bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry as a technique for the investigation of competitive interactions: A case study of the ternary Th‐Mn‐EDTA system
Authors: Reinoso‐Maset Estela , Worsfold Paul J. , Keith‐Roach Miranda J.
Published: October 2012

RATIONALE

Electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) is a useful tool for exploring the speciation of solution‐phase metal complexes; however, the quantification of ternary systems is challenging due to the differences in the electrospray response of different species. Here, the Th‐Mn‐EDTA system was investigated to evaluate the capability of ESI‐MS for quantifying the species present.

METHODS

Increasingly complex mixtures of Th(IV), Mn(II) and EDTA were analysed using manual flow injection of samples into an HPLC grade water mobile phase delivered to an ion trap mass spectrometer fitted with an ESI interface (ThermoQuest Finnigan Mat LCQ). Mass spectra were obtained in the positive and negative ion modes over a mass‐to‐charge (m/z) range from 50–2000.

RESULTS

The instrumental response to EDTA was affected by the addition of Th(NO3)4 but not MnCl2, while the response to both Th‐EDTA and Mn‐EDTA species was affected by addition of the other metal salt. Internal standards were also found to suppress signals to different extents. Therefore, each signal suppression was carefully quantified as the solution became more complex, and signal correction factors were used in conjunction with regular external calibration. Mixed metal signals were quantified adequately.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed the complexity of quantifying a ternary system involving different co‐existing species. Nonetheless, the step‐wise protocol developed provided quantitative data on the displacement of Mn from its EDTA complex by Th. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low Carbon High Nitrogen Low Nickel Stainless Steel
Authors: Ghali Saeed N.
Published: October 2012

This article aims to investigate the effect of soluble and insoluble nitrogen on mechanical properties of stainless steels. Reference steel contains about 14.42%Ni and 0.012%N. Two developed steels have the same base chemical composition of the reference steel except Ni and N contents. One of the developed steels has 6.54%Ni and 0.232%N and the other has 0.452%N and nearly nickel free (0.089%Ni). The produced steels were forged, heat‐treated, and tempered. The microstructure of steels was mainly austenite, and grain size decreases as nitrogen content – especially nitrides‐increases. Yield and ultimate tensile strength of reference steel are less than that of steels containing nitrogen. Strengthening mechanisms contribution to the strength of both soluble and insoluble nitrogen had been analyzed.
Synthesis and characterization of starch‐graft‐polyacrylamide copolymers and their application as filtration control agents in drilling fluid
Authors: Guo Wen‐Yu , Peng Bo
Published: October 2012

Some starch‐graft‐polyacrylamide copolymers were prepared by the polymerization of corn starch with acrylamide in aqueous medium using a complex initiation system consisting of ceric ammonium sulphate and ammonium persulphate. The copolymers were applied to water‐based drilling fluid as filtration control agents. Their grafting parameters such as percentage of grafting, grafting efficiency, and solution viscosity (η) were investigated by using elemental analyzer and rotational viscometer. The results showed that increases in initiator concentration and reaction temperature first favored and then impeded the grafting reaction. Grafting of acrylamide onto starch increased with the increase of monomer concentration. It also increased with increasing reaction time up to a certain degree and then leveled off. For the graft copolymers, a higher percentage of grafting and higher η were beneficial in decreasing the filtrate volume of water‐based drilling fluid, even under an operating environments of 147°C and saturated salinity. A possible mechanism is proposed to interpret the improvement of fluid loss properties. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Enhancing interfacial adhesion performance by using poly(vinyl alcohol) in (low‐density polyethylene)/(natural rubber)/(water hyacinth fiber) composites
Authors: Supri A.G. , Tan S.J. , Ismail H. , Teh P.L.
Published: October 2012

The effects of (a) the chemical modification of water hyacinth fiber by poly(vinyl alcohol) (WHF‐PVA) and (b) loading on the properties of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE)/(natural rubber (NR))/(water hyacinth fiber (WHF)) composites were studied. Mechanical properties, water absorption behavior, morphology, and thermal properties were examined; X‐ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopic analysis were done. The results indicated that LDPE/NR/WHF‐PVA composites had higher values of tensile strength, Young's modulus, melting temperature, and water absorption resistance but lower elongation at break than LDPE/NR/WHF composites. The LDPE/NR/WHF‐PVA composites had better interfacial adhesion between the matrix and the fibers than LDPE/NR/WHF composites, as shown by SEM results. The LDPE/NR/WHF‐PVA composites exhibited lower interparticle spacing than LDPE/NR/WHF composites, a feature which enhanced the interparticle interaction between the water hyacinth fibers and the LDPE/NR matrix. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 19:47–54, 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Maximum product of effective channel gains: an innovative user selection algorithm for downlink multi‐user multiple input and multiple output
Authors: Shi Yuwei , Yu Qiyue , Meng Weixiao , Zhang Zhongzhao
Published: October 2012

Recently, zero‐forcing beamforming has been widely used for multiple‐input and multiple‐output broadcast channels, because it could provide suboptimal capacity with low complexity. To increase the sum data rate, a good user selection algorithm is attractive. In this paper, a new user selection algorithm named maximum product of effective channel gains is presented. The proposed algorithm is described mathematically, and the lower bound of the sum capacity is demonstrated to be proportional to the product of effective channel gains. Our simulation results show that maximum product of effective channel gains can achieve higher sum rate compared with the classical algorithm, semi‐orthogonal user selection, with the same complexity order, especially when the signal‐to‐noise ratio is high; in addition, the complexity of the proposed algorithm is superior to minimum of the Frobenius norm of the pseudo‐inverse algorithm. Meanwhile, the number of users that can be served simultaneously is equal to the number of transmission antennas, which is the maximum performance that can be achieved.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ammonia toxicity to the brain
Authors: Braissant Olivier , McLin Valérie A. , Cudalbu Cristina
Published: October 2012

Hyperammonemia can be caused by various acquired or inherited disorders such as urea cycle defects. The brain is much more susceptible to the deleterious effects of ammonium in childhood than in adulthood. Hyperammonemia provokes irreversible damage to the developing central nervous system: cortical atrophy, ventricular enlargement and demyelination lead to cognitive impairment, seizures and cerebral palsy. The mechanisms leading to these severe brain lesions are still not well understood, but recent studies show that ammonium exposure alters several amino acid pathways and neurotransmitter systems, cerebral energy metabolism, nitric oxide synthesis, oxidative stress and signal transduction pathways. All in all, at the cellular level, these are associated with alterations in neuronal differentiation and patterns of cell death. Recent advances in imaging techniques are increasing our understanding of these processes through detailed in vivo longitudinal analysis of neurobiochemical changes associated with hyperammonemia. Further, several potential neuroprotective strategies have been put forward recently, including the use of NMDA receptor antagonists, nitric oxide inhibitors, creatine, acetyl‐L‐carnitine, CNTF or inhibitors of MAPKs and glutamine synthetase. Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy will ultimately be a powerful tool to measure the effects of these neuroprotective approaches.
Chronic administration of branched‐chain amino acids impairs spatial memory and increases brain‐derived neurotrophic factor in a rat model
Authors: Scaini Giselli , Comim Clarissa M. , Oliveira Giovanna M. T. , Pasquali Matheus A. B. , Quevedo João , Gelain Daniel P. , Moreira José Cláudio F. , Schuck Patrícia F. , Ferreira Gustavo C. , Bogo Maurício R. , Streck Emilio L.
Published: October 2012

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a neurometabolic disorder that leads to the accumulation of branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs) and their α‐keto branched‐chain by‐products. Because the neurotoxic mechanisms of MSUD are poorly understood, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of chronic administration of a BCAA pool (leucine, isoleucine and valine). This study examined the effects of BCAA administration on spatial memory and the levels of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF). We examined both pro‐BDNF and bdnf mRNA expression levels after administration of BCAAs. Furthermore, this study examined whether antioxidant treatment prevented the alterations induced by BCAA administration. Our results demonstrated an increase in BDNF in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, accompanied by memory impairment in spatial memory tasks. Additionally, chronic administration of BCAAs did not induce a detectable change in pro‐BDNF levels. Treatment with N‐acetylcysteine and deferoxamine prevented both the memory deficit and the increase in the BDNF levels induced by BCAA administration. In conclusion, these results suggest that when the brain is chronically exposed to high concentrations of BCAA (at millimolar concentrations) an increase in BDNF levels occurs. This increase in BDNF may be related to the impairment of spatial memory. In addition, we demonstrated that antioxidant treatment prevented the negative consequences related to BCAA administration, suggesting that oxidative stress might be involved in the pathophysiological mechanism(s) underlying the brain damage observed in MSUD.
Expression of the Nrf2‐system at the blood‐CSF barrier is modulated by neonatal inflammation and hypoxia‐ischemia
Authors: D'Angelo Barbara , Ek C. Joakim , Sandberg Mats , Mallard Carina
Published: October 2012

Transcription factor NF‐E2‐related factor‐2 (Nrf2) is a key regulator of endogenous anti‐oxidant systems shown to play a neuroprotective role in the adult by preserving blood–brain barrier function. The choroid plexus, site for the blood‐CSF barrier, has been suggested to be particularly important in maintaining brain barrier function in development. We investigated the expression of Nrf2‐ and detoxification‐system genes in choroid plexus following systemic LPS injections, unilateral cerebral hypoxia‐ischemia (HI) as well as the combination of LPS and HI (LPS/HI). Plexuses were collected at different time points after LPS, HI and LPS/HI in 9‐day old mice. mRNA levels of Nrf2 and many of its target genes were analyzed by quantitative PCR. Cell death was analyzed by caspase‐3 immunostaining and TUNEL. LPS caused down‐regulation of the Nrf2‐system genes while HI increased expression at earlier time points. LPS exposure prior to HI prevented many of the HI‐induced gene increases. None of the insults resulted in any apparent cell death to choroidal epithelium. These data imply that the function of the inducible anti‐oxidant system in the choroid plexus is down‐regulated by inflammation, even if choroid cells are not structurally damaged. Further, LPS prevented the endogenous antioxidant response following HI, suggesting the possibility that the choroid plexus may be at risk if LPS is united with an insult that increases oxidative stress such as hypoxia‐ischemia.
Optimize radiochemotherapy in pancreatic cancer: PARP inhibitors a new therapeutic opportunity
Authors: Porcelli Letizia , Quatrale Anna E. , Mantuano Paola , Leo Maria G. , Silvestris Nicola , Rolland Jean F. , Carioggia Enza , Lioce Marco , Paradiso Angelo , Azzariti Amalia
Published: October 2012

Cancer cells may use PARP enzymes and Homologous Recombination to repair single and double strand breaks caused by genotoxic insults. In this study, the PARP‐1 inhibitor Rucaparib was utilized to increase the sensitivity to chemoradiotherapy treatment in BRCA‐2‐deficient and ‐proficient pancreatic cancer cells. We used the pancreatic cancer cell lines, Capan‐1 with mutated BRCA‐2 and Panc‐1, AsPC‐1 and MiaPaCa‐2 with BRCA‐1/2 wild type. Cells were treated with Rucaparib and/or radiotherapy (4–10 Gy) plus Gemcitabine then the capability to proliferate was evaluated by colony formation, cell counting and MTT assays. Flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry and western blotting were utilized to assess cell response to Rucaparib plus irradiation. The antitumour effectiveness of combining the PARP‐1 inhibitor before, together and after radiotherapy evidenced the first as the optimal schedule in blocking cell growth. Pre‐exposure to Rucaparib increased the cytotoxicity of Gemcitabine plus radiotherapy by heavily inducing the accumulation of cells in G2/M phase, impairing mitosis and finally inducing apoptosis and authophagy. The upregulation of p‐Akt and downregulation of p53 were evidenced in MiaPaCa‐2 which displayed replication stress features. For the first time, the rationale of using a PARP inhibitor as chemoradiosensitizer in pancreatic cancer models has been hypothesized and demonstrated.
Silicified serpentinite – a residuum of a Tertiary palaeo-weathering surface in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: LACINSKA ALICJA M. , STYLES MICHAEL T.
Published: October 2012

Mineralogical studies of a silicified serpentinite from the United Arab Emirates throw light on the formative processes. The silicified serpentinite is a residuum of a palaeo-weathering surface that probably developed in a temperate climate with alternating wet and dry periods during middle Eocene to late Miocene times. The rock textures indicate that silicification occurred in a fluid-saturated zone. Silica precipitation is favoured at near-neutral pH. In this study we infer that these pH conditions of the mineralizing fluids could arise in a near-surface mixing zone where acidic meteoric and hyperalkaline groundwater fluids are mingled. This mingling is believed to have resulted from alternating processes of evaporation and precipitation that prevailed during dry and wet seasons, respectively. The silicified serpentinite is composed of > 95% quartz and exhibits a ghost texture of the protolith serpentinite. Preservation of the textures indicates an iso-volumetric grain-by-grain replacement by dissolution of Mg-silicate and simultaneous precipitation of either opal or microquartz as siliceous seeds. These were subsequently overgrown by silica that was probably remobilized from deeply weathered regolith elsewhere.
A revised sedimentary and biostratigraphical architecture for the Type Llandovery area, Central Wales
Authors: DAVIES JEREMY R. , WATERS RICHARD A. , MOLYNEUX STEWART G. , WILLIAMS MARK , ZALASIEWICZ JAN A. , VANDENBROUCKE THIJS R. A. , VERNIERS JACQUES
Published: October 2012

The global standard for the Llandovery Series (early Silurian) in central Wales is re-assessed in the light of detailed geological surveying, biostratigraphical sampling and a rigorous examination of published datasets. A new sedimentary and biostratigraphical architecture is presented. Key graptolite, brachiopod, acritarch and, for the first time, chitinozoan assemblages are critically assessed. Upper Hirnantian to Aeronian strata record events that followed the Late Ordovician glacial maximum and comprise a series of progradational sequences bounded by flooding surfaces, but inferred still to be glacioeustatic in origin. Significant faunal renewals associated with many of the flooding levels underpin their potential for international recognition. Compound non-sequences are a feature of proximal parts of the system where erosion associated with fault footwall uplift was an important process. Extensive slump sheets contribute to further stratal loss and displacement in distal facies. A re-assessment of the Aeronian Stage GSSP reveals shortcomings with the biostratigraphical criteria used in its selection. Telychian portions of the succession display the disrupting effects of intra-Wenlock synsedimentary sliding; hence the relevance of key published fossil assemblages and the criteria used to erect the stage GSSP are undermined. However, the Llandovery area remains one of the best studied early Silurian successions in the world. This, together with regional considerations, supports the retention of the series standard in mid Wales where the contiguous deep-water basinal succession affords internationally cited exposure of richly graptolitic facies for the whole series and, significantly, for the post-sedgwickiiBiozone interval.
Remnant fragments within an agricultural matrix enhance conditions for a rodent host and its fleas
Authors: VAN DER MESCHT LUTHER , LE ROUX PETER C. , MATTHEE SONJA
Published: October 2012

Habitat fragmentation can adversely impact biodiversity, although where remnant fragments of natural vegetation provide favourable conditions the negative effects of fragmentation may be mitigated. Host-parasite systems in fragmented areas have only recently been examined, with parasites generally showing higher prevalence and richness in fragments, mediated by changes in host density. However, the effect of fragmentation on parasite body size and fecundity remains poorly investigated. Thus, here we compared the body size and condition of a generalist rodent host,Rhabdomys pumilioand the body size of 2 common flea species between pristine natural areas and remnant fragments within agriculture areas. Host body length, weight and body condition values were significantly larger in fragments than in pristine natural vegetation.Listropsylla agrippinaefleas showed the same pattern, being significantly larger in fragments, whileChiastopsylla rossifleas did not differ in size between fragments and natural areas. The differential response of the 2 flea species may reflect the strength of association between the host and parasite, with the former spending a greater proportion of its lifespan on the host. Therefore, in this study agriculture fragments provide better conditions for both an opportunistic rodent and a closely associated flea species.
THE CRETAN SLINGER AT WAR – A WEIGHTY EXCHANGE
Authors: Kelly Amanda
Published: October 2012

Lead slingshots discovered on Cretan sites carry considerable weight regarding the nature of warfare on the island in the Late Classical and Hellenistic periods. On Crete, inscribed lead sling bullets have been reported from nine archaeological sites while a further inscribed slingshot, issued by the Phalasarnians, has been discovered on the neighbouring island of Antikythera.

Text on slingshots was conceived of, and cast as, an integral component of the weapon, thereby representing a fundamental aspect of the weapon's design. Slingshots bearing text are illuminating artefacts as not only can they reflect military action, leadership and civic affiliations, but they also raise questions regarding literacy levels within the forces and prompt debate concerning the psychological potential of such communications. It is the purpose of this paper to present the growing corpus of Cretan material against a wider backdrop of evidence, with a view to understanding the overarching role and purpose of such inscribed communications and to assess the degree of Cretan conformity with, or deviation from, broader military trends.
Two-dimensional quantum hydrodynamic model for the heating of a solid target using a Gaussian cluster
Authors: Zhang Ya , Song Yuan-Hong , Zhao Yong-Tao , Wang You-Nian
Published: October 2012

This paper presents numerical simulations to study the heating of a two-dimensional (2D) solid target under an ion cluster interaction. 2D quantum hydrodynamic (QHD) model is employed for the heating of solid target to warm dense matter on a picosecond time scale. A Gaussian cluster is used to uniformly heat the solid target to a temperature of several eV. The density and temperature of the target are calculated by a full self-consistent treatment of the QHD formalisms and the Poisson's equation. The technique described in this paper provides a method for creating uniformly heated strongly coupled plasma states.
Freshwater lakes of Ulu Peninsula, James Ross Island, north-east Antarctic Peninsula: origin, geomorphology and physical and chemical limnology
Authors: Nedbalová Linda , Nývlt Daniel , Kopáček Jiří , Šobr Miroslav , Elster Josef
Published: October 2012

This study describes the origin, bedrock geology, geomorphology, hydrological stability and physical and chemical characteristics of a representative set of 29 lakes in the ice-free parts of the Ulu Peninsula, James Ross Island, located close to the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. Based on these features, six different types of lakes were defined: stable shallow lakes on higher-altitude levelled surfaces, shallow coastal lakes, stable lakes in old moraines, small unstable lakes in young moraines, deep cirque lakes and kettle lakes. We observed a significant relationship between lake type and water chemistry. Bedrock, lake age and morphometry together with altitude were the most important factors underlying the observed limnological variability. Our results further suggested possible nitrogen limitation in the lake ecosystems. However, physical factors such as low temperature and light were also likely to be limiting.
Asymptotic analysis of a new type of multi-bump, self-similar, blowup solutions of the Ginzburg–Landau equation
Authors: ROTTSCHÄFER V.
Published: October 2012

We study of a new type of multi-bump blowup solutions of the Ginzburg–Landau equation. Multi-bump blowup solutions have previously been found in numeric simulations, asymptotic analysis and were proved to exist via geometric construction. In the geometric construction of the solutions, the existence of two types of multi-bump solutions was shown. One type is exponentially small at ξ=0, and the other type of solutions is algebraically small at ξ=0. So far, the first type of solutions were studied asymptotically. Here, we analyse the solutions which are algebraically small at ξ=0 by using asymptotic methods. This construction is essentially different from the existing one, and ideas are obtained from the geometric construction. Hence, this is a good example of where both asymptotic analysis and geometric methods are needed for the overall picture.
Effect of insulin-like growth factor I on functional parameters of ram cooled-stored spermatozoa
Authors: Makarevich Alexander V. , Spalekova Eliska , Olexikova Lucia , Kubovicova Elena , Hegedusova Zdenka
Published: October 2012

The aim of the study was to examine the effects of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) on ram sperm traits after hypothermic storage. Sperm ejaculates from Lacaune rams were diluted in a Tris extender, pooled, divided into groups of IGF-I doses tested (0, 10, 100 or 200 ng.ml−1) and stored (0–5°C) for 96 h. IGF-I elevated whole sperm motility as measured by a Computer-assisted Sperm Analyser (CASA) system, by 24 h (10 ng.ml−1) and 48 h (200 ng.ml−1) of storage, and by progressive movement on each day of storage. After 72 h the sperm samples were analysed for plasma membrane integrity (peanut agglutinin–fluorescein isothiocyanate), membrane stability (annexin V–Fluos) and apoptosis (Yo-Pro®-1) using fluorescence microscopy. The addition of IGF-I (at 100 or 200 ng.ml−1) reduced the ratio of sperm with disrupted membranes and the ratio of annexin V-labelled sperm. The ratio of apoptotic sperm was reduced by IGF-I given at 10 or 100 ng.ml−1compared with control. Sperm fertilizing ability, determined at 48 h by anin vitrofertilization (IVF) test on bovine oocytes, was increased by IGF-I given at 100 ng.ml−1from 47.0 to 67.7%. In conclusion, IGF-I maintained ram sperm functions following cooling storage and its effects were reflected in sperm fertilizing abilityin vitro.
Porcine oocyte vitrification in optimized low toxicity solution with open pulled straws
Authors: Marco-Jiménez F. , Casares-Crespo L. , Vicente J.S.
Published: October 2012

One of the greatest challenges for reproductive cryobiologists today is to develop an efficient cryopreservation method for human and domestic animal oocytes. The objective of the present study was to optimize a low toxicity solution called VM3 to vitrify porcine oocytes using an open pulled straw (OPS) device and to evaluate the effects on viability, chromosomal organization and cortical granules distribution. Two experiments were conducted in this study. Firstly, we determined the minimum concentration of cryoprotectant present in the VM3 solution required (7.6 M) for vitrification using an OPS device. The appearance of opacity was observed when using a cooling solution at –196°C; no observable opacity was noted as vitrification. In addition, the ultrastructure of oocytes in VM3 or VM3 optimized solution was examined using cryo-scanning electron microscopy. The minimum total cryoprotectant concentration present in VM3 solution necessary for apparent vitrification was 5.6 M when combined with use of an OPS device. Use of both vitrification solutions showed a characteristic plasticized surface. In the second experiment, the relative cytotoxicity of vitrification solutions (VM3 and VM3 optimized) was studied. Oocyte viability, chromosomal organization and the cortical granules distribution were assessed by fluorescent stain. After warming, oocyte survival rate was similar to that of fresh oocytes. The vitrification process significantly reduced correct chromosomal organization and cortical granules distribution rates compared with the fresh oocytes group. However, correct chromosomal organization and cortical granules distribution rates did not differ among oocytes placed in different vitrification solutions. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that the VM3 solution can be optimized and that reduction in concentration to 5.6 M enabled vitrification of oocytes with an OPS device, however use of the VM3 optimised solution had no beneficial effect on vitrification of porcine oocytes.
MOORE ON CAUSING, ACTING, AND COMPLICITY
Authors: Yaffe Gideon
Published: October 2012

In Michael Moore's important book Causation and Responsibility, he holds that causal contribution matters to responsibility independently of its relevance to action. We are responsible for our actions, according to Moore, because where there is action, we typically also find the kind of causal contribution that is crucial for responsibility. But it is causation, and not action, that bears the normative weight. This paper assesses this claim and argues that Moore's reasons for it are unconvincing. It is suggested that sometimes a person's responsibility for that to which he causally contributes depends on his recognition of an identity between himself and the protagonist of the event for which he is held responsible. Since this fact about identity is not captured by causal contribution, action matters to responsibility for reasons that are not exhausted by the fact that action involves causal contribution. The relevance of this idea for accomplice liability is also briefly discussed.
FOUR FRIENDLY CRITICS: A RESPONSE
Authors: Moore Michael S.
Published: October 2012

In this reply, I seek to summarize fairly the criticisms advanced by each of my four critics, Jonathan Schaffer, Gideon Yaffe, John Gardner, and Carolina Sartorio. That there is so little overlap either in the aspects of the book on which they focus or in the arguments they advance about those issues has forced me to reply to each of them separately. Schaffer focuses much of his criticisms on my view that absences cannot serve as causal relata and argues that this commits me to the view that double preventions (such as beheadings) cannot be causal of events such as deaths. I deny that double preventions such as beheadings are not causal, while admitting that other double preventions are not causal but denying that this latter conclusion is unwelcome in its implications. Yaffe criticizes my view that a person substantially causing some harm H is sufficient for that person having performed the activity of H-ing, whereas I affirm that causing H is sufficient for doing the action of H-ing even if it is not sufficient for intentionally H-ing (Yaffe's definition of “activity”). Gardner takes issue with my “experiential argument” for the relevance of causation to moral blame; he urges that we cannot infer that we are more guilty (when we cause a harm than when we don't) from either the psychological fact that we feel more guilty or from the moral fact that it is virtuous to feel such heightened guilt, because it is viciously circular: we feel such guilt only because we have already judged that we are more guilty, and it is virtuous to feel such guilt only because we in fact are more guilty. I deny such circularity exists. Sartorio takes issue with my thesis that in omissive overdetermination cases (where each omission is sufficient to fail to prevent some harm, meaning neither is necessary) neither omitter is morally responsible for the harm. I trade intuitions with Sartorio about a range of related cases that we each think bears on the issue.
Worry and Rumination in Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Startup Helen , Lavender Anna , Oldershaw Anna , Stott Richard , Tchanturia Kate , Treasure Janet , Schmidt Ulrike
Published: October 2012

Background: Difficulties with comprehending and managing emotions are core features of the pathology of anorexia nervosa (AN). Advancements in understanding aetiology and treatment have been made within other clinical domains by targeting worry and rumination. However, worry and rumination have been given minimal consideration in AN. Aims: This study is the largest to date of worry and rumination in AN. Method: Sixty-two outpatients with a diagnosis of AN took part. Measures of worry, rumination, core AN pathology and neuropsychological correlates were administered. Results: Findings suggest that worry and rumination are elevated in AN patients compared with both healthy controls and anxiety disorder comparison groups. Regression analyses indicated that worry and rumination were significant predictors of eating disorder symptomatology, over and above the effects of anxiety and depression. Worry and rumination were not associated with neuropsychological measures of set-shifting and focus on detail. Conclusions: The data suggest that worry and rumination are major concerns for this group and warrant further study.
Whole grains and health: attitudes to whole grains against a prevailing background of increased marketing and promotion
Authors: McMackin Elaine , Dean Moira , Woodside Jayne V , McKinley Michelle C
Published: October 2012

Objective

To explore current awareness and perceptions of whole grain foods and perceived barriers and facilitators of whole grain consumption.

Design

Focus groups were conducted to investigate consumer attitudes to whole grains. Discussions were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.

Setting

Discussions were held throughout Northern Ireland with adults who were at least partly responsible for food shopping.

Subjects

Seven focus groups were held (n 43; thirty-three females, ten males).

Results

All participants were aware of the term ‘whole grain’ and had a basic level of awareness of their health benefits. Prominent barriers and facilitators of whole grain intake were related to perceptions of the sensory properties (most dominant factor) of whole grains; knowledge of how to locate, identify and use whole grains; and awareness of the health benefits, perceived cost and family influences. Parents of young children appeared to be altruistically motivated with many stating they wanted to ensure their children consumed whole grains in order to establish good eating habits.

Conclusions

Participants were generally aware of the term ‘whole grain’; however, even against a background of increased availability and promotion of whole grain foods, many key barriers to whole grain consumption were still evident. Alongside general education efforts, opportunities and challenges exist for the food industry to develop novel, but affordable, food products that are able to deliver whole grains in a wide variety of forms, including whole grains ‘in disguise’ for those who are most resistant to change.
Contribution of a New Generation Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscope in the Understanding of a 2099 Al-Li Alloy
Authors: Brodusch Nicolas , Trudeau Michel , Michaud Pierre , Rodrigue Lisa , Boselli Julien , Gauvin Raynald
Published: October 2012

Aluminum-lithium alloys are widespread in the aerospace industry. The new 2099 and 2199 alloys provide improved properties, but their microstructure and texture are not well known. This article describes how state-of-the-art field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) can contribute to the characterization of the 2099 aluminum-lithium alloy and metallic alloys in general. Investigations were carried out on bulk and thinned samples. Backscattered electron imaging at 3 kV and scanning transmission electron microscope imaging at 30 kV along with highly efficient microanalysis permitted correlation of experimental and expected structures. Although our results confirm previous studies, this work points out possible substitutions of Mg and Zn with Li, Al, and Cu in the T1 precipitates. Zinc and magnesium are also present in “rice grain”–shaped precipitates at the grain boundaries. The versatility of the FE-SEM is highlighted as it provides information in the macro- and microscales with relevant details. Its ability to probe the distribution of precipitates from nano- to microsizes throughout the matrix makes FE-SEM an essential technique for the characterization of metallic alloys.
‘The Consent of the Faithful’ from1 Clementto the Anglican Covenant
Authors: King Benjamin J.
Published: October 2012

The origins of the termconsensus fideliumlie in the rhetorical tropes of pagans who exhorted unity between friends and within cities – tropes supporting the hierarchy of imperial elites. The earliest Christians adapted this language for the same purpose within churches: to speak of unity and lay involvement in support of Church hierarchy. After the Reformation, Church of England writers used this rhetoric to enforce conformity to church polity and morality. The Tractarians and their successors employed a rhetorical ‘voice of the laity’ as a bolster for episcopal power. While the early twentieth century saw some in the Church of England and Anglican Communion use this same rhetoric to bring the laity into actual decision-making processes, the rhetoric of recent statements by the Communion has left power firmly with bishops.
Hot Air and Hot Heads: An Examination of the Legal Arguments Surrounding the Extension of the European Union's Emissions Trading Scheme to Aviation
Authors: DEJONG Steven M.
Published: October 2012

The issue of carbon emissions in international aviation has proven difficult to deal with from a regulatory standpoint. Issues of a transnational character are regulated through co-operation and compromise, but there has been a lack of political will to achieve the necessary co-operation and compromise to deal effectively with carbon emissions in international aviation. The European Union is now trying to push for development in the regulatory sphere through the unilateral extension of its Emissions Trading Scheme to international aviation. This unilateral extension conflicts with international air law, but has recently been declared valid by the Court of Justice of the European Union in Case C-366/10. This article focuses on the legal arguments raised in that case, concluding that the judgment delivered by the Court is legally questionable, but may nonetheless prove constructive, as a political instrument, in the delivery of an international solution to the regulation of aviation emissions.
The Project TALENT Twin and Sibling Study
Authors: Prescott Carol A. , Achorn Deanna Lyter , Kaiser Ashley , Mitchell Lindsey , McArdle John J. , Lapham Susan J.
Published: October 2012

Project TALENT is a US national longitudinal study of about 377,000 individuals born in 1942–1946, first assessed in 1960. Students in about 1,200 schools participated in a 2-day battery covering aptitudes, abilities, interests, and individual and family characteristics (Flanagan, 1962; www.projectTALENT.org). Follow-up assessments 1, 5, and 11 years later assessed educational and occupational outcomes. The sample includes approximately 92,000 siblings from 40,000 families, including 2,500 twin pairs and 1,200 other siblings of twins. Until recently, almost no behavior genetic research has been conducted with the sample. In the original data collection information was not collected with the intent to link family members. Recently, we developed algorithms using names, addresses, birthdates, and information about family structure to link siblings and identify twins. We are testing several methods to determine zygosity, including use of yearbook photographs. In this paper, we summarize the design and measures in Project TALENT, describe the Twin and Sibling sample, and present our twin-sib-classmate model. In most twin and family designs, the ‘shared environment’ includes factors specific to the family combined with between-family differences associated with macro-level variables such as socioeconomic status. The school-based sampling design used in Project TALENT provides a unique opportunity to partition the shared environment into variation shared by siblings, specific to twins, and associated with school- and community-level factors. The availability of many measured characteristics on the family, schools, and neighborhoods enhances the ability to study the impact of specific factors on behavioral variation.
The East Flanders Prospective Twin Survey (EFPTS): An Actual Perception
Authors: Derom Catherine , Thiery Evert , Peeters Hilde , Vlietinck Robert , Defoort Paul , Frijns Jean-Pierre
Published: October 2012

The East Flanders Prospective Twin Survey (EFPTS) is a prospective, population-based registry of multiple births in the province of East-Flanders, Belgium. EFPTS has several unique features: it is population-based and prospective, with the possibility of long-term follow-up; the twins (and higher order multiple births) are recruited at birth; basic perinatal data recorded; chorion type and zygosity established; and since 1969 placental biopsies have been taken and frozen at −20 °C for later determination of genetic markers. The EFPTS is the only large register that includes placental data and allows differentiation of three subtypes of monozygotic (MZ) twins based on the time of the initial zygotic division: the dichorionic–diamnionic pairs (early, with splitting before the fourth day after fertilization), the monochorionic–diamnionic pairs (intermediate, splitting between the fourth and the seventh day post-fertilization), and the monochorionic–monoamnionic pairs (late, splitting after the eighth day post-fertilization). Studies can be initiated taking into account primary biases, those originating ‘in utero’. Such studies could throw new light on the controversy over the validity of the classic twin method, the consequences of early embryological events, and the gene–environment interactions as far as periconceptional and intrauterine environment are concerned.
The Michigan State University Twin Registry (MSUTR): An Update
Authors: Burt S. Alexandra , Klump Kelly L.
Published: October 2012

The primary aim of the Michigan State University Twin Registry (MSUTR) is on understanding developmental changes in genetic, environmental, and neurobiological influences on internalizing and externalizing disorders, with antisocial behavior and disordered eating representing our particular areas of interest. The MSUTR has two broad components: a large-scale, population-based registry of child, adolescent, and adult twins and their families (currentN~20,000) and a series of more focused and in-depth studies drawn from the registry (currentN~4,000). Participants in the population-based registry complete a family health and demographic questionnaire via mail. Families are then recruited for one or more of the intensive, in-person studies from the population-based registry based on their answers to relevant items in the registry questionnaire. These in-person assessments target a variety of biological, genetic, and environmental phenotypes, including multi-informant measures of psychiatric and behavioral phenotypes, census and neighborhood informant reports of twin neighborhood characteristics, buccal swab and salivary DNA samples, assays of adolescent and adult steroid hormone levels, and/or videotaped interactions of child twin families. This article provides an overview of the MSUTR and describes current and future research directions.
The law on what documents scientists must keep and disclose
Authors: Gerrard Michael B. , Sheargold Elizabeth
Published: October 2012

Recently, several climate scientists have received demands to produce their raw data, working notes, e‐mails, letters, or other communications. These demands may come in the form of subpoenas, U.S. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, or requests during litigation. Below are some general guidelines for scientists about complying with their document retention and disclosure obligations, both as a matter of routine practice and in the event of legal action. This article concerns only U.S. laws and is not legal advice, which should be sought from the scientist's lawyers or those of his or her employer.
Giorgio Fiocco (1931–2012)
Authors: Visconti Guido
Published: October 2012

Giorgio Fiocco was found dead in the roof garden of his mother's house on 31 July 2012, with pliers and a screwdriver in his hands. He was apparently fixing the watering system for her flowers. The passion for laboratory work never left Giorgio, and his contributions to very different aspects of experimental geophysics will remain his most important legacy. Immediately after the invention of the laser, Giorgio was the first to demonstrate many applications using this technology. The most important was light detection and ranging (lidar), which is now one of the most important sounding techniques for the atmosphere. He pioneered the first Doppler lidar to measure wind and the development of a very long baseline laser interferometer to measure the strain rate of seismic faults or the detection of gravitational waves.
A maturity model for assessing the completeness of climate data records
Authors: Bates John J. , Privette Jeffrey L.
Published: October 2012

The demand for climate information, with long observational records spanning decades to centuries and the information's broad application for decision making across many socioeconomic sectors, requires that geophysicists adopt more rigorous processes for the sustained production of climate data records (CDRs). Such processes, methods, and standards are more typically found in the systems engineering community and have not generally been adopted in the climate science community. We propose the use of a maturity matrix for climate data records that characterizes the process of moving from a basic research product (e.g., raw data and initial product) to a sustained and routinely generated product (e.g., a quality‐controlled homogenized data set). This model of increasing product and process maturity is similar to NASA's technical readiness levels for flight hardware and instrumentation and the software industry's capability maturity model. Over time, engineers who have worked on many projects developed a set of best practices that identified the processes required to optimize cost, schedule, and risk. In the NASA maturity model, they identified steps in technology readiness, denoted as the technology readiness level (TRL). TRL 1 occurs when basic research has taken the first steps toward application. TRL 9 is when a technology has been fully proven to work consistently for the intended purpose and is operational.
AGU leadership will involve new volunteers, new and continuing Board and Council members
Authors: Grove Tim
Published: October 2012

The election is over, but AGU's leadership transition is just beginning! Newly elected leaders will take office on 1 January 2013, and about half of the current Board and Council members will rotate off. In addition, there will be changes to AGU committee structure, charges, and composition.
AGU statement regarding the conviction of Italian seismologists
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2012

AGU issued this statement following the 22 October conviction of six Italian scientists and one government official related to the 2009 L'Aquila earthquake
Surface ocean turbulence driven by horizontal density gradients
Authors: Schultz Colin
Published: October 2012

Surface ocean turbulence is of fundamental importance for ocean ecosystems because of its role in driving surface mixing, bringing nutrients from depth, and assisting in transferring atmospheric gases into the water. Researchers know that small‐scale turbulence is a pervasive feature of the surface ocean. They also know that once established, these small eddies interact with dynamics such as gravity waves or Langmuir circulation. Identifying the underlying mechanism generating the turbulence eddies, however, has proven more difficult. Deriving a set of differential equations, Benilov found that surface turbulence grows out of an interaction between vortices driven by ocean water density inhomogeneities and surface waves.
Sea level controls carbon accumulation in the Everglades
Authors: Bhattacharya Atreyee
Published: October 2012

How much carbon is stored in the organic soils of tropical wetlands is becoming an important question as erosion, agriculture, and global climate change slowly set into motion a series of processes that could potentially release carbon locked up in these wetlands. In a recent study, Glaser et al. reconstructed a complete, carbon‐14 dated 4000‐year history of both organic and inorganic matter accumulation in the Everglades of south Florida. The authors found that despite the fact that erosion, fires, and similar processes may have removed as much as 2 meters of soil from the Everglades, there is a remarkable consistency in the accumulation rates of both organic and inorganic matter in the Everglades over the past 4000 years. They speculate that processes such as sea level rise that operate on time scales of centuries or even millennia may be ultimately controlling the rates of formation and accumulation of organic matter in the Everglades.
Characterizing the surface composition of Mercury
Authors: Balcerak Ernie
Published: October 2012

The MESSENGER spacecraft, which has been orbiting Mercury since March 2011, has been revealing new information about the surface chemistry and geological history of the innermost planet in the solar system. Weider et al. recently analyzed 205 measurements of the surface composition from MESSENGER's X‐ray spectrometer, focusing on the large expanse of smooth volcanic plains at high northern latitudes and surrounding areas that are higher in crater density and therefore older than the northern plains. In general, the measurements show that Mercury's surface composition is very different from that of other planets in the solar system. It is dominated by minerals high in magnesium and enriched in sulfur. This composition is similar to that expected from partial melts of enstatite chondrites, a rare type of meteorite that formed at high temperatures in highly reducing (low oxygen) conditions in the inner solar system.