bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality Evaluation of Grated Graviera Cheese Stored at 4 and 12°C using Active and Modified Atmosphere Packaging
Authors: Mexis Stamatios F. , Chouliara Eirini , Kontominas Michael G.
Published: September 2010

The effect of active [oxygen absorber (OA) combined with an ethanol emitter (EE)] and modified atmosphere (100% Nitrogen) packaging in combination with a high barrier experimental polyethylene terephthalate‐silicon oxides//low density polyethelene film on shelf‐life extension of grated Graviera cheese stored at 4 and 12°C was investigated. Microbiological (total viable counts, Pseudomonads, lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae and Yeasts/Moulds), physico‐chemical (pH, thiobarbituric acid and colour) and sensory (odour and taste) changes occurring in the product were monitored as a function of treatment and storage time (10 weeks). Sensory shelf‐life was approximately 1, 1.5, 4.5, 6, 9 and at least 10 weeks for control samples (12 and 4°C), for N2 packaged samples (12 and 4°C) and samples packaged with the OA + EE (12 and 4°C), respectively. At the point of sensory rejection, yeasts and moulds increased from 2.00 to 3.60 and 5.55 log CFU/g for control samples stored at 4 and 12°C, respectively. Similarly, for samples stored under nitrogen, yeasts and moulds reached 2.00 and 2.32 log CFU/g at 4 and 12°C, respectively. Yeasts and moulds in samples with the OA + EE remained below 2 log CFU/g throughout the entire storage period, irrespective of storage temperature. pH varied between 5.72 and 6.49 depending on specific treatment. Malondialdehyde absorbance ranged between 0.05 for fresh samples and 0.79 mg/kg at the time of sensory rejection of samples. Light parameters L and b decreased while parameter a increased during storage, reflecting a gradual discolouration of all samples and especially those stored at 12°C.
Ultrabright Fluorescent Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Cho Eun‐Bum , Volkov Dmytro O. , Sokolov Igor
Published: September 2010

The first successful approach to synthesizing ultrabright fluorescent mesoporous silica nanoparticles is reported. Fluorescent dye is physically entrapped inside nanochannels of a silica matrix created during templated sol–gel self‐assembly. The problem of dye leakage from open channels is solved by incorporation of hydrophobic groups in the silica matrix. This makes the approach compatible with virtually any dye that can withstand the synthesis. The method is demonstrated using the dye Rhodamine 6G. The obtained 40‐nm silica particles are about 30 times brighter than 30‐nm coated water‐soluble quantum dots. The particles are substantially more photostable than the encapsulated organic dye itself.
Describing a feminist‐systems theory
Authors: Stephens Anne , Jacobson Chris , King Christine
Published: September 2010

This paper provides the first detailed discussion of a set of principles developed when two epistemologies (Critical Systems Thinking and Cultural Ecofeminism) where systematically compared. There are five principles themed around gender sensitivity; valuing voices from the margins; no longer regarding the environment as ‘outside’ the realm of theoretical research; selecting appropriate methodologies; and promoting the achievement of plurally desirable and sustainable social changes. The analysis subjects the principles to scrutiny from broader literature on direct and indirectly related concepts. The analysis also provides sets of theoretical recommendations for practitioners to embed single or multiple principles in their own repertoires of practice. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure/function assessment of synapses at motor nerve terminals
Authors: Johnstone A.F.M. , Viele K. , Cooper R.L.
Published: September 2010

The release of transmitter at neuromuscular junctions (NMJ) of the opener muscle in crayfish is quantal in nature. This NMJ offers the advantage of being able to record quantal events at specific visually identified release sites, thus allowing measurement of the physiological parameters of vesicle release and its response to be directly correlated with synaptic structure. These experiments take advantage of areas between the varicosities on the nerve terminal that we define as “stems.” Stems were chosen as the region to study because of their low synaptic output due to fewer synaptic sites. Through 3D reconstruction from hundreds of serial sections, obtained by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), at a site in which focal macropatch recordings were obtained, the number of synapses and AZs are revealed. Thus, physiological profiles with various stimulation conditions can be assessed in regards to direct synaptic structure. Here, we used the properties of the quantal shape to determine if distinct subsets of quantal signatures existed and if differences in the distributions are present depending on the frequency of stimulation. Such a quantal signature could come about by parameters of area, rise time, peak amplitude, latency, and tau decay. In this study, it is shown that even at defined sites on the stem, with few active zones, synaptic transmission is still complex and the quantal responses appear to be variable even for a given synapse over time. In this study, we could not identify a quantal signature for the conditions utilized. Synapse, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of presynaptic and postsynaptic IP3‐dependent intracellular calcium release in long‐term potentiation in sympathetic ganglion of the rat
Authors: Vargas R. , Cifuentes F. , Morales M.A.
Published: September 2010

In the rat superior cervical ganglion, a form of long term potentiation (LTP) can be elicited by a brief high frequency stimuli applied to the preganglionic nerve. Cumulative evidence shows that a transient increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration is essential for the generation of the ganglionic LTP. Calcium influx and calcium release from intracellular calcium stores contribute to LTP. However, the differential role of presynaptic and postsynaptic calcium signaling has not been established. Herein, by using heparin, a membrane‐impermeant inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) blocker, we explored the contribution of presynaptic and postsynaptic IP3‐sensitive calcium stores to the ganglionic LTP. The LTP was produced by a conditioning train of 40 Hz for 3 s. We analyzed the effects of heparin on the posttetanic potentiation: PTP magnitude and PTP time constant, and on two parameters that describe the LTP: LTP decay time (elapsed time required by the potentiated response to fall to 20% above the basal value) and LTP extent (the integral of the potentiated response). Heparin (100 and 200 μg/ml) was loaded in the preganglionic, the postganglionic, or in both nerves. We found that in all tested conditions heparin significantly decreased LTP but practically did not affect PTP. The preganglionic and postganglionic inhibitory effects of heparin were not additive. De‐N‐sulfated heparin, an ineffective IP3R blocker, had no effect on LTP, but abolished the heparin blocking effect. Data suggest that presynaptic and postsynaptic IP3‐dependent intracellular calcium release equally contribute to ganglionic LTP, supporting our proposal of a trans‐synaptic mechanism for LTP. Synapse, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of STZ‐induced hyperglycemia and insulin‐induced hypoglycemia in plasma amino acids and cortical synaptosomal neurotransmitters
Authors: Cardoso Susana , Carvalho Cristina , Santos Renato , Correia Sónia , Santos Maria S. , Seiça Raquel , Oliveira Catarina R. , Moreira Paula I.
Published: September 2010

In this work, we evaluated the effects of streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced hyperglycemia and an acute episode of insulin‐induced hypoglycemia in plasma amino acids and cortical neurotransmitters. For that purpose, we used citrate (vehicle)‐treated Wistar rats, STZ‐treated rats [i.p., 50 mg/kg body weight], and STZ‐treated rats injected with insulin [s.c., dose adjusted with blood glucose levels] 1 h prior to sacrifice to induce an acute episode of hypoglycemia. Plasma was collected for determination of amino acids levels. In addition, cortical synaptosomal preparations were obtained and the total levels of neurotransmitters, levels of aspartate, glutamate, taurine, and GABA released by the action of KCl, iodoacetic acid (IAA), ouabain, and veratridine, membrane potential and ATP levels were evaluated. Compared with control rats, plasma from hypoglycemic rats presented increased levels of aspartate, glutamate, glutamine, and taurine whereas GABA levels were decreased in STZ and hypoglycemic rats. Similarly, glutamate and taurine levels were increased in hypoglycemic synaptosomes while GABA decreased in hypoglycemic and STZ‐diabetic synaptosomes. The depolarizing agent KCl promoted an increase in aspartate, glutamate, and taurine release from hypoglycemic synaptosomes. The highest release of neurotransmitters occurred in the presence of veratridine and ouabain, two other depolarizing agents, in all groups of experimental animals. However, a higher release of glutamate was observed in the diabetic and hypoglycemic synaptosomes. No alterations were observed in synaptosomal membrane potential and ATP levels. These results show that in the presence of a metabolic insult a higher release of excitatory amino acids occurs, which may underlay the neuronal injury observed in type 1 diabetic patients under insulin therapy. Synapse, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tomorrow I could be in trouble…but the sun will come out next year: The effect of temporal distance on adolescents’ judgments of life satisfaction
Authors: Garcia Danilo , Rosenberg Patricia , Siddiqui Anver
Published: September 2010

In a series of three studies, we examined adolescents’ judgments of temporal life satisfaction (LS). We based our predictions in the notion of temporal distance influence in the level of construal of near‐ and distant‐future events. In Study 1 we found that adolescents enhance future and present LS while devaluating past LS. Manipulating temporal distance in Study 2 and 3 and examining differences between‐ and within‐subjects, respectively, we found that adolescents expected to be more satisfied with their life in the distant‐ than in the near‐future. Moreover, framing LS in the near‐future led adolescents to expect lower LS than they reported one week earlier. In contrast, expectations for own LS in the distant‐future were not higher than self‐reported LS measured one week before the experiment. The authors discuss implications for theory development and implications in the study of adolescents’ LS.
From kissing to coitus? Sex‐of‐partner differences in the sexual milestone achievement of young men
Authors: Smiler Andrew P. , Frankel Loren B.W. , Savin‐Williams Ritch C.
Published: September 2010

Scientific information regarding normative patterns of young men's sexual behavior is insufficient, especially regarding the impact of sex of partner. We explored the age at which 255 young adult men achieved several milestones (e.g., first kiss, manual‐genital contact, intercourse) as well as the sequence of milestone achievement and stability in sex‐of‐partner preferences as a function of sex‐of‐partner experiences. Mean ages of milestone achievement were consistent with the extant empirical literature. Men with only female partners were younger at first kiss and first relationship, and older at first intercourse than men with only male partners; they also reported an almost universal sequence of milestone achievement and little change in sex‐of‐partner preferences. Most men with male partners reported increased preference for male partners over time. Men with partners of both sexes tended to demonstrate patterns consistent with the relevant sex‐of‐partner group. Findings suggested a common male sexual trajectory and sex‐of‐partner dependent trajectories.
Augmented mechanical response of muscular thin‐fiber receptors in aged rats recorded in vitro
Authors: Taguchi Toru , Mizumural Kazue
Published: September 2010

Musculoskeletal pain deteriorates quality of life by disrupting daily activities and is a considerable economic burden to many countries because of the large number of patients. Little is known about the peripheral neural mechanisms of muscular nociception in the aged, although structural and functional changes in the muscle are apparent as a function of age. The aim of the present study was to investigate the activities of aged muscle nociceptors systematically to mechanical, chemical and thermal stimuli, and to compare with the data from young animals. Activities of single C‐fibers were recorded from in vitro preparations of extensor digitorum longus muscle—nerve excised from hind legs of aged rats (125–133 weeks). Mechanical threshold measured by a ramp mechanical stimulus in the aged muscle (median; 45.2 mN (IQR; 38.1–59.1 mN), n =29) was significantly lower than that in the younger muscle (median; 65.4 mN (IQR; 46.6–122.0 mN), n =33, p <0.01, Mann—Whitney U‐test) reported in our previous study (Taguchi et al., 2005). In addition, the magnitude of the mechanical response during the first 5 s of the 10 s stimulus was significantly greater in the aged muscle (11.0 spikes (IQR; 6.5–20.5 spikes)) than in the young (7.0 spikes (IQR; 4.0–11.5 spikes), p <0.05, Mann—Whitney U‐test). In contrast, the numbers of discharges induced by chemical (pH 5.5, ATP and bradykinin) and thermal (cold and heat) stimuli were not different with the different ages. These results showed an augmented mechanical response in muscle C‐afferents in the aged rats.
Higher risk of zinc deficiency in New Zealand Pacific school children compared with their Māori and European counterparts: a New Zealand national survey
Authors: Gibson Rosalind S. , Bailey Karl B. , Parnell Winsome R. , Wilson Noela , Ferguson Elaine L.
Published: September 2010

Few multi-ethnic national surveys have examined Zn nutriture, despite its importance for optimal growth and development during childhood. We assessed the Zn status of urban and semi-urban children aged 5–15 years from three ethnic groups in New Zealand (NZ) in the 2002 Children's National Nutrition Survey and investigated the factors predisposing them to Zn deficiency. In a 10-month cross-sectional survey, Pacific and Māori children were over-sampled permitting ethnic-specific analyses. Anthropometry, serum Zn and Zn intakes via 24 h recalls were measured. Anthropometriczscores were highest in Pacific children. Overall, mean adjusted serum Zn at 11 years was for males and females, respectively: 11·9 (95 % CI 11·5, 12·3) and 12·5 (95 % CI 12·0, 12·9) μmol/l in NZ European and Other (NZEO) children (n395); 11·9 (95 % CI 11·4, 12·4) and 12·0 (95 % CI 11·4, 12·5) μmol/l in Māori children (n379); and 11·5 (95 % CI 11·1, 11·9) and 11·4 (95 % CI 11·1, 11·8) μmol/l in Pacific children (n589). The predictors of serum Zn were age, serum Se and sex for NZEO children; serum Se and age for Pacific children; and none for Māori children. Pacific children had the highest prevalence of low serum Zn (21 (95 % CI 11, 30) %), followed by Māori children (16 (95 % CI 12, 20) %) and NZEO children (15 (95 % CI 9, 21) %). Prevalence of inadequate Zn intakes, although low, reached 8 % for Pacific children who had the lowest Zn intake/kg body weight. Pacific boys but not girls with low serum Zn had a lower mean height-for-agez-score (P < 0·007) than those with normal serum Zn. We conclude that the biochemical risk of Zn deficiency in Pacific children indicates a public health problem. However, a lack of concordance with the risk of dietary Zn inadequacy suggests the need for better defined cut-offs in children.
The General's Pre-Battle Exhortation in Graeco-Roman Warfare
Authors: ANSON EDWARD
Published: September 2010

The first-century-AD philosopher Onasander (Strategikos 1.13, 15) comments that a general must be a good and effective speaker in order to encourage his men before battle, and ancient historians on occasion have commanders address large audiences of soldiers in an age when there was no artificial amplification of the human voice. In 1993, and reiterated in 1998, Mogens Hansen argued that the extensive pre-battle ‘speech’ found in our sources was, if given at all, only ‘a few apophthegms that could be shouted by the general as he traversed the line, or a speech made to the officers only who passed it on to the soldiers’. He accepts that a general often addressed his troops in camp or in parade formation; his objection solely relates to those speeches ostensibly given immediately before battle to troops already arrayed for combat. For Hansen, ‘a brief exhortation of the troops, unit by unit, while the commander walked along the front is probably all the historical reality [one] may expect to find behind the fully-fledged speeches reported by the historians’, these being a ‘literary composition and not the historian's report of a speech which had actually been made’. In Hanson's view, unless the harangues were given to troops in camp, or to individual units in battle formation, or, perhaps, to small military forces, these speeches could not have been given as reported. With respect to the last possibility, Hansen only rather reluctantly acknowledges that Thrasybulus' speech delivered to approximately 1000 Athenian insurgents in 404 BC, and reported by Xenophon (Hell. 2.4.10–12), ‘is possibly right’.
Political Connections and Minority-Shareholder Protection: Evidence from Securities-Market Regulation in China
Authors: Berkman Henk , Cole Rebel A. , Fu Lawrence J.
Published: September 2010

We examine the wealth effects of 3 regulatory changes designed to improve minority-shareholder protection in the Chinese stock markets. Using the value of a firm’s related-party transactions as an inverse proxy for the quality of corporate governance, wefind that firms with weaker governance experienced significantly larger abnormal returns around announcements of the new regulations than did firms with stronger governance. We also find that firms with strong ties to the government did not benefit from the regulations, suggesting that minority shareholders did not expect regulators to enforce the new rules on firms where blockholders have strong political connections.
Morphological and molecular characterization of Paractinolaimus sahandi n. sp. (Nematoda: Actinolaimidae) from the Sahand Mountains in Iran
Authors: Pedram M. , Niknam G. , Vinciguerra M.T. , Ye W. , Robbins R.T.
Published: September 2010

Paractinolaimus sahandi n. sp., found in wet soil samples collected from the rhizosphere of grasses of Sahand Mountains, Iran, is described. This new species is characterized by its long body (3.5–4.7 mm), high a value (74.5–88.5), anterior location of posterior subventral nuclei, occupying 62.5–68.0% of glandularium distance, the presence of 1–4 pre- and 1–3 post-vulval papillae and numerous tiny, not innervated papillae in front and behind the vulva in the outer layer of cuticle; common functional males in the population, with 62.5–81.3 μm long spicules and 15–17 ventromedian supplements. The new species, which is the only one in the genus showing the advulval cuticular tiny papillae and is unusually slender, is compared to four species of Paractinolaimus, namely P. macrolaimus, P. longidrilus, P. spanithelus and P. rafiqi. The ribosomal 18S rDNA (1246 bp sequenced) and 28S rDNA D2/D3 region (844 bp sequenced) of P. sahandi n. sp. were sequenced for molecular characterization. Sequences of the 18S and 28S D2/D3 of P. sahandi n. sp. have distinct differences from those of the only sequenced P. macrolaimus, with 6 bp differences in 18S and 38 bp differences and five gaps in 28S. This is the first report of the occurrence of members of Actinolaimidae in Iran.
Degrees of residence of Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) in Ilha Grande Bay, south-eastern Brazil: a preliminary assessment
Authors: Espécie Mariana de A. , Tardin Rodrigo H.O. , Simão Sheila M.
Published: September 2010

The Guiana dolphin,Sotalia guianensis, is a small delphinid found in coastal areas from northern Honduras to southern Brazil. Little is known about the ecology of this species in several areas of its geographical distribution. In this paper, we present new data about the residency of Guiana dolphins in Ilha Grande Bay, south-eastern Brazil. Boat surveys were conducted at the study area from May 2007 to March 2008. Applying the photo-identification technique, we took pictures of dolphins' dorsal fins, looking for natural markings on them. A total of 17,969 photographs were taken, from which was created a databank of 462 distinct dolphins. Individuals showed different degrees of residency in the bay. More than 50% of the catalogued dolphins were considered non-residents and/or showed a low degree of residence. The average interval between resightings was 35 ± 27.4 days. Animals without markings (calves and juveniles) accounted for 45% (N = 2917) of photographs taken. These results indicate that this population has a fluid structure including different individuals over time. We suggest a possible relationship between the presence of some individuals and local resource availability, such as prey and protected areas.
Western Pacific coastal sources of iron, manganese, and aluminum to the Equatorial Undercurrent
Authors: Slemons Lia O. , Murray James W. , Resing Joseph , Paul Barbara , Dutrieux Pierre
Published: September 2010

We present results from the first zonal transect of iron, aluminum, and manganese conducted from the western source region of the Equatorial Undercurrent (EUC) to the central equatorial Pacific. Trace metals were elevated along the slope of Papua New Guinea and within the New Guinea Coastal Undercurrent (NGCU), which is the primary Southern Hemisphere entry path of water to the EUC. Subsurface maxima in total acid‐soluble iron, aluminum, and manganese were evident in the EUC. These maxima were generally greatest in the western equatorial Pacific and decreased in magnitude eastward. Maxima in iron and aluminum persisted to 140°W; maxima in manganese extended to 175°W. Iron and manganese maxima were deeper (25–75 m) than aluminum maxima and located in the lower EUC, which undergoes less interior ocean mixing than shallower waters. The depth of the aluminum subsurface maxima correlated strongly (r = 0.88) with the depth of the EUC velocity maximum. Surface waters were enriched in aluminum and manganese offshore of Papua New Guinea. Surface metal concentrations decreased eastward throughout the western warm pool up to the longitude (∼180°W) of the salinity front. Detrital sediment input from either direct riverine input or sediment resuspension appeared to be the primary mechanism of supplying metals to the NGCU. We estimated eastward fluxes of metals in the EUC and found greatest fluxes in the western equatorial Pacific between 160°E and 165°E, except for aluminum. Fluxes of aluminum and, to a lesser extent, manganese increased concurrently with water volume transport in the central equatorial Pacific. Iron transport in the EUC remained constant east of the dateline, apparently due to the combined effects of dilution by meridional entrainment and scavenging. Iron was mobilized in a highly active western boundary current region and transported eastward in the lower EUC.
Absolute optical energy of sprites and its relationship to charge moment of parent lightning discharge based on measurement by ISUAL/AP
Authors: Takahashi Y. , Yoshida A. , Sato M. , Adachi T. , Kondo S. , Hsu R.‐R. , Su H.‐T. , Chen A. B. , Mende S. B. , Frey H. U. , Lee L.‐C.
Published: September 2010

Although the Quasi‐electrostatic (QE) model has been considered a basic mechanism for describing sprite generation, the relationship between sprite luminosity and the charge moment change (CMC) value, caused by the sprites' parent lightning has not been examined quantitatively. CMC value represents the energy of cloud‐to‐ground discharge (CG) and the electric field intensity above the thunderstorm. We focused on the data obtained in 2004, in which both ISUAL on board the FORMOSAT‐2 satellite and the Tohoku ELF network were operated throughout one year. We could estimate the absolute luminous intensity of sprites free from atmospheric influence with the ISUAL/Array Photometer (AP) and investigated its relationship to the charge moment of parent lightning. Absolute optical energies emitted from sprites were estimated for 14 streamer‐type sprites for the first time. The averages of the time‐integrated optical energies are 176 kJ and 119 kJ for the N2 1PG and N2 2PG bands, respectively. Furthermore, the optical energies and the charge moments of their parent lightning estimated with ELF data show a high correlation (correlation coefficient = 0.93), that is consistent, qualitatively, with the QE model. This relationship predicts that the 50% occurrence probability is located at ∼600 C km, which coincides with previous statistical studies.
Effect of superthermal electrons on Alfvén wave propagation in the dusty plasmas of solar and stellar winds
Authors: Gaelzer R. , de Juli M. C. , Ziebell L. F.
Published: September 2010

The dispersive characteristics and absorption coefficient of Alfvén waves propagating parallel to the ambient magnetic field are discussed, taking into account the effects of both the charged dust particles present in the interplanetary medium and the superthermal character of the electron distribution function, using physical parameters relevant for solar and stellar winds. The solar wind electrons are described by an isotropic κ distribution and the protons are described by a Maxwellian. The results are valid for a frequency regime well above the dust‐plasma and dust‐cyclotron frequencies. However, the theoretical formulation is fully kinetic and the dust charge variation is taken into account. The charging process of the dust is assumed to be associated with the capture of electrons and ions by the dust particles during inelastic collisions with the plasma particles. The dispersion relation for parallel‐propagating Alfvén waves is numerically solved and the solutions are compared with particular situations where either the dust particles are absent or the electrons are described by a Maxwellian. It is shown that the presence of both the charged dust particles and the superthermal character of the electron distribution function sensibly modify the dispersion relation of low‐frequency and long‐wavelength Alfvén waves and significantly increase the absorption coefficient, strongly suggesting that both effects are equally important for a realistic description of the physical processes that occur in solar and stellar winds and that are influenced by the Alfvén waves, such as the energization of particles and the turbulent cascade of magnetic fluctuations.
Anisotropic stratification beneath Africa from joint inversion of SKS and P receiver functions
Authors: Obrebski M. , Kiselev S. , Vinnik L. , Montagner J.‐P.
Published: September 2010

The analysis of rock anisotropy revealed by seismic waves provides fundamental constraints on stress‐strain field in the lithosphere and asthenosphere. Nevertheless, the anisotropic models resolved for the crust and the upper mantle using seismic waves sometimes show substantial discrepancies depending on the type of data analyzed. In particular, at several permanent stations located in Africa, previous studies revealed that the observations of SKS splitting are accounted for by models with a single and homogeneous anisotropic layer whereas 3‐D tomographic models derived from surface waves exhibit clear anisotropic stratification. Here we tackle the issue of depth‐dependent anisotropy by performing joint inversion of receiver functions (RF) and SKS waveforms at four permanent broadband stations along the East African Rift System (EARS) and also on the Congo Craton. For three out of the four stations studied, stratified models allow for the best fit of the data. The vertical variations in the anisotropic pattern show interesting correlations with changes in the thermomechanical state of the mantle associated with the lithosphere‐asthenosphere transition and with the presence of hot mantle beneath the Afar region and beneath the EARS branches that surround the Tanzanian Craton. Our interpretation is consistent with the conclusion of earlier studies that suggest that beneath individual stations, multiple sources of anisotropy, chiefly olivine lattice preferred orientation and melt pocket shape preferred orientation in our case, exist at different depths. Our study further emphasizes that multiple layers of anisotropy must often be considered to obtain realistic models of the crust and upper mantle.
Seismic attenuation imaging of Campi Flegrei: Evidence of gas reservoirs, hydrothermal basins, and feeding systems
Authors: De Siena L. , Del Pezzo E. , Bianco F.
Published: September 2010

Passive high‐resolution attenuation tomography is used here to image the geological structure in the first upper 4 km of the shallow crust beneath the Campi Flegrei caldera, southern Italy. The inverse Q was estimated for each source‐receiver path using the coda‐normalization method (S‐waves) and the slope decay method (P‐waves and S‐waves). Inversion was performed using a multi‐resolution method, which ensures a minimum cell‐size resolution of 500 m. The study of the resolution matrix as well as the synthetic tests guarantee an optimal reproduction of the input anomalies in the center of the caldera, between 0 and 3.5 km in depth. High attenuation vertical structures are connected at the surface with the main volcanological features (e.g., the Solfatara and Mofete fumarole fields), and depict vertical Q contrast imaging important geological structures, such as the La Starza fault. These high attenuation volumes extend between the surface and a depth of about 3 km, where a hard rock layer is imaged by the sharp contrast of the quality factors. The retrieved image of the Campi Flegrei has been jointly interpreted taking into account evidence from seismological, geological, volcanological and geochemical investigations. This analysis has allowed an unprecedented view of the feeding systems in this area, and in particular it recognizes the vertically extending, high attenuation structures that correspond to gas or fluid reservoirs beneath Pozzuoli‐Solfatara, Solfatara, Mofete‐Mt. Nuovo and Agnano. This high‐attenuation system is possibly connected with the magma sill revealed at about 7 km in depth by passive travel‐time tomography.
Stratosphere‐troposphere coupling and annular mode variability in chemistry‐climate models
Authors: Gerber Edwin P. , Baldwin Mark P. , Akiyoshi Hideharu , Austin John , Bekki Slimane , Braesicke Peter , Butchart Neal , Chipperfield Martyn , Dameris Martin , Dhomse Sandip , Frith Stacey M. , Garcia Rolando R. , Garny Hella , Gettelman Andrew , Hardiman Steven C. , Karpechko Alexey , Marchand Marion , Morgenstern Olaf , Nielsen J. Eric , Pawson Steven , Peter Tom , Plummer David A. , Pyle John A. , Rozanov Eugene , Scinocca John F. , Shepherd Theodore G. , Smale Dan
Published: September 2010

The internal variability and coupling between the stratosphere and troposphere in CCMVal‐2 chemistry‐climate models are evaluated through analysis of the annular mode patterns of variability. Computation of the annular modes in long data sets with secular trends requires refinement of the standard definition of the annular mode, and a more robust procedure that allows for slowly varying trends is established and verified. The spatial and temporal structure of the models’ annular modes is then compared with that of reanalyses. As a whole, the models capture the key features of observed intraseasonal variability, including the sharp vertical gradients in structure between stratosphere and troposphere, the asymmetries in the seasonal cycle between the Northern and Southern hemispheres, and the coupling between the polar stratospheric vortices and tropospheric midlatitude jets. It is also found that the annular mode variability changes little in time throughout simulations of the 21st century. There are, however, both common biases and significant differences in performance in the models. In the troposphere, the annular mode in models is generally too persistent, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere summer, a bias similar to that found in CMIP3 coupled climate models. In the stratosphere, the periods of peak variance and coupling with the troposphere are delayed by about a month in both hemispheres. The relationship between increased variability of the stratosphere and increased persistence in the troposphere suggests that some tropospheric biases may be related to stratospheric biases and that a well‐simulated stratosphere can improve simulation of tropospheric intraseasonal variability.
Trend detection in satellite observations of formaldehyde tropospheric columns
Authors: De Smedt I. , Stavrakou T. , Müller J.‐F. , van der A R. J. , Van Roozendael M.
Published: September 2010

Being an intermediate product in the oxidation of a large number of non‐methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs), formaldehyde (H2CO) is a useful indicator of biogenic, pyrogenic and anthropogenic hydrocarbon emissions. We present the first trend study performed on H2CO satellite columns, retrieved from the GOME and SCIAMACHY instruments between 1997 and 2009. A linear model with a seasonal component is used to fit the time series of monthly averaged columns. The error and statistical significance of the inferred trends are estimated. The study focuses on Asia but results are also provided for large cities worldwide. Statistically significant positive trends of formaldehyde columns are observed over northeastern China (4% yr−1) and India (1.6% yr−1), related to strong increases in anthropogenic NMVOC emissions, whereas negative trends of about −3% yr−1 are observed over Tokyo as well as over cities of the northeast U.S. urban corridor as a result of effective pollution regulation measures.
Current use and legacy pesticide deposition to ice caps on Svalbard, Norway
Authors: Ruggirello Rachel M. , Hermanson Mark H. , Isaksson Elisabeth , Teixeira Camilla , Forsström Sanja , Muir Derek C. G. , Pohjola Veijo , van de Wal Roderik , Meijer Harro A. J.
Published: September 2010

Transport and deposition of current use (CUP) and legacy pesticides (LP) and residual products to the Arctic have been documented in abiotic matrices. These observations show that some “low‐persistence” pesticides with high OH· reaction rates are stable enough to accumulate in a polar environment. In 2005, we drilled an ice core on Holtedahlfonna, one of the major ice fields on Svalbard, Norway to measure the input of 47 CUPs and 17 LPs to a high‐elevation abiotic environment with no local pesticide sources. Of these, 9 CUPs and 12 LPs were observed in at least one of 6 core segments dating to 1953: 15 of these were found in enough core segments to reveal time‐related trends. CUPs often observed included chlorpyrifos, dacthal, α‐ and β‐ endosulfan, endosulfan sulfate, trifluralin, and γ‐HCH. LPs most often observed included methoxychlor, α‐ and γ‐chlordane, cis‐ and trans‐ nonachlor, endrin, dieldrin, and p,p′‐DDE. In our comparison of core burdens at Holtedahlfonna and Austfonna (220 km ENE from Holtedahlfonna), we found twice as many CUPs at Austfonna along with greater amounts of dieldrin, methoxychlor, α‐endosulfan and chlorpyrifos suggesting different accumulation processes or sources. Air mass back trajectories over a 10‐year period of comparison between sites (1986–1995) show air mass flow from Eurasia 74% of the time to Austfonna and 45% to Holtedahfonna which may account for some of the differences.
The unexpected mechanism of carbonylhydrosilylation catalyzed by (Cp)(ArN)Mo(H)(PMe3)
Authors: Sherbrooke Oleg , Gorelsky Serge I. , Simionescu Razvan , Kuzmina Lyudmila G. , Nikonov Georgii I.
Published: September 2010

Kinetic and DFT studies of catalytic carbonyl hydrosilylation mediated by (Cp)(ArN)Mo(H)(PMe3) (2, Ar = 2,6-Pri2C6H3) revealed an unexpected associative mechanism, whose key step is the heterolytic silane cleavage by (Cp)(ArN)Mo(OCH2Ph)(PMe3).
Insulin/phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway accelerates the glucose-induced first-phase insulin secretion through TrpV2 recruitment in pancreatic β-cells
Authors: Aoyagi Kyota , Ohara-Imaizumi Mica , Nishiwaki Chiyono , Nakamichi Yoko , Nagamatsu Shinya
Published: September 2010

Functional insulin receptor and its downstream effector PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase) have been identified in pancreatic β-cells, but their involvement in the regulation of insulin secretion from β-cells remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the physiological role of insulin and PI3K in glucose-induced biphasic insulin exocytosis in primary cultured β-cells and insulinoma Min6 cells using total internal reflection fluorescent microscopy. The pretreatment of β-cells with insulin induced the rapid increase in intracellular Ca2+ levels and accelerated the exocytotic response without affecting the second-phase insulin secretion. The inhibition of PI3K not only abolished the insulin-induced rapid development of the exocytotic response, but also potentiated the second-phase insulin secretion. The rapid development of Ca2+ and accelerated exocytotic response induced by insulin were accompanied by the translocation of the Ca2+-permeable channel TrpV2 (transient receptor potential V2) in a PI3K-dependent manner. Inhibition of TrpV2 by the selective blocker tranilast, or the expression of shRNA (short-hairpin RNA) against TrpV2 suppressed the effect of insulin in the first phase, but the second phase was not affected. Thus our results demonstrate that insulin treatment induced the acceleration of the exocytotic response during the glucose-induced first-phase response by the insertion of TrpV2 into the plasma membrane in a PI3K-dependent manner.
Dynamic analysis of cytosolic glucose and ATP levels in yeast using optical sensors
Authors: Bermejo Clara , Haerizadeh Farzad , Takanaga Hitomi , Chermak Diane , Frommer Wolf B.
Published: September 2010

Precise and dynamic measurement of intracellular metabolite levels has been hampered by difficulties in differentiating between adsorbed and imported fractions and the subcellular distribution between cytosol, endomembrane compartments and mitochondria. In the present study, genetically encoded FRET (Förster resonance energy transfer)-based sensors were deployed for dynamic measurements of free cytosolic glucose and ATP with varying external supply and in glucose-transport mutants. Moreover, by using the FRET sensors in a microfluidic platform, we were able to monitor in vivo changes of intracellular free glucose in individual yeast cells. We demonstrate the suitability of the FRET sensors for gaining physiological insight by demonstrating that free intracellular glucose and ATP levels are reduced in a hxt5Δ hexose-transporter mutant compared with wild-type and other hxtΔ strains.
Missing the Mark in Early Intervention for Babies Who Are Hard of Hearing or Deaf Learning Spoken Language
Authors: Robbins Amy McConkey , Caraway Teresa
Published: September 2010

In this article, the authors examine factors contributing to a growing early intervention (EI) crisis for babies who are hard of hearing or deaf (HH/D) whose families have chosen spoken language through listening as their desired outcome. At the core of this crisis is the difficulty of, and sometimes resistance to, incorporating nationally accepted best practices for the treatment of childhood hearing loss (Joint Committee on Infant Hearing, 2007) into the EI policies and systems that were created years before newborn hearing screening, advanced hearing technologies, and specialized therapy strategies existed. Today's infants born HH/D and their families represent a new and changing population requiring transformation in how we conceptualize, develop, and implement EI services. There is evidence that, in many cases, we are missing the mark in the ways in which this population is being served. It is our conviction that an EI model most appropriate for HH/D babies whose families have chosen spoken language through listening has features distinct from EI models proposed for children with other disabilities.
Line mixing and collision induced absorption in the oxygen A-band using cavity ring-down spectroscopy
Authors: Spiering Frans R. , Kiseleva Maria B. , Filippov Nikolay N. , Naus Hans , van Lieshout Bas , Weijenborg Chris , van der Zande Wim J.
Published: September 2010

This paper reports on the absorption of molecular oxygen in the region of the A-band near 760 nm under atmospheric conditions relevant for satellite retrieval studies. We use pulsed laser cavity ring-down spectroscopy with a narrow bandwidth laser and use pressure scans to increase the accuracy of the measured oxygen extinction coefficients. Absolute binary absorption coefficients in minima between absorption lines of the A-band spectrum have been measured and tabulated. We use the so-called adjustable branch coupling model including line mixing to calculate the magnetic dipole absorption in order to determine the contribution of collision induced absorption. The line mixing model has been optimized such that the collision induced absorption spectrum is smooth.
Torsional magnetic reconnection at three dimensional null points: A phenomenological study
Authors: Wyper Peter , Jain Rekha
Published: September 2010

Magnetic reconnection around three dimensional (3D) magnetic null points is the natural progression from X-point reconnection in two dimensions. In 3D the separator field lines of the X-point are replaced with the spine line and fan plane (the field lines which asymptotically approach or recede from the null). In this work analytical models are developed for the newly classified torsional spine and torsional fan reconnection regimes by solving the steady state, kinematic, resistive magnetohydrodynamic equations. Reconnection is localized to around the null through the use of a localized field perturbation leading to a localized current while a constant resistivity is assumed. For the torsional spine case current is found to localize around the spine leading to a spiraling slippage of the field around the spine and out along the fan. For the torsional fan case current is found to be localized to the fan plane leading again to a spiraling slippage of the field. In each case no flux is transported across either the spine or the fan. An intermediate twist is then introduced and a link is established between the two regimes. We find that for a general twist plasma flows associated with both torsional spine and fan appear in distinct regions. As such we suggest that the “pure” flows of each are extreme cases.
Determination of interface structure and atomic arrangements for strained InAs/Ga1−xInxSb superlattices by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Quan Maohua , Guo Fengyun , Li Meicheng , Zhao Liancheng
Published: September 2010

The lattice structure of the InAs/Ga1−xInxSb interface has been studied in cross-section by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The atomic arrangement at the plane of the interface is analyzed based on the image characteristics. Possible bonding configurations are discussed. The results suggest that interface formation is first driven by charge balance. The shift in the interplanar separations associated with this modulation may lead to distortions of the interfacial structure of Ga1−xInxAs-like. The morphological evolution at GaAs-like interface is accompanied by interface misfit dislocations and compositional fluctuations near the interface associated with segregation.
Optical constants of magnetron-sputtered magnesium films in the 25–1300 eV energy range
Authors: Vidal-Dasilva Manuela , Aquila Andrew L. , Gullikson Eric M. , Salmassi Farhad , Larruquert Juan I.
Published: September 2010

The transmittance of dc magnetron-sputtered Mg thin films was measured in the 25–1300 eV spectral range. Freestanding Mg films protected with Al layers were characterized ex situ. Transmittance measurements were used to obtain the extinction coefficient k of Mg films. The obtained k values along with the data available in the literature, and with interpolations and extrapolations for the rest of the spectrum, were used to obtain the real part of the index of refraction n by the Kramers–Krönig analysis. Sum-rule tests indicated a good consistency of the data.
Efficient energy conversion from laser to proton beam in a laser-foil interaction
Authors: Takahashi K. , Kawata S. , Satoh D. , Ma Y. Y. , Barada D. , Kong Q. , Wang P. X.
Published: September 2010

Demonstrated is a remarkable improvement on the energy conversion efficiency from laser to protons in a laser-foil interaction by particle simulations. The total laser-proton energy conversion efficiency becomes 16.7%, although a conventional plane foil target serves a rather low efficiency. In our previous study we found that Al multihole thin-foil target was efficient for the energy conversion from laser to protons [Y. Nodera and S. Kawata, Phys. Rev. E 78, 046401 (2008)], and the energy conversion efficiency was 9.3%. In our 2.5-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations the Al multihole structure is also employed, and the parameters of the Al multihole wing width and length are optimized in the paper. The present results clarify the roles of the target Al hole width and depth in the laser-proton energy conversion. The main physical reason for the enhancement of the conversion efficiency is a reduction of the laser reflection at the target surface area. The optimized multihole foil target provides a remarkable increase in the laser-proton energy conversion efficiency as shown above.
Radiation induced modification in nanoscale hardness of ZnO cone structures
Authors: Nagar Rupali , Teki R. , Koratkar N. , Sathe V. G. , Kanjilal D. , Mehta B. R. , Singh J. P.
Published: September 2010

In this paper, the effect of ion irradiation on nanoscale hardness of ZnO microcones is reported. The hardness of ZnO cones determined by nanoindentation using atomic force microscope initially increases from 4.7±1.4 to 9.5±1.6 GPa after irradiation with 1.2 MeV Ar+8 ions at an ion fluence of 1015 ions cm−2 and then decreases with increasing ion fluence. This change in mechanical hardness has been correlated with the residual stress of the sample revealed by Raman peak shift in the E2(H) mode. These results show that the generally reported radiation-hard nature of ZnO depends critically on irradiation conditions, especially the irradiation temperature.
Ground states for a system of nonlinear Schrödinger equations with three wave interaction
Authors: Pomponio A.
Published: September 2010

We consider a system of nonlinear Schrödinger equations with three wave interaction studying the existence of ground state solutions. In particular, we find a vector ground state, namely, a ground state (u1,u2,u3) such that ui≠0 for all i=1,2,3.
Atomically controlled fabrications of subnanometer scale electrode gaps
Authors: Tsutsui Makusu , Ohshiro Takahito , Matsubara Kazuki , Furuhashi Masayuki , Taniguchi Masateru , Kawai Tomoji
Published: September 2010

We report electrode gap formations at high temperatures using a self-breaking technique. We obtained narrow distributions of the size of Au electrode gaps dgap centered at about 0.5 nm at temperatures below 380 K. At higher temperatures, on the other hand, we find larger dgap distributing around 0.8 nm. The present results demonstrate the possible use of high temperature Au nanocontact self-breaking processes for controlled fabrications of electrode gaps useful for DNA sequence read out with quantum mechanics.