bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterising the degree of polarisation anisotropy in an a ‐plane GaN film
Authors: Badcock T. J. , Schulz S. , Moram M. A. , Kappers M. J. , Dawson P. , O'Reilly E. P. , Humphreys C. J.
Published: May 2010

We have performed a thorough characterisation of an a ‐plane GaN film, using X‐ray diffraction reciprocal space mapping, k·p theory and polarised photoluminescence spectroscopy Within the plane of the film and along the growth direction, the strain was found to be compressive and tensile respectively. The relative oscillator strength of the transitions involving the topmost valence bands has been calculated as a function of strain. We find that using the experimentally determined strain values as input parameters to the theoretical model, results in good agreement between the predicted relative oscillator strengths and the degree of optical polarisation anisotropy measured in the low temperature photoluminescence spectroscopy. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Concurrent robotic trans‐abdominal pre‐peritoneal (TAP) herniorrhaphy during robotic‐assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Joshi Amit R. T. , Spivak Jacob , Rubach Eugene , Goldberg Gary , DeNoto George
Published: May 2010

Background

Robotic prostatectomy (RP) is now increasingly performed because it allows for precise dissection of neurovascular structures with better outcomes. It is estimated that 5–12% of candidates for radical prostatectomy have detectable inguinal hernias, and simultaneous mesh hernioplasty is now well supported. A disadvantage of radical prostatectomy is obliteration of the preperitoneal space of Bogros, which can make future totally extraperitoneal (TEP) herniorrhaphy difficult and prone to complication.

Methods

Four patients underwent RP using the DaVinci system. Six clinically detectable inguinal hernias were repaired. Upon completion of the prostatectomy, the peritoneum overlying the myopectineal orifice of Fruchaud was opened, the orifice was dissected free and the hernia reduced. A 3 × 6 inch polypropylene mesh or 4 × 6 inch polyester mesh was then affixed overlying the orifice with titanium tacks, and the peritoneum was closed over the mesh using a running absorbable suture.

Results

The mean operating time for the TAP was 24 min. There were no postoperative complications. At a mean follow‐up of 34 months, no recurrence was noted.

Conclusions

With the increasing incidence of RP, we advocate the concurrent repair of any detectable inguinal hernias at the time of prostatectomy. The preperitoneal placement of a polypropylene or polyester mesh secured with a tacking device and a peritoneal closure performed with a running absorbable suture is uniquely suited to the abilities of the robot, and provides a durable repair. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pelvic Exenteration for Advanced and Recurrent Malignancy
Authors: Zoucas Evita , Frederiksen Sven , Lydrup Marie‐Louise , Månsson Wiking , Gustafson Pelle , Alberius Per
Published: May 2010

Background

Improved surgical techniques and oncological treatment render many advanced pelvic tumors amenable to curative resection. We evaluated morbidity, survival, and quality of life (QoL) after extended pelvic procedures.

Methods

From January 2003 to November 2008, 85 patients underwent multivisceral pelvic resection; 87% had colorectal or anal malignancies. Preoperatively, endoscopy and imaging procedures were performed, followed by multidisciplinary assessment. Fifty‐eight percent received preoperative chemotherapy and pelvic irradiation. Exenteration was total in 32 patients and posterior in 48. Five posterior resections included partial cystectomy and 21 encompassed resection of the bony pelvis. Myocutaneous flaps were used for reconstruction in 33 cases. Urinary diversion was achieved by ileal conduit in 24 and by continent pouch in 8. QoL was evaluated prospectively in 22 late cases.

Results

All patients were evaluated. Clear margins were obtained in 66%. Median duration of surgery was 680 (310–1,320) min, and blood loss was 1,800 (350–19,000) ml. Morbidity was 68%, whereof major complications constituted 13%. Median hospital stay was 18 (5–70) days. There was no 90‐day mortality. Median follow‐up was 24 (3–71) months. Local control was obtained in 77 patients. Twenty‐seven manifested disseminated disease without local recurrence, two developed isolated local recurrence, and six had local and systemic recurrences. Twenty‐one died after a median of 11 (4–55) months follow‐up. Survival was correlated with clear margins and time to relapse. QoL was improved at 16 months after surgery.

Conclusions

Multivisceral pelvic surgery is possible with acceptable morbidity and QoL. Thorough patient selection and multimodal therapy are necessary to attain maximum benefit.
Downsizing Treatment with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Patients with Advanced Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors Improved Resectability
Authors: Sjölund Katarina , Andersson Anna , Nilsson Erik , Nilsson Ola , Ahlman Håkan , Nilsson Bengt
Published: May 2010

Background

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) express the receptor tyrosine kinase KIT. Most GISTs have mutations in the KIT or PDGFRA gene, causing activation of tyrosine kinase. Imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), is the first‐line palliative treatment for advanced GISTs. Sunitinib was introduced for patients with mutations not responsive to imatinib. The aim was to compare the survival of patients with high‐risk resected GISTs treated with TKI prior to surgery with historical controls and to determine if organ‐preserving surgery was facilitated.

Methods

Ten high‐risk GIST‐patients had downsizing/adjuvant TKI treatment: nine with imatinib and one with sunitinib. The patients were matched with historical controls (n = 89) treated with surgery alone, from our population‐based series (n = 259). Mutational analysis of KIT and PDGFRA was performed in all cases. The progression‐free survival was calculated.

Results

The primary tumors decreased in mean diameter from 20.4 cm to 10.5 cm on downsizing imatinib. Four patients with R0 resection and a period of adjuvant imatinib had no recurrences versus 67% in the historical control group. Four patients with residual liver metastases have stable disease on continuous imatinib treatment after surgery. One patient has undergone reoperation with liver resection. The downsizing treatment led to organ‐preserving surgery in nine patients and improved preoperative nutritional status in one patient.

Conclusions

Downsizing TKI is recommended for patients with bulky tumors with invasion of adjacent organs. Sunitinib can be used for patients in case of imatinib resistance (e.g., wild‐type GISTs), underlining the importance of mutational analysis for optimal surgical planning.
Significance of Serum Connective Tissue Growth Factor in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Relationship with Angiogenesis
Authors: Wang Gui‐Bo , Zhou Xin‐Yu , Yuan Tao , Xie Jun , Guo Li‐Ping , Gao Ning , Wang Xiao‐Qin
Published: May 2010

Background

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression changes variously in different human malignancies. The role of CTGF in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still not clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of serum CTGF in patients with HCC and its correlation with HCC angiogenesis.

Methods

CTGF, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were measured by ELISA in preoperative sera of 88 patients with HCC with tumor resection and 39 healthy subjects. The relationship between CTGF and HCC clinicopathological parameters was observed. Prognostic significance of CTGF for survival of patients with HCC was assessed by Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Results

Preoperative serum CTGF level was significantly higher in patients with HCC than in healthy subjects (median, 63.5 vs. 11.4 ng/ml; P < 0.001). Serum CTGF correlated significantly with a series of clinicopathological parameters (big tumor size, advanced pathological tumor‐node‐metastasis stage, absence of tumor capsule, portal vein invasion). Serum CTGF showed a significant correlation with disease‐free survival and overall survival of patients with HCC. Patients with high serum CTGF (>63.5 ng/ml) had a poorer disease‐free survival time than the others (CTGF ≤ 63.5 ng/ml; median disease‐free survival time, 9.6 vs. 19.3 months). Patients with high serum CTGF had poorer overall survival time (median, 13.1 months) than the others (median, 21.7 months). In multivariate Cox analysis, CTGF was identified as an independent and significant prognostic factor of survival of HCC patients.

Conclusions

Serum CTGF plays an important role in the progression of HCC. Serum CTGF may be a potential indicator of angiogenesis of HCC.
Prognostic value of18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in patients with extrahepatic bile duct cancer
Authors: Kitamura Koji , Hatano Etsuro , Higashi Tatsuya , Seo Satoru , Nakamoto Yuji , Narita Masato , Taura Kojiro , Yasuchika Kentaro , Nitta Takashi , Yamanaka Kenya , Doi Ryuichiro , Ikai Iwao , Uemoto Shinji
Published: May 2010

Background

18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) is used in the differential diagnosis and staging of extrahepatic bile duct cancer (EBDC), but its prognostic value has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the prognostic value of FDG‐PET in EBDC patients.

Methods

The study included 73 consecutive patients with EBDC, of whom 48 underwent surgical resection for EBDC. The effects of clinicopathological factors including the standardized uptake value (SUV) of the primary lesion and lymph node metastasis detected by FDG‐PET (PET‐N) on overall survival were evaluated.

Results

In all 73 patients, multivariate analysis showed that surgical resection (risk ratio 2.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17–5.35,p = 0.018) and the SUV (2.0, 1.07–3.91,p = 0.030) were independent predictors of survival. In the 48 patients who underwent surgical resection, multivariate analysis revealed that perineural invasion (risk ratio 3.2, 95% CI 1.28–7.93,p = 0.012), pathologic lymph node metastasis (3.4, 1.27–9.17,p = 0.015), and PET‐N (4.0, 1.10–15.25,p = 0.036) were independent predictors of overall survival. In the 25 patients without surgical resection, the SUV showed a significant relationship with overall survival (p = 0.014).

Conclusion

Our data suggest that the SUV of the primary lesion is a useful prognostic factor in patients with EBDC, and the prognosis for patients with PET‐N remains very poor despite surgical resection.
Comparison of effects of spatial autocorrelation on distribution predictions of four rare plant species in the Watarase wetland
Authors: Ishihama Fumiko , Takeda Tomomi , Oguma Hiroyuki , Takenaka Akio
Published: May 2010

We tested the effectiveness of distribution‐prediction models for four rare herbaceous wetland species in the Watarase wetland, Japan, based on data obtained from aerial images. We used visible and near‐infrared aerial images from three seasons, and elevations and vegetation heights derived from the images. Because spatial autocorrelation in species distribution data often biases the estimated effects of certain variables and reduces the prediction accuracy of distribution models, we compared the predictions of an intrinsic conditional autoregressive (CAR) model, which accounts for spatial autocorrelation, with those of a standard logistic regression model. The four study species had different distribution patterns:Ophioglossum namegataeandImpatiens ohwadaehad aggregated distributions, whereasGalium tokyoenseandThalictrum simplexvar.brevipeshad scattered distributions. Predictions based on remote sensing images performed well forO. namegataewith the intrinsic CAR model and forI. ohwadaewith both the logistic and CAR models; performance was poor forG. tokyoenseandT. simplexvar.brevipeswith both models. Prediction accuracy improved by the CAR model in comparison to the logistic model most inO. namegataeand least inI. ohwadae.Impatiens ohwadae's distribution was explained well by ground height. In contrast, the apparent improvement in the prediction forO. namegataeresulted from a substantial spatial random effect, suggesting the presence of determinants that could not be detected by remote sensing. The number of explanatory variables with large effects decreased in the intrinsic CAR model in three species possibly by avoiding spatial pseudoreplication, but not forT. simplexvar.brevipes.
Multiple roles of ATM in monitoring and maintaining DNA integrity
Authors: Derheimer Frederick A. , Kastan Michael B.
Published: May 2010

The ability of our cells to maintain genomic integrity is fundamental for protection from cancer development. Central to this process is the ability of cells to recognize and repair DNA damage and progress through the cell cycle in a regulated and orderly manner. In addition, protection of chromosome ends through the proper assembly of telomeres prevents loss of genetic information and aberrant chromosome fusions. Cells derived from patients with ataxia‐telangiectasia (A‐T) show defects in cell cycle regulation, abnormal responses to DNA breakage, and chromosomal end‐to‐end fusions. The identification and characterization of the ATM (ataxia‐telangiectasia, mutated) gene product has provided an essential tool for researchers in elucidating cellular mechanisms involved in cell cycle control, DNA repair, and chromosomal stability.
Loss of a DNA binding site within the tail of prelamin A contributes to altered heterochromatin anchorage by progerin
Authors: Bruston Francine , Delbarre Erwan , Östlund Cecilia , Worman Howard J. , Buendia Brigitte , Duband-Goulet Isabelle
Published: May 2010

MINT‐7893957, MINT‐7893974, MINT‐7894055: H3 (uniprotkb:Q71DI3) binds (MI:0407) to progerin (uniprotkb:Q6UYC3) by surface plasmon resonance (MI:0107)
Norspermine substitutes for thermospermine in the control of stem elongation in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Kakehi Jun-Ichi , Kuwashiro Yoshitaka , Motose Hiroyasu , Igarashi Kazuei , Takahashi Taku
Published: May 2010

Thermospermine is a structural isomer of spermine and is required for stem elongation in Arabidopsis thaliana. We noted the C3C3 arrangement of carbon chains in thermospermine (C3C3C4), which is not present in spermine (C3C4C3), and examined if it is functionally replaced with norspermine (C3C3C3) or not. Exogenous application of norspermine to acl5, a mutant defective in the synthesis of thermospermine, partially suppressed its dwarf phenotype, and down‐regulated the level of the acl5 transcript which is much higher than that of the ACL5 transcript in the wild type. Furthermore, in the Zinnia culture, differentiation of mesophyll cells into tracheary elements was blocked by thermospermine and norspermine but not by spermine. Our results indicate that norspermine can functionally substitute for thermospermine.
Regulation of homologous recombination at telomeres in budding yeast
Authors: Eckert-Boulet Nadine , Lisby Michael
Published: May 2010

Homologous recombination is suppressed at normal length telomere sequences. In contrast, telomere recombination is allowed when telomeres erode in the absence of telomerase activity or as a consequence of nucleolytic degradation or incomplete replication. Here, we review the mechanisms that contribute to regulating mitotic homologous recombination at telomeres and the role of these mechanisms in signalling short telomeres in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
MCP‐induced protein 1 suppresses TNFα‐induced VCAM‐1 expression in human endothelial cells
Authors: Qi Yongfen , Liang Jian , She Zhi-Gang , Cai Yan , Wang Jing , Lei Tianhua , Stallcup William B. , Fu Mingui
Published: May 2010

Endothelial inflammation plays a critical role in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease, albeit the mechanisms need to be fully elucidated. We here report that treatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α substantially increased the expression of MCP‐induced protein 1 (MCPIP1). Overexpression of MCPIP1 protected ECs against TNFα‐induced endothelial activation, as characterized by the attenuation in the expression of the adhesion molecule VCAM‐1 and monocyte adherence to ECs. Conversely, small interfering RNA‐mediated knock down of MCPIP1 increased the expression of VCAM‐1 and monocytic adherence to ECs. These studies identified MCPIP1 as a feedback control of cytokines‐induced endothelial inflammation.
Ostracods from Upper Ordovician (Katian) carbonate lithofacies in southwest Scotland
Authors: MOHIBULLAH M. , AFZAL J. , WILLIAMS M. , MEIDLA T. , SIVETER D. J. , ZALASIEWICZ J. A.
Published: May 2010

The Ordovician Craighead Limestone Formation of southwest Scotland was formed on a carbonate platform on the eastern tropical margin of the Laurentia palaeocontinent during the early Katian (c.456 Ma). It yields the most diverse and well-preserved ostracod fauna yet recovered from the Scottish Ordovician succession, with some 25 species divisible into two distinct marine biotopes comprising shallow lagoonal and deeper platform margin settings, respectively. The ostracods show strong biogeographic links at species-level with Sandbian and early Katian faunas of North America, includingKrausella arcuata, Steusloffina cuneata, Monoceratella teresand species ofLevisulculusandPlatybolbina. However, many of the ostracod genera that characterize the Craighead Limestone Formation have earlier origins in the Baltica palaeocontinent, suggesting enhanced migration of species from mid- (Baltica about 30° S) to low (Laurentia) latitudes in the late Sandbian and early Katian interval. Such Baltica-origin genera includeDistobolbina,KiesowiaandPlatybolbina. Notable is the wide biogeographic occurrence ofSteusloffina cuneata, extending from warm tropical Laurentia to cooler high-latitude Gondwana, an enormous latitudinal range for a shelf-dwelling marine species. The possible Tvaerenellidae taxonDuoarcus levigatusgen. et sp. nov. is described.
Significance of AMS analysis in evaluating superposed folds in quartzites
Authors: MAMTANI MANISH A. , SENGUPTA POULOMI
Published: May 2010

Quartzites tend to be compositionally homogeneous, and because of this, deformation related fabric elements (foliations and lineations) are poorly developed in them. This makes structural analysis of deformed quartzites challenging. The measurement of anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) is useful for recognizing structural imprints in rocks that lack mesoscopic fabrics and the present study is carried out with an aim to demonstrate the robustness of AMS in analysing such deformation imprints in quartzites. AMS data of samples from folded quartzites located in an approximately 10 km2 area around Galudih (eastern India) are presented. Although on a regional scale, superposed deformation and ductile shearing are known from the area, the investigated quartzites do not preserve mesoscopic evidence of these large-scale features and have developed folds that plunge gently towards the SE with a vertical NW–SE-striking axial plane. The magnetic foliation recorded from AMS analysis is parallel to the axial plane, while the orientation of the magnetic lineation varies from SE through vertical to NW. This is similar to the large-scale fold axis variations recorded in various regional domains mapped over an area of about 200 km2. It is concluded that although the imprint of regional superposed deformation is not obvious on the mesoscopic scale in the quartzites around Galudih, this imprint can be detected from the magnetic fabric. The present study thus highlights the usefulness of AMS in analysing superposed folds in quartzites.
Railways and Price Convergence in British India
Authors: Andrabi Tahir , Kuehlwein Michael
Published: May 2010

The period 1861 to 1920 witnessed sharp price convergence in British Indian grain markets. Previous research attributed this to the construction of railways. But tests examining price differences between districts provide surprisingly weak support for that hypothesis. Railways mattered, but seem capable of explaining only about 20 percent of the decline in price dispersion. One explanation may be that India was a partially integrated economy at the time of railroad expansion. Lines connecting districts on preexisting trade routes had very small price effects. There is also some evidence of a “border effect” on lines between British India and princely states.
Real Wages and Labor Productivity in Britain and Germany, 1871–1938: A Unified Approach to the International Comparison of Living Standards
Authors: Broadberry Stephen , Burhop Carsten
Published: May 2010

Throughout the period 1871–1938, the average British worker was better off than the average German worker, but there were significant differences between major sectors. For the aggregate economy, the real wage gap was about the same as the labor productivity gap, but again there were important sectoral differences. Compared to their productivity, German industrial workers were poorly paid, whereas German agricultural and service sector employees were overpaid. This affected the competitiveness of the two countries in these sectors. There were also important differences in comparative real wages by skill level, affecting the extent of poverty.
Naître de mourir: la mort de Jésus dans l’Évangile de Matthieu (Mt 27.51-56)
Authors: Wüthrich Serge
Published: May 2010

What is the meaning of the apocalyptic events related in the Gospel of Matthew after the death of Jesus? The issue is treated in two stages, beginning with a short review of current interpretations (historical, causal, and semiologic). In a second step, the spatial and temporal disruptions that cross the story are explored. The hypothesis is made, with consideration of the figures’ sequence, that they are the figurative expression of a childbirth. Time and place of death are thus those of a birth, Jesus is literally ‘the firstborn from the dead’. It is finally suggested that the reader's actualisation of this peculiar figures’ chain corresponds to the birth of a believing subject.
Directional orientation of migration in an aseasonal explosive-breeding toad from Brazil
Authors: Santos Raquel Rocha , Leonardi Simone Baratto , Caorsi Valentina Zaffaroni , Grant Taran
Published: May 2010

The directional orientation of pre- and post-reproductive migration was studied in the Brazilian red-bellied toad Melanophryniscus cambaraensis, a species that forms explosive-breeding aggregations at irregular intervals throughout the entire year. Migrating toads were captured by enclosing the breeding site in dual drift fences with inward- and outward-facing funnel traps. Data were collected over 5 mo and totalled 333 captures. The observed directional orientation was significantly different from expected under a uniform distribution for both pre- and post-reproductive migration, regardless of gender. Males and females did not differ significantly from each other in the orientation of entry or exit, and the directional orientation of pre-reproductive migration was not significantly different from post-reproductive migration. It is suggested that the observed directional bias may be due to a dirt road next to the breeding site that could restrict juvenile dispersal to the adjacent forest.
THE CIRCUMSCRIPTION, TAXONOMY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY OF PORTERANDIA (RUBIACEAE – GARDENIEAE)
Authors: Zahid M. S. , Wong K. M.
Published: May 2010

The taxonomic history of Porterandia (Rubiaceae) is reviewed. Its plant architecture and other morphological characteristics are compared with those of the related Atractocarpus and Bungarimba. Porterandia species are typically gynodioecious (and sometimes gynomonoecious), with sexual dimorphism in inflorescence form and flowers. Secondary pollen presentation in bisexual flowers is present. In a cladistic analysis using 34 morphological characters, Porterandia, Atractocarpus heterophyllus (type species of Atractocarpus) and Bungarimba were neatly polarised from Aidia, the outgroup. The 20 species of Porterandia in the analysis formed a well-supported monophyletic group, clearly delimited by primary and lower-order branches with terminal cymes in forks, stipules fused into a tube and with hairy inner surfaces, anisophyllous leaf pairs, corollas with stiff bristle-like hairs over the tube outer surface and adaxially hairy lobes. A revision enumerated 22 species of Porterandia, including a new species, P. dinghoui Zahid & K.M.Wong. Borneo, with 19 species, is the centre of diversity; outlying taxa appear to diverge from Bornean taxa in some characters; for example, Porterandia anisophylla and P. scortechinii (Sumatra, Malaya) are the only species with downward-pointing hairs on the corolla tubes (the rest have upward-pointing hairs), and P. celebica (Sulawesi) has atypical hood-like, fused (instead of free) inflorescence bracts. The northwest Borneo region has a significant species diversity and congregation. Extinction of Porterandia populations from heavily disturbed or open sites indicates that habitat conservation and the integrity of large forest patches and tree stands are critical.
IMPORTANT PLANT AREAS IN THE ARABIAN PENINSULA: 2. FARASAN ARCHIPELAGO
Authors: Hall M. , Llewellyn O. A. , Miller A. G. , Al-Abbasi T. M. , Al-Wetaid A. H. , Al-Harbi R. J. , Al-Shammari K. F.
Published: May 2010

The Farasan Archipelago in Saudi Arabia is an Important Plant Area (IPA) in the Arabian Peninsula. This paper describes the flora of the Farasan Islands and provides an up-to-date botanical checklist together with background information on the geology and fauna of the islands. It designates the locality as an IPA due to the presence of nationally and regionally rare species and the presence of good examples of mangrove vegetation, which is both regionally and globally threatened. In addition to conservation assessments, this study also examines conservation planning concerns, particularly the colonisation of the main island Farasan Al-Kabir by the invasive species Prosopis juliflora. Suggestions for conservation action are provided. A new combination is made for Tetraena boulosii.
The Englaro Case: Withdrawal of Treatment from a Patient in a Permanent Vegetative State in Italy
Authors: MORATTI SOFIA
Published: May 2010

The international media recently reported the case of Eluana Englaro, a 38-year-old woman in a permanent vegetative state (PVS) who died in February 2009 following withdrawal of her feeding tube. At the time of her death, she had been unconscious for 17 years. For many years, her father had been seeking permission to allow her to die. His request was rejected by the courts several times on different grounds, until the Italian Supreme Court finally granted it. The case caused considerable political turmoil. The government, the president, the Constitutional Court, and the European Court of Human Rights got involved. This paper gives an account of the history of the case, enriched by personal communications with the people directly involved and a memoir by the father of Eluana.
The Roll Call Behavior of Men and Women in the U.S. House of Representatives, 1937–2008
Authors: Simon Dennis M. , Palmer Barbara
Published: May 2010

Our analysis investigates the ideological differences in the voting records of male and female members of the U.S. House of Representatives using a relatively novel natural-experiment research design to account for variations in district-level factors. We ask whether it makes a difference when a woman succeeds a man or a man succeeds a woman in a given congressional district. To answer this question, we created a database consisting of predecessor-successor pairs in all elections to the House between 1937 and 2008. In the case of intraparty change, we find that there is no significant difference in the voting scores of female and male members of the House; the roll call scores of female Democrats who replace male Democrats are virtually identical, as are the scores of male Democrats who replace female Democrats. The same results hold for Republicans. We also demonstrate that when interparty change occurs in a district, there is no evidence that the resulting ideological change is greater when the successor or predecessor is a woman. In other words, the voting records of consecutive members of Congress that come from a particular district are virtually the same regardless of their gender.
Anämie im Alter – eine diagnostische und therapeutische Herausforderung
Authors: Ebnöther Monika
Published: May 2010

Eine Anämie, entsprechend einem Hämoglobin von unter 120 g/l für Frauen, respektive 130 g/l für Männer, ist eine häufige Folge von höchst unterschiedlichen Krankheiten bei älteren Menschen. Es handelt sich dabei einerseits um Mangelanämien, andererseits um Anämien bei chronischen Krankheiten und unerklärte Anämien, welche bis ein Drittel der Patienten umfassen. Auch ältere Patienten sollten abgeklärt werden mit Anamnese, klinischer Untersuchung und dem kompletten Blutbild mit Erythrozytenindizes und -morphologie sowie Retikulozytenzahl. Anhand des mittleren korpuskulären Volumens kann eine Vitamin B12- oder Folsäure-Mangel-Anämie identifiziert werden, mikrozytäre Anämien sprechen für einen Eisenmangel, während normozytäre Anämien bei chronischen Krankheiten, Niereninsuffizienz oder Entzündungen auftreten. Die Behandlung zielt auf die Korrektur des Grundproblems, wo möglich. Die rekombinanten Wachstumsfaktoren sind in der Therapie der renalen Anämie etabliert, konnten sich aus Kosten- und Sicherheitsgründen aber bei anderen Anämieformen nur bedingt durchsetzen. Bluttransfusionen können dort erforderlich sein.
Umgang mit Harninkontinenz – Ergebnisse einer qualitativen Studie mit Betroffenen und pflegenden Angehörigen
Authors: Hayder Daniela , Schnepp Wilfried
Published: May 2010

Harninkontinenz ist eine vielschichtige Problematik, von der weltweit Millionen von Menschen betroffen sind. Wie Betroffene und pflegende Angehörige jedoch den Alltag erleben und gestalten, ist bisher kaum untersucht worden. Dies war Anlass für eine zweieinhalbjährige Studie im deutschsprachigen Raum. In vorliegendem Artikel werden die Ergebnisse der Untersuchung bezüglich des Erlebens von Harninkontinenz dargestellt. Es wurden 47 problemzentrierte Interviews mit 32 Betroffenen und 15 pflegenden Angehörigen geführt und mit der Methode der Grounded Theory nach Strauss und Corbin analysiert. Das Erleben einer Harninkontinenz ist abhängig von der Ursache der Inkontinenz und davon, ob inkontinente Episoden im privaten oder öffentlichen Raum erlebt werden. Die Inkontinenz selbst hat Einfluss auf soziale, kulturelle sowie sportliche Aktivitäten und auf die partnerschaftlichen Beziehungen bzw. die Sexualität der Betroffenen. Die Ergebnisse der Studie werden im Lichte aktueller Forschung diskutiert. Abschließend wird aufgezeigt, dass sich die pflegerische Einschätzung und Beratung hinsichtlich der Inkontinenz an der Lebenswelt der Betroffenen orientieren muss.
Impact of the receiver fault distribution on aftershock activity
Authors: Hainzl S. , Zöller G. , Wang R.
Published: May 2010

Aftershock models are usually based either on purely empirical relations ignoring the physical mechanism or on deterministic calculations of stress changes on a predefined receiver fault orientation. Here we investigate the effect of considering more realistic fault systems in models based on static Coulomb stress changes. For that purpose, we perform earthquake simulations with elastic half‐space stress interactions, rate‐and‐state dependent frictional earthquake nucleation, and extended ruptures with heterogeneous (fractal) slip distributions. We find that the consideration of earthquake nucleation on multiple receiver fault orientations does not influence the shape of the temporal Omori‐type aftershock decay, but changes significantly the predicted spatial patterns and the total number of triggered events. So‐called stress shadows with decreased activity almost vanish, and activation decays continuously with increasing distance from the main shock rupture. The total aftershock productivity, which is shown to be almost independent of the assumed background rate, increases significantly if multiple receiver fault planes exist. The application to the 1992 M7.3 Landers, California, aftershock sequence indicates a good agreement with the locations and the total productivity of the observed directly triggered aftershocks.
Specific heat capacity and thermal diffusivity and their temperature dependencies in a rock sample from adjacent to the Taiwan Chelungpu fault
Authors: Hirono Tetsuro , Hamada Yohei
Published: May 2010

Determination of the specific heat capacity and thermal diffusivity of rock samples, together with their temperature dependencies, is crucial for estimation of frictional heating during an earthquake. We measure these properties of a rock sample taken adjacent to the Taiwan Chelungpu fault, which slipped during the 1999 Chi‐Chi earthquake, by differential scanning calorimetry and by using a laser‐flash apparatus. We also evaluate the temperature dependencies of these properties up to 1000°C and 800°C, respectively, and determine their fitting equations. The specific heat capacity of the sample peaks at around 565°C, and the thermal diffusivity decreases with increasing temperature to 600°C but is almost constant in the temperature range of 600°C–800°C. These changes at around 550°C–600°C probably result from the α‐β phase transition of quartz, of which the sample is dominantly composed. We then perform a numerical analysis, adopting these values of specific heat capacity and thermal diffusivity along with their temperature dependencies, to reestimate dynamic shear stress and earthquake energetics during the Chi‐Chi earthquake. In this way, we determine the residual shear stress after the stress drop to be 9.0 MPa and the energy taken up by coseismic chemical reactions to be 10.4 MJ m−2, corresponding to 12.1% of the given work on the fault and tending to counteract the frictional heating.
Attributes of mesoscale convective systems at the land‐ocean transition in Senegal during NASA African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analyses 2006
Authors: DeLonge Marcia S. , Fuentes Jose D. , Chan Stephen , Kucera Paul A. , Joseph Everette , Gaye Amadou T. , Daouda Badiane
Published: May 2010

In this study we investigate the development of a mesoscale convective system (MCS) as it moved from West Africa to the Atlantic Ocean on 31 August 2006. We document surface and atmospheric conditions preceding and following the MCS, particularly near the coast. These analyses are used to evaluate how thermodynamic and microphysical gradients influence storms as they move from continental to maritime environments. To achieve these goals, we employ observations from NASA African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analyses (NAMMA) from the NASA S band polarimetric Doppler radar, a meteorological flux tower, upper‐air soundings, and rain gauges. We show that the MCS maintained a convective leading edge and trailing stratiform region as it propagated from land to ocean. The initial strength and organization of the MCS were associated with favorable antecedent conditions in the continental lower atmosphere, including high specific humidity (18 g kg−1), temperatures (300 K), and wind shear. While transitioning, the convective and stratiform regions became weaker and disorganized. Such storm changes were linked to less favorable thermodynamic, dynamic, and microphysical conditions over ocean. To address whether storms in different life‐cycle phases exhibited similar features, a composite analysis of major NAMMA events was performed. This analysis revealed an even stronger shift to lower reflectivity values over ocean. These findings support the hypothesis that favorable thermodynamic conditions over the coast are a prerequisite to ensuring that MCSs do not dissipate at the continental‐maritime transition, particularly due to strong gradients that can weaken West African storms moving from land to ocean.
Crustal‐scale structural architecture in central Chile based on seismicity and surface geology: Implications for Andean mountain building
Authors: Farías Marcelo , Comte Diana , Charrier Reynaldo , Martinod Joseph , David Claire , Tassara Andrés , Tapia Felipe , Fock Andrés
Published: May 2010

We document a crustal‐scale structural model for the central Chile Andes based on seismicity and surface geology, which consists in a major east verging ramp‐detachment structure connecting the subduction zone with the cordillera. The ramp rises from the subducting slab at ∼60 km depth to 15–20 km below the western edge of the cordillera, extending eastward as a 10 km depth flat detachment. This structure plays a fundamental role in the Andean orogenesis because most of the shortening has been accommodated by structures rooted in it and allows the distribution of crustal thickening in a “simple shear deformation mode.” Indeed, despite shortening distribution being very asymmetric (∼16 km versus ∼70 km in the western and eastern side, respectively), the western side is higher and thicker than what is expected. Yield strength envelopes show strong rheological control on this structure. Vp and Vp/Vs variations in the upper mantle and in the deepest limit of the seismogenic interplate contact mark the intersection of the ramp with the slab, which coincides with the blueschist‐eclogite transition. Therefore, subduction processes would control the depth where the major east verging structure may merge with the slab. Such a ramp‐flat structure is observed in other parts of the Chilean margin; hence, it seems to be a first‐order feature in the Andean subduction zone. This structure delimitates upward the rocks, transmitting part of the plate convergence stress from the plate interface, and controls mountain‐building tectonics, thus playing a key role in the Andean orogeny.
The theory of the reentrant effect in susceptibility of cylindrical mesoscopic samples
Authors: Gogadze G. A.
Published: May 2010

A theory has been developed to explain the anomalous behavior of the magnetic susceptibility of a normal metal–superconductor (NS) structure in weak magnetic fields at millikelvin temperatures. The effect was discovered experimentally [A. C. Mota et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 65, 1514 (1990)]. In cylindrical superconducting samples covered with a thin normal pure metal layer, the susceptibility exhibited a reentrant effect: it started to increase unexpectedly when the temperature was lowered below 100mK. The effect was observed in mesoscopic NS structures when the N and S metals were in good electric contact. The theory proposed is essentially based on the properties of the Andreev levels in the normal metal. When the magnetic field (or temperature) changes, each of the Andreev levels coincides from time to time with the chemical potential of the metal. As a result, the state of the NS structure experiences strong degeneracy, and the quasiparticle density of states exhibits resonance spikes. This generates a large paramagnetic contribution to the susceptibility, which adds to the diamagnetic contribution, thus leading to the reentrant effect. The explanation proposed was obtained within the model of free electrons. The theory provides a good description of the experimental results.
Superconducting gap and pseudogap
Authors: Deutscher Guy
Published: May 2010

The discovery of the pseudogap has been a fundamental advance in uncovering the new physics of the high-Tc cuprates, yet its meaning is still far from being clear. In particular, its relation to the superconducting gap remains an object of controversy. While many authors consider that it is a high-temperature precursor of superconductivity, which turns into the superconducting gap at low temperatures, others contend that it is a normal-state property related only indirectly to superconductivity. We review a number of experiments such as single-particle tunneling, Andreev–Saint-James reflections, and others, and conclude that in the underdoped regime there exists considerable evidence for the existence of two distinct energy scales, the superconducting gap and the pseudogap, which appear to merge into one another in overdoped samples.
On the two types of vortexlike excitations in the pseudogap state of an underdoped high-Tc superconductor
Authors: Sergeeva G. G.
Published: May 2010

A model of charge transport for U stripes of the pseudogap state of underdoped cuprate high-Tc superconductors is discussed which is topologically consistent with antiferromagnetism. The stripe structure of the CuO2 plane at T<T*(p) suggests that on doping the Cu2+ ions localize the holes, forming planar nonmagnetic Cu3+O42− “molecules” with a nondegenerate A state of the Cu3+ ion. It is shown that in U stripes the vibronic A→E transitions of the Cu3+ ions to the degenerate E state of the Cu2+ ion occur with the release of an energy ΔU, which for T2D≤T≤T*(p) gives rise to a two-dimensional gas of vortices and antivortices “pinned” by complexes Cu↑2+O42−(or Cu↓2+O42−). When the temperature is lowered, T<Tf(p), a transition of the U stripes occurs to a two-dimensional (2D) vortex-metal state with non-Fermi charge carriers (mobile 2D vortices and antivortices) which are consistent with antiferromagnetic order of the CuO2 plane. With the development of 2D superconducting fluctuations at T2D≤T≤T*(p) the pairing of vortices and antivortices renormalizes the interplane interaction constant, and the dimensional crossover 2D→3D occurs before the Berezinskii–Kosterlitz–Thouless transition. Upon further lowering of the temperature, the superconducting transition occurs by the Kats scenario at Tc>TBKT with a bounded interval of 3D superconducting fluctuations. It is shown that a two-component model of charge carriers which are topologically consistent with antiferromagnetism of the doped CuO2 plane is in agreement with the observation of electric signals at T2D≤T≤T*(p) [Y. Wang et al., Phys. Rev. B 64, 224519 (2001)].
Electrodynamics of electron in a superintense laser field: New principles of diagnostics of relativistic laser intensity
Authors: Galkin A. L. , Kalashnikov M. P. , Klinkov V. K. , Korobkin V. V. , Romanovsky M. Yu. , Shiryaev O. B.
Published: May 2010

The dynamics and energy spectra of electrons driven by a relativistically intense laser pulse are analyzed. The description is based on the numerical solution of the relativistic Newton’s equation with the Lorentz force generated by a strong focused optical field. After the interaction with it, electrons retain a considerable fraction of the energy of their oscillations during the interaction. The electron postinteraction energy spectrum is calculated. The energies in the spectrum high-energy tail are determined by the laser pulse intensity at the focal spot. An approach to estimating absolute values of the laser pulse intensity based on the measurement of the energy spectra of the electrons is proposed.
First-principles calculations on the energetics of nitrogen-doped hexagonal Ge2Sb2Te5
Authors: Kim Sae-Jin , Choi Jung-Hae , Lee Seung-Cheol , Cheong Byung-ki , Jeong Doo Seok , Park Chan
Published: May 2010

The energetics of nitrogen-doped Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST225) with a hexagonal structure was investigated using first-principles calculations. Nitrogen was considered to be incorporated into the GST225 matrix as either N atoms (2.7 at. %) or N2 molecules (5.3 at. %) at four possible interstitial sites. The formation energies of nitrogen-doped GST225 were all positive for both the atomic state and molecular state nitrogen, implying that the incorporation of nitrogen is not a spontaneous reaction with respect to the N2 molecule. The formation energies of GST225 doped with N2 molecule are much lower than those of GST225 doped with nitrogen atom for all of the interstitial sites considered. The changes in the electron densities caused by the addition of nitrogen showed that atomic nitrogen forms bonds with neighboring constituent atoms of GST225 and prefers Ge as the first nearest atom. On the other hand, N2 stays almost still and remains in the molecular state at the interstitial sites. The calculation results support two different experimental reports on the state of nitrogen in GST225.
Molecular dynamics simulations of Zn2+ coordination in protein binding sites
Authors: Tjörnhammar Richard , Edholm Olle
Published: May 2010

A systematic molecular dynamics (MD) study of zinc binding to a peptide that mimics the structural binding site of horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase (HLADH) has been conducted. The four zinc binding cysteines were successively mutated into alanines to study the stability, zinc coordination, and free energy of binding. The zinc ion is coordinated to four sulfurs in the native peptide as in x-ray structures of HLADH. When the cysteines are replaced by alanines, the zinc coordinating sulfurs are replaced by waters and/or polypeptide backbone carbonyl oxygens. With two or fewer cysteines, the coordination number increases from four to six, while the coordination number varies between four and six with three cysteines depending on which of the cysteines that is replaced by an alanine. The binding free energies of zinc to the proteins were calculated from MD free energy integration runs to which corrections from quantum mechanical cluster calculations were added. There is a reasonable correlation with experimental binding free energies [T. Bergman et al., Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 65, 4019 (2008)]. For the chains with the lowest structural fluctuations and highest free energies lower coordination numbers for zinc are obtained. Finally, x-ray absorption fine structure spectra were calculated from the MD structures.
Calculation of the interfacial free energy of a fluid at a static wall by Gibbs–Cahn integration
Authors: Laird Brian B. , Davidchack Ruslan L.
Published: May 2010

The interface between a fluid and a static wall is a useful model for a chemically heterogeneous solid-liquid interface. In this work, we outline the calculation of the wall-fluid interfacial free energy (γwf) for such systems using molecular simulation combined with adsorption equations based on Cahn’s extension of the surface thermodynamics of Gibbs. As an example, we integrate such an adsorption equation to obtain γwf as a function of pressure for a hard-sphere fluid at a hard wall. The results so obtained are shown to be in excellent agreement in both magnitude and precision with previous calculations of this quantity, but are obtained with significantly lower computational effort.
Magnetic properties of iron nanoparticle
Authors: Carvell J. , Ayieta E. , Gavrin A. , Cheng Ruihua , Shah V. R. , Sokol P.
Published: May 2010

Magnetic properties of Fe nanoparticles with different sizes synthesized by a physical deposition technique have been investigated experimentally. We have used a high pressure sputtering technique to deposit iron nanoparticles on a silicon substrate. The nanoparticles are then analyzed using atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and superconducting quantum interference device techniques. TEM and AFM data show that the particle size could be tuned by adjusting the deposition conditions. The magnetic properties have been investigated from temperature dependent magnetization M(T) and field dependent magnetization M(H) measurements. The results show that two phases including both ferromagnetic and superparamagnetic particles are present in our system. From these data we extracted the superparamagnetic critical size to be 9 nm for our samples. Ferromagnetic particles are single magnetic domain particles and the magnetic properties can be explained by the Stoner and Wohlfarth model. For the superparamagnetic phase, the effective anisotropy constant, Keff, decreases as the particle size increases.