bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytic evaluation of the nonadiabatic coupling vector between excited states using equation-of-motion coupled-cluster theory
Authors: Tajti Attila , Szalay Péter G.
Published: September 2009

Theory and implementation for evaluation of the nonadiabatic coupling vector between excited electronic states described by equation-of-motion excitation energy coupled-cluster singles and doubles (EOMEE-CCSD) method is presented. Problems arising from the non-Hermitian nature of the theory are discussed in detail. The performance of the new approach is demonstrated by the nice agreement of the nonadiabatic coupling curves for LiH obtained at the EOMEE-CCSD and MR-CISD levels. Using the tools developed we also present a computational procedure to evaluate the interstate coupling constants used in vibronic coupling theories. As an application of this part of the implementation we present simulation of the electronic absorption spectrum of the pyrazine molecule within the linear vibronic coupling model.
Negative differential resistance in PtIr/ZnO ribbon/sexithiophen hybrid double diodes
Authors: Yang Ya , Qi Junjie , Liao Qingliang , Guo Wen , Wang Yishu , Zhang Yue
Published: September 2009

The authors observed a negative differential resistance (NDR) in the PtIr/ZnO ribbon/sexithiophen hybrid double diodes consisting of the back-to-back Schottky and p-n junction diodes. The NDR phenomenon was found to become more and more obvious as the loading forces increased. The origin of the NDR was discussed in terms of the energy band diagram of the heterostructure, and then it was suggested to be attributed to the current-induced breakdown instead of electron resonant tunneling through the structure.
Study of the free energy of the La1−xCaxMnO3 manganites based on the temperature dependence of the crystal cell volume
Authors: Tang G. D. , Liu S. P. , Zhao X. , Zhang Y. G. , Ji D. H. , Li Y. F. , Qi W. H. , Chen W. , Hou D. L.
Published: September 2009

A study of the free energy of the perovskite manganites was performed by fitting experimental results for the temperature dependence of the crystal cell volume using a detailed semiclassical model of the free energy. The fitted results coincide with the experimental results for the samples La1−xCaxMnO3 (x=0.2, 0.25, 0.3, and 0.5). The free energy includes the energy corresponding to thermal vibration of the crystal lattice, the ionic cohesive energy, and additional energies produced by electrical carriers from the double exchange mechanism and the thermal activation of small polarons.
Internal instability of thin liquid sheets
Authors: Rao V. Nagabhushana , Ramamurthi K.
Published: September 2009

Linear stability analysis of an inviscid liquid sheet with different velocity profiles across its thickness is reported. The velocity profiles for which there is a progressive increase or decrease in velocities between the two interfaces are demonstrated to be inherently unstable even in the absence of the destabilizing aerodynamic shear at the liquid-gas interfaces. Compared to a flat velocity profile, a linear or a parabolic profile, symmetric at the center line of the sheet reduced both the maximum growth rate and the wavelength range over which the waves grow. The convective acceleration from the velocity gradient is found to stabilize longer waves while the growth of shorter waves is hampered by the combined effect of the surface tension and a decrease in the interface velocity between gas and liquid media. The wave forms are dominantly sinuous for symmetric velocity profiles; however, with larger velocity gradients the dilatational modes are observed. The inherent instability of liquid sheets with a progressive change in velocities between the interfaces is seen to arise from the differential convective acceleration at the two interfaces in the plane of reference of the liquid sheets.
An ab initio investigation of the mechanisms of photodissociation in bromobenzene and iodobenzene
Authors: Chen Shu-Feng , Liu Feng-Yi , Liu Ya-Jun
Published: September 2009

In concert with the latest experiment of velocity imaging technique [X. P. Zhang et al., ChemPhysChem 9, 1130 (2008)], quantum chemical calculations with relativistic effect were performed on the photodissociation of bromobenzene (BrPh) and iodobenzene (IPh) at 266 nm. The method of multistate second order multiconfigurational perturbation theory in conjunction with spin-orbit interaction through complete active space state interaction was employed to calculate the potential energy curves for the ground and low-lying excited states of BrPh and IPh along their photodissociation reaction coordinates. The dissociation mechanisms with products of X(P23/2) and X∗(P21/2) (X=Br,I) states were clarified.
Electrical measurements of the polarization in a moving magnetic vortex
Authors: Ohe Jun-ichiro , Barnes Stewart E. , Lee Hyun-Woo , Maekawa Sadamichi
Published: September 2009

We propose that the polarization of the moving magnetic vortex core can be detected by the electro- and spin-motive forces acting on the spin-polarized conduction electrons. With parameters appropriate to Permalloy, we have simulated the dynamics of a magnetic vortex core resulting from an applied oscillating magnetic field. We show that the polarization of the moving core can be detected by a simple electrical measurement.
Hydrothermal synthesis of vertically aligned lead zirconate titanate nanowire arrays
Authors: Lin Yirong , Liu Yingtao , Sodano Henry A.
Published: September 2009

A hydrothermal method is employed for the growth of single crystal vertically aligned lead zirconate titanate (PZT) nanowire arrays. The resulting PZT nanowires were grown from a TiO2 film and are shown to be single crystal with growth in the [110] axis. PZT has a coupling coefficient up to two orders of magnitude higher than ZnO, which should provide many opportunities for the creation of active nanodevices and systems.
Wind Energy on the Isle of Lewis: Implications for Deliberative Planning
Authors: Fisher Janet , Brown Katrina
Published: September 2009

Under a new nationalist leadership, the Scottish Government has recently increased its renewable energy targets but rejected a controversial large windfarm proposal on the Isle of Lewis. This paper explores the nature of support and opposition to windfarm developments on Lewis. In doing so, we build on recent literature which has promoted a discursive approach to wind energy debates, to enable a more explanatory, rather than descriptive, analysis. A novel combination of Q methodology and more conventional qualitative work is deployed to identify and elaborate five distinct discourses on the Lewis Wind proposal. Each displays a different rationality and set of priorities on the economy, landscape, and environment, and ultimately represents a different vision of development in the Western Isles. The paper explores the challenges that such a clash of values presents to the planning process and reflects upon what can be learnt about deliberative planning from this case.
The Barium Isotopic Abundance in the Metal-Poor Star HD140283
Authors: Collet R. , Asplund M. , Nissen P. E.
Published: September 2009

We derive the mixture of odd to even barium isotopes in the atmosphere of the metal-poor subgiant HD140283 from the analysis of the Ba ii transition at 4554 Å in a high-resolution high signal-to-noise spectrum of the star. The detailed shape of this spectral line depends on the relative contributions of odd and even isotopes via isotopic and hyperfine splitting. We measure the fractional abundance of odd Ba isotopes by modelling the formation of the Ba ii 4554-Å line profile with the use of both a classical 1D hydrostatic and a 3D hydrodynamical model atmosphere of HD140283. We interpret the results in terms of contributions by the slow (s) and rapid (r) neutron-capture processes to the isotopic mix. While the result of the 1D analysis of the Ba ii feature indicates a 64 ± 36% contribution of the r-process to the isotopic mix, the 3D analysis points toward a mere 15 ± 34% contribution from this process, that is consistent with a solar-like mixture of barium isotopes.
Asymptotic-Giant-Branch Models at Very Low Metallicity
Authors: Cristallo S. , Piersanti L. , Straniero O. , Gallino R. , Domínguez I. , Käppeler F.
Published: September 2009

In this paper we present the evolution of a low-mass model (initial mass M = 1.5 M⊙) with a very low metal content (Z = 5 × 10−5, equivalent to [Fe/H] = –2.44). We find that, at the beginning of the Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) phase, protons are ingested from the envelope in the underlying convective shell generated by the first fully developed thermal pulse. This peculiar phase is followed by a deep third dredge-up episode, which carries to the surface the freshly synthesized 13C, 14N and 7Li. A standard thermally pulsing AGB (TP-AGB) evolution then follows. During the proton-ingestion phase, a very high neutron density is attained and the s process is efficiently activated. We therefore adopt a nuclear network of about 700 isotopes, linked by more than 1200 reactions, and we couple it with the physical evolution of the model. We discuss in detail the evolution of the surface chemical composition, starting from the proton ingestion up to the end of the TP-AGB phase.
The niche, limits to species' distributions, and spatiotemporal variation in demography across the elevation ranges of two monkeyflowers
Authors: Angert Amy L.
Published: September 2009

Understanding the processes that create and maintain species' geographic range limits has implications for many questions in ecology, evolution, and conservation biology. Many expectations for the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of populations at the range margin rest on the concordance of geographic limits and the limits of a species' ecological niche. If range limits are coincident with niche limits, then marginal populations should have lower and/or more variable vital rates and population growth rates than central populations. Using data from 8 annual censuses of marked individuals, I investigated the demography of
Mimulus cardinalis
and
Mimulus lewisii
across the species' elevation ranges. Central and marginal populations exhibited striking demographic differences, but only for one species were differences in expected directions. Marginal populations from the
M. lewisii
lower elevation range limit had lower and more variable survival than central populations and appeared to be demographic sinks. In contrast, marginal populations from the
M. cardinalis
upper elevation limit had higher fecundity and higher population growth rates than central populations. Although the species differed with respect to central-marginal patterns, they were concordant with respect to elevation; that is, both species had higher fitness in higher reaches of their examined ranges. Potential explanations for these patterns include source-sink dynamics, with asymmetrical gene flow mediated by river currents, and climate change, with recent warming shifting the species' climatic envelopes to higher elevations. Hence, assessment of spatiotemporal variation in both demography and dispersal is necessary to fully understand the relationship between the niche and species' distributions.
SOCIAL CAPITAL, WELL-BEING, AND EARNINGS
Authors: Growiec Jakub , Growiec Katarzyna
Published: September 2009

We study the relationship between two distinct dimensions of social capital (bridging and bonding social capital) and the personal performances of individuals: their reported subjective well-being (SWB) and earnings. A theoretical model is put forward which explains the sources and dynamics of social capital formation. It predicts an inverse U-shaped relationship between any type of social capital and SWB, an inverse U-shaped relationship between bridging social capital and earnings, and an unambiguously negative impact of bonding social capital on earnings. The key predictions of the model are confirmed using cross-section survey data from the 2005 wave of the ‘Social Diagnosis’ survey program conducted in Poland. Very low levels of bridging social capital observed in Poland imply that it is unambiguously beneficial to invest in it: both SWB of individuals and their earnings would increase in such case.
FAMILY AND GENDER ROLES IN SPAIN FROM A COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Mínguez Almudena Moreno
Published: September 2009

The aim of this paper will be to analyse changes in family and gender roles in Spain within the process of individualization in the European context. The focus is thus to evaluate the extent to which institutional factors (family policies) and individual factors interact in the development of cultural models that explain differences in preferences and family and labour strategies adopted by citizens. With the objective of determining to what extent a transition process towards an egalitarian family model is being made, socio-demographic factors that explain preference groups with regard to labour and family life-styles will be analysed in two countries with very different traditions of labour and family conciliation, such as Spain and Finland. Therefore, in a second part of the work, individual factors linked to population segments identified with the egalitarian model of family roles and with the traditional model of family in Spain and Finland will be clarified. This research has highlighted the fact that a difference between family life-styles is explained by variables such as education and marital status in Spain, whereas in Finland, analyses of segmentation have underlined that age is the best variable to explain differences regarding the desired role of females.
Organizing for self-determination, ethical de-Zionization and resisting apartheid
Authors: Barghouti Omar
Published: September 2009

This paper argues for a secular, democratic state in historic Palestine as the most morally coherent solution to the century-old colonial conflict because it offers the best hope for reconciling the inalienable right of the indigenous Palestinians to self-determination and the acquired rights of the colonial settlers to live in peace and security, individually and collectively. Accepting colonists as equal citizens and full partners in building and developing a new shared society is the most magnanimous offer any oppressed indigenous population can present to its oppressors, but for such to be attained, settlers must shed colonial privileges and character, accept justice, unmitigated equality, and conscious integration into the region. Building a just and lasting peace anchored in international law and universal human rights, conducive to ethical coexistence requires the ethical decolonization, or de-Zionization of historic Palestine. Such a process is premised on a revitalized, democratized Palestinian civil resistance movement with a clear vision for a shared, just society and effective worldwide support for reaffirming Palestinian rights and ending Israel’s violations of international law and universal rights. By emphasizing the equality of humanity as its most fundamental principle, this paper shows that the proposed secular democratic state promises to transcend national and ethnic dichotomies that now make it nearly impossible to envision reaching any just solution to the most intricate questions.
Modernizing authoritarian rule in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Rasheed Madawi
Published: September 2009

In the post-9/11 period, the Saudi state faced mounting pressure to appropriate the rhetoric of reform and introduce a series of reformist measures and promises, although none posed a serious challenge to the rule of the Āl SaꜤūd. This involved the opening of the public sphere to quasi-independent civil society associations, limited municipal elections, and a relatively free press. Reform of the royal house, aimed at dealing with possible future problematic succession to the throne, was also part of a general trend. This article deals with state-initiated reforms the objective of which was to modernize authoritarian rule without risking the loss of too much power to the constituency.
The 2009 Kuwaiti parliamentary election: the challenges and the future of the Kuwaiti democratic paradigm
Authors: Alshayji Abdullah K.
Published: September 2009

This article discusses the composition of the new 2009 Parliament in Kuwait and compares changes in its composition with the outgoing one, dealing with factors which contributed to the historic victory of women and the demise of the organized political blocs. It traces Kuwait’s unique pioneering experience in democracy in the region and sheds light on how economic development and oil politics have altered the historical dynamics between state and society. It concludes by forecasting the future malaise of Kuwaiti politics if changes are not made and provides feasible recommendations to possibly overhaul the system or even amend the Constitution.
Direct and Indirect Roles of Cyclin-dependent Kinase 5 as an Upstream Regulator in the c-Jun NH2-Terminal Kinase Cascade: Relevance to Neurotoxic Insults in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Sun Kai-Hui , Lee Hyoung-gon , Smith Mark A. , Shah Kavita
Published: September 2009

Significant increase in JNK, c-Jun, and Cdk5 activities are reported in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Inhibition of c-Jun prevents neuronal cell death in in vivo AD models, highlighting it as a major JNK effector. Both JNK and Cdk5 promote neurodegeneration upon deregulation; however, Cdk5 has not been mechanistically linked to JNK or c-Jun. This study presents the first mechanism showing Cdk5 as a major regulator of the JNK cascade. Deregulated Cdk5 induces biphasic activation of JNK pathway. The first phase revealed c-Jun as a direct substrate of Cdk5, whose activation is independent of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and JNK. In the second phase, Cdk5 activates c-Jun via ROS-mediated activation of JNK. Rapid c-Jun activation is supported by in vivo data showing c-Jun phosphorylation in cerebral cortex upon p25 induction in transgenic mice. Cdk5-mediated biphasic activation of c-Jun highlights c-Jun, rather than JNK, as an important therapeutic target, which was confirmed in neuronal cells. Finally, Cdk5 inhibition endows superior protection against neurotoxicity, suggesting that Cdk5 is a preferable therapeutic target for AD relative to JNK and c-Jun.
The Use of Intuition in Homeopathic Clinical Decision Making: An Interpretative Phenomenological Study
Authors: Brien Sarah , Dibb Bridget , Burch Alex
Published: September 2009

While intuition plays a role in clinical decision making within conventional medicine, little is understood about its use in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The aim of this qualitative study was to investigate intuition from the perspective of homeopathic practitioners; its’ manifestation, how it was recognized, its origins and when it was used within daily clinical practice. Semi‐structured interviews were carried out with clinically experienced non‐National Health Service (NHS) UK homeopathic practitioners. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyze the data. Homeopaths reported many similarities with conventional medical practitioner regarding the nature, perceived origin and manifestation of their intuitions in clinical practice. Intuition was used in two key aspects of the consultation: (i) to enhance the practitioner‐patient relationship, these were generally trusted; and (ii) intuitions relating to the prescribing decision. Homeopaths were cautious about these latter intuitions, testing any intuitive thoughts through deductive reasoning before accepting them. Their reluctance is not surprising given the consequences for patient care, but we propose this also reflects homeopaths’ sensitivity to the academic and medical mistrust of both homeopathy and intuition. This study is the first to explore the use of intuition in decision making in any form of complementary medicine. The similarities with conventional practitioners may provide confidence in validating intuition as a legitimate part of the decision making process for these specific practitioners. Further work is needed to elucidate if these findings reflect intuitive use in clinical practice of other CAM practitioners in both private and NHS (i.e., time limited) settings.
Increased Prevalence of Anti‐gliadin Antibodies and Anti‐tissue Transglutaminase Antibodies in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Stenberg Reidun , Dahle Charlotte , Lindberg Eva , Schollin Jens
Published: September 2009

Aim and Objective:

The aim of the study was to investigate whether there is any association between cerebral palsy (CP) and celiac disease (CD) in children.

Patients and Methods:

Ninety children between 18 months and 18 years of age (median 9 years) with CP were included. Antibodies (IgA and IgG) against gliadin (AGA), endomysium (EMA), and tissue transglutaminase (tTG) were measured. Children with elevated levels of these antibodies were offered a small‐bowel biopsy.

Results:

Thirty‐nine children showed an elevated level of 1 or more of the tested antibodies (43%). None had raised EMA antibodies. Presence of tetraplegia or dyskinesia was associated with increased antibody levels (P = 0.045), as was a more severe functional type of CP (P = 0.008). Children with elevated antibodies had a lower body weight (P = 0.049), height (P = 0.041), and body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.014). Small‐bowel biopsies were performed in 27 out of 39 children; 1 had CD and 2 had intraepithelial lymphocytosis.

Conclusions:

A large number of children with CP had elevated AGA and/or anti‐tTG. Because these elevations were associated with lower weight, height, and BMI, it seemed of interest to speculate on how these findings correlated to CP and CD. However, we found no correlation between CP and CD.
Ethnic and Sex Differences in the Association Between Metabolic Syndrome and Suspected Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in a Nationally Representative Sample of US Adolescents
Authors: Graham Rose C , Burke Ann , Stettler Nicolas
Published: September 2009

Objectives:

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly recognized among overweight adolescents. Metabolic syndrome often coexists with NAFLD in adults. This study aimed to determine whether, in US adolescents, metabolic syndrome increases the odds of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) >40 U/L, a surrogate for NAFLD.

Materials and Methods:

A cross‐sectional study of the association between metabolic syndrome and ALT>40 U/L was undertaken in a sample of 12‐ to 19‐year‐olds from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999 to 2002, representative of the US adolescent population. Subjects were excluded for incomplete data, pregnancy, steroid or hepatotoxic drug use, cholestasis or viral hepatitis, and alcohol intake. The metabolic syndrome was defined by adult criteria adapted for pediatric body size and blood pressure. The association of metabolic syndrome with ALT>40 U/L, effect modifiers, and confounders were analyzed using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey sampling weights.

Results:

Of 4902 adolescents, the 1323 included were similar to the excluded ones, except for the important variable sex (55% vs 49% male, P = 0.03, respectively). The metabolic syndrome was associated with ALT>40 U/L (odds ratio [OR] 16.7, confidence interval [CI] 6.2–45.1, P < 0.001) with significant interaction by sex: OR 20.4 (CI 6.2–66.7, P < 0.001) for males versus 3.1 (CI 0.4–25.1, P = 0.3) for females. Further stratification of males suggested interaction by ethnicity: OR 5.0 (CI 1.3–19.0, P = 0.02) for Hispanics versus 34.3 (CI 7.61–55.4, P < 0.001) for non‐Hispanics. Among Hispanic males, adjustment for body mass index z score explained the association (OR 0.6; CI 0.1–2.9, P = 0.5), whereas among non‐Hispanic males, the association remained after adjustment for BMIz (OR 11.1; CI 3.2–38.0, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Metabolic syndrome is strongly associated with ALT>40 U/L in US male adolescents. Body mass index z score explained this association among Hispanics, but not among non‐Hispanic males. Significant sex and ethnic differences exist in the association of pediatric metabolic syndrome with elevated ALT.
Use and Safety of Rifaximin in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Muniyappa Pramodha , Gulati Reema , Mohr Franziska , Hupertz Vera
Published: September 2009

Background:

Rifaximin, Food and Drug Administration approved for traveler's diarrhea, has been used in adult patients with active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This retrospective review was undertaken to determine its role in the treatment of pediatric IBD.

Methods:

A review of children with IBD, who were treated with rifaximin from 2005 to 2007 at our institution, was performed. Collected data included diagnosis, age, medication history, recent therapy, symptom, and interval to improvement. Response was rated as none, moderate, or optimum relief for each symptom.

Results:

Twenty‐three patients were identified, 12 with Crohn disease and 11 with ulcerative colitis (UC) with a median age of 13 years. The most common complaints were diarrhea in 20 patients (87%), abdominal pain in 17 (74%), and bloody stools in 15 (65%). Rifaximin was given at doses ranging between 10 and 30 mg/kg (Table 1). Of the 20 patients who presented with diarrhea 5 (25%) had relief of diarrhea within 1 week of starting rifaximin and total of 12 patients (60%) experienced relief within 4 weeks. Abdominal pain resolved in 3 of 17 patients (17.6%) within 1 week and in 12 of 17 (70.6%) within 4 weeks. Visible bleeding resolved in 10 of 15 patients (66.7%) within 4 weeks of therapy (Table 2). Analysis of concurrent medications showed 61% experienced relief of symptoms when addition of rifaximin was the only meaningful treatment change.

Conclusions:

Rifaximin was well‐tolerated and showed favorable results. Larger doses of rifaximin were statistically better for abdominal pain. Further studies are needed to evaluate efficacy and optimal dosing of rifaximin in this population.
Selective Use of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in the Diagnosis of Biliary Atresia in Infants Younger Than 100 Days
Authors: Shanmugam Naresh P , Harrison Phillip M , Devlin John , Peddu Praveen , Knisely AS , Davenport Mark , Hadžić Nedim
Published: September 2009

Objectives:

We investigated the role and safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in diagnosing biliary atresia (BA) in prolonged neonatal cholestasis, when standard workup was inconclusive.

Patients and Methods:

We reviewed notes of 48 cholestatic infants younger than 100 days undergoing ERCP from 1997 to 2007.

Results:

Amongst approximately 3300 infants evaluated for liver disease during the study, 224 (6.8%) were diagnosed with BA. Forty‐eight children underwent ERCP. Findings at liver biopsy (n = 47) included nonspecific cholestasis (n = 19, 40%), giant‐cell hepatitis (n = 12, 26%), “large bile duct obstruction” (n = 9, 19%) in the presence of pigmented stools, and mixed cholestatic/hepatitic features (n = 7, 15%). ERCP demonstrated a patent biliary tree in 20 infants (42%). BA was confirmed at exploratory laparotomy in all 3 infants (6%) in whom cannulation failed. The remaining 25 infants (52%) also proceeded to exploratory laparotomy, in which BA was confirmed in 22 (46%). Amongst the 20 children in whom ERCP ruled out BA, 8 (17%) had normal biliary anatomy, whilst 12 (25%) had an abnormal biliary tree, including 6 (12.5%) with neonatal sclerosing cholangitis. After ERCP none developed clinical pancreatitis or peritonitis.

Conclusions:

ERCP is a safe procedure for diagnosing BA even in the smallest infants with high positive and negative predictive values.
The effect of environmental parameters on the survival of airborne infectious agents
Authors: Tang Julian W.
Published: September 2009

The successful transmission of infection via the airborne route relies on several factors, including the survival of the airborne pathogen in the environment as it travels between susceptible hosts. This review summarizes the various environmental factors (particularly temperature and relative humidity) that may affect the airborne survival of viruses, bacteria and fungi, with the aim of highlighting specific aspects of environmental control that may eventually enhance the aerosol or airborne infection control of infectious disease transmission within hospitals.
Aerosol transmission of influenza A virus: a review of new studies
Authors: Tellier Raymond
Published: September 2009

Over the past few years, prompted by pandemic preparedness initiatives, the debate over the modes of transmission of influenza has been rekindled and several reviews have appeared. Arguments supporting an important role for aerosol transmission that were reviewed included prolonged survival of the virus in aerosol suspensions, demonstration of the low infectious dose required for aerosol transmission in human volunteers, and clinical and epidemiological observations were disentanglements of large droplets and aerosol transmission was possible. Since these reviews were published, several new studies have been done and generated new data. These include direct demonstration of the presence of influenza viruses in aerosolized droplets from the tidal breathing of infected persons and in the air of an emergency department; the establishment of the guinea pig model for influenza transmission, where it was shown that aerosol transmission is important and probably modulated by temperature and humidity; the demonstration of some genetic determinants of airborne transmission of influenza viruses as assessed using the ferret model; and mathematical modelling studies that strongly support the aerosol route. These recent results and their implication for infection control of influenza are discussed in this review.
Giving Artifacts a Voice
Authors: Waltz Scott B.
Published: September 2009

Technologies increasingly shape educational settings and policies. Youth define the etiquette for communication devices even as engineers redefine what these devices are capable of doing. The what and how of technologies are being articulated all across the educational landscape, yet much of the discussion surrounding technologies in education continues to view them as additive rather than constitutive. The socio‐cultural work of persons is categorically privileged over the contributions of artifacts. Unfortunately, this division of objects from subjects obscures the very practical ways in which persons and technologies codetermine one another. This paper examines the theoretical grounding of the relationship between humans and nonhumans in light of recent work in Science and Technology Studies, and highlights the ways in which actor‐network theory might serve to level the playing field and give artifacts a voice.
Morphometric convergence and molecular divergence: the taxonomic status and evolutionary history ofGymnura crebripunctataandGymnura marmoratain the eastern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Smith W.D. , Bizzarro J.J. , Richards V. P. , Nielsen J. , Márquez‐Flarías F. , Shivji M.S.
Published: September 2009

To clarify the taxonomic status ofGymnura crebripunctataandGymnura marmorata, the extent of morphological and nucleotide variation between these nominal species was examined using multivariate morphological and mitochondrial DNA comparisons of the same characters with congeneric species. Discriminant analysis of 21 morphometric variables from four species (G. crebripunctata,G. marmorata,Gymnura micruraandGymnura poecilura) successfully distinguished species groupings. Classification success of eastern Pacific species improved further when specimens were grouped by species and sex. Discriminant analysis of size‐corrected data generated species assignments that were consistently accurate in separating the two species (100% jackknifed assignment success). Nasal curtain length was identified as the character which contributed the most to discrimination of the two species. Sexual dimorphism was evident in several characters that have previously been relied upon to distinguishG. crebripunctatafromG. marmorata. A previously unreported feature, the absence of a tail spine inG. crebripunctata, provides an improved method of field identification between these species. Phylogenetic and genetic distance analyses based on 698 base pairs of the mitochondrial cytochromebgene indicate thatG. crebripunctataandG. marmorataform highly divergent lineages, supporting their validity as distinct species. The closely related batoidAetoplatea zonuraclustered within theGymnuraclade, indicating that it may not represent a valid genus. Strong population structuring (overallΦST= 0·81,P <0·01) was evident betweenG. marmoratafrom the Pacific coast of the Baja California peninsula and the Gulf of California, supporting the designation of distinct management units in these regions.
Fishes of the family Ipnopidae (Teleostei: Aulopiformes) collected on the Brazilian continental slope between 11° and 23° S
Authors: Franco M. A. L. , Braga A. C. , Nunan G. W. A. , Costa P. A. S.
Published: September 2009

A collection of fishes from the Brazilian continental slope between 11° and 23° S obtained through trawling revealed nine species of Ipnopidae.Bathypterois bigelowiandBathytyphlops marionaerepresent first records from the south‐western Atlantic Ocean andBathypterois grallatoris reported off Brazil for the first time. Four species have their distribution extended in Brazilian waters:Bathypterois phenax,Bathypterois quadrifilis,Bathypterois viridensisandIpnops murrayi. An identification key of Ipnopidae species from the south‐western Atlantic Ocean is included.
Distribution of cholecystokinin‐immunoreactive cells in the gut of developing Atlantic cod Gadus morhua L. larvae fed zooplankton or rotifers
Authors: Hartviksen M. B. , Kamisaka Y. , Jordal A.‐E. O. , Koedijk R. M. , Rønnestad I.
Published: September 2009

One of the main gastrointestinal hormones, cholecystokinin (CCK), was studied in order to advance understanding of the control of the digestive process in Atlantic cod Gadus morhua larvae after onset of first feeding. Larvae were fed either natural zooplankton or enriched rotifers in similar rearing systems and sampled from hatching to 22 days post‐hatch (dph). CCK was visualized by immunohistochemistry and the first CCK‐immunoreactive (IR) cells were detected at 8 dph corresponding to 6 days after first feeding. The CCK‐IR cells were mostly found in the anterior midgut, and the number of CCK‐IR cells was lower in the posterior midgut. They were also present in the hindgut of some of the larvae, but not in the foregut. No clear differences were found in the ontogenetic appearance and the distribution pattern of CCK‐IR cells between the two dietary treatments. This indicates that the onset of CCK production in the gut as well as the spatial distribution of the CCK‐IR cells is not differentially affected by these diets. To what extent the hormone production itself is influenced by dietary factors needs to be studied by more sensitive methods.
Responses to handling and confinement stressors in juvenile great sturgeonHuso huso
Authors: Falahatkar B. , Poursaeid S. , Shakoorian M. , Barton B.
Published: September 2009

The effects of acute stressors on physiological responses of juvenile great sturgeon or belugaHuso husoL. were investigated in two experiments. In the first experiment, fish were handled by placing them in containers at either low density (LD, one fish l−1) or high density (HD, four fish l−1) for 60 s. Concentrations of plasma cortisol, glucose and lactate were determined from blood collected at 0, 1, 3, 6 and 12 h after application of the stressor. Plasma cortisol concentrations increased after the disturbance inH. husofrom both handling treatments, but changes were not significant. Plasma glucose rose significantly by 22·9 and 31·6% in LD and HD handling treatments, respectively, after 3 h. Significant increases in plasma lactate occurred within 1 h in both treatment groups, but that of the HD group was much higher. In the second experiment, fish were held at two different densities, LD (2 kg m−2tank bottom surface area) and HD (7 kg m−2), for 8 weeks and then subjected to an aerial emersion handling stressor in a net for 60 s; blood samples were taken before handling (resting, 0 h) and at 1, 3, 6 and 9 h after handling. Plasma cortisol increased significantly in fish from the HD treatment from 8·8 ± 0·3 to 19·2 ± 2·4 ng ml−1(mean ±s.e.) by 1 h after stress, but post‐handling changes in the LD group were not significant. Significant increases in both plasma glucose and lactate were observed by 1 h in both treatment groups, with peak levels of plasma glucose evident at 3 h [69·4 ± 2·9 and 60·9 ± 1·7 mg dl−1(mean ±s.e.) in LD and HD groups, respectively]. Plasma glucose levels were significantly higher in the LD group than in the HD group at 3 and 6 h. Post‐handling haemoglobin content increased by 1 h and white blood cell numbers were reduced by 3 and 6 h in the HD treatment group compared with resting values, but changes in these blood features in the LD group were not significant. Acute handling did not affect haematocrit in either treatment. The results suggest thatH. husois relatively resistant to handling and confinement, and could tolerate normal hatchery practices associated with aquaculture. Because changes in cortisol concentrations were relatively low compared with those in most teleosts, glucose and lactate concentrations may be more useful as stress indicators in juvenileH. huso. This study also demonstrated that prior exposure to a chronic stressor, specifically high stocking density, could alter the physiological response to subsequent acute handling inH. huso.
Latitudinal variability in lunar spawning rhythms: absence of a lunar pattern in the northern mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus macrolepidotus
Authors: McMullin V. A. , Munkittrick K. R. , Methven D. A.
Published: September 2009

In this study, the natural spawning season of the northern mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus macrolepidotus was examined from May to July in the lower St John River, New Brunswick, Canada (45° N), through measurements of gonado‐somatic index (IG), liver‐somatic index (IL) and condition factor (K). IG increased during the prespawning phase (mean ±s.e. 5·49 ± 0·20%), peaked during the spawning phase (14·68 ± 0·51%) and dropped during the regression phase (3·23 ± 0·29%). A single peak of spawning was observed in F. h. macrolepidotus, contrasting with multiple peaks observed in studies south of 41° N in North America. Within the prespawning phase, there were significant differences between sampling dates in female body mass, gonad mass, liver mass and K. On the basis of results from this study, water temperature is believed to be the predominant factor controlling initiation of spawning in F. h. macrolepidotus.
Folate related gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to develop childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Koppen Ilan J. N. , Hermans Frederik J. R. , Kaspers Gertjan J. L.
Published: September 2009

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is the most common paediatric cancer, accounting for nearly 30% of all paediatric cancers and 80% of childhood leukaemias. Polymorphisms in folate‐related genes may influence the susceptibility to childhood ALL. This review summarizes the results of 14 studies that focussed on the relationship between folate‐related gene polymorphisms and the susceptibility to ALL and that fulfilled certain quality criteria. The total group consisted of 729 children and 1821 adults or non age‐defined patients. The results of different studies sometimes contradict each other, for which there are several possible explanations. This includes an influence of the type of population studied, because there was a difference between Asian and European study results. Based on several studies, it is plausible that polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene, 677C>T and 1298A>C, are associated with a decreased susceptibility to childhood ALL in non‐Asian populations. Polymorphisms in other folate related genes (MTRR, MTR [MS], TYMS [TS], SLC19A1 [RFC1], NNMT, and SHMT1) are less clearly associated with susceptibility to ALL, and the number of included studies on this subject in this review is limited. Further investigations on the relevance of these polymorphisms need to be performed. In general, it is clear that susceptibility to (childhood) ALL is partly related to constitutional differences in folate gene polymorphisms.
Ecological responses to altered flow regimes: a literature review to inform the science and management of environmental flows
Authors: POFF N. LEROY , ZIMMERMAN JULIE K. H.
Published: September 2009

1. In an effort to develop quantitative relationships between various kinds of flow alteration and ecological responses, we reviewed 165 papers published over the last four decades, with a focus on more recent papers. Our aim was to determine if general relationships could be drawn from disparate case studies in the literature that might inform environmental flows science and management.

2. For all 165 papers we characterised flow alteration in terms of magnitude, frequency, duration, timing and rate of change as reported by the individual studies. Ecological responses were characterised according to taxonomic identity (macroinvertebrates, fish, riparian vegetation) and type of response (abundance, diversity, demographic parameters). A ‘qualitative’ or narrative summary of the reported results strongly corroborated previous, less comprehensive, reviews by documenting strong and variable ecological responses to all types of flow alteration. Of the 165 papers, 152 (92%) reported decreased values for recorded ecological metrics in response to a variety of types of flow alteration, whereas 21 papers (13%) reported increased values.

3. Fifty‐five papers had information suitable for quantitative analysis of ecological response to flow alteration. Seventy per cent of these papers reported on alteration in flow magnitude, yielding a total of 65 data points suitable for analysis. The quantitative analysis provided some insight into the relative sensitivities of different ecological groups to alteration in flow magnitudes, but robust statistical relationships were not supported. Macroinvertebrates showed mixed responses to changes in flow magnitude, with abundance and diversity both increasing and decreasing in response to elevated flows and to reduced flows. Fish abundance, diversity and demographic rates consistently declined in response to both elevated and reduced flow magnitude. Riparian vegetation metrics both increased and decreased in response to reduced peak flows, with increases reflecting mostly enhanced non‐woody vegetative cover or encroachment into the stream channel.

4. Our analyses do not support the use of the existing global literature to develop general, transferable quantitative relationships between flow alteration and ecological response; however, they do support the inference that flow alteration is associated with ecological change and that the risk of ecological change increases with increasing magnitude of flow alteration.

5. New sampling programs and analyses that target sites across well‐defined gradients of flow alteration are needed to quantify ecological response and develop robust and general flow alteration–ecological response relationships. Similarly, the collection of pre‐ and post‐alteration data for new water development programs would significantly add to our basic understanding of ecological responses to flow alteration.
Long‐term phytoplankton community changes in a deep subalpine lake: responses to nutrient availability and climatic fluctuations
Authors: SALMASO NICO
Published: September 2009

1. In natural lakes, modifications in the species composition and abundance of phytoplankton communities may ultimately be responses to changes in nutrient availability and climatic fluctuations. Phytoplankton and associated environmental factors were collected at monthly intervals from the beginning of the 1990s to 2007 in the large subalpine Lake Garda (zmax = 350 m, V = 49 × 109 m3). In this study period, the lake showed a slight and continuous increase of total phosphorus (TP) in the water column, up to concentrations of 18–20 μg P L−1. This increase represented the last stage of a long‐term process of enrichment documented since the 1970s, when concentrations of TP were below or around 10 μg P L−1.

2. At the community level, annual phytoplankton cycles underwent a unidirectional and slow shift mainly due to changes in the species more affected by the nutrient enrichment of the lake. After a first and long period of dominance by conjugatophytes (Mougeotia) and diatoms (Fragilaria), phytoplankton biomass in recent years was sustained by cyanobacteria (Planktothrix). Other important modifications in the development of phytoplankton were superimposed on this pattern due to the effects of annual climate fluctuations principally mediated by the deep mixing events at spring overturn and, secondarily, by temperature and thermal stability of the water column during the growing season.

3. Interannual variations in the stability and temperature of the water column appeared to influence the development of a few subdominant flagellates (dinophytes and cryptophytes). Nevertheless, the major impact of climate on phytoplankton was indirect, and mediated through the effects of winter climatic conditions on deep mixing dynamics. Winter climatic fluctuations proved to be a key element in a linked chain of causal factors including cooling of hypolimnetic waters, deep vertical mixing and epilimnetic nutrient replenishment. The process of fertilisation was measurable both for TP and dissolved inorganic nitrogen, although only the first had a large effect, reinforcing the seasonal growth of a few dominant groups. The degree of nutrient replenishment further increased the spring development of large diatoms and the increase of Planktothrix in summer and autumn.

4. Currently, changes in nutrient concentrations have the greatest effect on the phytoplankton community, while direct effects due to the interannual variations in the thermal regime are of secondary importance compared with the indirect effects mediated through deep water mixing and spring fertilisation. Overall, the results demonstrate that the consequences of climatic fluctuations and climate warming on phytoplankton communities need to be studied at different levels of complexity and integration, from the direct effects of temperature and thermal regime, to the indirect effects mediated by the physiographic characteristics of water bodies.
Haemophilia care in India: innovations and integrations by various chapters of Haemophilia Federation of India (HFI)
Authors: GHOSH K. , SHETTY S. , SAHU D.
Published: September 2009

Summary.  Care of persons with haemophilia (PWH) in western countries is the responsibility of the government of those countries with or without funding from health insurers. Haemophilia societies in western countries work as pressure groups to ensure better care, and they disseminate information on the disease and some of the societies even support medical research for haemophilia care. In India, Haemophilia Federation of India (HFI) was established in 1982 with few haemophilia families and sympathizers of their cause; subsequently more than 65 chapters involving more than 12 500 PWH came up under HFI. HFI and its constituent chapters are unique in the world in the sense that they are not only trying to involve state and federal government to take responsibility for delivering haemophilia care, but they are also using various innovative and integrative techniques to deliver haemophilia care to PWH themselves, till the time federal and state governments of the country make suitable arrangement for their care. In this study, several of these approaches are discussed with the understanding that 80% of worlds’ haemophilia population needs similar help, and the national haemophilia organizations (NMO) of various developing countries will find some of the approaches useful and adaptable to their own circumstances.