bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rotating wall vessel exposure alters protein secretion and global gene expression in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Rosado Helena , O'Neill Alex J. , Blake Katy L. , Walther Meik , Long Paul F. , Hinds Jason , Taylor Peter W.
Published: December 2011

Staphylococcus aureus is routinely recovered from air and surface samples taken aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and poses a health threat to crew. As bacteria respond to the low shear forces engendered by continuous rotation conditions in a Rotating Wall Vessel (RWV) and the reduced gravitational field of near-Earth flight by altering gene expression, we examined the effect of low-shear RWV growth on protein secretion and gene expression by three S. aureus isolates. When cultured under 1 g, the total amount of protein secreted by these strains varied up to fourfold; under continuous rotation conditions, protein secretion by all three strains was significantly reduced. Concentrations of individual proteins were differentially reduced and no evidence was found for increased lysis. These data suggest that growth under continuous rotation conditions reduces synthesis or secretion of proteins. A limited number of changes in gene expression under continuous rotation conditions were noted: in all isolates vraX, a gene encoding a polypeptide associated with cell wall stress, was down-regulated. A vraX deletion mutant of S. aureus SH1000 was constructed: no differences were found between SH1000 and ΔvraX with respect to colony phenotype, viability, protein export, antibiotic susceptibility, vancomycin kill kinetics, susceptibility to cold or heat and gene modulation. An ab initio protein–ligand docking simulation suggests a major binding site for β-lactam drugs such as imipenem. If such changes to the bacterial phenotype occur during spaceflight, they will compromise the capacity of staphylococci to cause systemic infection and to circumvent antibacterial chemotherapy.
The Environments of Luminous IR Galaxies
Authors: Tekola Abiy G. , Väisänen Petri , Berlind Andreas
Published: December 2011

We have studied the star formation vs. environment connection of local LIRGs by characterising their environment using number densities of galaxies as well as halo masses. It is found that LIRGs preferentially live in group environments and that they also exhibit a relation where their star formation rate increases with their environmental density.
Super Star Cluster Luminosity Functions in Interacting Luminous Infrared Galaxies
Authors: Randriamanakoto Zara , Väisänen Petri
Published: December 2011

Young and massive super star clusters (SSCs) are found whenever very active star formation is going on, such as that in interacting Luminous Infrared Galaxies (LIRGs). From a deep NIR adaptive optics imaging survey, we present thus far the first K-band SSC luminosity functions (LFs) in these types of galaxies, and also a relation between the brightest SSC and the global SFR of the galaxy. Based on the derived LFs, one can constrain the cluster initial mass function (CIMF) and study the formation and evolution of SSCs. Our preliminary results are in disagreement with theoretical expectations which suggest that the SSC LF should be well fitted by a single power-law with an index of −2. We find power-law indexes of ~−1.5, shallower than the expected ones. Taken at face value, our results appear to support the concept that the CIMF is mass-dependent, not universal, which will be studied in more detail by mass-modelling of the SSCs. The data-set will also allow us to estimate the fraction of total star formation originating in the SSCs over a range of galaxy types.
Integral-Field Spectroscopic Surveys of Nearby Early–type Galaxies
Authors: Emsellem Eric
Published: December 2011

I briefly review here a few past or on-going surveys of nearby ETGs via integral-field spectroscopy, focusing on their dynamical status, evolution, and stellar/gaseous content.
The MeerKAT Karoo Array Telescope and its HI Emission Line Surveys
Authors: de Blok W. J. G.
Published: December 2011

This contribution gives a short overview of the MeerKAT Karoo Array Telescope, the South African Square Kilometre Array Precursor. Some of the key specification and HI emission line science for MeerKAT are described.
Large High Redshift Spectroscopic Surveys
Authors: Le Fèvre Olivier
Published: December 2011

Deep spectroscopic redshift surveys have become an important tool for observational cosmology, supported by a new generation of wide field multi-object spectrographs. They bring high redshift accuracy and a wealth of spectral features necessary for precision astrophysics and have led to the outstanding progress in our understanding of the different phases of galaxy evolution. The measurement of the evolution of volume quantities like the luminosity and mass functions or the correlation function, has enabled a deep insight into galaxy evolution since redshifts z ≃ 7. The redshift distribution N(z,m) is a basic property but is still difficult to be reproduced by models. We have now a global perspective on the history of star formation with a peak at z = 1−2 but the decline in SFRD at higher redshifts is still to be confirmed. The evolution of the stellar mass density with a fast growth in red passive galaxies between z = 2 and z = 1 is well established. The contribution to galaxy mass assembly of key physical processes like merging or cold accretion is now well documented. However, the pioneer measurements at the high redshift end z > > 1 remain to be consolidated with robust sample selection and statistical accuracy from large spectroscopic redshift surveys, a challenge for the years to come.
Probing the Mass Assembly and Chemical Evolution of high-z Galaxies with MASSIV
Authors: Contini T. , Epinat B. , Queyrel J. , Vergani D. , Tasca L. , Amram P. , Garilli B. , Kissler-Patig M. , Le Fèvre O. , Moultaka J. , Paioro L. , Tresse L. , Bournaud F. , Perez-Montero E.
Published: December 2011

Understanding the different mechanisms of galaxy assembly at various cosmic epochs is a key issue for galaxy evolution and formation models. We present MASSIV (Mass Assembly Survey with SINFONI in VVDS) in this context, an on-going survey with VLT/SINFONI aiming to probe the kinematics and chemical abundances of a unique sample of 84 star-forming galaxies selected in the redshift range z ~ 1−2. This large sample, spanning a wide range of stellar masses, is unique at these high redshifts and statistically representative of the overall galaxy population. In this paper, we give an overview of the MASSIV survey and then focus on the spatially-resolved chemical properties of high-z galaxies and their implication on the process of galaxy assembly.
Modelling Stellar Populations at High Redshift
Authors: Maraston Claudia
Published: December 2011

Stellar populations carry information about the formation of galaxies and their evolution up to the present epoch. A wealth of observational data are available nowadays, which are analysed with stellar population models in order to obtain key properties such as ages, star formation histories, stellar masses. Differences in the models and/or in the assumptions regarding the star formation history affect the derived properties as much as differences in the data. I shall review the interpretation of high-redshift galaxy data from a model perspective. While data quality dominates galaxy analysis at the highest possible redshifts (z > 5), population modelling effects play the major part at lower redshifts. In particular, I discuss the cases of both star-forming galaxies at the peak of the cosmic star formation history as well as passive galaxies at redshift below 1 that are often used as cosmological probes. Remarks on the bridge between low and high-z massive galaxies conclude the contribution.
The Chemical Enrichment Histories of SDSS Galaxies
Authors: Johansson Jonas , Thomas Daniel , Maraston Claudia
Published: December 2011

We derive the full chemical enrichment histories for 3800 early-type galaxies, including both star forming and passively evolving systems. For this purpose we have developed a method to simultaneously derive the element abundance ratios [C/Fe], [N/Fe], [Mg/Fe], [Ca/Fe] and [Ti/Fe] for unresolved stellar populations. The method is based on up-to-date stellar population models with varying element abundance ratios. A novelty of the models is that they are flux-calibrated, removing the dependence on the Lick/IDS system. Trends with velocity dispersion are investigated where [Mg/Fe] and [C/Fe] are found to show very similar trends, while [N/Fe] show overall lower abundances ratios. [Ca/Fe] ratios are close to solar values over the velocity dispersion range covered. Tentative, due to large scatter, result for [Ti/Fe] implies that Ti follow the trends of Ca.
Fixing the Stellar M/L Ratio by Chemospectrophotometric Evolution Models
Authors: de Denus-Baillargeon Marie-Maude , Boissier Samuel , Carignan Claude , Hernandez Olivier , Amram Philippe
Published: December 2011

The exact contribution of the stellar disk to the overall kinematics of a galaxy remains in most studies a free parameter of the mass models. With the help of chemospectrophotometric evolution models, it is now possible to have a coherent picture of the stellar population of a galaxy including its mass-to-luminosity ratio at every radius spanning a wide range of observable wavelengths. We will focus on discussing the consistency of the mass thus inferred in photometric bands ranging from the FUV to the NIR for individual galaxies and compare this to the maximum-disc hypothesis.
A Method to Resolve the Nuclear Activity in Galaxies, as Applied to NGC 1358
Authors: Lindblad Per-Olof , Fathi Kambiz
Published: December 2011

Nuclear regions of galaxies generally host a mixture of components with different exitation, composition, and kinematics. Derivation of emission line ratios and kinematics could then be misleading, if due correction is not made for the limited spatial and spectral resolutions of the observations. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate, with application to a long slit spectrum of the Seyfert 2 galaxy NGC 1358, how line intensities and velocities, together with modelling and knowledge of the point spread function, may be used to resolve the differing structures. In the situation outlined, the observed kinematics differs for different spectral lines. From the observed intensity and velocity distributions of a number of spectral lines and with some reasonable assumptions to diminish the number of free parameters, the true line ratios and velocity structures may be deduced. A preliminary solution for the nuclear structure of NGC 1358 is obtained, involving a nuclear point source and an emerging outflow of high excitation with a post shock cloud, as well as a nuclear emission line disk rotating in the potential of a stellar bulge and expressing a radial exitation gradient. The method results in a likely scenario for the nuclear structure of NGC 1358. For definitive results an extrapolation of the method to two dimensions combined with the use of integral field spectroscopy will generally be necessary.
Astrophysics in Burkina Faso
Authors: Carignan Claude , Turbide Luc , Koulidiati Jean
Published: December 2011

On the African continent, most of the activities in Astronomy are found in South Africa where full training in Astrophysics is given in a few Universities and where most of the professional astronomers and of the research instruments (from small telescopes to the 11m SALT, in the optical) can be found. In 2007, we started a full program (undergraduate and graduate) in Astrophysics at the Université de Ouagadougou and an Observatory (ODAUO), for teaching purposes, was also built. In October 2009, we put in crates the 1m Marly telescope in La Silla, Chile which will be rebuilt in 2011-12, as a full research telescope, on mount Djaogari in Burkina Faso.
Conference Summary
Authors: Freeman K. C.
Published: December 2011

This summary is from the perspective of a person who is interested in galaxy assembly and works from an observational low redshift perspective, using evidence from the components of our Galaxy: the thin and thick disks, the bulge and the halo.
Extreme organic carbon burial fuels intense methane bubbling in a temperate reservoir
Authors: Sobek Sebastian , DelSontro Tonya , Wongfun Nuttakan , Wehrli Bernhard
Published: December 2011

Organic carbon (OC) burial and greenhouse gas emission of inland waters plays an increasingly evident role in the carbon balance of the continents, and particularly young reservoirs in the tropics emit methane (CH4) at high rates. Here we show that an old, temperate reservoir acts simultaneously as a strong OC sink and CH4 source, because the high sedimentation rate supplies reactive organic matter to deep, anoxic sediment strata, fuelling methanogenesis and gas bubble emission (ebullition) of CH4from the sediment. Damming of the river has resulted in the build‐up of highly methanogenic sediments under a shallow water column, facilitating the transformation of fixed CO2 to atmospheric CH4. Similar high OC burial and CH4 ebullition is expected in other reservoirs and natural river deltas.
Direct lepton production reported
Authors: Lubkin Gloria B.
Published: December 2011

One of the most exciting topics at the XVII International Conference on High Energy Physics in London in July was the reports from five groups that they had observed direct production of muons and electrons from proton–proton interactions. Except for the results from Serpukhov, which were at lower energy, the experiments all find that the ratio of muons (or electrons) produced to pions produced is a constant, approximately 1×10−4. Furthermore, the ratio remains constant over the wide range of transverse momentum studied. The amount of direct lepton production is higher than one might have expected and, in particular, the amount is markedly higher than predictions of the parton model.
Mobility and Dit distributions for p-channel MOSFETs with HfO2/LaGeOx passivating layers on germanium
Authors: Andersson C. , Süess M. J. , Webb D. J. , Marchiori C. , Sousa M. , Caimi D. , Siegwart H. , Fompeyrine J.
Published: December 2011

Scaled layers of HfO2 on LaGeOx on Ge grown by molecular beam deposition and their electrical properties and passivation are discussed. The interfacial LaGeOx thickness as well as the deposition temperature of the HfO2 cap are varied and the effects thereof on properties like peak mobility and interface trap distributions are compared. We report on negative threshold voltages, around -0.8 V, in combination with scaled devices with a minimum EOT of 1.4 nm, which shows beneficial characteristics for the LaGeOx passivation of Ge. The effect of various post-metallization anneals in FG and O2 is shown to improve the gate stack properties of the scaled samples, yielding higher peak mobilities with maximum values of about 120 cm2/Vs for annealed samples. The impact of LaGeOx interfacial layer thickness and HfO2 deposition temperature on the density of interface traps (Dit) distributions for as-deposited and annealed samples is discussed, and Hf in-diffusion into the LaGeOx is shown to be detrimental to its passivation of Ge. The Dit distributions are measured by the full conductance technique on MOSFETs at room temperature as well as 233 K and are then correlated with the mobilities extracted from the same devices.
A unified approach for extracting strength information from nonsimple compression waves. Part II. Experiment and comparison with simulation
Authors: Reed Bryan W. , Reed Patterson J. , Swift Damian C. , Stolken James S. , Minich Roger W. , Kumar Mukul
Published: December 2011

We apply general thermodynamics-based wave analysis methods to a gas-gun-driven plate impact experiment designed to derive strength information from tantalum at pressures of 10–25 GPa. The analysis provides estimates of the complete deformation paths in terms of the coupled evolution of mean stress, deviatoric stress, plastic strain, and plastic strain rate, yielding detailed information for direct comparison to strength models. This inverse analysis (deriving estimates of strength behavior directly from the measurements, with no strength model assumed) is compared to forward analysis (hydrodynamic simulations with specific strength models, in general adjusting parameters to optimally match the experiment). This comparison fulfills three goals. (1) To determine the parameter sensitivity and overall stability of the inverse analysis by analyzing simulated data as if it were experimental data. We find that, in reasonably favorable cases, precision to ∼10% is possible for the flow curve during loading and ∼30% for the shape of the curve during unloading. (2) To distinguish the ability of different strength models to account for the measurements. In particular we find that a new multiscale strength model seems to capture the rate-dependent release behavior very well but that it is difficult to capture the effects of a particular material’s microstructure and texture. (3) To bracket our understanding of the actual strength behavior in the experiment and enhance our confidence in both the forward and inverse calculations. The results show a peak deviatoric stress of ∼0.7–1.4 GPa occurring nearly at the point of peak plastic strain rate, followed by a complex evolution in which the material’s internal relaxation and strain-hardening properties interact with the rest of the loading wave, the post-shock plateau, and the unloading wave. The results show the importance of extreme precision in measurement timing and equation-of-state calibrations, particularly at higher pressures.
A pseudopotential-based composite method: The relativistic pseudopotential correlation consistent composite approach for molecules containing 4d transition metals (Y–Cd)
Authors: Laury Marie L. , DeYonker Nathan J. , Jiang Wanyi , Wilson Angela K.
Published: December 2011

The correlation consistent composite approach (ccCA) has proven to be an effective first-principles-based composite approach for main group and first-row transition metal species. By combining relativistic pseudopotentials and ccCA, accurate energetic and thermodynamic data for heavier elements, including transition metals, is obtainable. Relativistic pseudopotential ccCA (rp-ccCA) was formulated and tested on 25 molecules from the G3/05 set that contain 4p elements (Ga-Kr). A 32.5% time savings was obtained using rp-ccCA, relative to ccCA employing all-electron basis sets. When implementing rp-ccCA to compute dissociation energies and enthalpies of formation for molecules from the 4p block, rp-ccCA results in a mean absolute deviation of 0.89 kcal mol−1 from experimental data. rp-ccCA was also applied to a set of 30 4d transition metal-containing molecules, ranging from diatomics to Mo(CO)6, and enthalpies of formation for these species were obtained with a mean absolute deviation of 2.89 kcal mol−1 in comparison to experimental data. Based on quality of the experimentally available enthalpies of formation, where the average value of reported experimental error bars is 3.43 kcal mol−1, rp-ccCA is within transition metal chemical accuracy for the 4d molecule set. rp-ccCA is a pseudopotential-based composite method for transition metals and is shown to yield accurate thermodynamic results for molecules containing heavy elements Ga–Kr and Y–Cd.
Vibrational frequencies and spectroscopic constants from quartic force fields for cis-HOCO: The radical and the anion
Authors: Fortenberry Ryan C. , Huang Xinchuan , Francisco Joseph S. , Crawford T. Daniel , Lee Timothy J.
Published: December 2011

The use of accurate quartic force fields together with vibrational configuration interaction recently predicted gas phase fundamental vibrational frequencies of the trans-HOCO radical to within 4 cm−1 of experimental results for the two highest frequency modes. Utilizing the same approach, we are providing a full list of fundamental vibrational frequencies and spectroscopic constants for the cis-HOCO system in both radical and anionic forms. Our predicted geometrical parameters of the cis-HOCO radical match experiment and previous computation to better than 1% deviation, and previous theoretical work agrees equally well for the anion. Correspondence between vibrational perturbation theory and variational vibrational configuration interaction for prediction of the frequencies of each mode is strong, better than 5 cm−1, except for the torsional motion, similar to what has been previously identified in the trans-HOCO radical. Among other considerations, our results are immediately applicable to dissociative photodetachment experiments which initially draw on the cis-HOCO anion since it is the most stable conformer of the anion and is used to gain insight into the portion of the OH + CO potential surface where the HOCO radical is believed to form, and we are also providing highly accurate electron binding energies relevant to these experiments.
Experimental evidence of direct contact formation for the current transport in silver thick film metallized silicon emitters
Authors: Cabrera Enrique , Olibet Sara , Glatz-Reichenbach Joachim , Kopecek Radovan , Reinke Daniel , Schubert Gunnar
Published: December 2011

Great advances have been achieved in the development of silver pastes. The use of smaller silver particles, higher silver content, and, thus, less glass frit allow modern silver pastes to contact high resistive emitters without the necessity of a selective emitter or subsequent plating. To identify the microscopic key reasons behind the improvement of silver paste, it is essential to understand the current transport mechanism from the silicon emitter into the bulk of the silver finger. Two current transport theories predominate: i) The current flows through the Ag crystallites grown into the Si emitter, which are separated by a thin glass layer or possibly in direct contact with the silver finger. ii) The current is transported by means of multistep tunneling into the silver finger across nano-Ag colloids in the glass layer, which are formed at optimal firing conditions; the formation of Ag crystallites into the Si surface is synonymous with over-firing. In this study, we contact Si solar cell emitters with different silver pastes on textured and flat silicon surfaces. A sequential selective silver-glass etching process is employed to expose and isolate the different contact components for current transport. The surface configurations after the etching sequences are observed with scanning electron microscopy. Liquid conductive silver is then applied to each sample and the contact resistivity is measured to determine the dominant microscopic conduction path system. We observe glass-free emitter areas at the tops of the pyramidal-textured Si that lead to the formation of direct contacts between the Ag crystallites grown into the Si emitter and the bulk of the silver finger. We present experimental evidence that the major current flow into the silver finger is through these direct contacts.
Tunable true-time delay of a microwave photonic signal realized by cross gain modulation in a semiconductor waveguide
Authors: Xue Weiqi , Mørk Jesper
Published: December 2011

We experimentally demonstrate the realization of a tunable true-time delay for microwave signals by exploiting cross gain modulation among counter-propagating optical beams in a semiconductor optical amplifier. Broadband operation from ∼5 to ∼35 GHz is observed. The physical effect originates from the combination of carrier dynamics and propagation effects, and the experimental results are well accounted for by a numerical model. We find that, in contrast to the case of the co-propagating beams, the bandwidth is not limited by the lifetime of excited carriers. The trade-off between the magnitude of the true-time delay and the microwave bandwidth is discussed.
X-ray radiation effects in multilayer epitaxial graphene
Authors: Hicks Jeremy , Arora Rajan , Kenyon Eleazar , Chakraborty Partha S. , Tinkey Holly , Hankinson John , Berger Claire , de Heer Walt A. , Conrad Edward H. , Cressler John D.
Published: December 2011

We characterize multilayer graphene grown on C-face SiC before and after exposure to a total ionizing dose of 12 Mrad(SiO2) using a 10 keV x-ray source. While we observe the partial peeling of the top graphene layers and the appearance of a modest Raman D-peak, we find that the electrical characteristics (mobility, sheet resistivity, free carrier concentration) of the material are mostly unaffected by radiation exposure. Combined with x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data showing numerous carbon-oxygen bonds after irradiation, we conclude that the primary damage mechanism is through surface etching from reactive oxygen species created by the x-rays.
Programming the offspring through altered uteroplacental hemodynamics: how maternal environment impacts uterine and umbilical blood flow in cattle, sheep and pigs
Authors: Vonnahme Kimberly A. , Lemley Caleb O.
Published: December 2011

As placental growth and vascularity precedes exponential fetal growth, not only is proper establishment of the placenta important, but also a continual plasticity of placental function throughout gestation. Inadequate maternal environment, such as nutritional plane, has been documented to alter fetal organogenesis and growth, thus leading to improper postnatal growth and performance in many livestock species. The timing and duration of maternal nutritional restriction appears to influence the capillary vascularity, angiogenic profile and vascular function of the placenta in cattle and sheep. In environments where fetal growth and/or fetal organogenesis are compromised, potential therapeutics may augment placental nutrient transport capacity and improve offspring performance. Supplementation of specific nutrients, including protein, as well as hormone supplements, such as indolamines, during times of nutrient restriction may assist placental function. Current use of Doppler ultrasonography has allowed for repeated measurements of uterine and umbilical blood flow including assessment of uteroplacental hemodynamics in cattle, sheep and swine. Moreover, these variables can be monitored in conjugation with placental capacity and fetal growth at specific time points of gestation. Elucidating the consequences of inadequate maternal intake on the continual plasticity of placental function will allow us to determine the proper timing and duration for intervention.
The Swimming and Jumping Ability of Three Small Great Plains Fishes: Implications for Fishway Design
Authors: Ficke A. D. , Myrick C. A. , Jud N.
Published: December 2011

There is a distinct need for fishway designs that are passable by small‐bodied fishes. Like many lotic systems worldwide, the streams of the North American Great Plains are frequently fragmented by instream structures and other potential migration barriers. This makes small‐bodied fishes of the North American Great Plains appropriate species to use for fishway development. The swimming and jumping abilities of brassy minnow Hybognathus hankinsoni, Arkansas darters Etheostoma cragini, and common shiners Luxilus cornutus, acclimated to water temperatures of 10, 17.5, and 25°C, were quantified in the laboratory. Endurance increased with temperature for brassy minnow but not for the other two species. Based on swimming trial results, current velocities in fishways should not exceed 64 cm/s for brassy minnow or common shiners and 32 cm/s for Arkansas darters. Jumping experiments showed that the presence of a low vertical barrier (5 cm high) dramatically reduced the probability of upstream movement of all three species. Brassy minnow jumped a maximum of 15 cm at 25°C, and common shiners jumped a maximum of 10 cm at 17.5°C. Neither species jumped at 10°C. Arkansas darters did not jump at any temperature. Behavioral observations also indicated that a submerged weir may inhibit the upstream movement of Arkansas darters. Based on the results of this laboratory study, water velocities of less than 0.75 m/s and avoidance of fishways with vertical drops or weir‐type structures will increase the probability of successful passage of small‐bodied fishes.
Population physical activity behaviour change: A review for the European College of Sport Science
Authors: Biddle Stuart J.H. , Brehm Walter , Verheijden Marieke , Hopman‐Rock Marijke
Published: December 2011

The academic study of sport and exercise science has expanded greatly into the arena of public health over the past 20 years or more and Europe has played a significant role in this. It is opportune to review evidence concerning ways to change population levels of physical activity for health. This paper summarises such evidence by using a lifespan approach with physical activity behaviour change for children and adolescents, adults and older adults. Correlates of physical activity are identified and the outcome of interventions is discussed. Intervention success has been variable often due to weak fidelity and short‐term implementation, and process evaluation is missing from many such studies. Nevertheless, evidence points to possible behaviour change across all age groups and through multiple settings, including schools, worksites and the community.
The nitrate‐nitrite‐nitric oxide pathway: Its role in human exercise physiology
Authors: Bailey Stephen J. , Vanhatalo Anni , Winyard Paul G. , Jones Andrew M.
Published: December 2011

Nitric oxide (NO) is a potent signalling molecule that influences an array of physiological responses. It was traditionally assumed that NO was derived exclusively via the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) family of enzymes. This complex reaction requires a five electron oxidation of L‐arginine and is contingent on the presence of numerous essential substrates (including O2) and co‐factors. Recently an additional, O2‐independent, NO generating pathway has been identified, where nitrite (NO2 −) can undergo a simple one electron reduction to yield NO. NO2 − is produced endogenously from the oxidation of NO and also from the reduction of dietary nitrate (NO3 −) by facultative bacteria residing on the tongue. Recent data show that dietary NO3 − supplementation, which increases the circulating plasma [NO2 −], reduces the O2 cost of submaximal exercise in healthy humans. This finding is striking given that efficiency during moderate‐intensity exercise has been considered to be immutable. There is evidence that the muscle ATP turnover at a fixed work rate is reduced and the mitochondrial P/O ratio is increased following NO3 − supplementation, which offers important insights into the physiological bases for the reduced during exercise. NO3 − supplementation has also been shown to improve exercise performance in both healthy and patient populations. Therefore, dietary NO3 − supplementation may represent a practical and cost‐effective method to improve exercise efficiency and exercise tolerance in humans. Given that a NO3 −‐rich diet may have numerous cardiovascular and other health benefits, dietary NO3 − intake may have important implications for human lifelong health and performance.
MHD mode activity and the velocity shear layer at TJ-II
Authors: van Milligen B.Ph. , García L. , Carreras B.A. , Pedrosa M.A. , Hidalgo C. , Alonso J.A. , Estrada T. , Ascasíbar E.
Published: December 2011

Low-frequency MHD mode activity was studied at the TJ-II stellarator. A spatiotemporal Fourier technique was used to resolve frequency-degenerate modes. By means of this technique, several MHD modes could be identified in discharges with a spontaneous confinement transition in different but similar magnetic configurations. The configurations differed mainly with respect to the radial position of the rational surfaces, thus allowing the reconstruction of a poloidal mode rotation profile based on the mode activity, which was found to be consistent with earlier work. The detected mode spectrum also provided an explanation for the bicoherence observed in one of the configurations after the confinement transition. Both the mode spectrum and the velocity profile were closely reproduced by nonlinear resistive MHD calculations in simplified geometry. As a consequence, the magnetic Reynolds stress is hypothesized to play an important role in the establishment of the velocity shear layer in TJ-II and the concomitant confinement transition.
Measurements of hard x-ray emission from runaway electrons in DIII-D
Authors: James A.N. , Austin M.E. , Commaux N. , Eidietis N.W. , Evans T.E. , Hollmann E.M. , Humphreys D.A. , Hyatt A.W. , Izzo V.A. , Jernigan T.C. , La Haye R.J. , Parks P.B. , Strait E.J. , Tynan G.R. , Wesley J.C. , Yu J.H.
Published: December 2011

The spatial distribution of runaway electron (RE) strikes to the wall during argon pellet-initiated rapid shutdown of diverted and limited plasma shapes in DIII-D is studied using a new array of hard x-ray (HXR) scintillators. Two plasma configurations were investigated: an elongated diverted H-mode and a low-elongation limited L-mode. HXR emission from MeV level REs generated during the argon pellet injection is observed during the thermal quench (TQ) in diverted discharges from REs lost into the divertor. In limiter discharges, this prompt TQ loss is reduced, suggesting improved TQ confinement of REs in this configuration. During the plateau phase when the plasma current is carried by REs, toroidally symmetric HXR emission from remaining confined REs is seen. Transient HXR bursts during this RE current plateau suggest the presence of a small level of wall losses due to the presence of an unidentified instability. Eventually, an abrupt final loss of the remaining RE current occurs. This final loss HXR emission shows a strong toroidal peaking and a consistent spatiotemporal evolution that suggests the development of a kink instability.
Predictive ecology: systems approaches
Authors: Evans Matthew R. , Norris Ken J. , Benton Tim G.
Published: December 2011

The world is experiencing significant, largely anthropogenically induced, environmental change. This will impact on the biological world and we need to be able to forecast its effects. In order to produce such forecasts, ecology needs to become more predictive—to develop the ability to understand how ecological systems will behave in future, changed, conditions. Further development of process-based models is required to allow such predictions to be made. Critical to the development of such models will be achieving a balance between the brute-force approach that naively attempts to include everything, and over simplification that throws out important heterogeneities at various levels. Central to this will be the recognition that individuals are the elementary particles of all ecological systems. As such it will be necessary to understand the effect of evolution on ecological systems, particularly when exposed to environmental change. However, insights from evolutionary biology will help the development of models even when data may be sparse. Process-based models are more common, and are used for forecasting, in other disciplines, e.g. climatology and molecular systems biology. Tools and techniques developed in these endeavours can be appropriated into ecological modelling, but it will also be necessary to develop the science of ecoinformatics along with approaches specific to ecological problems. The impetus for this effort should come from the demand coming from society to understand the effects of environmental change on the world and what might be performed to mitigate or adapt to them.
Macrophage Polarization in Health and Disease
Authors: Cassetta Luca , Cassol Edana , Poli Guido
Published: December 2011

Macrophages are terminally differentiated cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system that also encompasses dendritic cells, circulating blood monocytes, and committed myeloid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. Both macrophages and their monocytic precursors can change their functional state in response to microenvironmental cues exhibiting a marked heterogeneity. However, there are still uncertainties regarding distinct expression patterns of surface markers that clearly define macrophage subsets, particularly in the case of human macrophages. In addition to their tissue distribution, macrophages can be functionally polarized into M1 (proinflammatory) and M2 (alternatively activated) as well as regulatory cells in response to both exogenous infections and solid tumors as well as by systems biology approaches.
[1,3-Bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene]chloridogold(I)
Authors: Linden Anthony , Haro Teresa de , Nevado Cristina
Published: December 2011

The molecule of the title compound, [AuCl(C27H36N2)], which belongs to a class of potentially catalytically active N-heterocyclic carbene complexes, has crystallographicC2symmetry and approximateC2vsymmetry. The structure is isostructural with the CuIand AgIanalogues. A previous report of the structure of the title compound as its toluene solvate [Fructoset al.(2005).Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.44, 5284–5288] has inaccurate geometry for the complex molecule as a consequence of probable incorrect refinement in the space groupCc, instead ofC2/c[Marsh (2009).Acta Cryst.B65, 782–783]. The Au—C bond length of 1.998 (4) Å in the title compound is more consistent with the mean distance of 1.979 (14) Å found in 52 other reported [AuCl(carbene)] complexes than with the shorter distance of 1.942 (3) Å given for the refinement in the space groupCcfor the toluene solvate and the value of 1.939 Å obtained from the recalculation of that structure inC2/c.
Prenatal administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus has no effect on the diversity of the early infant gut microbiota
Authors: Ismail Intan H. , Oppedisano Frances , Joseph Shayne J. , Boyle Robert J. , Robins‐Browne Roy M. , Tang Mimi L. K.
Published: December 2011

To cite this article: Ismail IH, Oppedisano F, Joseph SJ, Boyle RJ, Robins‐Browne RM, Tang MLK. Prenatal administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus has no effect on the diversity of the early infant gut microbiota. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2012: 23: 255–258.

We have recently shown that maternal administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) during late pregnancy can have beneficial effects on the early development of infant gut microbiota, promoting a bifidobacteria profile similar to that of a healthy breastfed infant. It is uncertain, however, whether such probiotic supplementation could influence the diversity of infant gut microbiota. We investigated the effect of pre‐natal LGG on gut microbial diversity in the early post‐natal period. Day‐7 faecal samples were collected from 98 infants at high risk of allergic disease, whose mothers participated in a pre‐natal probiotic eczema prevention study. Faecal microbial diversity was assessed by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism using restriction enzymes Sau96I and AluI. A greater number of peaks represent greater diversity of bacterial communities. Administration of LGG to mothers during late pregnancy had no effects on the mean number of peaks in faecal samples from 1‐wk‐old infants as compared to placebo (AluI 14.4 vs. 15.5, p = 0.17, 95% CI −0.4, 2.5; Sau96I 17.3 vs. 15.8, p = 0.15, 95% CI −3.5, 0.5). Prenatal LGG failed to modulate diversity of early infant gut microbiota despite promoting a beneficial bifidobacteria profile.
A molecular toolkit for population genetic investigations of the ash dieback pathogen Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus
Authors: Gross A. , Grünig C. R. , Queloz V. , Holdenrieder O.
Published: December 2011

The recently described ascomycete fungus Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus (anamorph: Chalara fraxinea) causes the current dieback of ash (Fraxinus excelsior) in large parts of Europe. The origin of this species and its relation to the native cryptic species Hymenoscyphus albidus are still enigmatic. The spatiotemporal pattern of the epidemic is typical for an introduced invasive species. However, the presence of two cryptic species indicates that hybridization or mutation might have been involved in driving speciation in this case. In this study, we present a set of 18 polymorphic microsatellite markers to study these processes in more detail on a population genetic level. Markers were designed such that they can be amplified in three individual multiplex PCRs and analysed in two fragment analysis runs. We thoroughly tested the marker set for pairwise linkage among loci, selective neutrality and Mendelian inheritance. Additionally, the markers were applied on two large collections of isolates derived from study sites in Germany. Population genetic calculations suggested a low yet significant level of differentiation, a large genotypic diversity and a limited genetic diversity within populations. Furthermore, we present additional data concerning the phylogenetic relation between H. albidus and H. pseudoalbidus, which seems to be more distantly related to each other than expected previously.
Do vehicle grants and vehicle adaptations grants promote transport mobility and community access for children with disabilities in Sweden?
Authors: Sjödin Linda , Buchanan Angus , Mundt Beate , Karlsson Emelie , Falkmer Torbjörn
Published: December 2011

Background/aim:  A vast majority of the journeys made by children with disabilities in Sweden are in the family car, which usually is bought and adapted for the child with governmental subsidies. Despite the important philosophical views about accessible vehicles, little is known about the impact of vehicle adaptations on families’ lives. The aim of the study was to investigate parent views about the impact of vehicle grants and vehicle adaptation grants on their children’s transport mobility and community access.

Methods:  In total, 434 parents of children with disabilities in Sweden who had received vehicle grants and/or vehicle adaptation grants between 1998–2007 responded to a questionnaire comprising questions with both pre‐selected and open‐ended answers. A non‐responder analysis was performed.

Results:  Children with disabilities were found to increase their transport mobility and community access in society as vehicle grants and/or vehicle adaptation grants were given to their parents. Their travel patterns and their travel priorities with their family car indicated that family friends and relatives and leisure activities were frequently visited and prioritised destinations. The grants were linked to access to social and family activities, provided environmental gains and led to increased experienced security. The results also showed that the potential to make spontaneous trips had increased substantially and that families experienced feelings of freedom and enhanced community access. The non‐responder analysis confirmed these results.

Conclusions:  According to parents, vehicle grants and vehicle adaptation grants for children with disabilities have a positive impact on the children’s transport mobility and community access.
Does a diabetes annual review make a difference?
Authors: Kenealy T , Orr‐Walker B , Cutfield R , Robinson E , Buetow S , Simmons D
Published: December 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, e217–e222 (2012)

Aims  To determine whether a diabetes annual review, independently of other care processes, is followed by improved patient clinical measurements.

Methods  Audits conducted independently of the diabetes annual review were analysed for a time‐trend in patient clinical measures. An interaction variable between the review and the year of audit was used to test for a change in gradient before and after a diabetes annual review. Each patient formed their own control.

Results  The data included 9471 audits on 3397 patients from 92 practices, and diabetes annual reviews from 2003 to mid‐2008. Percentages of patients with raised HbA1c, systolic blood pressure and lipids improved from first to last audit. Predicted means after a diabetes annual review for HbA1c decreased by 0.13% (1.0 mmol/mol), for HDL cholesterol increased by 0.04 mmol/L and for triglyceride decreased by 0.2 mmol/L. Predicted systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol and urinary albumin:creatinine ratio did not change significantly.

Conclusions  Metabolic control improved over time but this was largely independently of the diabetes annual review, which appears to add little clinical value to existing New Zealand general practice care processes. Currently, general practitioners are paid to undertake a diabetes annual review and report the measurements collected. We would argue that payment needs to be directed to demonstrating appropriate changes in clinical management or achieving meaningful clinical goals, and that the annual review results should be part of systematic feedback to general practitioners, particularly directed at clinical inertia.
From Street into the World: Towards a Politicised Reading of Celebrity Humanitarianism
Authors: Yrjölä Riina
Published: December 2011

Since John Street's article on celebrity politics in 2004, the integral role of celebrities in contemporary humanitarian politics has been increasingly acknowledged in the study of international relations. However, as argued in this article, this research has been limited to analysing appearances rather than examining the aesthetics of celebrity representations and their ‘thought worlds’ that contribute also to the structures, relations and processes of world politics. This article addresses this dearth of critical attention and proposes an approach to engage with celebrity humanitarian imaginaries politically by turning to critical humanitarianism and cultural and post-colonial studies. It concludes that by failing to acknowledge the historicity, conditions and effects of celebrity humanitarian intelligibilities and imaginaries in a globalised world, research in this area is in danger of missing the very location of politics. What is called for is future research that broadens the understanding of this activity in world politics without closing the question of the political.
Beyond the Objectivist Conception of Civil Society: Social Actors, Civility and Self-Limitation
Authors: Akman Ayhan
Published: December 2011

What I would like to do in this article is threefold. First, I would like to sketch the anatomy of the dominant perspective on civil society (which I call ‘objectivist’) by discussing its basic postulates. Second, I would like to highlight the main problems that are immanent to this conception. I will try to demonstrate the presence of certain blind spots, erasures and contradictions which are constitutive of this dominant understanding. I will argue for the need not so much to reject it outright but to try to transcend it by incorporating it in a wider and more encompassing framework. The attempt to achieve this constitutes the third part of the article where I propose an alternative conception of civil society that is based upon the orientations of social actors. My argument is that an alternative to the objectivist understanding involves treating civility and toleration as not simply being incidental but rather essential aspects of a proper understanding of civil society. The current literature's focus on non-state organizational capacity needs to be complemented by an analysis of the normative orientations of social actors along five distinct yet interrelated dimensions of civility. The perspective outlined here attempts to combine the ontological parameters of the dominant understanding of civil society with the normative criteria that usually get overlooked. It will be argued that, rather than being occasionally and unsystematically alluded to in passing, the specifically ‘civil’ property of social interactions should be recognized as the formative principle of civil society.