bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A two-step method for detecting selection signatures using genetic markers
Authors: GIANOLA DANIEL , SIMIANER HENNER , QANBARI SABER
Published: June 2010

A two-step procedure is presented for analysis of θ (FST) statistics obtained for a battery of loci, which eventually leads to a clustered structure of values. The first step uses a simple Bayesian model for drawing samples from posterior distributions of θ-parameters, but without constructing Markov chains. This step assigns a weakly informative prior to allelic frequencies and does not make any assumptions about evolutionary models. The second step regards samples from these posterior distributions as ‘data’ and fits a sequence of finite mixture models, with the aim of identifying clusters of θ-statistics. Hopefully, these would reflect different types of processes and would assist in interpreting results. Procedures are illustrated with hypothetical data, and with published allelic frequency data for type II diabetes in three human populations, and for 12 isozyme loci in 12 populations of the argan tree in Morocco.
‘Patriots and Professors’: A Century of Roman Studies, 1910–2010
Authors: Stray Christopher
Published: June 2010

This essay offers a survey of the history of the Roman Society during the 100 years since its foundation in 1910. It discusses relations with other classical bodies, especially the Hellenic Society and the Classical Association; the Society's fragile finances until the 1950s; and the key role played over several decades by its Secretary, Margerie Taylor. Separate sections deal with the Society's library; its journals, theJournal of Roman Studies(1911) andBritannia(1970); membership and finance; and relations with schools, amateur archaeologists and the University of London, whose Institute of Classical Studies has housed the Society's office and library since 1958.
Regional spread ofvanA- orvanB-positiveEnterococcus gallinarumin hospitals and long-term care facilities in Kyoto prefecture, Japan
Authors: SHIRANO M. , TAKAKURA S. , YAMAMOTO M. , MATSUMURA Y. , MATSUSHIMA A. , NAGAO M. , FUJIHARA N. , SAITO T. , ITO Y. , IINUMA Y. , SHIMIZU T. , FUJITA N. , ICHIYAMA S.
Published: June 2010

Following an outbreak ofvanA-positiveEnterococcus faeciumin 2005 in Kyoto prefecture, regional surveillance of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) was initiated. This revealedvanA- orvanB-positiveEnterococcus gallinarumin multiple facilities. Eighty-eightvanA-positiveE. gallinarumfaecal carriers from 12 facilities and tenvanB-positiveE. gallinarumfaecal carriers from eight facilities were found. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis profiles of the first isolate from each facility showed that 11 of the 12vanAisolates and three of the eightvanB-positiveE. gallinarumisolates belonged to a single clone. This study confirms the clonal spread ofvanA- orvanB-positiveE. gallinarumin a region and underlines the importance of surveillance of VRE for the presence of vancomycin resistance determinants.
Risk factors for 30-day mortality in patients with carbapenem-resistantAcinetobacter baumanniiduring an outbreak in an intensive care unit
Authors: PRATES C. G. , MARTINS A. F. , SUPERTI S. V. , LOPES F. S. , RAMOS F. , CANTARELLI V. V. , ZAVASCKI A. P.
Published: June 2010

This study assessed risk factors for 30-day mortality in 66 patients with carbapenem-resistantAcinetobacter baumannii(CRAB) infection or colonization during an outbreak in an intensive-care unit. Clinical and demographic characteristics were evaluated. The overall 30-day mortality was 47·0%. In the multivariate Cox regression model, septic shock [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 5·01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2·32–10·01] and APACHE II score at onset of infection (aHR 1·11, 95% CI 1·04–1·18) were significantly associated with 30-day mortality. Administration of appropriate therapy was a protective factor, but it was not statistically significant (aHR 0·48, 95% CI 0·21–1·12). A sample of isolates tested (n=27) carried theblaOXA-23gene. Severity of baseline condition and severity of infection presentation were major risk factors for mortality during the outbreak. Patients who received appropriate therapy tended to have lower mortality rates, although therapy was started late and dosage was suboptimal in most cases.
The English Law of Sanctuary
Authors: Baker J. H.
Published: June 2010

Although the protection of churches and holy places was embodied froman early date in Canon law, the law of sanctuary as it applied in England was necessarily part of the secular common law. The Church never had the physical power to resist the secular authorities in the administration of justice, and although those who violated sanctuary were liable to excommunication the Church could not in cases of conflict prevent the removal from sanctuary of someone to whom the privilege was not allowed by the law of the land. The control of the common law judges was, indeed, tighter than in the case of benefit of clergy. The question whether an accused person was or was not a clerk in Holy Orders was ultimately a question for the ordinary, however much pressure might be put upon him by the judges; but the question of sanctuary or no sanctuary was always a question for the royal courts to decide, upon the application of a person who claimed to have been wrongly arrested in a privileged place. The present summary is confined to the position under English law.
Nutrition policy in Finland
Authors: Pietinen Pirjo , Männistö Satu , Valsta Liisa M , Sarlio-Lähteenkorva Sirpa
Published: June 2010

The present study describes the main actions in Finnish nutrition policy during the past decades. The main actor is the National Nutrition Council, which provides nutritional recommendations and action programmes, and sets up expert groups to solve nutritional problems in the population. The main fortification programmes have been the iodization of table salt, supplementation of selenium to fertilizers and the vitamin D fortification programme. As an example of national legislation, labelling the salt content of foods is described. Finnish nutrition policy is based on a good monitoring system of nutrition and risk factors of chronic diseases, as well as active epidemiological research. However, the authorities have not often taken proposed fiscal measures seriously but have instead considered agricultural and economic policies more important than health policy.
Dietary survey methodology of FINDIET 2007 with a risk assessment perspective
Authors: Reinivuo Heli , Hirvonen Tero , Ovaskainen Marja-Leena , Korhonen Tommi , Valsta Liisa M
Published: June 2010

A cross-sectional survey, FINDIET 2007, was carried out in Finland. Food intake data was collected by a 48 h recall interview. Additional food intake data was collected by a repeated 3 d food diary, a barcode-based product diary, a food frequency questionnaire and by a supplementary questionnaire on rarely eaten foods. The purpose of the present paper is to describe the methodology of the national dietary survey and to discuss the particular implications for the applications of food consumption data in risk assessment. The food consumption data of the FINDIET 2007 survey can be used in food risk assessment, due thanks to flexible data processing of individual food consumption, and a risk assessment point of view was taken into account. However, international standardisation projects are needed in order to estimate comparable food intakes.
Educational differences in the diet of Finnish adults and the associations between education and the determinants and facilitators of dietary fat quality
Authors: Ovaskainen Marja-Leena , Paturi Merja , Tapanainen Heli , Harald Kennet
Published: June 2010

Objective

The aim of the study is to elucidate differences in adults’ diet by education, and to analyse the associations between dietary facilitators, education and dietary fat quality.

Design

In all, one-third of subjects from the national FINRISK health survey were invited to participate in the FINDIET 2007 Survey. A 48 h dietary interview was used for dietary data and personal background data were collected by the health survey questionnaire.

Setting

Representative sample from five regions in Finland in spring 2007.

Subjects

A total of 1576 adults, participation rate 60 %.

Results

Oil used in cooking differed by education. Instead perception of cardiovascular risk, or the following of a cholesterol-lowering diet, were equal across all educational categories. The diet of men with low education contained less protein and carbohydrates, more fat and more SFA and MUFA than that of highly educated men. The diet of women with low education contained less PUFA, vitamin C and vitamin E than in the highly educated category. High education remained a significant determinant for the lower intake of SFA in men, and for the higher intake of PUFA in women, after adjusting for the determinants and facilitators of dietary behaviour and age. The lower intake of SFA was also associated with following a cholesterol-lowering diet in both genders. In addition to education, the intake of unsaturated fatty acids was determined by the oil used in cooking by women, and by frequent lunches served by caterers for men.

Conclusions

In dietary behaviour, awareness and reporting of cholesterol-lowering diet seem to indicate a tendency to control the intake of saturated fat. Health messages are likely to enhance tools for increasing the intake of PUFA, in addition to reducing the intake of SFA.
The diet of adolescents can be improved by school intervention
Authors: Hoppu Ulla , Lehtisalo Jenni , Kujala Johanna , Keso Teija , Garam Sini , Tapanainen Heli , Uutela Antti , Laatikainen Tiina , Rauramo Ulla , Pietinen Pirjo
Published: June 2010

Objective

To decrease the intake of sucrose, increase the intake of fibre and the consumption of fruit and vegetables among secondary-school pupils.

Design

Intervention study among eighth grade pupils during one school year. Data were collected by questionnaires and from a subgroup of pupils by 48 h dietary recall at baseline in spring 2007 and after the intervention in 2008.

Setting

Twelve secondary schools were randomly allocated to intervention (IS) and control schools (CS) within three cities. Intervention included nutrition education and improvement of the food environment focusing particularly on the quality of snacks at school.

Subjects

A total of 659 pupils completed the questionnaires and the dietary recall was obtained from 287 pupils both at baseline and follow-up.

Results

The frequency of consumption of rye bread increased (P = 0·03) and that of sweets decreased (P = 0·006) among girls in the IS. The intake of sucrose fell among IS pupils, from 12·8 % to 10·5 % of the total energy intake (P = 0·01). Intake of fruit (g/MJ) remained the same in IS, whereas it decreased in CS (P = 0·04).

Conclusions

Sugar intake can be lowered by improving the quality of snacks, but it is more difficult to increase fibre intake and fruit and vegetable consumption unless the content of school lunches can be modified. It is the responsibility of the adults working in schools to create a healthy environment and to make healthy choices easy for pupils.
Introduction: Domestic and Care Work at the Intersection of Welfare, Gender and Migration Regimes: Some European Experiences
Authors: Kilkey Majella , Lutz Helma , Palenga-Möllenbeck Ewa
Published: June 2010

Research over the last decade and more, has documented a resurgence of paid domestic and care labour (that is, work performed for pay in private households, such as household cleaning and maintenance and care for elders/disabled/children) across the Global North.1Much of the research has revealed the increasing reliance onmigrant, as opposed to home-state, domestic workers, and it has been suggested (Lutz, 2007: 4) that domestic and care work has contributed more than any other sector of the labour market to one of the key features of the ‘age of migration’ (Castles and Miller, 2009) – its feminisation. At the same time though, as Linton's (2002) research on immigrant-niche formation in the USA suggests, the availability of immigrants in itself, has probably contributed to the growth of the sector.
Migration and Care: Themes, Concepts and Challenges
Authors: Williams Fiona
Published: June 2010

The phenomenon of migrant workers finding domestic and care work in the homes and institutions of countries wealthier than their own uncovers much about social change in the twenty-first century. First, it reveals the consequences of women taking on more responsibilities to earn income but without a significant rebalancing of their care responsibilities either with male partners or through state support. In the poorer regions of the world, unemployment, violence, poverty and aspirations for a better life push some women into emigrating to earn for their families. This also exposes an asymmetrical geopolitical solution to the so-called ‘care deficit’ pursued by richer states, accentuated by the demographics of ageing societies and restructured welfare regimes on the one side, and the care crises in the poorer regions on the other. The transnational movement of (mainly) women into care and domestic work, as well as nurses, pharmacists and doctors into health care saves social expenditure costs while intensifying the lack of care resources in the countries of origin of those migrant workers.
Immigration, Welfare and Care in Portugal: Mapping the New Plurality of Female Migration Trajectories
Authors: Wall Karin , Nunes Cátia
Published: June 2010

The role of migrant women as domestic and care workers is a main characteristic of the feminisation of migration to southern Europe. This article aims to understand how and why current patterns of female migration to Portugal are a key element, driving increased flows of domestic workers. The article focuses first on the path followed by Portugal in the fields of immigration, employment, welfare-state developments and care arrangements, and then presents results of a qualitative study on Brazilian immigrant women. Findings show that the new plurality of female migration trajectories is an important factor in explaining the rapid integration of immigrant women in the domestic sector. This does not mean, however, that a predominant ‘migrant in the family’ care model has emerged in Portugal. In contrast with other southern European countries, different policy perspectives and outcomes over the last three decades have made for a more diversified care model. National contexts in southern European countries must therefore be taken into account, since they provide particular conditions for the main forms and features of migrant domestic work.
Care Work Migration in Germany: Semi-Compliance and Complicity
Authors: Lutz Helma , Palenga-Möllenbeck Ewa
Published: June 2010

In this article, we deal with contradictions and paradoxes of the German policies on migration and domestic care work. Although the demand for care workers in private homes is increasing, the German government has turned a blind eye to the topic of migrant care workers. As a result of the mismatch between demand and restrictive policies, a large sector of undeclared care work has come into being. This veritable ‘twilight zone’ can be coined an ‘open secret’ as it is the topic of extensive discussions among the populace and in the media. We will address various discrepancies in the debate on migrant domestic work in Germany by providing a view from multiple actors’ perspectives. Examining the intersections of gendered migration and care regimes, we assert that undeclared care migration is an integral part of German welfare state policies, which can be characterised as compliance and complicity.
Analysis of aerosol‐cloud interaction from multi‐sensor satellite observations
Authors: Costantino Lorenzo , Bréon François‐Marie
Published: June 2010

Aerosol interaction with clouds is the main uncertainty for the quantification of the anthropogenic forcing on climate. The first step of the so‐called “aerosol indirect effect” is the change of cloud droplet size distribution when seeded by anthropogenic aerosols. Satellite data provide the density and diversity of observations needed for a statistical estimate of this effect. Numerous such studies have demonstrated the correlation between aerosol load and Cloud Droplet Radius (CDR) and a few have quantified the impact of aerosol on the microphysics. Here, we go one step further by using the profiles from the spaceborne CALIPSO lidar that indicates the respective position of aerosol and cloud layers. The results show that, when aerosol and cloud layers are clearly separated, there is no correlation between aerosol load and CDR. On the other hand, when the lidar profile indicates mixing, there is a strong correlation. We focus on the stratocumulus cloud fields off the coast of Namibia and Angola that are seeded by biomass burning aerosols from Africa. The log‐log slope of CDR and a proxy of the condensation nuclei number are −0.24 in excellent agreement with theoretical estimate. When the vertical profile information is not used, the slope is significantly smaller.
Paleoseismological investigation of the oblique‐normal Ekkara ground rupture zone accompanying theM6.7–7.0 earthquake on 30 April 1954 in Thessaly, Greece: Archaeological and geochronological constraints on ground rupture recurrence
Authors: Palyvos N. , Pavlopoulos K. , Froussou E. , Kranis H. , Pustovoytov K. , Forman S. L. , Minos‐Minopoulos D.
Published: June 2010

Observations in trenches excavated across the Ekkara rupture zone (ERZ), the longest of the sporadic ground ruptures that accompanied theM6.7–7.0 earthquake of 30 April 1954 on the Domokos fault zone (DFZ), identify a left‐lateral oblique‐normal fault with a slip vector aligned with the regional extension direction (verifying the tectonic origin of the ERZ). The paleoseismological interpretation of stratigraphic, soil‐stratigraphic, and tectonic features is discussed with emphasis on the issues related to strongly oblique fault kinematics. Two pre‐1954 events of ground rupture are recognized (E1 and E2) and an event of ground cracking only (E1a, shortly after E1). Event E2 was accompanied by larger displacement than E1 and 1954, but this does not necessarily imply a stronger earthquake. Archaeological dating of transported ceramic sherds constrains E1 between 6750 and 4450 B.P. (more likely, 6450–5750 B.P.). Luminescence dating of colluvial deposits and14C dating of pedogenic carbonates (stone coatings) place E2 at ∼17,500 +− ∼2500 B.P. (preferred age). In the (hazard‐wise) most conservative interpretation, recent recurrence intervals of ERZ activations exceed 3195 years. The sporadic nature of the 1954 ruptures precludes certainty on whether the ERZ has recorded every past activation of the DFZ unless data are also collected from other DFZ rupture zones. Minimum‐limiting estimates of 0.3–0.5 mm/yr slip rate are derived for the ERZ, and the true slip rate is not expected to exceed 1 mm/yr. Slip rate estimates for the ERZ may be minima for the DFZ slip rate, however, because coseismic deformation in the past may have been distributed to more than one rupture zones at the surface.
Spectral analysis of synthetic quartzofeldspathic glasses using laboratory thermal infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Lee Rachel J. , King Penelope L. , Ramsey Michael S.
Published: June 2010

Si‐O‐Si bond vibrations within silicate materials produce a prominent absorption feature in the 8–12 μm region of thermal infrared (TIR) spectra. The wavelength position of this absorption varies with SiO2 content and may be used to determine rock composition. However, the presence of glass greatly affects the measurement of emitted and reflected TIR energy from the surface, a phenomenon which is not currently well understood. This study examines the TIR spectral characteristics of a suite of synthetic high‐SiO2 quartzofeldspathic glasses that vary systematically in composition. Glasses were synthesized in the albite‐quartz, oligoclase‐quartz, and andesine‐quartz systems. Microreflectance (∼1000 μm2) and TIR emission spectra (bulk sample) were collected, and the spectral band maxima and minima were determined for each. Reflectance band maximum positions show a strong correlation with emissivity band minimum positions, indicating that the two types of spectra are comparable for this study. Excellent correlations are obtained between weight percent SiO2 and reflectance maxima position, emission minima position, and spectral shoulder position. Molar Al/[Al+Si] and [Na+Ca]/Si are all well‐correlated with reflectance maxima and shoulder positions but slightly less correlated with emission minima. Results of this study will contribute to a better understanding of spectral properties of quartzofeldspathic glasses and will provide a means to more accurately detect and map glassy surfaces (e.g., volcanoes and impact craters) remotely from the ground and from orbit.
A low‐velocity zone atop the transition zone in northwestern Canada
Authors: Schaeffer A. J. , Bostock M. G.
Published: June 2010

Seismic studies over the past decade have identified an S wave low‐velocity zone (LVZ) above the transition zone at various locations around the globe. This layer is hypothesized to be a lens of dense, hydrous, silicate melt ponding atop the 410 km discontinuity, beneath the silicate melt‐density crossover predicted to exist within the upper mantle. We have assembled a P and S receiver function data set to quantify the physical properties and geographical extent of the layer in northwestern Canada. Geographic profiles formed from 1‐D migration of receiver functions computed for the Canadian Northwest Experiment (CANOE) and Portable Observatories for Lithospheric Analysis and Research Investigating Seismicity (POLARIS) Slave arrays reveal an LVZ beneath many stations at a nominal depth of ∼340 km. To constrain layer thickness and Poisson's ratio, we performed a grid search over a suite of 1‐D velocity profiles to model the relative delay times of direct conversions and reverberations from the top of the LVZ and 410 km discontinuity, as recorded at the Yellowknife array. In addition, we performed linearized inversion of transmission coefficient amplitudes to estimate S velocity contrasts at the bounding interfaces. The LVZ is characterized by a thickness of ∼36 km with an S velocity contrast of −7.8% and Poisson's ratio of 0.42. Taken at face value, the two latter results require an increase in P velocity into the LVZ. The Poisson's ratio lies well above the IASP91 average of ∼0.29–0.3 for this depth range and favors the presence of high melt or fluid fractions.
Heat fluxes over weak SST heterogeneity
Authors: Mahrt L. , Khelif D.
Published: June 2010

The spatial variability of turbulence and surface heat flux are examined for the case of small air‐surface temperature difference and modest sea‐surface temperature variability. As a result of nonlinearities in the bulk formula, the heterogeneity is predicted to shift the area‐averaged heat flux toward more significant upward values compared to that computed from the usual bulk formula and the area‐averaged air‐surface temperature difference. This prediction is supported by a case study analysis of aircraft data collected over heterogeneity of the sea‐surface temperature. Traditional approaches for computing the surface flux are found to be unreliable over surface heterogeneity where the scales of the transport vary horizontally. A method based on a multiresolution wavelet transform reveals the spatial variability of the flux for different scales. This information together with several additional scale‐dependent indices are used to select the range of scales included in the flux computation. This approach provides more reliable estimates of the spatial variation of the flux, although uncertainties remain. Required improvements in observation strategies are discussed for quantitative evaluation of the bulk formula in conditions of surface heterogeneity.
Modeling the surface mass balance of a high Arctic glacier using the ERA‐40 reanalysis
Authors: Rye Cameron J. , Arnold Neil S. , Willis Ian C. , Kohler Jack
Published: June 2010

Investigating glacier mass balance via the use of numerical models provides an important insight into glacier‐climate interactions and allows for the assessment of future changes in sea level and local water resources. The application of mass balance models to unmonitored regions has previously been inhibited by the inadequate spatial coverage of local meteorological observations. One way to overcome this problem is through the use of climate reanalysis products. In this paper we evaluate the ability of the European Centre for Medium‐Range Forecasts ERA‐40 reanalysis to drive a surface mass balance model of Midre Lovénbreen, northwest Spitsbergen, Svalbard. The ERA‐40 reanalysis is validated and bias‐corrected against long‐term observations from two nearby in situ weather stations. The model is calibrated over the period of mass balance observations (1968–2001) using a downhill simplex parameter optimization technique to minimize the error between observed and simulated mass balances. The calibrated model is then used to extend the mass balance record of Midre Lovénbreen back to the beginning of the reanalysis in 1958. Overall, the ERA‐40 reanalysis is found to correspond sufficiently well with surface observations to be used for mass balance modeling. When driven using the ERA‐40 reanalysis, the calibrated surface mass balance model performs very well. The area‐averaged cumulative errors for winter, summer, and net balances are all very small over the period 1968–2001 (<0.3 m water equivalent (w.e.)). For the centerline stakes the correlation coefficients between observed and modeled net, winter, and summer balances are 0.83, 0.84, and 0.77, respectively. Using the hindcasted mass balances, a mean cumulative mass loss of −17.8 ± 3.7 m w.e. is estimated over the 44 year period 1958–2001.
Unique strainmeter observations of Vulcanian explosions, Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat, July 2003
Authors: Voight B. , Hidayat D. , Sacks S. , Linde A. , Chardot L. , Clarke A. , Elsworth D. , Foroozan R. , Malin P. , Mattioli G. , McWhorter N. , Shalev E. , Sparks R. S. J. , Widiwijayanti C. , Young S. R.
Published: June 2010

Five Vulcanian explosions were triggered by collapse of the Soufrière Hills Volcano lava dome in 2003. We report strainmeter data for three explosions, characterized by four stages: a short transition between the onset of disturbance and a pronounced change in strain; a quasi‐linear ramp accounting for the majority of strain change; a more gradual continued decline of strain to a minimum value; and a strain recovery phase lasting hours. Remarkable ∼800 s barometric gravity waves propagated at ∼30 m s−1. Eruption volumes estimated from plume height and strain data are 0.32–0.42 × 106, 0.26–0.49 × 106, and 0.81–0.84 × 106 m3, for Explosions 3–5 respectively, consistent with quasi‐cylindrical conduit drawdown <2 km. The duration of vigorous explosion is given by the strain signature, indicating mass fluxes of order 107 kg s−1. Conduit pressures released reflect static weight of porous gas‐charged magma, and exsolution‐generated overpressures of order 10 MPa.
Streamflow decline in southwestern Australia, 1950–2008
Authors: Petrone Kevin C. , Hughes Justin D. , Van Niel Thomas G. , Silberstein Richard P.
Published: June 2010

Southwest Western Australia (SWWA) has experienced a 15–20% reduction in rainfall since the 1970s with severe reductions in inflows to Perth drinking water reservoirs. To quantify rainfall and runoff patterns, we used trend and change point analyses for a 50 year record (1950–2008) and in the last two decades (1989–2008). From 1950–2008, trend tests showed significant declines in annual rainfall and runoff with corresponding change points for both rainfall and flow in the late 1960s or mid‐1970s. In the more recent record (1989–2008), runoff declined in the majority of catchments, but rainfall did not show a significant downward trend. Rather, streamflow decline was observed as a step change in response to the occurrence of below‐average rainfall years. A shift from perennial to ephemeral streams and a decline in the runoff coefficient (runoff/rainfall) in the last decade suggests a new hydrologic regime has developed with important implications for future surface water supply.
Inter‐hemispheric asymmetry in the early Pleistocene Pacific warm pool
Authors: Russon T. , Elliot M. , Sadekov A. , Cabioch G. , Corrège T. , De Deckker P.
Published: June 2010

The position of the southern boundary of the Pacific warm pool is shown to have been stable since the early Pleistocene, based upon a planktic foraminiferal Mg/Ca‐derived reconstruction of subtropical sea surface temperature in the Coral Sea. This contrasts with previous reconstructions showing warm pool contraction from the north and east and means that the early Pleistocene warm pool was more hemispherically asymmetric than its present configuration. The latter was not established until ∼1Ma, supporting a strengthening of the northern Hadley Cell, which was not replicated in its southern counterpart, prior to the Mid‐Pleistocene Transition.
History in a single hair
Authors: Wolinsky Howard
Published: June 2010

Modern extraction and sequencing technologies have given a huge boost to the emerging field of palaeogenomics. Howard Wolinsky explores how these advances help scientists to understand the function of ancient genes and their evolution.
Translational control of the sterol-regulatory transcription factor SREBP-1 mRNA in response to serum starvation or ER stress is mediated by an internal ribosome entry site
Authors: Damiano Fabrizio , Alemanno Simone , Gnoni Gabriele V. , Siculella Luisa
Published: June 2010

SREBPs (sterol-regulatory-element-binding proteins) are a family of transcription factors that modulate the expression of several enzymes implicated in endogenous cholesterol, fatty acid, triacylglycerol and phospholipid synthesis. In the present study, evidence for SREBP-1 regulation at the translational level is reported. Using several experimental approaches, we have demonstrated that the 5′-UTR (untranslated region) of the SREBP-1a mRNA contains an IRES (internal ribosome entry site). Transfection experiments with the SREBP-1a 5′-UTR inserted in a dicistronic reporter vector showed a remarkable increase in the downstream cistron translation, through a cap-independent mechanism. Insertion of the SREBP-1c 5′-UTR in the same vector also stimulated the translation of the downstream cistron, but the observed effect can be ascribed, at least in part, to a cryptic promoter activity. Cellular stress conditions, such as serum starvation, caused an increase in the level of SREBP-1 precursor and mature form in both Hep G2 and HeLa cells, despite the overall reduction in protein synthesis, whereas mRNA levels for SREBP-1 were unaffected by serum starvation. Transfection experiments carried out with a dicistronic construct demonstrated that the cap-dependent translation was affected more than IRES-mediated translation by serum starvation. The thapsigargin- and tunicamycin-induced UPR (unfolded protein response) also increased SREBP-1 expression in Hep G2 cells, through the cap-independent translation mediated by IRES. Overall, these findings indicate that the presence of IRES in the SREBP-1a 5′-UTR allows translation to be maintained under conditions that are inhibitory to cap-dependent translation.
ECM‐dependent mRNA expression profiles and phosphorylation patterns of p130Cas, FAK, ERK and p38 MAPK of osteoblast‐like cells
Authors: Hamamura Kazunori , Jiang Chang , Yokota Hiroki
Published: June 2010

Osteoblast cells synthesize collagen‐rich ECM (extracellular matrix) in response to various environmental cues, but little is known about ECM‐dependent variations in phosphorylation patterns. Using MC3T3 E1 osteoblast‐like cells and mouse whole‐genome microarrays, we investigated molecular signalling affected by collagen‐based ECMs. A genome‐wide expression analysis revealed that cells grown in the 3D collagen matrix partially suppressed the genes associated with cell adhesion and cell cycling. Western analysis demonstrated that the expression of the active (phosphorylated) form of p130Cas, FAK (focal adhesion kinase) and ERK1/2 (extracellular‐signal‐regulated protein kinase 1/2) was reduced in cells grown in the 3D matrix. Conversely, phosphorylation of p38 MAPK (p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase) was elevated in the 3D matrix, and its up‐regulation was linked to an increase in mRNA levels of dentin matrix protein 1 and bone sialoprotein. Although multiple characteristics such as surface topography, chemical composition and mechanical properties differ in the preparations of our collagen‐rich milieu, our observations support the notion that geometrical alterations in ECM environments can alter the phosphorylation pattern of p130Cas, FAK, ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK and lead to a differential developmental fate.
Pioglitazone in addition to metformin improves erythrocyte deformability in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Forst Thomas , Weber Matthias M. , Löbig Mirjam , Lehmann Ute , Müller Jürgen , Hohberg Cloth , Friedrich Christiane , Fuchs Winfried , Pfützner Andreas
Published: June 2010

The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of PIO (pioglitazone) or GLIM (glimepiride) on erythrocyte deformability in T2DM (Type 2 diabetes mellitus). The study covered 23 metformin-treated T2DM patients with an HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) >6.5%. Patients were randomized to receive either PIO (15 mg, twice a day) or GLIM (1 mg, twice a day) in combination with metformin (850 mg, twice a day) for 6 months. Blood samples were taken for the measurement of fasting glucose, HbA1c, fasting insulin, intact proinsulin, adiponectin and Hct (haematocrit). In addition, the erythrocyte EI (elongation index) was measured using laser diffractoscopy. Both treatments significantly improved HbA1c levels (PIO, −0.9±1.1%; GLIM, −0.6±0.4%; both P<0.05) and resulted in comparable HbA1c levels after 6 months (PIO, 6.5±1.2%; GLIM, 6.2±0.4%) Treatment with PIO reduced fasting insulin levels (−8.7±15.8 milli-units/l; P=0.098), intact proinsulin levels (−11.8±9.5 pmol/l; P<0.05) and Hct (−1.3±2.3%; P=0.09), whereas adiponectin levels increased (8.2±4.9 μg/ml; P<0.05). No significant change in these parameters was observed during GLIM treatment. PIO improved the EI, resulting in a significant increase in EI at all physiological shear stress ranges (0.6–6.0 Pa; P<0.05). The improvement in EI correlated with the increase in adiponectin levels (r=0.74; P<0.001), and inversely with intact proinsulin levels (r=−0.47; P<0.05). This is the first study showing an improvement in EI during treatment with PIO, which was associated with an increase in adiponectin and a decrease in intact proinsulin levels, but independent of glycaemic control.
The Use of MMF Screws: Surgical Technique, Indications, Contraindications, and Common Problems in Review of the Literature
Authors: Cornelius Carl-Peter , Ehrenfeld Michael
Published: June 2010

Mandibulo-maxillary fixation (MMF) screws are inserted into the bony base of both jaws in the process of fracture realignment and immobilisation. The screw heads act as anchor points to fasten wire loops or rubber bands connecting the mandible to the maxilla. Traditional interdental chain-linked wiring or arch bar techniques provide the anchorage by attached cleats, hooks, or eyelets. In comparison to these tooth-borne appliances MMF screws facilitate and shorten the way to achieve intermaxillary fixation considerably. In addition, MMF screws help to reduce the hazards of glove perforation and wire stick injuries. On the downside, MMF screws are attributed with the risk of tooth root damage and a lack of versatility beyond the pure maintenance of occlusion such as stabilizing loose teeth or splinting fragments of the alveolar process. The surgical technique of MMF screws as well as the pros and cons of the clinical application are reviewed. The adequate screw placement to prevent serious tooth root injuries is still an issue to rethink and modify conceptual guidelines.
Accelerated Osteomesh Resorption: A Case Report
Authors: Ho Samuel Y.M. , Nallanthamby Vigneswaran , Wong Marcus T.C.
Published: June 2010

Facial fractures occur commonly as a result of blunt trauma from road traffic accidents, assaults, and sporting injuries. Orbital floor fractures form a significant proportion of these and when large enough, the defect often requires surgical reconstruction of the floor to prevent orbital content herniation. Here, we present a case of a 28-year-old gentleman, who sustained an orbital floor fracture from a soccer-related injury. The resulting floor defect was surgically repaired using an osteomesh that was hand-cut to size. He developed delayed enophthalmos and entrapment of the inferior rectus muscle due to early resorption of the osteomesh, requiring revision surgery.
Mandibular Osteoradionecrosis: Use of Sequential Fibula Free Flaps for a Remote Sequence of Complications
Authors: Martín L. Pingarrón , Gallo L.J. Arias , Pons M. Chamorro , Soto M.J. Morán , Carretero J.L. Cebrián , García M. Burgueño
Published: June 2010

Mandibular osteoradionecrosis is a serious complication of radiotherapy that often leads to severe facial deformity, intolerable pain, fracture, sequestration of devitalized bone and fistulas. The prophylaxis of this severe complication is a major goal in modern combined tumor therapy, but once the pathology is established, conservative treatment modalities are used in almost all patients in an effort to control progression. Radical surgery should only be instituted when conservative methods fail or when severe bone and soft-tissue necrosis prevails. Pathologic fractures and chronic fistulae are clear indicators for radical surgical management. This paper document a case report of severe bilateral mandibular osteoradionecrosis reconstructed with two sequencial osteocutaneous fibular free flap. The authors discuss the different alternatives of treatment and the most important steps for a successful management of this challenge.
In-plane poling characterization of organic electro-optical polymer
Authors: Palazzesi C. , Stella F. , De Matteis F. , Casalboni M.
Published: June 2010

The purpose of this work is to investigate the in-plane poling technique and to make a comparison with the corona poling technique. To this end we chose as a test material a well known guest-host system, disperse red 1 in polymethyl methacrilate. The second harmonic generation and the order parameter, determined by means of polarized absorption spectroscopy, have been monitored to test the effectiveness of the poling. We found out that the shorter the gap distance between the electrodes, the higher is the maximum achievable value of the applied voltage, without occurrence of the electrical discharge, this increase in the electrical field enhances the poling efficiency thus enlarging the possibility to employ this configuration in electro-optical devices, such as Mach–Zehnder modulators. The use of quartz slide instead of BK7 and the careful tuning of the coplanar-electrode distance allowed to reach a high poling efficiency, yielding a nonlinear coefficient upto 25 pm/V while a value not higher than 8 pm/V was obtained with a traditional corona poling.
Effect of configuration and dimensions of reactor electrodes on electrical and optical corona discharge characteristics
Authors: El-Koramy Reda Ahmed , Yehia Ashraf , Omer Mohamed
Published: June 2010

An experimental parametric study is made to investigate how the electrical corona discharge characteristics are influenced by the geometrical configuration and dimensions of the reactor and the electrode polarity of the applied voltage. Furthermore, features of the corona discharge plasma formed around the stressed electrode in some different gases are recorded photographically to provide more information on the physical mechanisms of the corona discharge in the investigated gases. The obtained results have been discussed in the light of gas discharge physics and its applications.
Transport and charging mechanisms in Ta2O5 thin films for capacitive RF MEMS switches application
Authors: Persano A. , Quaranta F. , Martucci M. C. , Cretì P. , Siciliano P. , Cola A.
Published: June 2010

The potential of sputtered Ta2O5 thin films to be used as dielectric layers in capacitive radio frequency microelectromechanical system switches is evaluated by investigating two factors of crucial importance for the performance of these devices which are the transport mechanisms and the charging effects in the dielectric layer. We find that Ta2O5 films show good electrical and dielectrical properties for the considered application in terms of a low leakage current density of 4 nA/cm2 for E=1 MV/cm, a high breakdown field of 4 MV/cm and a high dielectric constant of 32. For electric fields lower than 1 MV/cm the conduction mechanism is found to be variable-range hopping in the temperature range 300–400 K, while nearest-neighbor hopping is observed at higher temperatures. For fields in the range 1–4 MV/cm Poole–Frenkel becomes the dominant conduction mechanism. Current and capacitance transients used to investigate the charging effects show a decay which is well described by the stretched-exponential law, thus providing further insights on capture and emission processes.
High speed wafer scale bulge testing for the determination of thin film mechanical properties
Authors: Orthner M. P. , Rieth L. W. , Solzbacher F.
Published: June 2010

A wafer scale bulge testing system has been constructed to study the mechanical properties of thin films and microstructures. The custom built test stage was coupled with a pressure regulation system and optical profilometer which gives high accuracy three-dimensional topographic images collected on the time scale of seconds. Membrane deflection measurements can be made on the wafer scale (50–150 mm) with up to nanometer-scale vertical resolution. Gauge pressures up to 689 kPa (100 psi) are controlled using an electronic regulator with and accuracy of approximately 0.344 kPa (0.05 psi). Initial testing was performed on square diaphragms 350, 550, and 1200 μm in width comprised of 720±10 nm thick low pressure chemical vapor deposited silicon nitride with ∼20 nm of e-beam evaporated aluminum. These initial experiments were focused on measuring the system limitations and used to determine what range of deflections and pressures can be accurately measured and controlled. Gauge pressures from 0 to ∼8.3 kPa (1.2 psi) were initially applied to the bottom side of the diaphragms and their deflection was subsequently measured. The overall pressure resolution of the system is good (∼350 Pa) but small fluctuations existed at pressures below 5 kPa leading to a larger standard deviation between deflection measurements. Analytical calculations and computed finite element analysis deflections closely matched those empirically measured. Using an analytical solution that relates pressure deflection data for the square diaphragms the Young’s modulus was estimated for the films assuming a Poisson’s ratio of v=0.25. Calculations to determine Young’s modulus for the smaller diaphragms proved difficult because the pressure deflection relationship remained in the linear regime over the tested pressure range. Hence, the calculations result in large error when used to estimate the Young’s modulus for the smaller membranes. The deflection measurements of three 1200×1200 μm2 Si3N4−x membranes were taken at increased pressures (>25 kPa) to increase nonlinearity and better determine Young’s modulus. This pressure-deflection data were fit to an analytical solution and Young’s modulus estimated to be 257±3 GPa, close to those previously reported in literature.
The Lagrangian exploration module: An apparatus for the study of statistically homogeneous and isotropic turbulence
Authors: Zimmermann Robert , Xu Haitao , Gasteuil Yoann , Bourgoin Mickaël , Volk Romain , Pinton Jean-François , Bodenschatz Eberhard ,   International Collaboration for Turbulence Research
Published: June 2010

We present an apparatus that generates statistically homogeneous and isotropic turbulence with a mean flow that is less than 10% of the fluctuating velocity in a volume of the size of the integral length scale. The apparatus is shaped as an icosahedron where at each of the 12 vertices the flow is driven by independently controlled propellers. By adjusting the driving of the different propellers the isotropy and homogeneity of the flow can be tuned, while keeping the mean flow weak.
Influence of metallic nanoparticles on electric-dipole and magnetic-dipole transitions of Eu3+ doped germanate glasses
Authors: Kassab Luciana R. P. , da Silva Diego S. , de Araújo Cid B.
Published: June 2010

Luminescence properties of Eu3+ doped germanate glasses containing either silver or gold nanoparticles (NPs) were investigated for excitation at 405 nm. Enhanced emissions and luminescence quenching of the Eu3+ transitions in the range from 570 to 720 nm were observed for samples having various concentrations of metallic NPs. Electric-dipole and magnetic-dipole transitions that originate from the Eu3+ level D50 exhibit large enhancement due to the presence of the metallic NPs. The results suggest that the magnetic response of rare-earth doped metal-dielectric composites at optical frequencies can be as strong as their electric response due to the confinement of the optical magnetic field.
Controlled domain-wall injection in perpendicularly magnetized strips
Authors: Lavrijsen R. , Franken J. H. , Kohlhepp J. T. , Swagten H. J. M. , Koopmans B.
Published: June 2010

For applications of domain wall (DW) motion in magnetic devices, it is vital to control the creation and position of the DW. We use Ga+ irradiation of Pt/Co/Pt strips to locally change the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. This allows us to controllably inject DWs into a device at a tunable field. The observed initial linear decrease and subsequent increase in the DW injection field upon increasing irradiation dose are explained by micromagnetic simulations and an analytical one-dimensional model.
Control of electron temperature and space potential gradients by superposition of thermionic electrons on electron cyclotron resonance plasmas
Authors: Moon Chanho , Kaneko Toshiro , Tamura Shuichi , Hatakeyama Rikizo
Published: June 2010

An electron temperature gradient (ETG) is formed perpendicular to the magnetic field lines by superimposing low-temperature thermionic electrons emitted from a tungsten hot plate upon high-temperature electrons of an electron cyclotron resonance plasma, which pass through two different-shaped mesh grids. The radial profile of the plasma space potential can be controlled independent of the ETG by changing the bias voltages of the hot plate.
Dependence of Meyer–Neldel energy on energetic disorder in organic field effect transistors
Authors: Ullah Mujeeb , Fishchuk I. I. , Kadashchuk A. , Stadler P. , Pivrikas A. , Simbrunner C. , Poroshin V. N. , Sariciftci N. S. , Sitter H.
Published: June 2010

Meyer–Neldel rule for charge carrier mobility was studied in C60-based organic field effect transistors (OFETs) fabricated at different growth conditions which changed the degree of disorder in the films. The energetic disorder in the films was found to correlate with a shift in the Meyer–Neldel energy, which is in excellent agreement with the predictions of a hopping-transport model for the temperature dependent OFET mobility in organic semiconductors with a Gaussian density-of-states (DOS). Using this model the width of the DOS was evaluated and it was found to decrease from 88 meV for the films grown at room temperature to 54 meV for films grown at 250 °C.