bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiwavelength Raman lidar observations of particle growth during long‐range transport of forest‐fire smoke in the free troposphere
Authors: Müller D. , Mattis I. , Ansmann A. , Wandinger U. , Ritter C. , Kaiser D.
Published: March 2007

We present particle effective radii and Ångström exponents of aged free‐tropospheric forest‐fire smoke. The particle plumes were observed with different multiwavelength Raman lidars downwind of the fires that burned in boreal areas of the northern hemisphere. We find an increase of particle size, respectively decrease of the Ångström exponent with transport time which was more than two weeks in some of the investigated cases. Mean effective radii were as large as 0.4 μm. Mean Ångström exponents were as low as 0.04 for the wavelength pair at 355/532 nm. A fit curve that describes particle growth with time is derived. Particle growth levels off after approximately ten days of transport time.
First complete season of PMSE observations above Davis, Antarctica, and their relation to winds and temperatures
Authors: Morris Ray J. , Murphy Damian J. , Klekociuk Andrew R. , Holdsworth David A.
Published: March 2007

A comprehensive account of the properties of southern hemisphere (SH) Polar Mesosphere Summer Echoes (PMSE) has been constrained by the lack of deployment of atmospheric radars. Here we present the first complete season of PMSE detected above the high‐latitude station Davis, Antarctica (78.0°E, 68.6°S) using a 55‐MHz atmospheric radar for the 2004–2005 austral summer. We present the characteristics and morphology of SH PMSE events observed during the interval 23 November 2004–18 February 2005. Coincident Aura satellite temperature measurements (T) and ground MF‐radar partial reflection observations are used to investigate the thermal and dynamical state of the polar mesosphere during conditions of PMSE occurrence. We find that the seasonal envelope of PMSE corresponds remarkably well with the seasonal envelope of temperature or more precisely when T − Tfp < 0 K (Tfp = frost point temperature). Furthermore, we show that PMSE are linked with the typical summer equatorward flow of the mesosphere meridional wind, but were perturbed while this wind flowed poleward.
Simulation of ozone loss in Arctic winter 2004/2005
Authors: Grooß J.‐U. , Müller R.
Published: March 2007

We present simulations of stratospheric ozone depletion in the Arctic winter 2004/2005 by the Chemical Lagrangian Model of the Stratosphere (CLaMS). This winter is among the coldest on record with large observed ozone losses. It is also different from previously analyzed winters, as ozone mixing ratios within the polar vortex were not homogeneously distributed. The reason for the untypical ozone distribution is a second transport barrier that existed at the time of vortex formation. The simulations agree well with ozone measurements by the Fourier Transform Spectrometer (ACE‐FTS). The simulated vortex average column ozone loss between 380 and 550 K potential temperature (±1σ) was 69 ± 21 Dobson Units on 23 March. The simulated ozone loss is in approximate agreement with some published estimates, but is significantly lower than others. A possible reason for this difference is the inhomogeneous ozone distribution within the vortex which makes it more complicated to estimate of ozone loss.
A model of plasma rotation in the Livermore spheromak for the regimes of large connection lengths
Authors: Ryutov D. D.
Published: March 2007

A model is suggested that predicts the velocity and geometrical characteristics of the plasma rotation in the Livermore spheromak. The model addresses the “good confinement” regimes in this device, where the typical length of the magnetic field lines before their intersection with the wall (this length is called “connection length” below) becomes large enough to make the parallel heat loss insignificant. In such regimes, the heat flux is determined by the transport across toroidally averaged flux surfaces. The model is based on the assumption that, entering the good confinement regime, does not automatically mean that the connection length becomes infinite, and perfect flux surfaces are established. It is hypothesized that connection length remains finite, albeit large in regard to the parallel heat loss. The field lines are threading the whole plasma volume, although it takes a long distance for them to get from one toroidally averaged flux surface to another. The parallel electron momentum balance then uniquely determines the distribution of the electrostatic potential between these surfaces. An analysis of viscous stresses shows that the toroidal flow is much faster than the poloidal flow. It is shown that the rotation shear is usually exceeded by a factor of a few of the characteristic growth rates of drift waves, meaning that suppression of the transport caused by the drift turbulence may occur, and a transport barrier with respect to this transport mechanism may be formed. The model may be useful for assessing the plasma rotation in other spheromaks and, possibly, reversed-field pinches and field-reversed configurations, provided a certain set of applicability conditions (Sec. II) is fulfilled.
Stress distribution mapping of GaAs on Si conformal layers
Authors: Martínez O. , Sanz L. F. , Jiménez J. , Martín-Martín A. , Gérard B. , Gil-Lafon E.
Published: March 2007

Cathodoluminescence and micro-Raman studies of GaAs on Si layers grown by the conformal method show a characteristic quasiperiodic modulation of the stress distribution perpendicular to the growth direction. Using the capability of the spectral imaging in the cathodoluminescence technique, the stress distribution has been directly mapped. The Raman data give accurate information of the stress level variations in the upper part of the samples, which compare well with the luminescence data. The origin of the quasiperiodic stress variations are discussed in terms of the growth geometry, taking account of the presence of a compliant thin SiO2 layer in between the Si substrate and the ⟨110⟩ growing GaAs layer.
Effective method to compute Franck-Condon integrals for optical spectra of large molecules in solution
Authors: Santoro Fabrizio , Improta Roberto , Lami Alessandro , Bloino Julien , Barone Vincenzo
Published: March 2007

The authors present a new method for the computation of vibrationally resolved optical spectra of large molecules, including the Duschinsky [Acta Physicochim. URSS 7, 551 (1937)] rotation of the normal modes. The method automatically selects the relevant vibronic contributions to the spectrum, independent of their frequency, and it is able to provide fully converged spectra with a quite modest computational time, both in vacuo and in condensed phase. Starting from the rigorous time-dependent expression they discuss indeed in which limits the spectrum of a molecule embedded in a solvent, described as a polarizable continuum, can be computed in a time-independent formalism, defining both nonequilibrium and equilibrium limits. In these cases the polarizable continuum model provides a suitable description of the solvent field. By computing the absorption spectra of anthracene in gas phase and of coumarin C153 in gas phase and cyclohexane, and the phosphorescence spectrum of the unsubstituted coumarin in ethanol they show that the method is fast and efficient.
New solution family of the Jacobi equations: Characterization, invariants, and global Darboux analysis
Authors: Hernández-Bermejo Benito
Published: March 2007

A new family of skew-symmetric solutions of the Jacobi partial differential equations for finite-dimensional Poisson systems is characterized and analyzed. Such family has some remarkable properties. Firstly, it is defined for arbitrary values of the dimension and the rank. Secondly, it is described in terms of arbitrary differentiable functions, namely, it is not limited to a given degree of nonlinearity. Additionally, it is possible to determine explicitly the fundamental properties of those solutions, such as their Casimir invariants and the algorithm for the reduction to the Darboux canonical form, which have been reported only for a very limited sample of finite-dimensional Poisson structures. Moreover, such analysis is carried out globally in phase space, thus improving the usual local scope of the Darboux theorem.
Stability of a protein tethered to a surface
Authors: Friedel Miriam , Baumketner Andrij , Shea Joan-Emma
Published: March 2007

Surface-tethered proteins are increasingly being used in a variety of experimental situations, and they are the basis for many new technologies. Nevertheless, a thorough understanding of how a surface can impact the native state stability of an attached protein is lacking. In this work, the authors use molecular dynamics simulations of a model β-barrel protein to investigate how surface tethering influences native state stability. They find that stability, as measured by the folding temperature Tf, can be either increased, decreased, or remain unchanged as a result of tethering. Observed shifts are highly dependent on the location of residue used as the tether point, and stability is influenced by a number of factors, both energetic and entropic. These factors include native state vibrations, loss of bulk unfolded conformations, changes to the unfolded state ensemble, and the emergence of an entropic term not present for the bulk protein. They discuss each of these contributions in detail and comment on their relative importance and connection to experiment.
Ion-assisted functional monolayer coating of nanorod arrays in hydrogen plasmas
Authors: Tam E. , Levchenko I. , Ostrikov K. , Keidar M. , Xu S.
Published: March 2007

Uniformity of postprocessing of large-area, dense nanostructure arrays is currently one of the greatest challenges in nanoscience and nanofabrication. One of the major issues is to achieve a high level of control in specie fluxes to specific surface areas of the nanostructures. As suggested by the numerical experiments in this work, this goal can be achieved by manipulating microscopic ion fluxes by varying the plasma sheath and nanorod array parameters. The dynamics of ion-assisted deposition of functional monolayer coatings onto two-dimensional carbon nanorod arrays in a hydrogen plasma is simulated by using a multiscale hybrid numerical simulation. The numerical results show evidence of a strong correlation between the aspect ratios and nanopattern positioning of the nanorods, plasma sheath width, and densities and distributions of microscopic ion fluxes. When the spacing between the nanorods and/or their aspect ratios are larger, and/or the plasma sheath is wider, the density of microscopic ion current flowing to each of the individual nanorods increases, thus reducing the time required to apply a functional monolayer coating down to 11s for a 7-μm-wide sheath, and to 5s for a 50-μm-wide sheath. The computed monolayer coating development time is consistent with previous experimental reports on plasma-assisted functionalization of related carbon nanostructures [B. N. Khare et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 81, 5237 (2002)]. The results are generic in that they can be applied to a broader range of plasma-based processes and nanostructures, and contribute to the development of deterministic strategies of postprocessing and functionalization of various nanoarrays for nanoelectronic, biomedical, and other emerging applications.
Radiation damage mechanisms for luminescence in Eu-doped GaN
Authors: Tringe J. W. , Felter T. E. , Talley C. E. , Morse J. D. , Stevens C. G. , Castelaz J. M. , Wetzel C.
Published: March 2007

Thin films of Eu-doped GaN were irradiated with 500keV He+ ions to understand radiation damage mechanisms and to quantify luminescence efficiency. The dependence of ion-beam-induced luminescence intensity on ion fluence was consistent with the simultaneous creation of nonradiative defects and the destruction of luminescent centers associated with 4f-4f core-level transitions in Eu3+. This model contrasts with a previous description which takes into account only nonradiative defect generation in GaN:Eu. Based on light from a BaF2 scintillator standard, the luminescent energy generation efficiency of GaN:Eu films doped to ∼3×1018cm−3 Eu is estimated to be ∼0.1%.
Assembly of ordered carbon shells on GaN nanowires
Authors: Sutter Eli , Sutter Peter , Calarco Raffaella , Stoica Toma , Meijers Ralph
Published: March 2007

In situ annealing experiments on individual group III-nitride nanowires (NWs) in a transmission electron microscope demonstrate the encapsulation of GaN wires in crystalline carbon shells in the presence of C at moderate temperatures. The complete encapsulation of GaN wires in carbon shells can be achieved when small indium metal clusters are introduced on the wire surface. No encapsulation is observed on pure GaN wires under the same conditions. The observations suggest a general processing route for the formation of semiconductor core/C-shell NW structures based on surface decoration with small metal clusters.
Fabrication and magnetic characteristics of hybrid double walled nanotube of ferromagnetic nickel encapsulated conducting polypyrrole
Authors: Park D. H. , Lee Y. B. , Cho M. Y. , Kim B. H. , Lee S. H. , Hong Y. K. , Joo J. , Cheong H. C. , Lee S. R.
Published: March 2007

This letter is a report on hybrid double walled nanotubes (HDWNTs) of crystalline ferromagnetic nickel (Ni) nanotubes encapsulated conducting polypyrrole (PPy) nanotubes through a sequentially electrochemical synthetic method. Ferromagnetic Ni nanotubes were fabricated by an electrochemical deposition method outside the wall of the conducting PPy nanotubes. The formation and structure of HDWNTs of conducting PPy nanotubes and ferromagnetic Ni nanotubes were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and elementary analysis. From the angular dependences of the magnetic hysteresis curves of the HDWNTs, the authors observed that the Ni nanotubes of the HDWNT systems had an anisotropic ferromagnetic nature with the maximum of coercivity and remanent-saturation magnetization when applying a magnetic field along the parallel direction of the tubes.
Modulation of Cell Cycle–specific Gene Expressions at the Onset of S Phase Arrest Contributes to the Robust DNA Replication Checkpoint Response in Fission Yeas
Authors: Chu Zhaoqing , Li Juntao , Eshaghi Majid , Peng Xu , Karuturi R. Krishna M. , Liu Jianhua
Published: March 2007

Fission yeast replication checkpoint kinases Rad3p and Cds1p are essential for maintaining cell viability after transient treatment with hydroxyurea (HU), an agent that blocks DNA replication. Although current studies have focused on the cyclin-dependent protein kinase Cdc2p that is regulated by these checkpoint kinases, other aspects of their functions at the onset of S phase arrest have not been fully understood. In this study, we use genome-wide DNA microarray analyses to show that HU-induced change of expression profiles in synchronized G2cells occurs specifically at the onset of S phase arrest. Induction of many core environmental stress response genes and repression of ribosomal genes happen during S phase arrest. Significantly, peak expression level of the MluI-like cell cycle box (MCB)-cluster (G1) genes is maintained at the onset of S phase arrest in a Rad3p- and Cds1p-dependent manner. Expression level maintenance of the MCB-cluster is mediated through the accumulation of Rep2p, a putative transcriptional activator of the MBF complex. Conversely, the FKH-cluster (M) genes are repressed during the onset of S phase arrest in a Rad3p-dependent manner. Repression of the FKH-cluster genes is mediated through the decreased levels of one of the putative forkhead transcription factors, Sep1p, but not Fkh2p. Together, our results demonstrate that Rad3p and Cds1p modulate transcriptional response during the onset of S phase arrest.
Formation of Cysts by Alveolar Type II Cells in Three-dimensional Culture Reveals a Novel Mechanism for Epithelial Morphogenesis
Authors: Yu Wei , Fang Xiaohui , Ewald Andrew , Wong Kit , Hunt C. Anthony , Werb Zena , Matthay Michael A. , Mostov Keith
Published: March 2007

Many organs consist of a hollow cavity surrounded by a monolayer of epithelial cells. Despite their common structure, such organs form by diverse morphogenetic processes. Three-dimensional culture systems have been useful in analyzing the events. Most processes require a combination of cell proliferation and cell death to produce a hollow cavity. Here, we describe a new three-dimensional culture system in which primary human lung alveolar type II cells formed hollow epithelial cysts by a novel process. Individual cells moved, collided, and formed alveolar-like cysts without appreciable proliferation or apoptosis. The alveolar-like cysts consisted of a polarized monolayer of differentiated alveolar type II cells, which secreted surfactant into the central lumen. Blockage of β1 integrin did not alter cell movement or collision, but it greatly reduced adhesion of cells after collision and subsequent formation of alveolar-like cysts. Treatment of preformed alveolar-like cysts with forskolin increased their diameter, possibly due to stimulation of fluid secretion into the lumen. We conclude that epithelial differentiation and cyst formation can occur without appreciable proliferation or apoptosis.
Fabricating Protein Arrays
Authors: Simpson Richard J.
Published: March 2007

INTRODUCTION

This article provides recommendations for immobilizing proteins in an array format as well as general guidelines for preparation and storage of samples. Other considerations that are discussed include reaction conditions (such as protein concentration and buffer composition) appropriate for the protein(s) being studied and techniques to eliminate common problems with protein microarray printing.
Protein Arrays: Labeling the Protein and Probing the Array for Protein-Protein Interactions
Authors: MacBeath Gavin
Published: March 2007

INTRODUCTION

To detect protein-protein interactions, a protein microarray can be incubated with a fluorescently labeled protein. After the array is washed, stable interactions can be identified by scanning the slide for fluorescent spots. This protocol uses cyanine-3 (Cy3) or cyanine-5 (Cy5) monofunctionally activated dyes to label the probe proteins.
Protein Arrays: Labeling the Compounds and Probing the Array for Protein-Small Molecule Interactions
Authors: MacBeath Gavin
Published: March 2007

INTRODUCTION

To detect protein interactions with small molecules, a protein microarray is incubated with a fluorescently labeled compound, the array is washed, and stable interactions are identified by scanning the slide for fluorescence. It is often advantageous to label the small molecules indirectly, by covalently linking them to a previously labeled carrier molecule such as BSA. This protocol describes the labeling of BSA with Cy3 or Cy5, the linkage of the small molecule to the labeled BSA, and the probing of protein microarrays with the fluorescently labeled conjugate.
Protein Arrays: Probing the Array and Detecting Radioactive Spots for Kinase-Substrate Interactions
Authors: MacBeath Gavin
Published: March 2007

INTRODUCTION

Protein arrays can be probed for potential substrates of protein kinases. To identify substrates of a kinase of interest, a protein microarray is incubated with that kinase and [γ-33P]ATP. Following an appropriate incubation, the array is washed, coated with a photographic emulsion, and incubated further; the emulsion is developed and then imaged with a scanning light microscope.
Cleavage at Met-X Bonds by Cyanogen Bromide
Authors: Simpson Richard J.
Published: March 2007

INTRODUCTION

Selective cleavage of a protein by cyanogen bromide generates a small number of relatively large peptide fragments. This protocol describes protein cleavage with cyanogen bromide, using ~100-fold molar excess of cyanogen bromide over the methionine. The reaction is performed under mild acidic conditions (e.g., 70% formic acid), under nitrogen, and in the dark. All reagents are volatile and can be readily removed by lyophilization.
Preparation of Nuclear Extracts from Drosophila Embryos
Authors: Pazin Michael J.
Published: March 2007

INTRODUCTION

Drosophila nuclear extracts are often used in gene expression studies. They can be used directly as a source of transcription factors, or they can be fractionated, in some cases, to purified proteins. This protocol describes the preparation of a Drosophila embryonic nuclear extract called soluble nuclear fraction (SNF). It uses a low-salt (0.1 M) extraction and produces a relatively low amount of nonspecific DNA-binding proteins. SNF is highly active and is suitable for many in vitro transcription experiments.
Immunoblotting of Proteins from Single Drosophila Embryos
Authors: Su Tin Tin
Published: March 2007

INTRODUCTION

Cell cycle studies in Drosophila embryos have led to increased understanding of how cell proliferation is regulated during development. It is not yet possible to synchronize Drosophila embryos with respect to their cell cycle phase. Thus, cell cycle stage-specific extracts cannot be prepared and analyzed. An alternate approach is to analyze individual Drosophila embryos during syncytial divisions. This protocol describes a procedure for rapidly fixing precellular-stage embryos and selecting those of the desired division cycle stage for further analysis.
Age dependent systemic exposure to inhaled salbutamol
Authors: Bønnelykke Klaus , Jespersen Jakob Jessing , Bisgaard Hans
Published: March 2007

What is already known about this subject

• There is only scant evidence on how to adjust the dose of inhaled drugs in children.

• Salbutamol delivered via a pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI) with spacer is one of the most commonly used anti‐asthmatic treatments in children but the effect of age on systemic exposure following this treatment has not previously been investigated.

What this study adds

• The present study shows that prescribing salbutamol from a pMDI with spacer as a fixed dose kg−1 causes reduced exposure in young children with a corresponding risk of unnecessary suboptimal dosing.

• On the other hand a fixed absolute dose causes some over‐dosing in young children.

• The study underlines that research into the dosage regimens of aerosol treatment for children is needed to assure evidence based optimal treatment.

Aims

To determine the effect of age on systemic exposure to inhaled salbutamol in children.

Methods

Fifty‐eight asthmatic children, aged 3–16 years, inhaled 400 µg of salbutamol from a pressurized metered dose inhaler with spacer. The 20 min serum profile was analyzed.

Results

Prescribing a dose on a µg kg−1 basis caused reduced systemic exposure in young children (Y) compared with older children (O) (Y : O ratio (95%CI) = 0.55 (0.47, 0.65)) whereas a fixed nominal dose irrespective of age caused increased exposure in young children (Cmax Y : O ratio (95%CI) = 1.7 (1.3, 2.2)).

Conclusions

For similar systemic exposure, dosing should be adjusted to age or size but not on a fixed µg kg−1 basis, which may lead to unnecessary suboptimal dosing.
Absence of cytokine modulation following therapeutic infusion of intravenous immunoglobulin or anti‐red blood cell antibodies in a mouse model of immune thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Aubin Éric , Lemieux Réal , Bazin Renée
Published: March 2007

Human intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and anti‐D immunoglobulin preparations are used in the treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). One mechanism proposed to explain their therapeutic effects in ITP patients is the induction of expression of anti‐inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)‐10 or IL‐1ra, leading to a reduction of phagocytic activity of the reticuloendothelial system. However, increased expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines was also noted following treatment of ITP patients, raising doubt on the actual contribution of anti‐inflammatory cytokines in the therapeutic effects of IVIg and anti‐D immunoglobulins. The present study evaluated the in vivo modulation of expression of a large array of inflammatory cytokines using a mouse model of thrombocytopenia. IVIg was not found to modulate cytokine expression although it efficiently prevented thrombocytopenia. In contrast, protective (M1/69) and non‐protective (TER‐119) anti‐mouse red blood cell (RBC) antibodies (mimicking anti‐D treatment) both increased the expression of CXCL‐1 and CXCL‐5. Thus, there was no relationship between inflammatory cytokine expression and prevention of thrombocytopenia by IVIg or anti‐mouse RBC in the ITP mouse model. These results suggest that the increase in cytokine expression observed in ITP patients following IVIg or anti‐D infusion is not required for their therapeutic effects but may rather represent a side‐effect of the treatment.
Restoring streams in an urbanizing world
Authors: BERNHARDT EMILY S. , PALMER MARGARET A.
Published: March 2007

1. The world's population is increasingly urban, and streams and rivers, as the low lying points of the landscape, are especially sensitive to and profoundly impacted by the changes associated with urbanization and suburbanization of catchments.

2. River restoration is an increasingly popular management strategy for improving the physical and ecological conditions of degraded urban streams. In urban catchments, management activities as diverse as stormwater management, bank stabilisation, channel reconfiguration and riparian replanting may be described as river restoration projects.

3. Restoration in urban streams is both more expensive and more difficult than restoration in less densely populated catchments. High property values and finely subdivided land and dense human infrastructure (e.g. roads, sewer lines) limit the spatial extent of urban river restoration options, while stormwaters and the associated sediment and pollutant loads may limit the potential for restoration projects to reverse degradation.

4. To be effective, urban stream restoration efforts must be integrated within broader catchment management strategies. A key scientific and management challenge is to establish criteria for determining when the design options for urban river restoration are so constrained that a return towards reference or pre‐urbanization conditions is not realistic or feasible and when river restoration presents a viable and effective strategy for improving the ecological condition of these degraded ecosystems.
The relationship between disability and self‐care agency of Turkish people with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Tokem Yasemin , Akyol Asiye Durmaz , Argon Gulumser
Published: March 2007

Aim.  This study aims to determine the relationship between disability levels and self care agency scores in Turkish patients with rheumatoid arthritis and to investigate the factors affecting them.

Background.  Self‐care agency is the complex acquired ability to meet one's constant requirements for care that regulates life processes, maintains or promotes the integrity of human structure, functioning and development, and promotes well‐being.

Design and methods.  Forty‐three consecutive patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (M/F: 11/32; mean age 49·53 ± 13·37 years; disease duration 118·32 ± 76·55 months), being followed up by Ege University Rheumatology Outpatient Department and all fulfilling ACR 1987 criteria were included in this study. Data collection instruments used in this study were Informative‐Demographic Data Form, Health Assessment Questionnaire (including disability index and pain scale) and Self‐as‐Carer Inventory.

Results.  The mean disability index, the mean pain score and the mean self‐care agency score of patients were 0·53 (SD 0·45), 1·48 (SD 0·74) and 80·95 (SD 27·80) were respectively. Self‐care agency of patients found moderate level. It was found that a positive correlation between the disability index and the self‐care agency scores (r = 0·488; p < 0·01). It was found that in male (t = 0·907; p = 0·000), in patients graduate from university (F = 0·271; p = 0·001), the self‐care agency was better than other patients.

Conclusion.  In conclusion we found that in Turkish patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis, the higher the disability rate was, the lower the self‐care agency score was.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Disability, pain and their impact on self‐care agency should be focused on in everyday care for Rheumatoid Arthritis patients. These areas are most important in nursing care and should be considered while organizing the medical treatment and rehabilitation programme.
Information‐seeking behaviour of men newly diagnosed with cancer: a qualitative study
Authors: McCaughan Eilis , McKenna Hugh
Published: March 2007

Aim.  This paper reports the findings of a study, which explored the information‐seeking behaviour of men newly diagnosed with cancer.

Background.  There is worldwide recognition that there are significant differences in the way men and women react to and cope with illness, yet there seems to be a lack of research into men's information‐seeking behaviours and how they get their information needs met. The needs of men with cancer has so far received less research attention than women.

Methods.  A qualitative approach, consisting of in‐depth interviews, was used. A convenient sample of 13 men newly diagnosed with cancer and five healthcare professionals and four lay sources were recruited for this study.

Results.  Five themes emerged from the data. These were: ‘experiencing discomfort in the healthcare setting’, ‘reliance on partners as information gatherers’, ‘reluctance to explore a range of information sources and support’, ‘unmet information needs’ and ‘getting back to normal’. Together, they provide a perspective on men's information needs and information‐seeking behaviour.

Conclusions.  Healthcare professionals should be aware that there may be gender differences in how patients cope with their cancer, how they seek information and what information needs they have. Further training and preparation in ‘men's health’ is recommended for all those working with men in cancer care.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Understanding how, when and in what circumstances men express their information needs will help healthcare professionals to develop strategies to meet these needs and other support needs of men with cancer.
Infertile couples’ experience of family stress while women are hospitalized for Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome during infertility treatment
Authors: Chang Shiu‐Neng , Mu Pei‐Fan
Published: March 2007

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this study was to explore the essential structure of family stress among hospitalized women receiving infertility treatment with Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome.

Background.  When hospitalization is necessary for infertile women with Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, they face health‐illness transition stress and their families are traumatized by the pressure of hospitalization. Most literature on infertility treatment has dealt with the infertile women's physio‐psychological reactions, the impact on the couples’ relationships and the influence of social support on infertile couples.

Design.  A descriptive phenomenological design consistent with Husserl's philosophy.

Methods.  Ten married couples from a Taipei medical centre participated in the study. All the couples were receiving infertility treatment because the female partners were suffering from moderate or severe Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome and this required hospitalized. An open in‐depth interview technique encouraged parents to reflect on their experience, which raised their feelings to a conscious level. Data were analysed using Colaizzi's approach.

Results.  This study explored infertile women's experiences from the couples’ perspectives and the results identify the overall stresses that the family face. Five themes emerged from the study, namely, the stress of ‘carrying on the ancestral line’, the psychological reactions of the couple, a disordering of family life, reorganization of family life and external family support.

Conclusions.  The results demonstrate that the experience of family stress involves impacts that range across the domains of individual, marital, family and social interactions and there is a need to cope with these when the wife is hospitalized for moderate to severe Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings indicated that nurses should provide infertile couples with family‐centred perspectives that are related to Chinese cultural family values. Nurses should supply information on infertility treatment and assist couples to cope with their personal and family stress.
Development of the congenital adrenal hyperplasia knowledge assessment questionnaire (CAHKAQ*)
Authors: King Jennie , Mitchelhill Irene , Fisher Murray J.
Published: March 2007

Aims.  The purpose of this study was to develop a validated Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Knowledge Assessment Questionnaire (CAHKAQ) that can be used to identify deficits in the knowledge of families living with CAH regarding the disease and its management.

Background.  Management of CAH requires good parental and/or patient knowledge and understanding of the disorder, and the action required when clinical problems arise. Effective education initiatives are important in helping families to manage the disorder. However, there are currently no established questionnaires available to assess the knowledge of CAH.

Method.  An extensive survey of the literature was conducted to develop a list of questions about CAH. The Delphi technique was used to develop and determine content validity of the CAHKAQ using a panel of 15 nursing and medical experts in endocrinology. The instrument was piloted to test for item variation, meaning and redundancy, and to determine instrument unidimensionality and internal consistency. The questionnaire was distributed to a convenience sample of family members (n = 98) of 36 children/adults with CAH recorded on the database of a large children's hospital endocrine clinic.

Results.  Three Delphi rounds were required to achieve final consensus for content validity. The resulting questionnaire contained 22 multiple‐choice items and had a Flesch Reading Ease score of 67. Statistical analysis found the instrument to be internally consistent and unidimensional with a reported Cronbach's coefficient alpha of 0·67.

Conclusion.  The CAHKAQ is a valid and reliable questionnaire suitable for use in conjunction with education about CAH.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The CAHKAQ will be invaluable in assessing parental and patient knowledge and understanding of the disorder and identifying deficits that can be addressed through education. Further research is required to determine whether the underlying factors of the instrument are consistent with components of CAH knowledge.
The clinical performance of hybrid bridges delivered by undergraduate dental students: a retrospective study
Authors: ANWEIGI L. M. , ZIADA H. M. , ALLEN P. F.
Published: March 2007

Summary  The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyse the clinical performance of hybrid bridges and their effect on periodontal health. All the bridges in this study were delivered by undergraduate dental students at the University Dental School and Hospital Cork. The recall protocol took the form of a questionnaire and a full clinical examination of the abutments, retainers and contra lateral control teeth. In all, 22 patients with 25 bridges were examined. The periodontal response was generally favourable and soft tissue alteration was minimal. The outcome of the performance hybrid bridges is not encouraging, as 32% (8) of the bridges failed and 68% (17) were in service with a mean duration of clinical service of 48 months.
Complex hybridization dynamics between golden‐winged and blue‐winged warblers (Vermivora chrysoptera and Vermivora pinus) revealed by AFLP, microsatellite, intron and mtDNA markers
Authors: VALLENDER R. , ROBERTSON R. J. , FRIESEN V. L. , LOVETTE I. J.
Published: March 2007

Blue‐winged (Vermivora pinus) and golden‐winged warblers (Vermivora chrysoptera) have an extensive mosaic hybrid zone in eastern North America. Over the past century, the general trajectory has been a rapid replacement of chrysoptera by pinus in a broad, northwardly moving area of contact. Previous mtDNA‐based studies on these species’ hybridization dynamics have yielded variable results: asymmetric and rapid introgression from pinus into chrysoptera in some areas and bidirectional maternal gene flow in others. To further explore the hybridization genetics of this otherwise well‐studied complex, we surveyed variation in three nuclear DNA marker types — microsatellites, introns, and a panel of amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) — with the goal of generating a multilocus assay of hybrid introgression. All markers were first tested on birds from phenotypically and mitochondrially pure parental‐type populations from outside the hybrid zone. Searches for private alleles and assignment test approaches found no combination of microsatellite or intron markers that could separate the parental populations, but seven AFLP characters exhibited significant frequency differences among them. We then used the AFLP markers to examine the extent and pattern of introgression in a population where pinus‐phenotype individuals have recently invaded a region that previously supported only a chrysoptera‐phenotype population. Despite the low frequency of phenotypic hybrids at this location, the AFLP data suggest that almost a third of the phenotypically pure chrysoptera have introgressed genotypes, indicating the presence of substantial cryptic hybridization in the history of this species. The evidence for extensive cryptic introgression, combined with the lack of differentiation at other nuclear loci, cautions against hybrid assessments based on single markers or on phenotypic traits that are likely to be determined by a small number of loci. Considered in concert, these results from four classes of molecular markers indicate that pinus and chrysoptera are surprisingly weakly differentiated and that far fewer genetically ‘pure’ populations of chrysoptera may exist than previously assumed, two findings with broad implications for the conservation of this rapidly declining taxon.
The influence of Lys68 in decapeptide agonists of C5a on C5a receptor binding, activation and selectivity
Authors: Vogen S. M. , Sanderson S. D. , Finch A. M. , Wadi S. K. , Taylor S. M. , Thatcher J. , Monk P. N.
Published: March 2007

The potent, conformationally biased C5a agonist peptide YSFKPMPLaR (C5a65–74, Y65, F67, P69, P71, D‐Ala73) was used as a template to gain insight into the nature and importance of lysine at position 68 in the peptide‐receptor interaction. A panel of YSFKPMPLaR analogs with systematic substitutions for Lys68 was evaluated for C5a receptor (C5aR) binding affinity and activation in two well‐characterized assay systems: human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and human fetal artery. In addition, we determined the activity of these new analogs in transfected rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) cells in which the Glu at position 199 of the C5aR (wtGlu199) was replaced by a Gln (C5aR‐Gln199) or a Lys (C5aR‐Lys199). Our results indicated that Lys68 in YSFKPMPLaR plays an important role in binding the C5aR expressed on PMNs and RBL cells. Furthermore, the data indicated that Lys68 interacted with Glu199 of the C5aR in PMNs and RBL cells. In human fetal artery, however, Lys68 substitutions had little or no effect on activity, which suggested that the receptor conformation may be different in this tissue. Thus, the interaction between Lys68 of the decapeptide agonist and Glu199 of the C5aR may be cell type‐specific and may form the molecular basis for tissue‐specific responses to C5a agonists.
A cyclic peptide analogue of the loop III region of platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB is a synthetic antigen for the native protein
Authors: Patel G. , Husman W. , Jehanli A. M. , Deadman J. J. , Green D. , Kakkar V. V. , Brennand D. M.
Published: March 2007

We report the synthesis and characterization of a cyclic peptide analogue of the loop III region of platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) B‐chain sequence, cyclo(73Arg‐Lys‐lle‐Glu‐lle‐Val‐Arg‐Lys‐Lys81‐Cys), incorporating a C‐terminus cysteine residue for the conjugation to a carrier protein. The synthesis involved solid‐phase chemistry, utilizing Fmoc‐tBu chemistry and acid labile side‐chain protecting groups, followed by ‘head‐to‐tail’cyclization using the allyl‐protected glutamic acid anchored on its side chain to the solid support with HATU/HOAt as the coupling agent. Conformational differences between the cyclic and its linear counterpart PDGF peptides were determined by circular dichroism measurements in aqueous media. High titre antisera were raised to both cyclic and linear peptide immunogens. Antisera raised to the cyclic peptide cross‐reacted with PDGF‐BB in both Western blot and ELISA, whereas antisera raised to the linear peptide had no reactivity with PDGF‐BB. The cyclic peptide (conformational design analogue) produces an immunogen which is able to antigenically mimic the secondary structure of loop III of PDGF‐BB and forms a basis from which further small molecular mimetics of PDGF may be designed for use as both immunogens and also potential agonists/antagonists of PDGF. Similarly constructed immunogens may also be useful in the design of vaccines which direct responses to loop regions in other target proteins.
Growth, production, and mortality of the chemosynthetic vesicomyid bivalve, Calyptogena kilmeri from cold seeps off central California
Authors: Barry James P. , Whaling Patrick J. , Kochevar Randall K.
Published: March 2007

The vesicomyid Calyptogena kilmeri is one of the most abundant bivalves inhabiting chemosynthetic environments shallower than c. 1500 m along central California. We estimated the population size structure, biomass, rates of individual growth, somatic production, and mortality for C. kilmeri, based on sampling of seep habitats and tag–recapture studies at chemosynthetic communities in Monterey Bay, California. The composite growth rate of C. kilmeri over all sites was relatively high (K = 0.25), reaching c. 80% of asymptotic length (104.7 mm) in 6.6 years. The density of C. kilmeri was estimated as 938.5 ind. m−2 and biomass density varied from 704 to 2059 g ash free dry mass (AFDM) m−2. Somatic production was also high (294–297 g·AFDM·m−2 year−1), and production/biomass ratios for C. kilmeri varied from 0.14 to 0.42 among sites, related to variation in size–frequency distributions among sites. Instantaneous mortality rates estimated from size distributions ranged from 0.17 to 0.24 year−1. Growth and somatic production by C. kilmeri are in the range reported for chemosynthetic bivalves from hydrothermal vent and seep habitats, as well as photosynthetic‐based assemblages of inshore or intertidal bivalves, and greatly exceed rates reported for heterotrophic deep‐sea benthos.
Lecithotrophic nauplius of the family Dirivultidae (Copepoda; Siphonostomatoida) hatched on board over the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge (5°S)
Authors: Ivanenko Viatcheslav N. , Martínez Arbizu Pedro , Stecher Jens
Published: March 2007

Abstract A copepod nauplius of the family Dirivultidae Humes & Dojiri 1980 is described for the first time. The lecithotrophic nauplius of the widespread symbiotic copepod Stygiopontius pectinatusHumes 1987 was released from females bearing paired egg sacs that included only one yolky embryo each. The ovigerous females of S. pectinatus were washed from the branchial chamber of alvinocaridid shrimps (Rimicaris exoculataWilliams & Rona 1986) collected at a deep‐sea hydrothermal field on the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge at 5° S (Red Lion site, chimney ‘Shrimps Farm’, depth 3,048 m) by ROV Quest 4000 and maintained in a laboratory on the R/V METEOR (cruise M64/1, 2005). The nauplius of S. pectinatus, appears to be a stage I nauplius because it bears only one pair of caudal setae and the setose bud of maxilla 1 is absent. Like nauplii of other copepods of the order Siphonostomatoida, this nauplius of S. pectinatus possesses a reduced labrum and the body is filled with yolky granules; it also lacks a masticatory process on the antennal coxa. The presence of two inner setae (instead of one seta) on the mandibular endopod is hypothesized to be a primitive character of dirivultids that distinguishes them from the remaining siphonostomatoid genera. The Dirivultidae is a widespread and diverse family of copepods endemic to the deep‐sea hydrothermal vents of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Morphological features of the planktonic nauplius of S. pectinatus suggest nutritional independence during their dispersal.
The Oka Belt (Southern Siberia and Northern Mongolia): A Neoproterozoic analog of the Japanese Shimanto Belt?
Authors: Kuzmichev Alexander , Sklyarov Evgeny , Postnikov Anatoly , Bibikova Elena
Published: March 2007

Abstract  The Oka Belt, composed of clastic rocks and greenschists, extends for approximately 600 km in the South‐Siberian Sayan region and adjacent northern Mongolia. For a long time the Oka Belt’s age and tectonic setting were the most controversial problem in the region. We argue that the belt was formed in Late Neoproterozoic as an accretionary prism. The Oka Belt shows imbricated thrust structure, which had originally seaward vergence and reflected the Neoproterozoic accretion process. The Early Paleozoic orogeny had minor effect on its structural style. The belt contains tectonic slivers of mid‐ocean ridge basalts, some oceanic‐island basalts and possible pelagic sediments. In several localities they are associated with gabbro and serpentinite. All these rocks represent the oceanic lithosphere subducting beneath the Oka prism and trapped within it. In the inner zone of the Oka Belt are the blueschists exhumed from the deeper prism level. The northern Oka Belt includes mafic intrusions geochemically similar to normal mid‐oceanic ridge basalt and felsic volcaniclastic rocks. This segment of the belt is very similar to the Tertiary portion of northern Shimanto Belt, in Japan, and has also experienced the subduction of orthogonal oceanic ridge beneath the prism. This event dates back to 753 ± 16 Ma (the U‐Pb zircon discordia). The Oka prism started accreting in Mid‐Neoproterozoic after the subduction had initiated under the Japan‐like South‐Siberian continental terrain. The prism existed through the second half of Neoproterozoic and accumulated a huge volume of sialic material to enlarge the nearby continent. Currently, the Oka Belt remains poorly studied and is very promising for further investigation and discoveries.
Structural evidence for large‐scale top‐to‐the‐north normal displacement along the Median Tectonic Line in southwest Japan
Authors: Fukunari Tetsuzo , Wallis Simon R.
Published: March 2007

Abstract  The Median Tectonic Line (MTL) is a first‐order tectonic boundary that separates the Sanbagawa and Ryoke Metamorphic Belts. Strike‐slip movements on the MTL have been well documented by many workers. New field based structural studies in the Sanbagawa Belt close to the MTL reveal a large number of secondary faults and semibrittle shear bands indicating a top‐to‐the‐north normal sense of displacement. The strikes of these shear zones and their spatial distributions suggest that development of these structures is related to movements on the MTL. These results imply that the MTL has a large‐scale normal shear component on a regional scale that can help account for the exhumation of the Sanbagawa Belt. Our proposed history of the MTL can also account for changes in the geometry of folds in the Sanbagawa Belt.