bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Total and monomethyl mercury in fog water from the central California coast
Authors: Weiss‐Penzias Peter S. , Ortiz Cruz , Acosta R. Paul , Heim Wesley , Ryan John P. , Fernandez Daniel , Collett Jeffrey L. , Flegal A. Russell
Published: January 2012

Total mercury (HgT) and monomethyl mercury (MMHg) concentrations in fog collected from 4 locations in and around Monterey Bay, California during June‐August of 2011 were 10.7 ± 6.8 and 3.4 ± 3.8 ng L−1respectively. In contrast, mean HgT and MMHg concentrations in rain water from March‐June, 2011 were 1.8 ± 0.9 and 0.1 ± 0.04 ng L−1 respectively. Using estimates of fog water deposition from 6 sites in the region using a standard fog water collector (SFC), depositions of HgT and MMHg via fog were found to range from 42–4600 and 14–1500 ng m−2 y−1, which accounted for 7–42% of HgT and 61–99% of MMHg in total atmospheric deposition (fog, rain, and dry deposition), estimated for the coastal area. These initial measurements suggest that fog precipitation may constitute an important but previously overlooked input of MMHg to coastal environments. Preliminary comparisons of these data with associated chemical, meteorological and oceanic data suggest that biotically formed MMHg from coastal upwelling may contribute to the MMHg in fog water.
Inverse modeling of dynamic nonequilibrium in water flow with an effective approach
Authors: Diamantopoulos E. , Iden S. C. , Durner W.
Published: January 2012

Observations of water flow in unsaturated soils often show “dynamic effects,” indicated by nonequilibrium between water contents and water potential, a phenomenon that cannot be modeled with the Richards equation. The objective of this article is to formulate an effective process description of dynamic nonequilibrium flow in variably saturated soil which is both flexible enough to match experimental observations and as parsimonious as possible to allow unique parameter estimation by inverse modeling. In the conceptual model, water content is partitioned into two fractions. Water in one fraction is in equilibrium with the pressure head, whereas water in the second fraction is in nonequilibrium, described by the kinetic equilibration approach of Ross and Smettem (2000). Between the two fractions an instantaneous equilibration of the pressure head is assumed. The new model, termed the dual‐fraction nonequilibrium model, requires only one additional parameter compared to the nonequilibrium approach of Ross and Smettem. We tested the model with experimental data from multistep outflow experiments conducted on two soils and compared it to the Richards equation, the nonequilibrium model of Ross and Smettem, and the dual‐porosity model of Philip (1968). The experimental data were evaluated by inverse modeling using a robust Markov chain Monte Carlo sampler. The results show that the proposed model is superior to the Richards equation and the Ross and Smettem model in describing dynamic nonequilibrium effects occurring in multistep outflow experiments. The three popular model selection criteria (Akaike information criterion, Bayesian information criterion, and deviance information criterion) all favored the new model because of its smaller number of parameters.
ONZIN deficiency attenuates contact hypersensitivity responses in mice
Authors: Ledford Julie G , Kovarova Martina , Jania Leigh A , Nguyen MyTrang , Koller Beverly H
Published: January 2012

ONZIN is abundantly expressed in immune cells of both the myeloid and lymphoid lineage. Expression by lymphoid cells has been reported to further increase after cutaneous exposure of mice to antigens and haptens capable of inducing contact hypersensitivity (CHS), suggesting that ONZIN has a critical role in this response. Here, we report that indeed ONZIN‐deficient mice develop attenuated CHS to a number of different haptens. Dampened CHS responses correlated with a significant reduction in pro‐inflammatory IL‐6 at the challenge site in ONZIN‐deficient animals, compared with wild‐type controls. Together the study of these animals indicates that loss of ONZIN impacts the effector phase of the CHS response through the regulation of pro‐inflammatory factors.
The anti-neurodegenerative agent clioquinol regulates the transcription factor FOXO1a
Authors: Cameron Amy R. , Wallace Katherine , Logie Lisa , Prescott Alan R. , Unterman Terry G. , Harthill Jean , Rena Graham
Published: January 2012

Many diseases of aging including AD (Alzheimer's disease) and T2D (Type 2 diabetes) are strongly associated with common risk factors, suggesting that there may be shared aging mechanisms underlying these diseases, with the scope to identify common cellular targets for therapy. In the present study we have examined the insulin-like signalling properties of an experimental AD 8-hydroxyquinoline drug known as CQ (clioquinol). The IIS [insulin/IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-1) signalling] kinase Akt/PKB (protein kinase B) inhibits the transcription factor FOXO1a (forkhead box O1a) by phosphorylating it on residues that trigger its exit from the nucleus. In HEK (human embryonic kidney)-293 cells, we found that CQ treatment induces similar responses. A key transcriptional response to IIS is the inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenic gene expression, and, in rat liver cells, CQ represses expression of the key gluconeogenic regulatory enzymes PEPCK (phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase) and G6Pase (glucose-6-phosphatase). The effects on FOXO1a and gluconeogenic gene expression require the presence of Zn2+ ions, reminiscent of much earlier studies examining diabetogenic properties of 8-hydroxyquinolines. Comparative investigation of the signalling properties of a panel of these compounds demonstrates that CQ alone exhibits FOXO1a regulation without diabetogenicity. Our results suggest that Zn2+-dependent regulation of FOXOs and gluconeogenesis may contribute to the therapeutic properties of this drug. Further investigation of this signalling response might illuminate novel pharmacological strategies for the treatment of age-related diseases.
Many-body effects are essential in a physically motivated CO2 force field
Authors: Yu Kuang , Schmidt J. R.
Published: January 2012

We develop a physically motivated many-body force field for CO2, incorporating explicit three-body interactions parameterized on the basis of two- and three-body symmetry adapted perturbation theory (SAPT) calculations. The potential is parameterized consistently with, and builds upon, our successful SAPT-based two-body CO2 model (“Schmidt, Yu, and McDaniel” (SYM) model) [K. Yu, J. G. McDaniel, and J. R. Schmidt, J. Phys Chem B 115, 10054 (2011)10.1021/jp204563n]. We demonstrate that three-body interactions are essential to achieve an accurate description of bulk properties, and that previous two-body models have therefore necessarily exploited large error cancellations to achieve satisfactory results. The resulting three-body model exhibits excellent second/third virial coefficients and bulk properties over the phase diagram, yielding a nearly empirical parameter-free model. We show that this explicit three-body model can be converted into a computationally efficient, density/temperature-dependent two-body model that reduces almost exactly to our prior SYM model in the high-density limit.
Magnetodielectric behavior in La2CoMnO6 nanoparticles
Authors: Krishna Murthy J. , Venimadhav A.
Published: January 2012

We have investigated magnetic, dielectric and magnetodielectric properties of La2CoMnO6 nanoparticles prepared by sol-gel method. Magnetization measurements revealed two distinct ferromagnetic transitions at 218 K and 135 K that can be assigned to ordered and disordered magnetic phases of the La2CoMnO6 nanoparticles. Two dielectric relaxations culminating around the magnetic transitions were observed with a maximum magnetodielectric response reaching 10% and 8% at the respective relaxation peaks measured at 100 kHz under 5 T magnetic field. The dc electrical resistivity followed an insulating behavior and showed a negative magnetoresistance; there was no noticeable anomaly in resistivity or magnetoresistance near the magnetic ordering temperatures. Complex impedance analysis revealed a clear intrinsic contribution to the magnetodielectric response; however, extrinsic contribution due to Maxwell-Wagner effect combined with magnetoresistance property dominated the magnetodielectric effect at high temperatures.
Anomalous columnar order of charged colloidal platelets
Authors: Morales-Anda L. , Wensink H. H. , Galindo A. , Gil-Villegas A.
Published: January 2012

Monte Carlo computer simulations are carried out for a model system of like-charged colloidal platelets in the isothermal-isobaric ensemble (NpT). The aim is to elucidate the role of electrostatic interactions on the structure of synthetic clay systems at high particle densities. Short-range repulsions between particles are described by a suitable hard-core model representing a discotic particle. This potential is supplemented with an electrostatic potential based on a Yukawa model for the screened Coulombic potential between infinitely thin disklike macro-ions. The particle aspect-ratio and electrostatic parameters were chosen to mimic an aqueous dispersion of thin, like-charged, rigid colloidal platelets at finite salt concentration. An examination of the fluid phase diagram reveals a marked shift in the isotropic-nematic transition compared to the hard cut-sphere reference system. Several statistical functions, such as the pair correlation function for the center-of-mass coordinates and structure factor, are obtained to characterize the structural organization of the platelets phases. At low salinity and high osmotic pressure we observe anomalous hexagonal columnar structures characterized by interpenetrating columns with a typical intercolumnar distance corresponding to about half of that of a regular columnar phase. Increasing the ionic strength leads to the formation of glassy, disordered structures consisting of compact clusters of platelets stacked into finite-sized columns. These so-called “nematic columnar” structures have been recently observed in systems of charge-stabilized gibbsite platelets. Our findings are corroborated by an analysis of the static structure factor from a simple density functional theory.
Phase-controlled, heterodyne laser-induced transient grating measurements of thermal transport properties in opaque material
Authors: Johnson Jeremy A. , Maznev Alexei A. , Bulsara Mayank T. , Fitzgerald Eugene A. , Harman T. C. , Calawa S. , Vineis C. J. , Turner G. , Nelson Keith A.
Published: January 2012

The methodology for a heterodyned laser-induced transient thermal grating technique for non-contact, non-destructive measurements of thermal transport in opaque material is presented. Phase-controlled heterodyne detection allows us to isolate pure phase or amplitude transient grating signal contributions by varying the relative phase between reference and probe beams. The phase grating signal includes components associated with both transient reflectivity and surface displacement whereas the amplitude grating contribution is governed by transient reflectivity alone. By analyzing the latter with the two-dimensional thermal diffusion model, we extract the in-plane thermal diffusivity of the sample. Measurements on a 5 μm thick single crystal PbTe film yielded excellent agreement with the model over a range of grating periods from 1.6 to 2.8 μm. The measured thermal diffusivity of 1.3 × 10−6 m2/s was found to be slightly lower than the bulk value.
Cross-linked biopolymer bundles: Cross-link reversibility leads to cooperative binding/unbinding phenomena
Authors: Vink Richard L. C. , Heussinger Claus
Published: January 2012

We consider a biopolymer bundle consisting of filaments that are cross-linked together. The cross-links are reversible: they can dynamically bind and unbind adjacent filament pairs as controlled by a binding enthalpy. The bundle is subjected to a bending deformation and the corresponding distribution of cross-links is measured. For a bundle consisting of two filaments, upon increasing the bending amplitude, a first-order transition is observed. The transition is from a state where the filaments are tightly coupled by many bound cross-links, to a state of nearly independent filaments with only a few bound cross-links. For a bundle consisting of more than two filaments, a series of first-order transitions is observed. The transitions are connected with the formation of an interface between regions of low and high cross-link densities. Combining umbrella sampling Monte Carlo simulations with analytical calculations, we present a detailed picture of how the competition between cross-link shearing and filament stretching drives the transitions. We also find that, when the cross-links become soft, collective behavior is not observed: the cross-links then unbind one after the other leading to a smooth decrease of the average cross-link density.
A new method to generate spin-orbit coupled potential energy surfaces: Effective relativistic coupling by asymptotic representation
Authors: Ndome Hameth , Welsch Ralph , Eisfeld Wolfgang
Published: January 2012

A new method has been developed to generate fully coupled potential energy surfaces including derivative and spin-orbit coupling. The method is based on an asymptotic (atomic) representation of the molecular fine structure states and a corresponding diabatization. The effective relativistic coupling is described by a constant spin-orbit coupling matrix and the geometry dependence of the coupling is accounted for by the diabatization. This approach is very efficient, particularly for certain systems containing a very heavy atom, and yields consistent results throughout nuclear configuration space. A first application to a diatomic system is presented as proof of principle and is compared to accurate ab initio calculations. However, the method is widely applicable to general polyatomic systems in full dimensionality, containing several relativistic atoms and treating higher order relativistic couplings as well.
Band-structure, optical properties, and defect physics of the photovoltaic semiconductor SnS
Authors: Vidal Julien , Lany Stephan , d’Avezac Mayeul , Zunger Alex , Zakutayev Andriy , Francis Jason , Tate Janet
Published: January 2012

SnS is a potential earth-abundant photovoltaic (PV) material. Employing both theory and experiment to assess the PV relevant properties of SnS, we clarify on whether SnS has an indirect or direct band gap and what is the minority carrier effective mass as a function of the film orientation. SnS has a 1.07 eV indirect band gap with an effective absorption onset located 0.4 eV higher. The effective mass of minority carrier ranges from 0.5 m0 perpendicular to the van der Waals layers to 0.2 m0 into the van der Waals layers. The positive characteristics of SnS feature a desirable p-type carrier concentration due to the easy formation of acceptor-like intrinsic Sn vacancy defects. Potentially detrimental deep levels due to SnS antisite or S vacancy defects can be suppressed by suitable adjustment of the growth condition towards S-rich.
Dust acoustic solitary waves in a dusty plasma with two kinds of nonthermal ions at different temperatures
Authors: Dorranian Davoud , Sabetkar Akbar
Published: January 2012

The nonlinear dust acoustic solitary waves in a dusty plasma with two nonthermal ion species at different temperatures is studied analytically. Using reductive perturbation method, the Kadomtsev-Petviashivili (KP) equation is derived, and the effects of nonthermal coefficient, ions temperature, and ions number density on the amplitude and width of soliton in dusty plasma are investigated. It is shown that the amplitude of solitary wave of KP equation diverges at critical points of plasma parameters. The modified KP equation is also derived, and from there, the soliton like solutions of modified KP equation with finite amplitude is extracted. Results show that generation of rarefactive or compressive solitary waves strongly depends on the number and temperature of nonthermal ions. Results of KP equation confirm that for different magnitudes of ions temperature (mass) and number density, mostly compressive solitary waves are generated in a dusty plasma. In this case, the amplitude of solitary wave is decreased, while the width of solitary waves is increased. According to the results of modified KP equation for some certain magnitudes of parameters, there is a condition for generation of an evanescent solitary wave in a dusty plasma.
Temperature dependence of current conduction in semi-insulating 4H-SiC epitaxial layer
Authors: Muzykov Peter G. , Krishna Ramesh M. , Mandal Krishna C.
Published: January 2012

We have investigated temperature dependence (94 K–650 K) of current conduction in semi-insulating 4H-SiC epitaxial layer. The epitaxial layer was grown on highly doped n-type (0001) 4H-SiC substrate using chemical vapor deposition with dichlorosilane precursor. The current—voltage (I-V) characteristics exhibited steps at ∼1 V and ∼70 V that were attributed to the filling of deep level centers by injected electrons. Correlation of the I-V characteristics with the results of thermally stimulated current measurements showed that deep centers peaked at 242 K, 285 K, and 500 K, were responsible for the steps in the I-V characteristics. Slow processes of the injected carrier capture on traps resulted in the I-V characteristic with negative differential resistance.
Coexistence of type-I and type-II band alignments in antimony-incorporated InAsSb quantum dot nanostructures
Authors: Mazur Yu. I. , Dorogan V. G. , Salamo G. J. , Tarasov G. G. , Liang B. L. , Reyner C. J. , Nunna K. , Huffaker D. L.
Published: January 2012

Antimony-incorporated InAsSb quantum dots (QDs) are grown by molecular beam epitaxy on GaAs(001) substrates. The QD density increases ∼7 times while the QD height decreases ∼50% due to the increase of QD nucleation sites after Sb incorporation into the GaAs buffer layer and into the InAs QDs. These Sb-incorporated InAsSb QDs show red-shift in the photoluminescence (PL) spectrum and large energy separation between confined energy levels. More interestingly, besides the typical type-I QD transition, an additional peak from the recombination at wetting layer interface develops as the excitation laser intensity increases. This peak clearly exhibits type-II characteristics from the measurement of a large blue-shift of the PL peak and a long PL decay time. Finally, the mechanism of the coexistence of type-I and type-II band alignments is discussed.
Metal insulator transition with ferrimagnetic order in epitaxial thin films of spinel NiCo2O4
Authors: Silwal Punam , Miao Ludi , Stern Ilan , Zhou Xiaolan , Hu Jin , Ho Kim Dae
Published: January 2012

We have grown epitaxial thin films of spinel NiCo2O4 on single crystalline MgAl2O4 (001) substrates by pulsed laser deposition. Magnetization measurement revealed hysteresis loops consistent with the reported ferrimagnetic order. The electrical transport exhibits a metallic behavior with the lowest resistivity of 0.8 mΩ cm and a metal insulator transition around the Néel temperature. The systematic variation in the properties of the films grown at different growth temperatures indicates a close relationship between the magnetic order and electrical transport.
Reaction dynamics of Mo + O2 → MoO + O studied by a crossed-beam velocity map imaging technique
Authors: Honma Kenji , Matsumoto Yoshiteru
Published: January 2012

The oxidation reaction dynamics of gas-phase molybdenum atoms by oxygen molecules was studied under a crossed-beam condition. The product MoO was detected by a time-of-flight mass spectrometer combined with laser multi-photon ionization. An acceleration lens system designed for the ion-velocity mapping condition, a two-dimensional (2D) detector, and a time-slicing technique were used to obtain the velocity and angular distributions of the products at three collision energies: 10.0, 17.8, and 50.0 kJ/mol. The angular distributions showed forward and backward peaks, whose relative intensities changed by the collision energy. While two peaks had similar intensities at low collision energies, the forward peak became dominant at the highest collision energy, 50 kJ/mol. The product kinetic energy distributions showed a good correlation with the initial collision energies, i.e., almost the same energy as the collision energy appeared as the product kinetic energy. These results suggested that the reaction proceeds via an intermediate complex, and the lifetime of the complex becomes shorter than its rotational period at high collision energy.
Angular measurement of acoustic reflection coefficients by the inversion of V(z, t) data with high frequency time-resolved acoustic microscopy
Authors: Chen Jian , Bai Xiaolong , Yang Keji , Ju Bing-Feng
Published: January 2012

For inspection of mechanical properties and integrity of critical components such as integrated circuits or composite materials by acoustic methodology, it is imperative to evaluate their acoustic reflection coefficients, which are in close correlation with the elastic properties, thickness, density, and attenuation and interface adhesion of these layered structures. An experimental method based on angular spectrum to evaluate the acoustic coefficient as a function of the incident angle, θ, and frequency, ω, is presented with high frequency time-resolved acoustic microscopy. In order to achieve a high spatial resolution for evaluation of thin plates with thicknesses about one or two wavelengths, a point focusing transducer with a nominal center frequency of 25 MHz is adopted. By measuring the V(z, t) data in pulse mode, the reflection coefficient, R(θ, ω), can be reconstructed from its two-dimensional spectrum. It brings simplicity to experimental setup and measurement procedure since only single translation of the transducer in the vertical direction is competent for incident angle and frequency acquisition. It overcomes the disadvantages of the conventional methods requiring the spectroscopy for frequency scanning and/or ultrasonic goniometer for angular scanning. Two substrates of aluminum and Plexiglas and four stainless plates with various thicknesses of 100 μm, 150 μm, 200 μm, and 250 μm were applied. The acoustic reflection coefficients are consistent with the corresponding theoretical calculations. It opened the way of non-destructive methodology to evaluate the elastic and geometrical properties of very thin multi-layers structures simultaneously.
Weakly dissipative dust-ion-acoustic solitons in complex plasmas and the effect of electromagnetic radiation
Authors: Losseva T. V. , Popel S. I. , Golub’ A. P. , Izvekova Yu. N. , Shukla P. K.
Published: January 2012

Possibility for dust ion-acoustic solitons to exist in complex (dusty) plasmas in the presence of electromagnetic radiation, which results in positive dust particle charges, is investigated. Dissipative processes occurring during the propagation of dust ion-acoustic perturbations, among which are the charging of dust grains, the absorption of ions by grains, the transfer of the ion momentum to the grains, and ion-neutral collisions, are taken into account. Temporal evolution of the soliton-like perturbation and interaction of two soliton-like perturbations are studied. Compressive soliton-like perturbations are shown to possess the main properties of the soltons, in particular, the interacting perturbations conserve their form.
Experimental demonstration of a compact high efficient relativistic magnetron with directly axial radiation
Authors: Li Wei , Liu Yong-gui , Shu Ting , Yang Han-wu , Fan Yu-wei , Yuan Cheng-wei , Zhang Jun
Published: January 2012

A compact relativistic magnetron with axial microwave radiation is experimentally investigated. Under the modified magnetic field distribution, only connecting a special horn antenna in the axial direction, the relativistic magnetron can stably radiate high power and high efficiency microwaves. The total length of the device is ∼0.3 m, and the volume is ∼0.014m3. In such working condition that the applied voltage is 539 kV and the magnetic field is ∼0.38 T, the output microwave power is ∼1.24 GW. Correspondingly, the total efficiency is about 34.1%. The radiating frequency is 2.35GHz, which is in agreement with the π mode frequency of the theoretical expectation.
Type-Ia Supernova Rates and the Progenitor Problem: A Review
Authors: Maoz D. , Mannucci F.
Published: January 2012

The identity of the progenitor systems of type-Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) is a major unsolved problem in astrophysics. SN Ia rates are providing some striking clues. We review the basics of SN rate measurement, preach about some sins of SN rate measurement and analysis, and illustrate one of these sins with an analogy about Martian scientists. We review the recent progress in measuring SN Ia rates in various environments and redshifts, and their use to reconstruct the SN Ia delay-time distribution (DTD)—the SN rate versus time that would follow a hypothetical brief burst of star formation. A good number of DTD measurements, using a variety of methods, appear to be converging. At delays 1 <t<10 Gyr, these measurements show a similar, ∼t−1, power-law shape. The DTD peaks at the shortest delays probed. This result supports the idea of a double-degenerate progenitor origin for SNe Ia. Single-degenerate progenitors may still play a role in producing short-delay SNe Ia, or perhaps all SNe Ia, if the red-giant donor channel is more efficient than is found by most theoretical models. The DTD normalization enjoys fairly good agreement (though perhaps some tension), among the various measurements, with a Hubble time–integrated DTD value of about 2 ± 1 SNe Ia per 1000M⊙ (stellar mass formed with a low–mass turnover initial mass function). The local WD binary population suggests that the WD merger rate can explain the Galactic SN Ia rate, but only if sub-Chandra mergers lead to SN Ia events. We point to some future directions that should lead to progress in the field, including measurement of the bivariate (delay and stretch) SN Ia response function.
Practitioner perceptions of the use of the Triple P - Positive Parenting Program with families from culturally diverse backgrounds
Authors: Morawska Alina , Sanders Matthew R. , O'Brien Jennifer , McAuliffe Christine , Pope Sue , Anderson Emily
Published: January 2012

Parenting programs are effective as a means of preventing and treating child emotional and behavioural problems; however, engagement of families from culturally diverse populations has been low. The perceptions of practitioners who conduct parent consultations with families from culturally diverse backgrounds were assessed to examine the perceived suitability of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program. Practitioners rated the program as moderately acceptable. Previous training in parenting intervention and years of experience working with parents impacted on practitioner ratings, as did the type of practitioner profession. Practitioners identified certain barriers to parents’ participation and preferred traditional face-to-face delivery formats. Practitioner perceptions may influence parental access to parenting programs. To enhance parental access to parenting interventions, practitioners may require additional training and education about parental preferences and evidence based practice.
Music preferences and personality among Japanese university students
Authors: Brown R. A.
Published: January 2012

Little research has been conducted outside of the European–North American cultural area concerning the personality‐based determinants of musical genre preferences The present research investigated the personality profiles and general music genre preferences of 268 Japanese college students. Six dimensions and 24 facets of personality, and 12 music genres, were assessed. Results indicated that, consistent with much previous research, openness (to experience) and particularly the facet of “aesthetic appreciation” were associated with a preference for “reflective” music (jazz, classical, opera, gospel, enka), while one extraversion facet (sociability) was associated with the preference for pop music. Other personality dimensions were less consistently associated with musical preferences, pointing to cultural differences and the need to assess both personality and music genres at more specific levels.
TNF-induced osteoclastogenesis and inflammatory bone resorption are inhibited by transcription factor RBP-J
Authors: Zhao Baohong , Grimes Shannon N. , Li Susan , Hu Xiaoyu , Ivashkiv Lionel B.
Published: January 2012

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bone resorption and associated morbidity in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis. Mechanisms that regulate the direct osteoclastogenic properties of TNF to limit pathological bone resorption in inflammatory settings are mostly unknown. Here, we show that the transcription factor recombinant recognition sequence binding protein at the Jκ site (RBP-J) strongly suppresses TNF-induced osteoclastogenesis and inflammatory bone resorption, but has minimal effects on physiological bone remodeling. Myeloid-specific deletion of RBP-J converted TNF into a potent osteoclastogenic factor that could function independently of receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) signaling. In the absence of RBP-J, TNF effectively induced osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption in RANK-deficient mice. Activation of RBP-J selectively in osteoclast precursors suppressed inflammatory osteoclastogenesis and arthritic bone resorption. Mechanistically, RBP-J suppressed induction of the master regulator of osteoclastogenesis (nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 1) by attenuating c-Fos activation and suppressing induction of B lymphocyte–induced maturation protein-1, thereby preventing the down-regulation of transcriptional repressors such as IRF-8 that block osteoclast differentiation. Thus, RBP-J regulates the balance between activating and repressive signals that regulate osteoclastogenesis. These findings identify RBP-J as a key upstream negative regulator of osteoclastogenesis that restrains excessive bone resorption in inflammatory settings.
Ten‐year prognosis of heart failure in the community: follow‐up data from the Echocardiographic Heart of England Screening (ECHOES) study
Authors: Taylor Clare J. , Roalfe Andrea K. , Iles Rachel , Hobbs F.D. Richard
Published: January 2012

Aims

This study investigates the 10‐year survival in the ECHOES (Echocardiographic Heart of England Screening) study and examines factors associated with prognosis.

Methods and results

A prospective study was carried out to investigate 10‐year survival in those with heart failure (HF) and/or left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD). The mean age of participants in ECHOES was 64, and 50% were male. Records of all 6162 screened participants were flagged, and deaths up to 25 February 2009 were coded. Causes of death were categorized according to diagnosis on death certificate. Kaplan–Meier curves and log rank tests were used to compare survival times of participants with HF and LVSD in different diagnostic groups. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to identify variables associated with risk of death. A total of 2062 of the 6162 (33.5%) participants had died at the census date in February 2009. Of these deaths, 902 (43.7%) were due to cardiovascular disease, including 263 (12.8%) due to HF. Ten‐year survival was 75% for participants without HF, 26.7% for those with HF, 37.6% for those with LVSD, and 27.4% for those with HF and LVSD. Multiple‐cause HF had a 10‐year survival of 11.6%. Multiple variables including diabetes, valvular disease, diuretic use, and a previous label of HF, as well as lifestyle factors such as smoking and obesity, were associated with increased risk of death.

Conclusions

Patients with HF and LVSD have a poor prognosis. However, the mortality rates of all‐cause, all‐stage HF as measured in the ECHOES cohort are around half those reported for patients diagnosed for the first time with HF during hospital admission.
Targeting myocardial substrate metabolism in heart failure: potential for new therapies
Authors: Ardehali Hossein , Sabbah Hani N. , Burke Michael A. , Sarma Satyam , Liu Peter P. , Cleland John G.F. , Maggioni Aldo , Fonarow Gregg C. , Abel E. Dale , Campia Umberto , Gheorghiade Mihai
Published: January 2012

The incidence and prevalence of heart failure have increased significantly over the past few decades. Available data suggest that patients with heart failure independent of the aetiology have viable but dysfunctional myocardium that is potentially salvageable. Although a great deal of research effort has focused on characterizing the molecular basis of heart failure, cardiac metabolism in this disorder remains an understudied discipline. It is known that many aspects of cardiomyocyte energetics are altered in heart failure. These include a shift from fatty acid to glucose as a preferred substrate and a decline in the levels of ATP. Despite these demonstrated changes, there are currently no approved drugs that target metabolic enzymes or proteins in heart failure. This is partly due to our limited knowledge of the mechanisms and pathways that regulate cardiac metabolism. Better characterization of these pathways may potentially lead to new therapies for heart failure. Targeting myocardial energetics in the viable and potentially salvageable tissue may be particularly effective in the treatment of heart failure. Here, we will review metabolic changes that occur in fatty acid and glucose metabolism and AMP‐activated kinase in heart failure. We propose that cardiac energetics should be considered as a potential target for therapy in heart failure and more research should be done in this area.
Principles of neurological rehabilitation
Authors: Donaghy Michael
Published: January 2012

Neurology has an undeserved reputation for being a speciality where diagnosis requires great intellectual effort, although from which little therapeutic intervention flows. The reader will form their own opinion about the difficulty of making diagnoses, but now neurological rehabilitation can offer all patients great help subsequently. Other chapters discuss the roles of specific medical and surgical treatments in transforming neurological patients’ lives; this chapter discusses the role of neurological rehabilitation in focusing primarily on reducing limitations on patient activities rather than by detailing the specific nature of these individual interventions.

Neurological rehabilitation can be defined as a process that aims to optimize a person’s participation in society and sense of well-being. This definition highlights several important features: rehabilitation is not a particular type of intervention; the focus is on the patient as a person; the goals relate to social functioning, as well as health or well-being; it is not a process restricted to patients who may recover, partially or completely, but applies to all patients left with long-term problems. The contrast to traditional neurology is in the broader scope, extending well away from the underlying pathology but always being fully informed by the paramount importance of the primary diagnosis.

This chapter will start by giving a fuller description of rehabilitation in terms of structure, represented by the resources needed, process, consisting of what happens, and outcome, defined by the goals. Subsequently the general evidence supporting neurological rehabilitation as a process is reviewed. It is not practicable to review the wide range of high class randomized controlled trial evidence investigating different and detailed aspects of the process. Some specific diseases and specific clinical problems are considered in Section 6.4.

Neurological rehabilitation has a sound theoretical and conceptual basis derived from the World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Functioning, the WHO ICF (Wade and Halligan 2004) and from a general problem-solving approach (Wade 2005). There is strong evidence supporting its effectiveness as a process, and reasonable evidence in support of some specific treatments. The approach of neurological rehabilitation extends the intellectual challenge of neurology; in most clinical situations the physician and the wider rehabilitation team have to make pragmatic decisions based on incomplete information concerning many important factors.
The Large Hadron Collider and Grid computing
Authors: Geddes Neil
Published: January 2012

We present a brief history of the beginnings, development and achievements of the worldwide Large Hadron Collider Computing Grid (wLCG). The wLCG is a huge international endeavour, which is itself embedded within, and directly influences, a much broader computing and information technology landscape. It is often impossible to identify true cause and effect, and they may appear very different from the different perspectives (e.g. information technology industry or academic researcher). This account is no different. It represents a personal view of the developments over the last two decades and is therefore inevitably biased towards those things in which the author has been personally involved.
Effects of altered estuarine submerged macrophyte bed cover on the omnivorous Cape stumpnoseRhabdosargus holubi
Authors: Sheppard J. N. , Whitfield A. K. , Cowley P. D. , Hill J. M.
Published: January 2012

The ecological importance of submerged macrophyte beds to fishes within estuaries was investigated through the example of the ubiquitous Cape stumpnoseRhabdosargus holubi, an omnivorous, vegetation and estuary‐dependent species, using stable‐isotope techniques and long‐term abundance (catch‐per‐unit‐effort) data from the East Kleinemonde Estuary, South Africa. Outputs from a Bayesian mixing model usingδ13C andδ15N signatures indicated that the submerged macrophytesRuppia cirrhosaandPotamogeton pectinatuswere not a primary source of nutrition forR.holubi, confirming previous work that revealed that macrophytes are consumed but not digested. Long‐term seine netting data showed reduced abundance ofR. holubiduring a prolonged period of macrophyte senescence, suggesting that submerged macrophyte habitats provide shelter that reduces mortality (predation risk) and a food‐rich foraging area.
Development of workplace‐based assessments of non‐technical skills in anaesthesia*
Authors: Crossingham G. V. , Sice P. J. A. , Roberts M. J. , Lam W. H. , Gale T. C. E.
Published: January 2012

Non‐technical skills are recognised as crucial to good anaesthetic practice. We designed and evaluated a specialty‐specific tool to assess non‐technical aspects of trainee performance in theatre, based on a system previously found reliable in a recruitment setting. We compared inter‐rater agreement (multir‐ater kappa) for live assessments in theatre with that in a selection centre and a video‐based rater training exercise. Twenty‐seven trainees participated in the first in‐theatre assessment round and 40 in the second. Round‐ 1 scores had poor inter‐rater agreement (mean kappa = 0.20) and low reliability (generalisability coefficient G = 0.50). A subsequent assessor training exercise showed good inter‐rater agreement, (mean kappa = 0.79) but did not improve performance of the assessment tool when used in round 2 (mean kappa = 0.14, G = 0.42). Inter‐rater agreement in two selection centres (mean kappa = 0.61 and 0.69) exceeded that found in theatre. Assessment tools that perform reliably in controlled settings may not do so in the workplace.
Expression of the proliferation marker Ki‐67 associates with tumour staging and clinical outcome in differentiated thyroid carcinomas
Authors: Müssig Karsten , Wehrmann Tobias , Dittmann Helmut , Wehrmann Manfred , Ueberberg Bianca , Schulz Stefan , Bares Roland , Petersenn Stephan
Published: January 2012

Objective

Although the prognosis of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) is excellent, with 10‐year survival rates of about 90%, about one‐third of patients experiences recurrent disease. We aimed to identify novel histological prognostic factors to optimize treatment and follow‐up of patients at risks.

Design

Retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed from January 1990 to March 2004.

Subjects

A total of 93 patients diagnosed with DTC of which 67 with papillary and 26 with follicular histology.

Measurements

Analysis of immunohistochemical expression of somatostatin receptor (sst) subtypes 1–5, glucose transporter‐1 (GLUT‐1), receptor tyrosine kinase c‐KIT, oestrogen and progesterone receptors, and proliferation marker Ki‐67 and correlation with the patients’ clinical outcome.

Results

DTC showed immunohistochemical expression of GLUT‐1, C‐KIT and progesterone receptor in a high percentage of cases (range: 57–80%). In contrast, the oestrogen receptor as well as the sst subtypes 1–5 was less frequently detected (range: 15–29%). Mean staining of the proliferation marker Ki‐67 was 6% positive cells (range 0–20%). Ki‐67 expression was significantly associated with tumour staging (ρ = 0·2076, P = 0·0459), whereas the other histopathological markers were not associated with gender, age, tumour entity, or tumour classification. Tumour staging and expression of Ki‐67, oestrogen receptor and sst2, but of none of the other histopathological factors, independently predicted the clinical outcome 5 years after definitive treatment (P < 0·0001, P < 0·0001, P = 0·0004 and P = 0·0206, respectively).

Conclusions

In patients with DTC, Ki‐67 expression associates with tumour staging and clinical outcome.
Taxonomic relatedness does not matter for species surrogacy in the assessment of community responses to environmental drivers
Authors: Bevilacqua Stanislao , Terlizzi Antonio , Claudet Joachim , Fraschetti Simonetta , Boero Ferdinando
Published: January 2012

1. Taxonomic sufficiency concerns the use of higher‐taxon diversity as a surrogate for species diversity. It represents a fast and cost‐effective method to assess community responses to natural and anthropogenic environmental drivers. In spite of the potential applications of using higher taxa as surrogates for species, little research has been carried out to determine the underlying reasons that might make taxonomic surrogacy effective for detecting diversity changes.

2. Here, we determine whether the effectiveness of higher taxa as species surrogates relies mostly on taxonomic relatedness of species (i.e. the relative closeness of species in the Linnaean taxonomic hierarchy) or depends simply on the numerical ratio between species and higher taxa (i.e. the degree of species aggregation). We reviewed the current literature on taxonomic sufficiency to check for any correlation between the effectiveness of higher taxa and the degree of species aggregation across different types of organisms. Tests based on random simulations from diverse marine mollusc assemblages were also carried out to ascertain whether the ability of higher taxa to detect variation in the multivariate structure of assemblages depended on the degree of species aggregation.

3. Mollusc data showed that information loss and the ensuing decrease in statistical power to detect natural or human‐driven changes in assemblages at higher taxonomic levels depend on the degree of species aggregation, rather than on the taxonomic resolution employed. Analyses of the literature suggested that such outcomes could be generalizable to a wide range of organisms and environmental settings.

4. Our findings do not support the idea of a direct relationship between taxonomic relatedness and ecological similarity among species. This indicates that taxonomic ranks higher than species may not provide ecologically meaningful information, because higher taxa can behave as random groups of species unlikely to convey consistent responses to natural or human‐driven environmental changes.

5. Synthesis and applications. Surrogates of species‐level information can be based on the ‘highest practicable aggregation’ of species, irrespective of their taxonomic relatedness. Our findings cast doubt on static taxonomical groupings, legitimizing the use of alternative ways to aggregate species to maximize the use of species surrogacy.
FTO and Obesity: A Problem for a Billion People
Authors: Yeo Giles S. H.
Published: January 2012

It is an inescapable fact that obesity results from consuming more energy than you burn. The interesting question, however, is why some people eat more than others? Recent genetic analyses have revealed that variations in the fat mass and obesity‐associated (FTO) gene are robustly associated with obesity and increased food intake. This association is replicable across different age groups in multiple populations and attention is now turned to studying the complex biology of FTO.
Human temporomandibular joint and myofascial pain biochemical profiles: a case‐control study
Authors: BASI D. L. , VELLY A. M. , SCHIFFMAN E. L. , LENTON P. A. , BESSPIATA D. A. , RANKIN A. M. , HUGHES P. J. , SWIFT J. Q. , KEHL L. J.
Published: January 2012

Summary  Neurobiological mechanisms of human musculoskeletal pain are poorly understood. This case‐control study tested the hypothesis that biomarkers within temporomandibular muscle and joint disorders (TMJD) subjects’ masseter muscles or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) synovial fluid correlate with plasma biomarker concentrations. Fifty subjects were recruited and categorized into TMJD cases (n = 23) and pain‐free controls (n = 27) at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. Prior to specimen collection, pain intensity and pressure pain threshold masseter muscles and the TMJs were assessed. We collected venous blood; biopsied masseter muscle; and sampled TMJ synovial fluid on the subjects’ side of maximum pain intensity. We assayed these tissues for the presence of nerve growth factor (NGF), bradykinin (BK), leukotreine B4 (LTB4) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), F2‐isoprostane (F2I) and substance P (SP). The data was analyzed using Spearman Correlation Coefficients. We found that only plasma concentrations of bradykinin statistically correlated with synovial fluid concentrations (ρ = −0·48, P = 0·005), but no association was found between pain intensities. The data suggests that biomarkers used to assess TMJD need to be acquired in a site‐specific manner. We also discovered that F2I concentrations were associated with muscle pain intensity and muscle pressure pain threshold (PTT) (β = 0·4, 95%CI: 0·03–0·8) and joint PPT (β = 0·4, 95%CI: 0·07–0·8) suggesting that muscle oxidative stress is involved in myofascial pain and that F2‐I may be a biomarker for myofascial pain.