bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cranial mesenteric vein preparation for measurement of amino acid uptake by lambs
Authors: Neutze S. A. , Oddy V. H. , Gooden J. M.
Published: March 2009

A surgical preparation was developed to measure uptake of amino acids from the small intestine into the cranial mesenteric vein (CMV) of lambs. Results from this preparation were compared with those from the traditional hepatic portal vein (PV) preparation in the same lambs. Necropsy revealed that, in contrast to the PV preparation which included all portal-drained viscera, the CMV preparation drained primarily small intestine (0·84–0·92 small intestinal mass). The CMV preparation contributed 0·238 of blood flow from and 0·307 of oxygen consumption by the PV preparation. Venous-arterial differences for alpha-amino nitrogen (AAN), phenylalanine (Phe) and tyrosine (Tyr) were three- to fourfold greater in the CMV than in the PV preparation, indicating that the CMV preparation is more sensitive for measuring amino acid uptake. The ratio CMV/PV for uptake of AAN was 0·61 (P< 0·001), but this ratio was much closer to unity (mean 0·84) for Phe and Tyr. Since the CMV preparation drains primarily the small intestine, through which all amino acid absorption occurs, it should prove to be extremely valuable for studying absorption from and metabolism within this organ using a combination of arteriovenous and isotopic tracer techniques.
Endocrine changes, with emphasis on 13, 14–dihydro–15–keto–prostaglandin F2α and corticosteroids, before and during parturition in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius)
Authors: El-Belely M. S.
Published: March 2009

A study was conducted on eight preparturient camels which were kept in individual stalls adjacent to the Cairo abattoir during 1989. Four novel phenomena are described in this paper: (i) a significant (P < O·05) prepartum decrease in plasma concentrations of progesterone evident over the 48 h preceding parturition; (ii) a remarkably consistent increase in total plasma unconjugated oestrogens, commencing 2–4 days prior to parturition and peaking in excess of 200 pg/ml for c. 2 h before delivery; (iii) a tenfold increase to 5·4±0·19 ng/ml (mean±S.E.) in plasma concentrations of 13, 14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2α (PGFM) between days –10 and – 1, showing a sudden and large increase during the 5 h prior to delivery; and (iv) three peaks of total plasma corticosteroids during the 4 h preceding delivery, with the third peak showing the greatest magnitude (24·0±3·11 ng/ml). These results suggest that the dromedary camel is an example of a species in which luteal secretion of progesterone, especially 3α-dihydroprogesterone, is required throughout pregnancy and in which cessation of luteal function, associated with a rapid increase in the oestrogen: progesterone ratio and the secretion of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), is a requirement for parturition.
Effects of body fatness at lambing and diet in lactation on body tissue loss, feed intake and milk yield of ewes in early lactation
Authors: Cowan R. T. , Robinson J. J. , McDonald I. , Smart R.
Published: March 2009

Thirty-six mature Finnish Landrace × Dorset Horn ewes, each suckling two lambs, were used in a comparative slaughter experiment to measure changes in body tissues during early lactation. Two levels of body fatness at lambing were established by giving ewes a complete diet containing 10 MJ metabolizable energy (ME) and 139 g crude protein (CP)/kg d.m. either close to requirements orad libitumduring the second half of pregnancy. In lactation half the ewes in each group were given a complete diet containing either 90 (diet A) or 60 (diet B) % milled hayad libitum. These diets contained 7·9 and 9·2 MJ ME and 121 and 132 g CP/kg d.m. respectively.

Ewes fed at the two levels in pregnancy contained 8·4 and 19·6 kg chemically determined fat 5 days after lambing but had similar amounts of body protein, ash and water. Over 6 weeks of lactation ewes given diet A lost 60 and 69% of these weights of fat respectively, while ewes given diet B gained 5% and lost 30% respectively. Up to 26 g of body protein was lost daily from ewes given diet A but none from ewes on diet B. During early lactation the weight of the empty digestive tract increased while the weights of most other body components, particularly the carcass, decreased. The ratio of body energy change to live-weight change varied from 24 to 90 MJ/kg. Thus live-weight change did not accurately reflect relative or absolute changes in body energy.

Voluntary food intake was greater for ewes given the high-energy diet (B) than for those given diet A and was depressed in the fatter ewes. Differences in intake could be explained by the effects of body fatness and diet on the weight of gut contents. Milk yield was not significantly affected by body fat reserves but was higher on diet B than A. Fat content of milk was higher and protein content lower for ewes with the higher fat reserves at lambing.

As the contribution of fat loss to energy available for milk synthesis increased there appeared to be a reduction in the energetic efficiency of milk synthesis. A number of possible reasons for this are discussed.
Spectral data for travelling water waves: singularities and stability
Authors: NICHOLLS DAVID P.
Published: March 2009

In this paper we take up the question of the spectral stability of travelling water waves from a new point of view, namely that the spectral data of the water-wave operator linearized about fully nonlinear Stokes waves is analytic as a function of a height parameter. This observation was recently made rigorous by the author using a boundary perturbation approach which is amenable to approximation by a stable high-order numerical method. Using this algorithm, we investigate, for both super- and sub-harmonic disturbances, the evolution of the spectrum, in particular the ‘first collision’ of eigenvalues and the ‘smallest singularity’ in the perturbation expansion. The former is studied in response to MacKay & Saffman's (1986) work on the water-wave problem which demonstrated that instability can only arise after the collision of two eigenvalues of opposite Krein signature. However, we present results which show, quite explicitly, that eigenvalue collision (even of opposite Krein signature) is insufficient to conclude instability. With this in mind, we have identified a new criterion for the loss of spectral stability, namely the appearance of a singularity in the expansion of the spectral data (as a function of the height parameter mentioned above). We give some heuristic reasons why this should be so, and then provide complete numerical spectral stability results for four representative depths, two above (h = ∞, 2) and two below (h = 1, 1/2) Benjamin's (1967) critical value, hc ≈ 1.363, above which the Benjamin–Feir instability emerges. We find that the strongest (two-dimensional) instability appears to be among the long waves, but we notice that there is a sharp difference between ‘shallow-water’ and ‘deep-water’ waves in that first eigenvalue collision and smallest expansion singularity are synonymous for shallow water, while this is not so in deep water where ‘windows of stability’ beyond the first eigenvalue collision exist.
On separated shear layers and the fractal geometry of turbulent scalar interfaces at large Reynolds numbers
Authors: ZUBAIR FAZLUL R. , CATRAKIS HARIS J.
Published: March 2009

This work explores fractal geometrical properties of scalar turbulent interfaces derived from experimental two-dimensional spatial images of the scalar field in separated shear layers at large Reynolds numbers. The resolution of the data captures the upper three decades of scales enabling examination of multiscale geometrical properties ranging from the largest energy-containing scales to inertial scales. The data show a −5/3 spectral exponent over a wide range of scales corresponding to the inertial range in fully developed turbulent flows. For the fractal aspects, we utilize two methods as it is known that different methods may lead to different fractal aspects. We use the recently developed method for fractal analysis known as the Multiscale-Minima Meshless (M3) method because it does not require the use of grids. We also use the conventional box-counting approach as it has been frequently employed in various past studies. The outer scalar interfaces are identified on the basis of the probability density function (p.d.f.) of the scalar field. For the outer interfaces, the M3 method shows strong scale dependence of the generalized fractal dimension with approximately linear variation of the dimension as a function of logarithmic scale, for interface-fitting reference areas, but there is evidence of a plateau near a dimension D ~ 1.3 for larger reference areas. The conventional box-counting approach shows evidence of a plateau with a constant dimension also of D ~ 1.3, for the same reference areas. In both methods, the observed plateau dimension value agrees with other studies in different flow geometries. Scalar threshold effects are also examined and show that the internal scalar interfaces exhibit qualitatively similar behaviour to the outer interfaces. The overall range of box-counting fractal dimension values exhibited by outer and internal interfaces is D ~ 1.2–1.4. The present findings show that the fractal aspects of scalar interfaces in separated shear layers at large Reynolds number with −5/3 spectral behaviour can depend on the method used for evaluating the dimension and on the reference area. These findings as well as the utilities and distinctions of these two different definitions of the dimension are discussed in the context of multiscale modelling of mixing and the interfacial geometry.
Protestant and Online: The Case ofAiyan
Authors: Wielander Gerda
Published: March 2009

This article presentsAiyan, an electronic house church publication, as a case study of a resistance community using up-to-date technology in the dual context of China's modernization and government repression. Based on detailed content analysis supported by results from fieldwork, the article introducesAiyan's background as an underground publication, its online existence, its visual character, its content and its aims. It then analysesAiyan's attempts at identity formation within the complex realities of religious activity in China, and finally identifies five main areas of political engagement withinAiyan: freedom of religious belief and legalization of status; rights awareness and rights education; defiance against the regime; rural–urban co-operation; and engagement of liberal intellectuals. The article concludes with an evaluation of the possible influence this sector of the house church community may have on China's political transformation.
Investigation of aquifer‐estuary interaction using wavelet analysis of fiber‐optic temperature data
Authors: Henderson R. D. , Day‐Lewis F. D. , Harvey C. F.
Published: March 2009

Fiber‐optic distributed temperature sensing (FODTS) provides sub‐minute temporal and meter‐scale spatial resolution over kilometer‐long cables. Compared to conventional thermistor or thermocouple‐based technologies, which measure temperature at discrete (and commonly sparse) locations, FODTS offers nearly continuous spatial coverage, thus providing hydrologic information at spatiotemporal scales previously impossible. Large and information‐rich FODTS datasets, however, pose challenges for data exploration and analysis. To date, FODTS analyses have focused on time‐series variance as the means to discriminate between hydrologic phenomena. Here, we demonstrate the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) and cross‐wavelet transform (XWT) to analyze FODTS in the context of related hydrologic time series. We apply the CWT and XWT to data from Waquoit Bay, Massachusetts to identify the location and timing of tidal pumping of submarine groundwater.
High‐resolution simulation of a nocturnal narrow convective line off the southeastern coast of Taiwan in the Mei‐yu season
Authors: Wang Chung‐Chieh , Huang Wei‐Ming
Published: March 2009

This study performed high‐resolution numerical simulation on a convective line that occurred roughly 10–30 km offshore of southeastern Taiwan overnight of 14–15 May 1998. Three experiments at successively higher resolution (10, 2, and 0.5 km) but smaller domain were carried out, and the narrow line is eventually reproduced. It is found that shallow (offshore) return flow along the coast appeared since daytime due to topographic blocking on the weak prevailing (onshore) south‐southeasterly wind, producing convergence at their interface near shore. During the night, mountain breeze further strengthened the offshore flow and convergence, and the line initiated. Once developed, downdrafts and outflow boundaries from old clouds triggered new clouds, and this was more active along the (eastern) boundaries against the undisturbed environmental flow. Thus, repeated new cloud formation took place throughout the night and into the next morning.
A statistical study of midlatitude spread F at Wallops Island, Virginia
Authors: Bhaneja P. , Earle G. D. , Bishop R. L. , Bullett T. W. , Mabie J. , Redmon R.
Published: March 2009

An ionosonde study using data from Wallops Island, Virginia (37.95°N, 284.53°E, 67.5° dip angle), over a full solar cycle from 1996 to 2006 has been conducted. A pattern recognition algorithm is used to analyze these ionograms in order to determine the statistics of midlatitude spread F. An ionogram displays spread F both horizontally and vertically, which are defined as range and frequency spread F, respectively. Range and frequency spreading can occur either simultaneously or separately. Seasonal and solar cycle variations have been studied using the data set; both are significant and are somewhat different for range and frequency spread F. Correlations of spread F duration with F10.7, Kp, and AE are investigated. The results provide insights into causative sources for both types of midlatitude spread F.
Properties of partial thermoremanence in magnetite: Testing the blocking versus unblocking temperature spectrum using the phenomenological model
Authors: Yu Yongjae
Published: March 2009

To better understand the fundamentals of Thellier‐type absolute geomagnetic field intensity determinations, a map of χ was constructed from the experimental blocking versus unblocking relation. Once constructed, the map of χ can predict the outcome of a Thellier experiment. Thellier predictions were compared with an independent Thellier experiment. The contribution from low‐ and high‐temperature partial thermoremanent magnetization (pTRM) tails increased as the grain size of magnetite increased, indicating a progressive violation of pTRM reciprocity in the multidomain (MD) range. Such a violation of reciprocity with increasing grain size generated enhancement of down‐sagging features in Arai plots, a primary reason for the failure of Thellier experiments. As anticipated, MD magnetites displayed broad unblocking spectra, while single‐domain grains showed a narrow inflection. Overall, the mapping of χ was useful in predicting key features in the Thellier experiment. However, as the grain size increased, there was a growing discrepancy between prediction and experiments, possibly caused by the initial state dependence of pTRM intensity.
Comparison of algorithms for incoming atmospheric long‐wave radiation
Authors: Flerchinger G. N. , Xaio Wei , Marks Danny , Sauer T. J. , Yu Qiang
Published: March 2009

While numerous algorithms exist for predicting incident atmospheric long‐wave radiation under clear (Lclr) and cloudy skies, few comparisons have been published to assess the accuracy of the different algorithms. Virtually no comparisons have been made for both clear and cloudy skies across multiple sites. This study evaluates the accuracy of 13 algorithms for predicting incident long‐wave radiation under clear skies, ten cloud correction algorithms, and four algorithms for all‐sky conditions using data from 21 sites across North America and China. Data from five research sites were combined with publicly available data from nine sites in the AmeriFlux network for initial evaluation and optimization of cloud cover estimates; seven additional AmeriFlux sites were used as an independent test of the algorithms. Clear‐sky algorithms that excelled in predicting Lclr were the Dilley, Prata, and Ångström algorithms. Root mean square deviation (RMSD) between predicted and measured 30‐minute or hourly Lclr averaged approximately 23 W m−2 for these three algorithms across all sites, while RMSD of daily estimates was as low as 14 W m−2. Cloud‐correction algorithms of Kimball, Unsworth, and Crawford described the data best when combined with the Dilley clear‐sky algorithm. Average RMSD across all sites for these three cloud corrections was approximately 24 to 25 W m−2 for 30‐minute or hourly estimates and approximately 15 to 16 W m−2 for daily estimates. The Kimball and Unsworth cloud corrections require an estimate of cloud cover, while the Crawford algorithm corrects for cloud cover directly from measured solar radiation. Optimum limits in the clearness index, defined as the ratio of observed solar radiation to theoretical terrestrial solar radiation, for complete cloud cover and clear skies were suggested for the Kimball and Unsworth algorithms. Application of the optimized algorithms to seven independent sites yielded similar results. On the basis of the results, the recommended algorithms can be applied with reasonable accuracy for a wide range of climates, elevations, and latitudes.
Rapid extinction of cocaine craving: toward a novel cue exposure therapy
Authors: Ahmed Serge , Koob George
Published: March 2009

Cocaine does not only evoke intense rewarding sensations but also induces craving for more cocaine. This latter effect is especially obvious in addicted individuals and is thought to contribute together with other factors to trigger relapse after abstinence. Cocaine-induced craving can be studied in animals in the drug reinstatement model. In this model, responding for the drug (e.g., pressing a lever) is first extinguished by discontinuing drug reinforcement and then reinstated by drug priming (i.e., non-contingent re-exposure to the drug) or stress. Importantly, during reinstatement testing, responses continue to be unrewarded as during extinction and, therefore, reflect genuine drug seeking. Here we show that reinstatement of cocaine seeking can be rapidly extinguished with daily repeated cocaine priming. The extinction of cocaine seeking fully generalized to stress, another major trigger of drug craving and relapse. These findings suggest that cocaine and stress induce drug craving by generating similar conditioned interoceptive effects. The targeted extinction of these effects by repeated drug priming under medical supervision may represent a novel behavioral therapy against relapse in abstinent cocaine addicts.
The Effect of Tier 2 Intervention for Phonemic Awareness in a Response-to-Intervention Model in Low-Income Preschool Classrooms
Authors: Koutsoftas Anthony D. , Harmon Mary Towle , Gray Shelley
Published: March 2009

Purpose

This study assessed the effectiveness of a Tier 2 intervention that was designed to increase the phonemic awareness skills of low-income preschoolers who were enrolled in Early Reading First classrooms.

Method

Thirty-four preschoolers participated in a multiple baseline across participants treatment design. Tier 2 intervention for beginning sound awareness was provided twice weekly in small groups over 6 weeks by trained teachers and speech-language pathologists (SLPs).

Results

The intervention was successful for 71% of the children, as indicated by medium to large effect sizes. Comparisons between children who did and did not qualify for intervention suggest that Tier 2 intervention helped narrow the gap in beginning sound awareness that had begun to emerge before treatment. Although children receiving special education and those learning English as a second language were enrolled in the classrooms, they were not overrepresented in the group qualifying for Tier 2 intervention, and most who did qualify demonstrated a positive response to intervention.

Conclusion

In a relatively short period of time, preschoolers' phonemic awareness skills were increased through small-group Tier 2 intervention provided by teachers and SLPs. Findings indicate the potential of Tier 2 interventions to positively impact the future reading skills of children who are at risk for later reading difficulties.
The Narrow View of Reading Promotes a Broad View of Comprehension
Authors: Catts Hugh W.
Published: March 2009

Purpose

This article is a response to A. G. Kamhi’s proposal of the narrow view of reading.

Method

A descriptive approach is used to review research concerning the cognitive basis of reading comprehension. Educational implications for instruction and assessment are considered. The role of the speech-language pathologist (SLP) in intervention related to reading comprehension is also addressed.

Conclusion

Although the narrow view of reading seems restrictive, it actually leads to a broad view of comprehension. The latter view, which is consistent with current research, proposes that comprehension is an active process in which readers use background knowledge and a range of cognitive processes to construct a coherent representation of text. This view challenges some current approaches to assessment and instruction of reading comprehension. It does not, however, diminish the role that SLPs can play in intervention related to reading comprehension.
Fluency: A Key Link Between Word Identification and Comprehension
Authors: Bashir Anthony S. , Hook Pamela E.
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to respond to A. G. Kamhi’s (2007) challenge to consider two points of view on reading—the broad and the narrow. Each point of view includes a component of the reading process; namely, comprehension and word recognition. Taken separately, each point of view is insufficient for our understanding of the development of the reading process. We must account for the development of fluency as a key link between word identification and comprehension.

Method

A selective review of descriptive and evidence-based literature related to the complexity of the reading process is provided. In addition, information about the importance of reading fluency and the factors that contribute to fluent reading are reviewed.

Clinical Implications

Along with the other contributors to this forum, we suggest that reading is a complex developmental process that is based on the integration of diverse components into a smooth and automatic foundation on which fluent reading and consequently comprehension are grounded. We specifically address issues related to fluency and make suggestions for facilitating its development.
The Case for the Narrow View of Reading
Authors: Kamhi Alan G.
Published: March 2009

Purpose

This prologue reiterates the case for the narrow view of reading as a solution to the persistently high levels of reading failure that occurs in our schools and provides a brief summary of the 5 response articles.

Method

The arguments that support the narrow view of reading are presented and the respondents are introduced.

Conclusion

Although the contributors to this clinical forum may have different views, we all are working toward a common goal: improving the literacy levels of children in our schools.
Magnetic exchange enhancement of electron spin resonance
Authors: Dionne Gerald F.
Published: March 2009

Boltzmann probability theory applied to ferromagnets is adjusted to explain the coexistence of microwave and infrared exchange resonance. When paramagnetic systems become ferromagnetic, microwave resonance is greatly enhanced by the exchange energy. In a quantum mechanical analysis, an apparent paradox is revealed. The combination of Zeeman and exchange effects is modeled to produce approximate relations for the population of the magnetic ground state with the result that a reduced temperature of the spin system is defined. To illustrate these concepts, exchange-coupled 3d1 single-pair and 3d5 multi-spin pairs are examined.
Ru/FeCoB crystalline soft magnetic underlayers with high anisotropy field for CoPtCr–SiO2 granular perpendicular magnetic recording media
Authors: Matsuu Toshimitsu , Hirata Ken-ichiro , Hashimoto Atsuto , Matsunuma Satoshi , Inoue Tetsutaro , Doi Tsugihiro , Nakagawa Shigeki
Published: March 2009

Ru / FeCoB / Ru / CoPtCr – SiO 2 films were fabricated as perpendicular magnetic recording media with crystalline soft magnetic underlayer (SUL). Ru/FeCoB layers possessed high in-plane anisotropy field Hk of 400 Oe and a bcc-FeCo (110) orientation. Crystalline orientation of the FeCoB in the SUL affected on a crystallite growth of a Ru intermediate layer deposited on it and on crystallite orientation of the CoPtCr–SiO2 film deposited on the Ru intermediate layer. Ru/CoPtCr–SiO2 films without Ru/FeCoB SULs exhibited a random orientation of Ru crystallites and the in-plane magnetic anisotropy. On the other hand, Ru/CoPtCr–SiO2 films deposited on the Ru/FeCoB SULs exhibited (001) preferential orientations of the CoPtCr as well as the Ru intermediate layer and possessed perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. It was confirmed that the improvement of a bcc-FeCo (110) orientation in the SUL was effective to the improvement of a hcp-Ru (001) orientation. At the media for an intermediate layer thickness of 5 nm, the similar magnetic properties as that of 30 nm were obtained. It indicated that the application of a crystalline SUL promoted the reduction in the intermediate layer thickness.
Magnetic correlations in nanocomposite FePt:Au and FePt:C films
Authors: George T. A. , Skomski R. , Sellmyer D. J.
Published: March 2009

The nanostructure and magnetism of L10-ordered FePt crystallites in matrices of Au and C are investigated as a function of the Au and C contents. Emphasis is on the relation between hysteresis-loop shape, magnetic correlation length, and structural disorder, as relevant to magnetic recording media. The highly (001) textured thin films are produced by annealing [Fe/Pt/X]n multilayers. The coercivity and the hysteresis-loop slope at coercivity increase and decrease, respectively, with increasing volume fraction of the matrix. The magnetic force microscopy images show that the slope decrease is accompanied by a reduction in the magnetic correlation length. These changes are due to the reduced intergranular exchange coupling, and a simple model describes how interparticle exchange cooperatively increases both the loop slope and the correlation length.
Calibration of the thermoelastic constants for quantitative thermoelastic stress analysis on composites
Authors: Salerno A. , Costa A. , Fantoni G.
Published: March 2009

The application of thermoelastic stress analysis in composite materials is particularly complicated because of the anisotropy of the material, that determines the thermoelastic constant to be dependent on the direction of the fibers. A further difficulty depends on the constructive stratification of the material, whose mechanical properties vary with the depth from the surface and this causes thermoelastic constants to be dependent on the frequency of the load applied. By using an analytical two layer model, it has been possible to interpret experimental data, thus proposing an explanation of the dependence on the frequency of the measured thermoelastic constants. This has shown that the practical use of the thermoelastic effect for quantitative stress analysis on composites needs constants calibrated at the correct frequency, also considering the thin layer of superficial resin present in every composite material.
Three-dimensional transitions in a swirling jet impinging against a solid wall at moderate Reynolds numbers
Authors: Ortega-Casanova J. , Fernandez-Feria R.
Published: March 2009

We consider the three-dimensional structure of a q-vortex interacting with a solid surface perpendicular to its axis. We use a direct numerical simulation based on a potential vector formulation with a Fourier decomposition in azimuthal modes for a Reynolds number equal to 100. This method is specially suited for the study of the nonlinear stability of axially symmetric flows because one may follow the raising of the different nonaxisymmetric modes from numerical noise, their nonlinear development, and their nonlinear interactions. For the given Reynolds number we find that there exists several transitions as the swirl number is increased, including the development of nonaxisymmetric instabilities for different azimuthal modes, and the formation of a vortex breakdown bubble that turns the flow axisymmetric again. We analyze these transitions and characterize them as a function of the swirl number for different distances of the incoming vortex to the wall.
Scanning tunneling microscopy on epitaxial bilayer graphene on ruthenium (0001)
Authors: Sutter E. , Acharya D. P. , Sadowski J. T. , Sutter P.
Published: March 2009

The atomic structure of epitaxial single and bilayer graphene on Ru(0001) was studied by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). High-resolution imaging of the surface of single layer graphene shows a moiré with pronounced buckling and broken A/B carbon sublayer symmetry due to a strong interaction with the metal substrate. The top sheet of bilayer graphene is largely unperturbed by residual interactions with the substrate. Screened from the metal substrate, it shows the hallmarks of freestanding monolayer graphene: a honeycomb structure with equivalent carbon sublattices imaged in STM and a linear dispersion of π-bands near the Dirac point.
Triclinic phase in tilted (001) oriented BiFeO3 epitaxial thin films
Authors: Yan Li , Cao Hu , Li Jiefang , Viehland D.
Published: March 2009

We report a triclinic phase in perovskite BiFeO3 (BFO) epitaxial thin films grown on (130) and (120) oriented SrTiO3 substrates. The lattice constants of the BFO thin films changed with tilt of the substrates from (001) toward (110). These lattice parameters result from the epitaxially engineering of structurally bridging phases of the lowest possible symmetry.
Variety of wetting line propagations demonstrated on viscoelastic substrate
Authors: Pu Gang , Severtson Steven J.
Published: March 2009

Propagation of wetting lines for various interfaces formed between oil, water, and air on a highly viscoelastic, polymeric surface were investigated. The wetting of the acrylic polymer shows complex as well as diverse patterns. Stick and break motions of the three-phase line, characteristic of its halting due to ridge formation, appeared in either advancing or receding motions, in both directions or not at all. Such experiments demonstrate the various wetting behaviors possible on a soft, viscoelastic surface. A comprehensive explanation based on the vertical capillary force component is provided, which is consistent with these as well as previous observations.
John Wheeler, relativity, and quantum information
Authors: Misner Charles W. , Thorne Kip S. , Zurek Wojciech H.
Published: March 2009

From the mid-1950s on, John Wheeler’s “radical conservative-ism” allowed him to explore without fear crazy-sounding ideas that often led to profound physical insights.
The Hall effect and rocket flight
Authors: Cappelli Mark
Published: March 2009

The phenomenon discovered more than 100 years ago by Edwin Hall is now used to generate thrust for unmanned spacecraft in our solar system. In time, Hall effect thrusters might propel manned spacecraft to nearby planets.
Revision of the genus Bathybadistes (Isopoda: Asellota: Munnopsidae), with descriptions of two new species from the southern hemisphere
Authors: Merrin Kelly L. , Malyutina Marina V. , Brandt Angelika
Published: March 2009

The munnopsid isopod genus Bathybadistes Hessler & Thistle has undergone several rearrangements since its initial inception. This genus was originally established for Bathybadistes hoplitis Hessler & Thistle and included eight species transferred from Ilyarachna Sars. Kussakin (2003) transferred four species to Echinozone Sars and one species back to Ilyarachna; he did not examine the other Bathybadistes species. The discovery of two new species of Bathybadistes has provided additional information on this genus. Using new and existing data, the present study used phylogenetic methods to test the validity and composition of Bathybadistes. Two outgroup and 15 ingroup taxa were analysed, including all nine species originally designated as Bathybadistes. The result of this analysis supports the validity of Bathybadistes. Echinozone appears to be paraphyletic because the four species moved to this genus by Kussakin (2003) do not align themselves with its type species, Echinozone coronata (Sars). Bathybadistes is rediagnosed and two new species, the first from the southern hemisphere, are described: Bathybadistes andrewsi, sp. nov. from ~3300-m depth off the west coast of New Zealand; and Bathybadistes fragilis, sp. nov. from ~4750-m depth in the eastern Weddell Sea, Antarctica.
Evidence for biocycling from Ba/Ca, Sr/Ca, and 87Sr/86Sr in soils (Red Brown Earths) from South Australia
Authors: Bestland Erick A. , Forbes Matthew S.
Published: March 2009

The impact of elemental cycling and biological fractionation in the soil–vegetation system was investigated for 6 Red Brown Earth soil profiles (Xeralfs and Xerults) from South Australia by comparing geochemical and 87Sr/86Sr data from bulk soils, soil exchange pool, and vegetation (grapes). In all 6 soil profiles from 3 different sites, Ba/Ca ratios of vegetation, soil exchange pool, and bulk soils were found to be a more robust biological fractionation indicator than Sr/Ca ratios. In the base-poor soils of the Coonawarra–Padthaway area of South Australia, the degree of weathering of soil material, as estimated by titania and alumina contents, correlated very well with the biological fractionation indicator Ba/Ca. Soil horizons with greater clay and titania content also had higher degrees of biological fractionation. Similar Red Brown Earth soils 400 km north in the Clare Valley showed either no, or poor, biological fractionation signature in their bulk soil. The Clare Valley soils have a stronger colluvial component and are richer in base cations than the Coonawarra and Padthaway sites. The main source of bulk soil material in the base-poor soils of the Coonawarra–Padthaway areas is dust, which has greatly influenced the base cation concentration, Ba/Ca ratios, and the strontium isotope ratios. Soils from Clare Valley, by comparison, are less intensely weathered and are thus not as dependent on dust and biocycling for their base cations. Biological fractionation has not left a discernible signature on the composition of the bulk soil. The exchange pools at all 3 sites are dominated by wetfall–dryfall sources, which in this coastal area are dominated by marine sources. For the base-poor soils of the Coonawarra–Padthaway area, the most likely major source of aeolian detritus is Murray River mud. The fine-grained component of this mud, with its organic matter content, relatively high base cation concentrations, and low strontium isotope ratios (Douglas et al. 1995) appears to have overwhelmed other dust sources and caused a homogenisation of the geochemical signature of fine-grained bulk soils in this area. Subsequent in situ weathering and neoformation following dust deposition were strongly influenced by exchange phase concentrations and ratios and resulted in an enhanced biological fractionation signature of the soils.
A general protocol for creating high-throughput screening assays for reaction yield and enantiomeric excess applied to hydrobenzoin
Authors: Shabbir Shagufta H. , Regan Clinton J. , Anslyn Eric V.
Published: March 2009

A general approach to high-throughput screening of enantiomeric excess (
ee
) and concentration was developed by using indicator displacement assays (IDAs), and the protocol was then applied to the vicinal diol hydrobenzoin. The method involves the sequential utilization of what we define herein as screening, training, and analysis plates. Several enantioselective boronic acid-based receptors were screened by using 96-well plates, both for their ability to discriminate the enantiomers of hydrobenzoin and to find their optimal pairing with indicators resulting in the largest optical responses. The best receptor/indicator combination was then used to train an artificial neural network to determine concentration and
ee
. To prove the practicality of the developed protocol, analysis plates were created containing true unknown samples of hydrobenzoin generated by established Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation reactions, and the best ligand was correctly identified.
Simultaneous prospective purification of adult subventricular zone neural stem cells and their progeny
Authors: Pastrana Erika , Cheng Li-Chun , Doetsch Fiona
Published: March 2009

The ability to prospectively isolate adult neural stem cells and their progeny is crucial to study their biology and therapeutic potential. Stem cells in adult mammalian neurogenic niches are a subset of astrocytes. A major limitation in the field has been the inability to distinguish stem cell astrocytes from niche astrocytes. Here, we show that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-positive subventricular-zone (SVZ) astrocytes are activated stem cells that are eliminated by antimitotic treatment. We developed a simple strategy to simultaneously purify cells at different stages of the adult SVZ stem cell lineage by using FACS. This method combines the use of fluorescent EGF ligand, CD24, and GFP expression in
GFAP::GFP
transgenic mice and allows the simultaneous purification of activated stem cell astrocytes (GFP
+
EGFR
+
CD24
−
), niche astrocytes (GFP
+
EGFR
−
CD24
−
), transit amplifying cells (GFP
−
EGFR
+
CD24
−
), and neuroblasts (GFP
−
EGFR
−
CD24
low
). One in three EGFR
+
astrocytes gives rise to neurospheres in vitro, a 20-fold enrichment over unsorted cells. Importantly, these cells constitute the neurosphere-forming population among SVZ astrocytes. This approach will be of great utility for future functional and molecular studies of the SVZ stem cell lineage.
Endocytic sequestration of the B cell antigen receptor and toll-like receptor 9 in anergic cells
Authors: O'Neill Shannon K. , Veselits Margaret L. , Zhang Miao , Labno Christine , Cao Yanxia , Finnegan Alison , Uccellini Melissa , Alegre Maria-Luisa , Cambier John C. , Clark Marcus R.
Published: March 2009

In autoimmune prone murine strains, sequential engagement of the B cell antigen receptor (BCR) on the cell surface and toll-like receptors (TLRs) in late endosomes is necessary and sufficient for secretion of autoantibodies. However, ubiquitous nucleoprotein self-antigens fail to elicit productive TLR activation, and break self-tolerance in anergic DNA-reactive B cells. The mechanisms limiting TLR activation in these cells are largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that in anergic 3H9/Vκ8 and Ars/A1 B cells the normal endocytic transit of both the ligated BCR and TLR9 into late endosomes is abrogated. The BCR and TLR9 arrest together just outside late endosomes, indicating that they enter this compartment along a single, regulated endocytic route. Access to late endosomes could be restored by reversing anergy through several methods, including conferring genetic susceptibility to autoimmunity, complementing proximal BCR signaling or by preventing BCR binding to self-antigen. Downstream of the BCR, JNK, which is activated in naive but not anergic B cells, regulated entry into late endosomes. Restoration of BCR and TLR9 endocytic trafficking rescued TLR9 activation by BCR-captured ligands. These results indicate that B cell anergy is reinforced by the exclusion of both TLRs and their BCR captured ligands from subcellular environments necessary for TLR activation.
The intersubjective function of modal adverbs
Authors: Celle Agnès
Published: March 2009

This paper presents a contrastive study of modal adverbs in English and French, with a focus on a few pairs such as évidemment vs. ‘obviously’, apparemment vs. ‘apparently’. The relation between inference and epistemic modality is discussed both semantically and syntactically. Modal adverbs license double modality in French, in contrast to their English counterparts. This different syntactic behaviour confirms that the distinction that is generally made between two modal functions — the identificative one and the restrictive one — is relevant to French modal adverbs, but not to English modal adverbs. However, this semantic difference needs to be revisited and backed up pragmatically. It is argued that the identificative function of modal adverbs should be redefined in terms of intersubjectivity. While ‘apparently’ and ‘obviously’ mark the speaker’s identification with the addressee’s point of view, apparemment and évidemment are shown to be able to express the speaker’s evaluation whatever the speaker and addressee’s common knowledge might be. This pragmatic difference in turn provides an explanation for the different constraints on the use of modal adverbs in English and French.
Intersubjective positioning in French and English
Authors: Defrancq Bart , De Clerck Bernard
Published: March 2009

Similar to the uses of default discourse markers such as ‘well’, ‘you know’ and ‘I mean’, instances of ‘it depends’ and ‘ça dépend’ can be attested in which the speaker’s intersubjective positioning seems to be the main motivation behind their use (Moissinac and Bamberg 2004). In this paper we explore the systematicity and frequency of such examples in both French and English based on extensive contextualised corpus-based analysis. In particular, we will focus on their functional and formal features and attest to what extent they can be diagnosed as representative of ongoing intersubjectification processes. In doing so, we will trace differences and similarities between the two languages. The study shows that there is indeed fertile ground for such expressions to develop in the direction of discourse markers and that they evolve at slightly different paces in both languages.
A Chinese Herbal Medicine, Tokishakuyakusan, Reduces the Worsening of Impairments and Independence after Stroke: A 1‐Year Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Goto Hirozo , Satoh Nobuhiko , Hayashi Yoshinori , Hikiami Hiroaki , Nagata Yutaka , Obi Ryosuke , Shimada Yutaka
Published: March 2009

In post‐stroke patients, the recurrence of stroke and progression of impairments lead to a bedridden state and dementia. As for their treatments, only anti‐hypertension and anti‐coagulation therapies to prevent the recurrence of stroke are available. In Asia, post‐stroke patients with impairments are often treated with herbal medicine. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of tokishakuyakusan (TS) in improving the impairment and independence in post‐stroke patients. Thirty‐one post‐stroke patients (mean age = 81.4 years) were recruited and enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned to the TS group (n = 16) or non‐treatment (control) group (n = 15) and treated for 12 months. Impairments were assessed using the Stroke Impairment Assessment Set (SIAS). Independence was evaluated using the functional independence measure (FIM). For each outcome measure, mean change was calculated every 3 months. The results were that impairments according to SIAS did not significantly change in the TS group. In contrast, SIAS significantly worsened in the control group. There was a significant difference between the two groups. In each term of SIAS, affected lower extremity scores, abdominal muscle strength, function of visuospatial perception, and so forth. in the TS group were better than those in the control group. Independence according to FIM did not change significantly in the TS group. In contrast, FIM significantly worsened in the control group. There was also a significant difference between the two groups. In conclusion, TS was considered to suppress the impairments of lower limbs and to exert a favorable effect on cerebral function for post‐stroke patients.
Investigation of EscA as a chaperone for the Edwardsiella tarda type III secretion system putative translocon component EseC
Authors: Wang Bo , Mo Zhao Lan , Mao Yun Xiang , Zou Yu Xia , Xiao Peng , Li Jie , Yang Jia Yin , Ye Xu Hong , Leung Ka Yin , Zhang Pei Jun
Published: March 2009

Edwardsiella tardais an important Gram-negative enteric pathogen affecting both animals and humans. It possesses a type III secretion system (T3SS) essential for pathogenesis. EseB, EseC and EseD have been shown to form a translocon complex after secretion, while EscC functions as a T3SS chaperone for EseB and EseD. In this paper we identify EscA, a protein required for accumulation and proper secretion of another translocon component, EseC. TheescAgene is located upstream ofeseCand the EscA protein has the characteristics of T3SS chaperones. Cell fractionation experiments indicated that EscA is located in the cytoplasm and on the cytoplasmic membrane. Mutation with in-frame deletion ofescAgreatly decreased the secretion of EseC, while complementation ofescArestored the wild-type secretion phenotype. The stabilization and accumulation of EseC in the cytoplasm were also affected in the absence of EscA. Mutation ofescAdid not affect the transcription ofeseCbut reduced the accumulation level of EseC as measured by using an EseC-LacZ fusion protein inEd. tarda. Co-purification and co-immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated a specific interaction between EscA and EseC. Further analysis showed that residues 31–137 of EseC are required for EseC-EscA interaction. Mutation of EseC residues 31–137 reduced the secretion and accumulation of EseC inEd. tarda. Finally, infection experiments showed that mutations of EscA and residues 31–137 of EseC increased the LD50by approximately 10-fold in blue gourami fish. These results indicated that EscA functions as a specific chaperone for EseC and contributes to the virulence ofEd. tarda.
Single-copy chromosomal integration systems for Francisella tularensis
Authors: LoVullo Eric D. , Molins-Schneekloth Claudia R. , Schweizer Herbert P. , Pavelka Martin S.
Published: March 2009

Francisella tularensis is a fastidious Gram-negative bacterium responsible for the zoonotic disease tularemia. Investigation of the biology and molecular pathogenesis of F. tularensis has been limited by the difficulties in manipulating such a highly pathogenic organism and by a lack of genetic tools. However, recent advances have substantially improved the ability of researchers to genetically manipulate this organism. To expand the molecular toolbox we have developed two systems to stably integrate genetic elements in single-copy into the F. tularensis genome. The first system is based upon the ability of transposon Tn7 to insert in both a site- and orientation-specific manner at high frequency into the attTn7 site located downstream of the highly conserved glmS gene. The second system consists of a sacB-based suicide plasmid used for allelic exchange of unmarked elements with the blaB gene, encoding a β-lactamase, resulting in the replacement of blaB with the element and the loss of ampicillin resistance. To test these new tools we used them to complement a novel d-glutamate auxotroph of F. tularensis LVS, created using an improved sacB-based allelic exchange plasmid. These new systems will be helpful for the genetic manipulation of F. tularensis in studies of tularemia biology, especially where the use of multi-copy plasmids or antibiotic markers may not be suitable.