bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional characterization of the unconventional splicing of Yarrowia lipolytica HAC1 mRNA induced by unfolded protein response
Authors: Oh Mi Hee , Cheon Seon Ah , Kang Hyun Ah , Kim Jeong‐Yoon
Published: February 2010

In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the unfolded protein response (UPR) involves the unconventional splicing of HAC1 mRNA, which is mediated by the activated Ire1p transmembrane kinase/endonuclease. In this study, we isolated and characterized a Yarrowia lipolytica HAC1 (YlHAC1) encoding a basic‐leucine zipper transcription factor. The null mutant strain of YlHAC1 (ΔYlhac1) displayed a significantly increased sensitivity to dithiothreitol (DTT) and tunicamycin (TM), along with a defect in hyphal growth, suggesting the essential function of YlHAC1 in UPR. The unconventional splicing of YlHAC1 mRNA occurred under the UPR conditions induced by DTT or TM treatment. Unlike S. cerevisiae HAC1 mRNA with an intron of 252 nt, YlHAC1 mRNA was shown to harbour a short intron of length 29 nt. The YlHAC1 mRNA harboured the nucleotides CAG, conserved at the intron borders in the filamentous fungi hac1/hacA and mammalian XBP1, as well as a conserved bipartite element within the 3′ untranslated region. The expression of the spliced form of YlHAC1 mRNA in the wild‐type andΔYlhac1 strains resulted in an increased resistance to DTT, thereby indicating that the spliced form is translated into a functional YlHac1p. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retroperitoneal Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Experience at a Single Institution in Mexico
Authors: García‐Aceituno Luis , Villarreal‐Garza Cynthia , Perfecto Miguel , León‐Rodríguez Eucario
Published: February 2010

Background

Retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas (RSTS) are a rare and uncommon entity with a poor 5‐year overall survival (OS) of approximately 50%, even though they rarely metastasize. The aim of the present study was to analyze the survival of patients with RSTS treated at our institution.

Patients and methods

Patients with RSTS treated between 1990 and 2008 were included. Variables analyzed were age, sex, histological type, TNM stage, tumor size, grade of differentiation, and treatment (surgery, chemotherapy only, radiotherapy only, adjuvant radiotherapy, and best supportive care). R0, R1, and R2 resection were analyzed. Overall survival, recurrence‐free survival (RFS), cancer‐specific survival (CSS), and survival comparison by stage, grade, and type of resection were analyzed.

Results

Data for 46 patients were analyzed, 20 men and 26 women. Median age was 51.1 years. Surgery with a curative intent was performed in 32 patients, and R0 resection was feasible in 19 (59.4%). The 5‐ and 10‐year OS rates were 47 and 30%, respectively, for the entire group. The median CSS for resected patients was 102 months; the 5‐year OS for stages I, III, and IV was 83, 37, and 0%, respectively; the 5‐year OS for low histological grade disease and high histological grade disease was 82 and 35%, respectively; and for R0, R1, and R2 resection, the 5‐year OS was 81, 56, and 14%, respectively. Median RFS was 79 months.

Conclusions

Incomplete surgical resection, unresectable disease, high histological grade, and advanced TNM stage are associated with a poor survival in patients with RSTS. Complete resection is still the treatment of choice.
Dealing with methionine/homocysteine sulfur: cysteine metabolism to taurine and inorganic sulfur
Authors: Stipanuk Martha H. , Ueki Iori
Published: February 2010

Synthesis of cysteine as a product of the transsulfuration pathway can be viewed as part of methionine or homocysteine degradation, with cysteine being the vehicle for sulfur conversion to end products (sulfate, taurine) that can be excreted in the urine. Transsulfuration is regulated by stimulation of cystathionine β‐synthase and inhibition of methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase in response to changes in the level of S‐adenosylmethionine, and this promotes homocysteine degradation when methionine availability is high. Cysteine is catabolized by several desulfuration reactions that release sulfur in a reduced oxidation state, generating sulfane sulfur or hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which can be further oxidized to sulfate. Cysteine desulfuration is accomplished by alternate reactions catalyzed by cystathionine β‐synthase and cystathionine γ‐lyase. Cysteine is also catabolized by pathways that require the initial oxidation of the cysteine thiol by cysteine dioxygenase to form cysteinesulfinate. The oxidative pathway leads to production of taurine and sulfate in a ratio of approximately 2:1. Relative metabolism of cysteine by desulfuration versus oxidative pathways is influenced by cysteine dioxygenase activity, which is low in animals fed low‐protein diets and high in animals fed excess sulfur amino acids. Thus, desulfuration reactions dominate when cysteine is deficient, whereas oxidative catabolism dominates when cysteine is in excess. In rats consuming a diet with an adequate level of sulfur amino acids, about two thirds of cysteine catabolism occurs by oxidative pathways and one third by desulfuration pathways. Cysteine dioxygenase is robustly regulated in response to cysteine availability and may function to provide a pathway to siphon cysteine to less toxic metabolites than those produced by cysteine desulfuration reactions.
Dermatan sulfate and heparan sulfate as a biomarker for mucopolysaccharidosis I
Authors: Tomatsu Shunji , Montaño Adriana M. , Oguma Toshihiro , Dung Vu Chi , Oikawa Hirotaka , de Carvalho Talita Giacomet , Gutiérrez María L. , Yamaguchi Seiji , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Fukushi Masaru , Sakura Nobuo , Barrera Luis , Kida Kazuhiro , Kubota Mitsuru , Orii Tadao
Published: February 2010

Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by deficiency of α‐L‐iduronidase leading to accumulation of its catabolic substrates, dermatan sulfate (DS) and heparan sulfate (HS), in lysosomes. This results in progressive multiorgan dysfunction and death in early childhood. The recent success of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for MPS I highlights the need for biomarkers that reflect response to such therapy. To determine which biochemical markers are better, we determined serum and urine DS and HS levels by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry in ERT‐treated MPS I patients. The group included one Hurler, 11 Hurler/Scheie, and two Scheie patients. Seven patients were treated from week 1, whereas the other seven were treated from week 26. Serum and urine DS (ΔDi‐4S/6S) and HS (ΔDiHS‐0S, ΔDiHS‐NS) were measured at baseline, week 26, and week 72. Serum ΔDi‐4S/6S, ΔDiHS‐0S, and ΔDiHS‐NS levels decreased by 72%, 56%, and 56%, respectively, from baseline at week 72. Urinary glycosaminoglycan level decreased by 61.2%, whereas urine ΔDi‐4S/6S, ΔDiHS‐0S, and ΔDiHS‐NS decreased by 66.8%, 71.8%, and 71%, respectively. Regardless of age and clinical severity, all patients showed marked decrease of DS and HS in blood and urine samples. We also evaluated serum DS and HS from dried blood‐spot samples of three MPS I newborn patients, showing marked elevation of DS and HS levels compared with those in control newborns. In conclusion, blood and urine levels of DS and HS provide an intrinsic monitoring and screening tool for MPS I patients.
Therapeutic approaches for neuronopathic lysosomal storage disorders
Authors: Schiffmann Raphael
Published: February 2010

Therapy of the central nervous system (CNS) manifestations of lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) has remained a major challenge because of its inability to deliver therapeutic agents efficiently across the intact blood–brain barrier. Non‐specific therapies such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation have been useful in globoid cell leukodystrophy (Krabbe disease) and in some mucopolysaccharidoses. Anti‐inflammatory agents also show promise as adjuvant therapy. High doses of replacement therapy with native or modified enzyme show renewed promise for correction of CNS cells. Alternatively, small molecules can enter the brain relatively easily and promote reduction of accumulated substrate or function as pharmacological chaperones to enhance the level of the deficient enzyme. Gene therapy is still being developed and tested in patients. It is therefore likely that, thanks to a better understanding of disease mechanism, a variety of therapeutic approaches, used alone or in combination, will be useful to treat the devastating neurological complications of LSDs.
From Farey symbols to generators for subgroups of finite index in integral group rings of finite groups
Authors: Dooms Ann , Jespers Eric , Konovalov Alexander
Published: February 2010

The topic of this paper is the construction of a finite set of generators for a subgroup of finite index in the unit group u(ℤG) of the integral group ring of a finite group G. The present paper is a continuation of earlier research by Bass and Milnor, Jespers and Leal, and Ritter and Sehgal who constructed such generators provided that the group G does not have a non-abelian fixed-point free epimorphic image and the rational group algebra ℚG does not have simple epimorphic images that are two-by-two matrices over either the rationals, a quadratic imaginary extension of the rationals or a non-commutative division algebra. In this paper we allow simple images of the type M2(ℚ). We will do so by introducing new additional generators using Farey symbols, which are in one to one correspondence with fundamental polygons of congruence subgroups of PSL2(ℤ). Furthermore, for each simple Wedderburn component M2(ℚ) of ℚG, the new generators give a free subgroup that is embedded in M2(ℤ).
Internal jugular vein thrombosis secondary to a permanent cardiac pacemaker: an unusual case of lateral neck swelling
Authors: Arhi C S , Buchanan M A , Allen S A , Pickles J
Published: February 2010

Objective:

To describe an unusual case of lateral neck swelling in a patient with a permanent cardiac pacemaker.

Case report:

We describe a patient who presented with a painful, lateral neck swelling due to an internal jugular vein thrombus. This thrombus originated from around pacemaker wires in the subclavian vein. This case is unusual, as the vast majority of thromboses in patients with cardiac pacemakers are found in the subclavian vein alone. We also review the literature on the relationship between cardiac pacemakers and internal jugular vein thrombosis, and on the management of the latter.

Conclusion:

Our patient illustrates a rare cause of a painful, lateral neck swelling: an internal jugular vein thrombus secondary to a cardiac pacemaker. Clinicians should be wary of such pathology in similar patients, in order to ensure early treatment and avoidance of complications.
Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour of the tonsil: case report and literature review
Authors: Magill J C , Ferguson M S , Butler C R , Sandison A , Grant W E
Published: February 2010

Objective:

We present the first reported case in the English language literature of an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour of the right tonsil in a young, pregnant woman, and we report a management strategy for this enigmatic entity.

Case report:

A 28-year-old, pregnant woman presented with a 10-day history of odynophagia despite a course of antibiotics. Examination revealed a grade II, erythematous right tonsil with ulceration on the upper pole. A biopsy was arranged, and initial evaluation was suggestive of spindle cell carcinoma. However, this diagnosis was reviewed after immunohistochemical staining confirmed an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour. Subsequent complete excision was undertaken using CO2laser.

Conclusion:

Clinically, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour of the tonsil is known to be locally aggressive and can present in a manner not dissimilar to a high grade carcinoma of the tonsil. As a result, the recommended treatment is complete local excision with careful follow up.
Seasonal and temporal variations in population dynamics of theCarcinus maenas(L.): the effect of an extreme drought event in a southern European estuary
Authors: Bessa Filipa , Baeta Alexandra , Martinho Filipe , Marques Sónia , Pardal Miguel Ângelo
Published: February 2010

The temporal and spatial variability in population dynamics of the European crabCarcinus maenas(L.) was studied between June 2003 and September 2007 in the Mondego estuary. An extreme climate event (extreme drought) occurred in 2004 and 2005 with a low freshwater flow discharge into the estuary, leading to an increase in salinity. Juveniles' recruitment was continuous throughout each year with a high proportion of young recruits being recorded in the spring of 2005. The proportion of green crabs clearly increased from the mouth to the upstream areas and the proportion of crabs actually in moult followed the same pattern. Parasitization by the endoparasitic barnacle,Sacculina carciniwas observed, principally at the mouth of the estuary. TheC. maenaspopulation showed a regular size–frequency distribution and structure for both sexes during the study. Secondary production (P) ofC. maenasestimated for the 4-year study period was different between years though, P/B ratios were similar during the whole study period. During the drought period, catches of the crab recruits were higher, particularly in the spring, probably due to the increase in salinity, which emphasizes the importance of these extreme events in controlling the abundances of coastal populations.
Haiti Earthquake Underscores Need for Better Use of Seismic Information
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: February 2010

When Eric Calais, professor of geophysics in Purdue University's Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, first learned about the 12 January strike‐slip earthquake along a portion of the Enriquillo—Plantain Garden fault zone (EPGFZ) in Haiti, he knew right away that it would be a shallow event and a large event, very close to the capital city of Portau‐Prince. Having worked in Haiti, he also was aware that the poor nation lacks seismic and building construction codes. “My immediate reaction was, ‘This is going to be a total nightmare and a huge disaster for Haiti,’” Calais, who also is a researcher at the French National Center for Scientific Research, told Eos.
Comment on “Giving Advice: Enough Is Enough After Three Solar Cycles”
Authors: Stern David P.
Published: February 2010

I read Michael Mendillo's Forum in Eos (90(35), 299, 1 September 2009) complaining that grant awards committees have become entrenched and favor their own projects and institutions. How true! It has been that way for too long, and AGU's Space Physics and Aeronomy (SPA) section lives with the results: the lack of new talent and the lack of new discoveries. It is a problem the community should have confronted long ago. However, I question Mendillo's suggested remedy, to limit participation time on committees to three solar cycles and bring in “young blood.”
Reply to Comment on “Giving Advice: Enough Is Enough After Three Solar Cycles”
Authors: Mendillo Michael
Published: February 2010

One of the joys of life is the ability to be surprised. I anticipated e‐mails from younger scientists expressing eagerness to serve on important advisory committees but frustrated at the lack of opportunity. Their messages spoke of the comfort zone of being in the shadows of the big boys—doing research rather than politics; but now they saw the need to get more involved. Bravo!

My second surprise was that so many senior scientists, leaders of the geosciences nationally and abroad, voiced strong endorsements of the call to fix a dire situation.
Understanding Antarctic Climate and Glacial History: First Antarctic Climate Evolution Symposium; Granada, Spain, 7–11 September 2009
Authors: Deconto Rob , Escutia Carlota
Published: February 2010

Antarctic Climate Evolution (ACE; http://www.ace.scar.org), a scientific research project of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research and a core International Polar Year project, held its first international symposium in Spain in September 2009. ACE's mission is to facilitate the study of Antarctic climate and glacial history through integration of numerical modeling with geophysical and geological data. Nearly 200 international scientists from the fields of climate, ocean, and ice modeling joined geologists, geophysicists, and geochemists for 5 days of intense interaction. Oral sessions were plenary and were limited to allow time for poster viewing, discussion, and workshops (http://www.acegranada2009.com/).
Communicating Our Science: Three Workshops at the Fall Meeting
Authors: Cifuentes Inés , Landau Elizabeth
Published: February 2010

Earth and space scientists are highly knowledgeable about many important things. For instance, they know about the role of greenhouse gases in climate change, the places in the world where earthquakes are most likely to occur, and how to find planets outside our solar system. Many scientists, however, do not know how to talk to anyone aside from other scientists.

At the 2009 AGU Fall Meeting, members of the AGU strategic communications and outreach (SCO) staff held three workshops for scientists, in particular for students and those beginning their careers, on communicating with people who are not scientists.
Feedback between p21 and reactive oxygen production is necessary for cell senescence
Authors: Passos João F , Nelson Glyn , Wang Chunfang , Richter Torsten , Simillion Cedric , Proctor Carole J , Miwa Satomi , Olijslagers Sharon , Hallinan Jennifer , Wipat Anil , Saretzki Gabriele , Rudolph Karl Lenhard , Kirkwood Tom B L , von Zglinicki Thomas
Published: February 2010

Cellular senescence—the permanent arrest of cycling in normally proliferating cells such as fibroblasts—contributes both to age‐related loss of mammalian tissue homeostasis and acts as a tumour suppressor mechanism. The pathways leading to establishment of senescence are proving to be more complex than was previously envisaged. Combining in‐silico interactome analysis and functional target gene inhibition, stochastic modelling and live cell microscopy, we show here that there exists a dynamic feedback loop that is triggered by a DNA damage response (DDR) and, which after a delay of several days, locks the cell into an actively maintained state of ‘deep’ cellular senescence. The essential feature of the loop is that long‐term activation of the checkpoint gene CDKN1A (p21) induces mitochondrial dysfunction and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through serial signalling through GADD45‐MAPK14(p38MAPK)‐GRB2‐TGFBR2‐TGFβ. These ROS in turn replenish short‐lived DNA damage foci and maintain an ongoing DDR. We show that this loop is both necessary and sufficient for the stability of growth arrest during the establishment of the senescent phenotype.
Emittance improvement efforts on the 15–20 mA dc H− multicusp source
Authors: Jia Xianlu , Zhang Tianjue , Zheng Xia , Zhang Suping , Zou Jian , Lin Jun
Published: February 2010

A 15 mA beam from the 15–20 mA dc H− multicusp source has been obtained at China Institute of Atomic Energy. In order to improve the emittance of extracted beam from this new multicusp source, some measures have been taken, i.e., increasing the length of the ion source body, improving the vacuum in the extraction area, injecting cesium vapor into the ion source, etc. The hardware, including the lengthened source body, the improved back cover and cesium heating system, and the extraction vacuum box, will be described. Initial results for these efforts aimed at emittance improvement will also be given in the paper.
Design of a compact, permanent magnet electron cyclotron resonance ion source for proton and H2+ beam production
Authors: Jia Xianlu , Zhang Tianjue , Luo Shan , Wang Chuan , Zheng Xia , Yin Zhiguo , Zhong Junqing , Wu Longcheng , Qin Jiuchang
Published: February 2010

A 2.45 GHz microwave ion source was developed at China Institute of Atomic Energy (CIAE) for proton beam production of over 60 mA [B.-Q. Cui, Y.-W. Bao, L.-Q. Li, W.-S. Jiang, and R.-W. Wang, Proceedings of the High Current Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) Ion Source for Proton Accelerator, APAC-2001, 2001 (unpublished)]. For various proton beam applications, another 2.45 GHz microwave ion source with a compact structure is designed and will be built at CIAE as well for high current proton beam production. It is also considered to be used for the test of H2+ beam, which could be injected into the central region model cyclotron at CIAE, and accelerated to 5 MeV before extraction by stripping. The required ECR magnetic field is supplied by all the permanent magnets rather than electrical solenoids and six poles. The magnetic field distribution provided by this permanent magnets configuration is a large and uniformly volume of ECR zone, with central magnetic field of a magnitude of ∼875 Gs [T. Taylor and J. S. C. Wills, Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res. A 309, 37 (1991)]. The field adjustment at the extraction end can be implemented by moving the position of the magnet blocks. The results of plasma, coupling with 2.45 GHz microwave in the ECR zone inside the ion source are simulated by particle-in-cell code to optimize the density by adjusting the magnetic field distribution. The design configuration of the ion source will be summarized in the paper.
Nitridation behavior of sapphire using a carbon-saturated N2–CO gas mixture
Authors: Fukuyama Hiroyuki , Nakamura Katsuhito , Aikawa Toshiaki , Kobatake Hidekazu , Hakomori Akira , Takada Kazuya , Hiraga Kenji
Published: February 2010

The authors previously developed a sapphire nitridation method using carbon-saturated N2–CO gas mixture to form a high-quality AlN film for III-nitride-based optoelectronic devices. In this study, the nitridation behavior of (0001) (c) plane and (112¯0) (a) plane sapphire was studied to elucidate and optimize the process at temperatures of 1823 and 1873 K. The AlN film thickness, surface morphology, crystal quality, and interfacial phenomena were investigated as functions of nitridation time and temperature. Fundamentally, the AlN film grows as a result of the diffusion process that occurs in the AlN film. The voids found at the AlN/sapphire interface indicate that the Al2O3 dissociates into Al3+ and O2− ions, and that the ions diffuse in the AlN film. However, the growth rate of AlN film does not obey the simple diffusion model. The AlN film thickness has a maximum and decreases slightly with time, which indicates that the thermal decomposition of AlN film must be considered when comprehensively describing the nitridation process.
Induction heating pure vapor source of high temperature melting point materials on electron cyclotron resonance ion source
Authors: Kutsumi Osamu , Kato Yushi , Matsui Yuuki , Kitagawa Atsushi , Muramatsu Masayuki , Uchida Takashi , Yoshida Yoshikazu , Sato Fuminobu , Iida Toshiyuki
Published: February 2010

Multicharged ions that are needed are produced from solid pure material with high melting point in an electron cyclotron resonance ion source. We develop an evaporator by using induction heating (IH) with multilayer induction coil, which is made from bare molybdenum or tungsten wire without water cooling and surrounding the pure vaporized material. We optimize the shapes of induction coil and vaporized materials and operation of rf power supply. We conduct experiment to investigate the reproducibility and stability in the operation and heating efficiency. IH evaporator produces pure material vapor because materials directly heated by eddy currents have no contact with insulated materials, which are usually impurity gas sources. The power and the frequency of the induction currents range from 100to900W and from 48to23kHz, respectively. The working pressure is about 10−4–10−3Pa. We measure the temperature of the vaporized materials with different shapes, and compare them with the result of modeling. We estimate the efficiency of the IH vapor source. We are aiming at the evaporator’s higher melting point material than that of iron.
Analysis of charge sensitivity and low frequency noise limitation in silicon nanowire sensors
Authors: Lee Jae Woo , Jang Doyoung , Kim Gyu Tae , Mouis Mireille , Ghibaudo Gérard
Published: February 2010

This paper discusses the limit of the sensitivity that can be given to the design of nanowire sensors when the low frequency (LF) noise, due to trapping-detrapping at the nanowire surface, is taken into account. The sensitivity is calculated as the relative conductance variation per unit of external charge density. The LF noise is shown to limit the minimum detectable charge density. Our modeling approach shows how the performance can be optimized by tuning the channel length and the width, and the doping concentration. The implications of these developments are outlined as useful features for the design and the optimization of silicon nanowire sensors.
One-step generation of cluster state by adiabatic passage in coupled cavities
Authors: Song Jie , Xia Yan , Song He-Shan
Published: February 2010

We propose a scheme to generate an N-qubit cluster state by adiabatic passage in coupled cavities. The required interaction time keeps unchanged with the increasing of the number of qubits and need not be accurately controlled. In addition, the scheme is robust against the fluctuations of some experimental parameters.
Note: Application of laser produced plasma Kα x-ray probe in radiation biology
Authors: Nishikino Masaharu , Sato Katsutoshi , Hasegawa Noboru , Ishino Masahiko , Ohshima Shinsuke , Okano Yasuaki , Kawachi Tetsuya , Numasaki Hodaka , Teshima Tetruki , Nishimura Hiroaki
Published: February 2010

A dedicated radiation biology x-ray generation and exposure system has been developed. 8.0 keV in energy x-ray pulses generated with a femtosecond-laser pulse was used to irradiate sample cells through a custom-made culture dish with a silicon nitride membrane. The x-ray irradiation resulted in DNA double-strand breaks in the nucleus of a culture cell that were similar to those obtained with a conventional x-ray source, thus demonstrating the feasibility of radiobiological studies utilizing a single burst of x-rays focused on single cell specimens.
Light scattering and sum rules of three coexisting phases for quasiternary solutions near the tricritical point
Authors: Wang Nong , An Xueqin , Wang Jinshou , Peng Xuhong , Shen Weiguo
Published: February 2010

The upper critical temperatures (TU) and the lower critical temperatures (TL) were precisely determined for 11 quasiternary solutions of water +n-decane and +n-undecane +tert-butanol with various mass ratios of n-decane to n-undecane. Measurements of angular dependence of the scattered light intensity for each of the three liquid coexisting phases and each of the 11 solutions at the middle temperatures Tm=(TU+TL)/2 are reported. From the light scatting data, the zero-angle scattering intensities I0 and the correlation lengths ξ at Tm in each of the phases were calculated and used to test the Griffiths sum rules. It was found that (ΔT)2/3 (where ΔT=TU−TL) is a good thermodynamic field to measure the distance from the tricritical point, and the second sum is converged to zero with a proportionality to (ΔT)2/3 as the system approaches the tricritical point, which is in agreement with what the classical asymptotic theory predicted. However the first sums are neither zero nor constant, they are significantly curved and unambiguously diverged as strongly as does an individual susceptibility, which evidences that the amplitude ratios are nonclassical.
Influence of crystal phases on electro-optic properties of epitaxially grown lanthanum-modified lead zirconate titanate films
Authors: Masuda Shin , Seki Atsushi , Masuda Yoichiro
Published: February 2010

We describe here how we have improved the crystal qualities and controlled the crystal phase of the lanthanum-modified lead zirconate titanate (PLZT) film without changing the composition ratio using an oxygen-pressure crystallization process. A PLZT film deposited on a SrTiO3 substrate with the largest electro-optic (EO) coefficient of 498 pm/V has been achieved by controlling the crystal phase of the film. Additionally, a fatigue-free lead zirconate titanate (PZT) capacitor with platinum electrodes has been realized by reducing the oxygen vacancies in the films.
Cholesky decomposition within local multireference singles and doubles configuration interaction
Authors: Chwee Tsz S. , Carter Emily A.
Published: February 2010

A local multireference singles and doubles configuration interaction method in which Cholesky vectors are used in place of conventional two-electron integrals has been developed (CD-LMRSDCI). To reduce the overall cost associated with our linear scaling LMRSDCI method presented earlier [T. S. Chwee et al., J. Chem. Phys. 128, 224106 (2008)], we adopt a two-pronged approach. First, localized orthogonal virtual orbitals, introduced by Subotnik et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 123, 114108 (2005)], are substituted for nonorthogonal projected atomic orbitals. This obviates the need for contraction with overlap matrices and simplifies our working formalism. In addition, we restructure the rate-limiting step of our LMRSDCI algorithm to be driven by the search for two-electron integrals instead of configuration state functions. The shift necessitates a flexible way of processing the four-indexed two-electron integrals, which is facilitated by use of two-indexed Cholesky vectors. Our restructured LMRSDCI method is an order of magnitude faster and has greatly reduced storage requirements so that we are able to apply it to molecules containing up to 50 heavy atoms. However, generation of the Cholesky vectors and their subsequent transformation to the molecular orbital (MO) basis is not linear scaling. Together with assembling the MO integrals from the Cholesky vectors, these now constitute the rate-limiting steps in our method.
Regulating Design in Singapore: A Survey of the Government Land Sales (GLS) Programme
Authors: Lee Kah-Wee
Published: February 2010

This paper is a survey of the Government Land Sales (GLS) programme in Singapore as a mechanism through which design aspects of private developments are regulated by the state. By comparing specifications in tender documents with what was eventually built, and tracing how much design weighed in the awarding of tenders, the survey shows how design regulations moved from an experimental phase in the 1960s when controls were sparse and discretionary, to being institutionalised by the 1980s, when controls became comprehensive, precise, and technical. Still, this did not translate planning visions directly into reality, as developers and architects successfully made counterproposals during and after the tender process. By examining the Integrated Resort development at Marina Bay against shifts in political culture and economic conditions in the 1990s, this paper concludes by arguing that the state deployed the GLS programme to procure ‘iconic’ buildings while excluding public involvement from actual design-review processes.
Transparency to What End? Governing by Disclosure through the Biosafety Clearing House
Authors: Gupta Aarti
Published: February 2010

Although transparency is a key concept in the social sciences, it remains an understudied phenomenon in global environmental governance. This paper analyzes effectiveness of ‘governance by transparency’ or governance by information disclosure as a key innovation in global environmental and risk governance. Information disclosure is central to current efforts to govern biosafety or safe trade in genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Through analyzing the dynamics of GMO-related information disclosure to the global Biosafety Clearing House (BCH), I argue that the originally intended normative and procedural aims of disclosure in this case—to facilitate a GMO-importing country's right to know and right to choose prior to trade in GMOs—are not yet being realized, partly because the burden of BCH disclosure currently rests, ironically, on importing countries. As a result, BCH disclosure may even have market-facilitating rather than originally intended market-regulating effects with regard to GMO trade, turning on its head the intended aims of governance by disclosure.
Housing Governance and Ethopolitics in a Postcolonial City: Constructing Responsible Community and Consumer Identity in Hong Kong
Authors: Lee James
Published: February 2010

Recent developments in housing governance in postcolonial Hong Kong, including the reduction of social housing provisions and a changing social organization of housing management, have been described as the end of a welfarist housing regime and the rise of an era marked by autonomy and responsibility. Examining a tenant participation institution (EMAC), this paper explores social housing management reflecting changes in technologies for governing the conduct of social tenants and owners. The ethopolitics of social housing is seen as being played out by the creation of new identities as consumers and responsible citizens. This paper focuses on examining the meanings and implications of such new governing technologies and institutions which shape the dynamic relationships among the housing authority, housing professionals, and resident representatives. It casts doubt on the results of this new politics of choice and self-governance and suggests that the current scenario means more about ‘government from a distance’ rather than ‘a reduction in government’.
Overcompliance in Water Quality Trading Programs: Findings from a Qualitative Case Study in North Carolina
Authors: Hamstead Zoé A , BenDor Todd K
Published: February 2010

Nutrient trading systems are increasingly common elements of water pollution control programs. Participants in these programs often appear to be economically irrational since programs can drive regulatory overcompliance, while promoting few transactions. We examine this behavior through a case study of a nitrogen trading program in the rapidly urbanizing Neuse River basin, North Carolina (USA). Program analysis, meeting observations, and a series of semistructured interviews with wastewater dischargers (point sources) revealed factors promoting overcompliance by the Neuse River Compliance Association (NRCA). In particular, overcompliance and low trading volume in the NRCA can be explained by participant hedging against uncertainty in the region's future population growth and land-use change. Public sector participants in high-growth areas are likely to engage in high levels of information sharing and collaborative abatement activities. This work has implications for water-quality trading program design, particularly those involving public sector participants concerned about undercompliance due to future growth.
Multiple Modernities: Transitional Bulgaria and the Ecological Modernisation of Solid Waste Management
Authors: Scheinberg Anne , Mol Arthur P J
Published: February 2010

In 1996 Bulgarian municipalities were facing practical impacts of the transition from socialism affecting their solid waste systems. Existing waste infrastructure and practices had to accommodate both increased quantities and types of waste, and new EU performance norms. New demands, in combination with rising fuel prices, made ordinary operations unaffordable. Municipal managers searching for solutions joined with environmental nongovernmental organisations and consultants in exploring alternative modes of modernising their solid waste systems, using models that deviated as much from socialist-era traditions as from emerging EU waste management doctrine. We present and analyse a selection of seventeen small-scale, leading-edge solid waste modernisation projects, implemented between 1996 and 2008 in two regions in Bulgaria. Results and insights from these projects suggest that ecological modernisation in Bulgaria is a richer and more complex process than pure compliance with EU norms, having its own dynamics in relation to adaptation of EU blueprints.
Developer Collaboration in Urban Land Development: Partnership Working in Paddington, London
Authors: Henderson Steven
Published: February 2010

Urban development companies are described as ‘profit maximisers' and ‘risk minimisers' in their approach to development. This frequently manifests into a discrete or site-focused mindset where outcomes such as high plot-coverage ratios, inward-looking developments, and homogenous land uses are prioritised. Incremental forms of development often result which overlook the potential for higher profits through cooperation and the opportunity to redevelop urban areas more creatively on a greater scale. Although large-scale development projects have attracted critical interest during recent decades, research has tended to assess the achievements of single landowning organisations or consortiums. This downplays the tendency for development sites to be clustered and the importance of investigating the factors which encourage and/or discourage nearby developers from collaborating. Drawing on empirical research, the author focuses on the case of Paddington on the western fringe of central London. Interview material reveals how a multisite developer partnership was established, strengthened over time, and adopted various regeneration initiatives. Critical insights describe how area collaboration was shaped by the complexities facing individual development sites and contradictory local authority attitudes. Conclusions are drawn about area master planning and future urban development research.
Pesticide Governance in Export Supply Chains: The Case of Vegetable and Fruit Production in Vietnam
Authors: Van Hoi Pham , Mol Arthur P J , Oosterveer Peter
Published: February 2010

We analyze the role of international agrofood supply chains in greening vegetable and fruit products and production in Vietnam. Mainly through contract-based procurement, the export-oriented vegetable and fruit supply chain is better structured and organized than the domestic supply chain. Exporters intervene to some degree in fruit and vegetable farming, to safeguard supply and to improve product quality. Pesticide use is one of exporters' concerns, although pesticide application remains largely controlled by farmers. Despite some endogenous innovations to improve vegetable and fruit pesticide practices, farmers and exporters are especially responding to the demands of importers. Relatively lax import regulations from the main export markets (China and Russia) are the main reason for limited achievements in less-pesticide-dependent vegetable and fruit production in Vietnam. By the same token, these limited innovations constrain farmers and exporters from exporting to more challenging markets in the EU, the US, and Japan. Hence, in Vietnam export markets have hardly induced reduction in the use of pesticides in agricultural vegetable and fruit production.
Beyond New Regionalism, beyond Global Production Networks: Remaking the Sunan Model, China
Authors: Wei Y H Dennis
Published: February 2010

I attempt to advance the research on globalization and regional development in China through a study of Kunshan City. I investigate the restructuring process, the structure of foreign direct investment, and the nature of global–local networks to understand trajectories and models of regional development in the context of globalization. I highlight the interactions of the Chinese state, transnational corporations (TNCs), and regional assets in shaping the trajectories of regional development. I argue that Kunshan's pathway to globalizing regional development is state centered and heavily dependent on global forces, which has made Kunshan a TNC satellite district and a dual city segmented between TNCs and domestic firms. I also argue that TNCs' local embeddedness has to be positioned in their global and external networks and that the assessment of regional development has to be conditioned upon a region's specific context. The findings suggest that neither new regionalism nor global production network perspectives can fully explain regional development in China with huge domestic markets and large regional disparities. I promote an alternative, middle-ground perspective to regional development to better integrate global forces, state institutions, and local contexts. Such a third approach to regional development has the potential to localize TNCs and to develop indigenous capacities.
Transnational networks and kin states: the Turkish minority in Bulgaria, 1878–1940
Authors: Köksal Yonca
Published: February 2010

This paper focuses on the development of national identity and the formation of political organizations in the Turkish minority in the early years of the formation of the Bulgarian state from 1878 to the 1940s. It studies transnational aspects of nationalism, which is usually considered territorially bounded, by studying the impact of connections between the Turkish minority and the Ottoman Empire and later with Turkey. In addition to studying inter-state relations and their reflection in the legal and political sphere, this paper studies the flow of ideas across borders, transnational networks among political activists, and the resulting cleavage formation. Findings show that transnational connections and actors played dual roles. The circulation of political activists, contributed to the formation of national organizations which played a crucial role in (re)formulating national identity. Transnational connections increased political activity in the name of the Turkish minority. Through these organizations the community was able to make collective demands from the Bulgarian state. However, transnational connections carried debates and divisions in the Ottoman Empire and Turkey to the Turkish minority in Bulgaria. By dividing the community, they decreased the capacity for collective action.
Tumor-reactive CD4+ T cells develop cytotoxic activity and eradicate large established melanoma after transfer into lymphopenic hosts
Authors: Quezada Sergio A. , Simpson Tyler R. , Peggs Karl S. , Merghoub Taha , Vider Jelena , Fan Xiaozhou , Blasberg Ronald , Yagita Hideo , Muranski Pawel , Antony Paul A. , Restifo Nicholas P. , Allison James P.
Published: February 2010

Adoptive transfer of large numbers of tumor-reactive CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) expanded and differentiated in vitro has shown promising clinical activity against cancer. However, such protocols are complicated by extensive ex vivo manipulations of tumor-reactive cells and have largely focused on CD8+ CTLs, with much less emphasis on the role and contribution of CD4+ T cells. Using a mouse model of advanced melanoma, we found that transfer of small numbers of naive tumor-reactive CD4+ T cells into lymphopenic recipients induces substantial T cell expansion, differentiation, and regression of large established tumors without the need for in vitro manipulation. Surprisingly, CD4+ T cells developed cytotoxic activity, and tumor rejection was dependent on class II–restricted recognition of tumors by tumor-reactive CD4+ T cells. Furthermore, blockade of the coinhibitory receptor CTL-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) on the transferred CD4+ T cells resulted in greater expansion of effector T cells, diminished accumulation of tumor-reactive regulatory T cells, and superior antitumor activity capable of inducing regression of spontaneous mouse melanoma. These findings suggest a novel potential therapeutic role for cytotoxic CD4+ T cells and CTLA-4 blockade in cancer immunotherapy, and demonstrate the potential advantages of differentiating tumor-reactive CD4+ cells in vivo over current protocols favoring in vitro expansion and differentiation.
Effect of Pre- and Post-Plant Fungicide and Fertilizer Treatments on Infection by Colletotrichum acutatum, Plant Survival, and Yield of Annual Strawberry in Florida
Authors: Mertely James C. , Seijo Teresa E. , Peres Natalia A.
Published: February 2010

The effects of pre-plant dips and post-plant treatments on the infection by Colletotrichum acutatum, survival, and yields of strawberry plants were evaluated over two seasons in Florida using naturally infected transplants imported from northern nurseries. Handling practices such as washing, refrigerating, and dipping plants in water had no effect on infection, survival, or yield. Pre-plant dips with the fungicide Switch 62.5 WDG (cyprodinil + fludioxonil) and, in some cases, with Abound 2.08F (azoxystrobin), reduced infection and plant mortality, and increased yield. Pre-plant dips with Oxidate (hydrogen peroxide) were ineffective and, in some cases, increased plant mortality and reduced yield. Fertilizer treatments, such as dipping and spraying plants with Brotomax (8-0-0 plus micronutrients) or application of slow-release Osmocote (15-9-12 plus micronutrients) after planting, had no effect or reduced plant survival and yield. Post-plant application of Surround WP, a kaolin clay intended to reduce heat stress and control mites and insects, had little or no effect on infection, survival, or yield. In summary, strawberry transplants infected with C. acutatum can be dipped in Switch or Abound at planting to reduce infection and increase survival and yield, but other treatments and practices examined are unlikely to have beneficial effects.

Accepted for publication 6 October 2009. Published 25 January 2010.
Decline of European Corn Borer as a Pest of Potatoes
Authors: Kuhar Thomas P. , Ghidiu Gerald , Doughty Hélène B.
Published: February 2010

European corn borer (ECB), Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), is regarded as a significant pest in North America. Larvae bore into stems, stalks, or the fruit of a wide range of agricultural crops.

Published 29 January 2010.
Etiology of Peanut Pod Rot in Nicaragua: II. The Role of Pythium myriotylum as Defined by Applications of Gypsum and Fungicides
Authors: Augusto Joao , Brenneman Timothy B. , Csinos Alexander S.
Published: February 2010

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is monocultured in western Nicaragua on loamysand soils, and a pod rot of unknown etiology can greatly reduce crop yield. Pythium myriotylum was frequently isolated from symptomatic pods in fields surveyed at Cosiguina, Leon, and Chinandega regions, although Rhizoctonia and Fusarium were also common. Applications of mefenoxam (0.57 kg a.i./ha), azoxystrobin (0.34 kg a.i./ha), and gypsum (670 kg/ha) at beginning pod and 28 to 35 days later were evaluated in field trials to determine their effects on pod rot and yield. Mefenoxam consistently decreased pod rot incidence and increased yield when disease was severe at Cosiguina. In Leon and Chinandega, azoxystrobin increased yield in fields with little pod rot, apparently by controlling stem rot (Sclerotium rolfsii), but did not decrease pod rot incidence. Application of gypsum had no effect on pod rot incidence or yield, but sometimes increased calcium levels in shells. Pod mycoflora isolations and response to mefenoxam suggest P. myriotylum is the primary cause of peanut pod rot in Nicaragua, especially in Cosiguina, where pod rot incidence was high.

Accepted for publication 4 November 2009. Published 15 February 2010.
Reciprocal symmetry, unimodality and Khintchine’s theorem
Authors: Chaubey Yogendra P. , Mudholkar Govind S. , Jones M. C.
Published: February 2010

The symmetric distributions on the real line and their multi-variate extensions play a central role in statistical theory and many of its applications. Furthermore, data in practice often consist of non-negative measurements. Reciprocally symmetric distributions defined on the positive real line may be considered analogous to symmetric distributions on the real line. Hence, it is useful to investigate reciprocal symmetry in general, and Mudholkar and Wang’s notion of R-symmetry in particular. In this paper, we shall explore a number of interesting results and interplays involving reciprocal symmetry, unimodality and Khintchine’s theorem with particular emphasis on R-symmetry. They bear on the important practical analogies between the Gaussian and inverse Gaussian distributions.