bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
120
μ
W
peak output power from edge-emitting photonic crystal double-heterostructure nanocavity lasers
Authors: Lu Ling , Mock Adam , Yang Tian , Shih Min Hsiung , Hwang Eui Hyun , Bagheri Mahmood , Stapleton Andrew , Farrell Stephen , O’Brien John , Dapkus P. Daniel
Published: March 2009

As an attempt to collect more in-plane emission power out of wavelength size two-dimensional photonic crystal defect lasers, edge-emitting photonic crystal double-heterostructure quantum well membrane lasers were fabricated by shortening the number of cladding periods on one side. 120μW peak output power was collected from the facet of the single mode laser at room temperature. Laser efficiencies were analyzed and agree very well with three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain modeling.
Spatially resolved doping concentration measurement in semiconductors via spin noise spectroscopy
Authors: Römer M. , Hübner J. , Oestreich M.
Published: March 2009

We propose and demonstrate spin noise spectroscopy as an efficient, noncontact method to measure doping concentrations in semiconductors with high accuracy and high spatial resolution. In a proof of concept study, two different doping levels in a silicon-doped GaAs stack are depth resolved with a relative accuracy of up to 5% and a spatial accuracy better than 50 μm. The method promises three-dimensional doping measurements in direct semiconductors with submicrometer resolution even at extremely low doping concentrations.
Focusing surface plasmons to multiple focal spots with a launching diffraction grating
Authors: Zhao Chenglong , Wang Jiayuan , Wu Xiaofei , Zhang Jiasen
Published: March 2009

We propose a surface plasmon launching diffraction grating (SPLDG) to obtain multiple focal spots of SPs with nearly equal intensity. The SPLDG is composed of grooves that are located on concentric arcs, whose projections on the chord form a grating. When the incident plane wave illuminates the grating, SPs launched and diffracted into different directions will be approximately focused to multispots on a circle. Here, we obtain three and five focuses and the numerical simulation agrees well with the experiment.
Graphitization process of SiC(0001) studied by electron energy loss spectroscopy
Authors: Langer T. , Pfnür H. , Schumacher H. W. , Tegenkamp C.
Published: March 2009

Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) is used to study the transition from the buffer layer to the first graphene layers during graphitization of SiC(0001). Graphene growth is controlled and correlated with spot profile analysis in low energy electron diffraction and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In the EELS data both electronic transitions and plasmon losses are sensitive to the interface. The collective in-plane excitations show a characteristic blueshift upon graphitization, while single electron transitions with dipole moments along the surface normal are suppressed for the buffer layer. These dependencies can be used to control the number of epitaxially grown graphene layers.
Digitizing journal archives: the experience of Taylor & Francis
Authors: HOWELLS Matthew , BELL Ashleigh , EVERITT Nicholas , McMILLAN Jennifer
Published: March 2009

There are enormous quantities of information available to researchers on the Internet, of varying levels of quality. Now, more than ever, it is important that academic publishers make best use of their journals and provide their readers with access to this high‐value content, in a form that can be easily found and used. To that end, Taylor & Francis have taken up the challenge of satisfying researchers' need to have all relevant content available at their fingertips, by digitizing their older journal content, creating subject‐based collections of backfiles and putting them online. This article provides an insight into the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of the process of digitization of Taylor & Francis's journal archives. The fact that these online backfiles are being requested, purchased, and used demonstrates the added value that publishers may hold in their archives.
Whither print? Staying nimble in the face of uncertainty
Authors: SEITTER Keith L. , HEIDEMAN Kenneth F.
Published: March 2009

The American Meteorological Society (AMS), a medium‐sized nonprofit society publisher, found in 2005 that many institutional subscribers were still receiving one or more of its nine journals in print format only. Since the future of print is increasingly uncertain, the AMS recently implemented a pricing strategy that encourages the migration of institutions to electronic, or at least electronic‐plus‐print, subscriptions. The change has had the desired impact, with most institutions activating online access; however, a large number have continued to receive the journals in print despite an increasing price differential between online‐only and online‐plus‐print subscriptions. Given this, the AMS plans to continue to offer the print option as long as it is economically viable to do so, and is working toward a pricing structure in which online‐only subscribers do not subsidize the print product.
Book Reviews
Authors: KALK Valentina
Published: March 2009

A guide to rights and royalties management software Mark Ware Brighton, Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers, 2007, 56pp. ISBN 9780907341376, pbk Price to ALPSP members (print & PDF) £40.00/$80.00/€58.00 ALPSP non‐members (print & PDF) £70.00/$140.00/€102.00
Book Reviews
Authors: SMART Pippa
Published: March 2009

Publishing, Books and Reading in Sub‐Saharan Africa: A Critical Bibliography
Hans M. Zell Lochcarron, Hans Zell Publishing, 2008, 712pp. ISBN 978‐0‐9541029‐5‐1, £130.00/€195.00/$260.00, online access bundled with print www.hanszell.co.uk/pbrssa/index.shtml
Book Reviews
Authors: SPILSBURY Mark
Published: March 2009

A Guide to the UK Publishing Industry Paul Richardson and Graham Taylor London, The Publishers Association, 2008, 80pp. ISBN 978‐0‐85386‐333‐5, £9.99 (PA members £6.00), pbk
Disambiguating the SI notation would guarantee its correct parsing
Authors: Foster M.P
Published: March 2009

The clarity and utility of the International System of Units (SI) would be improved if its notation were made a formally unambiguous symbolic language. This could be achieved with minor changes, and would enable the development of software that could correctly (i) check SI style in text and (ii) manipulate/verify quantities, SI units and prefix algebra in scientific and engineering computations. These tools could lead to better SI usage and fewer computational errors.
Mixing in internally stirred flows
Authors: Shankar P.N , Kidambi R
Published: March 2009

We consider mixing in a viscous fluid by the periodic rotation and translation of a stirrer, the Reynolds number being low enough that the Stokes approximation is valid in the unsteady, two-dimensional flow. Portions of the boundary of the container may also move to contribute to the mixing. The shapes of the stirrer and the container are arbitrary. It is shown that the recently developed
embedding method
for eigenfunction expansions in arbitrary domains is well suited to analyse the mixing properties of such mixers. This application depends crucially on the accurate analytical description of the complex, unsteady field. After carefully validating the proposed method against the recent results found in the literature, examples are given of how the method could be used in practice. A special advantage of the suggested method is that it can be extended to handle three-dimensional mixing flows with virtually no change in the procedure shown here.
Analytical determination of parabolic points on slowness surface and swallowtail points on wave surface of cubic crystals
Authors: Wang Litian
Published: March 2009

Slowness surface for bulk wave propagation in anisotropic media can be divided into concave, saddle and convex regions by the parabolic lines. When a parabolic line crosses a symmetry plane, it leaves either an inflection point or a parabolic point. Surface normal at these points is associated with cuspidal point and swallowtail point, respectively, on the wave surface and in phonon focusing patterns. By examining the degeneracies in the Stroh eigenvalue equation, we have calculated the cuspidal points in cubic crystals analytically. In this work, the parabolic point and its surface normal are discussed. The main idea is to establish a connection between the parabolic point and the extraordinary transonic state that is related to a degeneracy with a multiplicity of four in the Stroh eigenvalue equation. Such a connection yields a series of simple expressions, which determine the locations of parabolic points and the corresponding swallowtail points. The result is demonstrated using phonon focusing patterns of cubic crystals, and the method also provides a tool for general discussion of the slowness surface geometry.
A novel generalization of Clifford's classical point–circle configuration. Geometric interpretation of the quaternionic discrete Schwarzian Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equation
Authors: Schief W.K , Konopelchenko B.G
Published: March 2009

The algebraic and geometric properties of a novel generalization of Clifford's classical4point–circle configuration are analysed. A connection with the integrable quaternionic discrete Schwarzian Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equation is revealed.
Structural models of bioactive glasses from molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Tilocca Antonio
Published: March 2009

The bioactive mechanism, by which living tissues attach to and integrate with an artificial implant through stable chemical bonds, is at the core of many current medical applications of biomaterials, as well as of novel promising applications in tissue engineering. Having been employed in these applications for almost 40 years, soda-lime phosphosilicate glasses such as 45S5 represent today the paradigm of bioactive materials. Despite their strategical importance in the field, the relationship between the structure and the activity of a glass composition in a biological environment has not been studied in detail. This fundamental gap negatively affects further progress, for instance, to improve the chemical durability and tailor the biodegradability of these materials for specific applications. This paper reviews recent advances in computer modelling of bioactive glasses based on molecular dynamics simulations, which are starting to unveil key structural features of these materials, thus contributing to improve our fundamental understanding of how bioactive materials work.
Geographic range limits: achieving synthesis
Authors: Gaston Kevin J
Published: March 2009

Understanding of the determinants of species' geographic range limits remains poorly integrated. In part, this is because of the diversity of perspectives on the issue, and because empirical studies have lagged substantially behind developments in theory. Here, I provide a broad overview, drawing together many of the disparate threads, considering, in turn, how influences on the terms of a simple single-population equation can determine range limits. There is theoretical and empirical evidence for systematic changes towards range limits under some circumstances in each of the demographic parameters. However, under other circumstances, no such changes may take place in particular parameters, or they may occur in a different direction, with limitation still occurring. This suggests that (i) little about range limitation can categorically be inferred from many empirical studies, which document change in only one demographic parameter, (ii) there is a need for studies that document variation in all of the parameters, and (iii) in agreement with theoretical evidence that range limits can be formed in the presence or absence of hard boundaries, environmental gradients or biotic interactions, there may be few general patterns as to the determinants of these limits, with most claimed generalities at least having many exceptions.
Migration and stopover in a small pelagic seabird, the Manx shearwaterPuffinus puffinus: insights from machine learning
Authors: Guilford T , Meade J , Willis J , Phillips R.A , Boyle D , Roberts S , Collett M , Freeman R , Perrins C.M
Published: March 2009

The migratory movements of seabirds (especially smaller species) remain poorly understood, despite their role as harvesters of marine ecosystems on a global scale and their potential as indicators of ocean health. Here we report a successful attempt, using miniature archival light loggers (geolocators), to elucidate the migratory behaviour of the Manx shearwaterPuffinus puffinus, a small (400 g) Northern Hemisphere breeding procellariform that undertakes a trans-equatorial, trans-Atlantic migration. We provide details of over-wintering areas, of previously unobserved marine stopover behaviour, and the long-distance movements of females during their pre-laying exodus. Using salt-water immersion data from a subset of loggers, we introduce a method of behaviour classification based on Bayesian machine learning techniques. We used both supervised and unsupervised machine learning to classify each bird's daily activity based on simple properties of the immersion data. We show that robust activity states emerge, characteristic of summer feeding, winter feeding and active migration. These can be used to classify probable behaviour throughout the annual cycle, highlighting the likely functional significance of stopovers as refuelling stages.
Screen of multifunctional monoclonal antibodies against hepatitis B core virus‐like particles
Authors: Sun Chang , Ding Fei‐Xiang , Wang Fang , He Xiao‐Wen , He Ying , Li Zhao‐Shen , Sun Shu‐Han
Published: March 2009

HBc‐VLP can be used in an epitope presentation system to carry foreign epitopes and mimic live virus in order to study viral particle uptake, virion‐mediated activation and antigen presentation by dendritic cells. In this study, a multifunctional mAb was produced using a novel research strategy. A truncated HBc‐VLP bone vector with a special conformation was used as an immunogen and the target hybridoma cell lines were screened by a series of tests; including ELISA, Western blot, and cellular immunofluorescence based on the epitope presentation system. The screened monoclonal antibody was used to identify the HBc‐VLP vector, a fusion HBc‐VLP vaccine, and intracellular HBV capsids. The new strategy facilitated acquisition of the desired mAbs and will serve as a reference for other VLP‐related research.
Cellular senescence: Its role in tumor suppression and aging
Authors: Ohtani Naoko , Mann David J. , Hara Eiji
Published: March 2009

In normal tissue, cell division is carefully regulated to maintain the correct proliferative balance. Abnormal cell division underlies many hypoproliferative and hyperproliferative disorders, including cancer, and a better understanding of the mechanisms involved could lead to new strategies for treatment and prevention. Cellular senescence, a state of irreversible growth arrest, was first described as a limit to the replicative life span of somatic cells after serial cultivation in vitro. Recently, however, it has also been shown to be triggered prematurely by potentially oncogenic stimuli such as oncogene expression, oxidative stress, and DNA damage in cell culture studies. These data suggest that cellular senescence is therefore acting as a tumor‐protective fail‐safe mechanism. However, the significance of cellular senescence has remained an issue of debate over the years, with the possibility that it might be a cell culture‐related artifact. Recent reports on oncogene‐induced senescence detected in premalignant tumors have provided evidence to validate its role as a physiological response to prevent oncogenesis in vivo. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms for cellular senescence and its roles in vivo. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 792–797)
Multicolor in vivo targeted imaging to guide real‐time surgery of HER2‐positive micrometastases in a two‐tumor coincident model of ovarian cancer
Authors: Longmire Michelle , Kosaka Nobuyuki , Ogawa Mikako , Choyke Peter L. , Kobayashi Hisataka
Published: March 2009

One of the primary goals of oncological molecular imaging is to accurately identify and characterize malignant tissues in vivo. Currently, molecular imaging relies on targeting a single molecule that while overexpressed in malignancy, is often also expressed at lower levels in normal tissue, resulting in reduced tumor to background ratios. One approach to increasing the specificity of molecular imaging in cancer is to use multiple probes each with distinct fluorescence to target several surface antigens simultaneously, in order to identify tissue expression profiles, rather than relying on the expression of a single target. This next step forward in molecular imaging will rely on characterization of tissue based on fluorescence and therefore will require the ability to simultaneously identify several optical probes each attached to different targeting ligands. We created a novel ‘coincident’ ovarian cancer mouse model by coinjecting each animal with two distinct cell lines, HER2+/red fluorescent protein (RFP)− SKOV3 and HER2−/RFP+ SHIN3‐RFP, in order to establish a model of disease in which animals simultaneously bore tumors with two distinct phenotypes (HER2+/RFP−, HER2−/RFP+), which could be utilized for multicolor imaging. The HER2 receptor of the SKOV3 cell line was targeted with a trastuzumab–rhodamine green conjugate to create green tumor implants, whereas the RFP plasmid of the SHIN3 cells created red tumor implants. We demonstrate that real‐time in vivo multicolor imaging is feasible and that fluorescence characteristics can then serve to guide the surgical removal of disease. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 1099–1104)
Candidate effector gene identification in the ascomycete fungal phytopathogen Venturia inaequalis by expressed sequence tag analysis
Authors: BOWEN JOANNA K. , MESARICH CARL H. , REES‐GEORGE JONATHAN , CUI WEI , FITZGERALD ANNA , WIN JOE , PLUMMER KIM M. , TEMPLETON MATTHEW D.
Published: March 2009

The hemi‐biotrophic fungus Venturia inaequalis infects members of the Maloideae, causing the economically important apple disease, scab. The plant–pathogen interaction of Malus and V. inaequalis follows the gene‐for‐gene model. cDNA libraries were constructed, and bioinformatic analysis of the resulting expressed sequence tags (ESTs) was used to characterize potential effector genes. Effectors are small proteins, secreted in planta, that are assumed to facilitate infection. Therefore, a cDNA library was constructed from a compatible interaction. To distinguish pathogen from plant sequences, the library was probed with genomic DNA from V. inaequalis to enrich for pathogen genes, and cDNA libraries were constructed from in vitro‐grown material. A suppression subtractive hybridization library enriched for cellophane‐induced genes was included, as growth on cellophane may mimic that in planta, with the differentiation of structures resembling those formed during plant colonization. Clustering of ESTs from the in planta and in vitro libraries indicated a fungal origin of the resulting non‐redundant sequence. A total of 937 ESTs was classified as putatively fungal, which could be assembled into 633 non‐redundant sequences. Sixteen new candidate effector genes were identified from V. inaequalis based on features common to characterized effector genes from filamentous fungi, i.e. they encode a small, novel, cysteine‐rich protein, with a putative signal peptide. Three of the 16 candidates, in particular, conformed to most of the protein structural characteristics expected of fungal effectors and showed significant levels of transcriptional up‐regulation during in planta growth. In addition to candidate effector genes, this collection of ESTs represents a valuable genomic resource for V. inaequalis.
Current status of gene expression profiling in the diagnosis and management of acute leukaemia
Authors: Bacher Ulrike , Kohlmann Alexander , Haferlach Torsten
Published: March 2009

Gene expression profiling (GEP) enables the simultaneous investigation of the expression of tens of thousands of genes and was successfully introduced in leukaemia research a decade ago. Aiming to better understand the diversity of genetic aberrations in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), pioneer studies investigated and confirmed the predictability of many cytogenetic and molecular subclasses in AML and ALL. In addition, GEP can define new prognostic subclasses within distinct leukaemia subgroups, as illustrated in AML with normal karyotype. Another approach is the development of treatment‐specific sensitivity assays, which might contribute to targeted therapy studies. Finally, GEP might enable the detection of new molecular targets for therapy in patients with acute leukaemia. Meanwhile, large multicentre studies, e.g. the Microarray Innovations in LEukaemia (MILE) study, prepare for a standardised introduction of GEP in leukaemia diagnostic algorithms, aiming to translate this novel methodology into clinical routine for the benefit of patients with the complex disorders of AML and ALL.
An individualized pre‐operative blood saving protocol can increase pre‐operative haemoglobin levels and reduce the need for transfusion in elective total hip or knee arthroplasty
Authors: Gonzalez‐Porras J. R. , Colado E. , Conde M. P. , Lopez T. , Nieto M. J. , Corral M.
Published: March 2009

summary We have prospectively evaluated the efficacy of an individualized pre‐operative blood saving protocol in elective total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The primary aim was to obtain a pre‐operative haemoglobin (Hb) level of ≥14 g dL−1. A reduction in requirements for allogeneic transfusion was considered the second aim. Several strategies are available for increasing pre‐operative Hb levels and reducing red blood cell (RBC) transfusions following THA or TKA, but the success of these programmes depends on selecting the most appropriate treatment for each patient. Three hundred and five patients with an indication of elective THA or TKA were individually assigned to the following strategies according to Hb and ferritin levels and medical conditions: (a) no pre‐operative intervention, (b) oral iron therapy, (c) intravenous (i.v.) iron therapy, (d) recombinant human erythropoietin alpha with i.v. iron and (e) pre‐operative autologous donation (PAD) plus oral iron. Eighty‐two percent of the patients reached a pre‐operative Hb level of ≥14 g dL−1 compared with 62% of patients with Hb levels of ≥14 g dL−1 at the baseline visit. Treatment with PAD showed a significant reduction in the pre‐operative Hb levels. The rate of RBC transfusion was 18·8% compared with 31·5% of matched historic group (P < 0·001). In conclusion, all patients scheduled to undergo THA or TKA should be candidates for an individualized pre‐operative blood salvage programme.
Recombinant activated factor VII in the treatment of non‐haemophilia patients: physician under‐reporting of thromboembolic adverse events
Authors: Hsia C. C. , Zurawska J. H. , Tong M. Z. Y. , Eckert K. , McAlister V. C. , Chin‐Yee I. H.
Published: March 2009

summary The objective of this study was to determine if clinically important thromboembolic adverse events (TAEs) because of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) administration are being under‐reported. rFVIIa is a potent haemostatic agent with a short half‐life of 2·6 h that is increasingly used in ‘off‐label’ situations. Retrospective review of 94 patients who received rFVIIa during 1 January 2003 to 30 June 2007 was carried out at a tertiary care centre. Sixty‐nine patients, 32 females and 37 males, mean age 55 years (18–84 years), satisfied study criteria of off‐label usage. This was a high‐risk population with 33 (48%) deaths. A mean dose of 8·2 mg (2·4–19·2 mg) was administered in two average divided doses. Thirty‐six potential TAEs were identified in 29 patients, and of these, 12 patients had TAEs deemed to be rFVIIa related and were identified on average 8·8 days after exposure to rFVIIa. Forty‐eight (70%) physician questionnaires were completed; however, no TAEs were reported in these questionnaires or on chart review. Potential clinically significant TAEs are being under‐reported by treating physicians. Until further evidence, we suggest the urgent need to develop consensus recommendations for utilization and required follow up to monitor the safety of rFVIIa and that at a minimum, all use of rFVIIa should be regulated through a gate‐keeping mechanism that ensures adherence to these policies. Furthermore, prospective registries and trials are necessary to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rFVIIa in off‐label settings.
Improvement of life prediction in AISI H11 tool steel by integration of thermo‐mechanical fatigue and creep damage models
Authors: BERTI G. A. , MONTI M.
Published: March 2009

In hot forging operations, the die surfaces and the nearest surface layers of the die undergo mechanical and thermal cycles which significantly influence their service life. The real thermal and mechanical cycles have been previously investigated in forging plants by measurements and numerical simulation, and a reasonable variation window of process parameters has been determined. A new simulative test applied to AISI H11 hot working die steel has been used to generate failure data in conditions similar to those of the forging dies, but under a more controlled and economical method. Fracture surfaces of specimens for different tests observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicate that both thermo‐mechanical fatigue (TMF) and creep phenomena can be considered to be main damage mechanisms and their contribution to the failure differs as testing conditions vary. As a result of the experiments, the failure is affected by both thermo‐mechanical cycle and resting time at high temperature. Therefore, the authors developed a new lifetime prediction model obtained by combining the damage evolution laws, at each cycle, for pure creep and pure TMF. This combination was based on the linear accumulation rule. The damage evolution law for pure creep is obtained by modifying Rabotnov's law in order to suit the case of actual hot forging cycles, where temperature and stress vary widely. The damage evolution law for pure TMF is based on a generalization of the Wöhler–Miner law. This law is modified in order to take into account the presence of thermal cycle and thermal gradient. Comparison between the experimental cycles to failure and the predicted ones was performed using tests excluded in the determination of the coefficients. The conclusion was that the accuracy of prediction appears to be quite good and that the linear accumulation and interaction of TMF and creep is confirmed.
Are non‐audit services associated with firm value? Evidence from financial information system‐related services
Authors: Lai Kam‐Wah , Krishnan Gopal V.
Published: March 2009

The purchase of non‐audit services from incumbent auditors has generated considerable attention. Surprisingly, limited empirical evidence exists on the association of non‐audit services with firm value. Focusing on services related to financial information system (FIS), we find that the market value of equity is greater for firms that purchase FIS‐related services from their incumbent auditors relative to firms that do not. The levels of FIS fees are also positively related to firm value after controlling for total other fees, or total other non‐audit fees. Hence, despite the negative perception associated with non‐audit services, investors regard FIS‐related services as value‐adding activities.
R vocalisation, linking R and intrusive R: accounting for final schwa in RP English1
Authors: Heselwood Barry
Published: March 2009

Word‐form‐final schwas are argued to be vocalised realisations of /r/ in RP English. Phonetic similarity ofand, their distribution, and the phenomenon of R‐sandhi provide evidence to support the analysis. A new way of modelling the development of intrusive R word‐internally and word‐finally is presented, as is a new phonological interpretation of pre‐R‐breaking in Early Modern English. The continuous presence since fully rhotic times of stem‐final /r/ in the context of a following vowel‐initial suffix or word, and the merger ofcommawords withletterwords beginning around the time of the loss of rhoticity in the eighteenth century, are key factors in an analysis which is generalised to all word‐forms with final non‐high vowels. Various objections to an R‐vocalisation analysis that have been voiced in the literature are countered.
Semiparametric inference on a class of Wiener processes
Authors: Wang Xiao
Published: March 2009

Abstract.  This article studies the estimation of a nonhomogeneous Wiener process model for degradation data. A pseudo‐likelihood method is proposed to estimate the unknown parameters. An attractive algorithm is established to compute the estimator under this pseudo‐likelihood formulation. We establish the asymptotic properties of the estimator, including consistency, convergence rate and asymptotic distribution. Random effects can be incorporated into the model to represent the heterogeneity of degradation paths by letting the mean function be random. The Wiener process model is extended naturally to a normal inverse Gaussian process model and similar pseudo‐likelihood inference is developed. A score test is used to test the presence of the random effects. Simulation studies are conducted to validate the method and we apply our method to a real data set in the area of health structure monitoring.
Wider share ownership?: investors in English and Welsh Bank shares in the nineteenth century1
Authors: TURNER JOHN D.
Published: March 2009

The joint‐stock banks that established after the liberalizing legislation of 1826 were periodically criticized during the nineteenth century for their low‐quality and rapidly deteriorating shareholder constituencies. The quality of a bank's shareholding constituency was of paramount importance because of unlimited shareholder liability. Using archival records, this article examines the quality of bank shareholder constituencies over the nineteenth century. The main finding is that shareholder constituencies did not deteriorate in quality until the introduction of limited liability. The non‐deterioration of constituencies is attributed to bank deeds which locked in the aggregate quality of shareholder constituencies by empowering directors to vet all share transfers.
Effect of spatial inhibition on saccade trajectory depends on location‐based mechanisms
Authors: SOGO HIROYUKI , TAKEDA YUJI
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  Saccade trajectory often curves away from a previously attended, inhibited location. A recent study of curved saccades showed that an inhibitory effect prevents ineffective reexamination during serial visual search. The time course of this effect differs from that of a similar inhibitory effect, known as inhibition of return (IOR). In the present study, we examined whether this saccade‐related inhibitory effect can operate in an object‐based manner (similar to IOR). Using a spatial cueing paradigm, we demonstrated that if a cue is presented on a placeholder that is then shifted from its original location, the saccade trajectory curves away from the original (cued) location (Experiment 1), yet the IOR effect is observed on the cued placeholder (Experiment 2). The inhibitory mechanism that causes curved saccades appears to operate in a location‐based manner, whereas the mechanism underlying IOR appears to operate in an object‐based manner. We propose that these inhibitory mechanisms work in a complementary fashion to guide eye movements efficiently under conditions of a dynamic visual environment.
Flow experiences in everyday activities of Japanese college students: Autotelic people and time management1
Authors: ISHIMURA IKUO , KODAMA MASAHIRO
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  This study examines the characteristics of flow activities, executive skills of time management and goal directedness related to autotelic personality styles. Japanese college students (155 men and 168 women) completed the Flow Experience Checklist, Evaluation after Everyday Life Activities Scale, Time Management Skill Scale, Experiential Time Perspective Scale, and Multiple Mood Scale with reference to five everyday activities. The results suggest that flow activities are related to the process of personal growth and self‐advancement, and also provide pleasure and motivation for subsequent activity. Autotelic people reported the highest amount of flow experience in everyday activities, and the highest scores on time management and goal directedness.
CO2‐forced evolution of plant gas exchange capacity and water‐use efficiency over the Phanerozoic
Authors: FRANKS P. J. , BEERLING D. J.
Published: March 2009

The capacity of plants to fix carbon is ultimately constrained by two core plant attributes: photosynthetic biochemistry and the conductance to CO2 diffusion from the atmosphere to sites of carboxylation in chloroplasts, predominantly stomatal conductance. Analysis of fossilized plant remains shows that stomatal density (number per unit area, D) and size (length by width, S) have fluctuated widely over the Phanerozoic Eon, indicating changes in maximum stomatal conductance. Parallel changes are likely to have taken place in leaf photosynthetic biochemistry, of which maximal rubisco carboxylation rate, Vcmax is a central element. We used measurements of S and D from fossilized plant remains spanning the last 400 Myr (most of the Phanerozoic), together with leaf gas exchange data and modeled Phanerozoic trends in atmospheric CO2 concentration, [CO2]a, to calibrate a [CO2]a‐driven model of the long‐term environmental influences on S, D and Vcmax. We show that over the Phanerozoic large changes in [CO2]a forced S, D and Vcmax to co‐vary so as to reduce the impact of the change in [CO2]a on leaf CO2 assimilation for minimal energetic cost and reduced nitrogen requirements. Underlying this is a general negative correlation between S and D, and a positive correlation between water‐use efficiency and [CO2]a. Furthermore, the calculated steady rise in stomatal conductance over the Phanerozoic is consistent with independent evidence for the evolution of plant hydraulic capacity, implying coordinated and sustained increase in gas exchange capacity and hydraulic capacity parallel long‐term increases in land plant diversity.
Evaluation of DNA damage and metabolic syndrome parameters in diabetic rabbits supplemented with antioxidants
Authors: Jain Nishtha , Naseem Imrana , Ahmad Jamal
Published: March 2009

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the extent of DNA damage in diabetes and metabolic syndrome and to assess the variations after supplementation with antioxidants. We used comet assay to measure DNA damage in freshly isolated lymphocytes from a total of 12 rabbits, distributed into four experimental groups (n = 3 rabbits per group): non‐diabetic (control, G1), diabetic (G2), diabetic supplemented with vitamin C (G3), and diabetic supplemented with vitamin E (G4). Also their serum was isolated for estimation of parameters that contribute to metabolic syndrome. Malondialdehyde (MDA), the marker of oxidative stress was also assessed. Mean values of DNA damage (tail length, expressed as μm), lipid peroxidation and concentration of blood glucose, MDA, C‐reactive protein, and triglycerides were higher in G2; whereas the mean values of concentration of high‐density lipoprotein, serum paraoxonase‐1 activity and small dense low‐density lipoprotein oxidation time were reduced in G2 followed by G3, G4, and G1. A significant positive correlation was observed between the DNA damage and elevated parameters of metabolic syndrome (r = 0.66, 0.96, 0.89, 0.75, 0.88, 0.92, 0.99, P < 0.05) and a significant negative correlation (r = −0.91, −0.75, −0.98, P < 0.05) was found between the DNA damage and declined parameters of metabolic syndrome. These data indicate that the extent of DNA damage is more in diabetic rabbits as compared to the non‐diabetic or antioxidant supplemented group. Abnormal metabolic parameters and their correlation with DNA damage, suggest the risk of development of metabolic syndrome in diabetic group but a possibility of repression by antioxidants because of their ability to counteract oxidative stress.
Antioxidative and antiproliferative effects of astaxanthin during the initiation stages of 1,2‐dimethyl hydrazine‐induced experimental colon carcinogenesis
Authors: Prabhu Ponnuraj Nagendra , Ashokkumar Pandurangan , Sudhandiran Ganapasam
Published: March 2009

Colon cancer is one of the major causes of cancer mortality worldwide. Several carotenoids with antioxidant properties are reported for their chemopreventive nature. In this study, we have evaluated the chemopreventive efficacy of astaxanthin on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant status, total number of aberrant crypt foci (ACF), and cell proliferation in 1,2 dimethylhydrazine (DMH)‐induced colon carcinogenesis using a rat model. DMH was induced subcutaneously at a dosage of 40 mg/kg body weight, twice a week for 2 weeks. Astaxanthin was administered before and after the DMH induction, orally at a concentration of 15 mg/kg body weight throughout the experimental period. At the end of 16 weeks, pre‐treatment with astaxanthin markedly reduced the degree of histological lesions, ACF development and also lowered the number of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions. Our results also showed the decreased levels of colon enzymic and non‐enzymic antioxidants and increased levels of lipid peroxidation marker levels in DMH‐induced rats, which were significantly reversed on astaxanthin administration. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that astaxanthin has an affirmative and beneficial effect against chemically induced colonic pre‐neoplastic progression in rats induced by DMH.
Treatment Practices of Mild Cognitive Impairment in California Alzheimer's Disease Centers
Authors: Weinstein Andrea M. , Barton Cynthia , Ross Leslie , Kramer Joel H. , Yaffe Kristine
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVES: To examine “real world” treatments for patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional.

SETTING: California Department of Public Health Alzheimer's Disease (AD) Research Centers of California.

PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred seventy‐eight patients diagnosed with MCI.

MEASUREMENTS: All patients underwent comprehensive neurological and neuropsychological evaluations. Logistic regression models were used to determine patient characteristics associated with use of anti‐AD medications, statins, antioxidants, and folic acid.

RESULTS: One hundred sixty‐six patients (28.7%) were taking anti‐AD medications; use was associated with greater functional impairment, higher education, MCI subtype, and older age (P<.05 for all). Two hundred fifty‐two patients (43.6%) were taking statins; use was associated with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, myocardial infarct, male sex, and MCI subtype (P<.05 for all). One hundred fifteen patients (19.9%) were taking antioxidants; use was associated with higher education and diabetes mellitus and varied according to site (P<.05 for all). Thirty‐seven patients (6.4%) were taking folic acid; use was associated with nonwhite race, male sex, and greater functional impairment (P<.05 for all).

CONCLUSION: This study suggests that patients with MCI are frequently being treated with “off label” cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, as well as other possible cognition‐enhancing drugs. Further investigation of the effect of treatment patterns on the clinical course of MCI is needed.
Kinetics of High‐Temperature Oxidation of Inorganic Nonmetallic Materials
Authors: Chou Kuo‐Chih , Hou Xin‐Mei
Published: March 2009

A series of new formulae have been developed for describing the kinetics of solid–gas reactions with an emphasis on diffusion control. Compared with traditional methods, these new equations can be used to treat not only sphere samples but also cylinder, cuboid, and cube samples. Different from the traditional methods, all the parameters in our formulae have a clear physical meaning; as a result, they are easy to use and convenient for theoretical discussion. Based on these equations, one may further estimate the influence of the sample shape on the kinetic behavior. It is shown that the calculation errors based on our new models are less than those of traditional models such as the Jander, the Ginstling–Brounshtein as well as the parabolic model. Besides, a new concept of “characteristic oxidation time” has been suggested to measure the oxidation resistance of various materials, which might be useful for evaluating the possible applications of different inorganic nonmetallic materials.
Capping Groups Induced Size and Shape Evolution of Magnetite Particles Under Hydrothermal Condition and their Magnetic Properties
Authors: Li Song , Qin, T Gaowu W. , Pei Wenli , Ren Yuping , Zhang Yudong , Esling Claude , Zuo Liang
Published: March 2009

Three simple capping molecules (urea, 3‐aminopropanol, and polyethylene glycol) with different functional groups (−NH2 for urea, −NH2 and −OH for 3‐aminopropanol, and −O− for polyethylene glycol) have been designed to prepare magnetite (Fe3O4) particles with various shapes. The crystal structure, morphologies, and magnetic properties of the products have been characterized by X‐ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer. The results indicate that the capping functional groups play a major role in determining the size, shape, and thus magnetic properties of the magnetite nanocrystals. The morphology evolution of the magnetite under the hydrothermal condition is discussed in detail, particularly for the interaction between the various capping groups and surface structure and chemistry of the nanocrystals.
Plasma Synthesis of Tungsten Carbide Nanopowder from Ammonium Paratungstate
Authors: Ryu Taegong , Sohn Hong Yong , Hwang Kyu Sup , Fang Zhigang Z.
Published: March 2009

A thermal plasma process has been applied to the synthesis of nanosized tungsten carbide powder with ammonium paratungstate (APT) as the precursor. The reduction and carburization of vaporized APT produced nanosized tungsten carbide (WC1−x) powder, which sometimes contained a small amount of W2C phase. The effects of reactant gas composition, plasma torch power, the flow rate of plasma gas, and the addition of secondary plasma gas (H2) on the product composition and particle size were investigated. The produced tungsten carbide (WC1−x) powder was <20 nm in particle size. The synthesized powders were also subjected to a hydrogen heat treatment to fully carburize the WC1−x and W2C phases to the WC phase as well as to remove excess carbon. Finally, WC powder of particle size <100 nm was obtained.
Health Beliefs toward Cardiovascular Risk Reduction in Patients Admitted to Chest Pain Observation Units
Authors: Katz David A. , Graber Mark , Birrer Emily , Lounsbury Patricia , Baldwin Austin , Hillis Stephen L. , Christensen Alan J.
Published: March 2009

Objectives:  Even after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is ruled out, observational studies have suggested that many patients with nonspecific chest pain have a high burden of cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) and are at increased long‐term risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD)‐related mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the premise that evaluation in an observation unit for symptoms of possible ACS is a “teachable moment” with regard to modification of CRFs.

Methods:  The authors conducted a baseline face‐to‐face interview and a 3‐month telephone interview of 83 adult patients with at least one modifiable CRF who presented with symptoms of possible ACS to an academic medical center. Existing questionnaires were adapted to measure Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs for IHD. Stage of change and self‐reported CRF‐related behaviors (diet, exercise, and smoking) were assessed using previously validated measures. The paired t‐test or signed rank test was used to compare baseline and 3‐month measures of health behavior within the analysis sample.

Results:  Of the 83 study patients, 45 and 40% reported having received clinician advice regarding diet and physical activity during the observation unit encounter, respectively; 69% of current smokers received advice to quit smoking. Patients reported lower susceptibility to IHD (13.3 vs. 14.0, p = 0.06) and greater perceived benefit of healthy lifestyles (27.5 vs. 26.4, p = 0.0003) at 3‐month follow‐up compared to baseline. Patients also reported greater readiness to change and improved self‐reported behaviors at follow‐up (vs. baseline): decreased intake of saturated fat (10.1% vs. 10.5% of total calories, p = 0.005), increased fruit and vegetable intake (4.0 servings/day vs. 3.6 servings/day, p = 0.01), and fewer cigarettes (13 vs. 18, p = 0.002).

Conclusions:  Observed changes in IHD health beliefs and CRF‐related behaviors during follow‐up support the idea that observation unit admission is a teachable moment. Patients with modifiable risk factors may benefit from systematic interventions to deliver CRF‐related counseling during observation unit evaluation.
Sex Determination from Hand Dimensions of North and South Indians
Authors: Kanchan Tanuj , Rastogi Prateek
Published: March 2009

Abstract: When dismembered human remains are encountered, the decedent’s sex may not be obvious. For these scenarios, techniques for sex determination may play a vital part of the medicolegal investigation. Five hundred hands (230 males, 270 females) from North and South Indian region were studied to investigate sexual dimorphism in hand dimensions (hand length, hand breadth, and palm length). The hand index (hand breadth/hand length × 100) and the palm index (hand breadth/palm length × 100) were derived. The hand dimensions show a higher accuracy in sex determination when compared to indices. Of all hand dimensions, hand breadth has the highest accuracy of sex determination in the study group. The sex differences were found to be statistically significant only for the hand index on the left side. The morphometric parameters of the hand show considerable sexual dimorphism in the Indian population while the hand and palm index remain poor sex indicators. The study thus has medicolegal implications when a dismembered hand is brought for examination.
T regulatory cells: aid or hindrance in the clearance of disease?
Authors: Coleman Clint A. , Muller‐Trutwin Michaela C. , Apetrei Cristian , Pandrea Ivona
Published: March 2009

Introduction

Characteristics

Manipulation of CD4+ CD25+ Tregs

Depletion of CD4+ CD25+ Tregs

Role of CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+ Tregs in disease

Conclusions

CD4+ CD25+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) are classified as a subset of T cells whose role is the suppression and regulation of immune responses to self and non‐self. Since their discovery in the early 1970s, the role of CD4+ CD25+ Tregs in both autoimmune and infectious disease has continued to expand. This review exam‐ines the recent advances on the role CD4+ CD25+ Tregs may be playing in various diseases regarding pro‐gression or protection. In addition, advances made in the purification and manipulation of CD4+ CD25+ Tregs using new cell markers, techniques and antibodies are discussed. Ultimately, an overall understanding of the exact mechanism which CD4+ CD25+ Tregs implement during disease progression will enhance our ability to manipulate CD4+ CD25+ Tregs in a clinically beneficial manner.