bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Culture evolves
Authors: Whiten Andrew , Hinde Robert A. , Laland Kevin N. , Stringer Christopher B.
Published: March 2011

Culture pervades human lives and has allowed our species to create niches all around the world and its oceans, in ways quite unlike any other primate. Indeed, our cultural nature appears so distinctive that it is often thought to separate humanity from the rest of nature and the Darwinian forces that shape it. A contrary view arises through the recent discoveries of a diverse range of disciplines, here brought together to illustrate the scope of a burgeoning field of cultural evolution and to facilitate cross-disciplinary fertilization. Each approach emphasizes important linkages between culture and evolutionary biology rather than quarantining one from the other. Recent studies reveal that processes important in cultural transmission are more widespread and significant across the animal kingdom than earlier recognized, with important implications for evolutionary theory. Recent archaeological discoveries have pushed back the origins of human culture to much more ancient times than traditionally thought. These developments suggest previously unidentified continuities between animal and human culture. A third new array of discoveries concerns the later diversification of human cultures, where the operations of Darwinian-like processes are identified, in part, through scientific methods borrowed from biology. Finally, surprising discoveries have been made about the imprint of cultural evolution in the predispositions of human minds for cultural transmission.
Descent with modification and the archaeological record
Authors: Shennan Stephen
Published: March 2011

Recent years have seen major advances in our understanding of the way in which cultural transmission takes place and the factors that affect it. The theoretical foundations of those advances have been built by postulating the existence of a variety of different processes and deriving their consequences mathematically or by simulation. The operation of these processes in the real world can be studied through experiment and naturalistic observation. In contrast, archaeologists have an ‘inverse problem’. For them the object of study is the residues of different behaviours represented by the archaeological record and the problem is to infer the microscale processes that produced them, a vital task for cultural evolution since this is the only direct record of past cultural patterns. The situation is analogous to that faced by population geneticists scanning large number of genes and looking for evidence of selection as opposed to drift, but more complicated for many reasons, not least the enormous variety of different forces that affect cultural transmission. This paper reviews the progress that has been made in inferring processes from patterns and the role of demography in those processes, together with the problems that have arisen.
Endogenous retroviruses and neighboring genes are coordinately repressed by LSD1/KDM1A
Authors: Macfarlan Todd S. , Gifford Wesley D. , Agarwal Saurabh , Driscoll Shawn , Lettieri Karen , Wang Jianxun , Andrews Shane E. , Franco Laura , Rosenfeld Michael G. , Ren Bing , Pfaff Samuel L.
Published: March 2011

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) constitute a substantial portion of mammalian genomes, and their retrotransposition activity helped to drive genetic variation, yet their expression is tightly regulated to prevent unchecked amplification. We generated a series of mouse mutants and embryonic stem (ES) cell lines carrying “deletable” and “rescuable” alleles of the lysine-specific demethylase LSD1/KDM1A. In the absence of KDM1A, the murine endogenous retrovirus MuERV-L/MERVL becomes overexpressed and embryonic development arrests at gastrulation. A number of cellular genes normally restricted to the zygotic genome activation (ZGA) period also become up-regulated in Kdm1a mutants. Strikingly, many of these cellular genes are flanked by MERVL sequences or have cryptic LTRs as promoters that are targets of KDM1A repression. Using genome-wide epigenetic profiling of Kdm1a mutant ES cells, we demonstrate that this subset of ZGA genes and MERVL elements displays increased methylation of histone H3K4, increased acetylation of H3K27, and decreased methylation of H3K9. As a consequence, Kdm1a mutant ES cells exhibit an unusual propensity to generate extraembryonic tissues. Our findings suggest that ancient retroviral insertions were used to co-opt regulatory sequences targeted by KDM1A for epigenetic silencing of cell fate genes during early mammalian embryonic development.
Modulation of Abscisic Acid Signaling in Vivo by an Engineered Receptor-Insensitive Protein Phosphatase Type 2C Allele
Authors: Dupeux Florine , Antoni Regina , Betz Katja , Santiago Julia , Gonzalez-Guzman Miguel , Rodriguez Lesia , Rubio Silvia , Park Sang-Youl , Cutler Sean R. , Rodriguez Pedro L. , Márquez José A.
Published: March 2011

The plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) plays a crucial role in the control of the stress response and the regulation of plant growth and development. ABA binding to PYRABACTIN RESISTANCE1 (PYR1)/PYR1-LIKE (PYL)/REGULATORY COMPONENTS OF ABA RECEPTORS intracellular receptors leads to inhibition of key negative regulators of ABA signaling, i.e. clade A protein phosphatases type 2C (PP2Cs) such as ABA-INSENSITIVE1 and HYPERSENSITIVE TO ABA1 (HAB1), causing the activation of the ABA signaling pathway. To gain further understanding on the mechanism of hormone perception, PP2C inhibition, and its implications for ABA signaling, we have performed a structural and functional analysis of the PYR1-ABA-HAB1 complex. Based on structural data, we generated a gain-of-function mutation in a critical residue of the phosphatase, hab1W385A, which abolished ABA-dependent receptor-mediated PP2C inhibition without impairing basal PP2C activity. As a result, hab1W385A caused constitutive inactivation of the protein kinase OST1 even in the presence of ABA and PYR/PYL proteins, in contrast to the receptor-sensitive HAB1, and therefore hab1W385A qualifies as a hypermorphic mutation. Expression of hab1W385A in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants leads to a strong, dominant ABA insensitivity, which demonstrates that this conserved tryptophan residue can be targeted for the generation of dominant clade A PP2C alleles. Moreover, our data highlight the critical role of molecular interactions mediated by tryptophan-385 equivalent residues for clade A PP2C function in vivo and the mechanism of ABA perception and signaling.
Constrained polynomial fitting for recovery of regional gravity
Authors: Abokhodair Abdulwahab A.
Published: March 2011

Isolation of a regional field from a Bouguer map has always been an ambiguous and troublesome problem. It is often argued that the ambiguity arises from lack of specific criteria under which the problem may be formulated. In this paper, I show that by adopting Skeels’ definition of the regional field and its corollary, criteria needed to extract the field with minimum ambiguity may be developed. The definition and its corollary allow formulation of the regional field separation problem as a weighted (robustified) and constrained least‐square fitting problem with constraints extracted directly from the Bouguer map. To emphasize the constraints, I formulate the problem from the perspective of prior information constrained by observational data. The new formalism offers several advantages: weighted fitting is more robust than ordinary least squares fitting, providing a simple mechanism to eliminate data outliers and reduce the undesirable influence of local gravity disturbances. Introducing constraints into the fitting procedure effectively reduces ambiguity and increases the resolution of the fitted regional field. Moreover, imposing conditions on the fitted regional field directly from the Bouguer map is tantamount to incorporating prior information about the underlying geology and structure of the area with minimum human subjectivity. The procedure was tested on simulated and actual data sets with excellent results. Indeed the test results indicate that with properly placed constraints, the regional field may be recovered in a manner that closely emulates the graphical method.
Application of the nearly perfectly matched layer for seismic wave propagation in 2D homogeneous isotropic media
Authors: Chen Jingyi
Published: March 2011

Numerical modelling plays an important role in helping us understand the characteristics of seismic wave propagation. The presence of spurious reflections from the boundaries of the truncated computational domain is a prominent problem in finite difference computations. The nearly perfectly matched layer has been proven to be a very effective boundary condition to absorb outgoing waves in both electromagnetic and acoustic media. In this paper, the nearly perfectly matched layer technique is applied to elastic isotropic media to further test the method's absorbing ability. The staggered‐grid finite‐difference method (fourth‐order accuracy in space and second‐order accuracy in time) is used in the numerical simulation of seismic wave propagation in 2D Cartesian coordinates. In the numerical tests, numerical comparisons between the nearly perfectly matched layer and the convolutional perfectly matched layer, which is considered the best absorbing layer boundary condition, is also provided. Three numerical experiments demonstrate that the nearly perfectly matched layer has a similar performance to the convolutional perfectly matched layer and can be a valuable alternative to other absorbing layer boundary conditions.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: prevalence and effects on nursing students’ academic performance and clinical training in Kuwait
Authors: Omu Florence E , Al‐Marzouk Rabea , Delles Helen , Oranye Nelson O , Omu Alexander E
Published: March 2011

Aims.  This study investigated the prevalence of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder among non‐treatment seeking female students at the College of Nursing Kuwait. It also explored the effects of the disorder on their academic performance as shown by their grade point average and rate of absenteeism at clinical training.

Background.  Many women worldwide are unaware of this distressing menstrual disorder which affects about 3–8% of women of childbearing age. The cyclical mood symptoms often appear during the last week prior to the onset of menstruation. These symptoms interfere with sufferers activities of daily living including occupational, biopsychosocial and sexual activities.

Design.  A prospective observational study.

Methods.  The study used an adapted Arabic version of Daily Record of Severity of Problem for two menstrual cycles to collect data from 110 nursing students.

Result.  Data analysis showed Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the adapted tool was 0·95. The rate of premenstrual dysphoric disorder was 5·6%. Hypotheses tested showed no significant effect on students’ academic performance but a significant association with absenteeism at clinical training.

Conclusion.  The rate obtained in this study was similar to those from recent studies. Participants with high luteal scores believe that the condition have lowered their quality of life by making them choose to be in isolation during the period.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nursing students’ absenteeism rate at clinical training is a predictor of their work absence pattern after qualification. Absenteeism due to premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a cyclic monthly disorder will be of monthly occurrences if sufferers do not sought medical treatment. Registered nurses absenteeism will not only result in shortage of trained nursing personnel, but also lowered standard of client care. It also has cost implications as temporary substitute staff may have to be employed during their period of absence or sick leave. This has implications for nursing management.
Discriminant value of serum HBV DNA levels as predictors of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Sanai F. M. , Helmy A. , Bzeizi K. I. , Babatin M. A. , Al‐Qahtani A. , Al‐Ashgar H. A. , Al‐Mdani A. S. , Al‐Akwaa A. , Almutharea S. , Khan M. Q. , Alghamdi A. S. , Farah T. , Al‐Hamoudi W. , Saadeh M. , Abdo A. A.
Published: March 2011

Summary.  Current guidelines recommend antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis B (HBV) patients with significant histological disease. We aimed to compare histological fibrosis (METAVIR, ≥F2) in patients with HBV DNA ≥20 000 IU/mL vs≥2000 IU/mL and identify predictors of fibrosis. We performed prospective liver biopsies on 203 HBeAg‐negative patients in four groups: Group I (n = 55): HBV DNA ≥20 000 IU/mL and persistently elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (PEALT; >40 U/L); Group II (n = 34): HBV DNA ≥20 000 IU/mL and persistently normal ALT (PNALT); Group III (n = 40): HBV DNA <20 000 IU/mL and PEALT; and Group IV (n = 74): HBV DNA <20 000 IU/mL, and PNALT. We reanalysed all groups in relation to updated cut‐off for treatable viremia (2000 IU/mL). Genotype D was detected in 86% of patients. Hepatic fibrosis ≥F2 was detected in 72.7%, 52.9%, 57.5% and 18.9% in Groups I–IV, respectively (P < 0.0001). Except in Group II with a trend for lower ≥F2 fibrosis (P = 0.067), there was no significant difference by using HBV DNA cut‐off 20 000 vs 2000 IU/mL. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified study Group IV (OR, 0.0276; CI: 0.088–0.868; P = 0.0276) and milder (A0–1) necroinflammatory grade (OR, 0.135; CI: 0.063–0.287; P < 0.0001) as independent predictors of ≥F2 fibrosis. The specificity, positive and negative predictive values for PEALT in detection of ≥F2 fibrosis for viremia ≥2000 IU/mL (80%, 69% and 65%, respectively) or ≥20 000 IU/mL (86%, 73% and 63%, respectively) were similar, with a marginal gain in sensitivity (51%vs 42%, respectively). Significant fibrosis is prevalent in a large proportion of HBeAg‐negative patients with high viremia and persistently normal ALT. Lower HBV DNA cut‐offs could be adopted with marginal gains in fibrosis detection and without loss of diagnostic accuracy.
‘Non‐European’ palaeomagnetic directions from the Carpathian Foredeep at the southern margin of the European plate
Authors: Márton Emő , Tokarski Antek K. , Krejčí Oldřich , Rauch Marta , Olszewska Barbara , Tomanová Petrová Pavla , Wójcik Antoni
Published: March 2011

Terra Nova, 23, 134–144, 2011

A palaeomagnetic study carried out at 33 geographically distributed localities in the Miocene fill of the 600‐km‐long Moravian and Polish segment of the Carpathian Foredeep revealed an overall more than 20° CCW rotation of the area. These new palaeomagnetic results can be best interpreted in terms of CCW rotation starting at around 17 Ma. The rotations must have affected not only the sedimentary fill of the Carpathian Foredeep but also the basement, owing to the dextral shift on NW–SE trending block‐bounding faults observed in the basement and in the Miocene sediments. This evidence for `non‐European' palaeomagnetic directions north of the Alpine–Carpathian mountain chain together with previously published indications question the rigidity of the European plate during the last 20 Ma, at least near the thrust front of the Alps and Carpathians.
Exercise performance increases coincident to body weight over the first two years following cardiac transplantation
Authors: Chaudry Hannah , Yip Daniel S. , Bush Tanya , Reynolds Virginia , Witzke Lorraine , Taylor Virginia , Hosenpud Jeffrey D.
Published: March 2011

Chaudry H, Yip DS, Bush T, Reynolds V, Witzke L, Taylor V, Hosenpud JD. Exercise performance increases coincident to body weight over the first two years following cardiac transplantation. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 685–688. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Background:  To determine whether exercise performance changed over time once patients stabilized after heart transplantation, metabolic stress testing was performed in patients one and two yr post‐heart transplantation.

Methods:  The patient cohort includes those transplanted in our program who survived at least two yr and were able to perform metabolic stress tests during their one‐ and two‐yr annual evaluations. Standard stress test parameters were assessed, including weight, body surface area, rest and exercise heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP), exercise time, anaerobic threshold (AT), and maximum VO2 (MVO2). Ejection fraction by echo was also collected. Each patient served as their own control and data were compared using paired t‐testing.

Results:  Fifty patients were included in the cohort, 48 of whom were able to exercise to at least AT. Patient weight increased from year 1 to year 2 (82.4 ± 15.1 vs. 85.0 ± 17.0 kg, p = 0.035). Systolic BP increased approximately 40 mmHg with exercise with no change in diastolic BP, and there was no difference between years 1 and 2. HR increased approximately 25 bpm with exercise. There was no difference in resting HR but exercise HR increased significantly between yrs (148 ± 15 bpm vs. 154 ± 18 bpm, p = 0.017). Both VO2 at AT and MVO2 increased significantly from year 1 to year 2 (1116 ± 347 mL/min vs. 1192 ± 313 mL/min, p = 0.049 and 1523 ± 337 mL/min vs. 1599 ± 356 mL/min, p = 0.012, respectively) but when corrected for body weight, there were no differences (VO2‐AT 13.6 ± 4.0 mL/kg/min vs. 14.0 ± 4.0 mL/kg/min; MVO2 18.7 ± 4.2 mL/kg/min vs. 18.8 ± 4.1 mL/kg/min). All other measured parameters were not different. There was a weak but statistically significant correlation between change in peak HR and change in VO2 at AT between one and two yr post‐transplantation (r = 0.30, p = 0.04).

Conclusions:  We conclude that exercise performance as measured by VO2 can increase over time post‐heart transplantation and in our cohort appears to be related to both an increase in body weight and an increase in HR from years 1 and 2.
Preparation of the pancreas allograft for transplantation
Authors: Fridell Jonathan A. , Powelson John A. , Sanders Carrie E. , Ciancio Gaetano , Burke George W. , Stratta Robert J.
Published: March 2011

Fridell JA, Powelson JA, Sanders CE, Ciancio G, Burke GW III, Stratta RJ. Preparation of the pancreas allograft for transplantation.  Clin Transplant 2011: 25: E103–E112. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Meticulous preparation of the allograft on the back bench is one of the cornerstones of technically successful whole‐organ pancreas transplantation. With evolving surgical approaches for organ retrieval and implantation, it has become routine to procure the pancreas in conjunction with other abdominal organs without sacrificing vasculature or graft quality and without compromising excellent outcomes. This review article summarizes the major steps required for proper back table preparation of the pancreas allograft with suggestions and tips whenever alternative approaches are presented.
Attitudes toward live donor kidney transplantation and its commercialization
Authors: Mazaris Evangelos M. , Crane Jeremy S. , Warrens Anthony N. , Smith Glenn , Tekkis Paris , Papalois Vassilios E.
Published: March 2011

Mazaris EM, Crane JS, Warrens AΝ, Smith G, Tekkis P, Papalois VE. Attitudes toward live donor kidney transplantation and its commercialization. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: E312–E319. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Development of live donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) programs has intensified debate regarding acceptability of certain donor categories and potential commercialization. Concerning these issues, we surveyed the views of medical and nursing staff caring for patients with renal failure and renal transplant recipients and donors.

Participants were recruited from a tertiary transplant unit and invited to complete an anonymous questionnaire.

Four hundred and sixty‐four participants completed the questionnaire (42% response). One hundred and sixty‐eight (36.2%) were health care professionals and 296 (63.8%) patients; 85.6% of participants were willing to donate to their children, 80.2% to siblings, 80.8% to parents, 72% to a non‐blood‐related relative or friend, and 15.3% to a stranger. If participants had hypothetical renal failure, they were prepared to accept a kidney from a parent (79.5%), sibling (78.7%), child (56.3%), a non‐blood‐related relative or friend (79.3%), or stranger (54.1%). Regarding commercialization, responders’ attitudes were that the donor should not accept financial reward (29.1%), be compensated for expenses only (60.6%), or should receive a direct financial reward (10.1%). For non‐directed donation, 23.5%, 55.6%, and 20.7% were not in support of reward, compensation only, and financial reward, respectively.

While live kidney donation was accepted by the majority of individuals surveyed, only the minority approved of commercialization.
Efficacy and safety of linezolid in liver transplant patients
Authors: Radunz S. , Juntermanns B. , Kaiser G.M. , Treckmann J. , Mathe Z. , Paul A. , Saner F.H.
Published: March 2011

S. Radunz, B. Juntermanns, G.M. Kaiser, J. Treckmann, Z. Mathe, A. Paul, F.H. Saner. Efficacy and safety of linezolid in liver transplant patients Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 353–358. All rights reserved

Abstract: Bacterial infections are the main cause of death within the first year after liver transplantation, and the increased incidence of multidrug‐resistant gram‐positive pathogens has created a major challenge in the treatment of these patients. Linezolid, the first US Food & Drug Administration‐approved oxazolidinone, offers a valuable novel treatment option for serious gram‐positive infections. Linezolid is relatively non‐toxic but prolonged treatment with linezolid was associated with thrombocytopenia. Here we report on the experience of linezolid treatment in adult liver transplant patients, who are at an increased risk for thrombocytopenia because of hypersplenism. From November 2003 until December 2009, we evaluated the clinical course of 46 liver transplant patients (27 male/19 female) in our surgical intensive care unit. For proven or probable gram‐positive infection, all patients received linezolid 600 mg intravenously every 12 h. On clinical improvement, treatment was changed to oral linezolid 600 mg twice daily. Treatment duration was 11 ± 7 days. Treatment indications were pneumonia (n=8), blood stream infection (n=30), and surgical site/abdominal infection (n=3). Clinical cure was achieved in 43 out of 46 patients. During the course of treatment, no cases of severe thrombocytopenia occurred and a statistically significant platelet count increase was seen from day 1 (110 ± 73/nL) to day 7 (165 ± 116/nL) and day 14 (180 ± 140/nL). We did not observe any further adverse events, especially no severe neurological complications (e.g., serotonin syndrome) or signs of lactate acidosis. Two patients died from uncontrolled vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus faecium sepsis with septic shock and one due to uncontrolled methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia. These deaths were considered to be unrelated to linezolid treatment, and linezolid was regarded as the optimal treatment choice in these patients. A subgroup analysis of patients treated for >14 days revealed no statistically significant differences when compared with patients on shorter treatment. In particular, no cases of thrombocytopenia occurred during longer treatment. In conclusion, linezolid is a safe and effective treatment for adult liver transplant patients with gram‐positive infections.
Impaired endothelial progenitor cell mobilization and colony‐forming capacity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: TAKAHASHI TORU , SUZUKI SATOSHI , KUBO HIROSHI , YAMAYA MUTSUO , KUROSAWA SHIN , KATO MASATO
Published: March 2011

Background and objective:  Recent studies suggest that there is endothelial impairment in both the systemic and pulmonary circulations of patients with COPD. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) are mobilized into the circulation by physiological stressors such as surgery, and are thought to play a role in the repair of damaged endothelium. There has been a steady increase in the frequency of surgery among COPD patients, due to the incidence of complications and lung cancer; however, the mobilization of EPC during lung resection has not been examined. We evaluated whether the mobilization and proliferation of EPC are impaired in COPD patients.

Methods:  The numbers of circulating EPC (CD34/KDR/AC133‐positive mononuclear cells) were measured by flow cytometry, in COPD patients (n = 30) and non‐COPD patients (n = 30) who were undergoing thoracic surgery. EPC colony‐forming units (EPC‐CFU) were also examined.

Results:  In non‐COPD patients, both circulating EPC and EPC‐CFU were significantly increased 2 h after the operation started, whereas in COPD patients there were no changes in circulating EPC or EPC‐CFU, irrespective of the severity of COPD. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that the presence of COPD was the only significant independent predictor of reduced mobilization of EPC during thoracic surgery.

Conclusions:  The number of circulating EPC and EPC‐CFU was not increased during thoracic surgery in COPD patients. These results indicate that both the mobilization and proliferative capacity of EPC are severely impaired in COPD patients.
Pseudomonas putida KT2440 genome update by cDNA sequencing and microarray transcriptomics
Authors: Frank Sarah , Klockgether Jens , Hagendorf Petra , Geffers Robert , Schöck Ulrike , Pohl Thomas , Davenport Colin F. , Tümmler Burkhard
Published: March 2011

Pseudomonas putida KT2440 is a completely sequenced biosafety strain that has retained its capability to survive and function in the environment. The global mRNA expression profiles of the KT2440 strain grown at 10°C and 30°C were determined by deep cDNA sequencing to refine the genome annotation. Transcriptome sequencing identified 36 yet unknown small non‐coding RNAs, 143 novel ORFs in 106 intergenic regions, 42 unclassified genes and eight highly expressed leaderless mRNA transcripts. The genome coordinates of eight genes and the organization of 57 operons were corrected. No overrepresented sequence motifs were detected in the 5′‐untranslated regions. The 50 most highly expressed genes made up 60% of the total mRNA pool. Comparison of cDNA sequencing, Affymetrix and Progenika microarray data from the same mRNA preparation revealed a higher sensitivity and specificity of cDNA sequencing, a relatively poor correlation between the normalized cDNA reads and microarray signal intensities, and a systematic signal‐dependent bias of microarrays in the detection of differentially regulated genes. The study demonstrates the power of next‐generation cDNA sequencing for the quantitation of mRNA transcripts and the refinement of bacterial genome annotation.
Archaeal diversity along a subterranean salt core from the Salar Grande (Chile)
Authors: Gramain Audrey , Díaz Guillermo Chong , Demergasso Cecilia , Lowenstein Tim K. , McGenity Terry J.
Published: March 2011

The Salar Grande in the Coastal Range of Northern Chile is a fossil evaporitic basin filled with almost pure halite (95% NaCl average). It is assumed that the basin has not received input of brines since the Pliocene (5.3 to 1.8 million years). Below 1 m the halite has remained undissolved since this time, whereas the upper layer has been dissolved and recrystallized by dripping fogs and occasional rainfall. We compared the archaeal community at different depths using both nested PCR and cultivation. The upper 10 cm of halite crust contained diverse haloarchaeal species, including several from new genera, but their provenance is unknown. For samples deeper in the core, a new and rigorous procedure for chemically sterilizing the surface of single halite crystals was developed. These halite crystals contained only species of the genus Halobacterium (Hbt.). Halobacterium salinarum‐like sequences were detected by PCR, and evidence that they were from ancient DNA include: comparison with numerous negative controls; detection of 16S rRNA sequence differences in non‐conserved regions, indicating genuine evolutionary mutations rather than PCR‐cloning artefacts; independent isolation of Hbt. salinarum from ancient halite; and diverse mechanisms possessed by this species for minimizing radiation damage and thus enhancing its potential for long‐term survival. Haloarchaea related to Hbt. noricense were obtained from enrichment cultures from ∼0.4 and 15.4 m depth. We investigated Hbt. noricense strain A1 and found that when trapped inside halite crystals its recovery was as rapid after 27 months of entombment as at day 0, faring much better than other extreme halophiles. A biogeographical investigation showed that Hbt. noricense‐like organisms were: commonly found in surface‐sterilized ancient halite, associated with salt mines, in halite crusts, and, despite a much more intense search, only rarely detected in surface environments. We conclude that some Halobacterium species are specialists at long‐term survival in halite.
A Systematic “Saddle Point Near a Pole” Asymptotic Method with Application to the Gauss Hypergeometric Function
Authors: López José L. , Pagola Pedro J.
Published: March 2011

In recent works [1] and [2], we have proposed more systematic versions of the Laplace’s and saddle point methods for asymptotic expansions of integrals. Those variants of the standard methods avoid the classical change of variables and give closed algebraic formulas for the coefficients of the expansions. In this work we apply the ideas introduced in [1] and [2] to the uniform method “saddle point near a pole.” We obtain a computationally more systematic version of that uniform asymptotic method for integrals having a saddle point near a pole that, in many interesting examples, gives a closed algebraic formula for the coefficients. The asymptotic sequence is given, in general, in terms of exponential integrals of fractional order (or incomplete gamma functions). In particular, when the order of the saddle point is two, the basic approximant is given in terms of the error function (as in the standard method). As an application, we obtain new asymptotic expansions of the Gauss Hypergeometric function 2F1(a, b, c; z) for large b and c with c > b + 1.
Painlevé XXXIV Asymptotics of Orthogonal Polynomials for the Gaussian Weight with a Jump at the Edge
Authors: Xu Shuai‐Xia , Zhao Yu‐Qiu
Published: March 2011

We study the uniform asymptotics of the polynomials orthogonal with respect to analytic weights with jump discontinuities on the real axis, and the influence of the discontinuities on the asymptotic behavior of the recurrence coefficients. The Riemann–Hilbert approach, also termed the Deift–Zhou steepest descent method, is used to derive the asymptotic results. We take as an example the perturbed Gaussian weight , where θ(x) takes the value of 1 for x < 0, and a nonnegative complex constant ω elsewhere, and  as . That is, the jump occurs at the edge of the support of the equilibrium measure. The derivation is carried out in the sense of a double scaling limit, namely,  and . A crucial local parametrix at the edge point where the jump occurs is constructed out of a special solution of the Painlevé XXXIV equation. As a main result, we prove asymptotic formulas of the recurrence coefficients in terms of a special Painlevé XXXIV transcendent under the double scaling limit. The special thirty‐fourth Painlevé transcendent is shown free of poles on the real axis. A consistency check is made with the reduced case when ω= 1, namely the Gaussian weight: the polynomials in this case are the classical Hermite polynomials. A comparison is also made of the asymptotic results for the recurrence coefficients between the case when the jump happens at the edge and the case with jump inside the support of the equilibrium measure. The comparison provides a formal asymptotic approximation of the Painlevé XXXIV transcendent at positive infinity.
On a 2+1‐Dimensional Whitham–Broer–Kaup System: A Resonant NLS Connection
Authors: Rogers Colin , Pashaev Oktay
Published: March 2011

It is established that the Whitham–Broer–Kaup shallow water system and the “resonant” nonlinear Schrödinger equation are equivalent. A symmetric integrable 2+1‐dimensional version of the Whitham–Broer–Kaup system is constructed which, in turn, is equivalent to a recently introduced resonant Davey–Stewartson I system incorporating a Madelung–Bohm type quantum potential. A bilinear representation is adopted and resonant solitonic interaction in this new 2+1‐dimensional Kaup–Broer system is exhibited.
Generalized Burgers Equations Transformable to the Burgers Equation
Authors: Vaganan B. Mayil , Jeyalakshmi T.
Published: March 2011

Using the mappings which involve first‐order derivatives, the Burgers equation with linear damping and variable viscosity  is linearized to several parabolic equations including the heat equation, by applying a method which is a combination of Lie’s classical method and Kawamota’s method. The independent variables of the linearized equations are not t, x but z(x, t), τ(t), where z is the similarity variable. The linearization is possible only when the viscosity Δ(t) depends on the damping parameter α and decays exponentially for large t. And the linearization makes it possible to pose initial and/or boundary value problems for the Burgers equation with linear damping and exponentially decaying viscosity. Bäcklund transformations for the nonplanar Burgers equation with algebraically decaying viscosity are also reported.
Problems and Opportunities in Researching Nuclear Disarmament Movements
Authors: Wittner Lawrence S.
Published: March 2011

This essay examines the extensive and unusual research that I performed in connection with the writing of my scholarly trilogy, The Struggle Against the Bomb, a history of the world nuclear disarmament movement. Among the problems were the vast array of organizations, their millions of participants and supporters, the global dimensions of the project, and the need to examine the impact of the movement on public policy. There were also unexpected difficulties, such as the disruptions caused by military attacks and flooded offices. Among the opportunities were uncovering remarkable government secrets and, more broadly, discovering the degree to which government officials curbed their nuclear ambitions thanks to the power of public protest. Last, but certainly not least, the research provided me with the opportunity to meet some very interesting people.
602 and One Dead: On Contribution to Global Poverty and Liability to Defensive Force
Authors: Øverland Gerhard
Published: March 2011

Abstract: When suggesting that we—the affluent in the developed world—are legitimate targets of defensive force due to our contribution to global poverty one is likely to be countered by one of two strategies. The first denies that we contribute to global poverty. The second seems to affirm that we contribute, and even that we have stringent contribution‐based duties to address this poverty, but denies that such contribution makes forcible resistance permissible. Those in this second group employ several argumentative strategies.

In this paper I investigate these strategies for denying the force‐related implication of contribution to poverty. I do not argue for political violence or for the permissibility of targeting the affluent, I merely investigate a conditional: if contribution to global poverty generates stringent duties to address it, then this contribution implies permission on the part of the victims to defend themselves with force, or for third parties to use force on their behalf.
Export, Exchange Rate Risk and Hedging: The Duopoly Case
Authors: Broll Udo , Wahl Jack E. , Wessel Christoph
Published: March 2011

This paper studies a Cournot duopoly in international trade with firms exposed to exchange rate risk. A hedging opportunity is introduced by a forward market on which one firm can trade the foreign currency.We investigate two settings: First, we assume that hedging and output decisions are taken simultaneously. It is shown that hedging is exclusively done for risk-managing reasons as it is not possible to use hedging strategically. Second, the hedging decision is made before the output decisions. We show that hedging is not only used to manage the risk exposure but also as a strategic device.
Why Young Boys Stumble: Early Tracking, Age and Gender Bias in the German School System
Authors: Jürges Hendrik , Schneider Kerstin
Published: March 2011

After primary school, German pupils are given a secondary school track recommendation. This recommendation and the actual track choice are strongly associated with later life outcomes. Using data from the German PISA 2000 extension study, we analyze the effect of relative age on track recommendations and actual choice. Younger pupils and boys are less likely to be recommended to and enrolled in the academic track (Gymnasium), the most attractive track in terms of later life outcomes. Flexible enrollment and grade retention partly offset these effects. We find no convincing evidence that postponing the recommendation by lengthening primary school by 2 years reduces the age or gender bias.
Proteolytic properties of Turkish white‐brined cheese (Beyaz peynir) made by using wild‐type Lactococcal strains
Authors: KIRMACI HÜSEYIN A , HAYALOGLU ALI A , ÖZER BARBAROS , AKÇELIK MUSTAFA , AKKOÇ NEFISE
Published: March 2011

The development of proteolysis in white‐brined Turkish cheese made by using wild strains of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis (namely MBLL9, MBLL23 and MBL27) was monitored for 90 days. Proteolysis in cheeses was investigated using urea‐PAGE gel electrophoresis of pH 4.6‐insoluble and RP‐HPLC of both 70% ethanol‐insoluble and 70% ethanol‐soluble nitrogen fractions. Results indicated that developments of proteolysis in the experimental cheeses were strain dependent. The degradation of casein fractions was more evident in the cheeses made using strain MBLL23. The lowest levels of proteolysis and development of acidity were obtained in the cheese made using strain MBLL9.
Pioneering fungi from the Damma glacier forefield in the Swiss Alps can promote granite weathering
Authors: BRUNNER I. , PLÖTZE M. , RIEDER S. , ZUMSTEG A. , FURRER G. , FREY B.
Published: March 2011

Fungi were isolated from fine granitic sediments, which were collected at 15 sampling points within a 20 m × 40 m area in front of the Damma glacier in the central Swiss Alps. From the 45 fungal isolates grown on nutrient‐rich agar media at 4 °C, 24 isolates were selected for partial sequencing and identification based on the small subunit ribosomal DNA. Sequencing data revealed that the isolated fungi represented three fungal phyla and 15 species. The weathering potential of 10 of the 15 fungal species was tested with dissolution experiments using powdered granite material (<63 μm). The results showed that the zygomyceteous species Mucor hiemalis, Umbelopsis isabellina and Mortierella alpina dissolved the granite powder most efficiently due to the release of a variety of organic acids, mainly citrate, malate and oxalate. In particular, the high concentrations of Ca, Fe, Mg and Mn in the solutions clustered well with the high amounts of exuded citrate. This is the first report on fungi that were isolated from a non‐vegetated glacier forefield in which the fungi’s capabilities to dissolve granite minerals were examined.
THE EVAPORITIC DEPOSITS OF LAKE FAZDA (WADI NATRUN, EGYPT) AND THEIR USE IN ROMAN GLASS PRODUCTION
Authors: SHORTLAND A. J. , DEGRYSE P. , WALTON M. , GEER M. , LAUWERS V. , SALOU L.
Published: March 2011

In September 2006, a new field survey of Lake Fazda in Wadi Natrun (Egypt) was undertaken to characterize the extant evaporitic deposits and reconstruct how this natural system was exploited in Egyptian and Roman times, especially in connection with glass production. It was found that the minerals currently precipitating in the lake are not immediately useful for the production of glass due to their high sulphate content. However, the large Roman glass‐making factory of Beni Salama lies on the shore of the lake and was almost certainly exploiting its deposits for glass‐making. Two solutions for this apparent contradiction are offered. First, the possibility that the lake has altered over time due to natural and human changes was investigated. The second solution is that some form of processing of the sulphate‐rich deposits was carried out in antiquity to convert sulphate mineral phases to carbonates useful in glass production. Hints that this might be the case can be found in descriptions by Pliny, in his Natural history, and experimental work on using a ‘Leblanc’ type process to convert burkeite rich deposits into a usable glass‐making flux were carried out, showing that this is a real possibility.
POOR AND SICK: ESTIMATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HOUSEHOLD INCOME AND HEALTH
Authors: ECONOMOU ATHINA , THEODOSSIOU IOANNIS
Published: March 2011

This study evaluates the effect of the individual's household income on their health at the later stages of working life. A structural equation model is utilized in order to derive a composite and continuous index of the latent health status from qualitative health status indicators. The endogenous relationship between health status and household income status is taken into account by using IV estimators. The findings reveal a significant effect of individual household income on health before and after endogeneity is taken into account as well as a host of other factors known to influence health, including hereditary factors and the individual's locus of control. Importantly, it is also shown that the childhood socioeconomic position of the individual has long lasting effects on health as it appears to play a significant role in determining health during the later stages of working life.
An Alternative Approach to European Union Democratization: Re-Examining the Direct Election of the Commission President
Authors: Decker Frank , Sonnicksen Jared
Published: March 2011

A successful reform of any system of governance must be well informed of the system's own functional logic. In the context of its democratization, this article explores whether the institutional arrangement of the European Union has developed or behaves more like a presidential than a parliamentary system. Building on that, the authors re-examine the opportunities and feasibility of realizing that model as a step towards more democracy in European governance.
Gene flow between two closely related species in theacuticollisspecies group (Coleoptera: Lucanidae: genusPlatycerus) near their distribution border based on morphology and mitochondrial gene
Authors: KUBOTA Kôhei , KUBOTA Noriko
Published: March 2011

The male endophallic morphology and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene of two parapatric species of theacuticollisspecies group,Platycerus acuticollisandP. albisomni, were examined at the border between the two species. No morphologically inferred hybrid was found. The endophallic and mitochondrial types of each individual were significantly linked, and the two species inferred by both types were essentially parapatric even at a very local level. We inferred that the reproductive isolation between them is high, although introgressive hybridization occurred rarely. The taxonomical assignment ofP. acuticollisandP. albisomnias two distinct species is considered appropriate.
Acquired Localized Cutis Laxa of the Face: A Rare Presentation
Authors: Mehta Bijal , Amladi Sangeeta
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  We report a rare case of acquired localized cutis laxa in a teenage boy, without any preceding skin lesions. The area affected was the midface, extending to the chin, and involving the ears, leading to a prematurely aged appearance. Only five such cases have been previously published in the literature.
Neonatal Lupus Erythematosus: Clinical Character, Investigation, and Outcome
Authors: Wisuthsarewong Wanee , Soongswang Jarupim , Chantorn Rattanavalai
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  Neonatal lupus erythematosus is an uncommon maternal auto‐antibody‐associated disease characterized by cutaneous, cardiac, hepatic, hematological, neurological, and pulmonary involvement. A retrospective study was performed to review clinical manifestations, investigation results, outcomes of neonatal lupus erythematosus patients and their mothers at the Department of Pediatrics, Siriraj Hospital during 1993 to 2008. Seventeen neonatal lupus erythematosus patients (10 girls and seven boys) were identified. Cutaneous, cardiac, hepatobiliary, and hematological involvement was found in 70.6%, 64.7%, 52.9%, and 35.3% of infants, respectively. Skin lesions were erythematous patches (91.7%), subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (50%), petechiae (41.7%), persistent cutis marmorata (16.7%), and discoid lesions (8.3%). Congenital heart block was found in nine cases, and structural abnormalities were found in nine cases. All sera of patients were positive for antinuclear antibodies. Patients (87.5%) showed positive antiRo/SSA, and 50% had positive antiLa/SSB antibodies. Most neonatal lupus erythematosus mothers (64.7%) were asymptomatic. Five mothers were diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, and one mother was diagnosed with mixed connective tissue disease. All maternal sera was positive for antinuclear antibodies and antiRo/SSA antibody. Seven patients required pacemaker implantation. The mortality rate was 11.8%, caused by congestive heart failure and pneumonia. Antinuclear antibody tests should be used as one of the screening tests in mothers or patients suspected of having neonatal lupus erythematosus.
Response of Rotary Blood Pumps to Changes in Preload and Afterload at a Fixed Speed Setting Are Unphysiological When Compared With the Natural Heart
Authors: Salamonsen Robert F. , Mason David G. , Ayre Peter J.
Published: March 2011

Responses of four rotary blood pumps (Incor, Heartmate II, Heartware, and Duraheart) at a single speed setting to changes in preload and afterload were assessed using the human left ventricle as a benchmark for comparison. Data for the rotary pumps were derived from pressure flow relations reported in the literature while the natural heart was characterized by the Frank–Starling curve adjusted to fit outputs at different afterloads reported in the literature. Preload sensitivity (mean ± SD) for all pumps at all afterloads tested was 0.105 ± 0.092 L/min/mm Hg, while afterload sensitivity was 0.09 ± 0.034 L/min/mm Hg—values that were not significantly different (t‐test, P = 0.56). By contrast, preload sensitivity of the natural heart was over twice as high (0.213 ± 0.03 L/min/mm Hg) and afterload sensitivity about one‐third (0.03 ± 0.01 L/min/mm Hg) the values recorded for rotary pumps (t‐test, P < 0.001). Maximum preload sensitivity and minimum afterload sensitivity allow the right and left ventricles to synchronize outputs without neural or humoral intervention. This theoretical study reinforces the need to provide preload sensitive control mechanisms of sufficient power to enable the pump and left ventricle in combination to adapt to changes in right ventricular output automatically.
Is There a Link Between Money Illusion and Homeowners’ Expectations of Housing Prices?
Authors: Ackert Lucy F. , Church Bryan K. , Jayaraman Narayanan
Published: March 2011

Money illusion is a behavioral bias in which a person thinks in terms of nominal rather than real values. This article reports homeowners’ responses to a survey designed to measure the extent of money illusion as well as homeowners’ expectations regarding home valuations. Our survey respondents suffer from money illusion, yet they have reasonable expectations of home prices. Our analysis did not identify any unique individual characteristic that correlates with homeowners’ choices and suggests that the relationship between money illusion and mispricing is subtle and multifaceted.