bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A sightability model for correcting visibility and availability biases in standardized surveys of breeding burrowing owls in southwest agroecosystem environments
Authors: Manning Jeffrey A. , Garton Edward O.
Published: September 2011

Unbiased estimates of burrowing owl populations (Athene cunicularia) are essential to achieving diverse management and conservation objectives. We conducted visibility trials and developed logistic regression models to identify and correct for visibility bias associated with single, vehicle‐based, visual survey occasions of breeding male owls during daylight hours in an agricultural landscape in California between 30 April and 2 May 2007. Visibility was predicted best by a second‐degree polynomial function of time of day and 7 categorical perch types. Probability of being visible was highest in the afternoon, and individuals that flushed, flew, or perched on hay bales were highly visible (>0.85). Visibility was lowest in agricultural fields (<0.46) and nonagricultural vegetation (<0.77). We used the results from this model to compute unbiased maximum likelihood estimates of visibility bias, and combined these with estimated probabilities of availability bias to validate our model by correcting for visibility and availability biases in 4 independent datasets collected during morning hours. Correcting for both biases produced reliable estimates of abundance in all 4 independent validation datasets. We recommend that estimates of burrowing owl abundance from surveys in the southwest United States correct for both visibility and availability biases. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Effect of African‐ and European‐American maternal attitudes and limit‐setting strategies on children's self‐regulation
Authors: LeCuyer Elizabeth A. , Swanson Dena P. , Cole Robert , Kitzman Harriet
Published: September 2011

The effect of maternal attitudes and limit‐setting strategies on children's self‐regulation (measured as committed compliance) was compared in 151 African‐American (AA) and 108 European‐American (EA) mothers and their 3‐year‐old children. There were no ethnic differences in children's compliance, however ethnicity moderated the relationship between maternal authoritarian attitudes and children's compliance. Higher authoritarian attitudes predicted less children's compliance in the EA sample, but greater compliance in the AA sample. Observational limit‐setting data revealed that in both ethnic groups, maternal authoritarian attitudes influenced children's self‐regulation through maternal use of lower‐power (gentle) verbal strategies, fewer physical strategies, and judicious use of higher‐power verbal strategies. The findings indicate that the meaning and purpose of authoritarian attitudes varies across these mothers' socio‐cultural contexts. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 34:468–482, 2011
Uncaria tomentosa (Willd. ex. Roem. & Schult.) DC. and Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Interactions when Administered with Diazepam
Authors: Quílez A. M. , Saenz M. T. , García M. D.
Published: September 2011

The safety of natural drugs is defined by their side effects and toxicity as well as any interactions that may occur if taken together with other drugs. In particular, it is essential to identify synergies, antagonisms and other types of interference with other drugs so that the correct choice can be made from the range of phytomedicines available. The aim of this work was to investigate changes in the pharmacological effect of diazepam (2 mg/kg) on the CNS when administered together with a medicinal plant: Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (eucalyptus 6 mg/kg and 3.25 mg/kg) or Uncaria tomentosa (Willd. ex Roem. & Schult). DC. (cat's claw, 7.14 mg/kg and 3.54 mg/kg). Various different psychopharmacological effects were evaluated through assessing exploratory behavior, muscle relaxation and spontaneous motor activity. Both phytodrugs interacted with the benzodiazepine. Eucalyptus had an inhibitory effect at both doses and could be useful at the highest dose in cases where the desired effect of the depressant is moderate anxiolytic activity without marked muscle relaxation. Cat's claw, at both doses, enhanced the action of diazepam on spontaneous motor activity and, at the lowest dose, exploratory ability. These herbal drugs could be useful for their antiinflammatory activity in musculoskeletal pathologies treated with benzodiazepines. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Review and perspective on surveillance of Bernoulli processes
Authors: Szarka John L. , Woodall William H.
Published: September 2011

Bernoulli processes have been monitored using a wide variety of techniques in statistical process control. The data consist of information on successive items classified as conforming (nondefective) or nonconforming (defective). In some cases, the probability of obtaining a nonconforming item is very small; this is known as a high quality process. This area of statistical process control is also applied to health‐related monitoring, where the incidence rate of a medical problem such as a congenital malformation is of interest. In these applications, standard Shewhart control charts based on the binomial distribution are no longer useful. In our expository paper, we review the methods implemented for these scenarios and present ideas for future work in this area. We offer advice to practitioners and present a comprehensive literature review for researchers. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of α‐cellulose extraction and blue‐stain fungus on retrospective studies of carbon and oxygen isotope variation in live and dead trees
Authors: English Nathan B. , McDowell Nate G. , Allen Craig D. , Mora Claudia
Published: September 2011

Tree‐ring carbon and oxygen isotope ratios from live and recently dead trees may reveal important mechanisms of tree mortality. However, wood decay in dead trees may alter the δ13C and δ18O values of whole wood obscuring the isotopic signal associated with factors leading up to and including physiological death. We examined whole sapwood and α‐cellulose from live and dead specimens of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), one‐seed juniper (Juniperous monosperma), piñon pine (Pinus edulis) and white fir (Abies concolor), including those with fungal growth and beetle frass in the wood, to determine if α‐cellulose extraction is necessary for the accurate interpretation of isotopic compositions in the dead trees. We found that the offset between the δ13C or δ18O values of α‐cellulose and whole wood was the same for both live and dead trees across a large range of inter‐annual and regional climate differences. The method of α‐cellulose extraction, whether Leavitt‐Danzer or Standard Brendel modified for small samples, imparts significant differences in the δ13C (up to 0.4‰) and δ18O (up to 1.2‰) of α‐cellulose, as reported by other studies. There was no effect of beetle frass or blue‐stain fungus (Ophiostoma) on the δ13C and δ18O of whole wood or α‐cellulose. The relationships between whole wood and α‐cellulose δ13C for ponderosa, piñon and juniper yielded slopes of ~1, while the relationship between δ18O of whole wood and α‐cellulose was less clear. We conclude that there are few analytical or sampling obstacles to retrospective studies of isotopic patterns of tree mortality in forests of the western United States. Published in 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new isolation procedure of nitrate from freshwater for nitrogen and oxygen isotope analysis
Authors: Huber Benjamin , Bernasconi Stefano M. , Luster Jörg , Pannatier Elisabeth Graf
Published: September 2011

The nitrogen (δ15N) and oxygen isotope (δ18O) analysis of nitrate (NO3–) from aqueous samples can be used to determine nitrate sources and to study N transformation processes. For these purposes, several methods have been developed; however, none of them allows an accurate, fast and inexpensive analysis. Here, we present a new simple method for the isolation of nitrate, which is based on the different solubilities of inorganic salts in an acetone/hexane/water mixture. In this solvent, all major nitrate salts are soluble, whereas all other oxygen‐bearing compounds such as most inorganic carbonates, sulfates, and phosphates are not. Nitrate is first concentrated by freeze‐drying, dissolved in the ternary solvent and separated from insoluble compounds by centrifugation. Anhydrous barium nitrate is then precipitated in the supernatant solution by adding barium iodide. For δ18O analysis, dried Ba(NO3)2 samples are directly reduced in a high‐temperature conversion system to CO and measured on‐line using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). For δ15N analysis, samples are combusted in an elemental analyzer (EA) coupled to an IRMS system. The method has been tested down to 20 µmol NO3– with a reproducibility (1SD) of 0.1‰ for nitrogen and 0.2–0.4‰ for oxygen isotopes. For nitrogen we observed a small consistent 15N enrichment of +0.2‰, probably due to an incomplete precipitation process and, for oxygen, a correction for the incorporation of water in the precipitated Ba(NO3)2 has to be applied. Apart from being robust, this method is highly efficient and low in cost. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prolonged Membrane Depolarization Enhances Midbrain Dopamine Neuron Differentiation via Epigenetic Histone Modifications
Authors: He Xi-Biao , Yi Sang-Hoon , Rhee Yong-Hee , Kim Hyemin , Han Yong-Mahn , Lee Suk-Ho , Lee Hyunsu , Park Chang-Hwan , Lee Yong-Sung , Richardson Eric , Kim Byung-Woo , Lee Sang-Hun
Published: September 2011

Understanding midbrain dopamine (DA) neuron differentiation is of importance, because of physiological and clinical implications of this neuronal subtype. We show that prolonged membrane depolarization induced by KCl treatment promotes DA neuron differentiation from neural precursor cells (NPCs) derived from embryonic ventral midbrain (VM). Interestingly, the depolarization-induced increase of DA neuron yields was not abolished by L-type calcium channel blockers, along with no depolarization-mediated change of intracellular calcium level in the VM-derived NPCs (VM-NPCs), suggesting that the depolarization effect is due to a calcium-independent mechanism. Experiments with labeled DA neuron progenitors indicate that membrane depolarization acts at the differentiation fate determination stage and promotes the expression of DA phenotype genes (tyrosine hydroxylase [TH] and DA transporter [DAT]). Recruitment of Nurr1, a transcription factor crucial for midbrain DA neuron development, to the promoter of TH gene was enhanced by depolarization, along with increases of histone 3 acetylation (H3Ac) and trimethylation of histone3 on lysine 4 (H3K4m3), and decreases of H3K9m3 and H3K27m3 in the consensus Nurr1 binding regions of TH promoter. Depolarization stimuli on differentiating VM-NPCs also induced dissociation of methyl CpG binding protein 2 and related repressor complex molecules (repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor corepressor and histone deacetylase 1) from the CpG sites of TH and DAT promoters. Based on these findings, we suggest that membrane depolarization promotes DA neuron differentiation by opening chromatin structures surrounding DA phenotype genes and inhibiting the binding of corepressors, thus allowing transcriptional activators such as Nurr1 to access DA neuron differentiation gene promoter regions.
Ecotoxicological study of arsenic and lead contaminated soils in former orchards at the Hanford site, USA
Authors: Delistraty Damon , Yokel Jerry
Published: September 2011

The purpose of this study was to assess ecotoxicity of former orchard soils contaminated with lead arsenate pesticides at the Hanford Site in Washington state (USA). Surface soil, plant, and invertebrate samples were collected from 11 sites in former orchard areas. Mean (standard deviation [SD]) for As and Pb in soil were 39.5 (40.6) and 208 (142) mg/kg dry wt, respectively (n = 11). These concentrations exceeded Hanford background levels but were similar to orchard soils elsewhere. In our study, As and Pb soil concentrations were positively and significantly correlated (r = 0.87, Bonferroni P < 0.05). Speciation of total inorganic As in soil (n = 6) demonstrated that As+5 was the dominant form (>99%). Mean (SD) for As and Pb in cheatgrass were 3.9 (7.9) and 12.4 (20.0) mg/kg dry wt, respectively (n = 11), while mean (SD) for As and Pb in darkling beetles were 5.4 (2.6) and 3.9 (3.0) mg/kg dry wt, respectively (n = 8). Linear regressions were constructed to estimate soil to cheatgrass and soil to darkling beetle uptake for As and Pb. These were significant (Bonferroni P < 0.05) only for cheatgrass versus soil (As) and darkling beetle versus soil (Pb). Standardized lettuce seedling and earthworm bioassays were performed with a subset of soil samples (n = 6). No significant effects (P > 0.05) were observed in lettuce survival or growth nor in earthworm survival or sublethal effects. Based on these bioassays, unbounded no observed effect concentrations (NOECs) in soil for As and Pb were 128 and 390 mg/kg dry wt, respectively. However, our range of soil concentrations generally overlapped a set of ecotoxicological benchmarks reported in the literature. Given uncertainty and limited sampling related to our NOECs, as well as uncertainty in generic benchmarks from the literature, further study is needed to refine characterization of As and Pb ecotoxicity in former orchard soils at the Hanford Site. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 29: 10–20, 2014.
Immune dysfunction and liver damage of mice following exposure to lanthanoids
Authors: Cheng Jie , Cheng Zhe , Hu Renping , Cui Yaling , Cai Jingwei , Li Na , Gui Suxing , Sang Xuezi , Sun Qingqing , Wang Ling , Hong Fashui
Published: September 2011

In an effort to investigate the effects of exposure to lanthanoids (Ln) on the immune response and liver function, mice were orally exposed to LaCl3, CeCl3, and NdCl3 at 2, 10, and 20 mg/kg doses for 30 days, respectively; lymphocyte counts, serum IgM level, hematological indices, biochemical parameters of liver functions, and histopathological changes in Ln3+‐treated mice were assessed. Indeed, 20 mg/kg Ln3+ significantly inhibited mice growth and reduced the counts of white blood cells, platelets, and reticulocyte in mice blood. Specifically, in these Ln3+‐treated mice, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD19+ and NK cells, and CD4+/CD8+ ratio as well as serum IgM level were decreased. Furthermore, liver function was disrupted, as evidenced by the increased alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, total bile acid and triglycerides, and the decreased glucose and ratio of albumin to globulin. The cytoarchitecture damage and fatty degeneration in liver caused by Ln3+ at 20 mg/kg dose were also observed. Our findings showed that exposure to Ln affected the cell and humoral immunity and disturbed liver function in mice. In addition, Ce3+ was found to exhibit higher toxicity than La3+ and Nd3+. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 29: 64–73, 2014.
Public Housing in New Orleans Post Katrina: The Struggle for Housing as a Human Right
Authors: Finger Davida
Published: September 2011

This article reflects on the post-Katrina demolition of public housing communities in New Orleans and associated loss of affordable apartments with a focus on the Columbia Parc redevelopment. Some key issues regarding displacement, race, gender, and public housing policies are referenced throughout. A concluding discussion of advocacy efforts to frame housing as a human right highlights a central, unmet movement demand: one for one replacement of all demolished public housing.
Cementless large‐head metal‐on‐metal total hip arthroplasty in patients younger than 60 years—A multicenter early result
Authors: Wu Po‐Ting , Wang Chih‐Jen , Yen Cheng‐Yo , Jian Ji‐Shen , Lai Kuo‐An
Published: September 2011

Large‐head metal‐on‐metal total hip arthroplasty has the theoretical advantages of less wear and better range of motion than traditional polyethylene bearings and seems to be a better choice for young and active patients. We conducted a retrospective study and reported the early results of using such prostheses in 59 patients (70 hips) with a mean age of 43.1 years (range, 23–59 years) at the time of surgery. Osteonecrosis of the femoral head accounted for most diagnoses. Harris Hip Scores and hip range of motion both significantly improved (p < 0.001) at an average follow‐up of 32.6 months (range, 24–48 months). Only one intraoperative calcar fissure was encountered, and it was fixated by cerclage wiring; there was no infection, dislocation, or osteolysis around either the cup or the stem at the latest follow‐up. A postoperative gap in the acetabular component was noted in 24 hips, with a mean depth of 1.11 mm, but this was not correlated with the functional score (p = 0.291). Transient thigh pain, which resolved after 6 months, was observed in six patients but was not related to either the postoperative gap or cup inclination (p = 1.000 and p = 0.664, respectively). All patients resumed their original jobs and recreational activities with little discomfort. Thus far, large‐head metal‐on‐metal total hip arthroplasty has shown excellent early results. The long‐term results and the effects of metal debris and potentially elevated serum metal ion levels require further observation.
Revisiting the late Pleistocene mammal extinction record at Tight Entrance Cave, southwestern Australia
Authors: Faith J. Tyler , O'Connell James F.
Published: September 2011

Tight Entrance Cave (TEC) in southwestern Australia provides a Pleistocene sequence documenting the extinction of 14 large mammal species. This record has been interpreted as indicating that extinctions did not occur during or before the penultimate glacial maximum (PGM) and that humans played a primary role in the extinctions. However, it remains possible that the majority of extinct megafauna persisted no later than the PGM. The TEC extinctions correspond with vegetation change, a cooling/drying trend, increased biomass burning, and increasingly unstable small mammal communities. The initiation of these trends predates human arrival on the continent and implies environmentally mediated extinctions.
The fake food buffet – a new method in nutrition behaviour research
Authors: Bucher T. , van der Horst K. , Siegrist M.
Published: September 2011

Experimental research in behavioural nutrition is often limited by practical applicability. In the present study, we assess the reproducibility and validity of a new experimental method using food replicas. A total of fifty-seven people were invited on two separate occasions with an interval of 2 weeks to serve themselves a meal from a fake food buffet (FFB) containing replica carrots, beans, pasta and chicken. The external validity of the FFB was assessed in a second study by comparing meals served from replica foods (beans, pasta, chicken) with meals served from a corresponding real food buffet (RFB). For the second study, forty-eight participants were invited on two separate occasions; first to serve themselves a meal from the FFB or an RFB and 2 weeks later from the other buffet. The amounts of food items served and (theoretical) energy content were compared. Correlation coefficients between the amounts of fake foods served were 0·77 (95 % CI 0·68, 0·86) for chicken, 0·79 (95 % CI 0·68, 0·87) for carrots, 0·81 (95 % CI 0·69, 0·89) for beans and 0·89 (95 % CI 0·82, 0·93) for pasta. For the FFB meal and the RFB meal, the correlations ranged between 0·76 (95 % CI 0·73, 0·91) for chicken and 0·87 (95 % CI 0·77, 0·92) for beans. The theoretical energy of the fake meal was 132 kJ (32 kcal) lower compared to the energy of the real meal. Results suggest that the FFB can be a valuable tool for the experimental assessment of relative effects of environmental influences on portion sizes and food choice under well-controlled conditions.
Synchronous ossiculoplasty with titanium prosthesis during canal wall down surgery for advanced cholesteatoma: anatomical and hearing outcomes
Authors: Iseri M , Ustundag E , Ulubil A , Ozturk M , Bircan O
Published: September 2011

Objective:

To analyse patients with cholesteatoma undergoing canal wall down mastoidectomy together with ossicular reconstruction with a titanium prosthesis, in order to identify factors associated with hearing outcomes.

Study design:

Retrospective review of 97 cases undergoing single-stage surgical management.

Methods:

All patients underwent canal wall down mastoidectomy. Kurz titanium ossicular prostheses were used for ossicular chain reconstruction. Pre-operative and post-operative air conduction and bone conduction hearing thresholds were obtained at 500, 1000, 2000 and 3000 Hz.

Results:

The mean pure tone average improved from 46.02 ± 14.54 dB pre-operatively to 29.32 ± 14.64 dB post-operatively, for both total and partial ossicular replacement prosthesis groups combined. The mean air–bone gap improved from 30.38 ± 11.12 dB pre-operatively to 15.62 ± 9.65 dB post-operatively, for both groups combined.

Conclusion:

Reconstruction with a titanium prosthesis offers good functional results when performed during canal wall down surgery for advanced cholesteatoma, as a single-stage procedure.
Progress in paediatric parasitology: a preface to a topic focusing on ever younger subjects
Authors: STOTHARD J. RUSSELL , CHIODINI PETER , BOOTH MARK
Published: September 2011

Without realizing it perhaps, the research activities of many parasitologists are often focused upon the study of parasites most commonly found in children. Though there is little recognition of paediatric parasitology as a separate topic within medical parasitology, with the global interest in promotion of maternal and child health, alleviation of diseases associated with poverty and requirements of ‘child-sized’ medicines, a more formal consideration is now timely. Recent research, for example, has highlighted that defining precisely the ‘first-age’ at which parasites interfere with a child's health, or normal developmental processes, is being revised. Attention is now drawn towards ever younger subjects, for parasites have the capacity to also influence the health of the foetus within the in utero environment, altering immune-development. These subtle, yet evolutionary profound interactions perhaps manifest themselves as to why some children are more prone to infection(s), develop overt disease and sadly die while others do not. Here, we address the growing importance of paediatric parasitology and its applications within disease control strategies as highlighted in the 2010 Autumn Symposium of the British Society of Parasitology.
Discontinuity of topological entropy for Lozi maps
Authors: YILDIZ IZZET BURAK
Published: September 2011

Recently, Buzzi [Maximal entropy measures for piecewise affine surface homeomorphisms. Ergod. Th. & Dynam. Sys.29 (2009), 1723–1763] showed in the compact case that the entropy map f→htop(f) is lower semi-continuous for all piecewise affine surface homeomorphisms. We prove that topological entropy for Lozi maps can jump from zero to a value above 0.1203 as one crosses a particular parameter and hence it is not upper semi-continuous in general. Moreover, our results can be extended to a small neighborhood of this parameter showing the jump in the entropy occurs along a line segment in the parameter space.
Development of a human-computer interface
Authors: Brockett Adrian A , Clark Ian A , Taylor Owen B
Published: September 2011

In this paper we describe the development of a teaching aid for the intensive study of Arabic text samples. To do this, we consider it more useful to adopt the standpoint of the Human-Computer Interface (HCI) engineer, rather than the educational theorist.

Most of the HCI problems we have encountered spring from unique features of the task domain (which is what HCI practitioners call the restricted world in which the computer-assisted worker lives and moves). All real-world applications have unique features. Not infrequently these loom large enough to dominate the design effort. By discussing what are admittedly unique features of the present project, we shall nevertheless cast light upon the general requirement for appropriate HCI tools and techniques in present-day teaching media. We also aim to share our experience of using HyperCard, running on the Apple Macintosh computer, as a course-authoring system.
Multimedia systems for teaching television news
Authors: Meinhof Ulrike , Robey David
Published: September 2011

In present-day language teaching the use of original news programmes received by satellite is becoming more and more important. It is a vital source of up-to-date linguistic material, and gives students a significant sense of direct contact with the country whose language they are studying. But the use of this material presents considerable difficulties. There is not much point in simply asking students to sit through television programmes in the form in which they are broadcast; they tend to fall asleep. Material has to be selected and edited, and a framework of concepts and questions must be constantly provided for purposes of study. Multi-media systems based on microcomputers provide the obvious way of doing this.
Diversity Beliefs as Moderator of the Contact–Prejudice Relationship
Authors: Adesokan Adekemi A. , Ullrich Johannes , van Dick Rolf , Tropp Linda R.
Published: September 2011

Research on intergroup contact has recently begun to examine how individual differences moderate the reduction of prejudice. We extend this work by examining the moderating role of diversity beliefs, i.e., the strength of individuals’ beliefs that society benefits from ethnic diversity. Results of a survey among 255 university students in the United States show that the relationship between contact and reduced prejudice is stronger for individuals holding less favorable diversity beliefs compared to those with more positive diversity beliefs. Likewise, the relationship between contact and perceived importance of contact is stronger for people with less favorable diversity beliefs. Together with previously reported moderator effects, these results suggest that contact especially benefits people who are the most predisposed to being prejudiced.
A genetic in vivo system to detect asymmetrically distributed RNA
Authors: JayaNandanan N , Gavis Elizabeth R , Riechmann Veit , Leptin Maria
Published: September 2011

Many RNAs show polarized or otherwise non‐random subcellular distributions. To create a method for genome‐wide genetic screens for RNAs with asymmetric subcellular distributions, we have combined methods for gene tagging and live imaging of messenger RNA (mRNA). A pilot screen in a highly polarized, differentiated cell in the Drosophila larva, the branched terminal cell of the tracheal system, demonstrates the feasibility of the method for identifying new asymmetrically localized mRNAs in vivo.
The cost of living longer
Authors: Hunter Philip
Published: September 2011

There is an ancient balance struck between immunity and fertility. The ongoing trend in developed societies to have fewer children and later in life, might influence human life expectancy and disease susceptibility.
Of mice and men
Authors: Erren Thomas C , Groß J Valérie , Koch Melissa S , Meyer‐Rochow V Benno
Published: September 2011

Thomas Erren and colleagues point out that studies on light and circadian rhythmicity in humans have their own interesting pitfalls, of which all researchers should be mindful.
BAG-1 diversely affects steroid receptor activity
Authors: Knapp Regina T. , Steiner Andrea , Schmidt Ulrike , Hafner Kathrin , Holsboer Florian , Rein Theo
Published: September 2011

Part of the cellular and physiological functions of BAG-1 (Bcl-2-associated athanogene 1) has been ascribed to the ability of this hsp70 (heat-shock protein 70) co-chaperone to regulate steroid receptor activity. BAG-1 has been reported to inhibit the GR (glucocorticoid receptor) and stimulate the androgen receptor, but to leave the activity of the MR (mineralocorticoid receptor) unchanged. Given the high homology between the MR and GR, this disparity in the actions of BAG-1 is surprising. In the present study, we analysed the effect of BAG-1 on the activity of the closely related PR (progesterone receptor). Similarly to the GR, the transcriptional activity of the PR is inhibited by the long and middle isoforms of BAG-1, BAG-1L and BAG-1M, but not by the short isoform, BAG-1S. We found this inhibition to require the hsp70-binding domain of BAG-1. To shed light on the mechanisms that could explain BAG-1's differential actions on steroid receptors, we tested the binding of BAG-1M to the PR. Mutational analyses of the PR and BAG-1M revealed that the mode of interaction and BAG-1M-mediated inhibition of the PR differs from the reported scenario for the GR. Surprisingly, we also found binding of BAG-1M to the MR. In addition, BAG-1M was able to inhibit the transcriptional activity of the MR. These data entail a reappraisal of the physiological actions of BAG-1M on steroid receptor activity.
Height, Whole Body Surface Area, Gender, Working Outdoors, and Sunbathing in Previous Summer are Important Determinants of Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D Levels
Authors: Pazaitou-Panayiotou K. , Papapetrou P. , Chrisoulidou A. , Konstantinidou S. , Doumala E. , Georgiou E. , Panagiotou V. , Sotiriadou E. , Mavroudi E. , Apostolaki-Christopoulou M.
Published: September 2011

To investigate if serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) is related to the whole Body Surface Area (BSA), and to several other anthropometric and environmental factors.

Serum 25(OH)D was determined in 489 apparently healthy subjects (346 women and 143 men, mean age 43.9 years) in April and May. From all subjects the following data were available: height, body weight, waist to hip ratio, BSA, BMI, environment of work (indoors vs. outdoors), habit of regularly sunbathing during previous summer(s), fear of sun, dwelling in city or village, and skin color.

Approximately 43% of the participants had serum 25(OH)D levels between 10 and 20 ng/ml, 44% had values between 20.1 and 30 ng/ml, whereas about 5% had values below 10 ng/ml and only 9% had values above 30 ng/ml. There was a significant positive relationship between 25(OH)D, height and BSA, which was more pronounced for BSA in obese subjects even after adjustment for work outdoors and sunbathing during previous summer(s). Outdoor workers and sunbathers had higher 25(OH)D compared to indoor workers and non-sunbathers respectively. Men when compared to women had higher 25(OH)D regardless of BMI and this difference was apparently due to the fact that men were taller, had greater BSA, and worked more often outdoors.

Height, whole BSA, gender, working outdoors and sunbathing in previous summer(s) proved to be significant determinants of serum 25(OH)D. Vitamin D status is higher in taller individuals with greater BSA, and in men when compared to women.
Valence anions of N-acetylproline in the gas phase: Computational and anion photoelectron spectroscopic studies
Authors: Chomicz Lidia , Rak Janusz , Paneth Piotr , Sevilla Michael , Ko Yeon Jae , Wang Haopeng , Bowen Kit H.
Published: September 2011

We report the photoelectron spectrum of anionic N-acetylproline, (N-AcPro)−, measured with 3.49 eV photons. This spectrum, which consists of a band centered at an electron binding energy of 1.4 eV and a higher energy spectral tail, confirms that N-acetylproline forms a valence anion in the gas phase. The neutrals and anions of N-AcPro were also studied computationally at the B3LYP/6-31++G(d,p) level. Based on the calculations, we conclude that the photoelectron spectrum is due to anions which originated from proton transfer induced by electron attachment to the π* orbital localized at the acetyl group of N-AcPro. We also characterized the energetics of reaction paths leading to pyrrolidine ring opening in the anionic N-AcPro. These data suggest that electron induced decomposition of peptides/proteins comprising proline strongly depends on the presence of proton donors in the close vicinity to the proline residue.
Instabilities in the homogeneous cooling of a granular gas: A quantitative assessment of kinetic-theory predictions
Authors: Mitrano Peter P. , Dahl Steven R. , Cromer Daniel J. , Pacella Michael S. , Hrenya Christine M.
Published: September 2011

Previous work has indicated that inelastic grains undergoing homogeneous cooling may be unstable, giving rise to the formation of velocity vortices, which may also lead to particle clustering. In this effort, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are performed over a wide parameter space to determine the critical system size demarcating the stable and unstable regions. Specifically, a system of monodisperse, frictionless, inelastic hard spheres is simulated for restitution coefficients e ≥ 0.6 and solids fractions φ ≤ 0.4. Simulations for each e, φ pairing are then carried out over a range of system sizes to determine the critical dimensionless length scale LC/d (L is the system length and d is the particle diameter), above which velocity vortices appear (unstable system) and below which they are suppressed (stable system). The results show excellent agreement with the theoretical predictions obtained by Garzó [Phys. Rev. E 72, 021106 (2005)] using a linear stability analysis of kinetic-theory-based (continuum) equations that were derived from the Enskog equation. Finally, the time required for onset of the unstable behavior is also explored via MD and found to be a universal function of the ratio of L/d to LC/d.
Femtosecond laser-induced crystallization of amorphous Sb2Te3 film and coherent phonon spectroscopy characterization and optical injection of electron spins
Authors: Li Simian , Huang Huan , Zhu Weiling , Wang Wenfang , Chen Ke , Yao Dao-xin , Wang Yang , Lai Tianshu , Wu Yiqun , Gan Fuxi
Published: September 2011

A femtosecond laser-irradiated crystallizing technique is tried to convert amorphous Sb2Te3 film into crystalline film. Sensitive coherent phonon spectroscopy (CPS) is used to monitor the crystallization of amorphous Sb2Te3 film at the original irradiation site. The CPS reveals that the vibration strength of two phonon modes that correspond to the characteristic phonon modes (A1g1 and Eg) of crystalline Sb2Te3 enhances with increasing laser irradiation fluence (LIF), showing the rise of the degree of crystallization with LIF and that femtosecond laser irradiation is a good post-treatment technique. Time-resolved circularly polarized pump-probe spectroscopy is used to investigate electron spin relaxation dynamics of the laser-induced crystallized Sb2Te3 film. Spin relaxation process indeed is observed, confirming the theoretical predictions on the validity of spin-dependent optical transition selection rule and the feasibility of transient spin-grating-based optical detection scheme of spin-plasmon collective modes in Sb2Te3-like topological insulators.
Spectral characteristics of noisy Josephson flux flow oscillator
Authors: Matrozova E. A. , Pankratov A. L. , Levichev M. Yu. , Vaks V. L.
Published: September 2011

The current-voltage and spectral characteristics of a flux flow oscillator (FFO) based on a long Josephson junction are studied. The investigations are performed in the range of small bias currents and magnetic fields where the FFO radiates a quasi-chaotic signal with extremely large radiation linewidth, and the displaced linear slope (DLS) is observed at the current-voltage characteristic. Using direct numerical simulation of the sine-Gordon equation, it is shown that for large lengths of the Josephson junction or in the case of partial matching of the FFO with external waveguide system, the DLS with extremely large linewidth is transformed into Fiske steps with very narrow linewidth. As for Fiske steps, the appearance of regime of chaotic oscillations can be explained by multiple reflections of the traveling waves from junction ends rather than simply by excitation of the internal oscillation modes in the “soft” fluxon chain at weak magnetic fields.
The dissociative chemisorption of methane on Ni(100): Reaction path description of mode-selective chemistry
Authors: Jackson Bret , Nave Sven
Published: September 2011

We derive a model for the dissociative chemisorption of methane on a Ni(100) surface, based on the reaction path Hamiltonian, that includes all 15 molecular degrees of freedom within the harmonic approximation. The total wavefunction is expanded in the adiabatic vibrational states of the molecule, and close-coupled equations are derived for wave packets propagating on vibrationally adiabatic potential energy surfaces, with non-adiabatic couplings linking these states to each other. Vibrational excitation of an incident molecule is shown to significantly enhance the reactivity, if the molecule can undergo transitions to states of lower vibrational energy, with the excess energy converted into motion along the reaction path. Sudden models are used to average over surface impact site and lattice vibrations. Computed dissociative sticking probabilities are in good agreement with experiment, with respect to both magnitude and variation with energy. The ν1 vibration is shown to have the largest efficacy for promoting reaction, due to its strong non-adiabatic coupling to the ground state, and a significant softening of the vibration at the transition state. Most of the reactivity at 475 K is shown to result from thermally assisted over-the-barrier processes, and not tunneling.
Entanglement evolution via quantum resonances
Authors: Merkli Marco
Published: September 2011

We consider two qubits interacting with local and collective thermal reservoirs. Each spin-reservoir interaction consists of an energy exchange and an energy conserving channel. We prove a resonance representation of the reduced dynamics of the spins, valid for all times t ⩾ 0, with errors (small interaction) estimated rigorously, uniformly in time. Subspaces associated to non-interacting energy differences evolve independently, partitioning the reduced density matrix into dynamically decoupled clusters of jointly evolving matrix elements. Within each subspace the dynamics is Markovian with a generator determined entirely by the resonance data of the full Hamiltonian. Based on the resonance representation we examine the evolution of entanglement (concurrence). We show that, whenever thermalization takes place, entanglement of any initial state dies out in a finite time and will not return. For a concrete class of initially entangled spin states we find explicit bounds on entanglement survival and death times in terms of the initial state and the resonance data.
Old and new results about relativistic Hermite polynomials
Authors: Vignat C.
Published: September 2011

We provide new proofs of already known results as well as new results about the family of relativistic Hermite polynomials. We use essentially probabilistic tools such as moment representations, pioneered by Ismail et al., but also subordination, that allows to explicit links between Gegenbauer, usual Hermite, and relativistic Hermite polynomials.
Note: Second virial coefficient of the water-hydrogen complex from an explicitly correlated potential energy surface
Authors: Scribano Yohann , Akin-Ojo Omololu , Faure Alexandre
Published: September 2011

The second virial coefficient, B12(T), of the H2O−H2 system has been calculated ab initio over the temperature range 200–700 K. A semi-classical method was employed with two recent accurate potential energy surfaces. The agreement with experimental data is good, although experimental error bars are much larger than the theoretical uncertainties. We show that highly correlated potentials are required for an accuracy better than 30%.
Preparation of Highly Crystalline Poly(2,5-dimethoxyaniline) Nanoplates Using a Soft-Template Method and Their Structural Characterization
Authors: Xiong Shanxin , Liu Jing , Lu Xuehong
Published: September 2011

A highly crystalline poly(2,5-dimethoxyaniline) (PDMA) nanoplate was synthesized via oxidative polymerization of 2,5-dimethoxyaniline (DMA) using poly(styrenesulfonate) (PSS) as dopant in a reaction system with low PSS concentration. The nanoplate formation conditions and the underlying mechanism were investigated. It is believed that the PSS/DMA complex has more extended conformation in the dilute aqueous system so that it can form parallel packed aggregates that act as a soft template for polymerization of DMA to form plate-like morphology. When PSS is replaced by p-toluene sulfonic acid (p-TSA) under the same conditions, only PDMA particles are formed because the p-TSA/DMA complex forms different shaped micelles. The structure and morphology of PDMA nanoplates were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, selected area electron diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results show that the PDMA nanoplates of several nanometres in thickness are stacked together randomly and each nanoplate has a single crystal-like structure.
Dynamics of Volume Expansion of De-Mixing Liquids after Pulsed IR Heating
Authors: Hobley Jonathan , Gorelik Sergey , Kuge Yutaka , Kajimoto Shinji , Kasuya Motohiro , Hatanaka Koji , Fukumura Hiroshi
Published: September 2011

Triethylamine (TEA)–water mixtures have a critical-temperature (Tc). Below Tc the mixture exists as one phase and above Tc it exists in two phases. The de-mixed volume is different to the mixed volume. A nanosecond pulsed-laser heated a TEA–water mixture so that it de-mixed. The resulting dynamics of volume expansion were monitored using interferometry. For T-jumps within the one phase region the dynamics of volume change were limited by the speed of sound. However, T-jumps between the one and two phase regions also manifested a slower volume change associated with the de-mixing process. After 150 ns, the volume of the de-mixed TEA–water was consistent with the equilibrium volume change. This suggests that, within 150 ns, the system had split into phase-domains having equilibrium compositions of TEA and water. Subsequently the phase domains would simply merge and grow resulting in no further volume change to reduce surface tension between the phases.
Write 'systemic small RNAs': read 'systemic immunity'
Authors: Seifi Alireza
Published: September 2011

About 50 years ago, it was reported that pathogen-infected plants are less susceptible to a broad spectrum of the subsequent pathogen attacks. This form of induced resistance, which resembles the immunisation in mammalian cells, is called systemic acquired resistance (SAR). In the last 10 years, plant molecular biology has been revolutionised by the discovery of RNA silencing, which is also a systemic phenomenon and also contributes to plant immunity. Here, I review these two systemic phenomena in a comparative way to highlight the possibility that systemic silencing contributes to systemic immunity. This potential contribution could be in the process of gene expression reprogramming, which is needed for SAR induction, and/or in SAR signal complex, and/or in establishing SAR in remote tissues and forming priming status.
Tree mortality and snag dynamics in North American boreal tree species after a wildfire: a long-term study
Authors: Angers Virginie A. , Gauthier Sylvie , Drapeau Pierre , Jayen Karelle , Bergeron Yves
Published: September 2011

Temporal patterns of tree mortality and snag dynamics after fire were investigated over 10 years in a permanent plot design established immediately after a wildfire in an eastern boreal forest landscape of north-western Quebec, Canada. Post-fire tree mortality, snag persistence, tree fall patterns and variables influencing snag dynamics were assessed in deciduous, mixed and coniferous stands that experienced low- and moderate-severity fires. Temporal patterns of tree mortality for the three species revealed that mortality was delayed through time. Most post-fire tree mortality occurred within 2 years following fire but continued until the end of the 10-year observation period. Jack pine was the most persistent snag species, followed by trembling aspen and black spruce. Factors influencing the persistence of snags were multi-scaled and generally species-specific. Fire severity was the only common factor influencing snag persistence among all species, with snags located in severely-burned stands being less susceptible to falling. Trembling aspen snag persistence increased with basal area and diameter. Salvage logging in the vicinity affected black spruce. Fall patterns also differed among species. Bypasses of the snag stage (i.e. when a living tree falls directly to the forest floor) as well as uprooting of snags were common.
A simple method for field-based grassland curing assessment
Authors: Anderson Stuart A. J. , Anderson Wendy R. , Hollis Jennifer J. , Botha Elizabeth J.
Published: September 2011

The degree of grassland curing represents the proportion of dead material in a grassland fuel complex, expressed as a percentage. It is an important input for models to predict rate of fire spread and determine fire danger levels in grasslands. The degree of curing is currently determined in Australia and New Zealand using a combination of satellite imagery and ground-based visual observations by operational personnel. Both methods present problems. The satellite imagery technique requires updating to accommodate newer satellite technology, as well as extension and validation across all of the major grasslands in both countries. Visual assessments are often both inaccurate and spatially inadequate across the landscape. This paper describes the development of a field-based method to accurately and easily determine curing levels in the field, based on modification of an existing point quadrat method of pasture assessment. This alternative technique minimises subjective assessment by field observers, and involves tallying the number of live and dead touches on a thin steel rod driven into the ground. The average error across sites was lower for exotic improved pastures than native grasslands. Results suggest that this method can be applied across Australasia more accurately than current methods.
Phase separation in solutions of monoclonal antibodies and the effect of human serum albumin
Authors: Wang Ying , Lomakin Aleksey , Latypov Ramil F. , Benedek George B.
Published: September 2011

We report the observation of liquid-liquid phase separation in a solution of human monoclonal antibody, IgG2, and the effects of human serum albumin, a major blood protein, on this phase separation. We find a significant reduction of phase separation temperature in the presence of albumin, and a preferential partitioning of the albumin into the antibody-rich phase. We provide a general thermodynamic analysis of the antibody-albumin mixture phase diagram and relate its features to the magnitude of the effective interprotein interactions. Our analysis suggests that additives (HSA in this report), which have moderate attraction with antibody molecules, may be used to forestall undesirable proetin condensation in antibody solutions. Our findings are relevant to understanding the stability of pharmaceutical solutions of antibodies and the mechanisms of cryoglobulinemia.
Not with Bag and Baggage but with Scrip and Scrippage
Authors: Jenkyns Marina
Published: September 2011

Keynote paper given at Dramatherapy Research Day, Huddersfield, March 1997
Images of Madness in the Theatre
Authors: Fenwick Bronwyn
Published: September 2011

This paper was presented as the opening address at “Images of Madness in the Theatre”, a one-day conference held for World Mental Health Day on 9 October 1999. The conference was held at the University of Huddersfield in conjunction with the Huddersfield NHS Trust and was part of a two week series of events.
Shifting Boundaries? Therapy and the Law
Authors: Jenkins Peter
Published: September 2011

This article is based on a talk presented to the training workshop on ‘Legal and Ethical Issues in the Arts Therapies, Counselling and Psychotherapy’ organised by Marina Jenkyns, as part of her Supervisors' Training Course in London, September 2000.
Dramatherapy, Psychodrama and Voices
Authors: Casson John
Published: September 2011

This article is a summary report of qualitative research carried out over six years, 1995–2001, with people who hear voices (auditory hallucinations) into what they found helpful or not helpful in dramatherapy and psychodrama.