bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constraints on speciation suggested by comparing lake‐stream stickleback divergence across two continents
Authors: BERNER DANIEL , ROESTI MARIUS , HENDRY ANDREW P. , SALZBURGER WALTER
Published: October 2010

Adaptation to ecologically distinct environments can coincide with the emergence of reproductive barriers. The outcome of this process is highly variable and can range along a continuum from weak population differentiation all the way to complete, genome‐wide divergence. The factors determining how far diverging taxa will move along this continuum remain poorly understood but are most profitably investigated in taxa under replicate divergence. Here, we explore determinants of progress towards speciation by comparing phenotypic and molecular divergence within young (<150 years) lake‐stream stickleback pairs from Central Europe to divergence in older (thousands of years) archetypal lake‐stream pairs from Vancouver Island, Canada. We generally find relatively weak divergence in most aspects of foraging morphology (gill raker number, body shape) in the European pairs, although substantial adaptive divergence is seen in gill raker length. Combined with striking overall phenotypic differences between the continents, this argues for genetic and time constraints on adaptive divergence in the European pairs. The European lake‐stream pairs also do not display the strong habitat‐related differentiation in neutral (microsatellite) markers seen in the Canadian watersheds. This indicates either the lack of strong reproductive barriers owing to weak adaptive divergence, or alternatively that neutral markers are poorly suited for detecting reproductive barriers if these emerge rapidly. Overall, our comparative approach suggests constraints on speciation due to genetic architecture and limited time for divergence. The relative importance of these factors remains to be quantified by future investigation.
Dietary intake in adolescents with asthma – potential for improvement
Authors: Bueso Anne Kørner , Berntsen Sveinung , Mowinckel Petter , Andersen Lene Frost , Lødrup Carlsen Karin C. , Carlsen Kai‐Håkon
Published: October 2010

To cite this article: Bueso AK, Berntsen S, Mowinckel P, Andersen LF, Lødrup Carlsen KC, Carlsen K‐H. Dietary intake in adolescents with asthma – potential for improvement. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2011: 22: 19–24.

Associations between an unhealthy diet and overweight and the presence of asthma are reported. The aims of this study were to assess whether the intake of nutrients and food items in adolescents with asthma differs from that of healthy adolescents, whether the intake was in accordance with the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NNR) or whether possible relationships were confounded by body composition. A four‐day‐validated 18‐page pre‐coded food diary was completed by 169 13‐ to 14‐year‐old adolescents, 93 with asthma and 76 healthy control subjects, in addition to clinical assessment, anthropometric measurements, lung function and skin prick tests. Neither intake of added sugar, snacks nor saturated fat was associated with asthma. All groups had an intake of saturated fat and added sugars exceeding the NNR, while the intake of fruits and vegetables, fibre and vitamin D was lower than recommended. The intake of folate, calcium, magnesium and iron was lower than recommended for girls with asthma and healthy girls. The intake of vitamin C was satisfactory for all groups. Body composition did not influence eating habits, and the prevalence of overweight was similar in the two groups. The dietary intake among Norwegian adolescents in general had a potential for improvement. As girls have a lower energy intake than boys, they have a larger demand of quality of the diet. Additional dietary research in adolescents with asthma is recommended.
Serum immunoglobulin levels as a predictive factor for a better outcome of non‐atopic childhood asthma
Authors: Baris Safa , Karakoc‐Aydiner Elif , Ozen Ahmet , Ozdemir Cevdet , Bahceciler Nerin N. , Barlan Isil B.
Published: October 2010

To cite this article: Baris S, Karakoc‐Aydiner E, Ozen A, Ozdemir C, Bahceciler NN, Barlan IB. Serum immunoglobulin levels as a predictive factor for a better outcome of non‐atopic childhood asthma. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011; 22: 298–304.

Childhood asthma is a heterogeneous condition with different phenotypes. Hereby, we aimed to study impact of serum immunoglobulin levels on clinical phenotypes and outcome of asthma. Seventy‐eight children (M: 26, F: 52) aged less than 10 yrs (mean = 8.56 ± 3.23 yrs) and diagnosed as mild‐moderate persistent asthma, followed up for at least 1 yr were included into the study. Asthmatic children were divided into two groups based on serum immunoglobulin levels at admission and were evaluated with respect to demographic data, allergic sensitization, symptom scores, medication usage, pulmonary functions, and non‐specific bronchial hyper‐reactivity. The age at onset of symptoms (40.88 ± 32.02 vs. 23.04 ± 26.97 months) was significantly younger in children with hypogammaglobulinemia (n = 28) compared to normogammaglobulinemia group (n = 50) (p = 0.016). Mean follow‐up duration was 3.8 ± 2.1 yrs. Atopic sensitization rate was higher in those with normal immunoglobulin levels (81.2% vs. 17.9%), (p < 0.0001). Normal serum immunoglobulin levels were associated with atopic asthma (OR, 4.5; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.0–10.1). For the prediction of atopic asthma, having normal immunoglobulin levels yielded predictive values of: sensitivity = 88.6%, specificity = 71.8%, positive predictive value = 81.1%, negative predictive value = 82.1%. Furthermore, percentages of atopic dermatitis and allergic conjunctivitis, elevated serum total IgE levels, eosinophilia, and bronchial hyper‐reactivity were more common in normogammaglobulinemia with asthma group (p = 0.040, p = 0.003, p = 0.024, p = 0.030, p = 0.040, respectively). Although marked reductions in asthma scores and inhaled corticosteroid usage were observed in both groups over time, the rate of decline was significantly higher and earlier in hypogammaglobulinemia group (p = 0.0001, p = 0.004, respectively). In conclusion, asthmatic children with hypogammaglobulinemia presented at an earlier age, with lower rates of atopy, and earlier clinical improvement accompanied with earlier discontinuation of inhaled corticosteroids than children with normal immunoglobulin levels. Our data demonstrated that in children currently named as early‐onset non‐atopic asthma, hypogammaglobulinemia might be accompanying, providing evidence for a different phenotype of childhood asthma.
Resistance of Hordeum chilense against loose smuts of wheat and barley (Ustilago tritici and U. nuda) and its expression in amphiploids with wheat
Authors: Rubiales D. , Moral A.
Published: October 2010

With 1 table

Hordeum chilense is wild barley with high potential for cereal breeding purposes given its high crossability with other members of the Triticeae tribe. It is resistant to loose smuts of wheat (Ustilago tritici). The resistance is expressed in xTritordeum amphipoids, offering perspectives for its utilization both in tritordeum breeding and for its transfer to wheat. H. chilense and tritordeums are also resistant to barley loose smut (U. nuda).
Polarized targeting of L1‐CAM regulates axonal and dendritic bundling in vitro
Authors: Barry Joshua , Gu Yuanzheng , Gu Chen
Published: October 2010

Proper axonal and dendritic bundling is essential for the establishment of neuronal connections and the synchronization of synaptic inputs, respectively. Cell adhesion molecules of the L1‐CAM (L1‐cell adhesion molecule) family regulate axon guidance and fasciculation, neuron migration, dendrite morphology, and synaptic plasticity. It remains unclear how these molecules play so many different roles. Here we show that polarized axon–dendrite targeting of an avian L1‐CAM protein, NgCAM (neuron‐glia cell adhesion molecule), can regulate the switch of bundling of the two major compartments of rat hippocampal neurons. Using a new in‐vitro model for studying neurite–neurite interactions, we found that expressed axonal NgCAM induced robust axonal bundling via the trans‐homophilic interaction of immunoglobulin domains. Interestingly, dendritic bundling was induced by the dendritic targeting of NgCAM, caused by either deleting its fibronectin repeats or blocking activities of protein kinases. Consistent with the NgCAM results, expression of mouse L1‐CAM also induced axonal bundling and blocking kinase activities disrupted its axonal targeting. Furthermore, the trans‐homophilic interaction stabilized the bundle formation, probably through recruiting NgCAM proteins to contact sites and promoting guided axon outgrowth. Taken together, our results suggest that precise localization of L1‐CAM is important for establishing proper cell–cell contacts in neural circuits.
Increased excitability of cortical neurons induced by associative learning: an ex vivo study
Authors: Bekisz Marek , Garkun Yury , Wabno Joanna , Hess Grzegorz , Wrobel Andrzej , Kossut Malgorzata
Published: October 2010

In adult mice, classical conditioning in which whisker stimulation is paired with an electric shock to the tail results in a decrease in the frequency of head movements, induces expansion of the cortical representation of stimulated vibrissae and enhances inhibitory synaptic interactions within the ‘trained’ barrels. We investigated whether such a simple associative learning paradigm also induced changes in neuronal excitability. Using whole‐cell recordings from ex vivo slices of the barrel cortex we found that layer IV excitatory cells located in the cortical representation of the ‘trained’ row of vibrissae had a higher frequency of spikes recorded at threshold potential than neurons from the ‘untrained’ row and than cells from control animals. Additionally, excitatory cells within the ‘trained’ barrels were characterized by increased gain of the input–output function, lower amplitudes of fast after‐hyperpolarization and decreased effect of blocking of BK channels by iberiotoxin. These findings provide new insight into the possible mechanism for enhanced intrinsic excitability of layer IV excitatory neurons. In contrast, the fast spiking inhibitory cells recorded in the same barrels did not change their intrinsic excitability after the conditioning procedure. The increased excitability of excitatory neurons within the ‘trained’ barrels may represent the counterpart of homeostatic plasticity, which parallels enhanced synaptic inhibition described previously. Together, the two mechanisms would contribute to increase the input selectivity within the conditioned cortical network.
EVIDENCE OF PURCHASING POWER PARITY IN SILVER‐BACKED MEXICO AND INDIA
Authors: Bojanic Antonio N.
Published: October 2010

This paper examines whether the theory of purchasing power parity (PPP) existed between Mexico and India for the period 1886–1910. It finds that despite not having a known trade relationship, PPP did hold. The explanation lies in the fact that these very different countries adhered to the silver standard far longer than most others – India through to 1893 and Mexico until 1905. The economic consequences of this adherence exposed both countries to similar international currency fluctuations that also provoked similar policy reactions within each country.
Full Positional Accuracy Analysis of Spatial Data by Means of Circular Statistics
Authors: Polo María‐Eugenia , Felicísimo Ángel M.
Published: October 2010

The positional error in spatial data is defined as a vector by comparing the coordinates between the true position and the measured position. The standard tests to assess the positional accuracy use only the magnitude of the vector and omit the azimuth. This article suggests that the use of both values allows a much more complete analysis of the positional error. A set of tests is proposed that are relevant for this purpose and demonstrate that some important features are not identified by the common procedures. The test samples come from two datasets. The first is obtained from the comparison of 100 homologous points in two conventional maps, and the second one comes from the geometric calibration of a photogrammetric scanner. The results are analyzed and discussed, showing that important issues such as error anisotropy are detected only by means of the circular statistics tests and density maps of distribution. Therefore, tests that assess the goodness of fit for uniform distribution in azimuths, such as Rayleigh and Rao tests, give low probabilities (P = 0 and P > 0.01). Moreover, density maps working with both magnitude and angle can locate the outlier candidate and offer more information about the spatial distribution of error.
Beyond ‘Social Polarization’? A Test for Asian World Cities in Developmental States
Authors: TAI PO‐FEN
Published: October 2010

The two major problems with the social polarization thesis are its definition and quantification. This article focuses on a dual labour market, locally and internationally, but ignores wider social inequality. A framework developed from Friedmann's world city hypothesis and data on changes in occupation, status and migration are used to test the validity of the hypothesis in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei and Seoul. The results show that, in all these cities, there is a common trend towards professionalization, but no accompanying growth in managers, clerks, and self‐employed and household labour. Different scenarios of social polarization have been observed in two types of Asian world city, the ‘city state’ (e.g. Singapore and Hong Kong) and the ‘capital city’ (e.g. Taipei and Seoul). Singapore and Hong Kong are examples of a centralized development model that enhances the labour force and expands cross‐border networks with polarized immigrant workers. In contrast, Taipei and Seoul, both of which are subject to political tensions, demonstrate anti‐centralizing tendencies and have had to prevent the emigration of native elites and control the immigration of low‐skilled foreign workers. The social polarization hypothesis in Asian world cities needs to be re‐examined in the local institutional context mediated by the social policies of developmental states.

La thèse de la polarisation sociale soulève deux grands problèmes: sa définition et sa quantification. Cet article s'intéresse à un marché du travail dual, sur un plan local et international, en ignorant l'inégalité sociale au sens large. Utilisant un cadre élaboréà partir de l'hypothèse de la ville mondiale de Friedmann et de données sur les évolutions en matière d'emploi, de position sociale et de migration, il teste la validité de la thèse à Singapour, Hong Kong, Taipei et Séoul. Toutes ces villes partagent une tendance à la professionnalisation, mais sans augmentation parallèle des cadres, des employés de bureau, des travailleurs indépendants et de la main‐d'œuvre familiale. Des scénarios de polarisation sociale différents ont été observés dans deux types de villes mondiales asiatiques, l'État‐cité (comme Singapour et Hong Kong) et la ville‐capitale (comme Taipei et Séoul). Singapour et Hong Kong relèvent d'un modèle de développement centralisé qui améliore l'emploi et tisse des réseaux transfrontaliers avec des travailleurs immigrants polarisés. En revanche, Taipei et Séoul, qui connaissent toutes deux des tensions politiques, présentent des tendances anticentralisatrices et ont dû empêcher l'émigration de leurs élites locales, tout en contrôlant l'immigration des travailleurs étrangers peu qualifiés. Dans les villes mondiales asiatiques, il convient donc de réexaminer l'hypothèse de la polarisation sociale dans le contexte institutionnel local issu des politiques sociales d'États promoteurs de développement.
Self‐legislation, Respect and the Reconciliation of Minority Claims
Authors: CEVA EMANUELA
Published: October 2010

abstract

It is a widely supported claim that liberal democratic institutions should treat citizens with equal respect. I neither dispute nor champion this claim, but investigate how it could be fulfilled. I do this by asking, as a sort of litmus test, how liberal democratic institutions should treat with respect citizens holding minority convictions, and thereby dissenting from a deliberative output. The first step of my argument consists in clarifying the sense in which liberal democracies have a primary concern for the respectful treatment of citizens qua self‐legislating persons. Taking the second step, I address critically the common tendency in the literature to concentrate on what I have termed the ex ante legem phase, focusing solely on the structure of institutionalized decision‐making processes. I submit, rather, that the principle of equal respect for persons demands more of liberal democratic institutions to enhance citizens' chances to give voice to their consciences and influence, on that ground, the formulation of the rules to which they should conform. Fulfilling this commitment requires democratic theorizing to go beyond the ex ante legem phase and regard forms of ex post legem contestation as an extension of citizens' right to political participation. Against this backdrop, I take the third and last step and argue that a promising way forward consists in the adoption of an ex post legem version of conscientious exemptionism, granting citizens a conditional moral right to request exemptions on the grounds of conscience from certain controversial legal and political provisions.
Cerebral cortical dynamics during visuomotor transformation: Adaptation to a cognitive‐motor executive challenge
Authors: Gentili Rodolphe J. , Bradberry Trent J. , Oh Hyuk , Hatfield Bradley D. , Contreras Vidal José L.
Published: October 2010

EEG was employed during cognitive‐motor adaptation to a visuomotor transformation that required inhibition of an established motor plan. Performance was positively related to frontal alpha and theta power during both planning and execution of reaching movements to visual targets. EEG changes suggest initial involvement of frontal executive functioning to suppress established visuomotor mappings followed by progressive idling (i.e., alpha synchrony). Also, progressive idling of the temporal and parietal sites over the trials was observed, suggesting a decreasing role of working memory and encoding of the new visuomotor map, respectively. The regional changes in the cortical dynamics translated into the quality of motor behavior. This study expands our understanding of the role of frontal executive processes beyond the cognitive domain to the cognitive‐motor domain.
Survival ofLactobacillus acidophilusLMGP‐21381 in probiotic ice cream and its influence on sensory acceptability
Authors: NOUSIA FENIA G , ANDROULAKIS PETROS I , FLETOURIS DIMITRIOS J
Published: October 2010

Probiotic ice cream was produced by incorporatingLactobacillus acidophilusLMGP‐21381 in a standard ice cream mix at initial population above 107 cfu/g. The ice cream mix was inoculated with either freeze‐dried or activated cultures ofL. acidophilusand a control treatment without probiotic was also prepared. The product was assessed for the survival of the probiotic strain during the freezing process and during 45 weeks of storage at −15°C and −25°C, and also for its sensory characteristics. The results showed that the freezing process caused a significant decrease in the viability of the freeze‐dried culture, but no significant change in the viable counts ofL. acidophiluswas observed during frozen storage. The sensory attributes of aroma, taste and texture obtained high scores in the sensory evaluation. It was demonstrated that incorporation of either activated or commercial freeze‐driedL. acidophilusculture resulted in a candidate food for the delivery of high levels of this probiotic strain to consumers.
The British general election of 2010: a three‐party contest – or three two‐party contests?
Authors: JOHNSTON RON , PATTIE CHARLES
Published: October 2010

Geography is an inherent component of the UK electoral system, and several separate geographies interact in the translation of votes into seats. Many argue that Great Britain now has a three‐party system, but we show that it is dominated by three separate two‐party systems because of the geographies of support for the three largest parties. At recent elections, the translation of votes into seats has substantially favoured the Labour Party. At the 2010 election, however, that advantage had largely disappeared, in both the constituencies where its main opponent was the Conservative Party candidate and those where it was the Liberal Democrat candidate. Removal of that pro‐Labour bias in the former case resulted from the Conservatives' largely successful target seats campaign.
Prognostic significance of circumferential cell surface immunoreactivity of glypican‐3 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yorita Kenji , Takahashi Nobuyasu , Takai Hirotake , Kato Atsuhiko , Suzuki Masami , Ishiguro Takahiro , Ohtomo Toshihiko , Nagaike Koki , Kondo Kazuhiro , Chijiiwa Kazuo , Kataoka Hiroaki
Published: October 2010

Background: GC33 is a recently developed monoclonal antibody against human glypican‐3 (GPC3), which is significantly upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). GC33 recognizes a GPC3 ectodomain and shows significant antitumour activity in vivo. Thus, humanized GC33 antibody may be a promising tool for treating HCC having cell surface GPC3 expression.

Aims: This study aims to determine the specificity, subcellular localization and prognostic impact of GPC3 immunoreactivity detected by GC33 in HCC clinical specimens.

Methods: Immunohistochemical analysis was performed for 194 cases of resected HCC and prognostic analysis was performed for 185 eligible cases. Two antigen retrieval methods (autoclave and protease pretreatments) were used for immunohistochemistry and compared. The immunoscore system reflecting circumferential membranous GPC3 immunoreactivity was developed using either the autoclave or protease methods. The GPC3 mRNA level was analysed by quantitative real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction.

Results: GC33 immunostaining after autoclave is a sensitive method and revealed the GPC3 expression (≥20% of tumour cells) in the majority (77%) of HCC samples tested. Alternatively, protease pretreatment showed lower sensitivity, but was superior for evaluating the intensity and subcellular localization of GPC3. Correlation between immunoscores and the GPC3 mRNA level was also confirmed. Subsequent clinicopathological analysis revealed worse prognoses in HCC patients with circumferential membranous GPC3 immunoreactivity. For HCC patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in particular, the high membranous GPC3 immunoreactivity was an independent prognostic factor for disease‐free survival.

Conclusions: Circumferential membranous GPC3 immunoreactivity in HCC indicates poorer prognosis particularly in patients with HCV infection.
Identification of elmid larvae (Coleoptera: Elmidae) from Sanin District of Honshu, Japan, based on mitochondrial DNA sequences
Authors: HAYASHI Masakazu , SOTA Teiji
Published: October 2010

Larvae of Elmidae from the Sanin District, Honshu, Japan, were classified into 14 types based on morphological features, of which 11 types were unidentified for species. Species or genus of the unidentified types were determined by comparing their mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene sequences with those of identified adult specimens. A new key to species/genera of elmid larvae was proposed.
ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A LYCOPENE β‐CYCLASE GENE FROM THE ASTAXANTHIN‐PRODUCING GREEN ALGA CHLORELLA ZOFINGIENSIS (CHLOROPHYTA)1
Authors: Cordero Baldo F. , Obraztsova Irina , Martín Lucía , Couso Inmaculada , León Rosa , Ángeles Vargas María , Rodríguez Herminia
Published: October 2010

The isolation, characterization, and regulation by light and nitrogen of the lycopene β‐cyclase gene from Chlorella zofingiensis Dönz (CzlcyB), involved in the biosynthesis of astaxanthin and lutein, have been performed in this work. These carotenoids are of high commercial value as dyes in food and as nutraceuticals. The open reading frame (ORF) of CzlcyB encoded a polypeptide of 546 amino acids. A single copy of CzlcyB has been found in C. zofingiensis. The chararacteristic Rossmann or dinucleotide binding fold, present in most lycopene cyclases, has been also identified in the LCYb of C. zofingiensis (CzLCYb). Heterologous genetic complementation in Escherichia coli showed the ability of the predicted protein to cycle both lycopene and δ‐carotene. Phylogenetic analysis has shown that the deduced protein forms a cluster with the rest of the lycopene β‐cyclases (LCYb) of the chlorophycean microalgae studied, being very closely related to LCYb of plants. Transcript levels of CzlcyB were increased under nitrogen deprivation, but no increase was observed under high‐light conditions. However, high irradiance triggered astaxanthin synthesis, while nitrogen deprivation by itself could not induce it. The combination of high irradiance and nitrogen deprivation led to a significant enhancement of the astaxathin accumulation.
Emotional processing and executive functions in major depressive disorder: dorsal prefrontal activity correlates with performance in the intra–extra dimensional set shift
Authors: Heinzel Alexander , Northoff Georg , Boeker Heinz , Boesiger Peter , Grimm Simone
Published: October 2010

Heinzel A, Northoff G, Boeker H, Boesiger P, Grimm S. Emotional processing and executive functions in major depressive disorder: dorsal prefrontal activity correlates with performance in the intra–extra dimensional set shift.

Objective:

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterised by predominately negatively valenced emotional symptoms that are often accompanied by cognitive impairments. We posited that cognitive impairments in MDD are related to altered emotional processing in prefrontal cortex.

Methods:

We compared 20 medication-free patients with MDD and 29 matched healthy controls. Both groups performed an emotional task during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Furthermore, they completed the intra–extra dimensional set shift (IED) test probing for cognitive impairments. Then we correlated the results of the IED with the changes in fMRI BOLD signal in MDD patients and healthy subjects.

Results:

The subcategory of the IED applying extradimensional shift (EDS) showed a divergent performance of the MDD group committing significantly more errors than the control group. Correlating the EDS errors with fMRI signal changes, the healthy subjects showed a positive correlation with the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and the right orbitofrontal cortex. MDD subjects, in contrast, showed a positive correlation in right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and a negative correlation in the left dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC).

Conclusion:

We hypothesise that the differential correlation in healthy controls and MDD patients may reflect the use of different strategies in their performance. The impaired executive functions, as reflected by altered processing in right DLPFC and left DMPFC, may implicitly influence emotional processing in patients suffering from MDD.
Plant RMR proteins: unique vacuolar sorting receptors that couple ligand sorting with membrane internalization
Authors: Wang Hao , Rogers John C. , Jiang Liwen
Published: October 2010

In receptor‐mediated sorting of soluble protein ligands in the endomembrane system of eukaryotic cells, three completely different receptor proteins for mammalian (mannose 6‐phosphate receptor), yeast (Vps10p) and plant cells (vacuolar sorting receptor; VSR) have in common the features of pH‐dependent ligand binding and receptor recycling. In striking contrast, the plant receptor homology‐transmembrane‐RING‐H2 (RMR) proteins serve as sorting receptors to a separate type of vacuole, the protein storage vacuole, but do not recycle, and their trafficking pathway results in their internalization into the destination vacuole. Even though plant RMR proteins share high sequence similarity with the best‐characterized mammalian PA‐TM‐RING family proteins, these two families of proteins appear to play distinctly different roles in plant and animal cells. Thus, this minireview focuses on this unique sorting mechanism and traffic of RMR proteins via dense vesicles in various plant cell types.
Hematopoietic differentiation from human ESCs as a model for developmental studies and future clinical translations. Invited review following the FEBS Anniversary Prize received on 5 July 2009 at the 34th FEBS Congress in Prague
Authors: Moreno‐Gimeno Inmaculada , Ledran Maria H. , Lako Majlinda
Published: October 2010

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells are excellent models for the study of embryonic hematopoiesis in vitro, aiding the design of new differentiation models that may be applicable to cell‐replacement therapies. Adult and fetal hematopoietic stem cells are currently being used in biomedical applications; however, the latest advances in regenerative medicine and stem cell biology suggest that hESC‐derived hematopoietic stem cells are an outstanding tool for enhancing immunotherapy and treatments for blood disorders and cancer, for example. In this review, we compare various methods used for inducing in vitro hematopoietic differentiation from hESCs, based on co‐culture with stromal cells or formation of embryoid bodies, and analyse their ability to give rise to hematopoietic precursors, with emphasis on their engraftment potential as a measure of their functionality in vivo.
Predictors of nurses’ family‐centered care practises in the neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: ASAI Hiromi
Published: October 2010

Aim:  To identify the predictors of nurses’ family‐centered care (FCC) practises in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Japan.

Methods:  A quantitative cross‐sectional survey was conducted by administrating a self‐reported questionnaire to 30 nurse managers and 710 staff nurses in 30 NICUs in Japan. A facility‐level questionnaire, including items about the philosophy, policies, and environment of the NICU, was administered to the nurse managers. The Japanese version of the Measure of Processes of Care for Service Providers and the Japanese version of the Measure of Beliefs about Participation in Family‐Centered Service were administered to the staff nurses to assess their practise of FCC and their beliefs about FCC, respectively. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and multiple regression analyses.

Results:  Self‐efficacy, neonatal care experience, FCC principles, and a 24 h parental visiting policy were significant predictors of the practise of FCC. Moreover, neonatal care experience, nursing support for the family to participate in the child's care, and visits by siblings were significantly associated with nurses’ self‐efficacy to implement FCC.

Conclusion:  Nurses’ self‐efficacy and hospital policies, including family visitation and participation in the child's care, were associated with nurses’ FCC practises. These results suggest that educational programs to promote nurses’ self‐efficacy are essential and that organizational support is a key component in implementing FCC.
Swift observation of Segue 1: constraints on sterile neutrino parameters in the darkest galaxy
Authors: Mirabal N.
Published: October 2010

Some extensions of standard particle physics postulate that dark matter may be partially composed of weakly interacting sterile neutrino particles that have so far eluded detection. We use a short (∼5 ks) archival X-ray observation of Segue 1 obtained with the X-ray Telescope (XRT) onboard the Swift satellite to exclude the presence of sterile neutrinos in the 1.6–14 keV mass range down to a flux limit of 6 × 10−12 erg cm−2 s−1 within 67 pc of its centre. With an estimated mass-to-light ratio of ∼3400 M⊙/L⊙, Segue 1 is the darkest ultrafaint dwarf galaxy currently measured. Spectral analysis of the Swift XRT data fails to find any non-instrumental spectral feature possibly connected with the radiative decay of a dark matter particle. Accordingly, we establish upper bounds on the sterile neutrino parameter space based on the non-detection of emission lines in the spectrum. The present work provides the most sensitive X-ray search for sterile neutrinos in a region with the highest dark matter density yet measured.
Metabolism of a plant derived galactose‐containing polysaccharide by Bifidobacterium breve UCC2003
Authors: O'Connell Motherway Mary , Fitzgerald Gerald F. , van Sinderen Douwe
Published: October 2010

In this study, we describe the functional characterization of the Bifidobacterium breve UCC2003 gal locus, which is dedicated to the utilization of galactan, a plant‐derived polysaccharide. Using a combination of molecular approaches we conclude that the galA gene of B. breve UCC2003 encodes a β‐1,4‐endogalactanase producing galacto‐oligosaccharides, which are specifically internalized by an ABC transport system, encoded by galBCDE, and which are then hydrolysed to galactose moieties by a dedicated intracellular β‐galactosidase, specified by galG. The generated galactose molecules are presumed to be fed into the fructose‐6‐phosphate phosphoketolase pathway via the Leloir pathway, thereby allowing B. breve UCC2003 to use galactan as its sole carbon and energy source. In addition to these findings we demonstrate that GalR is a LacI‐type DNA‐binding protein, which not only appears to control transcription of the galCDEGR operon, but also that of the galA gene.
A Formalisation of Weak Normalisation (with Respect to Permutations) of Sequent Calculus Proofs
Authors: Adams A.A.
Published: October 2010

Dyckhoff and Pinto present a weakly normalising system of reductions on derivations are characterised as the fixed points of the composition of the Prawitz translations into natural deduction and back. This paper presents a formalisation of the system, including a proof of the Weak normalisation property for the formalisation. More details can be found in earlier work by the author. The formalisation has been kept as closes as possible to the original presentation to allow an evaluation of the state of proof assistance for such methods, and to ensure similarity of methods, and not merely similarly of results. The formalisation is restricted to the implicational fragment of intuitionistic logic.
Spectral Concentration for Perturbed Equations of Harmonic Oscillator Type
Authors: Brown B. M. , Eastham M. S. P.
Published: October 2010

Sturm–Liouville potentials of the form xa ƒ(∈x) are considered, where a > 0, ƒ decays sufficiently rapidly at infinity, and ∈ is a small positive parameter. It is shown that there are a finite number N(∈) of spectral concentration points, and computational evidence is given to support the conjecture that N(∈) increases to infinity as ∈ decreases to zero.
Restrictive Acceptance Suffices for Equivalence Problems
Authors: Borchert Bernd , Hemaspaandra Lane A. , Rothe Jörg
Published: October 2010

One way of suggesting that an NP problem may not be NP-complete is to show that it is in the promise class UP. We propose an analogous new method—weaker in strength of evidence but more broadly applicable—for suggesting that concrete NP problems are not NP-complete. In particular, we introduce the promise class EP, the subclass of NP consisting of those languages accepted by NP machines that, when they accept, always have a number of accepting paths that is a power of two. We show that FewP, bounded ambiguity polynomial time (which contains UP), is contained in EP. The class EP applies as an upper bound to some concrete problems to which previous approaches have never been successful, for example the negation equivalence problem for OBDDs (ordered binary decision diagrams).
An Algorithm for Recognising the Exterior Square of a Multiset
Authors: Greenhill Catherine
Published: October 2010

The exterior square of a multiset is a natural combinatorial construction which is related to the exterior square of a vector space. We consider multisets of elements of an abelian group. Two properties are defined which a multiset may satisfy: recognisability and involution-recognisability. A polynomial-time algorithm is described which takes an input multiset and returns either (a) a multiset which is either recognisable or involution-recognisable and whose exterior square equals the input multiset, or (b) the message that no such multiset exists. The proportion of multisets which are neither recognisable nor involution-recognisable is shown to be small when the abelian group is finite but large. Some further comments are made about the motivating case of multisets of eigenvalues of matrices.
Mechanizing Nonstandard Real Analysis
Authors: Fleuriot Jacques D. , Paulson Lawrence C.
Published: October 2010

This paper first describes the construction and use of the hyperreals in the theorem-prover Isabelle within the framework of higher-order logic (HOL). The theory, which includes infinitesimals and infinite numbers, is based on the hyperreal number system developed by Abraham Robinson in his nonstandard analysis (NSA). The construction of the hyperreal number system has been carried out strictly through the use of definitions to ensure that the foundations of NSA in Isabelle are sound. Mechanizing the construction has required that various number systems including the rationals and the reals be built up first. Moreover, to construct the hyperreals from the reals has required developing a theory of filters and ultrafilters and proving Zorn's lemma, an equivalent form of the axiom of choice.

This paper also describes the use of the new types of numbers and new relations on them to formalize familiar concepts from analysis. The current work provides both standard and nonstandard definitions for the various notions, and proves their equivalence in each case. To achieve this aim, systematic methods, through which sets and functions are extended to the hyperreals, are developed in the framework. The merits of the nonstandard approach with respect to the practice of analysis and mechanical theorem-proving are highlighted throughout the exposition.
Euclidean Windows
Authors: Cavallar Stefania , Lemmermeyer Franz
Published: October 2010

In this paper we study number fields which are Euclidean with respect to functions that are different from the absolute value of the norm, namely weighted norms that depend on a real parameter c. We introduce the Euclidean minimum of weighted norms as the set of values of c for which the function is Euclidean, and we show that the Euclidean minimum may be irrational and not isolated. We also present computational results on Euclidean minima of cubic number fields, and present a list of norm-Euclidean complex cubic fields that we conjecture to be complete.
Non-Newtonian Drops Spreading on a Flat Surface
Authors: Dechelette A. , Sojka P. E. , Wassgren C. R.
Published: October 2010

The objective of this study is to develop a computational model that accurately describes the dynamic behavior of a non-Newtonian power-law film formed after a drop impinges on a flat surface. The non-Newtonian drop deposition and spreading process is described by a model based on one developed for Newtonian liquids. The effects of variations in non-Newtonian liquid rheological parameters, such as Ren (the non-Newtonian Reynolds number), n (the flow behavior index), and We (the Weber number), are studied in detail. Results show that a reduction in the viscous forces results in enhanced spreading of the film followed by a more rapid recession. An increase in surface tension results in reduced spreading of the film, followed by a more rapid recession. Model predictions of film diameter as a function of time were larger than corresponding experimental values obtained as part of this study. However, the discrepancy never exceeded 21%, demonstrating that the model accurately predicts the phenomena of interest. This comparison also shows that the results are in best agreement for large non-Newtonian Reynolds numbers and small non-Newtonian Ohnesorge numbers (We/Ren).
Relationship between accuracy and number of velocity particles of the finite-difference lattice Boltzmann method in velocity slip simulations
Authors: Watari Minoru
Published: October 2010

Relationship between accuracy and number of velocity particles in velocity slip phenomena was investigated by numerical simulations and theoretical considerations. Two types of 2D models were used: the octagon family and the D2Q9 model. Models have to possess the following four prerequisites to accurately simulate the velocity slip phenomena: (a) equivalency to the Navier–Stokes equations in the N-S flow area, (b) conservation of momentum flow Pxy in the whole area, (c) appropriate relaxation process in the Knudsen layer, and (d) capability to properly express the mass and momentum flows on the wall. Both the octagon family and the D2Q9 model satisfy conditions (a) and (b). However, models with fewer velocity particles do not sufficiently satisfy conditions (c) and (d). The D2Q9 model fails to represent a relaxation process in the Knudsen layer and shows a considerable fluctuation in the velocity slip due to the model’s angle to the wall. To perform an accurate velocity slip simulation, models with sufficient velocity particles, such as the triple octagon model with moving particles of 24 directions, are desirable.
Three-Dimensional Vortex Method for the Simulation of Bubbly Flow
Authors: Uchiyama Tomomi , Matsumura Shoji
Published: October 2010

This study proposes a three-dimensional vortex method for the simulation of bubbly flow. The method discretizes the vorticity field by vortex elements. The behavior of the vortex element and the bubble motion are simultaneously analyzed with the Lagrangian approach to compute the time evolution of the flow. This study also applies the vortex method to the simulation of a bubble plume to demonstrate the validity of the method. In a tank containing water, small hydrogen bubbles are released from the bottom of the tank. The bubbles rise due to the buoyant force and induce the water flow around them. The simulation for the plume at the starting period highlights that the rising bubbles induce large-scale eddies at their top and that the bubbles are entrained into the eddies. The simulation for the developed plume demonstrates that large-scale eddies appear around the rising bubbles and that they cause the meandering behavior of the plume. Such three-dimensional features of the bubble plume are favorably compared with the experimental results, indicating the validity of the proposed vortex method.
Analysis of subsurface beam spread and its impact on the image resolution of the helium ion microscope
Authors: Sijbrandij Sybren , Notte John , Sanford Colin , Hill Ray
Published: October 2010

By virtue of its extremely bright gaseous field ion source, the ORION™ helium ion microscope has demonstrated a probe size smaller than 0.3 nm, when operating the microscope in its (typical) high-resolution imaging mode, i.e., surface imaging with secondary electron signal. The authors combined SRIM-models of beam spread in the sample with models for secondary electron signal generation and escape, for a wide range of beam energies and sample materials, in order to calculate the effect of beam spread on image resolution. It was found that the effect on resolution is larger for sample materials with higher atomic numbers, and that the effect is inversely proportional to beam energy. The magnitude of the calculated effect on image resolution ranges from 0.005 to 0.08 nm, which is typically an order of magnitude smaller than the currently experimentally measured image resolution of the helium ion microscope.
Design of a parallel mass spectrometer for focused ion beam columns
Authors: Khursheed A. , Cheong K. H. , Hoang H. Q.
Published: October 2010

This article describes a parallel mass spectrometer design suitable for use as an add-on attachment for focused ion beam instruments. It consists of an acceleration transfer lens, an electric sector deflector, and a variable field strength magnetic sector deflector. The magnetic sector is designed to deflect and focus ions having a wide range of charge-to-mass ratios onto a flat plate detector. The size of an aperture inside the acceleration transfer lens can be used to change the spectrometer mass resolution. The simulation results presented in this article predict that it should be possible to perform secondary ion mass spectroscopy analysis on the nanoscale range with the proposed mass spectrometer attachment.
Focused chromium ion beam
Authors: Steele A. V. , Knuffman B. , McClelland J. J. , Orloff J.
Published: October 2010

With the goal of expanding the capabilities of focused ion beam microscopy and milling systems, the authors have demonstrated nanoscale focusing of chromium ions produced in a magneto-optical trap ion source. Neutral chromium atoms are captured into a magneto-optical trap and cooled to 100 μK with laser light at 425 nm. The atoms are subsequently photoionized and accelerated to energies between 0.5 and 3 keV. The accelerated ion beam is scanned with a dipolar deflector and focused onto a sample by an einzel lens. Secondary electron images are collected and analyzed, and from these, a beam diameter is inferred. The result is a focused probe with a 1 standard-deviation radius as small as 205±10 nm. While this probe size is in the useful range for nanoscale applications, it is almost three times larger than is predicted by ray-tracing simulations. Possible explanations for this discrepancy are discussed.
Hydrogen Mapping of the Lunar South Pole Using the LRO Neutron Detector Experiment LEND
Authors: Mitrofanov I. G. , Sanin A. B. , Boynton W. V. , Chin G. , Garvin J. B. , Golovin D. , Evans L. G. , Harshman K. , Kozyrev A. S. , Litvak M. L. , Malakhov A. , Mazarico E. , McClanahan T. , Milikh G. , Mokrousov M. , Nandikotkur G. , Neumann G. A. , Nuzhdin I. , Sagdeev R. , Shevchenko V. , Shvetsov V. , Smith D. E. , Starr R. , Tretyakov V. I. , Trombka J. , Usikov D. , Varenikov A. , Vostrukhin A. , Zuber M. T.
Published: October 2010

Watering the Moon

About a year ago, a spent upper stage of an Atlas rocket was deliberately crashed into a crater at the south pole of the Moon, ejecting a plume of debris, dust, and vapor. The goal of this event, the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) experiment, was to search for water and other volatiles in the soil of one of the coldest places on the Moon: the permanently shadowed region within the Cabeus crater. Using ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared spectroscopy data from accompanying craft,

Colaprete
et al.

(p.
463
; see the news story by

Kerr

; see the cover) found evidence for the presence of water and other volatiles within the ejecta cloud.

Schultz
et al.

(p.
468
) monitored the different stages of the impact and the resulting plume.

Gladstone
et al.

(p.
472
), using an ultraviolet spectrograph onboard the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), detected H
2
, CO, Ca, Hg, and Mg in the impact plume, and

Hayne
et al.

(p.
477
) measured the thermal signature of the impact and discovered that it had heated a 30 to 200 square-meter region from ∼40 kelvin to at least 950 kelvin.

Paige
et al.

(p. 479) mapped cryogenic zones predictive of volatile entrapment, and

Mitrofanov
et al.

(p.
483
) used LRO instruments to confirm that surface temperatures in the south polar region persist even in sunlight. In all, about 155 kilograms of water vapor was emitted during the impact; meanwhile, the LRO continues to orbit the Moon, sending back a stream of data to help us understand the evolution of its complex surface structures.