bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data Intensive Computing for Bioinformatics
Authors: Qiu Judy , Ekanayake Jaliya , Gunarathne Thilina , Choi Jong Youl , Bae Seung-Hee , Ruan Yang , Ekanayake Saliya , Wu Stephen , Beason Scott , Fox Geoffrey , Rho Mina , Tang Haixu
Published: February 2012

Data intensive computing, cloud computing, and multicore computing are converging as frontiers to address massive data problems with hybrid programming models and/or runtimes including MapReduce, MPI, and parallel threading on multicore platforms. A major challenge is to utilize these technologies and large-scale computing resources effectively to advance fundamental science discoveries such as those in Life Sciences. The recently developed next-generation sequencers have enabled large-scale genome sequencing in areas such as environmental sample sequencing leading to metagenomic studies of collections of genes. Metagenomic research is just one of the areas that present a significant computational challenge because of the amount and complexity of data to be processed. This chapter discusses the use of innovative data-mining algorithms and new programming models for several Life Sciences applications. The authors particularly focus on methods that are applicable to large data sets coming from high throughput devices of steadily increasing power. They show results for both clustering and dimension reduction algorithms, and the use of MapReduce on modest size problems. They identify two key areas where further research is essential, and propose to develop new O(NlogN) complexity algorithms suitable for the analysis of millions of sequences. They suggest Iterative MapReduce as a promising programming model combining the best features of MapReduce with those of high performance environments such as MPI.
Granulosis rubra nasi: a rare condition treated successfully with topical tacrolimus
Authors: Kumar Piyush , Gosai Anubhav , Mondal Ashim Kumar , Lal Niharika Ranjan , Gharami Ramesh Chandra
Published: February 2012

A 20 years-old girl presented with multiple asymptomatic reddish vesicles on face for four years. It used to get worse in summer and was associated with localized hyperhidrosis. The lesions were notable for disappearance on diascopy. Histopathology from the vesicle showed mononuclear cell infiltration in the upper dermis, especially around eccrine sweat apparatus, along with dilatation of superficial capillaries and lymphatics. Based on clinical presentation and histopathology, diagnosis of Granulosis rubra nasi (GRN) was made. GRN usually resolves at puberty; however, rarely it may persist in adulthood. We here report a case of GRN having lesions in adulthood. Moreover, she showed excellent response to topical tacrolimus, a finding not observed in literature.
Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome, Pityriasis Rosea, Asymmetrical Periflexural Exanthem, Unilateral Mediothoracic Exanthem, Eruptive Pseudoangiomatosis and Papular-Purpuric Gloves and Socks Syndrome: A Brief Review and Arguments for Diagnostic Criteria
Authors: Chuh Antonio , Zawar Vijay , Law Michelle , Sciallis Gabriel
Published: February 2012

Several exanthems including Gianotti-Crosti syndrome, pityriasis rosea, asymmetrical periflexural exanthem, eruptive pseudoangiomatosis, and papular-purpuric gloves and socks syndrome are suspected to be caused by viruses. These viruses are potentially dangerous. Gianotti-Crosti syndrome is related to hepatitis B virus infection which is the commonest cause of hepatocellular carcinoma, and Epstein-Barr virus infection which is related to nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Pityriasis rosea has been suspected to be related to human herpesvirus 7 and 8 infections, with the significance of the former still largely unknown, and the latter being a known cause of Kaposi’s sarcoma. Papular-purpuric gloves and socks syndrome is significantly associated with human B19 erythrovirus infection which can lead to aplastic anemia in individuals with congenital hemoglobinopathies, and when transmitted to pregnant women, can cause spontaneous abortions and congenital anomalies. With viral DNA sequence detection technologies, false positive results are common. We can no longer apply Koch’s postulates to establish causeeffect relationships. Biological properties of some viruses including lifelong latent infection, asymptomatic shedding, and endogenous reactivation render virological results on various body tissues difficult to interpret. We might not be able to confirm or refute viral causes for these rashes in the near future. Owing to the relatively small number of patients, virological and epidemiology studies, and treatment trials usually recruit few study and control subjects. This leads to low statistical powers and thus results have little clinical significance.
In vitro effects of PCDDs/Fs on NK-like cell activity of Eisenia andrei earthworms
Authors: Belmeskine Hayet , Haddad Sami , Vandelac Louise , Fournier Michel
Published: February 2012

In this study, we assessed in vitro the effects of PCDD/Fs on the NK-like cell activity in Eisenia andrei earthworms using flow cytometry for analysis. NK-like coelomocytes isolated from E. andrei and used as effectors were exposed to various concentrations of PCDDs/Fs mixture, C1 (6.25x10-3 ng 2378- TCDD/mL), C2 (12.5x10-3 ng 2378-TCDD/mL) and C3 (25x10-3 ng 2378-TCDD/mL), before adding them to human tumoral cells (K562) used as targets. We evaluated the percentage of targets lysed by Nk-like cells. The results showed a significant stimulation of the NKlike activity at C3 when PCDD/Fs were not removed from effectors before contact with targets, while no effects were noted when the effectors were washed (PCDD/Fs removed) or fixed. Assessment of the viability of the targets (K562), exposed alone and separately from effectors, to the three concentrations of PCDD/Fs, C1, C2 and C3, showed that all these concentrations were cytotoxic for K562. Results suggest that PCDD/Fs concentrations tested in this assay may be considered too low to induce suppressive effects on the immune function such as the NK-like activity in E. andrei earthworms.
A Critique of Howard's Argument for Innate Limits in Chess Performance or Why We Need an Account Based On Acquired Skill and Deliberate Practice
Authors: Ericsson K. Anders , Moxley Jerad H.
Published: February 2012

In this issue Howard reported that the effect of chess study is surprisingly small among elite chess players, who continue playing more games in international chess tournaments. In contrast, we show that individual differences in chess study are the likely causes of both higher chess ratings and more chess games played in international tournaments, which is often very costly and includes airfare, hotel, and tournament registration fees. The low correlation between his estimates of study time and chess rating is shown to be a consequence of his methodology of relying on a couple of questions in an internet survey rather than the standard methodology in expert performance research involving a 30‐minute interview tracing yearly engagement in many different practice activities. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimizing Thermal Shock Resistance of Layered Refractories
Authors: Hein Jarno , Kuna Meinhard
Published: February 2012

Severe thermal shocks may cause critical thermal stresses and failure in refractories or ceramic materials. To increase the thermal shock resistance, layered material structures are suggested. In order to optimize properties of these alternative structures, thermo‐mechanical simulations are required. In this study, a finite difference method (FDM) is used for solving the partial differential equation of heat conduction with spatially varying parameters. The optimization of the strip's thermal shock resistance is exemplarily done on a 10 layered strip subjected to constant temperature jump on the top surface. Each layer can be set with different porous Al2O3 and MgO ceramics, whose material properties are theoretically determined. In this study, an improved optimization method is developed that consists of a combination and sequence of Monte Carlo simulations and evolution strategies to overcome certain disadvantages of both techniques.
Chiral‐Symmetry Selection in Soft Monolayers under Vortical Flow
Authors: Petit‐Garrido Núria , Claret Josep , Ignés‐Mullol Jordi , Farrera Joan Anton , Sagués Francesc
Published: February 2012

Herein, we report and interpret a new chiral‐selection phenomenon in the orientational ordering of soft‐assembled domains that arise spontaneously in Langmuir monolayers of an azobenzene derivative at the air/water interface. The orientational chirality of isolated sub‐millimeter domains was unambiguously assessed by optical microscopy. The selection process, quantified by using an enantiomeric excess parameter, was controlled by stirring the aqueous subphase. We have studied the dependence of this process on stirring rate and handedness, stirring time, temperature, and on the initial state of the monolayer. The influence of the concomitant cis/trans isomerization on the reported chiral‐selection process is also discussed.
Dyrk kinases regulate phosphorylation of doublecortin, cytoskeletal organization, and neuronal morphology
Authors: Slepak Tatiana I. , Salay Lindsey D. , Lemmon Vance P. , Bixby John L.
Published: February 2012

In a neuronal overexpression screen focused on kinases and phosphatases, one “hit” was the dual specificity tyrosine phosphorylation‐regulated kinase (Dyrk4), which increased the number of dendritic branches in hippocampal neurons. Overexpression of various Dyrk family members in primary neurons significantly changed neuronal morphology. Dyrk1A decreased axon growth, Dyrk3 and Dyrk4 increased dendritic branching, and Dyrk2 decreased both axon and dendrite growth and branching. Kinase‐deficient mutants revealed that most of these effects depend on kinase activity. Because doublecortin (DCX), a microtubule‐binding protein, regulates cytoskeletal dynamics and neuronal morphogenesis, we investigated the possibility that DCX is a target of Dyrks. We found that overexpression of Dyrk2 and Dyrk3, but not Dyrk1A or Dyrk4, can change DCX phosphorylation status. Mutation of a consensus phosphorylation site for Dyrk kinases at Serine 306 (Ser306) in DCX indicated that this is one target site for Dyrk2 and Dyrk3. Overexpression of Dyrk2 restored altered DCX distribution in the growth cones of dendrites and axons, and partially reversed the morphological effects of DCX overexpression; some of these effects were abrogated by mutation of Ser306 to alanine. These studies implicate Dyrks in the regulation of cytoskeletal organization and process outgrowth in neurons, and suggest that DCX is one relevant Dyrk target. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Evolution of the basal ganglia: Dual‐output pathways conserved throughout vertebrate phylogeny
Authors: Stephenson‐Jones Marcus , Ericsson Jesper , Robertson Brita , Grillner Sten
Published: February 2012

The basal ganglia, including the striatum, globus pallidus interna and externa (GPe), subthalamic nucleus (STN), and substantia nigra pars compacta, are conserved throughout vertebrate phylogeny and have been suggested to form a common vertebrate mechanism for action selection. In mammals, this circuitry is further elaborated by the presence of a dual‐output nucleus, the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr), and the presence of modulatory input from the cholinergic pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN). We sought to determine whether these additional components of the mammalian basal ganglia are also present in one of the phylogenetically oldest vertebrates, the lamprey. We show, by using immunohistochemistry, tract tracing, and whole‐cell recordings, that homologs of the SNr and PPN are present in the lamprey. Thus the SNr receives direct projections from inwardly rectifying γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐ergic striatal neurons expressing substance P, but it is also influenced by indirect basal ganglia projections from the STN and potentially the GPe. Moreover, GABAergic SNr projection neurons are tonically active and project to the thalamus and brainstem motor areas. The homolog of the PPN contains both cholinergic and GABAergic neurons and is connected with all the nuclei of the basal ganglia, supporting its proposed role as part of an extended basal ganglia. A separate group of cholinergic neurons dorsal to the PPN corresponds to the descending mesencephalic locomotor region. Our results suggest that dual‐output nuclei are part of the ancestral basal ganglia and that the PPN appears to have coevolved as part of a mechanism for action selection common to all vertebrates. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:2957–2973, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ETHICS CONCERNING LEISURE
Authors: Duckworth Edwin , King Paul T.
Published: February 2012

In the United States, non‐work, or non‐productive activity can produce ego anxiety within a person who considers work as the primary index of self‐worth. This anxiety can become extreme when a person retires or is forced into unemployment. One cause of this anxiety is society's standards concerning acceptable activity; particularly the work‐oriented attiude formulated in the “Protestant Ethic.”

However, the “Protestant Ethic” is neither Protestant nor religious. Rather, it is a set of national mores, which justify our work‐oriented economy in religious terms.

Situational ethics, which reflect both sound counseling practice and contemporary theology, can be formulated concerning the problem of leisure. And, we propose a guideline for such an ethic.
AN ENCOUNTER GROUP AND CHANGES IN COUNSELORS' VALUES1
Authors: Reardon Robert C. , Burck Harman D.
Published: February 2012

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of encounter group treatment on the values and value systems of 24 employment service counselors. A time series own control design was used. Treatment consisted of 27 hours in encounter groups over a three‐week period. Thirty‐six value rankings were obtained before and after treatment, and again six months later. There was greater change in instrumental than terminal values during and after treatment. Contrary to expectation, personal and conservative values became more important than social and liberal values after treatment. Most value changes during treatment did not persist six months later.
Bridging the Gap
Authors: HAMMOND JOSEPHINE
Published: February 2012

The liberal arts colleges have often been accused of giving their students inadequate preparation for entrance into the world of work. Here is a logical program combining theory and practice which is being followed successfully at Hunter College. Its main features could be adapted to meet the needs of other colleges, as well as high schools.
The Validity of the Cleeton Vocational SR Section1
Authors: CUTLER T. H.
Published: February 2012

Using one hundred University of Denver freshmen, Professor Cutler tested the validity of the Cleeton Vocational Inventory, Section SR, purporting to measure social adjustment. He correlated ratings earned with scores made on various tests. The account of the study and the conclusions reached are reported in this article.
Colorado's Student Vocational Committee
Authors: KENNON ANNE BYRD
Published: February 2012

Vocational dinners, field trips, the preparation of bibliographies and files of occupational materials—these are a few of the activities of the Colorado Student Committee. You will enjoy reading of the growth of this campus program from its very modest beginnings.
Intramuscular nerve damage in lacerated skeletal muscles may direct the inflammatory cytokine response during recovery
Authors: Pereira Barry P. , Tan Bee Leng , Han Hwan Chour , Zou Yu , Aung Khin Zarchi , Leong David T.
Published: February 2012

The expression of inflammatory cytokines and growth factors in surgically repaired lacerated muscles over a 12‐week recovery phase was investigated. We hypothesized that these expression levels are influenced by both neural and muscular damage within lacerated muscles. Microarrays were confirmed with reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction assays and histology of biopsies at the lesion of three simulated lacerated muscle models in 130 adult rats. The lacerated medial gastrocnemius with the main intramuscular nerve branch either cut (DN), crushed but leaving an intact nerve sheath (RN); or preserved intact (PN) were compared. At 4 weeks, DN had a higher number of interleukins up‐regulated. DN and RN also had a set of Bmp genes significantly expressed between 2 and 8 weeks (P ≤ 0.05). By 12 weeks, DN had a poorer and slower myogenic recovery and greater fibrosis formation correlating with an up‐regulation of the Tgf‐β gene family. DN also showed poorer re‐innervation with higher mRNA expression levels of nerve growth factor (Ngf) and brain‐derived neurotrophin growth factor (Bdnf) over RN and PN. This study demonstrates that the inflammatory response over 12 weeks in lacerated muscles may be directed by the type of intramuscular nerve damage, which can influence the recovery at the lesion site. Inflammatory‐related genes associated to the type of intramuscular nerve damage include Gas‐6, Artemin, Fgf10, Gdf8, Cntf, Lif, and Igf‐2. qPCR also found up‐regulation of Bdnf (1‐week), neurotrophin‐3 (2w), Lif (4w), and Ngf (4w, 8w) mRNA expressions in DN, making them possible candidates for therapeutic treatment to arrest the poor recovery in muscle lacerations (250). J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 2330–2345, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Automated tractography of the cingulate bundle in Alzheimer's disease: A multicenter DTI study
Authors: Fischer Florian U. , Scheurich Armin , Wegrzyn Martin , Schermuly Ingrid , Bokde Arun L.W. , Klöppel Stefan , Pouwels Petra J.W. , Teipel Stefan , Yakushev Igor , Fellgiebel Andreas
Published: February 2012

Purpose:

To evaluate the feasibility of multicenter tractography of the cingulate bundle (CB) in Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Materials and Methods:

Automated deterministic tractography of the CB was applied to scans of 45 patients with probable AD and 58 healthy controls (HC) acquired with Siemens Sonata (1.5T; 60 gradients), Trio (3T; 61 gradients), and Avanto (1.5T; 30 gradients). Diagnosis and center effects on the tracking indices fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), track density, and volume were estimated with analysis of variance.

Results:

The multicenter coefficients of variance (CVs) in HC and AD patients were 7% and 7% for FA, 10% and 8% for MD, 18% and 20% for density, and 21% and 21% for volume. Multicenter and single‐center CVs were within a similar range. Significant center effects declined in the order MD > FA > density > volume. After adjustment for center and age, the AD group showed significantly higher MD (P < 0.001) and lower FA (P < 0.05) as compared with the HC group.

Conclusion:

Despite strong center effects, we detected significantly altered microstructural integrity of the CB in AD patients. Diffusion‐tensor imaging indices of the CB as obtained by automated tractography might qualify as a biologically sustained surrogate marker for diagnostic and monitoring purposes in multicenter AD trials. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:84–91. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Geo‐referenced databases for roughness parameters in urban areas: an application to Greater Manchester
Authors: Carraça M. G. D. , Collier C. G.
Published: February 2012

The parameterization of surface roughness characteristics is an essential element in models of atmospheric boundary processes. Key elements in deriving these characteristics involve analysis of comprehensive data bases of urban morphology. In this paper a procedure is described and tested for a part of Greater Manchester in northwest England, a complex urban area quite different from North American cities. The results are compared with previously published work. Although some differences are identified, the results of the analyses are generally consistent.
DFT calculations of structures, 13C NMR chemical shifts, and Raman RBM mode of simple models of small‐diameter zigzag (4,0) carboxylated single‐walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Kupka Teobald , Chełmecka Elżbieta , Pasterny Karol , Stachów Michał , Stobiński Leszek
Published: February 2012

Linearly conjugated benzene rings (acenes), belt‐shaped molecules (cyclic acenes), and models of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with one carboxylic group at the open end were fully optimized at the B3LYP/6‐31G* level of theory. These models were selected to obtain some insight into the nuclear isotropic changes resulting from systematically increasing the basic building units of open‐tip‐monocarboxylated SWCNTs. In addition, the position of radial breathing mode (RBM), empirically correlated with the SWCNT diameter, was directly related with the radius of model cyclic acene rings. A regular convergence of selected structural, NMR, and Raman parameters with the molecular system size increase was observed, and a simple two‐parameter mathematical formula enabled their estimation in infinity. The predicted 13C NMR chemical shifts of carbon atoms close to the substituted rim of carboxylated models of zigzag (4,0) SWCNTs differed significantly from the pristine nanotubes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optical properties of the long‐range Si(110)‐(16 × 2) reconstruction from first principles
Authors: Ferraro Elena , Hogan Conor , Palummo Maurizia , Del Sole Rodolfo
Published: February 2012

We compute the electronic and optical properties of the long‐range Si(110)‐(16 × 2) surface reconstruction using a first‐principles approach. We consider the adatom‐tetramer‐interstitial (ATI) model proposed by Stekolnikov et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 93, 136104 (2004)] that is the lowest energy structural model proposed up to now. Calculations of the electronic band structure and surface differential reflectance (SDR) are compared with available experimental data. We conclude that the ATI model is not completely consistent with the experimental observations, and more precise studies are necessary to establish the surface atomic structure with certainty.
Development of the six‐legged walking and climbing robot SpaceClimber
Authors: Bartsch Sebastian , Birnschein Timo , Römmermann Malte , Hilljegerdes Jens , Kühn Daniel , Kirchner Frank
Published: February 2012

In this article, we present SpaceClimber,1 a six‐legged, bio‐inspired, energy‐efficient and adaptable free‐climbing robot for mobility on steep gradients. The long‐term stool is to provide a system for extraterrestrial surface exploration missions, paying special attention to mobility in lunar craters to retrieve or analyze scientific samples from the interior of these craters. We present an envisaged mission for SpaceClimber and summarize the deriving system requirements. The robot's morphology determination procedure is depicted, considering the predefined demands and utilizing a simulation environment in combination with evolutionary optimization strategies, followed by a detailed description of the system's hardware design. The theoretical concept for the control of such machines with an extensive sensory–motor configuration is explained, as well as the implemented locomotion control approach and attempts to optimize the behavior of the robot using machine learning techniques. In addition, the experimental plant that was built for testing and evaluating the performance of the developed system in an environment as realistic as possible is introduced, followed by a description of the experiments performed. Concluding, we summarize the results and experiences and give an outlook on further developments. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High resolution SIMS analysis of arsenic in rice
Authors: Moore Katie L. , Hawes Chris R. , McGrath Steve P. , Zhao Fang‐Jie , Grovenor Chris R. M.
Published: February 2012

Determining the distribution of trace elements in biological materials with subcellular resolution is very challenging but vitally important in order to understand their mechanisms of uptake. Rice grain is efficient in the accumulation of arsenic (As) in the grain, potentially posing a severe health risk to millions of people in South‐East Asia. The NanoSIMS is a state‐of‐the‐art microscope capable of high resolution chemical imaging (down to 50 nm) and detecting very low elemental concentrations (parts‐per‐million levels). This makes it ideally suited for trace element localisation in biological materials. This paper shows how the NanoSIMS can be used to investigate the localisation of As in rice grain at high resolution and how different treatments result in different distributions in the grain. The precise location of parts‐per‐million As concentrations and its localisation with other elements at the subcellular scale in rice roots are also shown. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In Situ Observation of the Evolution of Intragranular Acicular Ferrite at Ce‐Containing Inclusions in 16Mn Steel
Authors: Bin Wen , Bo Song
Published: February 2012

The effects of chemical compositions and austenitizing temperature on the formation of intragranular acicular ferrite (IAF) of 16Mn steel were systematically investigated, and the in situ observation of the evolution of IAF at Ce‐containing inclusions was carried out using a high‐temperature laser scanning confocal microscopy. The results show that trace amount of Ce can induce the IAF nucleation, while the optimum content of Ce is around 0.02 wt%. The appropriate austenitizing temperature is around 1200°C and the optimal prior austenite grain size is about 120 µm. The temperature range for IAF transformation is around between 557 and 623°C, and the time for which is about 13 s. The disregistries between Ce‐containing inclusions and α‐Fe are so small that may act as highly effective nuclei of IAF.
Crystal and Molecular Structure of the trans‐Hyponitrite Compounds Ph3E(μ‐ONNO)EPh3 (E = Ge, Pb)
Authors: Mayer Tobias , Böttcher Hans‐Christian
Published: February 2012

The synthesis of the trans‐hyponitrite compounds Ph3E(μ‐ONNO)EPh3 [E = Ge (1), Pb (2)] as well as their crystal and molecular structure are reported. Compound 1 crystallized from toluene/pentane in the trigonal space group R$\bar{3}$ with a = 29.7969(18), b = 29.7969(18), c = 11.8465(6) Å; γ = 120°; V = 9108.8(9) Å3; Z = 12, ρ = 1.461 g·cm–3,T = 173(2) K. Compound 2 crystallized from toluene/iso‐hexane in the triclinic space group P$\bar{3}$ with a = 10.0330(2), b = 11.0615(2), c = 24.2080(4) Å; α = 97.3730(10), β = 95.8550(10), γ = 115.3940(10)°; V = 2369.69(7) Å3; Z = 3, ρ = 1.970 g·cm–3, T = 173(2) K.The crystal structure determination revealed that two conformational isomers exist in the row of related group 14 element compounds. Whereas the species of tin and lead exhibit a S‐shaped arrangement of the hyponitrite group between the two EPh3 fragments, the corresponding germanium compound shows instead of a N‐shape within the hyponitrite group. DFT calculations revealed that S‐shaped conformers should be in all three cases the more stable ones. This stands in contrast to the observed N conformation of 1 in the crystal.
Impacts of elevated CO2 and temperature on soil respiration in warm temperate evergreen Quercus glauca stands: an open‐top chamber experiment
Authors: Wang Xin , Nakatsubo Takayuki , Nakane Kaneyuki
Published: February 2012

We conducted an open‐top chamber experiment for 3 years to examine the effect of elevated CO2 and temperature on soil respiration in experimental stands of Quercus glauca, an evergreen tree species common in the warm temperate zone of Japan. Seedlings of Q. glauca were planted in open‐top chambers and treated with factorial combinations of ambient and elevated (ambient × 1.4, ambient × 1.8) CO2 concentrations and ambient and elevated (+3°C) air temperatures. Elevated CO2 significantly increased the total soil respiration rate (P < 0.001) and the soil respiration rate at 15°C (R15) (P < 0.05) but had no significant effect on the temperature coefficient Q10. Although temperature significantly affected total soil respiration rate (P < 0.05), neither the R15 nor the Q10 of total soil respiration was affected significantly by the air temperature increase. Annual soil respiration rate, estimated from R15, Q10, and soil temperature data, tended to increase with elevated CO2 concentration. These results suggest that soil respiration rate in Japanese warm temperate broad‐leaved forests dominated by Q. glauca is sensitive to elevated CO2 and is likely to increase under future climatic conditions.
Security by any other name: negative security, positive security, and a multi-actor security approach
Authors: HOOGENSEN GJØRV GUNHILD
Published: February 2012

This article examines the challenges and contradictions between some of the leading conceptions of security within the field of International Relations (IR), from those stating that the concept can only be employed by the state with regard to immediate, existential threats, to those that see security as the foundation of social life or as a human good. This article continues a discussion that has taken place in theReview of International Studiesregarding the development of positive security, examining the potential use of the terms ‘negative’ and ‘positive’ security to bring clarity to these diverging security perspectives and to argue for a multi-actor security approach. It is argued that positive security perspectives, which rely on non-violent measures, ensure an emphasis upon context, values, and security practices that build trust, and by use of a multi-actor security model, shows the dynamics between state and non-state actors in the creation of security.
Temperature effect in polycrystalline exchange-biased bilayers: A Monte Carlo study
Authors: Maitre A. , Ledue D. , Barbe F. , Patte R.
Published: February 2012

A model of polycrystalline F/AF bilayers based on the Voronoi construction is considered to investigate the microstructure effect on exchange bias properties. This study is carried out by means of Monte Carlo simulations. The thermal variation of the exchange and coercive fields are in good qualitative agreement with previous experimental results on NiFe/NiMn bilayers. The blocking temperature distribution is determined by reproducing the experimental procedure based on an annealing. Then, it is evidenced that, by taking into account a decrease of the magnetization at low-temperature, at the F/AF interface in some of the AF grains, leads to the observation of the unusual low-T peak in the distribution.
Nanomagnetic skyrmions
Authors: Skomski Ralph , Li Zhen , Zhang Rui , Kirby Roger D. , Enders A. , Schmidt D. , Hofmann T. , Schubert E. , Sellmyer D. J.
Published: February 2012

Magnetic skyrmions and other topologically protected nanostructures are investigated. Since skyrmions are mathematical rather than physical objects, they describe a wide variety of physical systems, from simple magnetic domain walls to complicated quantum phases with long-range many-body entanglement. Important distinctions concern the skyrmions’ relativistic character, their quantum-mechanical or classical nature, and the one- or many-body character of the wave functions. As specific examples we consider magnetic nanospirals, where the topology of a vortex-like spin state is protected by magnetostatic interactions, and edge currents in dilute magnetic semiconductors and metallic nanodots. Our analysis militates against giant orbital moments created by a mesocopically enhanced spin-orbit coupling.
Extraction of a strongly focusing He+ beam from three-stage concave electrodes for alpha particle measurement system in ITER
Authors: Kobuchi T. , Sasao M. , Kisaki M. , Tsumori K. , Tanaka N. , Okamoto A. , Kitajima S. , Kaneko O. , Shinto K. , Wada M.
Published: February 2012

A strongly focusing He+ ion beam source equipped with concave multi-aperture electrodes was developed for production of He− through a charge exchange cell. The beam was extracted at a voltage less than 20 kV from 301 apertures distributed in an area of 100 mm ϕ, and focused at 750 mm distance. The beam current and the beam size of 2 A and 20 mm in diameter, respectively, were achieved with an arc power less than 10 kW. The optimum perveance was obtained at 0.02 A/kV1.5 at the beam energy less than 20 keV which is suitable for the conversion to He− in an alkali vapor cell.
A study of H+ production using metal hydride and other compounds by means of laser ion source
Authors: Sekine M. , Kondo K. , Okamura M. , Hayashizaki N.
Published: February 2012

A laser ion source can provide wide variety of ion beams from solid target materials, however, it has been difficult to create proton beam efficiently. We examined capability of proton production using beeswax, polyethylene, and metal hydrides (MgH2 and ZrH2) as target materials. The results showed that beeswax and polyethylene could not be used to produce protons because these targets are transparent to the laser wavelength of 1064 nm. On the other hand, the metal hydrides could supply protons. Although the obtained particle numbers of protons were less than those of the metal ions, the metal hydrides could be used as a target for proton laser ion source.
Viscosity of liquid mixtures: The Vesovic-Wakeham method for chain molecules
Authors: de Wijn Astrid S. , Riesco Nicolas , Jackson George , Martin Trusler J. P. , Vesovic Velisa
Published: February 2012

New expressions for the viscosity of liquid mixtures, consisting of chain-like molecules, are derived by means of Enskog-type analysis. The molecules of the fluid are modelled as chains of equally sized, tangentially joined, and rigid spheres. It is assumed that the collision dynamics in such a fluid can be approximated by instantaneous collisions. We determine the molecular size parameters from the viscosity of each pure species and show how the different effective parameters can be evaluated by extending the Vesovic-Wakeham (VW) method. We propose and implement a number of thermodynamically consistent mixing rules, taking advantage of SAFT-type analysis, in order to develop the VW method for chain molecules. The predictions of the VW-chain model have been compared in the first instance with experimental viscosity data for octane-dodecane and methane-decane mixtures, thus, illustrating that the resulting VW–chain model is capable of accurately representing the viscosity of real liquid mixtures.
Tuned dielectric, pyroelectric and piezoelectric properties of ferroelectric P(VDF-TrFE) thin films by using mechanical loads
Authors: Bai G. , Li R. , Liu Z. G. , Xia Y. D. , Yin J.
Published: February 2012

Using the phenomenological Landau thermodynamic theory, we have investigated the effect of external mechanical loads on the phase transition and physical properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluorethylene) [P(VDF-TrFE)] thin films. Quantitative calculation shows that the phase transition temperature, polarization, dielectric, pyroelectric, and piezoelectric properties are highly sensitive to external mechanical loads. External compressive stress increases the phase transition temperature and the out-of-plane polarization and decreases the out-of-plane dielectric constant below Tc, pyroelectric coefficient, and piezoelectric coefficient (absolute value) and vice versa. Compared with pervoskite-type ferroelectrics, the calculated results are opposite due to the different intrinsic parameters between pervoskite and polymer ferroelectrics, especially, electrostrictive constants. The ability to tailor the properties in ferroelectric P(VDF-TrFE) thin films with the mechanical load can offer a tremendously promising future for applications in multifunctional devices, such as agile mechanical sensors and transducers.
A set of molecular models for alkali and halide ions in aqueous solution
Authors: Deublein Stephan , Vrabec Jadran , Hasse Hans
Published: February 2012

This work presents new molecular models for alkali and halide ions in aqueous solution. The force fields were parameterized with respect to the reduced liquid solution density at 293.15 K and 1 bar, considering all possible ion combinations simultaneously. The experimental target data are reproduced with a high accuracy over a wide range of salinity. The ion models predict structural properties of electrolyte solutions well, such as pair correlation functions and hydration numbers. The force fields provide good predictions of the properties studied here in combination with different models for water.
High dielectric tunability in lead niobate pyrochlore films
Authors: Mirsaneh M. , Hayden B. E. , Furman E. , Perini S. , Lanagan M. T. , Reaney I. M.
Published: February 2012

High throughput physical vapor deposition has been used to grow crystalline PbnNb2O5+n (0.6 < n < 4.6) thin films on a single chip. Relative permittivity (ɛr) and dielectric loss (tan δ) were frequency independent between 100 Hz and 1 MHz and −60 °C–100 °C. Dielectric tunability achieved a maximum in the cubic pyrochlore phase (Pb1.2Nb2O6.2, PN, Pb ≈ 38%) of ∼26% (0.44 MV/cm). In comparison to barium strontium titanate (BST) and bismuth zinc niobate (BZN), PN exhibited attractive tan δ ∼ 0.0009 (0.013–0.005 in BST and 0.008–0.0005 in BZN), comparable or superior ɛr of 419 (450 in BST and 160–220 in BZN) and 26% tunability (∼50% in BST and 3.5% in BZN at equivalent fields). PN is thus considered an ideal candidate for tunable device applications.
Stimulated emission in AlGaN/AlGaN quantum wells with different Al content
Authors: Mickevičius J. , Jurkevičius J. , Kazlauskas K. , Žukauskas A. , Tamulaitis G. , Shur M. S. , Shatalov M. , Yang J. , Gaska R.
Published: February 2012

Stimulated emission (SE) is studied in AlGaN/AlGaN multiple quantum wells (MQWs) with different Al content grown on sapphire substrate. The spectra of spontaneous and stimulated emission and their transformations with increasing temperature as well as stimulated emission thresholds were measured in the temperature range from 8 to 300 K. Phonon-assisted band broadening in low-Al-content MQWs and double-scaled potential profile in high-Al-content MQWs were observed in the samples and linked with carrier localization conditions. The temperature dependence of the stimulated emission threshold was similar in the samples where the stimulated transitions occur between extended states and in the samples where the transitions occur in localized states. The stimulated emission threshold depends predominantly on the density of nonradiative recombination centers.
Characterization of silicon dioxide films on 4H-SiC Si (0001) face by cathodoluminescence spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Yoshikawa M. , Ogawa S. , Inoue K. , Seki H. , Tanahashi Y. , Sako H. , Nanen Y. , Kato M. , Kimoto T.
Published: February 2012

We measured cathodoluminescence (CL) spectra of SiO2 films grown on 4H-SiC wafers and found that for an acceleration voltage of 5 kV, CL peaks at 460 and 490 nm, assigned to oxygen vacancy centers (OVCs), become weak by post-oxidation annealing in N2O ambient at 1300 °C whereas the CL peak around 580 nm, related to Si-N bonding structures, becomes intense. Furthermore, the peak assigned to N-Si3 configurations in x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra was observed in the SiO2/SiC interface in only samples annealed in N2O ambient. These results suggest that the interface trap densities decrease and the channel mobility in n-type MOS capacitors increases by the termination of dangling bonds by the N atom in the SiO2/SiC interface. CL spectroscopy and XPS provide us with extensive information on OVCs and dangling bonds in the SiO2/SiC interface on the 4H-SiC substrate.
A sustainable future for the Australian rangelands
Authors: Ferguson Jan
Published: February 2012

This paper proposes a broad overview of possible responses to the challenges posed by rangelands to promote discussion on a sustainable future for these vast regions. Rangelands Australia, an organisational unit of the University of Queensland, which promotes and delivers post graduate courses in rangeland management, assesses these challenges as managing the landscapes sustainably; supporting viability for pastoralists, tourism operators and miners; and maintaining benefits to our communities. It describes the desirable triple bottom line as profitable enterprises, healthy landscapes and vibrant communities.
While there may be general agreement on these challenges and objectives, how we as a nation – and we as land managers specifically – meet them is the subject of intense debate. What is clear is that we can no longer maintain a ‘business-as-usual’ approach. We are all familiar with the effects of salinity and erosion and the impacts of feral animals and weed species. We understand the need for business in the rangelands to think smart about the environment, about markets and about communities and get smart or go under. We know that we have to do things differently or our rangeland communities will wither away as businesses fail and young people leave the bush due to lack of meaningful opportunity where they have grown up.
The experiences and observations of the Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre and the new Cooperative Research Centre for Remote Economic Participation complement and bring together existing strands of activity across jurisdictions and disciplines. This synthesis of understanding offers some insights in how to conceptualise the future and act on the vision for a sustainable future for these extensive areas.
Candidate preferences and expectations of election outcomes
Authors: Delavande Adeline , Manski Charles F.
Published: February 2012

Analysis of data from the American Life Panel shows that in the presidential election of 2008 and in multiple statewide elections in 2010, citizens exhibited large differences in their expectations of election outcomes. Expectations were strongly positively associated with candidate preferences, persons tending to believe that their preferred candidate is more likely to win the election. Committed supporters of opposing candidates regularly differed by 20–30% in their assessments of the likelihood that each candidate would win. These findings contribute evidence on the false consensus effect, the empirical regularity that own preferences tend to be positively associated with perceptions of social preferences. We used unique measures of preferences and perceptions that enabled respondents to express uncertainty flexibly. We studied a setting that would a priori seem inhospitable to false consensus—one where persons have little private information on social preferences but substantial common knowledge provided by media reports of election polls.
Peripheral Neuropathic Symptoms in Celiac Disease and Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: David Shen Ting-Chin , Lebwohl Benjamin , Verma Himanshu , Kumta Nikhil , Tennyson Christina , Lewis Suzanne , Scherl Ellen , Swaminath Arun , Capiak Kristina M. , DiGiacomo Dan , Bosworth Brian P. , Thomas H. Brannagan , Green Peter H. R.
Published: February 2012

Objectives

An association between celiac disease (CD) and peripheral neuropathy (PN) has been reported.

Methods

Patients with CD and/or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were recruited from the gastroenterology clinics at a medical center and local support groups. Control subjects without CD or IBD were recruited from the staff of the medical center as well as relatives and attendees at support groups. Each participant completed a survey that used two validated PN instruments to define and characterize PN.

Results

In the CD group, 38.9% met criteria for PN compared with 38.7% in the IBD group (P = 0.97) and 20.5% in the control group (P < 0.001). On multiple logistic regression, the odds of PN after adjusting for age, gender, diabetes, vitamin B12 deficiency, and cancer history were increased for CD (odds ratio, 2.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.82–3.47) and IBD (odds ratio, 2.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.85–4.18).

Conclusions

PN is more often found in patients with CD and/or IBD than in the general population.
Clinical and Imaging Findings in Three Patients With Advanced Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy Associated With Nerve Root Hypertrophy
Authors: Beydoun Said R. , Muir Jason , Apelian Rami G. , Go John L. , Lin Frank P.
Published: February 2012

Objectives

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy is a treatable neuropathy that is challenging to diagnose and has a broad spectrum of presentations. We report the clinical, electrodiagnostic, and radiographic presentations in three patients whose workup revealed hypertrophic nerve roots.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical, electrodiagnostic, and imaging data for patients diagnosed with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy over a 3-year period.

Results

All patients had features of proximal and distal neuropathy with progressive or recurrent courses. Diagnosis and management were significantly altered by the concomitant clinical findings and/or radiographic findings.

Conclusions

Our cases highlight the use of magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate for nerve root hypertrophy as an additional tool to electrodiagnostic testing in the setting of refractory or atypical neuropathy condition. Awareness of the radiographic features will assist in confirmation of the diagnosis, institution of the appropriate therapy, and prevention of inadequate or delay of treatment.
Electrically Silent Muscle Visible by Ultrasound
Authors: Walker Francis O. , MacDonald James A.
Published: February 2012

A 65-year-old woman with multiple chronic cranial neuropathies had spinal accessory innervated muscles that were virtually invisible to electromyography. Ultrasound imaging revealed the extensive atrophy and increased echogenicity that corresponded to the thinness of the muscles and their loss of insertional activity. In patients with severe atrophy of trapezius or sternocleidomastoid muscles, ultrasound may help in identify chronically denervated muscle.
Matapax: An Online High-Throughput Genome-Wide Association Study Pipeline
Authors: Childs Liam H. , Lisec Jan , Walther Dirk
Published: February 2012

High-throughput sequencing and genotyping methods are dramatically increasing the number of observable genetic intraspecies differences that can be exploited as genetic markers. In addition, automated phenotyping platforms and “omics” profiling technologies further enlarge the set of quantifiable macroscopic and molecular traits at an ever-increasing pace. Combined, both lines of technological advances create unparalleled opportunities to identify candidate gene regions and, ideally, even single genes responsible for observed variations in a particular trait via association studies. However, as of yet, this new potential is not sufficiently matched by enabling software solutions to easily exploit this wealth of genotype/phenotype information. We have developed Matapax, a Web-based platform to address this need. Initially, we built the infrastructure to support association studies in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) based on several genotyping efforts covering up to 1,375 Arabidopsis accessions. Based on the user-supplied trait information, associated single-nucleotide polymorphism markers and single-nucleotide polymorphism-harboring or -neighboring genes are identified using both the GAPIT and EMMA libraries developed for R. Additional interrogation is facilitated by displaying candidate regions and genes in a genome browser and by providing relevant annotation information. In the future, we plan to broaden the scope of organisms to other plant species as more genotype/phenotype information becomes available. Matapax is freely available at http://matapax.mpimp-golm.mpg.de and can be accessed using any internet browser.