bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Commentary: The Ottoman Menace in Post-Habsburg Historiography
Authors: Todorova Maria
Published: April 2009

Threevery fine papersdeal with the Ottoman menace as metaphor in what we now designate as the post-Habsburg period, that discreet time span between the closing decades of the nineteenth century and World War II, with some forays into the contemporary period. In all three papers, the Ottoman (or the Turk, as was the current usage) served as a foil for contemporary grievances. It is not really the “Ottoman menace” they are dealing with, but, accordingly, the communist, socialist, working-class, Jewish, Serbian, or other “menaces” that are additionally demonized by introducing the analogy to a well-known and popular symbol. In the apt observation of the Austrian playwright J. P. Ostland, quoted by Maureen Healy, this was the present packaged as the past. It needs to be stressed that even the phrase “Ottoman menace” is a neologism form the post-World War II period, when scholarly works insisted correctly on a distinction between “Ottoman” as an imperial designator and “Turk” as an ethnic and later a national one. Although this distinction is justified for analytical purposes, it introduces a tinge of anachronism that belies one of the primary goals of history writing.
Into an Uncertain Future: Railroads and Vormärz Liberalism in Brno, Vienna, and Prague
Authors: Bryant Chad
Published: April 2009

Onthe morning of 7July1839, three trains operated by the Habsburg monarchy's first steam railroad company, the Kaiser Ferdinands-Nordbahn, arrived at Brno/Brünn, the largest city in Moravia. As one local newspaper correspondent wrote, throngs of onlookers first “caught sight of the smoking locomotive with its line of carriages in quick flight.” In little time the first of three trains from Vienna pulled into the station. “With speed like the wind,” it had covered the roughly 130 kilometers from the imperial capital to Brno in just four and a half hours. The other two trains arrived shortly thereafter. Some of the train's passengers wandered through the city. Prominent state and local officials hosted several notable visitors, including the railroad company's main financial backer, Salomon Mayer von Rothschild, and his leading engineers.
How guidance on the use of interventional procedures is produced in different countries: An international survey
Authors: Plumb Jonathan , Campbell Bruce , Lyratzopoulos Georgios
Published: April 2009

Objectives:Technology assessment systems for interventional procedures (including surgical operations, minimally invasive procedures, and others) have lagged behind those for pharmaceutical treatments. Such systems have been introduced in some countries during the past decade amid debate about how they should be organized, but there is no collated information about where they exist or how they work. This study was designed to provide hitherto unavailable information about the existence, organization, methods, and outputs of systems aimed at influencing the use of interventional procedures in different countries.

Methods:Data were gathered from a questionnaire survey of key informers associated with healthcare technology assessment (HTA) organizations in different countries.

Results:Responses were received from key informers working for twenty-eight HTA organizations in twenty-five countries (response rate 83 percent). Information about a national system for assessing interventional procedures was obtained for fifteen countries. There was substantial variability in the type and funding of these organizations, the systems used for the selection of procedures, the types and sources of evidence used, the personnel involved in the appraisal of the evidence, the arrangements for consultation on the draft assessment, the format of assessment recommendations, the status of the guidance, and the use of guidance from other countries.

Conclusion:Guidance on interventional procedures is produced variably in different countries—and not at all in some. Greater international collaboration in the assessment of new interventional procedures could help to optimize the efficiency of existing systems as well as the quality of the assessments, by capitalizing on the outputs from scarce (international) resources and expertise.
ℝ-trees, dual laminations and compact systems of partial isometries
Authors: COULBOIS THIERRY , HILION ARNAUD , LUSTIG MARTIN
Published: April 2009

LetFNbe a free group of finite rankN≥ 2, and letTbe an ℝ-tree with a very small, minimal action ofFNwith dense orbits. For any basisofFNthere exists aheart$K_{\CAr}$⊂(= the metric completion ofT) which is a compact subtree that has the property that the dynamical system of partial isometriesai:$K_{\CAr} \cap a_{i} K_{\CAr} \to a_{i}\inv K_{\CAr} \cap K_{\CAr}$, for eachai∈, defines a tree$T_{(K_{\CAn}, \CAr)}$which contains an isometric copy ofTas minimal subtree.
Graph directed Markov systems on Hilbert spaces
Authors: MAULDIN R. D. , SZAREK T. , URBAŃSKI M.
Published: April 2009

We deal with contracting finite and countably infinite iterated function systems acting on Polish spaces, and we introduce conformal Graph Directed Markov Systems on Polish spaces. Sufficient conditions are provided for the closure of limit sets to be compact, connected, or locally connected. Conformal measures, topological pressure, and Bowen's formula (determining the Hausdorff dimension of limit sets in dynamical terms) are introduced and established. We show that, unlike the Euclidean case, the Hausdorff measure of the limit set of a finite iterated function system may vanish. Investigating this issue in greater detail, we introduce the concept of geometrically perfect measures and provide sufficient conditions for geometric perfectness. Geometrical perfectness guarantees the Hausdorff measure of the limit set to be positive. As a by–product of the mainstream of our investigations we prove a 4r–covering theorem for all metric spaces. It enables us to establish appropriate co–Frostman type theorems.
Merged ontology for engineering design: Contrasting empirical and theoretical approaches to develop engineering ontologies
Authors: Ahmed Saeema , Štorga Mario
Published: April 2009

This paper presents a comparison of two previous and separate efforts to develop an ontology in the engineering design domain, together with an ontology proposal from which ontologies for a specific application may be derived. The research contrasts an empirical, user-centered approach to developing the ontology engineering design integrated taxonomies (EDIT) with a theoretical approach in which concepts and relations are elicited from engineering design theories design ontology (DO). The limitations and advantages of each approach are discussed. The research methodology adopted is to map the ontology through examining each of the concepts and relations contained within each of the ontologies DO and EDIT with respect to the other. The comparison process results in an examination of both ontologies, with a few changes resulting from this. The importance of the two different approaches, one that is theoretically sound and another that is applicable, is recognized and argued. Finally, the merged ontology for engineering design is proposed as a template ontology that can be tailored by researchers and practitioners for a specific context.
Detection of Trypanosoma evansi infection in clinically ill cattle, buffaloes and horses using various diagnostic tests
Authors: LAHA R. , SASMAL N. K.
Published: April 2009

This study was undertaken to detect Trypanosoma evansi infection in clinically ill cattle, buffaloes and horses that were suspected of ‘surra’ infection. Various diagnostic tests were utilized in order to assess the prevalence of infection in the clinically ill and ‘suspected’ animals. Animals in the Eastern Region of India were systematically studied for T. evansi infection, which had not been tested for previously. Examination of Giemsa-stained blood smears detected 5·3%, 9·4% and 40·6% infections; the mouse inoculation test detected 18·4%, 15·6% and 46·9% infections whereas an in-house ELISA detected anti-trypanosomal antibodies in 42·1%, 43·8% and 65·6% infections in clinically ill buffaloes, cattle and horses, respectively. It can be concluded that T. evansi is prevalent in cattle, buffaloes and horses in the Eastern Region of India.
How does age affect the success of total replacement of the hip joint?
Authors: Cope Thomas E
Published: April 2009

Primary total hip replacement (THR) is one of the most common and cost-effective major operations performed in the developed world: annually approximately 50,000 are undertaken in England and Wales and over half a million are performed worldwide. The majority of these operations are performed for primary or secondary osteoarthritis (over 75% from Swedish data), traumatic fracture (11.3%) or rheumatoid arthritis (6%), but indications are varied and include avascular necrosis, congenital dislocation, Paget's disease, and ankylosing spondylitis. The primary goal of the procedure is the relief of pain that can no longer be controlled by analgesia or non-operative procedures, but severely impaired mobility affecting independence is a secondary indication.
A framed field experiment on collective enforcement mechanisms with Ethiopian farmers
Authors: REICHHUBER ANKE , CAMACHO EVA , REQUATE TILL
Published: April 2009

We present the results of a framed field experiment with Ethiopian farmers that use the mountain rain forest as a common pool resource. Harvesting honey causes damage to the forest, and open access leads to over-harvesting. We test different mechanisms for mitigating excessive harvesting: a collective tax with low and high tax rates, and a tax/subsidy system. We find that the high-tax scheme works best in inducing the desired level of harvesting, while the tax-subsidy scheme may trigger tacit collusion. Via a panel data analysis we further investigate which variables influence the subjects' decisions during the treatments.
Probleme mit Psychopharmaka
Authors: Gysling
Published: April 2009

Unerwünschte Wirkungen von Psychopharmaka können sehr unterschiedliche Ursachen haben; neben relativ harmlosen, reversiblen Problemen sind auch Komplikationen mit Todesfolge möglich. Oft sind die Probleme durch kinetische Besonderheiten und Interaktionen verursacht. Besonders alte Leute sind gefährdet; eine vorsichtige Dosierung kann eventuell Unheil verhindern. Allgemein empfiehlt sich jedoch grosse Zurückhaltung im Umgang mit Psychopharmaka.
Überempfindlichkeit gegenüber Innovationen
Authors: Boutellier  , Andereggen
Published: April 2009

Innovationen sind eine wichtige Quelle unseres Wohlstandes. Die Miniaturisierung, die das einfache Zusammenfügen von Modulen zu neuen Produkten erlaubt, und eine enorme Technologieakzeptanz bescheren uns heute eine noch nie dagewesene Welle von Innovationen. Allerdings bringen neue Technologien auch Risiken mit sich, die oft erst spät zum Vorschein kommen. Entsprechend empfindlich reagiert der Mensch auf die Einführung neuer Technologien. Einschränkungen und Verbote sind die Folge. Damit stehen wir heute vor der Herausforderung, neue Innovationen zu fördern und gleichzeitig deren Risiken abzuschätzen und einzugrenzen.
Vertical structure of bottom Ekman tidal flows: Observations, theory, and modeling from the northern Adriatic
Authors: Book J. W. , Martin P. J. , Janeković I. , Kuzmić M. , Wimbush M.
Published: April 2009

From September 2002 to May 2003, fifteen bottom‐mounted, acoustic Doppler current profilers measured currents of the northern Adriatic basin. Tidal fluctuations at all seven of the major Adriatic frequencies were synthesized from a response tidal analysis of these measurements. Most observed tidal current ellipses were nearly reversing, but near the bottom, tidal current ellipses all shortened and broadened, semidiurnal currents led upper water column currents, and diurnal tidal current ellipse orientations rotated counterclockwise toward the bottom. Theoretical solutions for a tidally forced, bottom Ekman layer with vertical eddy viscosity of the form Az = βz + k were least squares fit to the observations. Average values were β = 3 · 10−4 m/s and k = 5 · 10−4 m2/s. The value of k was important in matching tidal orientation and phase changes, and a nonzero β was important in matching tidal amplitude changes. The Navy Coastal Ocean Model (NCOM) and the Quoddy model were also compared to the observations. The average RMS errors for the bottom Ekman layer were 0.22 cm/s for the best fit theory, 0.35 cm/s for NCOM, and 0.36 cm/s for Quoddy. Az structures from NCOM and Quoddy show that time variation in Az is relatively unimportant for Adriatic tides. The bottom shear stresses from theory were larger in magnitude than those from the bottom drag formulations in NCOM and Quoddy.
A new sea ice albedo scheme including melt ponds for ECHAM5 general circulation model
Authors: Pedersen Christina A. , Roeckner Erich , Lüthje Mikael , Winther Jan‐Gunnar
Published: April 2009

Today we experience an accelerated melting of sea ice in the Arctic which global circulation models are inadequate to predict. We believe one of the reasons is the shortcomings in the sea ice albedo schemes for these models. This paper investigates a physically based sea ice albedo scheme for ECHAM5 GCM, which separates between snow‐covered sea ice, bare sea ice, melt ponds, and open water (separately for the albedos and albedo fractions). The new albedo scheme includes important components such as albedo decay due to snow aging, bare sea ice albedo dependent on the ice thickness, and a melt pond albedo dependent on the melt pond depth. The explicit treatment of melt pond albedos has, to our knowledge, not been included in general circulation models before and represents a substantial improvement when simulating the annual cycle of sea ice albedo. The new albedo scheme overall reduces the sea ice albedo both in winter, because of snow aging, and in summer, because of melt ponds. The reduced sea ice albedo leads to overall reduced sea ice thickness, concentration, and volume, with large temporal and spatial variations. In the Northern Hemisphere in March, some areas experience increased albedo, resulting in thicker sea ice and higher ice concentration, but in August the pattern is spatially homogeneous, with reduced albedo, thickness, and concentrations for all areas where the new scheme has a significant effect.
Scale‐recursive estimation for merging precipitation data from radar and microwave cross‐track scanners
Authors: Van de Vyver H. , Roulin E.
Published: April 2009

This paper presents an application of scale‐recursive estimation (SRE) used to assimilate rainfall rates within a storm, estimated from the data of two remote sensing devices. These are a ground‐based weather radar and a spaceborne microwave cross‐track scanner. The rain rate products corresponding to the latter were provided by the EUMETSAT Satellite Application Facility on Support to Operational Hydrology and Water Management. In our approach, we operate directly on the data so that it is not necessary to consider a predefined multiscale model structure. We introduce a simple and computationally efficient procedure to model the variability of the rain rate process in scales. The measurement noise of the radar is estimated by comparing a large number of data sets with rain gauge data. The noise in the microwave measurements is roughly estimated by using upscaled radar data as a reference. Special emphasis is placed on the specification of the multiscale structure of precipitation under sparse or noisy data. The new methodology is compared with the latest SRE method for data fusion of multisensor precipitation estimates. Applications to the Belgian region show the relevance of the new methodology.
Highly charged cloud particles in the atmosphere of Venus
Authors: Michael Marykutty , Tripathi Sachchida Nand , Borucki W. J. , Whitten R. C.
Published: April 2009

The accumulation of charges on cloud particles by the charge transfer of ions and attachment of electrons in the atmosphere of Venus is investigated in the present work. Three cloud layers between 45 and 70 km exist in the atmosphere of Venus. Ions and electrons are produced by the interaction of galactic cosmic rays with the neutral molecules. Ion to particle and electron to particle attachment coefficients are calculated. The charge balance equations include ion‐ion recombination, ion‐electron recombination, electron attachment to neutrals, electron detachment from negative ions, and attachment of electron and charge transfer from ions to particles. It is found that the ion concentrations are reduced by a maximum of a factor of 5 by charging of the particles, while the earlier studies showed a maximum reduction of about an order of magnitude due to the differences in the surface area of the particles. A similar result is observed in the calculation of electrical conductivity. Both monodisperse and polydisperse distribution of particles are considered. The conductivity was reduced by a factor of 3 when using the monodisperse distribution of particles, while the maximum reduction observed was a factor of 2 when using the polydisperse distribution. This result implies that the monodisperse particle distribution overestimates the effect of particles on the atmospheric conductivity. The ratio of negative to positive charges is found to be very large in the middle and upper cloud layers. The low abundance of the aerosols and high conductivity of the atmosphere appear to rule out lightning activity in the 40 to 70 km altitude region.
Insights from a pseudospectral approach to the Elder problem
Authors: van Reeuwijk Maarten , Mathias Simon A. , Simmons Craig T. , Ward James D.
Published: April 2009

The aim of this paper is to clarify and circumvent the issue of multiple steady state solutions in the Elder problem. A pseudospectral method is used to avoid numerical error associated with spatial discretization. The pseudospectral method is verified by comparison to an analytical solution at Rayleigh number, Ra = 0, and by reproducing the three stable steady state solutions that are known to exist at Ra = 400. A bifurcation diagram for 0 < Ra < 400, which is free of discretization error, confirms that multiple steady states are indeed an intrinsic characteristic of the Elder problem. The existence of multiple steady states makes the Ra = 400 Elder problem less suitable for benchmarking numerical models. To avoid the multiple steady states, we propose a benchmark at Ra = 60. The results for this Low Rayleigh Number Elder Problem are presented and compared to simulations with the commercial groundwater modeling package FEFLOW. Correspondence between the pseudospectral model and FEFLOW is excellent.
Amazonian‐aged fluvial valley systems in a climatic microenvironment on Mars: Melting of ice deposits on the interior of Lyot Crater
Authors: Dickson J. L. , Fassett C. I. , Head J. W.
Published: April 2009

Valley networks, regional drainage patterns suggesting liquid water stability at the surface, are confined to early in the history of Mars (the Noachian/Hesperian boundary and before), prior to a major climate transition to the hyperarid cold conditions of the Amazonian. Several later fluvial valley systems have been documented in specific Hesperian and Early Amazonian environments, and are thought to have formed due to local conditions. Here we describe fluvial valley systems within Lyot crater that have the youngest well‐constrained age reported to date (Middle or Late Amazonian) for systems of this size (tens of km). These valleys are linked to melting of near‐surface ice‐rich units, extend up to ∼50 km in length, follow topographic gradients, and deposit fans. The interior of Lyot crater is an optimal micro‐environment, since its low elevation leads to high surface pressure, and temperature conditions at its location in the northern mid‐latitudes are sufficient for melting during periods of high‐obliquity. This micro‐environment in Lyot apparently allowed melting of surface ice and the formation of the youngest fluvial valley systems of this scale yet observed on Mars.
Estimate eddy diffusion coefficients from gravity wave vertical momentum and heat fluxes
Authors: Liu Alan Z.
Published: April 2009

A method was presented to estimate the eddy momentum and thermal diffusion coefficients from the gravity wave momentum and heat fluxes based on linear saturation theory. This method was applied using the fluxes between 85–100 km altitude measured by a Na wind/temperature lidar at Starfire Optical Range, NM (35N, 106.5W). The seasonal and altitude variations of the diffusion coefficients and Prandtl number were estimated. It is found that both diffusion coefficients are small in spring and fall and large in winter and summer. The annual mean momentum diffusion coefficient is about 400 m2/s between 85–100 km; the thermal diffusion coefficient decreases from 400 m2/s at 85 km to 100 m2/s at 100 km, resulting in a Prandtl number that increases with altitude from 1 to over 3.
Observations of Jovian polar auroral filaments
Authors: Nichols J. D. , Clarke J. T. , Gérard J. C. , Grodent D.
Published: April 2009

In this paper we report a phenomenon hitherto unobserved in Jupiter's ultraviolet polar auroras, specifically thin (∼0.6° wide), long‐lived quasi‐sun‐aligned polar auroral filaments (PAFs) of brightness ∼100 kR spanning the highly variable region poleward of the main oval. This observation, made using Hubble Space Telescope images, is significant since no coherent structures have previously been observed in Jupiter's very high latitude auroral region, and it may help shed light on the dynamics of Jupiter's under‐explored magnetotail. PAFs have been observed in 4 sets of observations over 6 days in 2007, and their occurrence appears to be independent of impinging solar wind conditions. The feature comprises two components: the section toward noon remains fixed in orientation toward the sun, while the anti‐sunward section rotates. We estimate overall rotation rates of ∼0–45% of corotation, values which may indicate the rotation rate of Jupiter's polar ionosphere and tail lobes.
Future Predictions of Cyclamen Distribution in the Mediterranean Region
Authors: Ciotir Claudia , Yesson Chris , Culham Alastair
Published: April 2009

Cyclamen (Myrsinaceae) occupy the Mediterranean region, with highest diversity in Greece and Turkey, with a few species endemic to islands. Cyclamen species have a phenological preference for dry summers and wet winters. A recent study developed models of the climatic niches of Cyclamen. These models were projected into future climate scenarios for 2050. The area of climatic suitability for every Cyclamen species is predicted to decrease. A limited dispersal capacity places them at high risk of extinction. Half of the species are threat ened with extinction due to their potential area loss, indicating that conservation and protection for these species has to be implemented by adding them to the red list.
Rapid Postnatal Weight Gain and Visceral Adiposity in Adulthood: The Fels Longitudinal Study
Authors: Demerath Ellen W. , Reed Derek , Choh Audrey C. , Soloway Laura , Lee Miryoung , Czerwinski Stefan A. , Chumlea William C. , Siervogel Rogers M. , Towne Bradford
Published: April 2009

Rapid infant weight gain is associated with increased abdominal adiposity, but there is no published report of the relationship of early infant growth to differences in specific adipose tissue depots in the abdomen, including visceral adipose tissue (VAT). In this study, we tested the associations of birth weight, infant weight gain, and other early life traits with VAT, abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (ASAT), and other body composition measures using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry in middle adulthood (mean age = 46.5 years). The sample included 233 appropriate for gestational age singleton white children (114 males) enrolled in the Fels Longitudinal Study. Multivariate‐adjusted general linear models were used to test the association of infant weight gain (from 0 to 2 years), maternal BMI, gestational age, parity, maternal age, and other covariates with adulthood body composition. Compared to infants with slow weight gain, rapid weight gain was associated with elevated risk of obesity (adjusted odds ratio = 4.1, 95% confidence interval = 1.4, 11.1), higher total body fat (+7 kg,P= 0.0002), percent body fat (+5%,P= 0.0006), logVAT mass (+0.43 kg,P= 0.02), logASAT mass (+0.47 kg,P= 0.001), and percent abdominal fat (+5%,P= 0.03). There was no evidence that the increased abdominal adipose tissue was due to a preferential deposition of VAT. In conclusion, rapid infant weight gain is associated with increases in both VAT and ASAT, as well as total adiposity and the risk of obesity in middle adulthood.
Structure–activity analysis of aging and reactivation of human butyrylcholinesterase inhibited by analogues of tabun
Authors: Carletti Eugénie , Aurbek Nadine , Gillon Emilie , Loiodice Mélanie , Nicolet Yvain , Fontecilla-Camps Juan-Carlos , Masson Patrick , Thiermann Horst , Nachon Florian , Worek Franz
Published: April 2009

hBChE [human BChE (butyrylcholinesterase)] naturally scavenges OPs (organophosphates). This bioscavenger is currently in Clinical Phase I for pretreatment of OP intoxication. Phosphylated ChEs (cholinesterases) can undergo a spontaneous time-dependent process called ‘aging’ during which the conjugate is dealkylated, leading to creation of an enzyme that cannot be reactivated. hBChE inhibited by phosphoramidates such as tabun displays a peculiar resistance to oxime-mediated reactivation. We investigated the basis of oxime resistance of phosphoramidyl–BChE conjugates by determining the kinetics of inhibition, reactivation (obidoxime {1,1′-(oxybis-methylene) bis[4-(hydroxyimino) methyl] pyridinium dichloride}, TMB-4 [1,3-trimethylene-bis(4-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium) dibromide], HLö 7 {1-[[[4-(aminocarbonyl) pyridinio]methoxy]methyl]-2,4-bis-[(hydroxyimino)methyl] pyridinium dimethanesulfonate)}, HI-6 {1-[[[4-(aminocarbonyl) pyridinio] methoxy] methyl]-2-[(hydroxyimino)methyl]pyridinium dichloride monohydrate} and aging, and the crystal structures of hBChE inhibited by different N-monoalkyl and N,N-dialkyl tabun analogues. The refined structures of aged hBChE conjugates show that aging proceeds through O-dealkylation of the P(R) enantiomer of N,N-diethyl and N-propyl analogues, with subsequent formation of a salt bridge preventing reactivation, similarly to a previous observation made on tabun–ChE conjugates. Interestingly, the N-methyl analogue projects its amino group towards the choline-binding pocket, so that aging proceeds through deamination. This orientation results from a preference of hBChE's acyl-binding pocket for larger than 2-atoms linear substituents. The correlation between the inhibitory potency and the N-monoalkyl chain length is related to increasingly optimized interactions with the acyl-binding pocket as shown by the X-ray structures. These kinetics and X-ray data lead to a structure–activity relationship that highlights steric and electronic effects of the amino substituent of phosphoramidate. This study provides the structural basis to design new oximes capable of reactivating phosphoramidyl-hBChE conjugates after intoxication, notably when hBChE is used as pretreatment, or to design BChE-based catalytic bioscavengers.
The catalytic mechanism of NADH-dependent reduction of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone by Candida tenuis xylose reductase reveals plasticity in an aldo-keto reductase active site
Authors: Pival Simone L. , Klimacek Mario , Nidetzky Bernd
Published: April 2009

Despite their widely varying physiological functions in carbonyl metabolism, AKR2B5 (Candida tenuis xylose reductase) and many related enzymes of the aldo-keto reductase protein superfamily utilise PQ (9,10-phenanthrenequinone) as a common in vitro substrate for NAD(P)H-dependent reduction. The catalytic roles of the conserved active-site residues (Tyr51, Lys80 and His113) of AKR2B5 in the conversion of the reactive α-dicarbonyl moiety of PQ are not well understood. Using wild-type and mutated (Tyr51, Lys80 and His113 individually replaced by alanine) forms of AKR2B5, we have conducted steady-state and transient kinetic studies of the effects of varied pH and deuterium isotopic substitutions in coenzyme and solvent on the enzymatic rates of PQ reduction. Each mutation caused a 103–104-fold decrease in the rate constant for hydride transfer from NADH to PQ, whose value in the wild-type enzyme was determined as ∼8×102 s−1. The data presented support an enzymic mechanism in which a catalytic proton bridge from the protonated side chain of Lys80 (pK=8.6±0.1) to the carbonyl group adjacent to the hydride acceptor carbonyl facilitates the chemical reaction step. His113 contributes to positioning of the PQ substrate for catalysis. Contrasting its role as catalytic general acid for conversion of the physiological substrate xylose, Tyr51 controls release of the hydroquinone product. The proposed chemistry of AKR2B5 action involves delivery of both hydrogens required for reduction of the α-dicarbonyl substrate to the carbonyl group undergoing (stereoselective) transformation. Hydride transfer from NADH probably precedes the transfer of a proton from Tyr51 whose pK of 7.3±0.3 in the NAD+-bound enzyme appears suitable for protonation of a hydroquinone anion (pK=8.8). These results show that the mechanism of AKR2B5 is unusually plastic in the exploitation of the active-site residues, for the catalytic assistance provided to carbonyl group reduction in α-dicarbonyls differs from that utilized in the conversion of xylose.
Estimation of high-frequency loss properties through analytical calculation for semiconducting soft magnetic films in a near-field electromagnetic wave
Authors: Kim Sang Woo , Lee Jung Hwan
Published: April 2009

Gigahertz frequency characteristics were appraised by theoretical calculation based on a modified Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equation in order to examine the effect of electromagnetic induction and artificially controlled shape anisotropy in micropatterned magnetic films. Electromagnetic loss behaviors and magnetic fields of semiconducting soft magnetic films on a coplanar transmission line were numerically analyzed using a finite-element based electromagnetic solver. The combined relative permeability due to the electromagnetic induction and demagnetizing effect showed to be highly dependent on electrical resistivity and film thickness. Higher resistivity films at the same thickness of 2 μm showed higher loss in power and lower reflection because of the reduced electromagnetic induction. Thinner magnetic films at the same resistivity of 100 μΩ cm exhibited lower reflection due to the reduced electromagnetic induction and maxima of the reflection shifted to higher frequencies because of demagnetization associated with the structure of magnetic flux path. A severe increment of the radiated electromagnetic noise with decreasing resistivity was caused by the reflection of the radiated noise from the surface of the low resistivity films on the coplanar line in gigahertz frequency bands. A slight increase in the radiation noise with increasing thickness at the same resistivity confirmed to be caused by the increased reflection.
Landau–Lifshitz or Gilbert damping? That is the question
Authors: Saslow W. M.
Published: April 2009

In their seminal 1935 paper on magnetics, Landau and Lifshitz (LL) proposed a form for magnetization damping. In 1955 Gilbert proposed another form, introducing a dimensionless parameter α. We derive LL damping using the theory of irreversible thermodynamics, summarize an unbiased Langevin theory of fluctuations that yields LL damping, and argue that inhomogeneous broadening might explain the nonresonance data that led Gilbert to formulate his theory. LL versus Gilbert damping takes on special relevance in the context of bulk spin transfer torque and bulk spin pumping, where the form of damping affects the values of the “adiabatic” and “nonadiabatic” terms. We argue that the adiabatic and nonadiabatic terms are dissipative and reactive, respectively.
Intertwining operators between different Hilbert spaces: Connection with frames
Authors: Bagarello F.
Published: April 2009

In this paper we generalize a strategy recently proposed by the author concerning intertwining operators. In particular, we discuss the possibility of extending our previous results in such a way to construct (almost) isospectral self-adjoint operators living in different Hilbert spaces. Many examples are discussed in details. Many of them arise from the theory of frames in Hilbert spaces, others from the so-called g-frames.
Reversible structure transformation in ice nanocluster
Authors: Nishio Kengo , Mikami Masuhiro
Published: April 2009

Water freezes to ice by cooling. Once ice is formed, the phase does not change unless heated over the melting point. This is a familiar phenomenon observed in our everyday life. Here, we demonstrate non-bulk-like behavior of nanosized ice by molecular-dynamics simulation using the TIP4P potential. Our 100 μs simulations reveal that the structure of the (H2O)20 nanocluster reversibly changes and a variety of solidlike phases, such as bilayer structures composed of three pentagonal prisms, square and pentagonal ice nanotubes, and stuffed-fullerenelike (H2O)@(H2O)19 structures, dynamically coexists even at 52% of the bulk melting point.
Nonequilibrium Green’s function calculation for four-level scheme terahertz quantum cascade lasers
Authors: Yasuda H. , Kubis T. , Vogl P. , Sekine N. , Hosako I. , Hirakawa K.
Published: April 2009

We have calculated the performance of a recently proposed four-level scheme terahertz quantum cascade laser (4L terahertz-QCL) with the nonequilibrium Green’s function method. The calculation result for 40 K showed that the 4L QCL has a larger terahertz gain than the conventional resonant phonon QCL. This is because a large number of electrons accumulate in the upper lasing level and contribute to lasing in the new scheme. When the temperature is increased, the advantage of gain decreases due to thermally activated phonon scattering.
Trial translocation of the numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus) into arid Australia
Authors: Bester Adam J. , Rusten Karen
Published: April 2009

Five numbats (Myrmecobius fasciatus) were transferred into the Arid Recovery Reserve in November 2005 as part of a trial to investigate the suitability of the reserve for a full-scale reintroduction of M. fasciatus. Mean home ranges in this study were 67 ha in summer and 25 ha in autumn/winter. This is similar to home ranges of M. fasciatus at other locations. M. fasciatus used burrows despite available log habitat and were active in air temperatures of 21−30°C and soil temperatures of 21−42°C during the autumn/winter period. M. fasciatus used ‘mulga’, ‘sanddune vegetation’, ‘bullock bush’ and ‘cypress pine’ more often than ‘saltbush/bluebush’ and other available habitats. They were also found more extensively on ‘dunes’ or ‘sand plain’ landforms than on ‘swales’. Two males were still alive 18 months after release; the other three were taken by an unknown bird of prey. We suggest that another trial be undertaken with a larger sample size to determine whether females are able to wean young and whether Arid Recovery is able to sustain a viable population of M. fasciatus.
Erratum to: Age-related changes in the oestrous cycle and reproductive hormones in senescence-accelerated mouse
Authors: Yuan Ma , Wen-Xia Zhou , Jun-Ping Cheng , Yong-Xiang Zhang
Published: April 2009

To investigate age-related changes in the oestrous cycle and reproductive hormone levels in senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM), we examined these parameters in 3-, 5-, 7-, 9- and 11-month-old female SAM-prone/8 (SAMP8) and SAM-resistant/1 (SAMR1) strains. Levels of �-endorphin (�-EP) and substance P (SP) in the hypothalamus were also measured. The oestrous cycle and dioestrus of 9-month-old SAMP8 mice were significantly prolonged compared with age-matched SAMR1 mice. Furthermore, the concentration of serum oestradiol was lower and the level of pituitary luteinising hormone was higher in SAMP8 mice compared with SAMR1 mice. This characterises the hypothalamus.pituitary.ovary (HPO) axis of the SAMP8 strain as hypergonadotropic.hypogonad. The levels of �-EP and SP in the SAMP8 hypothalamus were lower than in the SAMR1 hypothalamus. These results indicate that the function of the HPO axis in SAMP8 mice declines early and this may be attributed, in part, to the decline in �-EP and SP concentrations in the hypothalamus.
Reactive oxygen species in bovine oocyte maturation in vitro
Authors: Morado Sergio A. , Cetica Pablo D. , Beconi Martha T. , Dalvit Gabriel C.
Published: April 2009

The role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes remains controversial. The aim of the present study was to determine possible fluctuations in ROS production during bovine oocyte IVM in the presence of different modulators of ROS generation. Cumulus–oocyte complexes were cultured in medium 199 (control) in the absence or presence of 0.6 mm cysteine, 1mm 1-choro-2,4-dinitro benzene (CDNB), 2μm diphenyliodonium, 0.5 mm N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester or 10 μm sodium nitroprusside (SNP) at 39°C, in 5% CO2 in humidified air for 22 h. In addition, the respiratory chain effectors potassium cyanide (KCN; 1 mm) and carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (0.42 μm) were used. Meiotic maturation was determined by the presence of MII. ROS production was evaluated in denuded oocytes at different time points as the ratio of 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCHF-DA) to fluorescein diacetate (FDA). ROS levels, expressed as DCHF-DA : FDA, fluctuated throughout the 22 h of maturation depending on the treatment applied. At 12 h incubation in the presence of KCN and SNP, ROS levels were increased, whereas ROS levels after 12 h in the presence of cysteine were reduced (P < 0.05). Both CDNB and SNP impaired meiotic progression. The higher metabolic activity demand during bovine oocyte maturation coincides with a concomitant reduction in ROS generation. These results suggest that 12 h would be a critical point for bovine oocyte IVM because it is closely related to the production of ROS at this time.
Seminal plasma proteins protect flow-sorted ram spermatozoa from freeze - thaw damage
Authors: Leahy T. , Marti J. I. , Evans G. , Maxwell W. M. C.
Published: April 2009

Seminal plasma improves the functional integrity of compromised ram spermatozoa but has been reported to be toxic to sorted spermatozoa. The present study attempted to clarify this paradoxical effect and improve the functional integrity of spermatozoa following sorting and cryopreservation. The in vitro function of sorted spermatozoa (motility characteristics and membrane integrity) was examined after supplementation with differing concentrations and protein fractions of seminal plasma at various stages of the sorting and freezing process. For all experiments, spermatozoa (two males, n = four ejaculates per male) were processed through a high-speed flow cytometer before cryopreservation, thawing and incubation for 6 h (37°C). Supplementation of crude seminal plasma (CP), its low molecular weight fraction (LP; <10 kDa) or protein-rich fraction (SPP; >10 kDa), immediately before freezing improved the functional integrity of sorted spermatozoa compared with no supplementation (control), whereas supplementation after thawing had no effect for CP and LP. The protective effect of seminal plasma was not altered by increasing the amount of protein supplementation. No toxic effect of CP, SPP or LP was evident even when supplemented at high protein concentrations. It is concluded that seminal plasma protein, if added to ram spermatozoa after sorting and before freezing, can improve post-thaw sperm quality and consequently the efficiency of sorting. This effect is most likely related to protection of the spermatozoa during freeze–thawing.
Combining a map-based public survey with an estimation of site occupancy to determine the recent and changing distribution of the koala in New South Wales
Authors: Lunney Daniel , Crowther Mathew S. , Shannon Ian , Bryant Jessica V.
Published: April 2009

The present study demonstrates one solution to a problem faced by managers of species of conservation concern – how to develop broad-scale maps of populations, within known general distribution limits, for the purpose of targeted management action. We aimed to map the current populations of the koala, Phascolarctos cinereus, in New South Wales, Australia. This cryptic animal is widespread, although patchily distributed. It principally occurs on private property, and it can be hard to detect. We combined a map-based mail survey of rural and outer-urban New South Wales with recent developments in estimating site occupancy and species-detection parameters to determine the current (2006) distribution of the koala throughout New South Wales. We were able to define the distribution of koalas in New South Wales at a level commensurate with previous community and field surveys. Comparison with a 1986 survey provided an indication of changes in relative koala density across the state. The 2006 distribution map allows for local and state plans, including the 2008 New South Wales Koala Recovery Plan, to be more effectively implemented. The application of this combined technique can now be extended to a suite of other iconic species or species that are easily recognised by the public.
Risk-dependent reward value signal in human prefrontal cortex
Authors: Tobler Philippe N. , Christopoulos George I. , O'Doherty John P. , Dolan Raymond J. , Schultz Wolfram
Published: April 2009

When making choices under uncertainty, people usually consider both the expected value and risk of each option, and choose the one with the higher utility. Expected value increases the expected utility of an option for all individuals. Risk increases the utility of an option for risk-seeking individuals, but decreases it for risk averse individuals. In 2 separate experiments, one involving imperative (no-choice), the other choice situations, we investigated how predicted risk and expected value aggregate into a common reward signal in the human brain. Blood oxygen level dependent responses in lateral regions of the prefrontal cortex increased monotonically with increasing reward value in the absence of risk in both experiments. Risk enhanced these responses in risk-seeking participants, but reduced them in risk-averse participants. The aggregate value and risk responses in lateral prefrontal cortex contrasted with pure value signals independent of risk in the striatum. These results demonstrate an aggregate risk and value signal in the prefrontal cortex that would be compatible with basic assumptions underlying the mean-variance approach to utility.
PALB2 is an integral component of the BRCA complex required for homologous recombination repair
Authors: Sy Shirley M. H. , Huen Michael S. Y. , Chen Junjie
Published: April 2009

Mutations in breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 and 2 (
BRCA1
and
BRCA2
) predispose individuals to breast and ovarian cancer development. We previously reported an in vivo interaction between BRCA1 and BRCA2. However, the biological significance of their association is thus far undefined. Here, we report that PALB2, the partner and localizer of BRCA2, binds directly to BRCA1, and serves as the molecular scaffold in the formation of the BRCA1-PALB2-BRCA2 complex. The association between BRCA1 and PALB2 is primarily mediated via apolar bonding between their respective coiled-coil domains. More importantly, BRCA1 mutations identified in cancer patients disrupted the specific interaction between BRCA1 and PALB2. Consistent with the converging functions of the BRCA proteins in DNA repair, cells harboring mutations with abrogated BRCA1-PALB2 interaction resulted in defective homologous recombination (HR) repair. We propose that, via its direct interaction with PALB2, BRCA1 fine-tunes recombinational repair partly through its modulatory role in the PALB2-dependent loading of BRCA2-RAD51 repair machinery at DNA breaks. Our findings uncover PALB2 as the molecular adaptor between the BRCA proteins, and suggest that impaired HR repair is one of the fundamental causes for genomic instability and tumorigenesis observed in patients carrying
BRCA1
,
BRCA2
, or
PALB2
mutations.
Superconducting characteristics of 4-Å carbon nanotube–zeolite composite
Authors: Lortz Rolf , Zhang Qiucen , Shi Wu , Ye Jian Ting , Qiu Chunyin , Wang Zhe , He Hongtao , Sheng Ping , Qian Tiezheng , Tang Zikang , Wang Ning , Zhang Xixiang , Wang Jiannong , Chan Che Ting
Published: April 2009

We have fabricated nanocomposites consisting of 4-Å carbon nanotubes embedded in the 0.7-nm pores of aluminophosphate-five (AFI) zeolite that display a superconducting specific heat transition at 15 K. MicroRaman spectra of the samples show strong and spatially uniform radial breathing mode (RBM) signals at 510 cm
−1
and 550 cm
−1
, characteristic of the (4, 2) and (5, 0) nanotubes, respectively. The specific heat transition is suppressed at >2 T, with a temperature dependence characteristic of finite-size effects. Comparison with theory shows the behavior to be consistent with that of a type II BCS superconductor, characterized by a coherence length of 14 ± 2 nm and a magnetic penetration length of 1.5 ± 0.7 μm. Four probe and differential resistance measurements have also indicated a superconducting transition initiating at 15 K, but the magnetoresistance data indicate the superconducting network to be inhomogeneous, with a component being susceptible to magnetic fields below 3 T and other parts capable of withstanding a magnetic field of 5 T or beyond.
Pasteurella multocida
toxin activation of heterotrimeric G proteins by deamidation
Authors: Orth Joachim H. C. , Preuss Inga , Fester Ines , Schlosser Andreas , Wilson Brenda A. , Aktories Klaus
Published: April 2009

Pasteurella multocida
toxin is a major virulence factor of
Pasteurella multocida
, which causes pasteurellosis in men and animals and atrophic rhinitis in rabbits and pigs. The ≈145 kDa protein toxin stimulates various signal transduction pathways by activating heterotrimeric G proteins of the Gα
q
, Gα
i
, and Gα
12/13
families by using an as yet unknown mechanism. Here, we show that
Pasteurella multocida
toxin deamidates glutamine-205 of Gα
i2
to glutamic acid. Therefore, the toxin inhibits the intrinsic GTPase activity of Gα
i
and causes persistent activation of the G protein. A similar modification is also evident for Gα
q
, but not for the closely related Gα
11
, which is not a substrate of
Pasteurella multocida
toxin. Our data identify the α-subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins as the direct molecular target of
Pasteurella multocida
toxin and indicate that the toxin does not act like a protease, which was suggested from its thiol protease-like catalytic triad, but instead causes constitutive activation of G proteins by deamidase activity.
Pinturas, figuras, letras
Authors: Klein Franz-Josef
Published: April 2009

In denHistorias naturalesdes spanischen Siglo de Oro und in verwandten Texten jener Zeit werden nicht nur Lebensweise, Sitten und Geschichte der amerikanischen Ureinwohner beschrieben. Vereinzelt untersuchen diese Arbeiten auch die graphischen Ausdrucksmittel der indianischen Kulturen. In dem vorliegenden Beitrag wird am Beispiel derHistoria natural y moral de las Indiasvon José de Acosta und dem Origen de los Indios del Nuevo Mundo von Gregorio García aufgezeigt, dass diese frühen Texte bereits grundlegende Einsichten der heutigen Graphematik vorwegnehmen. Beide Autoren unterscheiden zwischen den phonographisch funktionierendenletraseinerseits und den logographischen Mitteln derpinturasbzw.figurasandererseits. Sie diskutieren die Vor- und Nachteile der beiden Schriftprinzipien und konstatieren übereinstimmend die grundsätzliche Überlegenheit derletras. Acosta integriert seine schriftbezogenen Überlegungen sogar in seine Theorie der kulturellen Entwicklung. Er sieht im Vorhandensein einer Buchstabenschrift ein wesentliches Kennzeichen der dritten, am höchsten stehenden kulturellen Entwicklungsstufe.