bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Turbulent ISM of Galaxies 10 Gyrs ago: Star Formation, Gas Accretion, and IMF
Authors: Le Tiran Loïc , Lehnert Matthew D.
Published: December 2011

The utilization of integral-field spectroscopy has led us to a new understanding of the physical conditions in galaxies within the first few billion years after the Big Bang. In this proceedings, we analyze observations of ~50 massive galaxies as seen as they were 10 Gyrs ago using SINFONI from the ESO-VLT. We show that the large line width they exhibit can be explained by the intense mechanical energy output from the young stars. We also study the influence of cold gas accretion upon these galaxies: We show that an unrealistic amount of shocked gas would be needed in order to explain the Hα emission from these galaxies through shocks from gas accretion with velocity about the Hα line widths of these galaxies. We also use DEEP2 photometric measurements for a sub-sample of 10 of these galaxies to evaluate their ratio of Hα to FUV flux as a function of their Hα and R-band luminosity surface brightnesses. Our data suggests that perhaps their initial mass function (IMF) is flatter than Salpeter at the high mass end, as has been suggested recently for some local galaxies. It may be that high turbulence is responsible for skewing the IMF towards more massive stars as suggested by some theories of star-formation. Much work is however needed to accredit this hypothesis.
The Metallicity Evolution of Galaxies through the Cosmic Epochs
Authors: Maiolino R.
Published: December 2011

We have found that local galaxies follow a very tight relation between gas metallicity, stellar mass and SFR, suggesting that their evolution is characterized by a long standing equilibrium between gas inflows, outflows and star formation. Surprisingly, even distant galaxies, out to z < 2.5, follow the same relation, suggesting that the same dominant mechanism of galaxy evolution is in place at any epoch, out to z < 2.5. However, by using deep near-IR spectroscopy (probing optical nebular lines at high-z), we find that galaxies at z > 3 deviate from such fundamental relation, by being significantly more metal poor. Spatially resolved metallicity maps of z > 3 disk galaxies reveal that they are characterized by central regions with low metallicity associated with the peak of star formation, indicating that the latter is due to massive inflow of pristine gas that both boosts star formation and dilutes the gas metallicity. Overall these results suggest that the metallicity evolution of galaxies at z > 3 is due to an excess of gas inflow at such early epochs, as expected by some recent models. Finally, we investigate the metallicity of merging systems, both locally and at high-z. By exploiting recent Herschel data, we have found that in these systems the dust content directly measured through the FIR-submm data is much higher than inferred from the metallicity measured through the optical nebular lines. The latter result suggests that, in these heavily obscured systems, optical observations only probe the outer, less enriched regions and are not representative of the bulk of the metal content.
Stellar Populations in M31 from Broad-band Photometry
Authors: Tamm Antti , Tempel Elmo , Tenjes Peeter , Tuvikene Taavi
Published: December 2011

Due to its proximity, size, complex structure and high inclination angle, M31 offers an excellent opportunity for studying galactic structures outside the Milky Way and for drawing implications for their cosmological origin. We have studied the stellar populations of M 31 using the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) photometry and the Spitzer far-infrared (FIR) mappings of dust. Combining these data, we have constructed a 3-dimensional model of the galaxy, laying constraints on the intrinsic (dust-free) properties of the galaxy and its stellar populations: their apparent and intrinsic luminosities, luminosity distributions, colours, shapes and sizes. We have interpreted the derived spectral energy distributions with synthetic stellar populations created with the Starburst99 software, in order to constrain the ages and masses of the stellar components.
Astronomy Education: Research Paving the Road to Enthusiasm for Studying Science.
Authors: De Greve Jean-Pierre
Published: December 2011

A brief analysis is given of the need for more trained people in science and technology versus the declined interest in studying sciences. In highlighting some of the aspects of research in astronomy, arguments are presented why astronomy education is by far the most attractive way to stimulate young people to study sciences later on. The availability of vast sets of scientific data with software instruments for instructional use is emphasized. Attention is also given to the changing world of young people, and to the needs and problems in Africa. Finally, some conclusions are given of how astronomy can contribute to transform education in sciences into an education for young people that attracts them towards science & technology.
Developing Astronomy in Uganda
Authors: Anguma S. K. , Jurua E.
Published: December 2011

Astronomy as a discipline has not been widely established in Uganda. However, some aspects of astronomy, especially, concerning the solar system, are integrated in geography syllabi for secondary and tertiary institutions. The technological spin-off benefits from astronomy to humanity are immense and therefore, efforts should be geared towards establishing astronomy as an autonomous discipline across the entire school system in the Uganda. So far, the urge and efforts made to popularize the discipline in Uganda have started yielding tangible results. This paper presents the achievements and future strategies of establishing astronomy in Uganda's school system.
Chemical Signature of Gas-rich disc-disc Mergers at high Redshift
Authors: Martel Hugo , Richard Simon , Brook Chris B. , Kawata Daisuke , Gibson Brad K. , Sánchez-Blázquez Patricia
Published: December 2011

We performed numerical simulations of mergers between gas-rich disc galaxies, which result in the formation of late-type galaxies. Stars formed during the merger end up in a thick disc that is partially supported by velocity dispersion and has high [α/Fe] ratios at all metallicities. Stars formed later end up in a thin, rotationally supported disc which has lower [α/Fe] ratios. While the structural and kinematical properties of the merger remnants depend strongly upon the orbital parameters of the mergers, we find a clear chemical signature of gas-rich mergers.
Numerical Simulations of KPG 302 (NGC 3893/96)
Authors: Rosado Margarita , Gabbasov Ruslan , Fuentes-Carrera Isaura
Published: December 2011

We present the results of numerical simulations on the M51-type galaxy pair KPG 302 (NGC 3893/96) taking as boundary conditions for these simulations the results of our observations on the kinematics of this pair. The observations allow us to deduce the different components of each galaxy in the pair (stellar disk and bulge, dark matter halo) as well as the geometry of the encounter at the present time. The numerical simulations were carried out using GADGET2 numerical code including gas. We describe in detail how the numerical simulations are being done. We succeeded to reproduce the actual conditions of the pair, in particular, the grand-design spiral arms of NGC 3893 (the main galaxy of the pair) when the numerical simulations include gas, consider a parabolic direct collision and multiple passages.
Scale Length of Disk Galaxies
Authors: Fathi Kambiz
Published: December 2011

Disk scale length rd and central surface brightness μ0 for a sample of 29955 bright disk galaxies from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey have been analyzed. Cross correlation of the SDSS sample with the LEDA catalogue allowed us to investigate the variation of the scale lengths for different types of disk/spiral galaxies and present distributions and typical trends of scale lengths all the SDSS bands with linear relations that indicate the relation that connect scale lengths in one passband to another. We use the volume corrected results in the r-band and revisit the relation between these parameters and the galaxy morphology, and find the average values 〈rd〉 = 3.8 ± 2.1 kpc and 〈μ0〉 = 20.2 ± 0.7 mag arcsec−2. The derived scale lengths presented here are representative for a typical galaxy mass of 1010.8 M⊙, and the RMS dispersion is larger for more massive galaxies. We analyse the rd–μ0 plane and further investigate the Freeman Law and confirm that it indeed defines an upper limit for μ0 in bright disks (rmag < 17.0), and that disks in late type spirals (T ≥ 6) have fainter central surface brightness. Our results are based on a sample of galaxies in the local universe (z < 0.3) that is two orders of magnitudes larger than any sample previously studied, and deliver statistically significant results that provide a comprehensive test bed for future theoretical studies and numerical simulations of galaxy formation and evolution.
The Large-scale Structure in the Chandra Deep Field South
Authors: Trevese Dario , Fiore Fabrizio , Piconcelli Enrico , Castellano Marco , Pentericci Laura , Ranalli Piero , Comastri Andrea
Published: December 2011

We have studied the large scale distribution of matter in the Chandra Deep Field South on the basis of photometric redshifts and we have identified several over-densities between redshift 0.6 and 2.3. We analyse two of these structures using the deepest X-ray observations ever obtained: 4 Ms with the Chandra satellite and 2.5 Ms with XMM-Newton. We set a very faint upper limit on the X-ray luminosity of a structure at redshift 1.6, and we find an extended X-ray emission from a structure at redshift 0.96 of which we can estimate the gas temperature and make a comparison with the scaling relations between the X-ray luminosity and mass or temperature of high redshift galaxy clusters.
Asymptotic Giant Branch Variables in NGC 6822
Authors: Whitelock Patricia A.
Published: December 2011

Multi-epoch JHKS photometry is used to identify large amplitude variables and to study the AGB population of NGC 6822. 50 Mira variables, ranging in period from 128 to 998 days, have been identified. The majority of these are around 1 to 4 Gyr old, but a significantly younger component is also identified.
Using remotely‐sensed fuel connectivity patterns as a tool for fire danger monitoring
Authors: Caccamo G. , Chisholm L. A. , Bradstock R. A. , Puotinen M. L.
Published: December 2011

Spatial connectivity of areas of dry fuels is considered a significant influence on the incidence of large fires. Precipitation patterns can dynamically affect fuel connectivity through controls on the distribution of dry fuels. Spatio‐temporal monitoring of precipitation‐driven variations in dry fuel connectivity patterns could therefore offer the potential to monitor fire danger. In this paper we present an innovative graph theoretic‐based approach to monitor fire danger using remotely sensed patterns of dry fuel connectivity. We analysed the temporal evolution of dry fuel connectivity in south‐eastern Australia during recent fire seasons. The analysis showed that rapid changes in the connectivity of dry fuels determine the pre‐conditions for major fires. We found that large fires affected highly connected dry portions of the landscape, confirming the potential of this approach to monitor the temporal evolution of fire danger.
Small‐scale convection at a continental back‐arc to craton transition: Application to the southern Canadian Cordillera
Authors: Hardebol N. J. , Pysklywec R. N. , Stephenson R.
Published: December 2011

A step in the depth of the lithosphere base, associated with lateral variations in the upper mantle temperature structure, can trigger mantle flow that is referred to as edge‐driven convection. This paper aims at outlining the implications of such edge‐driven flow at a lateral temperature transition from a hot and thin to a cold and thick lithosphere of a continental back‐arc. This configuration finds application in the southern Canadian Cordillera, where a hot and thin back‐arc is adjacent to the cold and thick North American Craton. A series of geodynamical models tested the thermodynamical behavior of the lithosphere and upper mantle induced by a step in lithosphere thickness. The mantle flow patterns, thickness and heat flow evolution of the lithosphere, and surface topography are examined. We find that the lateral temperature transition shifts cratonward due to the vigorous edge‐driven mantle flow that erodes the craton edge, unless the craton has a distinct high viscosity mantle lithosphere. The mantle lithosphere viscosity structure determines the impact of edge‐driven flow on crustal deformation and surface heat flow; a dry olivine rheology for the craton prevents the edge from migrating and supports a persistent surface heat flow contrast. These phenomena are well illustrated at the transition from the hot Canadian Cordillera to craton that is supported by a rheological change and that coincides with a lateral change in surface heat flow. Fast seismic wave velocities observed in the upper mantle cratonward of the step can be explained as downwellings induced by the edge‐driven flow.
The effects of continental margins and water mass circulation on the distribution of dissolved aluminum and manganese in Drake Passage
Authors: Middag R. , de Baar H. J. W. , Laan P. , Huhn O.
Published: December 2011

A total of 232 samples were analyzed for concentrations of dissolved aluminum ([Al]) and manganese ([Mn]) in Drake Passage. Both [Al] and [Mn] were extremely low (∼0.3 and 0.1 nM, respectively) in the surface layer of the middle Drake Passage, most likely due to limited input and biological uptake/scavenging. Elevated [Al] (>14 nM) and [Mn] (>2 nM) over the South American continental shelf are related to land run‐off, whereas elevated concentrations (>1 nM and >2 nM, respectively) near the Antarctic Peninsula are most likely related to sediment re‐suspension. Re‐suspension of sedimentary particles and pore waters influences the distribution of [Al] and [Mn] over the continental slopes on both sides of Drake Passage. The influence of the continental margins and accumulated dust input potentially explains the higher [Al] observed eastward in the Atlantic section of the Southern Ocean. In the northern Drake Passage, elevated [Al] (∼0.8 nM) and [Mn] (∼0.3 nM) near the seafloor are most likely the result of bottom sediment re‐suspension by the relatively strong currents. In the deep southern Drake Passage sediment re‐suspension associated with the inflow of Weddell Sea Deep Water appears to cause elevated [Al] (>1 nM) and [Mn] (∼0.4 nM). In the deep northern Drake Passage, North Atlantic Deep Water brings in elevated [Al] and Southeast Pacific Deep Slope Water brings in the signature of Pacific hydrothermal vents. Elevated [Mn] andδ3He were correlated in this water layer and are most likely originating from the volcanically active ridges in the Pacific Ocean.
Utilizing multichannel electrical resistivity methods to examine the dynamics of the fresh water–seawater interface in two Hawaiian groundwater systems
Authors: Dimova Natasha T. , Swarzenski Peter W. , Dulaiova Henrieta , Glenn Craig R.
Published: December 2011

Multichannel electrical resistivity (ER) measurements were conducted at two contrasting coastal sites in Hawaii to obtain new information on the spatial scales and dynamics of the fresh water–seawater interface and rates of coastal groundwater exchange. At Kiholo Bay (located on the dry, Kona side of the Big Island) and at a site in Maunalua Bay (Oahu), there is an evidence for abundant submarine groundwater discharge (SGD). However, the hydrologic and geologic controls on coastal groundwater discharge are likely to be different at these two sites. While at Kiholo Bay SGD is predominantly through lava tubes, at the Maunalua Bay site exchange occurs mostly through nearshore submarine springs. In order to calculate SGD fluxes, it is important to understand the spatial and temporal scales of coastal groundwater exchange. From ER time series data, subsurface salinity distributions were calculated using site‐specific formation factors. A salinity mass balance box model was then used to calculate rates of point source (i.e., spatially discreet) and total fresh water discharge. From these data, mean SGD rates were calculated for Kiholo Bay (∼9,200 m3/d) and for the Maunalua Bay site (∼5,900 m3/d). While such results are on the same order of magnitude to geochemical tracer‐derived SGD rates, the ER SGD rates provide enhanced details of coastal groundwater exchange that can enable a more cohesive whole watershed perspective.
Development and application of a hydroclimatological stream temperature model within the Soil and Water Assessment Tool
Authors: Ficklin Darren L. , Luo Yuzhou , Stewart Iris T. , Maurer Edwin P.
Published: December 2011

We develop a stream temperature model within the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) that reflects the combined influence of meteorological (air temperature) and hydrological conditions (streamflow, snowmelt, groundwater, surface runoff, and lateral soil flow) on water temperature within a watershed. SWAT currently uses a linear air‐stream temperature relationship to determine stream temperature, without consideration of watershed hydrology. As SWAT uses stream temperature to model various in‐stream biological and water quality processes, an improvement of the stream temperature model will result in improved accuracy in modeling these processes. The new stream temperature model is tested on seven coastal and mountainous streams throughout the western United States for which high quality flow and water temperature data were available. The new routine does not require input data beyond that already supplied to the model, can be calibrated with a limited number of calibration parameters, and achieves improved representation of observed daily stream temperature. For the watersheds modeled, the Nash‐Sutcliffe (NS) coefficient and mean error (ME) for the new stream temperature model averaged 0.81 and −0.69°C, respectively, for the calibration period and 0.82 and −0.63°C for the validation period. The original SWAT stream temperature model averaged a NS of −0.27 and ME of 3.21°C for the calibration period and a NS of −0.26 and ME of 3.02°C for the validation period. Sensitivity analyses suggest that the new stream temperature model calibration parameters are physically reasonable and the model is better able to capture stream temperature changes resulting from changes in hydroclimatological conditions.
A unified approach for extracting strength information from nonsimple compression waves. Part I: Thermodynamics and numerical implementation
Authors: Reed Bryan W. , Stolken James S. , Minich Roger W. , Kumar Mukul
Published: December 2011

We describe a comprehensive method of extracting estimates of the complete plastic deformation behavior, including full deviatoric-stress/plastic-strain (τ − ψ) curves, from one-dimensional dynamic compression experiments at moderate pressures (up to ∼50 GPa). The method combines and extends selected aspects of previous approaches and features a second-order velocity interpolation function designed to accommodate highly rate-dependent phenomena. Assumptions, and the expected limitations thereof, are made explicit and kept to a minimum. In particular, we do not assume any particular plasticity model, nor do we assume that the wave propagation is either simple or steady. Instead, we allow the data themselves to constrain any such behavior. We develop generalizations of standard equation-of-state analyses that account for the effects of rate-dependent relaxation on wave speeds and paths through thermodynamic space and show the potential to extract a great deal of strength information from the details of wave propagation.
A universal law to characterize ohmic contacts of small high electron mobility transistors
Authors: Chaubet C. , Couturaud O. , Mailly D.
Published: December 2011

We have processed very small high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) on the two dimensional electron gas of a GaAs/GaInAs heterostructure. The contacts (down to 2 μm wide) connect channels of different lengths and widths. We measure the saturation I(V) curves and obtain the source drain voltage at saturation. Experiments demonstrate a universal linear dependence of the saturation voltage drop with the length of the channel, whatever its width. Our experimental result is understood with basic equations of the 2D channel, taking into account the contact resistivity. The universal law Usat(L) gives a nice way to measure easily and precisely the resistivity of contacts in ultrasmall devices when their width cannot be precisely known, like in narrow two dimensional electron gas.
Subharmonic excitation in amplitude modulation atomic force microscopy in the presence of adsorbed water layers
Authors: Santos Sergio , Barcons Victor , Verdaguer Albert , Chiesa Matteo
Published: December 2011

In ambient conditions, nanometric water layers form on hydrophilic surfaces covering them and significantly changing their properties and characteristics. Here we report the excitation of subharmonics in amplitude modulation atomic force microscopy induced by intermittent water contacts. Our simulations show that there are several regimes of operation depending on whether there is perturbation of water layers. Single period orbitals, where subharmonics are never induced, follow only when the tip is either in permanent contact with the water layers or in pure noncontact where the water layers are never perturbed. When the water layers are perturbed subharmonic excitation increases with decreasing oscillation amplitude. We derive an analytical expression which establishes whether water perturbations compromise harmonic motion and show that the predictions are in agreement with numerical simulations. Empirical validation of our interpretation is provided by the observation of a range of values for apparent height of water layers when subharmonic excitation is predicted.
Analysis of pulsed high-density HBr and Cl2 plasmas: Impact of the pulsing parameters on the radical densities
Authors: Bodart P. , Brihoum M. , Cunge G. , Joubert O. , Sadeghi N.
Published: December 2011

The dynamic of charged particles in pulsed plasma is relatively well known since the 1990s. In contrast, works reporting on the impact of the plasma modulation frequency and duty cycle on the radicals’ densities are scarce. In this work, we analyze the impact of these modulation parameters on the radicals’ composition in Cl2 and HBr plasmas. The radicals’ densities are measured by broad-band UV and vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) absorption spectroscopy and modulated-beam mass spectrometry. We show that pulsing the rf power allows controlling the plasma chemistry and gives access to the plasma conditions that cannot be reached in continuous wave plasmas. In particular, we show that above 500 Hz, the pulsing frequency has no influence on the plasma chemistry, whereas in contrast the duty cycle is an excellent knob to control the fragmentation of the parent gas, thus the chemical reactivity of the discharge. At low duty cycle, a reduced gas fragmentation combined with a large ion flux leads to new etching conditions, compared to cw plasmas and the expected consequences on pulsed-etching processes are discussed.
ODTLES simulations of wall-bounded flows
Authors: Gonzalez-Juez Esteban D. , Schmidt Rodney C. , Kerstein Alan R.
Published: December 2011

ODTLES is a novel multi-scale model for 3D turbulent flow based on the one-dimensional-turbulence model of Kerstein [“One-dimensional turbulence: Model formulation and application to homogeneous turbulence, shear flows, and buoyant stratified flows,” J. Fluid Mech. 392, 277 (1999)]. Its key distinction is that it is formulated to resolve small-scale phenomena and capture some 3D large-scale features of the flow with affordable simulations. The present work demonstrates this capability by considering four types of wall-bounded turbulent flows. This work shows that spatial profiles of various flow quantities predicted with ODTLES agree fairly well with those from direct numerical simulations. It also shows that ODTLES resolves the near-wall region, while capturing the following 3D flow features: the mechanism increasing tangential velocity fluctuations near a free-slip wall, the large-scale recirculation region in lid-driven cavity flow, and the secondary flow in square duct flow.
Detecting the topologies of complex networks with stochastic perturbations
Authors: Wu Xiaoqun , Zhou Changsong , Chen Guanrong , Lu Jun-an
Published: December 2011

How to recover the underlying connection topology of a complex network from observed time series of a component variable of each node subject to random perturbations is studied. A new technique termed Piecewise Granger Causality is proposed. The validity of the new approach is illustrated with two FitzHugh-Nagumo neurobiological networks by only observing the membrane potential of each neuron, where the neurons are coupled linearly and nonlinearly, respectively. Comparison with the traditional Granger causality test is performed, and it is found that the new approach outperforms the traditional one. The impact of the network coupling strength and the noise intensity, as well as the data length of each partition of the time series, is further analyzed in detail. Finally, an application to a network composed of coupled chaotic Rössler systems is provided for further validation of the new method.
The tautomerization phenomenon of glibenclamide drug monitored by means of volumetric measurements
Authors: Wojnarowska Z. , Paluch M. , Pionteck J.
Published: December 2011

In this paper, we investigate the tautomerization process of glibenclamide drug by monitoring the changes in the specific volume. The density changes observed during the chemical equilibration process, carried out at a pressure of p = 10 MPa and at three different temperatures, enable us to study the kinetics of tautomerization reaction, i.e., to determine the activation energy and to recognize the real time scale of this process at various temperature conditions. The results obtained from analysis of Vsp(t) dependencies were next compared with the kinetic data previously obtained from dielectric spectroscopy studies.
Optical properties of KCl:Sn2+ phosphors synthesized from aqueous KCl/SnCl2 solutions
Authors: Nara Jun-ichi , Adachi Sadao
Published: December 2011

KCl:Sn2+ phosphors were synthesized from aqueous KCl/SnCl2 solutions. Solvents with a molar ratio of KCl : SnCl2 = 1 : M (M = 0 − 5) were dissolved in de-ionized water. The optical properties of the synthesized phosphors were investigated by photoluminescence (PL) analysis, PL excitation spectroscopy (PLE), and PL lifetime measurements. KCl:Sn2+ phosphor synthesized with M = 0.1 exhibited the strongest PL emission in the green (AT band) and red spectral regions (R band). The phosphors synthesized with M ≥ 1 were composites of various potassium chlorostannates and emitted light in the red spectral region (R band). Annealing the M = 0.1 phosphor in dry N2 resulted in a PL spectrum that was the same as those usually observed in melt-grown KCl:Sn2+ phosphors (i.e., exhibiting only the AT emission band). Annealing also led to a change in the PL decay characteristic from a double exponential curve to a single exponential curve. The AT and R emission bands had nearly the same PLE spectra and were related to the deexcitation of the Sn2+ (5s5p) ions in KCl.
Spin-glass-like behavior and related properties of aluminum-based Al−Y−RE−Ni (RE=Gd, Dy) amorphous alloys
Authors: Chrobak A. , Ślebarski A. , Haneczok G. , Kotur B.
Published: December 2011

Magnetic properties of the following alloys: Al87Y5Ni8, Al87Y4Gd1Ni8, Al87Gd5Ni8, Al87Y4Dy1Ni8, and Al87Dy5Ni8 were studied by means of magnetic, electrical transport, and heat capacity measurements. Low temperature isotherms, magnetization versus magnetic field, were analyzed numerically to obtain distribution of magnetic moments in the interacting clusters system. The resistivity ρr(T) and specific heat C(T)/T data indicate a spin-glass-like magnetic state for the alloys with RE=Gd or Dy. The obtained distribution of magnetic moments reveals the presence of small clusters of Ni separated by magnetic RE/Ni regions which exhibit a frustration. We found that in the Al87Y5Ni8 alloy, Ni atoms form only two types of magnetic clusters with about 70 or 300 atoms. Doping of the based system by RE atoms leads to a reduction of Ni clusters magnetic moment via breaking off Ni−Ni ferromagnetic interaction within the cluster. We also found that resistivity ρr(T) of the investigated amorphous alloys Al−Y−RE−Ni is almost T-independent between 200 and 300 K which is a result of strong atomic and magnetic disorder.
Sucrose accumulation in sugarcane stalks does not limit photosynthesis and biomass production
Authors: Inman-Bamber N. G. , Jackson P. A. , Hewitt M.
Published: December 2011

Until now raw sugar has been the predominant commodity produced from sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) with the exception of Brazil where fermentable sugars are used to produce ethanol. Worldwide interest in renewable energy has focussed attention on total biomass production of ‘energy canes’ rather than sucrose yield alone. Clones selected for biomass tend to have high fibre contents derived from the wild type, S. spontaneum. It is possible that high fibre genotypes can produce higher biomass yields than high sucrose types due to feedback on photosynthesis either by sucrose or sucrose signalling compounds as proposed in several recent publications on feedback responses in sugarcane leaves.
Up to 20 sugarcane clones with either high fibre or high sucrose content were grown in one field and three pot experiments to elucidate some of the processes from source to sink that could be responsible for high rates of biomass accumulation expected in high fibre clones. We were particularly interested in the possibility that clones with high sucrose content may have reduced photosynthesis as sucrose levels increased in upper internodes due to feedback mechanisms.
Photosynthesis of whole plants and of single leaves decreased with crop development as much as 60% in some cases. Maintenance of photosynthesis was not associated with low content of sugars in leaves or in internodes. Sink strength for sucrose storage in the upper internodes was strong in both high fibre and high sucrose clones despite plants being grown for 12 months in conditions controlled to achieve high sucrose contents.
Our data supported previous conclusions about localised feedback on photosynthesis by sugars accumulating in the leaf resulting in reduced photosynthesis of small segments of individual young leaves. However, whole-plant photosynthesis did not decline through the day indicating that older leaves may compensate for reduced photosynthesis in younger leaves in the afternoon. While photosynthesis declined with crop age and sucrose content increased we found no evidence to suggest that photosynthesis declined because sucrose content increased. An increase in biomass yield through breeding and selection may not necessarily result in reduced sucrose content and increased fibre content.
The mismatch of geographical indications and innovative traditional knowledge
Authors: Frankel Susy
Published: December 2011

This article is about how geographical indications (GIs) cannot deliver the protection for traditional knowledge that indigenous peoples seek. There are three broad ways in which the protection of geographical indications appears to offer the possibility of providing legal mechanisms to protect traditional knowledge. These are the collective nature of the protection, the indefinite availability of the GI and the connection that GI owners perceive between their products and their land. Those seeking protection of traditional knowledge also seek a collective and an indefinite interest and frequently the relationship between their knowledge and the land is important for indigenous peoples. Yet, these similarities are superficial. GIs protect names and are used by Western farmers and sometimes rural communities to promote their products. This article concludes that GIs cannot deliver the protection that indigenous peoples seek in order to benefit from their traditional knowledge.
Indigenous cultural heritage and Fairtrade: voluntary certification standards in the light of WIPO and WTO law and policymaking
Authors: Graber C.B. , Lai J.C.
Published: December 2011

Private initiatives for voluntary certification standards appear to be an attractive alternative to top-down approaches in the field of indigenous cultural heritage and development. Over the last 50 years, many different indigenous communities have attempted to use certification trademarks to promote their authentic cultural products. These schemes have had varying success, but arguably none has been as visually unsuccessful as the government-funded Australian system, which collapsed within two years of its inception. On the other side of the scale, the Fairtrade label is considered to be an international triumphant success. This paper assesses why the Australian authenticity label system failed, while the Fairtrade label succeeded, and how these conclusions can be used for existing and future endeavours. It further discusses whether such a voluntary certification system would be compliant with World Intellectual Property Organisation and World Trade Organisation law and policy. It concludes by looking towards the future and the possibility of the Fairtrade label being extended to meet the interests of indigenous communities.
When cosmology meets property: indigenous people’s innovation and intellectual property
Authors: Drahos Peter
Published: December 2011

The protection of traditional knowledge by means of intellectual property rights is one of the major concerns of international organizations. Less attention has been paid to the relationship between systems of indigenous innovation and intellectual property. Using Australia as a case study, the paper argues that indigenous innovation systems are located within a connectionist cosmological framework. The distinctive institutional features of this innovation system are identified. Key is that innovation in systems maintains the health of other systems. The commodity-based nature of intellectual property systems does not suit this kind of innovation. Property rights in land matter to this innovation system far more than intellectual property. Forms of intellectual property based on the right to distinguish one’s product in the market will generally be more useful to indigenous innovation than commodity regimes such as the patent system. Voluntary certification systems can probably be harnessed to much greater effect by indigenous business enterprises.
Identification of protein marker in vaginal wall tissues of women with stress urinary incontinence by protein chip array
Authors: Wen Yan , Whitin John , Yu Tom , Cohen Harvey , Polan Mary Lake , Chen Bertha
Published: December 2011

Aim:  We sought to investigate protein biomarkers for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in vaginal tissues using surface‐enhanced laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (SELDI‐TOF MS) and examine if this is a reliable methodology to examine proteins in small tissue specimens.

Material and Methods:  We compared protein expression profile of vaginal tissue from women with SUI and continent controls. A 22.6 kDa peak was identified by subsequent weak cation‐exchange, reverse‐phase fractionation, gel electrophoresis, and trypsin digestion, then analyzed by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS) and MALDI MS‐MS. Biomarker identity and expression level were confirmed by Western‐blotting and immunohistochemistry.

Results:  Expression of the 22.6 kDa protein, identified as SM‐22α, was significantly higher in women with SUI versus controls. A 3 × 3‐mm tissue sample was sufficient for identification. Western‐blot/immunohistochemistry confirmed the SELDI‐TOS MS findings.

Conclusion:  SM‐22α, a marker for myofibroblasts, was identified as a biomarker of SUI. Differential protein profiling by SELDI‐TOF MS is a powerful and reliable tool for urogynecological research as it allows us to study an array of proteins simultaneously using small tissue samples.
Aromatase inhibitors in the treatment of recurrent ovarian granulosa cell tumors: Brief report and review of the literature
Authors: AlHilli Mariam M. , Long Harry J. , Podratz Karl C. , Bakkum‐Gamez Jamie N.
Published: December 2011

Granulosa cell tumors are ovarian sex cord stromal cancers that are unique for their indolent nature and late recurrence. Standard treatment regimens utilized include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, hormonal suppression with aromatase inhibitors, which have shown promising results, may be a viable alternative to these modalities. We present a heavily pre‐treated, multi‐operated patient who experienced significant tumor shrinkage following treatment with an aromatase inhibitor for her recurrent granulosa cell tumor.
Estimates of induced abortion in South Korea: Health facilities survey
Authors: Ahn Hyeong Sik , Seol Hyun‐Joo , Lim Ji‐Eun , Hong Sung‐hee , Lee Sun Young , Park Moon‐Il , Kim Soon Duck , Kim Hai‐Joong
Published: December 2011

Aim:  The aim of this study was to estimate the national rates of induced abortion in South Korea, where no quantitative national studies of abortion exist because the procedure is illegal.

Materials and Methods:  A survey of 25 hospitals and 176 private clinics that provide induced abortions was conducted in 2005. The data were analyzed to estimate the nationwide rate of induced abortion. Indirect estimation methodology was used to calculate the number of annual induced abortions.

Results:  In 2005, an estimated 342 433 induced abortions were performed in South Korea at a rate of 29.8 per 1000 women aged 15–44 years. We observed that the abortion rate was higher in single women (31.6 per 1000 women) than in married women (28.6 per 1000 women).

Conclusions:  A significant number of induced abortions occur in both cohorts of married and unmarried women. To prevent serious physical harm to patients, the government should reconsider the practicality of the current statutes that prohibit women from seeking abortions from a qualified provider.
INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL FLOWS, BOOM‐BUST CYCLES, AND BUSINESS CYCLE SYNCHRONIZATION IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION
Authors: KIM SOYOUNG , KIM SUNGHYUN H.
Published: December 2011

This article documents evidence of business cycle synchronization in selected Asia Pacific countries since the 1990s. We explain business cycle synchronization by the channel of international capital flows and boom‐bust cycles. Using the vector auto‐regression method, we find that most Asian countries experience boom‐bust cycles following capital inflows, where the boom in output is mostly driven by consumption and investment. Empirical evidence also shows that capital flow shocks are positively correlated in the region, which supports the conclusion that capital market liberalization has contributed to business cycle synchronization. (JEL F4)
HAS INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL MOBILITY INCREASED IN ASIA? EVIDENCE FROM THE POST‐1997 FINANCIAL CRISIS PERIOD
Authors: KIM WON YONG , JEON BANG NAM
Published: December 2011

This paper examines whether international capital mobility in Asia has increased after the 1997 Asian financial crisis by estimating the Feldstein‐Horioka (FH) coefficients using panel cointegration and dynamic OLS regressions. In the benchmark estimation, we find that the FH coefficients of ten Asian economies decrease significantly from 0.65 during the pre‐crisis period to 0.32 during the post‐crisis period. Furthermore, the coefficient for the post‐crisis period is less statistically significant than that for the pre‐crisis period. The extended model estimations with additional control variables controlling for the business cycle, different foreign exchange rate systems, and capital control also show the results which are consistent with the benchmark estimation results. Rolling regressions show a consistently declining trend of the FH coefficients in Asia during our sample period. These results provide consistent evidence, according to the FH proposition, of increasing international capital mobility in Asia during the post‐1997 Asian financial crisis period. (JEL F36, F37, F21)
Performance Pay in China: Gender Aspects
Authors: Xiu Lin , Gunderson Morley
Published: December 2011

We provide an in‐depth analysis of gender differences in performance pay in China based on a unique dataset — the Life Histories and Social Change in Contemporary China — that provides information on the different components of pay including performance pay and base pay as well as a wide array of pay determining characteristic. The share of performance pay is documented and its determinants, including gender, analysed. Particular attention is paid to gender differences in the different dimensions of performance pay: the probability of receiving it; the magnitude conditional upon receiving it; and their product being the overall unconditional magnitude. Gender differences in these dimensions are decomposed into components due to male–female differences in the endowments of characteristics that explain these dimensions of pay, and gender differences that arise even when men and women have the same endowments of such characteristics with the later component, often taken to reflect discrimination.
Who Gets What in British Politics – and How? An Analysis of Media Reports on Lobbying around Government Policies, 2001–7
Authors: Bernhagen Patrick
Published: December 2011

Questions about the political influence of organised interests are at the heart of democratic theory and political science. Yet comparatively little is known empirically about the effectiveness of different power resources in policy struggles and how organised interests succeed or fail to employ these resources to achieve desired political outcomes. The main factors behind the empirical neglect of political influence include problems of measurement and a scarcity of relevant data. To address this problem, a newspaper analysis was conducted to compile a data set of 163 policy proposals advanced by UK governments between 2001 and 2007 and to record the reported policy position of organised interests. The data are used to assess frequently voiced expectations in the literature about organised interest politics and political influence in a new light. The results show that support from interest groups is positively related to a proposal becoming policy. The positions of business groups are no better reflected in policy outcomes than those of non-business groups. Donations to political parties are unrelated to the extent to which policy outcomes are in line with a firm's policy positions.
Serum cholesterol levels and survival after rtPA treatment in acute stroke
Authors: Roquer J. , Cuadrado‐Godia E. , Rodríguez‐Campello A. , Jiménez‐Conde J. , Martínez‐Rodríguez J. E. , Giralt E. , Ois A.
Published: December 2011

Background:  According to the reverse epidemiology hypothesis, high cholesterol levels might be protective and associated with greater survival rates under certain conditions. In stroke patients, a clear correlation between lipid levels and mortality after ischaemic and hemorrhagic strokes has been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of lipid levels on 3‐month mortality in patients with ischaemic stroke (IS) homogeneously treated with intravenous rtPA and admitted to a monitored acute stroke unit.

Methods:  Retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort of 220 patients with an IS treated with rtPA within the first 4.5 h in a single tertiary hospital from January 2005 to August 2010.

Results:  Mortality at 3 months was 15.0%. Univariate analysis showed that age, NIHSS at admission, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation were directly related to 3‐month mortality; cholesterol, triglycerides, and low density lipoprotein were inversely associated. The death rate by cholesterol level was 5.5% for the highest tertile (>192 mg/dl), 13.7% for the middle (192–155 mg/dl), and 25.7% for the lowest (<155 mg/dl), P = 0.003. Multivariate analysis showed that amongst the lipid determinations, only cholesterol [OR: 0.985 (95% CI: 0.972–0.998), P = 0.021] was inversely associated with 3‐month mortality. The ‘protective’ effect of cholesterol was independent of stroke severity and remained significant in non‐lacunar strokes.

Conclusions:  Survival of stroke patients receiving current, most effective medical treatment is related to blood cholesterol levels, with an inverse relationship between cholesterol and mortality. The mechanism of this apparently paradoxical situation remains unexplained but merits further research.
Intestinal levodopa infusion and COMT inhibition – a promising link
Authors: Klostermann F.
Published: December 2011

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All professionals are equal but some professionals are more equal than others? Dominance, status and efficiency in Swedish interprofessional teams
Authors: Thylefors Ingela
Published: December 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2012; 26; 505–512

All professionals are equal but some professionals are more equal than others? Dominance, status and efficiency in Swedish interprofessional teams

This study explored status differences in interprofessional teams and their link with efficiency. In total, 62 teams (423 individuals) from occupational health‐care, psychiatry, rehabilitation and school health‐care responded to a questionnaire. Fifty‐four of those teams (360 individuals) also participated in an observation session simulating problem‐solving team meetings. Data were reduced to a number of indexes: self‐assessed/perceived equality, functional influence and efficiency; and observed verbal dominance/activity and problem‐solving capacity. Perceived status differences within the teams appeared moderate, irrespective of professional belonging. With respect to verbal dominance during meetings, however, the findings revealed a hierarchy with psychologists, physicians and social workers at the top together with special education teachers. No relationship was found between self‐assessed efficiency and actual problem‐solving nor between observed verbal activity and problem‐solving. The findings suggest that different problems may demand different prerequisites to be solved effectively: successful solving of simple convergent problems correlated negatively with equality, whereas functional influence was a predictor of success with respect to divergent, complex problem‐solving. The findings raise questions about leadership and procedures during team meetings.