He Yihua , Tang Lijun
Published: December 2012

Understanding excitation of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves remains a considerable scientific challenge in the magnetospheric physics. Here we adopt correlated data from the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) spacecraft under low (Kp = 1+) and medium (Kp = 4) geomagnetic activities to investigate the favorable conditions for the excitation of EMIC waves. We utilize a sum of bi‐Maxwellian components and kappa components to fit the observed ion (6–25 keV) distributions collected by the electrostatic analyzer (ESA) onboard the THEMIS spacecraft. We show that the kappa distribution models better and more smoothly with the observations. Then we evaluate the local growth rate and path‐integrated gain of EMIC waves by bi‐Maxwellian and kappa distributions, respectively. We demonstrate that the path‐integrated wave gain simulated from the kappa distribution is consistent with observations, with intensities 24 dB in H+ band and 33 dB in He+ band. However, bi‐Maxwellian distribution tends to overestimate the wave growth rate and path‐integrated gain, with intensities 49 dB in H+ band and 48 dB in He+ band. Moreover, compared to the He+ band, a higher proton anisotropy is needed to excite the H+ band waves. The current study presents a further observational support for the understanding of EMIC wave instability under different geomagnetic conditions and suggests that the kappa‐type distributions representative of the power law spectra are probably ubiquitous in space plasmas.
Trench‐parallel flow in the southern Ryukyu subduction system: Effects of progressive rifting of the overriding plate
Authors: Lin Shu‐Chuan , Kuo Ban‐Yuan
Published: December 2012

The Okinawa trough in the Ryukyu subduction system is one of a few actively extending back arc basins within the continental lithosphere. Recent shear‐wave splitting measurements show variable fast directions along the trough suggesting a complex three‐dimensional mantle flow field. In this study we use numerical subduction models to demonstrate that the thickness variations of the continental lithosphere bounding the edge of a subduction zone can result in complicated mantle circulation and regional dynamics. The model results for the southern Ryukyu show a combination of two effects: Along the Okinawa trough, the increasing thickness of the overriding Eurasian plate toward Taiwan due to a gradually diminishing rifting induces pressure gradients that drive trench‐parallel flow to the edge in the shallow portion of the mantle wedge, and the thick Eurasian lithosphere to the west effectively blocks and diverts this along‐arc flow and limits the toroidal flow around the slab edge below it. The toroidal flow thus enters the mantle wedge at depths of more than about 100 km, opposite in direction with and largely below the along‐arc flow. These combined geometry effects of the Eurasian lithosphere create an intricate three‐dimensional flow structure at the southern edge of the Ryukyu subduction zone. Model predictions for lattice preferred orientations of olivine aggregates show rotation patterns that agree with the observed shear‐wave splitting patterns. This three‐dimensional scenario echoes the geochemical and seismological evidence worldwide that indicates complex, depth‐varying mantle circulations in subduction systems.
Can black carbon in snow be detected by remote sensing?
Authors: Warren Stephen G.
Published: December 2012

In remote areas of the Northern Hemisphere, typical mixing ratios of black carbon (BC) in snow are 3–30 ng/g. In cold fine‐grained snow these BC amounts can reduce the broadband albedo by 0–1% and the visible‐wavelength albedo by 0–2%, representing significant climatic forcings. In melting snow the reductions are larger, 0–3% and 1–6%, respectively. Surface albedos inferred from satellite measurements have typical errors of a few percent, so a signal of reduced albedo will be difficult to detect. The inference of albedo from a nadir radiance measurement can be biased low because of undetected thin clouds or blowing snow altering the angular reflectance pattern. But even if the albedo could be measured perfectly from satellite, its attribution would be ambiguous because of the vertical variation of snow grain size, absorbing aerosol in the atmosphere above the snow, and especially because of subpixel heterogeneity of the thin and patchy snow cover of the Arctic and many other treeless regions. The spectral signature of thin snow resembles that of BC in snow. For these reasons, attempts to use satellite remote sensing to estimate the BC content of snow, or the reduction of albedo by BC, are unlikely to be successful, except in highly polluted industrial regions.
Very high cloud detection in more than two decades of HIRS data
Authors: Kolat Utkan , Menzel W. Paul , Olson Erik , Frey Richard
Published: December 2012

This paper reports on the use of High‐resolution Infrared Radiation Sounder (HIRS) measurements to infer the presence of upper tropospheric and lower stratospheric (UT/LS) clouds. UT/LS cloud detection is based on the fact that, when viewing an opaque UT/LS cloud that fills the sensor field of view, positive lapse rates above the tropopause cause a more absorbing CO2 or H2O‐sensitive spectral band to measure a brightness temperature warmer than that of a less absorbing or nearly transparent infrared window spectral band. The HIRS sensor has flown on 16 polar‐orbiting satellites from TIROS‐N through NOAA‐19 and Metop‐A and –B, forming the only 30 year record that includes H2O and CO2‐sensitive spectral bands enabling the detection of these UT/LS clouds. Comparison with collocated Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization data reveals that 97% of the HIRS UT/LS cloud determinations are within 2.5 km of the tropopause (defined as the coldest level in the National Centers for Environmental Prediction Global Data Assimilation System); more clouds are found above the tropopause than below. From NOAA‐14 data spanning 1995 through 2005, we find indications of UT/LS clouds in 0.7% of the observations from 60N to 60S using CO2 absorption bands; however, in the region of the Inter‐Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), this increases to 1.7%. During El Niño years, UT/LS clouds shift eastward out of their normal location in the western Pacific region. Monthly trends from 1987 through 2011 using data from NOAA‐10 onwards show decreases in UT/LS cloud detection in the region of the ITCZ from 1987 until 1996, increases until 2001, and decreases thereafter.
Could electrical conductivity replace water level in rating curves for alpine streams?
Authors: Weijs Steven V. , Mutzner Raphaël , Parlange Marc B.
Published: December 2012

Key Points

Explicitly look at uncertainty in streamflow rating curve

Strong predictive power of electrical conductivity

Reduces uncertainty in streamflow by 44%
Effective conductivity and permittivity of unsaturated porous materials in the frequency range 1 mHz–1GHz
Authors: Revil A.
Published: December 2012

Key Points

A new model for the effective conductivity and permittivity

It explains an important number of data in a broad frequency range

It accounts for clay content, mineralogy and saturation
Shaking Table Experimental Programme
Authors: Dihoru Luiza , Crewe Adam , Taylor Colin , Horgan Tim
Published: December 2012

The graphite components in AGR cores are subject to degradation processes that are predicted to lead to greater numbers of weakened and cracked components. The reactor core models used to assess the tolerability of the cores to seismic events need to represent higher levels of degradation. A shaking table programme has commenced, with the primary goal to provide experimental validation of the existing AGR core models. This paper presents the proposed rig work with main aspects of physical model design, rig manufacturing and dynamic testing being addressed. The candidate instrumentation systems and the relevant rig outputs are also described.
Probability Modelling of Density Variability of Radiolytically Oxidised Graphite
Authors: Moskovic Robert
Published: December 2012

A Magnox reactor core is constructed of twelve to thirteen layers of Pile Grade A graphite bricks which serve as a moderator. There are fuel channels within the centre of each brick and interstitial channels at the corners of some sets of four bricks. The microstructure of a brick is heterogeneous comprising a mixture of filler particles, matrix and porosity. The density of virgin graphite varies both between and within bricks. Carbon dioxide is used as coolant and gives rise to radiolytic oxidation causing loss of mass and the associated decrease of density. The changes of density are measured on core samples trepanned throughout the life of the reactor. The statistical structure of density data is hierarchical and needs to be modelled using a probability model in which both systematic and random components of density variability are quantified. The paper illustrates how this problem can be quantified using data obtained from Magnox gas cooled reactors.
Statistical Analysis of Bore Cracking in AGRs
Authors: Tan Emma , McNally Kevin , Warren Nick
Published: December 2012

The structural integrity of Advanced Gas-cooled Reactors (AGRs) is important for their continued long-term safe operation. A critical part of the safety case is the inspection of graphite cores. Statistical methodologies for quantifying the number of cracked bricks have been developed by the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL). Previously, simplistic statistical models of cracking were applied. A key assumption of earlier models was that the risk of cracking was the same across all bricks and channels. However, the accumulation of more recent inspection data has allowed a fuller investigation. Statistical models that allow the risk of cracking to vary between layers and channel locations have been developed. In addition, it is anticipated that the rate of bore cracking will decrease or even that it will cease in some regions. Therefore, probability distributions that allow the risk of cracking to eventually decline have been investigated. Statistical models have been fitted within a Bayesian framework using Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods. This paper describes various frameworks for modelling the relative risks of cracking. In addition, forecasts of the number of cracked bricks in the short-term future at Heysham A (HYA) and Hartlepool (HRA) are presented.
The LEWIS Method for Channel Functionality Assessment
Authors: Crawford Richard J.
Published: December 2012

A description is given of the LEWIS method of AGR-core channel functionality assessment. Using linear programming and the small-angle approximation, the method analyses the ability of control rods and fuel stringers to fit in a channel of the AGR core. The relative speed of this method enables assessment of every channel in a whole-core model, which enables the production of core maps and the ranking of channels. This, in turn, assists the basing of safety cases upon realistic models of core damage and loading, as opposed to previous bounding scenarios.
Open Discussion
Authors: Wickham Anthony J.
Published: December 2012

This paper records the general discussion that followed each topic session. Each session was facilitated by moderators who initially opened the discussion and then aided the discussion by seeking opinions and / or comments to establish the current “state of the art” of the topic.
Interaction of amphiphysins with AP-1 clathrin adaptors at the membrane
Authors: Huser Sonja , Suri Gregor , Crottet Pascal , Spiess Martin
Published: December 2012

The assembly of clathrin/AP (adaptor protein)-1-coated vesicles on the trans-Golgi network and endosomes is much less studied than that of clathrin/AP-2 vesicles at the plasma membrane for endocytosis. In vitro, the association of AP-1 with protein-free liposomes had been shown to require phosphoinositides, Arf1 (ADP-ribosylation factor 1)–GTP and additional cytosolic factor(s). We have purified an active fraction from brain cytosol and found it to contain amphiphysin 1 and 2 and endophilin A1, three proteins known to be involved in the formation of AP-2/clathrin coats at the plasma membrane. Assays with bacterially expressed and purified proteins showed that AP-1 stabilization on liposomes depends on amphiphysin 2 or the amphiphysin 1/2 heterodimer. Activity is independent of the SH3 (Src homology 3) domain, but requires interaction of the WDLW motif with γ-adaptin. Endogenous amphiphysin in neurons and transfected protein in cell lines co-localize perinuclearly with AP-1 at the trans-Golgi network. This localization depends on interaction of clathrin and the adaptor sequence in the amphiphysins and is sensitive to brefeldin A, which inhibits Arf1-dependent AP-1 recruitment. Interaction between AP-1 and amphiphysin 1/2 in vivo was demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation after cross-linking. These results suggest an involvement of amphiphysins not only with AP-2 at the plasma membrane, but also in AP-1/clathrin coat formation at the trans-Golgi network.
Biochemical characterization of Plasmodium falciparum CTP:phosphoethanolamine cytidylyltransferase shows that only one of the two cytidylyltransferase domains is active
Authors: Maheshwari Sweta , Lavigne Marina , Contet Alicia , Alberge Blandine , Pihan Emilie , Kocken Clemens , Wengelnik Kai , Douguet Dominique , Vial Henri , Cerdan Rachel
Published: December 2012

The intra-erythrocytic proliferation of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum requires massive synthesis of PE (phosphatidylethanolamine) that together with phosphatidylcholine constitute the bulk of the malaria membrane lipids. PE is mainly synthesized de novo by the CDP:ethanolamine-dependent Kennedy pathway. We previously showed that inhibition of PE biosynthesis led to parasite death. In the present study we characterized PfECT [P. falciparum CTP:phosphoethanolamine CT (cytidylyltransferase)], which we identified as the rate-limiting step of the PE metabolic pathway in the parasite. The cellular localization and expression of PfECT along the parasite life cycle were studied using polyclonal antibodies. Biochemical analyses showed that the enzyme activity follows Michaelis–Menten kinetics. PfECT is composed of two CT domains separated by a linker region. Activity assays on recombinant enzymes upon site-directed mutagenesis revealed that the N-terminal CT domain was the only catalytically active domain of PfECT. Concordantly, three-dimensional homology modelling of PfECT showed critical amino acid differences between the substrate-binding sites of the two CT domains. PfECT was predicted to fold as an intramolecular dimer suggesting that the inactive C-terminal domain is important for dimer stabilization. Given the absence of PE synthesis in red blood cells, PfECT represents a potential antimalarial target opening the way for a rational conception of bioactive compounds.
Distalisation des molaires utilisant des mini-vis d’ancrage placées verticalement
Authors: Lee Ju-Young
Published: December 2012

Les mini-vis d’ancrage orthodontique peuvent être utilisées pour distaler les molaires, maxillaires et mandibulaires. Elles permettent alors au praticien d’éviter les mouvements indésirables qui apparaissent quand on utilise un ancrage dentaire. Nous proposons dans cet article une méthode d’insertion verticale qui permet aux dents de se déplacer sans que les racines ne risquent d’interférer avec les mini-vis. Ainsi placées, les mini-vis permettent de réaliser des mouvements en masse de toute l’arcade ou des déplacements de groupes de dents. Elles peuvent réduire le recours à des extractions, simplifier les procédures de traitement et augmenter le champ des possibilités thérapeutiques. Les indications sont évaluées en fonction des différentes situations anatomiques. Les précautions d’utilisation sont analysées. Différents sites d’implantation sont proposés et illustrés par plusieurs cas cliniques.
Neutrons probe protein structure
Authors: Rothenberg Marian S.
Published: December 2012

Although x-ray diffraction has for years been valuable in revealing the structure of biological molecules, some kinds of information have remained beyond the reach of x rays. More recently, neutron diffraction has been applied in biophysics, and some experimenters at Brookhaven National Laboratory have successfully used neutrons to map such large complexes as sciatic nerve membrane (myelin) as well as for the location of individual hydrogen positions on smaller, more ordered molecules such as the protein myoglobin. Most of the work has been done at the Brookhaven High Flux Reactor with equipment built by Benno Schoenborn of the BNL biology department.
US and Soviet claims for element 106
Authors: Lubkin Gloria B.
Published: December 2012

A new element—number 106—may have been synthesized nearly simultaneously by two groups, one from the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna, USSR and the other from the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory and the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory. The Dubna team mentioned their discovery at the Heavy Ion Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, last June, and the LBL–LLL group reported their findings to a meeting of the American Chemical Society in Atlantic City, N.J. in September.
Research contributions since the war
Authors: Amaldi Edoardo , Weisskopf Victor F.
Published: December 2012

PHYSICS TODAY—Can we say that in the last few years European physics has come into its own again and in a number of areas may be leading the world or close to it? Do you agree that there has been a strong upswing in the level of European physics in the last few years?
Trends in research funding
Authors: Aigrain Pierre
Published: December 2012

First we must remind ourselves that there is no such thing as “European physics.” The various countries of Europe are of course not politically united, and they have different science policies. But the pattern of funding in the various countries has gone through cycles that have been quite similar although not simultaneous.