bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laser Assisted Electron - Alkali Atom Collisions
Authors: Prasad Vinod , Sharma Rinku , Mohan Man
Published: June 2013

Lasar assisted inelastic scattering of electrons by alkali atoms is studied theoretically. The non-perturbative quasi-energy method, which is generalised for many atomic states, is used to describe the laser–atom interaction, and the electron–atom interaction is treated within the first Born approximation. We have calculated the total cross section for the excitation of sodium atoms due to simultaneous electron–photon collisions. We show the effect of laser and collision parameters, e.g. laser intensity, polarisation and incident electron energy, on the excitation process.
Nonlinear Equation in (2+1) Dimensions for a Plasma with Negative Ions
Authors: Roy Chowdhury K , Roy Chowdhuy A
Published: June 2013

A new form of coupled nonlinear evolution equation is derived for a plasma with negative ions in (2+1) dimensions. This system of equations can be considered to be an extension of the usual Davey–Stewartson equation. A modified version of reductive perturbation has been used. It is also shown that this set of equations can sustain both cnoidal type and the usual solitary wave-like solution. Such an equation can have important applications in describing nonlinear wave propagation in a dusty plasma.
Kinetic Model of an RF Discharge in Oxygen
Authors: Dai X
Published: June 2013

A kinetic model to assist in understanding the complicated physical and chemical processes occurring in an RF oxygen plasma has been developed. Ten fundamental reaction equations are considered to account for the production and loss processes of the main reactive species. The rate coefficients for the electron impact processes used in the balance equations are calculated using the measured electron energy distribution function. The calculated concentrations of O and O2 are compared with experimentally measured values for a range of pressure and RF power. The reasonable agreement between results of the model calculation and the experimental data confirms the validity of the model used.
Curvature Pressure in a Cosmology with a Tired-light Redshift
Authors: Crawford David F.
Published: June 2013

A hypothesis is presented that electromagnetic forces that prevent ions from
following geodesics result in a curvature pressure that is very important in
astrophysics. It may partly explain the solar neutrino deficiency and it may
be the engine that drives astrophysical jets. However, the most important
consequence is that, under general relativity without a cosmological constant,
it leads to a static and stable cosmology. Combining an earlier hypothesis of
a gravitational interaction of photons and particles with curved spacetime, a
static cosmology is developed that predicts a Hubble constant of
H = 60 . 2 km
s− 1 Mpc− 1 and a
microwave background radiation with a temperature of 3 . 0 K. The
background X-ray radiation is explained, and observations of the quasar
luminosity function and the angular distribution of radio sources have a
better fit with this cosmology than they do with standard big-bang models.
Although recent results (Pahre et al . 1996) for the
Tolman surface brightness test favour the standard big-bang cosmology, they
are not completely inconsistent with a static tired-light model. Most
observations that imply the existence of dark matter measure redshift,
interpret them as velocities, and invoke the virial theorem to predict masses
that are much greater than those deduced from luminosities. If, however, most
of these redshifts are due to the gravitational interaction in intervening
clouds, no dark matter is required. Observations of quasar absorption lines, a
microwave background temperature at a redshift of z
= 1 . 9731, type 1a supernovae light curves and the
Butcher–Oemler effect are discussed. The evidence is not strong enough
to completely eliminate a non-evolving cosmology. The result is a static and
stable cosmological model that agrees with most of the current observations.
Mesoscopic Dielectrics
Authors: Scott J. F.
Published: June 2013

This paper describes four unsolved theoretical problems in ferroelectrics and
related dielectrics with high permittivities: (1) finite size effects in thin
films and small particles, and their relationship to depolarisation fields;
(2) nucleation and growth kinetics, and especially the recently discovered
coherent nucleation of small domains in front of advancing walls; (3)
low-temperature quantum effects in ferroelectrics and the process of
‘freeze-out’, in which domain wall mobilities suddenly drop to
zero; (4) self-patterning of nanoscale assemblies on the surfaces of
substrates, and the consideration of lateral finite size effects.
Calculation of the Exchange Constant in 2D Wigner Liquid
Authors: Flambaum V. V. , Ponomarev I. V. , Sushkov O. P.
Published: June 2013

The recent observation of a two-dimensional (2D) metal–insulator
transition in semiconductor devices and the strong influence of a magnetic
field on the metallic phase has attracted a great deal of interest. This gives
rise to the important theoretical question about the nature and the magnetic
order of insulating and conducting phases. In the present paper we calculate
(both analytically and numerically) the exchange constant for a
two-dimensional Wigner liquid— the state with destroyed long-range order
but preserved short-range order. It is demonstrated that there is an
antiferromagnetic spin–spin interaction between nearest electrons. We
also discuss a possible pairing of the electrons in a 2D Wigner crystal by the
spin-Peierls mechanism.
Ordered and Disordered Photonic Band Gap Materials
Authors: McPhedran R. C. , Botten L. C. , Asatryan A. A. , Nicorovici N. A. , Sterke C. Martijn de , Robinson P. A.
Published: June 2013

We discuss a formulation and computer implementation of a new method that can
be used to determine the electromagnetic properties of ordered and disordered
dielectric and metallic cylinders, using periodic boundary conditions in one
direction. We show results which exhibit strong parallels with the behaviour
of electrons in disordered semiconductors, but also illustrate some
characteristics which clearly differentiate between photonic and electronic
behaviour. Among these are strong polarisation sensitivity and effects due to
metallic absorption.
Calculating Trajectories for Atoms in Near-resonant Lightfields
Authors: Scholten R. E. , O'Kane T. J. , Mackin T. R. , Hunt T. A. , Farrell P. M.
Published: June 2013

We review several methods for calculating the time development of the internal
state and the external motion of atoms in near-resonant light fields, with
emphasis on studying the focussing of atomic beams into microscopic and
potentially nanoscopic patterns. Three different approaches are considered:
two-level semiclassical, multi-level semiclassical, and the Monte Carlo
wavefunction method. The two-level semiclassical technique of McClelland and
Scheinfein (1991) and McClelland (1995) is extended to three dimensions, and
used to calculate the trajectories of atoms and the imaging properties of a
simple lens formed from a near-resonant travelling TEM01
mode laser. The model is then extended to multi-level atoms, where we
calculate the density matrix for the internal state of a sample of thermal
atoms in a standing wave, and show how cooling processes can be simulated.
Finally, we use the Monte Carlo wavefunction method to calculate the internal
state of the atom, and compare the results and required computation time to
those of the multi-level semiclassical technique.
A Hartree - Fock Program for Atomic Structure Calculations
Authors: Mitroy J.
Published: June 2013

The Hartree–Fock equations for a general open shell atom are described.
The matrix equations that result when the single particle orbitals are written
in terms of a linear combination of analytic basis functions are derived.
Attention is paid to the complexities that occur when open shells are present.
The specifics of a working FORTRAN program which is available for public use
are described. The program has the flexibility to handle either Slater-type
orbitals or Gaussian-type orbitals.
Role of Negative Ion Resonances in Electron Scattering from Atoms and Molecules
Authors: Buckman S. J. , Alle D. T. , Brennan M. J. , Burrow P. D. , Gibson J. C. , Gulley R. J. , Jacka M. , Newman D. S. , Rau A. R. P. , Sullivan J. P. , Trantham K. W.
Published: June 2013

Transient negative ions (resonances) formed during the collision of an
electron with an atom or molecule have been extensively studied for over
thirty years. The continued interest in these states, both experimentally and
theoretically, stems from the profound effects that they can have on electron
scattering cross sections and the role that electron–electron
correlations play in their formation and quasi-stability. A selective
discussion of examples of such resonances, involving one, two and three
excited electrons is given for a wide range of atomic and molecular systems.
Lattice Study of the Kink Soliton and the Zero-mode Problem for ø 4 in Two Dimensions
Authors: Ardekani A. , Williams A. G.
Published: June 2013

Using lattice field theory techniques, we perform an exploratory study of the
quantisation of the simplest extended object, the Λ ø
41+1 kink soliton, and the
associated zero-mode contribution to the kink soliton mass in regions in and
beyond the semiclassical regime. The calculations are done in the non-trivial
scaling region so that our lattice results can be meaningfully compared with
the classical and semiclassical continuum results. We show how to extract the
kink from this full quantum field theory treatment and show, as a function of
parameter space, where the zero-mode contributions become significant.
Essential, dose-dependent role for the transcription factor
Gata3
in the development of IL-5
+
and IL-13
+
type 2 innate lymphoid cells
Authors: Klein Wolterink Roel G. J. , Serafini Nicolas , van Nimwegen Menno , Vosshenrich Christian A. J. , de Bruijn Marjolein J. W. , Fonseca Pereira Diogo , Veiga Fernandes Henrique , Hendriks Rudi W. , Di Santo James P.
Published: June 2013

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s; also called nuocytes, innate helper cells, or natural helper cells) provide protective immunity during helminth infection and play an important role in influenza-induced and allergic airway hyperreactivity. Whereas the transcription factor GATA binding protein 3 (
Gata3
) is important for the production of IL-5 and -13 by ILC2s in response to IL-33 or -25 stimulation, it is not known whether
Gata3
is required for ILC2 development from hematopoietic stem cells. Here, we show that chimeric mice generated with
Gata3
-deficient fetal liver hematopoietic stem cells fail to develop systemically dispersed ILC2s. In these chimeric mice, in vivo administration of IL-33 or -25 fails to expand ILC2 numbers or to induce characteristic ILC2-dependent IL-5 or -13 production. Moreover, cell-intrinsic
Gata3
expression is required for ILC2 development in vitro and in vivo. Using mutant and transgenic mice in which
Gata3
gene copy number is altered, we show that ILC2 generation from common lymphoid progenitors, as well as ILC2 homeostasis and cytokine production, is regulated by
Gata3
expression levels in a dose-dependent fashion. Collectively, these results identify
Gata3
as a critical early regulator of ILC2 development, thereby extending the paradigm of
Gata3
-dependent control of type 2 immunity to include both innate and adaptive lymphocytes.
Abnormal accumulation and recycling of glycoproteins visualized in Niemann–Pick type C cells using the chemical reporter strategy
Authors: Mbua Ngalle Eric , Flanagan-Steet Heather , Johnson Steven , Wolfert Margreet A. , Boons Geert-Jan , Steet Richard
Published: June 2013

Niemann–Pick type C (NPC) disease is characterized by impaired cholesterol efflux from late endosomes and lysosomes and secondary accumulation of lipids. Although impaired trafficking of individual glycoproteins and glycolipids has been noted in NPC cells and other storage disorders, there is currently no effective way to monitor their localization and movement
en masse
. Using a chemical reporter strategy in combination with pharmacologic treatments, we demonstrate a disease-specific and previously unrecognized accumulation of a diverse set of glycoconjugates in NPC1-null and NPC2-deficient fibroblasts within endocytic compartments. These labeled vesicles do not colocalize with the cholesterol-laden compartments of NPC cells. Experiments using the endocytic uptake marker dextran show that the endosomal accumulation of sialylated molecules can be largely attributed to impaired recycling as opposed to altered fusion of vesicles. Treatment of either NPC1-null or NPC2-deficient cells with cyclodextrin was effective in reducing cholesterol storage as well as the endocytic accumulation of sialoglycoproteins, demonstrating a direct link between cholesterol storage and abnormal recycling. Our data further demonstrate that this accumulation is largely glycoproteins, given that inhibitors of
O
-glycan initiation or
N
-glycan processing led to a significant reduction in staining intensity. Taken together, our results provide a unique perspective on the trafficking defects in NPC cells, and highlight the utility of this methodology in analyzing cells with altered recycling and turnover of glycoproteins.
Evaluation of radiation doses and associated risk from the Fukushima nuclear accident to marine biota and human consumers of seafood
Authors: Fisher Nicholas S. , Beaugelin-Seiller Karine , Hinton Thomas G. , Baumann Zofia , Madigan Daniel J. , Garnier-Laplace Jacqueline
Published: June 2013

Radioactive isotopes originating from the damaged Fukushima nuclear reactor in Japan following the earthquake and tsunami in March 2011 were found in resident marine animals and in migratory Pacific bluefin tuna (PBFT). Publication of this information resulted in a worldwide response that caused public anxiety and concern, although PBFT captured off California in August 2011 contained activity concentrations below those from naturally occurring radionuclides. To link the radioactivity to possible health impairments, we calculated doses, attributable to the Fukushima-derived and the naturally occurring radionuclides, to both the marine biota and human fish consumers. We showed that doses in all cases were dominated by the naturally occurring alpha-emitter
210
Po and that Fukushima-derived doses were three to four orders of magnitude below
210
Po-derived doses. Doses to marine biota were about two orders of magnitude below the lowest benchmark protection level proposed for ecosystems (10 µGy⋅h
−1
). The additional dose from Fukushima radionuclides to humans consuming tainted PBFT in the United States was calculated to be 0.9 and 4.7 µSv for average consumers and subsistence fishermen, respectively. Such doses are comparable to, or less than, the dose all humans routinely obtain from naturally occurring radionuclides in many food items, medical treatments, air travel, or other background sources. Although uncertainties remain regarding the assessment of cancer risk at low doses of ionizing radiation to humans, the dose received from PBFT consumption by subsistence fishermen can be estimated to result in two additional fatal cancer cases per 10,000,000 similarly exposed people.
MYC inhibition induces metabolic changes leading to accumulation of lipid droplets in tumor cells
Authors: Zirath Hanna , Frenzel Anna , Oliynyk Ganna , Segerström Lova , Westermark Ulrica K. , Larsson Karin , Munksgaard Persson Matilda , Hultenby Kjell , Lehtiö Janne , Einvik Christer , Påhlman Sven , Kogner Per , Jakobsson Per-Johan , Arsenian Henriksson Marie
Published: June 2013

The
MYC
genes are the most frequently activated oncogenes in human tumors and are hence attractive therapeutic targets.
MYCN
amplification leads to poor clinical outcome in childhood neuroblastoma, yet strategies to modulate the function of MYCN do not exist. Here we show that 10058-F4, a characterized c-MYC/Max inhibitor, also targets the MYCN/Max interaction, leading to cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and neuronal differentiation in
MYCN
-amplified neuroblastoma cells and to increased survival of
MYCN
transgenic mice. We also report the discovery that inhibition of MYC is accompanied by accumulation of intracellular lipid droplets in tumor cells as a direct consequence of mitochondrial dysfunction. This study expands on the current knowledge of how MYC proteins control the metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells, especially highlighting lipid metabolism and the respiratory chain as important pathways involved in neuroblastoma pathogenesis. Together our data support direct MYC inhibition as a promising strategy for the treatment of MYC-driven tumors.
Diet of
Australopithecus afarensis
from the Pliocene Hadar Formation, Ethiopia
Authors: Wynn Jonathan G. , Sponheimer Matt , Kimbel William H. , Alemseged Zeresenay , Reed Kaye , Bedaso Zelalem K. , Wilson Jessica N.
Published: June 2013

The enhanced dietary flexibility of early hominins to include consumption of C
4
/crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) foods (i.e., foods derived from grasses, sedges, and succulents common in tropical savannas and deserts) likely represents a significant ecological and behavioral distinction from both extant great apes and the last common ancestor that we shared with great apes. Here, we use stable carbon isotopic data from 20 samples of
Australopithecus afarensis
from Hadar and Dikika, Ethiopia (>3.4–2.9 Ma) to show that this species consumed a diet with significant C
4
/CAM foods, differing from its putative ancestor
Au. anamensis
. Furthermore, there is no temporal trend in the amount of C
4
/CAM food consumption over the age of the samples analyzed, and the amount of C
4
/CAM food intake was highly variable, even within a single narrow stratigraphic interval. As such,
Au. afarensis
was a key participant in the C
4
/CAM dietary expansion by early australopiths of the middle Pliocene. The middle Pliocene expansion of the eastern African australopith diet to include savanna-based foods represents a shift to use of plant food resources that were already abundant in hominin environments for at least 1 million y and sets the stage for dietary differentiation and niche specialization by subsequent hominin taxa.
Decreased RyR2 refractoriness determines myocardial synchronization of aberrant Ca
2+
release in a genetic model of arrhythmia
Authors: Brunello Lucia , Slabaugh Jessica L. , Radwański Przemysław B. , Ho Hsiang-Ting , Belevych Andriy E. , Lou Qing , Chen Haiyan , Napolitano Carlo , Lodola Francesco , Priori Silvia G. , Fedorov Vadim V. , Volpe Pompeo , Fill Michael , Janssen Paul M. L. , Györke Sándor
Published: June 2013

Dysregulated intracellular Ca
2+
signaling is implicated in a variety of cardiac arrhythmias, including catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Spontaneous diastolic Ca
2+
release (DCR) can induce arrhythmogenic plasma membrane depolarizations, although the mechanism responsible for DCR synchronization among adjacent myocytes required for ectopic activity remains unclear. We investigated the synchronization mechanism(s) of DCR underlying untimely action potentials and diastolic contractions (DCs) in a catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia mouse model with a mutation in cardiac calsequestrin. We used a combination of different approaches including single ryanodine receptor channel recording, optical imaging (Ca
2+
and membrane potential), and contractile force measurements in ventricular myocytes and intact cardiac muscles. We demonstrate that DCR occurs in a temporally and spatially uniform manner in both myocytes and intact myocardial tissue isolated from cardiac calsequestrin mutation mice. Such synchronized DCR events give rise to triggered electrical activity that results in synchronous DCs in the myocardium. Importantly, we establish that synchronization of DCR is a result of a combination of abbreviated ryanodine receptor channel refractoriness and the preceding synchronous stimulated Ca
2+
release/reuptake dynamics. Our study reveals how aberrant DCR events can become synchronized in the intact myocardium, leading to triggered activity and the resultant DCs in the settings of a cardiac rhythm disorder.
Extending Literary Darwinism
Authors: Verpooten Jan
Published: June 2013

Literary Darwinism is an emerging interdisciplinary research field that seeks to explain literature and its oral antecedents (“literary behaviors”), from a Darwinian perspective. Considered the fact that an evolutionary approach to human behavior has proven insightful, this is a promising endeavor. However, Literary Darwinism as it is commonly practiced, I argue, suffers from some shortcomings. First, while literary Darwinists only weigh adaptation against by-product as competing explanations of literary behaviors, other alternatives, such as constraint and exaptation, should be considered as well. I attempt to demonstrate their relevance by evaluating the evidentiary criteria commonly employed by Literary Darwinists. Second, Literary Darwinists usually acknowledge the role of culture in human behavior and make references to Dual Inheritance theory (i.e., the body of empirical and theoretical work demonstrating that human behavior is the outcome of both genetic and cultural inheritance). However, they often do not fully appreciate  the explanatory implications of dual inheritance. Literary Darwinism should be extended to include these recent refinements in our understanding of the evolution of human behavior.
Exploring the metanarrative of the traditional literary critical essay
Authors: Grobman Laurie , Garner Joanna K.
Published: June 2013

A professor of English and an assistant professor of Education bring together humanistic textual analysis and descriptive empirical research to explore faculty perceptions and uses of the assignment they name the traditional literary critical essay and define as a critical essay that describes, analyzes or interprets a literary text(s) through close reading of the text(s)’s literary elements, such as theme, character, imagery, language, and metaphor. Through humanistic textual analysis, the authors demonstrate a consistent story of the prevalence of the traditional literary critical essay assignment in college literature classrooms in conjunction with negative assumptions about the purposes of the assignment, its political associations, and what influences faculty to use it. These historically situated issues were used to construct survey questions to explore faculty members’ perceptions of these assumptions. Carnegie institution ratings were used to sample faculty from colleges and universities across the United States. The survey was completed by 735 full-time faculty who teach literature courses. Survey findings support assumptions about the assignment’s prevalence but call into question several other assumptions in the historical narrative and point to the need for scientific study of pedagogical beliefs related to student writing in literature classes.
Action speaks louder than words
Authors: Wallentin Mikkel , Simonsen Arndis , Nielsen Andreas Højlund
Published: June 2013

Narratives are thought to evoke emotions through empathy, which is thought to rely on mentalizing. In this study young adults rated emotional intensity while listening to a narrative and took an empathy test. We show how empathy correlates well with overall level of experienced intensity. However, no correlation with empathy is found in the parts of the story that received highest intensity ratings across participants. Reverse correlation analysis reveals that these parts contain physical threat scenarios, while parts where empathy is correlated with intensity describe social interaction that can only be understood through mentalizing. This suggests that narratives evoke emotions, both based on “simple” physical contagion (affective empathy) and on complex mentalizing (affective theory of mind) and that these effects may be more or less independent.
Therapeutic targeting of NOTCH signaling ameliorates immune-mediated bone marrow failure of aplastic anemia
Authors: Roderick Justine E. , Gonzalez-Perez Gabriela , Kuksin Christina Arieta , Dongre Anushka , Roberts Emily R. , Srinivasan Janani , Andrzejewski Chester , Fauq Abdul H. , Golde Todd E. , Miele Lucio , Minter Lisa M.
Published: June 2013

Severe aplastic anemia (AA) is a bone marrow (BM) failure (BMF) disease frequently caused by aberrant immune destruction of blood progenitors. Although a Th1-mediated pathology is well described for AA, molecular mechanisms driving disease progression remain ill defined. The NOTCH signaling pathway mediates Th1 cell differentiation in the presence of polarizing cytokines, an action requiring enzymatic processing of NOTCH receptors by γ-secretase. Using a mouse model of AA, we demonstrate that expression of both intracellular NOTCH1IC and T-BET, a key transcription factor regulating Th1 cell differentiation, was increased in spleen and BM-infiltrating T cells during active disease. Conditionally deleting Notch1 or administering γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) in vivo attenuated disease and rescued mice from lethal BMF. In peripheral T cells from patients with untreated AA, NOTCH1IC was significantly elevated and bound to the TBX21 promoter, showing NOTCH1 directly regulates the gene encoding T-BET. Treating patient cells with GSIs in vitro lowered NOTCH1IC levels, decreased NOTCH1 detectable at the TBX21 promoter, and decreased T-BET expression, indicating that NOTCH1 signaling is responsive to GSIs during active disease. Collectively, these results identify NOTCH signaling as a primary driver of Th1-mediated pathogenesis in AA and may represent a novel target for therapeutic intervention.
On Estimating the Effects of Immigrant Legalization: Do U.S. Agricultural Workers Really Benefit?
Authors: Sampaio Breno , Sampaio Gustavo Ramos , Sampaio Yony
Published: June 2013

The question of whether legalization affects immigrants' economic returns has been the focus of many empirical studies in recent decades. Results have consistently shown that there are significant wage differences between legal and illegal workers. However, the validity of such findings has been questioned, given the lack of good identification strategies to account for omitted variables. In this article we propose using techniques designed to address the issue of selection into treatment based (to some degree) on unobservables. Our results suggest that lower skill levels—not discrimination—explain differences in immigrants' economic outcomes.
Surface science investigations of the role of CO
2
in astrophysical ices
Authors: Edridge John L. , Freimann Kati , Burke Daren J. , Brown Wendy A.
Published: June 2013

We have recorded reflection–absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS) and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) data for a range of CO
2
-bearing model astrophysical ices adsorbed on a graphitic dust grain analogue surface. Data have been recorded for pure CO
2
, for CO
2
adsorbed on top of amorphous solid water, for mixed CO
2
:H
2
O ices and for CO
2
adsorbed on top of a mixed CH
3
OH:H
2
O ice. For the TPD data, kinetic parameters for desorption have been determined, and the trapping behaviour of the CO
2
in the H
2
O (CH
3
OH) ice has been determined. Data of these types are important as they can be used to model desorption in a range of astrophysical environments. RAIR spectra have also shown the interaction of the CO
2
with H
2
O and CH
3
OH and can be used to compare with astronomical observations, allowing the accurate assignment of spectra.
Accretion disc origin of the Earth's water
Authors: Vattuone Luca , Smerieri Marco , Savio Letizia , Asaduzzaman Abu Md , Muralidharan Krishna , Drake Michael J. , Rocca Mario
Published: June 2013

Earth's water is conventionally believed to be delivered by comets or wet asteroids after the Earth formed. However, their elemental and isotopic properties are inconsistent with those of the Earth. It was thus proposed that water was introduced by adsorption onto grains in the accretion disc prior to planetary growth, with bonding energies so high as to be stable under high-temperature conditions. Here, we show both by laboratory experiments and numerical simulations that water adsorbs dissociatively on the olivine {100} surface at the temperature (approx. 500–1500 K) and water pressure (approx. 10
−8
bar) expected for the accretion disc, leaving an OH adlayer that is stable at least up to 900 K. This may result in the formation of many Earth oceans, provided that a viable mechanism to produce water from hydroxyl exists. This adsorption process must occur in all disc environments around young stars. The inevitable conclusion is that water should be prevalent on terrestrial planets in the habitable zone around other stars.
Allergy management in primary care across European countries – actual status
Authors: Agache I. , Ryan D. , Rodriguez M. R. , Yusuf O. , Angier E. , Jutel M.
Published: June 2013

The standard of care for allergies within a primary care (PC) setting has a strong influence on disease prevention and control, quality of life, and patient satisfaction. The level of knowledge of allergic diseases and the accessibility to regular follow‐up are essential. EAACI and IPCRG conducted a survey to evaluate the actual status of care for allergic diseases in PC. Access to allergy and asthma specialist treatment was identified as the greatest ‘unmet need’. The average waiting time between a referral and being seen in a public health service is usually >6 weeks. Referring the patients to an ‘organ’ specialist is much easier compared with referral to an allergist. Most PCPs have access to blood tests for total and specific IgE. Skin prick testing is available in only half of the cases, while provocation tests, allergen quantification in homes, and a dietician service are even less available. 20.6% of practices do not have access to allergy tests at all. Other issues raised were low political or general public awareness, lack of understanding by the patients of their allergic disease, the need to invest in PC, and to achieve sufficient competence at the appropriate level of care.
Young adults with coeliac disease may be at increased risk of early atherosclerosis
Authors: De Marchi S. , Chiarioni G. , Prior M. , Arosio E.
Published: June 2013

Background

Accelerated progression of atherosclerosis and increased cardiovascular risk have been described in immune‐mediated disorders, but few data are available in coeliac disease.

Aim

To evaluate instrumental and biochemical signs of atherosclerosis risk in 20 adults at first diagnosis of coeliac disease and after 6–8 months of gluten‐free diet with mucosal recovery.

Methods

We analysed total, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, homocysteine, C‐reactive protein, folate and vitamin B12; ultrasound measurement of carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT) and endothelium‐dependent dilatation were both carried on at diagnosis and after gluten withdrawal. Twenty‐two healthy members of the hospital staff served as matched controls for vascular examinations.

Results

At baseline, mean total and HDL‐cholesterol (HDL‐C) were both within normal range, while mean LDL‐cholesterol concentration was slightly increased; diet was associated with an increment in total and HDL‐C (68.2 ± 17.4 vs. 51.4 ± 18.6 mg/dL; P < 0.001) and a significant improvement in total/HDL‐C ratio (3.05 ± 0.71 vs. 3.77 ± 0.92; P < 0.02). Mean plasma homocysteine was elevated and not influenced by diet. C‐reactive protein significantly decreased with diet (1.073 ± 0.51 vs. 1.92 ± 1.38 mg/dL; P < 0.05). At baseline, in coeliacs, IMT was increased (0.082 ± 0.011 vs. 0.058 ± 0.012 cm; P < 0.005), while endothelium‐dependent dilatation was decreased (9.3 ± 1.3 vs. 11.2 ± 1.2%; P < 0.05). Both parameters improved after gluten abstinence.

Conclusions

Adults with coeliac disease seem to be at potentially increased risk of early atherosclerosis as suggested by vascular impairment and unfavourable biochemical risk pattern. Chronic inflammation might play a determining role. Gluten abstinence with mucosal normalisation reverts to normal the observed alterations.
Crafting Child‐friendly Cities: Evidence from Biratnagar Sub‐metropolitan City, Eastern Nepal
Authors: Nikku Bala Raju , Pokhrel Ruja
Published: June 2013

Our cities are increasingly becoming the sites where children socialize, observe, and learn how society functions and many local and global activities have impacted children's health and well‐being. The Child‐friendly Cities initiative, launched by the United Nations Children's Fund and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme in 1996, draws in diverse stakeholders to place children at the center of the urban agenda. Based on social work research, this article analyzes the acclaimed status of Biratnagar Sub‐metropolitan city, Eastern Nepal, as a child‐friendly city. Despite its efforts, the city of Biratnagar is yet to meet the required criteria to claim itself as a child‐friendly city. Further improvements by the city administration in achieving children's participation in decision‐making, child‐friendly legal environment, and code of conduct are essential. Based on the evidence, the authors advocate for bottom‐up approaches that include children's voices and their real participation in city governance and a strong political will to craft child‐friendly cities, not as a policy rhetoric but for real. Enabling children to fulfill their potential as equal participants in crafting child‐friendly cities will require adults to relinquish some of their hegemonic powers of decision‐making on behalf of children.
Plant traits as indicators: loss or gain of information?
Authors: de Bello Francesco , Mudrák Ondřej
Published: June 2013

In this issue, Kachergis et al. provide a timely comparison of taxonomic vs functional group‐based indicators for managed steppes. The authors demonstrate how functional indicators result in only a marginal loss of taxonomic information while potentially covering community aspects not accounted for by taxa. To expand these ideas, specific plant traits could complement taxonomic indicators to achieve multiple monitoring goals.
An augmented lecture feedback system to support learner and teacher communication
Authors: Zarraonandia Telmo , Aedo Ignacio , Díaz Paloma , Montero Alvaro
Published: June 2013

In this paper, it is advocated that the feedback loop between learners and teachers could be improved by making use of augmented reality (AR) techniques. The bidirectional communication between teacher and learners is sometimes hampered by students' fear of showing themselves up in front of their classmates. In order to overcome this problem, a system is proposed whereby teachers receive immediate and private feedback both individualised for each student as well as aggregated for the whole class. With that purpose, the teacher, who is equipped with a head‐mounted AR display, can visualise symbols that represent the status students have stated using private devices in relation to the lecture content. In order to explore the possibilities of this approach, an experience was conducted in a lecture on a university course. The results are encouraging and suggest that as this technology matures and less intrusive AR display models become available, it could provide effective support to improve communication and interaction during lectures.

A video abstract of this article can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUCkNkuAiK8
Examining some assumptions and limitations of research on the effects of emerging technologies for teaching and learning in higher education
Authors: Kirkwood Adrian , Price Linda
Published: June 2013

This paper examines assumptions and beliefs underpinning research into educational technology. It critically reviews some approaches used to investigate the impact of technologies for teaching and learning. It focuses on comparative studies, performance comparisons and attitudinal studies to illustrate how under‐examined assumptions lead to questionable findings. The extent to which it is possible to substantiate some of the claims made about the impact of technologies on the basis of these approaches and methods is questioned. We contend researchers should ensure that they acknowledge underlying assumptions and the limitations imposed by the approach adopted in order to appropriately interpret findings.
An evaluation of the use of Turnitin for electronic submission and marking and as a formative feedback tool from an educator's perspective
Authors: Buckley Emily , Cowap Lisa
Published: June 2013

The aim of this project was to pilot plagiarism detection software and online marking, evaluating its use with staff on a first year undergraduate module within the psychology department at a UK university. One hundred and sixty undergraduate psychology students submitted three assignments via Turnitin, and staff used the software to check for instances of academic misconduct and marked submissions using the GradeMark feature in the software, providing online feedback to students. Eleven members of teaching staff took part in focus groups to gain insight into their experiences of using Turnitin in this manner, and this paper reports the findings. Results indicated that staff identified several strengths but also several weaknesses to the implementation of Turnitin and GradeMark. The OriginalityCheck feature received very positive evaluations due to its capacity to provide a clear and timely indicator of plagiarism levels in assignments and a useful formative learning tool for students from an educator perspective. Staff did however encounter some technical difficulties when using the software. In conclusion, for staff, the benefits of using Turnitin were clear, and it has the potential to be a very valuable asset to plagiarism detection and electronic marking.
Using social media applications for educational outcomes in college teaching: A structural equation analysis
Authors: Cao Yingxia , Ajjan Haya , Hong Paul
Published: June 2013

As more and more faculty members jump on the wagon of social media, an increasing number of publications began to investigate the adoption of social media applications and its motivators in and out of the classrooms. However, little research has paid close attention to the educational outcomes of social media utilization in college teaching. Thus, this study focused on the educational outcomes and examined a research model of antecedents and consequences of social media use. It analyzed the quantitative responses of 168 faculty members using social media in their teaching. A partial least squares (PLS) analysis indicates that (1) perceived usefulness, external pressure and compatibility of task‐technology have positive effects on social media use; (2) the higher the perceived risk of using social media utilization, the less likely faculty will use the technology to support in‐class instructions frequently; and (3) social media use has a positive effect on student's learning outcomes and their satisfaction. The proposed model provides educators with a depiction of how social media educational use delivers higher performance in the classroom.
Transitional B cell subsets in human bone marrow
Authors: Agrawal S , Smith S A B C , Tangye S G , Sewell W A
Published: June 2013

B cells originate from precursors in the bone marrow, and the first cells which migrate to the peripheral blood have been classified as ‘transitional B cells’. Transitional B cells have been characterized in human blood with stage 1 (T1) and stage 2 (T2) subsets being proposed. In the present study, 27 normal human bone marrow samples were analysed for transitional B cell markers by eight-colour flow cytometry. T1 transitional B cells (CD45+CD19+CD10+IgM+IgDlo) and T2 transitional B cells (CD45+CD19+CD10+IgM+IgD+) were identified in normal bone marrow samples at a mean frequency of 3·2 and 3·1% of total B lineage cells, respectively. A majority of the bone marrow transitional B cells were CD24hiCD38hi, the phenotype of blood transitional B cells. Consistent with recent peripheral blood data, T2 B cells had a significantly higher CD21 expression compared with T1 B cells (72·4 versus 40·9%) in the bone marrow. These data raise the possibility that transitional B cells are capable of differentiating from T1 to T2 B cells within the bone marrow. Furthermore, transitional cells at either stages 1 or 2 might be capable of migrating out of the bone marrow.
Fracture resistance of single‐tooth implant‐supported zirconia‐based indirect composite‐layered molar restorations
Authors: Taguchi Kohei , Komine Futoshi , Fushiki Ryosuke , Blatz Markus B. , Kamio Shingo , Matsumura Hideo
Published: June 2013

Objectives

This study evaluated the fracture resistance of single‐tooth implant‐supported zirconia‐based indirect composite‐layered molar restorations.

Material and methods

Forty‐four titanium abutments (GingiHue Post) were placed on dental implants (Osseotite Implant). Standardized single‐tooth cement‐retained implant‐supported mandibular molar restorations were fabricated for each of four test groups (n = 11) as follows: porcelain‐fused‐to‐metal crowns (PFM), zirconia‐based all‐ceramic crowns (ZAC), zirconia‐based indirect composite‐layered crowns primed with Estenia Opaque Primer for zirconia frameworks (ZIC‐E), and zirconia‐based indirect composite‐layered crowns (ZIC). The crowns were luted with a glass‐ionomer cement (Ketac Cem Easymix). Fracture resistance (N) was determined by force application of a perpendicular load to the crowns with a universal testing machine. One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey's HSD test were used to assess differences in fracture resistance values (α = 0.05).

Results

Mean fracture resistances (SD) were 3.09 (0.22) kN, 3.11 (0.34) kN, 2.84 (0.21) kN, and 2.50 (0.36) kN for the PFM, ZAC, ZIC‐E, and ZIC groups, respectively. Fracture resistance in the ZIC specimens was significantly lower (P < 0.044) than that in the other groups, which did not significantly differ.

Conclusions

The fracture resistance of single‐tooth implant‐supported zirconia‐based indirect composite‐layered molar crowns primed with Estenia Opaque Primer for zirconia frameworks (ZIC‐E) is comparable to that of porcelain‐fused‐to‐metal (PFM) and zirconia‐based all‐ceramic (ZAC) restorations. Application of Estenia Opaque Primer to zirconia ceramic framework provides superior fracture resistance in implant‐supported zirconia‐based indirect composite‐layered molar crowns.
Radiotherapy for T1‐2N0 glottic cancer: a multivariate analysis of predictive factors for the long‐term outcome in 1050 patients and a prospective assessment of quality of life and voice handicap index in a subset of 233 patients
Authors: Al‐Mamgani A. , van Rooij P.H. , Woutersen D.P. , Mehilal R. , Tans L. , Monserez D. , Baatenburg de Jong R.J.
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To evaluate the outcomes of patients with early stage glottic cancer (GC) treated with radiotherapy (RT).

Design, setting and participants

The current study report on a retrospective analysis of oncologic outcome of 1050 patients with T1‐2N0 glottic cancer treated with radiotherapy. Prospective assessment of quality of life (QoL) and voice handicap index (VHI) was performed in all patients treated from 2006 onwards (n = 233).

Main outcome measures

Local control (LC), regional control (RC), disease‐free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), quality of life and voice handicap index.

Results

After a median follow‐up of 90 months (range 3–309), the actuarial rates of local control, regional control, disease‐free survival and overall survival were 85%, 99%, 84% and 81% at 5 years and 82%, 98%, 80% and 61% at 10 years, respectively. On multivariate analysis, T2 tumours, smoking after radiotherapy and conventional radiation scheme correlated significantly with poor local control. Patients who continued smoking after radiotherapy had also significantly lower overall survival rates (OR 4.3, P < 0.001). Hypothyroidism was reported in 18% of patients. Slight and temporary deterioration of quality of life scores was reported. Patient‐reported xerostomia and dysphagia at 48 months were −7.1 and −6.5, compared with baseline, respectively. Voice handicap index improved significantly from 37 at baseline to 18 at 48 months. Patients with T2b and those who continued smoking had significantly worse voice handicap index.

Conclusions

In the current study, excellent outcome with good quality of life and voice handicap index scores were reported. T2 tumours, in particular T2b, and continuing smoking after radiotherapy correlated significantly with poor local control and worse voice handicap index.
Oviposition patterns and larval damage by the invasive horse‐chestnut leaf miner Cameraria ohridella on different species of Aesculus
Authors: D'COSTA LILLA , KORICHEVA JULIA , STRAW NIGEL , SIMMONDS MONIQUE S.J.
Published: June 2013

Preference–performance relationships are thought to be particularly important for sessile herbivores, such as leaf miners, whose choice of host plant is entirely determined by the ovipositing female. However, this relationship has seldom been examined between a non‐native herbivore and non‐native host plants.

Leaf damage and oviposition patterns by the invasive horse‐chestnut leaf miner, Cameraria ohridella Deschka & Dimic, 1986 (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), were investigated on 11 different species of Aesculus L. (Sapindaceae) at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The tree species studied were of different continental origin and belonged to four different sections of the genus Aesculus.

Oviposition was recorded on all the investigated species of Aesculus, with egg densities being greatest on Aesculus hippocastanum L. and Aesculus turbinata Blume. By contrast, mines were formed on only six out of the 11 studied species.

There was a positive correlation between eggs laid on leaves of a species and levels of leaf tissue damage by C. ohridella, although eggs were laid on species on which larvae did not develop.

Host suitability for C. ohridella was related to the phylogeny of the genus Aesculus. Species belonging to the section Aesculus were susceptible to the leaf miner; species in the section Pavia showed variable susceptibility; and species in the section Calothyrsus and Macrothyrsus were found to be resistant.
Toll‐like receptor‐9 in Spanish multiple sclerosis patients: an association with the gender
Authors: Dominguez‐Mozo M. I. , Garcia‐Montojo M. , López‐Cavanillas M. , De Las Heras V. , Garcia‐Martinez A. , Arias‐Leal A. M. , Casanova I. , Urcelay E. , Arroyo R. , Alvarez‐Lafuente R.
Published: June 2013

Background and purpose

Toll‐like receptor‐9 (TLR9) is a potent inducer of innate immune system triggered by infection with viruses, some of them previously related to multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study was to analyze the possible association of two TLR9 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs352162 and rs187084) with susceptibility to MS.

Methods

Two independent cohorts of MS patients and controls were included: 574 clinically definite relapsing‐remitting MS patients (367 females) and 807 healthy controls (418 females) for the first cohort; and 366 relapsing‐remitting MS patients (238 females) and 224 healthy controls (160 females) for the second cohort. Genotyping was performed by TaqMan assays.

Results

The AT haplotype was found to be significantly higher in women than in men (P = 0.013 and P = 0.044).

Conclusions

Here two possible genetic markers are proposed that could be also associated with the differences observed in the clinical course of MS in both genders. Further studies with larger cohorts should be performed to confirm these results.