bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced magnetic moments of Fe clusters supported on MgO/Fe(001) ultrathin films
Authors: Martinez Umberto , Pacchioni Gianfranco , Illas Francesc
Published: May 2009

We report on the unusual behavior of Fen clusters (n≤6) supported on ultrathin oxide films. When the film is grown on a Mo(001) support, the cluster magnetic moments exhibit a similar quenching as on the bare MgO(001) surface while on MgO/Fe(001) films the magnetization is enhanced due to a charge transfer from the Fe clusters to the MgO/Fe(001) interface. These results obtained using a spin-polarized density functional approach show the potential of using ultrathin films to tune the properties of supported magnetic particles.
Dependence of the macroscopic contact angle on the liquid-solid interaction parameters and temperature
Authors: Berim Gersh O. , Ruckenstein Eli
Published: May 2009

The solid-vapor and solid-liquid surface tensions of a fluid in contact with smooth solid surfaces as well as the liquid-vapor surface tension are determined on the basis of a nonlocal density functional theory in wide ranges of temperature and parameters of Lennard-Jones potentials used to represent the fluid-fluid and fluid-solid interactions. The contact angle θ of a macroscopic drop on the solid surface, calculated using the Young equation at various temperatures and various values of the hard core parameter σfs of the fluid-solid interaction potential, exhibited a simple linear dependence on the fluid-solid energy parameter ϵfs. At a certain (critical) value ϵfs=ϵ0 which depends on σfs, the contact angle acquires a value θ0 which is almost independent of temperature and σfs. If a drop makes with the surface a contact angle θ>θ0 (this occurs for ϵfs<ϵ0), then θ increases with increasing temperature. Vice versa, if on a given surface θ<θ0 (ϵfs>ϵ0) then θ decreases with increasing temperature. The simple expression derived previously (G. O. Berim and E. Ruckenstein, J. Chem. Phys. 130, 044709 (2009)) for a nanodrop on a solid surface, which relates in a unified form the contact angle θ to the parameters of the interaction potentials and temperature, remains valid for macroscopic drops with some parameters slightly modified.
Backside observation of large-scale integrated circuits with multilayered interconnections using laser terahertz emission microscope
Authors: Yamashita Masatsugu , Otani Chiko , Kawase Kodo , Matsumoto Toru , Nikawa Kiyoshi , Kim Sunmi , Murakami Hironaru , Tonouchi Masayoshi
Published: May 2009

We have developed a laser terahertz emission microscope utilizing excitation laser pulses at 1.06 μm wavelength for the inspection and localization of electrical failures in large-scale integrated circuits with multilayered interconnection structures. The system enables to measure terahertz emission images from the backside of a large-scale integrated circuits chip with a multilayered interconnection structure that prevents the observation from the front side. By comparing the terahertz emission images, we successfully distinguish a normal circuit from damaged ones with different positions of the interconnection defects without any electrical probing.
Transport of energetic electrons in a magnetically expanding helicon double layer plasma
Authors: Takahashi Kazunori , Charles Christine , Boswell Rod , Cox Wes , Hatakeyama Rikizo
Published: May 2009

Peripheral magnetic field lines extending from the plasma source into the diffusion chamber are found to separate two regions of Maxwellian electron energy probability functions: the central, ion-beam containing region with an electron temperature of 5 eV, and region near the chamber walls with electrons at 3 eV. Along the peripheral field lines a bi-Maxwellian population with a hot tail at 9 eV is shown to both originate from electrons in the source traveling downstream across the double layer and correspond to a local maximum in ion and electron densities.
An atomistic-continuum hybrid simulation of fluid flows over superhydrophobic surfaces
Authors: Li Qiang , He Guo-Wei
Published: May 2009

Recent experiments have found that slip length could be as large as on the order of 1 μm for fluid flows over superhydrophobic surfaces. Superhydrophobic surfaces can be achieved by patterning roughness on hydrophobic surfaces. In the present paper, an atomistic-continuum hybrid approach is developed to simulate the Couette flows over superhydrophobic surfaces, in which a molecular dynamics simulation is used in a small region near the superhydrophobic surface where the continuum assumption is not valid and the Navier-Stokes equations are used in a large region for bulk flows where the continuum assumption does hold. These two descriptions are coupled using the dynamic coupling model in the overlap region to ensure momentum continuity. The hybrid simulation predicts a superhydrophobic state with large slip lengths, which cannot be obtained by molecular dynamics simulation alone.
Brahman and Brahman crossbred cattle grown on pasture and in feedlots in subtropical and temperate Australia. 3. Feed efficiency and feeding behaviour of feedlot-finished animals
Authors: Schutt K. M. , Arthur P. F. , Burrow H. M.
Published: May 2009

The objective of this experiment was to quantify differences in feed efficiency and feeding behaviour of 470 heifers and steers by Brahman, Belmont Red, Santa Gertrudis, Angus, Hereford, Shorthorn, Charolais and Limousin sires mated to Brahman dams. Animals were bred in subtropical Queensland and finished in a temperate New South Wales feedlot. Animals averaged 598 days of age and 425.8 kg at the start of the feed intake test period. Sire breeds did not differ for eating rate, feed conversion ratio or relative growth rate. Generally, higher daily feed intakes (DFI) corresponded with higher average daily gains (ADG). Straightbred Brahmans fed the most frequently (16.6 ± 0.8 sessions/day; P < 0.05) but spent the least time eating of all breeds (67.4 ± 2.7 min/day; P < 0.001). Least squares means for Brahman, Belmont Red, Santa Gertrudis, Angus, Hereford, Shorthorn, Charolais and Limousin sired progeny, respectively, for residual feed intake (RFI; P < 0.05) were 0.02 ± 0.16, 0.14 ± 0.13, –0.10 ± 0.23, 0.54 ± 0.17, –0.27 ± 0.18, 0.29 ± 0.18, –0.46 ± 0.16 and –0.21 ± 0.13 kg/day, and for ADG (P < 0.001) were 1.06 ± 0.05, 1.17 ± 0.04, 1.52 ± 0.08, 1.47 ± 0.06, 1.46 ± 0.06, 1.46 ± 0.06, 1.35 ± 0.06 and 1.38 ± 0.05 kg/day. While straightbred Brahmans did not differ from all other sire breeds for RFI, their lower appetite relative to crossbred contemporaries resulted in the lowest DFI (P < 0.001) and lowest ADG (P < 0.001) overall. Angus sired crosses were the least efficient feeders and spent the most time eating, consumed the most feed and had the highest RFI, but were not significantly different to Santa Gertrudis and Shorthorn crosses for these traits. Angus sired crosses spent 24.1 and 15.4 min/day more time eating (P < 0.001) than straightbred Brahmans and Charolais crosses, and consumed 35 and 13% more feed (P < 0.001) respectively. Charolais sired crosses were the most feed efficient with the lowest RFI and intermediate DFI, and did not differ significantly from the highest ranking sire breeds for ADG or Kleiber ratio. While Belmont Red crosses did not differ from all breeds for RFI, they had significantly lower DFI than British and Santa Gertrudis crosses resulting in lower ADG (P < 0.001) relative to these sire breeds. Therefore, selection of Charolais, Hereford, Limousin and Santa Gertrudis sire breeds would result in the most feed efficient (low RFI) crosses with Brahman without any sacrifice in ADG.
Consequences of prenatal and preweaning growth for feedlot growth, intake and efficiency of Piedmontese- and Wagyu-sired cattle
Authors: Cafe L. M. , Hennessy D. W. , Hearnshaw H. , Morris S. G. , Greenwood P. L.
Published: May 2009

Consequences of low (mean 28.0 kg, n = 77) and high (mean 38.4 kg, n = 77) birthweight followed by slow (mean 548 g/day, n = 75) or rapid (mean 859 g/day, n = 79) growth to weaning for feedlot growth, intake and efficiency from 26 to 30 months of age were determined in Wagyu × Hereford (n = 81) and Piedmontese × Hereford (n = 73) cattle. Cattle were selected for study based on birthweight and preweaning growth rate, from multi-modal distributions achieved by imposition of low or high maternal nutrition during pregnancy and lactation, with the objective of achieving as close as possible to a 30% difference in birthweight and a 2-fold difference in preweaning growth rate between progeny groups. High birthweight cattle entered the intake test 57 kg heavier, grew 100 g/day more rapidly, and ate 1.0 kg dry matter /day more than the low birthweight cattle. The high birthweight cattle tended to have a higher feed conversion ratio than low birthweight cattle, but net feed intake did not differ due to birthweight group. Cattle grown rapidly to weaning entered the intake test 29 kg heavier, grew at an equivalent rate, and ate 0.7 kg dry matter/day more than the cattle grown slowly to weaning. No differences in feed conversion ratio or net feed intake were observed between the preweaning groups. When assessed at the same liveweight, differences in dry matter intake and/or feed conversion ratio due to birthweight or preweaning growth were no longer apparent. Interactions between prenatal and preweaning growth, or between sire genotype and early-life growth, were not evident for feedlot growth, intake or efficiency. It is concluded that severely restricted growth during prenatal life or from birth to weaning results in cattle that are smaller and consume less feed at the same age as their well grown counterparts; however, long-term effects of growth during early life on efficiency of utilisation of feed are not evident.
Genetics of adaptive traits in heifers and their relationship to growth, pubertal and carcass traits in two tropical beef cattle genotypes
Authors: Prayaga K. C. , Corbet N. J. , Johnston D. J. , Wolcott M. L. , Fordyce G. , Burrow H. M.
Published: May 2009

Genetic analyses of tropical adaptive traits were conducted for two tropically adapted genotypes, Brahman (BRAH) and Tropical Composite (TCOMP). Traits included tick scores (TICK), faecal egg counts (EPG), buffalo fly-lesion scores (FLY), rectal temperatures under hot conditions (TEMP), coat scores (COAT), coat colour on a light to dark scale (COLOUR), navel scores (NAVEL) and temperament measured as flight time (FT). The data comprised adaptive measures recorded at specific times on 2071 heifers comprising 966 BRAH and 1105 TCOMP. The genetic correlations of these adaptive traits with heifer growth, scanned carcass, pubertal measures and steer growth and carcass traits were estimated. BRAH recorded significantly (P < 0.05) lower TICK, EPG, FLY and TEMP than did TCOMP. BRAH also had significantly sleeker coats, lighter coat colour, more pendulous navels and more docile temperament than did TCOMP. The heritability of TICK and FLY was low (<20%), that of EPG, TEMP, NAVEL and FT was moderate (20–50%) and that of COAT and COLOUR high (>50%). In general, phenotypic correlations between these adaptive traits were low and genetic correlations were non-significant, implying trait independence. Genetic correlations between EPG and weight traits (0.29 to 0.44) indicated a positive relationship, implying no deleterious effect of worms on the growth at a genetic level, especially in TCOMP. The negative genetic correlations between COAT and body-condition score across genotypes (–0.33 to –0.48) indicated genetic advantage of sleek coats in tropics. A positive genetic correlation between COAT and the age at the first-observed corpus luteum (0.73) in BRAH indicated that BRAH with sleeker coats were genetically early maturing. Further, sleeker coats were genetically indicative of lower weights and lower fat cover at puberty in BRAH. The scanned fat measures at rump and rib sites for feedlot steers showed strong genetic correlation (0.50–0.58) with heifer TEMP, indicating genetically fatter animals had genetically lower heat tolerance. In BRAH, a positive genetic association between heifer COLOUR and scanned fat measures in steers (0.50–0.54) implied increased fatness in genetically darker animals. Further, in BRAH, a strong negative genetic correlation (–0.97) was observed between steer retail beef yield and heifer TEMP, indicating a favourable genetic association. In general, genetic correlations between adaptive traits and other economic traits were genotype specific. Further, it can be concluded that selection for productive and pubertal traits in tropical beef cattle genotypes would not adversely affect their tropical adaptability.
Genetics of steer daily and residual feed intake in two tropical beef genotypes, and relationships among intake, body composition, growth and other post-weaning measures
Authors: Barwick S. A. , Wolcott M. L. , Johnston D. J. , Burrow H. M. , Sullivan M. T.
Published: May 2009

Genetic parameters for Brahman (BRAH) and Tropical Composite (TCOMP) cattle were estimated for steer production traits recorded at weaning (WEAN), 80 days post-weaning (POSTW), feedlot entry (ENTRY) and after ∼120 days feedlot finishing (EXIT). The TCOMP was 50% Bos indicus, African Sanga or other tropically adapted Bos taurus, and 50% non-tropically adapted Bos taurus. Data involved 2216 steers, comprising 1007 BRAH by 53 sires and 1209 TCOMP by 50 sires. Individual daily feed intake (DFI) and residual feed intake (RFI) were assessed on 680 BRAH and 783 TCOMP steers over an ~70-day feedlot test. Other traits were liveweight (LWT), average daily gain (ADG), ultrasonically scanned rump (SP8) fat depth, rib (SRIB) fat depth, M. longissimus area (SEMA) and intra-muscular fat % (SIMF), body condition score (CS), hip height (HH), flight time (FT) and serum insulin-like growth factor-I concentration (IGF-I).
BRAH were significantly (P < 0.05) lighter at ENTRY and EXIT, and had lower DFI (10.8 v. 13.2 kg/day) and RFI (–0.30 v. 0.17 kg/day), greater SP8 (5.8 v. 5.1 mm) but similar SRIB at ENTRY, lower SRIB (8.2 v. 8.9 mm) but similar SP8 at EXIT, and greater HH than TCOMP. Heritabilities for DFI, RFI, LWT, ADG, scanned body composition, HH and IGF-I measures, across measurement times, were generally in the 20 to 60% range for both genotypes. Genetic variance for RFI was 0.19 (kg/day)2 in BRAH and 0.41 (kg/day)2 in TCOMP, suggesting a clear potential to genetically change RFI in both genotypes. Trait variances and genetic correlations often differed between the genotypes, supporting the use of genotype-specific parameters in genetic evaluation. The genotype differences may be associated with evolutionary changes that have occurred in B. indicus as a part of their adaptation to tropical environments.
Measures with potential to be used as genetic indicators of DFI were LWT measures in BRAH and TCOMP, ADG at ENTRY in TCOMP, and SP8 and SIMF at ENTRY in BRAH. Measures with potential to be genetic indicators of RFI were HH and ADG at ENTRY in BRAH, and IGF-I in both genotypes. Taller and faster-growing BRAH steers at ENTRY had genetically lower RFI. IGF-I was negatively genetically correlated with RFI whether IGF-I was measured at POSTW, ENTRY or EXIT. SRIB fatness at EXIT was strongly positively genetically correlated with RFI in TCOMP but only lowly correlated in BRAH. Fatness at ENTRY was lowly and negatively genetically correlated with RFI. The results emphasise the need for a population-specific understanding of trait relationships and of trait differences between measurement times if genetic indicator traits are to be utilised in genetic evaluation of RFI.
Economic effects of alternate growth path, time of calving and breed type combinations across southern Australian beef cattle environments: feedlot finishing at the New South Wales experimental site
Authors: Davies B. L. , Alford A. R. , Griffith G. R.
Published: May 2009

The ‘Regional Combinations’ project and its biophysical outcomes have been described in several other papers in this special edition. The information provided in these papers allows an evaluation of the most profitable beef cattle production systems across different environments in southern Australia. In this paper, the focus is on the New South Wales experimental site where the trial animals were finished in a feedlot. The data identified liveweight gain as the biggest driver of profitability of production. Between growth treatments, there was a large difference in the gross margins before feedlot entry between the ‘fast’ and ‘slow’ treatments favouring the fast-grown animals, even after accounting for the higher cost of producing pasture capable of sustaining faster growth. However, the slow growth treatments consistently outperformed the fast growth treatments in the feedlot. In terms of breeds, the European breed types consistently outperformed the Wagyu breeds. There were no time-of-calving experiments in New South Wales.
Performance of steer progeny of sires differing in genetic potential for fatness and meat yield following post-weaning growth at different rates. 1. Growth and live-animal composition
Authors: Wilkins J. F. , McKiernan W. A. , Irwin J. , Orchard B. , Barwick S. A.
Published: May 2009

The present experiment, ‘Regional Combinations’, examined growth, and carcass- and meat-quality traits in the progeny of sires genetically diverse for fatness and meat yield when grown at different rates from weaning to feedlot entry. The present paper is the first of several papers describing results from the New South Wales site, one of four in the project. It reports the effects on growth and body composition of steers during backgrounding and feedlot finishing phases. A total of 43 sires within three carcass-class categories, defined as high potential for meat yield, for marbling or for both traits, was used, based on estimated breeding values for retail beef yield and intramuscular fat. Sires were drawn from Angus, Charolais, Limousin, Black Wagyu and Red Wagyu breeds, providing a range of carcass sire types across the three carcass classes. Matings were by artificial insemination to Hereford dams from a single herd. Steer progeny were grown at conventional (slow: ~0.5 kg/day) or accelerated (fast: ~0.7 kg/day) rates from weaning to feedlot entry weight, targeting group means of 400 kg. Accelerated and conventionally grown groups from successive calvings entered the feedlot at similar entry liveweights at the same time, then having identical management during the 100-day finishing phase before slaughter. Within finishing cohorts, fast backgrounding growth resulted in increased subcutaneous fatness at feedlot entry in steers of all carcass types. Slow growth during backgrounding resulted in faster (compensatory) growth in the feedlot in all classes and sire types. This increased the deposition of fat in slow-backgrounded steers compared with that in fast-backgrounded steers during feedlotting, and thus reduced the difference between the groups in P8 and rib fat at feedlot exit. However, there did appear to be an advantage in the level of compensation in the feedlot in favour of those sire types with a genetic propensity for faster growth. Backgrounding growth rate affected body composition and the rate of weight gain during finishing. Faster growth produced more subcutaneous fat during both backgrounding and finishing. Steer progeny groups clearly showed the expected responses in growth and body composition, on the basis of the genetic potential of their sires.
Genetics of meat quality and carcass traits and the impact of tenderstretching in two tropical beef genotypes
Authors: Wolcott M. L. , Johnston D. J. , Barwick S. A. , Iker C. L. , Thompson J. M. , Burrow H. M.
Published: May 2009

Meat quality and carcass traits were measured for 2180 feedlot finished Brahman (BRAH) and Tropical Composite (TCOMP) steers to investigate genetic and non-genetic influences on shear force, and other meat quality traits. Genetic and phenotypic correlations were estimated between carcass and meat quality traits, and with live animal measurements collected in steers from weaning to feedlot exit, and their heifer half-sibs up to their first mating, which were managed in Australia’s tropical or subtropical environments. Left sides of carcasses were tenderstretched (hung by the aitch-bone) while right sides were conventionally hung (by the Achilles tendon). Tenderstretching reduced mean shear force by 1.04 kg, and phenotypic variance by 77% of that observed in conventionally hung sides. Genotype differences existed for carcass traits, with TCOMP carcasses significantly heavier, fatter, with greater eye muscle area, and lower retail beef yield than BRAH. TCOMP had lower shear force, and higher percent intramuscular fat. Meat quality and carcass traits were moderately heritable, with estimates for shear force and compression of 0.33 and 0.19 for BRAH and 0.32 and 0.20 for TCOMP respectively. In both genotypes, estimates of heritability for carcass traits (carcass weight, P8 and rib fat depths, eye muscle area and retail beef yield) were consistently moderate to high (0.21 to 0.56). Shear force and compression were genetically correlated with percent intramuscular fat (r
g = –0.26 and –0.57, respectively), and meat colour (r
g = –0.41 and –0.68, respectively). For TCOMP, lower shear force was genetically related to decreased carcass P8 fat depth (r
g = 0.51). For BRAH steers and heifers measured at pasture, fatness traits and growth rates were genetically correlated with shear force, although the magnitude of these relationships varied with time of measurement. Net feed intake was significantly genetically correlated with carcass rib fat depth (r
g = 0.49), eye muscle area (r
g = –0.42) and retail beef yield (r
g = –0.61). These results demonstrate that selection to improve production and carcass traits can impact meat quality traits in tropically adapted cattle, and that genotype specific evaluations will be necessary to accommodate different genetic relationships between meat quality, carcass and live animal traits.
Genetics of heifer puberty in two tropical beef genotypes in northern Australia and associations with heifer- and steer-production traits
Authors: Johnston D. J. , Barwick S. A. , Corbet N. J. , Fordyce G. , Holroyd R. G. , Williams P. J. , Burrow H. M.
Published: May 2009

A total of 2115 heifers from two tropical genotypes (1007 Brahman and 1108 Tropical Composite) raised in four locations in northern Australia were ovarian-scanned every 4–6 weeks to determine the age at the first-observed corpus luteum (CL) and this was used to define the age at puberty for each heifer. Other traits recorded at each time of ovarian scanning were liveweight, fat depths and body condition score. Reproductive tract size was measured close to the start of the first joining period. Results showed significant effects of location and birth month on the age at first CL and associated puberty traits. Genotypes did not differ significantly for the age or weight at first CL; however, Brahman were fatter at first CL and had a small reproductive tract size compared with that of Tropical Composite. Genetic analyses estimated the age at first CL to be moderately to highly heritable for Brahman (0.57) and Tropical Composite (0.52). The associated traits were also moderately heritable, except for reproductive tract size in Brahmans (0.03) and for Tropical Composite, the presence of an observed CL on the scanning day closest to the start of joining (0.07). Genetic correlations among puberty traits were mostly moderate to high and generally larger in magnitude for Brahman than for Tropical Composite. Genetic correlations between the age at CL and heifer- and steer-production traits showed important genotype differences. For Tropical Composite, the age at CL was negatively correlated with the heifer growth rate in their first postweaning wet season (–0.40) and carcass marbling score (–0.49), but was positively correlated with carcass P8 fat depth (0.43). For Brahman, the age at CL was moderately negatively genetically correlated with heifer measures of bodyweight, fatness, body condition score and IGF-I, in both their first postweaning wet and second dry seasons, but was positively correlated with the dry-season growth rate. For Brahman, genetic correlations between the age at CL and steer traits showed possible antagonisms with feedlot residual feed intake (–0.60) and meat colour (0.73). Selection can be used to change the heifer age at puberty in both genotypes, with few major antagonisms with steer- and heifer-production traits.
Large-river delta-front estuaries as natural “recorders” of global environmental change
Authors: Bianchi Thomas S. , Allison Mead A.
Published: May 2009

Large-river delta-front estuaries (LDE) are important interfaces between continents and the oceans for material fluxes that have a global impact on marine biogeochemistry. In this article, we propose that more emphasis should be placed on LDE in future global climate change research. We will use some of the most anthropogenically altered LDE systems in the world, the Mississippi/Atchafalaya River and the Chinese rivers that enter the Yellow Sea (e.g., Huanghe and Changjiang) as case-studies, to posit that these systems are both “drivers” and “recorders” of natural and anthropogenic environmental change. Specifically, the processes in the LDE can influence (“drive”) the flux of particulate and dissolved materials from the continents to the global ocean that can have profound impact on issues such as coastal eutrophication and the development of hypoxic zones. LDE also record in their rapidly accumulating subaerial and subaqueous deltaic sediment deposits environmental changes such as continental-scale trends in climate and land-use in watersheds, frequency and magnitude of cyclonic storms, and sea-level change. The processes that control the transport and transformation of carbon in the active LDE and in the deltaic sediment deposit are also essential to our understanding of carbon sequestration and exchange with the world ocean—an important objective in global change research. U.S. efforts in global change science including the vital role of deltaic systems are emphasized in the North American Carbon Plan (www.carboncyclescience.gov).
Alternating
syn-anti
bacteriochlorophylls form concentric helical nanotubes in chlorosomes
Authors: Ganapathy Swapna , Oostergetel Gert T. , Wawrzyniak Piotr K. , Reus Michael , Gomez Maqueo Chew Aline , Buda Francesco , Boekema Egbert J. , Bryant Donald A. , Holzwarth Alfred R. , de Groot Huub J. M.
Published: May 2009

Chlorosomes are the largest and most efficient light-harvesting antennae found in nature, and they are constructed from hundreds of thousands of self-assembled bacteriochlorophyll (BChl)
c
,
d
, or
e
pigments. Because they form very large and compositionally heterogeneous organelles, they had been the only photosynthetic antenna system for which no detailed structural information was available. In our approach, the structure of a member of the chlorosome class was determined and compared with the wild type (WT) to resolve how the biological light-harvesting function of the chlorosome is established. By constructing a triple mutant, the heterogeneous BChl
c
pigment composition of chlorosomes of the green sulfur bacteria
Chlorobaculum tepidum
was simplified to nearly homogeneous BChl
d
. Computational integration of two different bioimaging techniques, solid-state NMR and cryoEM, revealed an undescribed
syn-anti
stacking mode and showed how ligated BChl
c
and
d
self-assemble into coaxial cylinders to form tubular-shaped elements. A close packing of BChls via π–π stacking and helical H-bonding networks present in both the mutant and in the WT forms the basis for ultrafast, long-distance transmission of excitation energy. The structural framework is robust and can accommodate extensive chemical heterogeneity in the BChl side chains for adaptive optimization of the light-harvesting functionality in low-light environments. In addition,
syn-anti
BChl stacks form sheets that allow for strong exciton overlap in two dimensions enabling triplet exciton formation for efficient photoprotection.
A sociocultural framework for language policy and planning
Authors: Cross Russell
Published: May 2009

Since the early 1990s, language policy and planning (LPP) has undergone significant theoretical shifts in how it understands policy, concurrent with corresponding shifts in understandings of language, and particularly language use, more broadly. This paper draws on recent developments within linguistics that understand language from the perspective of Vygotskian sociocultural theory, and the role of language and other sociocultural artefacts in the mediation of human activity and social practice. The purpose of this discussion is to consider the potential of sociocultural theory as the basis for a broader meta-theoretical framework to understand the interrelationship between macro and micro analyses of policy and practice within LPP. The paper concludes with a consideration of the issues this raises for methodology in the study of LPP, as well as the implications for the practice of LPP itself.
New technologies and terminological pressure in lesser-used languages
Authors: Baxter Robert Neal
Published: May 2009

Taking the impact of the Wikipedia on the Breton language as a case in point, whilst highlighting the huge potential benefits that new technologies have to offer to economically less viable languages as a whole, this article discusses the way internet-based systems can have an impact on the terminological pressure exerted on such languages in many specialised areas. The article goes on to analyse possible conflict resolution mechanisms for competing terminological strategies and the relative merits and shortcomings of each. While centred on the specific case of a European “minority” or “lesser used” language, the article shows the extent to which the discussion and findings can also be relevant to the way other equally economically challenged languages around the globe can evolve and develop unfettered, thanks to the use of free-access virtual resources such as Wikipedia.
On the Other Side: The Russian–Ukrainian Encounter in Displacement, 1920–1939
Authors: Soroka Mykola
Published: May 2009

From the historical and scholarly perspective, Russian-Ukrainian relations occupy a unique niche in inter-ethnic relations, as they are framed by long-standing “fraternal rivalry,” imperial and colonial experience, and a complex understanding of identity, which are still at work today. Although the phenomenon has been the subject of numerous studies, little has been done to explore their encounter in emigration. The scope of these works has been limited to examining the relations between these two groups in the familiar territory of their homelands (i.e. either in the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, or in the period following the dissolution of the Soviet Union), and scholars have usually not made a strict delimitation between the concepts of the homeland and hostland. But certainly, the Russian–Ukrainian encounter in emigration in the interwar period created its own discourse, which differed from the pre-revolutionary and Soviet discourses. Its main features are (1) further alienation and a feeling of difference between the two groups; (2) a growing metaphysical view of the homeland, accompanied by ethno-symbolic manifestations of national identity; and (3) a sense of mission to preserve their culture and identity from erosion engineered by the Bolsheviks.
On the Inadequacy of the Ethnic/Civic Antinomy: The Language Politics of Bulgarian Nationalism
Authors: Toshkov Alex
Published: May 2009

Introduction

The significance of language and literature as formative to national identity is a major trope within studies of nationalism. The act of imagining and realizing a nation and a nation-state along these lines has been tackled from multiple angles including folklore, linguistics, historical studies of educational institutions and their curricula, with a prominent place reserved for textbook analysis. Even though historical studies for the most part have underscored the rapidity and novelty of these processes, a temporal claim that is part and parcel of the larger and fundamental assertion that nationalism is a modern phenomenon, these processes are negotiated over a period of decades. In Braudelian terms, the standardization of a national language would fall somewhere betweenconjonctureandévénement.
The Student-Intelligentsia in sub-Saharan Africa: Structural Adjustment, Activism and Transformation
Authors: Zeilig Leo
Published: May 2009

University students acquired a politically privileged status in much of sub-Saharan Africa; this was connected to the role the student-intelligentsia played in the struggles for independence. After independence, student activism became an important feature of the new states. However, higher education on the continent came under sustained attack in the 1980s and 1990s, with the policies of the IMF and World Bank reversing the generous funding national universities had received. This cast student activists into a world transformed by political and economic forces, contested in waves of popular protest. While students in many cases maintained their status as politically privileged actors, they now did so in countries where there had been a convergence of popular classes. This article charts some of these developments, and argues that the student-intelligentsia has played a diverse and contradictory role in the recent political and economic upheavals on the continent.
The Design of an Environment for Monitoring and Controlling Remote Sensor Networks
Authors: Chatzigiannakis Ioannis , Mylonas Georgios , Nikoletseas Sotiris
Published: May 2009

In this work we present the design of jWebDust, a software environment for monitoring and controlling sensor networks via a web interface. Our software architecture provides a range of services that allow to create customized applications with minimum implementation effort that are easy to administrate. We present its open architecture, the most important design decisions, and discuss its distinct features and functionalities. jWebDust will allow heterogeneous components to operate in the same sensor network, and the integrated management and control of multiple such networks by defining web-based mechanisms to visualize the network state, the results of queries, and a means to inject queries in the network.
A Service-Based Entropic Model for Sensors Orchestration
Authors: Sadasivam Rajani S. , Goli Ravikumar , Kathiru Rajesh , Krishnan Adisesh , Thompson Stanley , Tuncer Yalcin , Tanik Murat M.
Published: May 2009

Naval research programs are focusing on a distributed architecture approach for successful migration of data from one region to another. This presents a challenging area of modeling and managing the distributed approaches. This article describes a service-based model, which comprises of two steps that are decomposition and orchestration, for effectively managing distributed cluster networks. The contribution of this paper is two-fold. First, the article describes in detail the information transfer and entropy based decomposition approach. Second, it demonstrates the effectiveness of the orchestration approach to address challenges in distributed clusters using a simulation. We have implemented the decomposition approach in both Java and Matlab for verification.
Sensor Network Self-Organization Using Random Graphs
Authors: Brooks Richard R.
Published: May 2009

Sensor networks are deployed in, and react with, chaotic environments. Self-organizing peer-to-peer networks have admirable survivability characteristics. This chapter discusses random network formalisms for designing, modeling, and analyzing survivable sensor networks. Techniques are given for determining critical values. Applications in system security and surveillance networks are given.
Solving problems using matrix, network, and hierarchy diagrams: The consequences of violating construction conventions
Authors: Hurley Sean M. , Novick Laura R.
Published: May 2009

In order for a diagram to be useful for solving a problem, it must be constructed so that its perceptual features facilitate inferences relevant to that problem. In Experiment 1, we established the construction conventions, which relate to how information is assigned to different parts of the diagram, for three spatial representations—networks, hierarchies, and matrices. In Experiment 2, participants solved problems using diagrams that either followed or violated these conventions. As hypothesized, participants took longer to draw inferences from convention-violating matrix and network diagrams than from their convention-following counterparts, and these inferences were less accurate. Convention adherence did not affect reasoning time or accuracy for hierarchy diagrams. The authors concluded that the construction conventions are related to perceptual features that facilitate certain types of inferences for matrix and network diagrams, and they discussed why this might not have been the case for the hierarchy.
Automatic activation of addition facts in arithmetic word problems
Authors: Orrantia Josetxu , Rodríguez Laura , Vicente Santiago
Published: May 2009

Studies of mental arithmetic have shown that adults solve simple arithmetic problems by retrieving an answer automatically from a network of stored associations. However, most studies have been limited to single-digit addition and multiplication problems. In this article, we examine whether retrieval is also automatic in the context of more complex arithmetic tasks, such as arithmetic word problems. To test this hypothesis, we used a priming procedure with a target-naming task, in which the primes were the numbers included in two sentences containing the numerical information of an arithmetic word problem (e.g., 3 and 2 in “Joe had 3 marbles. Then Tom gave him 2 marbles”), and the targets were either congruent (e.g., 5) or incongruent (e.g., 8) with the prime. A neutral prime was also used replacing the numbers of the problem by capital letters (e.g., X and Y). Manipulating the relationship between the prime and the target and the duration of time that separates these two events, the overall results revealed shorter times in naming the congruent target than in a neutral condition and longer times in naming the incongruent target, even though mental arithmetic was completely irrelevant to the task. These results support the notion that automaticity of arithmetic-fact retrieval is not limited to simple addition, but it is also possible in other tasks, such as arithmetic word problems, which demand more cognitive resources than single-digit addition.
Parliamentary democracy and the representation of women in Arab countries
Authors: Soufi Hana
Published: May 2009

This article deals with the question of parliamentary democracy and female representation in the Arab world in both statistical and historical contexts. The role of women is considered in societies across history from the ancient period to the modern as well as the correlation between women’s suffrage and actual political participation with relative development and underdevelopment of countries in the post-modern period. Historical as well as cultural factors – including those with direct bearing on the Arab world – are examined as is the disparity between the letter of the law and social and political practice.
The third oil boom. Preliminary reading of its causes and magnitude: the setting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
Authors: AlKuwari Ali
Published: May 2009

The author provides an informative account of the Third Oil Boom and its impact on the economies of the Gulf States. Beginning by tracing the reasons behind its inception, he examines solutions for investment in alternative sources such as sand oil, oil-extraction from deep waters, shale oil as well as bio-fuel in a cost-benefit analysis. In the second half of this study, the author provides statistics and tables to explain the upsurge in oil prices and revenue values of these states as precipitated by the Third Oil Boom and how this eventually led into an economy of surplus budgets in the Gulf region. Finally, he tackles the grave repercussions of the current financial crisis on such economies.
High Frequency of Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Rods in 2 Neonatal Intensive Care Units in the Philippines
Authors: Litzow Jennifer M. , Gill Christopher J. , Mantaring Jose B. V. , Fox Matthew P. , MacLeod William B. , Mendoza Myrna , Mendoza Sookee , Scobie Rebecca , Huskins Charles W. , Goldman Donald A. , Hamer David H.
Published: May 2009

Background.

Although hospital-acquired infections appear to be a growing threat to the survival of newborns in the developing world, the epidemiology of this problem remains poorly characterized.

Methods.

During a 10-month period, we conducted prospective longitudinal surveillance for colonization and bloodstream infection caused by gram-negative rods among all infants hospitalized in the 2 largest neonatal intensive care units in Manila, the Philippines. We determined antibiotic susceptibilities and calculated adjusted odds ratios for risk factors for bacteremia by means of multivariate logistic regression.

Results.

Of 1,831 neonates enrolled during a 10-month period, 1,017 (55.5%) became newly colonized and 358 (19.6%) became bacteremic with a drug-resistant gram-negative rod, most commonly Klebsiella species, Enterobacter species, Acinetobacter species, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Of the invasive isolates, 20% were resistant to imipenem, 41% to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, 52% to amikacin, 63% to ampicillin-sulbactam, 67% to ceftazidime, and 80% to tobramycin. The factors significantly associated with an increased risk of bacteremia were mechanical ventilation and prematurity. Additionally, colonization with a drug-resistant gram-negative rod was an independent risk factor for bacteremia (odds ratio, 1.4 [95% confidence interval, 1.0-1.9]).

Conclusions.

Colonization with a drug-resistant gram-negative rod was an independent risk factor for sepsis. If our data are typical, the unusually high intensity of colonization pressure and disease caused by multidrug-resistant gram-negative rods at these 2 neonatal intensive care units indicates an emerging healthcare crisis in the developing world. Improved infection control methods are therefore critically needed in developing countries.
LUMINOUS RED GALAXY POPULATION IN CLUSTERS AT 0.2⩽ z ⩽0.6
Authors: Ho Shirley , Lin Yen-Ting , Spergel David , Hirata Christopher M.
Published: May 2009

We investigate statistical properties of luminous red galaxies (LRGs) in a sample of X-ray-selected galaxy clusters at intermediate redshift (0.2 ⩽ z ⩽ 0.6) of mass range from ∼1 × 1014 
M
☉ to ∼8 × 1014 
M
☉. The LRGs are selected based on carefully designed color criteria, and the cluster membership is assessed via photometric redshifts. As clusters and LRGs are both viewed as promising tracer of the underlying dark matter distribution, understanding the distribution of LRGs within clusters is an important issue. Our main findings include (1) the halo occupation distribution (HOD) of LRGs inside our cluster sample is 〈N(M)〉 = k(M/1014
h
−1 
M
☉)
a
, where a = 0.495 ± 0.105 and k = 1.455 ± 0.285 assuming a Poisson distribution for N(M). If we assume the form of 〈N(M)〉 = 1 + k(M/1014
h
−1 
M
☉)
a
, where a = 0.580 ± 0.130 and k = 0.975 ± 0.240 assuming a Poisson distribution for N(M). (2) The HOD of LRGs [N(M)] and the satellite distribution of LRGs [N(M) − 1] are both consistent with being Poisson. To be more quantitative, we find Var(N)/〈N〉 = 1.43 ± 0.35 and Var(N − 1)/〈N − 1〉 = 1.82 ± 0.50. (3) The radial profile of LRGs within clusters when fitted with a Navarro–Frenk–White profile gives a concentration of 17.5+7.1
−4.3 (6.0+3.2
−1.9) including (excluding) brightest LRGs (BLRGs). In essence, the BLRGs are more concentrated toward the center of the clusters than the other LRGs in clusters. We also discuss the implications of these observations on the evolution of massive galaxies in clusters.
DIANA-mirPath: Integrating human and mouse microRNAs in pathways
Authors: Papadopoulos G. L. , Alexiou P. , Maragkakis M. , Reczko M. , Hatzigeorgiou A. G.
Published: May 2009

Summary: DIANA-mirPath is a web-based computational tool developed to identify molecular pathways potentially altered by the expression of single or multiple microRNAs. The software performs an enrichment analysis of multiple microRNA target genes comparing each set of microRNA targets to all known KEGG pathways. The combinatorial effect of co-expressed microRNAs in the modulation of a given pathway is taken into account by the simultaneous analysis of multiple microRNAs. The graphical output of the program provides an overview of the parts of the pathway modulated by microRNAs, facilitating the interpretation and presentation of the analysis results.

Availability: The software is available at http://microrna.gr/mirpath and is free for all users with no login or download requirement.

Contact:  papadopoulos@fleming.gr or hatzigeorgiou@fleming.gr
Media Reporting of the Emergence of the 1968 Influenza Pandemic in Hong Kong: Implications for Modern-day Situational Awareness
Authors: Wilson James M. , Iannarone Marissa , Wang Chunhui
Published: May 2009

Objective:We investigated local media reporting during the emergence of influenza A/Hong Kong/68 in Hong Kong to understand how indolent social awareness contributed to delays in warning of the pandemic.

Methods:Daily output from 1 English-language and 4 local Chinese-language newspapers published in Hong Kong between July 1 and August 31, 1968 were manually reviewed for all references to the presence of respiratory disease or influenza in southern China and Hong Kong. Public announcements from the World Health OrganizationWeekly Epidemiological Recordwere used to approximate international awareness.

Results:Influenza A/Hong Kong/68 appeared abruptly in Hong Kong and within 1 week began to affect the functioning of the health care sector as well as civil infrastructure due to worker infection and absenteeism. Substantial delays in communication between Guangzhou, China, and Hong Kong officials contributed to delays in warning globally.

Conclusions:The 1968 experience emphasizes the need to use the news media in the operational setting as a critical component in warning of a pandemic. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2009;3(Suppl 2):S148–S153)
Parental sex discrimination and intralocus sexual conflict
Authors: Patten Manus M. , Haig David
Published: May 2009

Intralocus sexual conflict occurs when populations segregate for alleles with opposing fitness consequences in the two sexes. This form of selection is known to be capable of maintaining genetic and fitness variation in nature, the extent of which is sensitive to the underlying genetics. We present a one-locus model of a haploid maternal effect that has sexually antagonistic consequences for offspring. The evolutionary dynamics of these maternal effects are distinct from those of haploid direct effects under sexual antagonism because the relevant genes are expressed only in females. Despite this, we find the same opportunity for sexually antagonistic polymorphism at the maternal effect locus as at a direct effect locus. Thus, sexually antagonistic maternal effects may underlie some natural genetic variation. The model we present permits alternative interpretations of how the genes are expressed and how the fitness variation is assigned, which invites a theoretical comparison to models of both imprinted genes and sex allocation.