bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic control of polarization and ferroelastic strain switching in Terfenol-D/Bi12GeO20 laminate
Authors: Yang Pan , Peng Song , Wang Xiaofei , Lu Xiaomei , Yan Feng , Zhu Jinsong
Published: February 2009

A profound interplay between ferroelastic strain, polarization, and external magnetic field was observed in both bilayer and trilayer laminate Tb0.27–0.30Dy0.73–0.70Fe1.90–1.95 (Terfenol-D)/Bi12GeO20. The bilayer shows a much higher shear strain induced magnetoelectric effect than the trilayer. A series of experimental results related to the ferroelasticity in Bi12GeO20 such as a butterfly loop of the surface strain of Bi12GeO20 to magnetic field and a reproducible magnetic-field-induced strain switching were observed for the bilayer laminate.
A pH-tunable hydrogel microlens array with temperature-actuated light-switching capability
Authors: Ding Zhenwen , Ziaie Babak
Published: February 2009

In this letter, we demonstrate a two step casting process to fabricate a bifunctional hydrogel-based microlens array, which responds to both temperature (becomes opaque above certain temperature) and pH (changes its focal length at different pH levels), and can be operated in air for an extended period of time. Each lens in the array is 1 mm in diameter and its focal length changes from 4.5 to 55 mm when the environmental pH is varied between 2.0 and 5.0. The light-switching capability is measured to be ∼92% when temperature increases from 25 to 35 °C.
Lateral alignment of InGaAs quantum dots as function of spacer thickness
Authors: Wang Zh. M. , Rodriguez C. , Seydmohamadi Sh. , Mazur Yu. I. , Xie Y. Z. , Salamo G. J.
Published: February 2009

The effects of spacer thickness on lateral alignment and density of InGaAs quantum dots on GaAs(311)B substrates is investigated. As the thickness of the spacer layers is increased, the two-dimensional lateral ordering previously demonstrated on GaAs(311)B is replaced by the one-dimensional dot chains normally observed on GaAs(100). Additionally, the dot density is found to increase proportionally with spacer thickness. The transition of lateral alignment regimes results from two processes competing to dominate the growth mechanism: the elastic anisotropy of the matrix and the characteristics of surface diffusion.
Effects of film thickness on manganite film-based heterjunctions
Authors: Lü W. M. , Wei A. D. , Sun J. R. , Chen Y. Z. , Shen B. G.
Published: February 2009

Effects of film thickness on interfacial barrier have been studied for the La0.67Ca0.33MnO3/SrTiO3:Nb and La0.67Sr0.33MnO3/SrTiO3:Nb junctions. In addition to the evolution of the transport behavior from electron tunneling to thermionic emission, increase in film thickness from ∼5 to ∼50 nm causes a significant growth of interfacial barrier as revealed by photoresponse experiments, and the maximum change in interfacial barrier is ∼13% for La0.67Ca0.33MnO3/SrTiO3:Nb and ∼45% for La0.67Sr0.33MnO3/SrTiO3:Nb. A linear relation between interfacial barrier and lattice constant of the films is further found, which suggests the influence of lattice strains on interfacial barrier. Qualitative explanations are given.
Low temperature magnetic field effects in Alq3-based organic light emitting diodes
Authors: Zhang Y. , Liu R. , Lei Y. L. , Xiong Z. H.
Published: February 2009

The magnetic field effects on injection current and electroluminescence have been investigated for aluminum tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) (Alq3)-based organic light emitting diodes at the temperature of 12 K. The experimental traces of electroluminescence exhibit a rapid rising at low magnetic field, followed by a decrease at high field strength, whereas the injection current increases continuously. The drive dependence of the high field effect of the quantum efficiency matches that which is expected for the triplet-triplet annihilation process, indicating that the delayed fluorescence from the triplets’ annihilation significantly contributes to the field dependent light emission in our devices.
Three-dimensional structure of the human copper transporter hCTR1
Authors: De Feo Christopher J. , Aller Stephen G. , Siluvai Gnana S. , Blackburn Ninian J. , Unger Vinzenz M.
Published: February 2009

Copper uptake proteins (CTRs), mediate cellular acquisition of the essential metal copper in all eukaryotes. Here, we report the structure of the human CTR1 protein solved by electron crystallography to an in plane resolution of 7 Å. Reminiscent of the design of traditional ion channels, trimeric hCTR1 creates a pore that stretches across the membrane bilayer at the interface between the subunits. Assignment of the helices identifies the second transmembrane helix as the key element lining the pore, and reveals how functionally important residues on this helix could participate in Cu(I)-coordination during transport. Aligned with and sealing both ends of the pore, extracellular and intracellular domains of hCTR1 appear to provide additional metal binding sites. Consistent with the existence of distinct metal binding sites, we demonstrate that hCTR1 stably binds 2 Cu(I)-ions through 3-coordinate Cu–S bonds, and that mutations in one of these putative binding sites results in a change of coordination chemistry.
A designed protein as experimental model of primordial folding
Authors: Sadqi Mourad , de Alba Eva , Pérez-Jiménez Raúl , Sanchez-Ruiz Jose M. , Muñoz Victor
Published: February 2009

How do proteins accomplish folding during early evolution? Theoretically the mechanism involves the selective stabilization of the native structure against all other competing compact conformations in a process that involves cumulative changes in the amino acid sequence along geological timescales. Thus, an evolved protein folds into a single structure at physiological temperature, but the conformational competition remains latent. For natural proteins such competition should emerge only near cryogenic temperatures, which places it beyond experimental testing. Here, we introduce a designed monomeric miniprotein (FSD-1ss) that within biological temperatures (330–280 K) switches between simple fast folding and highly complex conformational dynamics in a structurally degenerate compact ensemble. Our findings demonstrate the physical basis for protein folding evolution in a designed protein, which exhibits poorly evolved or primordial folding. Furthermore, these results open the door to the experimental exploration of primitive folding and the switching between alternative protein structures that takes place in evolutionary branching points and prion diseases, as well as the benchmarking of de novo design methods.
Heart sympathetic activity and pulmonary function in obese pregnant women
Authors: AMADOR‐LICONA NORMA , GUÍZAR‐MENDOZA JUAN MANUEL , JUÁREZ MANUEL , LINARES‐SEGOVIA BENIGNO
Published: February 2009

Objective. To estimate autonomic balance and pulmonary function in obese women according to their baseline weight and weight gain during pregnancy. Design. A cohort study. Setting. Hospital of Gynecology and Obstetrics in Leon, Mexico. Population. One hundred and seventy‐eight healthy pregnant women (88 obese and 90 non‐obese). Methods. At first visit of pregnancy and in the third trimester blood pressure, anthropometric measurements, glucose, insulin, and leptin levels were evaluated and spirometry, oximetry, and 60 minutes electrocardiograph monitoring were performed. Main outcome measures. Heart rate variability and pulmonary function. Results. Blood pressure levels, glucose, insulin, and leptin levels were higher in obese women, whereas total power of heart rate variability was lower in this group than in non‐obese women at the beginning of pregnancy. In the third trimester, the standard deviation of all the normal R–R intervals was lower in obese women, whereas blood pressure and glucose levels remain higher. In the multiple regression analysis, the change in forced expiratory volume at 1 second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio and leptin levels independently of weight gain were associated to low‐frequency/high‐frequency (LF/HF) index at third trimester (R2 = 0.21; p<0.001 for the model) only in obese women. Conclusions. LF/HF index at third trimester of pregnancy is associated with increase in leptin levels and decrease in FEV1/FVC in obese women independently of weight gain.
White matter hyperintensities on T2-weighted MRI images among DNA-verified older familial hypercholesterolemia patients
Authors: Hyttinen L. , Autti T. , Rauma S. , Soljanlahti S. , Vuorio A. F. , Strandberg T. E.
Published: February 2009

Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder, causing an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) if untreated. Silent brain infarctions and white matter hyperintensities (WMHIs) observed on T2-weighted magnetic resonance images (MRI) are associated with increased risk for stroke and myocardial infarction. Age is a strong predictor of WMHIs.

Purpose: To use MRI to assess the presence of clinically silent brain lesions in older FH patients, and to compare the occurrence and size of these lesions in older FH patients with middle-aged FH patients and healthy controls.

Material and Methods: A total of 43 older (age ≥ 65 years) FH patients with the same FH North Karelia mutation, living in Finland, were identified. In this comprehensive cohort, 1.5T brain MRI was available for 33 individuals (age 65–84 years, M/F 9/24, mean duration of statin treatment 15.3 years). This group was divided into two age categories: 65–74 years (FHe1 group, n=23) and 75–84 years (FHe2 group, n=10). Infarcts, including lacunas, and WMHIs on T2-weighted images were recorded. Data from brain MRI were compared to those of a group of middle-aged FH patients with CHD ( n=19, age 48–64 years) and with middle-aged healthy controls ( n=29, age 49–63 years).

Results: Only two (6%) of the older FH patients had clinically silent brain infarcts detected by MRI. The amount of large WMHIs (>5 mm in diameter) was similar in the FHe1 group compared with the groups of middle-aged FH patients and healthy controls, even though the FHe1 group was 13 years older. The total amount of WMHIs and the amount of large WMHIs were greatest in the FHe2 group.

Conclusion: FH patients aged 65 to 74 years receiving long-term statin treatment (15 years) did not have more WMHIs on brain MRI compared to middle-aged FH patients and healthy controls.
Do people treat missing information adaptively when making inferences?
Authors: Garcia-Retamero Rocio , Rieskamp Jörg
Published: February 2009

When making inferences, people are often confronted with situations with incomplete information. Previous research has led to a mixed picture about how people react to missing information. Options include ignoring missing information, treating it as either positive or negative, using the average of past observations for replacement, or using the most frequent observation of the available information as a placeholder. The accuracy of these inference mechanisms depends on characteristics of the environment. When missing information is uniformly distributed, it is most accurate to treat it as the average, whereas when it is negatively correlated with the criterion to be judged, treating missing information as if it were negative is most accurate. Whether people treat missing information adaptively according to the environment was tested in two studies. The results show that participants were sensitive to how missing information was distributed in an environment and most frequently selected the mechanism that was most adaptive. From these results the authors conclude that reacting to missing information in different ways is an adaptive response to environmental characteristics.
Incidence and predictors of hospitalization or death in patients managed in multidisciplinary heart failure clinics
Authors: Gustafsson Finn , Schou Morten , Videbæk Lars , Dridi Nadia , Ryde Henrik , Handberg Jens , Hildebrandt Per R. ,   on behalf of the Danish Heart Failure Clinics Network
Published: February 2009

Aims

To assess the rates of death or hospitalization in outpatients with heart failure (HF) followed in multidisciplinary, nurse‐based HF clinics and to compare the rates with published data from the literature. A second aim was to identify risk factors for death or hospital admission.

Methods and results

A total of 4012 consecutive outpatients referred for HF management in 18 Danish HF clinics were included. Clinical data were collected prospectively. Outcome data were obtained from a validated, national registry. Mean follow‐up time was 580 days. The mean age of patients was 69 years, 83% had left ventricular systolic dysfunction and 52% had been hospitalized within 90 days prior to referral to the HF clinic. The 6 and 12 month rates of hospitalization or death were 31 and 42%. Hospitalization or death was significantly predicted by age 1.12 (1.05–1.19), diabetes 1.21 (1.03–1.42), serum creatinine 1.03 (1.02–1.04), NYHA III and IV 1.32 (1.15–1.52), and hospitalization prior to referral to the HF clinic 1.81 (1.57–2.08).

Conclusions

Event rates in this cohort were lower than most published data from HF clinic populations. Factors such as advanced age, NYHA class, and prior hospitalization predict poor outcome in patients managed in multidisciplinary HF clinics.
Long-term evaluation of scientific-echosounder performance
Authors: Knudsen Hans Petter
Published: February 2009

Knudsen, H. P. 2009. Long-term evaluation of scientific-echosounder performance. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 1335–1340. When scientific acoustic instruments are utilized for quantitative measurements of underwater biological resources, it is extremely important to know their overall performance, and it is imperative to measure their stability over time. Echosounders mounted on research vessels are therefore routinely calibrated several times annually, often immediately before, during, and after important resource-assessment surveys. In recent years, multifrequency systems for acoustic surveys requiring species identification and categorization based on the frequency response of targets have been introduced, further emphasizing the importance of monitoring instrument performance. In the 1970s, hydrophones and steel spheres were used as alternative references for calibrations. Substantial variations of system performance were observed, however, and gradually it was accepted that the use of hydrophones was inappropriate, because their performance varied more than that of the instruments being calibrated. Not until optimized reference targets were introduced in ca. 1980, was it possible to monitor the stability of acoustic-survey equipment with an acceptable degree of confidence. For the first time, the true, long-term stability of transducers, including ageing effects, could be accurately measured. This paper gives examples of calibration time-series for several Norwegian research vessels operating in various regions from Arctic to tropical waters.
A Novel Plant Leucine-Rich Repeat Receptor Kinase Regulates the Response ofMedicago truncatulaRoots to Salt Stress
Authors: de Lorenzo Laura , Merchan Francisco , Laporte Philippe , Thompson Richard , Clarke Jonathan , Sousa Carolina , Crespi Martín
Published: February 2009

In plants, a diverse group of cell surface receptor-like protein kinases (RLKs) plays a fundamental role in sensing external signals to regulate gene expression. Roots explore the soil environment to optimize their growth via complex signaling cascades, mainly analyzed in Arabidopsis thaliana. However, legume roots have significant physiological differences, notably their capacity to establish symbiotic interactions. These major agricultural crops are affected by environmental stresses such as salinity. Here, we report the identification of a leucine-rich repeat RLK gene, Srlk, from the legume Medicago truncatula. Srlk is rapidly induced by salt stress in roots, and RNA interference (RNAi) assays specifically targeting Srlk yielded transgenic roots whose growth was less inhibited by the presence of salt in the medium. Promoter-β-glucuronidase fusions indicate that this gene is expressed in epidermal root tissues in response to salt stress. Two Srlk-TILLING mutants also failed to limit root growth in response to salt stress and accumulated fewer sodium ions than controls. Furthermore, early salt-regulated genes are downregulated in Srlk-RNAi roots and in the TILLING mutant lines when submitted to salt stress. We propose a role for Srlk in the regulation of the adaptation of M. truncatula roots to salt stress.
A Bacterial-Type ABC Transporter Is Involved in Aluminum Tolerance in Rice
Authors: Huang Chao Feng , Yamaji Naoki , Mitani Namiki , Yano Masahiro , Nagamura Yoshiaki , Ma Jian Feng
Published: February 2009

Aluminum (Al) toxicity is a major factor limiting crop production in acidic soil, but the molecular mechanisms of Al tolerance are poorly understood. Here, we report that two genes, STAR1 (for sensitive to Al rhizotoxicity1) and STAR2, are responsible for Al tolerance in rice. STAR1 encodes a nucleotide binding domain, while STAR2 encodes a transmembrane domain, of a bacterial-type ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter. Disruption of either gene resulted in hypersensitivity to aluminum toxicity. Both STAR1 and STAR2 are expressed mainly in the roots and are specifically induced by Al exposure. Expression in onion epidermal cells, rice protoplasts, and yeast showed that STAR1 interacts with STAR2 to form a complex that localizes to the vesicle membranes of all root cells, except for those in the epidermal layer of the mature zone. When expressed together in Xenopus laevis oocytes, STAR1/2 shows efflux transport activity specific for UDP-glucose. Furthermore, addition of exogenous UDP-glucose rescued root growth in the star1 mutant exposed to Al. These results indicate that STAR1 and STAR2 form a complex that functions as an ABC transporter, which is required for detoxification of Al in rice. The ABC transporter transports UDP-glucose, which may be used to modify the cell wall.
FBXW7 and NOTCH1 mutations in childhood T cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and T cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Park Myoung‐Ja , Taki Tomohiko , Oda Megumi , Watanabe Tomoyuki , Yumura‐Yagi Keiko , Kobayashi Ryoji , Suzuki Nobuhiro , Hara Junichi , Horibe Keizo , Hayashi Yasuhide
Published: February 2009

Mutation analysis of FBXW7 and NOTCH1 genes was performed in 55 T cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T‐ALL) and 14 T cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (T‐NHL) patients who were treated on the Japan Association of Childhood Leukaemia Study (JACLS) protocols ALL‐97 and NHL‐98. FBXW7 and/or NOTCH1 mutations were found in 22 (40·0%) of 55 T‐ALL and 7 (50·0%) of 14 T‐NHL patients. FBXW7 mutations were found in 8 (14·6%) of 55 T‐ALL and 3 (21·4%) of 14 T‐NHL patients, and NOTCH1 mutations in 17 (30·9%) of 55 T‐ALL and 6 (42·9%) of 14 T‐NHL patients. Three (5·4%) T‐ALL and two (1·4%) T‐NHL patients had mutations in both FBXW7 and NOTCH1. FBXW7 mutations included one insertion, one deletion, one deletion/insertion and nine missense mutations. NOTCH1 mutations were detected in the heterodimerization domain (HD) in 15 cases, in the PEST domain in seven cases, and in both the HD and PEST domains in one case. Five‐year event‐free survival and overall survival for patients with FBXW7 and/or NOTCH1 mutations were 95·5% (95% CI, 71·9–99·4%) and 100% respectively, suggesting that T‐ALL patients with FBXW7 and/or NOTCH1 mutation represent a good prognosis compared to those without FBXW7 and/or NOTCH1 mutations (63·6%, P = 0·007 and 78·8%, P = 0·023, respectively).
Colocalization of the VEGF‐R2 and the common IL‐3/GM‐CSF receptor beta chain to lipid rafts leads to enhanced p38 activation
Authors: Saulle Ernestina , Riccioni Roberta , Coppola Simona , Parolini Isabella , Diverio Daniela , Riti Viviana , Mariani Gualtiero , Laufer Stefan , Sargiacomo Massimo , Testa Ugo
Published: February 2009

Previous studies suggested an important role for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors in postnatal haemopoiesis. However, it is unclear how VEGF receptor (VEGFR) signalling could interact with that issued from the activation of haematopoietic growth factor receptors. To elucidate this point we explored VEGF‐R2 and granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor receptor (GM‐CSFR) membrane localization and cell signalling in TF1‐KDR cells (TF1 leukaemic cells that overexpress VEGF‐R2/KDR). Activation of either GM‐CSFR or VEGF‐R2 was shown to determine the migration of both receptor elements (VEGF‐R2 and the common β‐chain of the GM‐CSFR) to lipid rafts. The study of receptor phosphorylation showed that GM‐CSF induced the phosphorylation of its own receptor and the transphosphorylation of VEGF‐R2; on the other hand, VEGF triggered the phosphorylation of its receptor and transphosphorylated the β‐chain of the GM‐CSFR. Co‐stimulation of TF1‐KDR cells with both GM‐CSF and VEGF‐A resulted in massive migration of both the common GM‐CSFR β‐chain and VEGF‐R2 to lipid rafts and sustained p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase activation. Disruption of lipid rafts inhibited the capacity of both GM‐CSF and VEGF‐A to activate p38. Experiments with specific p38 inhibitors showed that p38 activation was required to sustain the VEGF‐ and GM‐CSF‐dependent proliferation of TF1‐KDR and the survival of primary acute myeloid leukaemia blasts.
A suppressive oligodeoxynucleotide inhibits ocular inflammation
Authors: Fujimoto C , Klinman D M , Shi G , Yin H , Vistica B P , Lovaas J D , Wawrousek E F , Igarashi T , Chan C-C , Gery I
Published: February 2009

Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) expressing ‘suppressive’ TTAGGG motifs down-regulate a variety of proinflammatory and T helper type 1 (Th1)-mediated pathological immune responses. The ability of the archetypal suppressive ODN A151 to inhibit ocular inflammation was examined in two murine models: experimental autoimmune uveitis, induced by immunization with a retinal antigen, interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) and adoptively transferred ocular inflammation, induced by transferring Th1 cells specific to hen egg lysozyme (HEL) into recipient mice that express HEL in their eyes. A151 treatment suppressed the inflammation in both models. In addition, A151 inhibited IRBP-specific cytokine production and lymphocyte proliferation in mice immunized with IRBP. These findings suggest that suppressive ODN affects both afferent and efferent limbs of the immunopathogenic process and may be of use in the treatment of autoimmune ocular inflammation.
Mycobacterium boviswith different genotypes and from different hosts induce dissimilar immunopathological lesions in a mouse model of tuberculosis
Authors: Aguilar León D , Zumárraga M J , Jiménez Oropeza R , Gioffré A K , Bernardelli A , Orozco Estévez H , Cataldi A A , Hernández Pando R
Published: February 2009

With the hypothesis that genetic variability of Mycobacterium bovis could influence virulence and immunopathology, five M. bovis strains were selected from an epidemiological study in Argentina on the basis of their prevalence in cattle and occurrence in other species. We then determined the virulence and the immunopathology evoked by these strains in a well-characterized mouse model of progressive pulmonary tuberculosis. The reference strain AN5 was used as a control. BALB/c mice infected with this M. bovis reference strain showed 50% survival after 4 months of infection, with moderate bacillary counts in the lung. Two weeks after inoculation, it induced a strong inflammatory response with numerous granulomas and progressive pneumonia. In contrast, strain 04-303, isolated from a wild boar, was the most lethal and its most striking feature was sudden pneumonia with extensive necrosis. Strain 04-302, also isolated from wild boar but with a different spoligotype, induced similar pathology but to a lesser extent. In contrast, strains 534, V2 (both from cattle) and 02-2B (from human) were less virulent, permitting higher survival after 4 months of infection and limited tissue damage. Strain AN5 and the cattle and human isolates induced rapid, high and stable expression of interferon (IFN)-γ and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). In contrast, the more virulent strains induced lower expression of IFN-γ, tumour necrosis factor-α and iNOS. Interestingly, these more virulent strains induced very low expression of murine beta defensin 4 (mBD-4); whereas, the control strain AN5 induced progressive expression of this anti-microbial peptide, peaking at day 120. The less virulent strains induced high mBD-4 expression during early infection. Thus, as reported with clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis, M. bovis also showed variable virulence. This variability can be attributed to the induction of a different pattern of immune response.
Skeletal consequences of familial hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia vs. primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Christensen Signe Engkjær , Nissen Peter H. , Vestergaard Peter , Heickendorff Lene , Rejnmark Lars , Brixen Kim , Mosekilde Leif
Published: February 2009

Objectives  Bone metabolism is only superficially described in familiar hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia (FHH). We describe and compare biochemical and osteodensitometric variables in FHH and primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and assess whether they can improve the diagnostic discrimination between the groups.

Design  Cross‐sectional.

Patients  Sixty‐six FHH patients with known calcium‐sensing receptor (CASR) gene mutations and 147 PHPT patients.

Measurements  We determined calcium, creatinine, phosphate, magnesium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25OHD, 1,25(OH)2D and alkaline phosphatase (AP) in plasma, NTx/creatinine ratio in urine and calculated the calcium/creatinine clearance ratio (CCCR). We performed dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry at the lumbar spine, hip, forearm and whole body.

Results  When compared with normal controls, the FHH patients had increased levels of PTH and AP with normal U‐NTx and regional Z‐scores. Increased phenotypic expression of CASR mutations in terms of hypercalcaemia was associated with higher lumbar spine bone mineral density, but not with bone markers. FHH were younger and leaner than the PHPT patients. They had comparable plasma Ca2+ and 25OHD, but lower levels of PTH, 1,25(OH)2D, AP and U‐NTx. They had higher Z‐scores in the hip and in the forearm. We achieved the best discrimination between groups by multiplying CCCR with AP, 1,25(OH)2D and PTH, but the difference between the area under the curves by receiver operating characteristic analysis remained insignificant.

Conclusion  Familiar hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia is associated with increased PTH and AP compared to normal controls, but not with bone loss irrespective of the severity of the CASR mutations. A multiplicative model including CCCR, AP, 1,25(OH)2D and PTH insignificantly improved the power of the CCCR to differentiate between FHH and PHPT. However, we still recommend CASR gene analysis in patients with a CCCR <0·020.
Activational effects of sex hormones on cognition in men
Authors: Ulubaev A. , Lee D. M. , Purandare N. , Pendleton N. , Wu F. C. W.
Published: February 2009

Background  Changing world demographic patterns, such as the increasing number of older people and the growing prevalence of cognitive impairment, present serious obstacles to preserving the quality of life and productivity of individuals. The severity of dementia varies from subclinical, mild cognitive impairment to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

In normally ageing men, these age‐related cognitive declines are accompanied by gradual but marked decreases in androgen levels and changes in other hormone profiles. While developmental effects of sex hormones on cognition in the pre‐ and early postnatal period have been demonstrated, their activational effects in later life are still a focus of contemporary research. Although there is a plethora of published research on the topic, results have been inconsistent with different studies reporting positive, negative or no effects of sex hormones on various aspects of mental agility.

Methods  This review summarizes the evidence supporting the biological plausibility of the activational effects of sex hormones upon cognition and describes the mechanisms of their actions. It offers a comprehensive summary of the studies of the effects of sex hormones on fluid intelligence in men utilizing elements from the Cochrane Collaboration Guidelines for Reviews. The results of both observational (cross‐sectional and longitudinal) and interventional studies published to date are collated in table form and further discussed in the text. Factors contributing to the difficulties in understanding the effects of sex hormones on cognition are also examined.

Conclusions  Although there is convincing evidence that steroid sex hormones play an organizational role in brain development in men, the evidence for activational effects of sex hormones affecting cognition in healthy men throughout adult life remains inconsistent. To address this issue, a new multifactorial approach is proposed which takes into account the status of other elements of the sex hormones axis including receptors, enzymes and other hormones.
Lignin dynamics in two 13C‐labelled arable soils during 18 years
Authors: Hofmann A. , Heim A. , Christensen B. T. , Miltner A. , Gehre M. , Schmidt M. W. I.
Published: February 2009

Lignin has long been considered a relatively stable component of soil organic matter. However, recent studies suggest that lignin may turn over within years to decades in arable soil. Here we analysed lignin concentrations in an 18‐year field experiment under continuous silage maize, where two soils were sampled at six points in time. Our objectives were to examine the long‐term dynamics of (i) lignin derived from a previous C3‐vegetation and (ii) lignin derived from maize, as influenced by two levels of maize biomass input. Total lignin concentrations in soil were quantified by gas chromatography of lignin cupric oxide oxidation products. Compound‐specific 13C isotope analysis allowed discrimination between C3‐derived lignin and maize‐derived lignin. Degradation dynamics of C3‐derived lignin were independent of biomass input level, suggesting that priming did not affect soil lignin concentrations. After 18 years, approximately two‐thirds of the initial C3‐derived lignin remained in the soils, whereas, on average, 10% of the recent maize‐derived lignin input was retained. We suggest that lignin is effectively stabilized in these arable soils, although the mechanisms involved remain unclear.
Trends in soil organic matter contents in Dutch grasslands and maize fields on sandy soils
Authors: Hanegraaf M. C. , Hoffland E. , Kuikman P. J. , Brussaard L.
Published: February 2009

There is considerable concern in Europe that soil organic matter (SOM) contents are declining, which would threaten both agriculture and the environment. We performed a trend analysis of SOM contents in sandy soils, using historic data from routine agricultural soil analyses. Data were selected from grass, grass‐maize rotation and maize fields in four adjacent provinces that had been sampled four to five times during the period 1984–2004. Absolute (at least 1%) and relative changes (SOMt=20/SOMt=0) were calculated and regressed against initial SOM contents. Mean SOM content showed a north‐south gradient per cropping system. We found no single uniform trend in SOM contents for any of the three systems. Over the 20‐year period, SOM declined in c. 25% of all grasslands, amounting to 185 000 of the 635 000 hectares of land under grass and forage crops in the four provinces, and increased in a total of 267 000 hectares. Carbon accumulation in grassland sandy soils was calculated at 39 g C m−2 year−1 (top 5 cm). For the grasslands, initial SOM contents were linearly and negatively related to absolute changes in SOM; the relation with the relative change was best explained by using log‐transformed values of SOM. We conclude that in grassland soils in the Netherlands, conservation of SOM requires identification of high‐risk fields rather than high‐risk areas. For continuous maize on sandy soils, the entire area may be denoted as high‐risk, because all fields could reach the critical limit of 3.4% SOM in the near future.
40Ar/ 39Ar dating of Penninic Front tectonic displacement (W Alps) during the Lower Oligocene (31–34 Ma)
Authors: Simon‐Labric T. , Rolland Y. , Dumont T. , Heymes T. , Authemayou C. , Corsini M. , Fornari M.
Published: February 2009

Direct absolute dating of the Penninic Frontal Thrust tectonic motion is achieved using the 40Ar/39Ar technique in the Pelvoux Crystalline Massif (Western Alps). The dated phengites were formed syn‐kinematically in shear zones. They underline the brittle‐ductile stretching lineation, pressure‐shadow fibres and slickensides consistent with underthrusting of the European continental slab below the propagating Penninic Thrust. Chlorite–phengite thermobarometry yields 10–15 km and T∼280 °C, while 40Ar/39Ar phengite ages mainly range between 34 and 30 Ma, with one younger age at 27 Ma. This Early Oligocene age range matches a major tectonic rearrangement of the Alpine chain. Preservation of prograde 40Ar/39Ar ages is ascribed to passive exhumation of the Pelvoux shear zone network, sandwiched between more external thrusts and the Penninic Front reactivated as an E‐dipping detachment fault. Partial resetting in the Low Temperature part of argon spectra below 24 Ma is ascribed to brittle deformation and alteration of phengites.
Cross‐border malaria control for internally displaced persons: observational results from a pilot programme in eastern Burma/Myanmar
Authors: Richards Adam K. , Banek Kristin , Mullany Luke C , Lee Catherine I. , Smith Linda , Oo Eh Kalu Shwe , Lee Thomas J.
Published: February 2009

Objectives  To document the feasibility of a cross‐border community based integrated malaria control programme implemented by internally displaced persons in eastern Burma/Myanmar.

Methods  This pilot study was conducted from February 2003 through January 2005 in seven villages of displaced ethnic Karen. Interventions comprised early diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum and treatment with mefloquine and artesunate, distribution of long‐lasting insecticide treated nets (LLITNs), and educational messages. The primary outcome measure was P. falciparum prevalence during bi‐annual universal screenings with the Paracheck‐Pf® (Orchid Biomedical Systems, Goa, India) device. Secondary outcomes were P. falciparum incidence and process indicators related to net use and malaria knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP).

Results  P. falciparum prevalence in original programme areas declined from 8.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 8.3–8.6] at baseline to 1.1% (95% CI 1.1–1.2) in the final screening. Annual incidence in original areas declined from 232 to 70 cases/1000/year [incidence rate ratio 0.30 (95% CI 0.24–0.39)]. The proportion of household members sleeping under a LLITN improved from 0% to 89% and malaria KAP improved in all areas.

Conclusions  Integrated malaria control organized and implemented by displaced persons is feasible in eastern Burma/Myanmar. The decline in P. falciparum prevalence and incidence suggest that it may be possible to reduce the burden of disease and the reservoir of malaria in eastern Burma/Myanmar, with implications for malaria control in the greater Mekong region.
Common variants in FCER1A influence total serum IgE levels from cord blood up to six years of life
Authors: Chen C.‐M. , Weidinger S. , Klopp N. , Sausenthaler S. , Bischof W. , Herbarth O. , Bauer M. , Borte M. , Schaaf B. , Lehmann I. , Behrendt H. , Krämer U. , Berdel D. , Von Berg A. , Bauer C. P. , Koletzko S. , Illig T. , Wichmann H.‐E. , Heinrich J. ,   the LISA and GINI Study Group
Published: February 2009

Background:  In a recent genome wide scan, a functional promoter variant (rs2251746) in the gene encoding the alpha chain of the high affinity receptor for immunoglobulin E (IgE) (FCER1A) was identified as major determinant of serum IgE levels.

Objective:  The aim of this study was to investigate the role of rs2251746 on total IgE levels measured at different stages of life from birth (cord blood) up to the age of 6 and to evaluate its interaction with the environmental influences in two German birth cohorts.

Method:  Data from two German birth cohorts were analysed (n = 1043 for the LISA cohort and n = 1842 for the GINI cohort). In the studies, total serum IgE was measured from cord blood, and blood samples taken at the age of 2/3 and 6 years. In a subgroup of the LISA study, house dust samples were collected at age of 3 months and the amount of endotoxin was determined. Random effect models were used to analyse the longitudinal health outcomes.

Results:  In the two cohorts, the heterozygote and the rare homozygote of rs2251746 was consistently associated with lower total IgE levels from birth up to the age of 6 years with an allele‐dose effect (P < 0.02 for blood samples taken at each time point in both cohorts). No interaction between the two FCER1A encoding gene and environmental exposures including endotoxin, worm infestation and day care centre attendance during early childhood were observed.

Conclusion:  Common variants in FCER1A strongly influence basal IgE production independently from environmental stimuli. These effects can be observed already in cord blood pointing to altered gene expression in foetus.
Neurocognitive impairment in bipolar disorder patients: functional implications
Authors: Wingo Aliza P , Harvey Philip D , Baldessarini Ross J
Published: February 2009

Background:  Functional recovery among treated bipolar disorder (BPD) patients is far less likely than syndromal and even symptomatic recovery. We hypothesized that increasingly well‐documented aspects of cognitive impairment may contribute to poor functional outcomes in BPD patients, and reviewed the available research on the topic.

Methods:  Computerized literature searching identified 12 studies with 13 comparisons that simultaneously evaluated cognitive and functional status in euthymic (n = 8) or non‐euthymic (n = 5 comparisons) adult BPD patients versus otherwise similar healthy controls.

Results:  In 6/8 studies of euthymic BPD patients and 5/5 studies of non‐euthymic BPD patients, neurocognitive impairment was significantly associated with impaired psychosocial functioning, even after adjusting for residual mood symptoms and relevant demographic and clinical variables. Cognitive status was consistently assessed with standardized, performance‐based neuropsychological tests, but functional status usually was based on subjective self‐appraisals. Approximately 55% of BPD patients were unemployed.

Conclusions:  Available studies are limited by subjective assessments of functional status rather than objective, performance‐based measures. Nevertheless, they support the hypothesis that enduring aspects of cognitive impairment found even in euthymic BPD patients are associated with inferior functioning. These findings encourage further studies with better assessment methods and greater rehabilitative efforts in BPD patients.
Increased understanding of metabolism of secondary plant products frequently generates sketchy and incorrect statements concerning their evolution and function
Authors: Selmar D.
Published: February 2009

Secondary plant products perform important functions within the complex interactions between plants and their environment, e.g. as protective agents against pathogens and herbivores, or as attractants for potential pollinators. We are all aware that the enormous diversity of these natural products resulted from evolutionary processes driven by the selection of advantageous properties. However, when these nexuses are mentioned, very often we incline to formulate ‘Plants have acquired the ability to synthesize secondary plant products in order to …’ without realising that such a statement contradicts the Darwinian principles of evolution and corresponds to a Lamarckian view of teleological evolution. One of the major reasons for these automatic and unconscious misapprehensions is because of the ambiguous usage of the term ‘biological function’, which is very often thought to comprise an intention or a special purpose.
Sickle‐shaped surface crack in a notched round bar under cyclic tension and bending
Authors: CARPINTERI A. , VANTADORI S.
Published: February 2009

A sickle‐shaped surface crack, also called crescent‐moon (or crescent) crack, is assumed to exist at the root of a circular‐arc circumferential notch in a round bar under tension and bending. For different notch sizes (i.e. different values of the stress concentration factor), the stress intensity factor along the crack front is computed through a three‐dimensional finite‐element analysis. The effect of the stress concentration factor on the stress intensity factor values is examined for several crack configurations. Finally, the surface crack growth under cyclic loading is analysed through a numerical procedure that employs the stress intensity factor values obtained. Some results of the present study are compared with those by other authors.
Numerical study of the effect of plastic wake on plasticity‐induced fatigue crack closure
Authors: GONZALEZ‐HERRERA A. , ZAPATERO J.
Published: February 2009

Fatigue crack closure is strongly influenced by the plastic wake developed because of the action of precedent cycles. It is related to the load sequence and is an additional difficulty for its determination. Finite‐element method has been an alternative for the study of crack closure, commonly in constant‐amplitude loading. However, such analyses are complex and computationally expensive, the length of the wake simulated being a critical parameter. In this paper, a comprehensive study of the effect of the plastic wake in fatigue crack closure is made. It is structured in two parts: one regarding the correct numerical modelling process and the other focussed on the influence of the wake under moderate variable‐amplitude loading. After a brief description of the numerical methodology, results for different wake lengths are reported. The plastic wake is modelled with a new approach in which the final crack tip is fixed. Information regarding potential error is provided. Second, the load sequence effect is discussed. Crack closure is obtained for several load ratios, with wakes developed with different stress ratios. This permits the analysis of the influence of the load sequence over the crack‐driving force compared with constant‐amplitude loading.
Terminal ileal Crohn’s disease: conservative surgeon and aggressive physician?
Authors: Shariff U. , Narula H. , Speake W. , Brown S.
Published: February 2009

Objective  The timing of surgery in Crohn’s disease is a matter of continuing debate, in particular early surgery for patients presenting with apparent appendicitis found to have terminal ileal Crohn’s. Our aim was to assess the current strategies of UK Consultant Coloproctologists and Gastroenterologists in managing terminal ileal Crohn’s disease in acute and elective settings.

Method  A postal questionnaire survey was sent to 460 Consultant members of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) and a very similar ‘medical’ questionnaire sent to 1043 Consultant British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) members.

Results  247 ACPGBI members (54%) replied to the ‘surgical’ questionnaire. For acute terminal ileitis at presumed appendicectomy 40% would recommend doing nothing, 33% a limited ileal/ileo‐caecal resection and 27% appendicectomy only. For elective management of terminal ileal Crohn’s, 51% would institute medical therapy and refer to a gastroenterologist, 40% would refer directly to a gastroenterologist while 9% would follow up the patient themselves. No surgeon would perform primary resection. 398 BSG members (38%) responded to the ‘medical’ questionnaire. 54% would prefer their surgical colleagues to perform ileo‐caecal resection acutely patients operated on for presumed appendicitis. Electively only 1.8% would refer for surgery as primary therapy. Most would institute medical therapy, with the therapeutic options varying widely.

Conclusions  There is divided opinion on managing the acute presentation of terminal ileal Crohn’s disease. Surgeons appear more conservative in their approach compared to gastroenterologists. This merits further clarification before acceptance amongst the majority of physicians and particularly surgeons.
Drivers of moth species richness on tropical altitudinal gradients: a cross‐regional comparison
Authors: Beck Jan , Kitching Ian J.
Published: February 2009

Aims We examine the role of species–area relationships (SARs), climatic parameters and phylogeny in shaping the altitudinal species richness patterns of moths. With respect to SARs, we investigate whether habitat heterogeneity is a probable mechanism for mediating area effects. We investigate the consistency of patterns by comparing several discrete regions.

Location Nine mountainous regions in tropical Asia and the Malay Archipelago.

Methods Presence‐only records for 292 species of the Lepidopteran family Sphingidae were used to measure interpolated species richness in 200‐m altitudinal bands. Species richness was correlated with area measures, which were calculated from both two‐dimensional map projections and three‐dimensional digital elevation models (DEMs). We used data simulations of homogeneous communities to test for effects of sample (i.e. habitat) heterogeneity as a mechanism causing SARs. Species richness patterns were compared among regions and between the two major sphingid clades, and were related to regional climatic characteristics.

Results The area of altitudinal bands was a strong (statistical) explanation of species richness, particularly if area was calculated from three‐dimensional DEMs, but SARs often over‐predict species richness in lowland areas. There was no evidence for habitat heterogeneity as a mechanism of altitudinal SARs (tested for Borneo only). Species richness patterns varied considerably between the nine regions, which may, as an alternative to SARs, be explained by climatic differences such as (temperature) seasonality. Phylogenetic clades differed in species richness patterns exhibited.

Main conclusion SARs provide strong empirical explanations for (regional) altitudinal patterns of species richness, but lack of evidence for the most likely mechanism cautions against a priori ‘corrections’ of species richness data for area. Furthermore, SARs are often not a sufficient explanation for the drop in species richness towards lowlands. Climate, or other collinear variables, may offer alternative explanations for altitudinal SARs. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms for SARs in an altitudinal context in order to evaluate their importance in the face of parameter collinearity.
ACCOUNTING FOR EMPLOYEE ENTITLEMENTS*
Authors: McGregor Warren J. , Pound Greg. D.
Published: February 2009

This paper considers the problem of accounting for employee entitlements. Accrued entitlements to annual leave, sick leave and long service leave are evaluated by reference to the basic characteristics of an accounting liability and a case is presented for liability recognition in each instance. An empirical survey undertaken by the authors shows current practice in this area and indicates the need for improved financial reporting.
RETURNS TO SCALE IN THE BUILDING SOCIETY INDUSTRY
Authors: Elstone R. G.
Published: February 2009

This paper seeks to establish a perspective on the cost structure of the range of financial intermediaries which comprise the permanent building society industry in Australia. Its prime objective is to examine the inter‐relationship between operating expenses and size (measured by total assets) and the scope that may potentially exist for significant scale economies.
FINANCIAL LEASE ANALYSIS: CONSISTENT AND INCONSISTENT APPROACHES
Authors: Howard Peter
Published: February 2009

This paper evaluates lease‐purchase analysis methods which assume that leasing provides 100 percent financing and that purchasing involves a mixture of debt and equity finance. Such analyses are being used in Australia particularly in the promotion of leveraged leasing. It is argued that this method is unsound and that analysis of financial leasing should focus on the effects of leasing on the financial risk of the lessee.