bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrical Properties of Amorphous BaTi4O9 Films Grown on Cu/Ti/SiO2/Si Substrates Using RF Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Kim Jin‐Seong , Kang Min‐Gyu , Kweon Sang‐Hyo , Han Guifang , Kang Chong‐Yun , Yun Jung‐Rak , Jeong Young‐Hun , Paik Jong‐Hoo , Nahm Sahn
Published: February 2013

Amorphous BaTi4O9 (BT4) films for use as capacitors embedded in PCB substrates were grown on Cu electrodes at low temperatures (≤ 200°C). The dielectric constant (k) of the amorphous BT4 film grown at room temperature (RT) was 38, and its dissipation factor was 3.2% at 100 kHz. A similar k value was obtained at radio‐frequency ranges, with a quality factor of 143 at 1.0 GHz. The films showed a capacitance density of 200 nF/cm2, a temperature coefficient of capacitance of 296 ppm/°C at 75 kHz, and a breakdown voltage of 42.5 V. This film therefore satisfies the requirements of the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors for 2016 for capacitors grown on organic substrates. In addition, the leakage current mechanism of the amorphous BT4 films was found to be Schottky emission, and the Schottky barrier height was calculated as 2.26 eV.
Origin of Different Growth Modes for Epitaxial Manganite Films
Authors: Cai Rongsheng , Wang Yiqian , Liu Xuehua , Gao Weiwei , Chen Yunzhong , Sun Jirong , Wang Yanguo
Published: February 2013

The microstructures of the Bi0.4Ca0.6MnO3 (BCMO) and La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 (LCMO) epitaxial films are investigated by transmission electron microscopy in detail. BCMO epitaxial films (~ 10 and ~ 40 nm) exhibit an island growth mode whereas the LCMO films (~ 6 and ~ 30 nm) follow a layer by layer growth mode. Combined with the critical thickness models for the expected onset of the misfit dislocations in epitaxial films, an atomic collapse model is introduced to explain their mechanism of formation in manganite films. At the beginning of deposition, the strain caused by the lattice mismatch between the epitaxial film and substrate can be accommodated by elastic deformation. With the increase of film thickness, the strain becomes larger and larger. When the film thickness reaches the critical thickness, the strain can only be relaxed by the formation of misfit dislocations. Meanwhile, the atomic configuration of the epitaxial film will reorganize and some atoms begin to collapse, thus an island morphology will be formed. Once the collapse morphology is formed, maintenance of this wave‐like morphology depends on atomic diffusion length of the deposited atoms. If the diffusion length of the deposited atoms is long, the island morphology will not be maintained. If the diffusion length of the deposited atoms is short, the island morphology will keep until the epitaxial film is thick enough. The results could shed light on the growth modes for other perovskite epitaxial films.
Facile Synthesis of “Quench‐Free Glass” and Ceramic‐Glass Composite for LTCC Applications
Authors: Abhilash Pulanchiyodan , Thomas Dhanesh , Surendran Kuzhichalil P. , Sebastian Mailadil T.
Published: February 2013

The 10 mol% ZnO–2 mol% B2O3–8 mol% P2O5–80 mol% TeO2 (ZBPT) glass was prepared by quenching as well as slowly cooling the melt. The ZBPT glass prepared by both methods show similar microwave dielectric properties. ZBPT glass has an εr of 22.5 (at 7 GHz), Qu × f of 1500 GHz, and τf of −100 ppm/°C. The ceramic‐glass composites of Sr2ZnTeO6 (SZT) and ZBPT is prepared through two convenient methods: (a) conventional way of co‐firing the ceramic with ZBPT glass powder and (b) a nonconventional facile route by co‐firing the ceramic with precursor oxide mixture of ZBPT glass at 950°C. In the former route, SZT + 5 wt% ZBPT composite sintered at 950°C showed moderately good microwave dielectric properties (εr = 13.4, Qu × f = 4500 GHz and τf = −52 ppm/°C). Although the SZT + 5 wt% ZBPT composite prepared through the nonconventional method also showed similar microwave dielectric properties (εr = 13.8, Qu × f = 5300 GHz and τf = −50 ppm/°C), the synthesis procedure is much simplified in the latter case. The composites are found to be chemically compatible with Ag. The composite containing 5 wt% ZBPT prepared through conventional and nonconventional ways shows linear coefficients of thermal expansion of 7.0 ppm/°C and 7.1 ppm/°C, respectively. Both the composites have a room‐temperature thermal conductivity of 2.1 Wm−1 K−1.
Geodiversity and endemism in the iconic Australian Pilbara region: a review of landscape evolution and biotic response in an ancient refugium
Authors: Pepper Mitzy , Doughty Paul , Keogh J. Scott
Published: February 2013

Aim

We review the biogeography of the Pilbara, synthesize information on the geological and landscape history of this region and surrounds, and assess fine‐scale genetic structure across multiple taxa to examine hypotheses concerning the distribution of genetic lineages. We use this to provide a baseline for future biological studies in an ancient area of endemism.

Location

The Pilbara region, Western Australia.

Methods

Literature is summarized, including the history of Pilbara landscapes and climate, and previous biogeographical work. We used mitochondrial DNA phylogenetic datasets of seven co‐distributed gecko (diplodactyline and gekkonine) lineages to assess the monophyly of Pilbara lineages, and concordance with geological and habitat divisions.

Results

The Pilbara harbours taxa genetically distinct from their non‐Pilbara relatives, despite close geographical proximity of populations. This is emphasized at the eastern and southern margins of the Pilbara, where habitat gradients are pronounced. In contrast, the northern margin, where sandy substrates of the Pilbara meet the dunes of the northern deserts, exhibits little genetic differentiation. Within the Pilbara, diversification patterns are idiosyncratic and may reflect species‐specific ecological differences. However, a repeated north/south partitioning of genetic diversity is evident across taxa. An additional emerging pattern is an east/west genetic division in the northern Pilbara, which may relate to major drainage divides and geological discontinuities associated with east and west Pilbara terrains.

Main conclusions

The Pilbara is an area of exceptionally high biotic diversity and endemism. The broader biogeographical patterns revealed in our molecular analyses are consistent with those recently identified using species richness patterns of invertebrates. Future studies of additional taxa using multiple molecular markers will provide the means to test and refine the biogeographical hypotheses presented here. Understanding the biogeography of the Pilbara and the partitioning of genetic diversity across the ancient and heterogeneous landscape is of paramount importance in the face of rapidly expanding economic and developmental pressures.
Systolic Blood Pressure and Mortality in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients: Results of a Nationwide Italian Study
Authors: Losito Attilio , Del Vecchio Lucia , Lusenti Tiziano , Del Rosso Goffredo , Malandra Rosella , Sturani Alessandra ,   Gruppo di Studio Dell'Ipertensione Arteriosa Società Italiana Nefrologia
Published: February 2013

Studies on the relationship between blood pressure (BP) and mortality among hemodialysis patients have yielded conflicting results. Reports have come mostly from North America and have dealt with dialysis patients as a homogenous population and differed in methods and time of BP measurement and the optimal BP target. In a prospective nationwide study in 3674 unselected Caucasian patients with end‐stage renal disease undergoing chronic hemodialysis from 73 dialysis units, the authors sought to examine the relationship between the different measurements of BP and mortality according to antihypertensive treatment. The mean age of patients was 67.2±14.1 years and the prevalence of diabetes was 19.5%. During follow‐up (26.5±10.5 months), 977 deaths were recorded. In the whole cohort, BP was not associated with mortality. After grouping the patients according to antihypertensive treatment, the analysis showed that only in patients who did not take antihypertensive medications (1613) was there an inverse relationship between postdialysis systolic BP and mortality. These patients differed from the others in BP, dialysis vintage, prevalence of diabetes, and type of dialysis technique. This study suggests that with respect to the relationship of BP with mortality, dialysis patients are not a homogenous population. Differences in demographic characteristics and in dialysis technique may therefore explain the reported variability of previous results.
Masked Hypertension and Atherogenesis: The Impact of Apelin and Relaxin Plasma Levels
Authors: Papadopoulos Dimitris P. , Mourouzis Iordanis , Faselis Charles , Perrea Despina , Makris Thomas , Tsioufis Costas , Papademetriou Vasilios
Published: February 2013

Recent evidence demonstrates that masked hypertension (MH) is a significant predictor of cardiovascular disease, while apelin and relaxin are two novel factors with a significant role in vascular regulation. Apelin is an adipokine that elicits endothelium‐dependent vasorelaxation and reduces arterial blood pressure, while relaxin is a protein hormone that induces the production of nitric oxide and vascular endothelial growth factor and inhibits endothelin and angiotensin II. This study aimed to investigate whether apelin and relaxin plasma levels are affected in patients with MH and compare the findings with those of healthy normotensives. One hundred‐thirty (60 men, 70 women) healthy patients with a mean age of 45±12 years who had clinic blood pressure <140/90 mmHg were studied. The whole study population underwent 24‐hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). According to the ABPM recordings, 24 individuals (8 men, 16 women) had MH and the remaining 106 patients (52 men, 54 women) had normal ABPM recordings. Apelin and relaxin plasma levels were determined in both groups (enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method). The apelin (220±121 vs 315±147 pg/mL, P=.001) and relaxin (35.2±6.7 vs 56.8±13.6 pg/mL, P<.001) plasma levels were significantly lower in the masked hypertensive group compared with normotensive controls. Our findings suggest that patients with masked hypertension have significantly lower apelin and relaxin levels. This observation may have prognostic significance for future cardiovascular events in patients with MH and needs further investigation.
Siblings versus parents and friends: longitudinal linkages to adolescent externalizing problems
Authors: Defoe Ivy N. , Keijsers Loes , Hawk Skyler T. , Branje Susan , Dubas Judith Semon , Buist Kirsten , Frijns Tom , A. G. van Aken Marcel , Koot Hans M. , van Lier Pol A. C. , Meeus Wim
Published: February 2013

Background

It is well documented that friends' externalizing problems and negative parent–child interactions predict externalizing problems in adolescence, but relatively little is known about the role of siblings. This four‐wave, multi‐informant study investigated linkages of siblings' externalizing problems and sibling–adolescent negative interactions on adolescents' externalizing problems, while examining and controlling for similar linkages with friends and parents.

Methods

Questionnaire data on externalizing problems and negative interactions were annually collected from 497 Dutch adolescents (M = 13.03 years,SD = 0.52, at baseline), as well as their siblings, mothers, fathers, and friends.

Results

Cross‐lagged panel analyses revealed modest unique longitudinal paths from sibling externalizing problems to adolescent externalizing problems, for male and female adolescents, and for same‐sex and mixed‐sex sibling dyads, but only from older to younger siblings. Moreover, these paths were above and beyond significant paths from mother–adolescent negative interaction and friend externalizing problems to adolescent externalizing problems, 1 year later. No cross‐lagged paths existed between sibling–adolescent negative interaction and adolescent externalizing problems.

Conclusions

Taken together, it appears that especially older sibling externalizing problems may be a unique social risk factor for adolescent externalizing problems, equal in strength to significant parents' and friends' risk factors.
Algal turf scrubber (ATS) floways on the Great Wicomico River, Chesapeake Bay: productivity, algal community structure, substrate and chemistry1
Authors: Adey Walter H. , Laughinghouse H. Dail , Miller John B. , Hayek Lee‐Ann C. , Thompson Jesse G. , Bertman Steven , Hampel Kristin , Puvanendran Shanmugam
Published: February 2013

Two Algal Turf Scrubber (ATS) units were deployed on the Great Wicomico River (GWR) for 22 months to examine the role of substrate in increasing algal productivity and nutrient removal. The yearly mean productivity of flat ATS screens was 15.4 g · m−2 · d−1. This was elevated to 39.6 g · m−2 · d−1 with a three‐dimensional (3‐D) screen, and to 47.7 g · m−2 · d−1 by avoiding high summer harvest temperatures. These methods enhanced nutrient removal (N, P) in algal biomass by 3.5 times. Eighty‐six algal taxa (Ochrophyta [diatoms], Chlorophyta [green algae], and Cyan‐obacteria [blue–green algae]) self‐seeded from the GWR and demonstrated yearly cycling. Silica (SiO2) content of the algal biomass ranged from 30% to 50% of total biomass; phosphorus, nitrogen, and carbon content of the total algal biomass ranged from 0.15% to 0.21%, 2.13% to 2.89%, and 20.0% to 25.7%, respectively. Carbohydrate content (at 10%–25% of AFDM) was dominated by glucose. Lipids (fatty acid methyl ester; FAMEs) ranged widely from 0.5% to 9% AFDM, with Omega‐3 fatty acids a consistent component. Mathematical modeling of algal produ‐ctivity as a function of temperature, light, and substrate showed a proportionality of 4:3:3, resp‐ectively. Under landscape ATS operation, substrate manipulation provides a considerable opportunity to increase ATS productivity, water quality amelioration, and biomass coproduction for fertilizers, fermentation energy, and omega‐3 products. Based on the 3‐D prod‐uctivity and algal chemical composition demonstrated, ATS systems used for nonpoint source water treat‐ment can produce ethanol (butanol) at 5.8× per unit area of corn, and biodiesel at 12.0× per unit area of soy beans (agricultural production US).
Shakespeare and Girlhood
Authors: Higginbotham Jennifer
Published: February 2013

This article examines the burgeoning field of Shakespeare and Girls’ Studies, highlighting some of the exciting developments that have taken place in the past 5–10 years. Inspired by the growing interest in early modern children and childhood, scholars have begun to ask where girls fit into the equation. Although Shakespeare uses the word “girl” nearly seventy times, only four of his characters are what we would identify as pre‐adolescent female children: Clarence’s daughter in RichardIII, the infant Perdita in The Winter’s Tale, the infant Marina in Pericles, and the infant Elizabeth I in HenryVIIII. More difficult to categorize are young characters like Juliet, who is only thirteen but poised on the cusp of womanhood, and young women like Miranda in The Tempest, who are romantic heroines but still under the authority of their fathers. The category of the girl is slippery and contested in Shakespeare’s time as well as our own, and since constructions of girlhood have changed over time, it can be even more difficult to pin down exactly what is meant by Shakespeare’s girls. These problems of definition have required scholars of Shakespeare’s girls to carefully define what they mean by the term, but those challenges have also helped them produce nuanced accounts of how his plays produce female characters as girls and how his plays have been used to produce ideas about girlhood over time.
Magnesium isotopic fractionation in chondrules from the Murchison and Murray CM2 carbonaceous chondrites
Authors: Bouvier Audrey , Wadhwa Meenakshi , Simon Steven B. , Grossman Lawrence
Published: February 2013

We present high‐precision measurements of the Mg isotopic compositions of a suite of types I and II chondrules separated from the Murchison and Murray CM2 carbonaceous chondrites. These chondrules are olivine‐ and pyroxene‐rich and have low 27Al/24Mg ratios (0.012–0.316). The Mg isotopic compositions of Murray chondrules are on average lighter (δ26Mg ranging from −0.95‰ to −0.15‰ relative to the DSM‐3 standard) than those of Murchison (δ26Mg ranging from −1.27‰ to +0.77‰). Taken together, the CM2 chondrules exhibit a narrower range of Mg isotopic compositions than those from CV and CB chondrites studied previously. The least‐altered CM2 chondrules are on average lighter (average δ26Mg = −0.39 ± 0.30‰, 2SE) than the moderately to heavily altered CM2 chondrules (average δ26Mg = −0.11 ± 0.21‰, 2SE). The compositions of CM2 chondrules are consistent with isotopic fractionation toward heavy Mg being associated with the formation of secondary silicate phases on the CM2 parent body, but were also probably affected by volatilization and recondensation processes involved in their original formation. The low‐Al CM2 chondrules analyzed here do not exhibit any mass‐independent variations in 26Mg from the decay of 26Al, with the exception of two chondrules that show only small variations just outside of the analytical error. In the case of the chondrule with the highest Al/Mg ratio (a type IAB chondrule from Murchison), the lack of resolvable 26Mg excess suggests that it either formed >1 Ma after calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions, or that its Al‐Mg isotope systematics were reset by secondary alteration processes on the CM2 chondrite parent body after the decay of 26Al.
Pleistocene expansion of the bipolar lichen Cetraria aculeata into the Southern hemisphere
Authors: Fernández‐Mendoza Fernando , Printzen Christian
Published: February 2013

Many boreal and polar lichens occupy bipolar distributional ranges that frequently extend into high mountains at lower latitudes. Although such disjunctions are more common among lichens than in other groups of organisms, the geographic origin of bipolar lichen taxa, and the way and time frame in which they colonized their ranges have not been studied in detail. We used the predominantly vegetative, widespread lichen Cetraria aculeata as a model species. We surveyed the origin and history of its bipolar pattern using population genetics, phylogenetic and genealogical reconstruction methods. Cetraria aculeata originated in the Northern Hemisphere and dispersed southwards during the Pleistocene. The genetic signal suggests a Pleistocene dispersive burst in which a population size expansion concurred with the acquisition of a South‐American range that culminated in the colonization of the Antarctic.
Regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis involves an unexpected complex transcriptional regulation of TT8 expression, in Arabidopsis
Authors: Xu Wenjia , Grain Damaris , Le Gourrierec José , Harscoët Erwana , Berger Adeline , Jauvion Vincent , Scagnelli Aurélie , Berger Nathalie , Bidzinski Przemyslaw , Kelemen Zsolt , Salsac Fabien , Baudry Antoine , Routaboul Jean‐Marc , Lepiniec Loïc , Dubos Christian
Published: February 2013

TT8/bHLH042 is a key regulator of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins (PAs) biosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana. TT8 transcriptional activity has been studied extensively, and relies on its ability to form, with several R2R3‐MYB and TTG1 (WD‐Repeat protein), different MYB‐bHLH‐WDR (MBW) protein complexes. By contrast, little is known on how TT8 expression is itself regulated.

Transcriptional regulation of TT8 expression was studied using molecular, genetic and biochemical approaches.

Functional dissection of the TT8 promoter revealed its modular structure. Two modules were found to specifically drive TT8 promoter activity in PA‐ and anthocyanin‐accumulating cells, by differentially integrating the signals issued from different regulators, in a spatio‐temporal manner. Interestingly, this regulation involves at least six different MBW complexes, and an unpredicted positive feedback regulatory loop between TT8 and TTG2. Moreover, the results suggest that some putative new regulators remain to be discovered. Finally, specific cis‐regulatory elements through which TT8 expression is regulated were identified and characterized.

Together, these results provide a molecular model consistent with the specific and highly regulated expression of TT8. They shed new light into the transcriptional regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis and provide new clues and tools for further investigation in Arabidopsis and other plant species.
Quaternary ammonium compounds can be abundant in some soils and are taken up as intact molecules by plants
Authors: Warren Charles R.
Published: February 2013

Studies of organic nitrogen (N) cycling and uptake by plants have focused on protein amino acids, but the soil solution includes organic N compounds from many other compound classes.

The two aims of this study were to characterize the 30–50 most abundant molecules of small (< 250 Da), nonpeptide organic N in the soil solution from six soils, and to determine if two ecologically disparate species (nonmycorrhizal Banksia oblongifolia and mycorrhizal Triticum aestivum) have the ability to take up intact molecules of three quaternary ammonium compounds (betaine, carnitine and acetyl‐carnitine).

Protein amino acids were dominant components of the pool of small nonpeptide organic N in all soils. The most abundant other compound classes were quaternary ammonium compounds (1–28% of nonpeptide small organic N) and nonprotein amino acids (3–19% of nonpeptide small organic N). B. oblongifolia and T. aestivum took up intact quaternary ammonium compounds from dilute hydroponic solution, while T. aestivum growing in field soil took up intact quaternary ammonium compounds injected into soil.

Results of this study show that the pool of organic N in soil is more diverse and plants have an even broader palate than is suggested by most of the literature on organic N.
Irradiance, but not fluence, plays a crucial role in UVB‐induced immature pigment cell development: new insights for efficient UVB phototherapy
Authors: Lan Cheng‐Che E. , Yu Hsin‐Su , Lu Jian‐He , Wu Ching‐Shuang , Lai Hsiao‐Chi
Published: February 2013

Light exposure modulates development of living organisms. In the field of medicine, light has frequently been used for regenerative purposes. Excimer light (308 nm) has demonstrated superior efficacy in treating vitiligo, a condition requiring development of melanoblasts and a model for studying nerve cell regeneration, as compared to narrow‐band ultraviolet B (NBUVB; 311 nm). Using mouse‐derived melanoblast cells to examine the pro‐differentiation effects of these two light sources, we demonstrated that at equivalent fluence, excimer light induces melanoblast differentiation, while NBUVB failed to so. Mechanistically, activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway and nuclear translocation of epidermal growth factor receptor are involved in pro‐differentiation effects of excimer light. Reduction in irradiance by filter abrogated the effects of excimer light in melanoblasts, even when equivalent fluence was delivered by the same light source. As ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation is closely associated pigment cell development, future therapy employing UVB for pigmentation purposes should incorporate irradiance as a crucial specification.
Measures of Consciousness
Authors: Irvine Elizabeth
Published: February 2013

Consciousness is now a hot topic in both philosophy and the cognitive sciences, yet there is much controversy over how to measure it. First, it is not clear whether biased subjective reports should be taken as adequate for measuring consciousness, or if more objective measures are required. Ways to benefit from the advantages of both these measures in the form of ‘Type 2’ metacognitive measures are under development, but face criticism. Research into neurophysiological measures of consciousness is potentially very valuable, but often hindered by its dependence on behavioural measures that are themselves controversial. Newer informational measures are theoretically interesting, but as yet not easily applicable, while other measures of consciousness are designed for application in clinical cases (e.g. vegetative state). Although much optimism accompanies research into measures of consciousness, the controversies and methodological problems reviewed here suggest that making progress in this area may be more difficult than is often acknowledged.
The Ethics of Immigration: Self‐Determination and the Right to Exclude
Authors: Fine Sarah
Published: February 2013

Many of us take it for granted that states have a right to control the entry and settlement of non‐citizens in their territories, and hardly pause to consider or evaluate the moral justifications for immigration controls. For a long time, very few political philosophers showed a great deal of interest in the subject. However, it is now attracting much more attention in the discipline. This article aims to show that we most certainly should not take it for granted that states enjoy a moral right to exclude would‐be immigrants. It is neither obvious nor uncontroversial. And if we cannot find adequate justifications for the existence of such a right, then we need to re‐evaluate the very backbone of current approaches to immigration policy. The paper begins with an overview of the existing academic debate about the extent of the right to freedom of movement. Next it introduces three arguments in support of the state’s right to exclude would‐be immigrants which draw on claims about the collective right to self‐determination. Finally it outlines three important challenges faced by these arguments in support of the state’s right to exclude.
Schistosome infection is associated with enhanced whole‐blood IL‐10 secretion in response to cercarial excretory/secretory products
Authors: Turner J. D. , Meurs L. , Dool P. , Bourke C. D. , Mbow M. , Dièye T. N. , Mboup S. , Polman K. , Mountford A. P.
Published: February 2013

Infection of the human host by schistosome parasites follows exposure of skin to free‐swimming cercariae and is aided by the release of excretory/secretory (E/S) material, which is rich in proteases and glycoconjugates. This material provides the initial stimulus to cells of the innate immune system. The study presented here is the first to examine human innate/early immune responsiveness to cercarial E/S in subjects from an area co‐endemic for Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium. We report that in infected participants, stimulation of whole‐blood cultures with cercarial E/S material (termed 0–3 hRP) caused the early (within 24 h) release of greater quantities of regulatory IL‐10, compared with uninfected controls. Elevated levels of IL‐10 but not pro‐inflammatory TNFα or IL‐8 were most evident in participants co‐infected with S. mansoni and S. haematobium and were accompanied by a higher 0–3 h RP‐specific IL‐10: TNFα ratio. We also report that glycosylated components within 0–3 h RP appear to be important factors in the stimulation of IL‐8, TNFα and IL‐10 production by whole‐blood cells.
Stratal architecture and platform evolution of an early Frasnian syn‐tectonic carbonate platform, Canning Basin, Australia
Authors: Chow Nancy , George Annette D. , Trinajstic Kate M. , Chen Zhong‐Qiang
Published: February 2013

Facies architecture and platform evolution of an early Frasnian reef complex in the northern Canning Basin of north‐western Australia were strongly controlled by syn‐depositional faulting during a phase of basin extension. The margin‐attached Hull platform developed on a fault block of Precambrian basement with accommodation largely generated by movement along the Mount Elma Fault Zone. Recognition of major subaerial exposure and flooding surfaces in the Hull platform (from outcrop and drillcore) has enabled comparison of facies associations within a temporal framework and led to identification of three stages of platform evolution. Stage 1 records initial ramp development on the hangingwall dip slope with predominantly deep subtidal conditions that prevented any cyclic facies arrangements. This stage is characterised by basal siliciclastic deposits and a major deepening‐upward facies pattern that is capped by a sequence boundary towards the footwall (north‐west) and a major flooding surface towards the hangingwall. Stage 2 reflects the bulk of platform aggradation, significant platform growth towards the hangingwall and the development of reef margins and cyclic facies arrangements. Thickening of this stage towards the hangingwall indicates that accommodation was generated by rotation of the fault block and overlying platform. Stage 3 records a major flooding and backstep of the platform margin. The Hull platform illustrates important elements of margin‐attached carbonate platforms in a half‐graben setting, including: (i) prominent, but limited, coarse siliciclastic input that does not have a major detrimental effect on carbonate production near the rift margin in arid to semi‐arid settings; (ii) wedge‐shaped accommodation created by syn‐depositional rotation of fault blocks and tilting of the hangingwall dip slope, resulting in shallow‐water facies and subaerial exposure up‐dip of the rotational axis and deeper water facies down‐dip; and (iii) evolution of a ramp to rimmed shelf, coincident with a sequence boundary–flooding surface, that is accelerated by tilting of the hangingwall dip slope during fault‐block rotation.
Catabolism of l–methionine in the formation of sulfur and other volatiles in melon (Cucumis melo L.) fruit
Authors: Gonda Itay , Lev Shery , Bar Einat , Sikron Noga , Portnoy Vitaly , Davidovich‐Rikanati Rachel , Burger Joseph , Schaffer Arthur A. , Tadmor Ya'akov , Giovannonni James J. , Huang Mingyun , Fei Zhangjun , Katzir Nurit , Fait Aaron , Lewinsohn Efraim
Published: February 2013

Sulfur‐containing aroma volatiles are important contributors to the distinctive aroma of melon and other fruits. Melon cultivars and accessions differ in the content of sulfur‐containing and other volatiles. l–methionine has been postulated to serve as a precursor of these volatiles. Incubation of melon fruit cubes with 13C‐ and 2H‐labeled l–methionine revealed two distinct catabolic routes into volatiles. One route apparently involves the action of an l‐methionine aminotransferase and preserves the main carbon skeleton of l‐methionine. The second route apparently involves the action of an l‐methionine‐γ–lyase activity, releasing methanethiol, a backbone for formation of thiol‐derived aroma volatiles. Exogenous l‐methionine also generated non‐sulfur volatiles by further metabolism of α–ketobutyrate, a product of l‐methionine‐γ–lyase activity. α–Ketobutyrate was further metabolized into l–isoleucine and other important melon volatiles, including non‐sulfur branched and straight‐chain esters. Cell‐free extracts derived from ripe melon fruit exhibited l‐methionine‐γ–lyase enzymatic activity. A melon gene (CmMGL) ectopically expressed in Escherichia coli, was shown to encode a protein possessing l‐methionine‐γ–lyase enzymatic activity. Expression of CmMGL was relatively low in early stages of melon fruit development, but increased in the flesh of ripe fruits, depending on the cultivar tested. Moreover, the levels of expression of CmMGL in recombinant inbred lines co‐segregated with the levels of sulfur‐containing aroma volatiles enriched with +1 m/z unit and postulated to be produced via this route. Our results indicate that l‐methionine is a precursor of both sulfur and non‐sulfur aroma volatiles in melon fruit.
Evidence‐based guidelines for anti‐allergic drug withdrawal times before allergen‐specific intradermal and IgE serological tests in dogs
Authors: Olivry Thierry , Saridomichelakis Manolis
Published: February 2013

Background

Anti‐allergic drugs (e.g. antihistamines, glucocorticoids and ciclosporin) are often administered to dogs with atopic dermatitis to relieve pruritus and skin lesions. Allergen‐specific intradermal tests (IDT) and allergen‐specific IgE serological (ASIS) tests are used to characterize the allergens to which dogs are hypersensitive. Anti‐allergic drugs have the potential to influence the results or interpretation of these tests.

Objectives

To provide evidence‐based recommendations for anti‐allergic drug withdrawal times beforeIDTandASIStests.

Methods

Three citation databases and abstracts from international meetings were searched for relevant studies. Studies were grouped based on similar interventions and types of tests. Withdrawal times for each type of drug and test were then extrapolated from the study results.

Results

Before the assessment of immediate reactions toIDT, proposed optimal withdrawal times for antihistamines, oral glucocorticoids, topical/otic glucocorticoids and ciclosporin are 7, 14, 14 and 0 days, respectively. Studies have provided no evidence for drug withdrawal prior toASIStests for oral ciclosporin or prednisone/prednisolone. Owing to a lack of studies, recommendations for withdrawal times beforeASIStests cannot be made for topical glucocorticoids and antihistamines.

Conclusions and clinical importance

These proposed withdrawal times are based on the existing evidence at the end of 2011. Care must be taken before extrapolating the suggested withdrawal times to other species, higher dosages, different formulations and/or durations of administration of tested drugs, as well as to other medications from the same category.
Complexin facilitates exocytosis and synchronizes vesicle release in two secretory model systems
Authors: Lin Ming‐Yi , Rohan Joyce G. , Cai Haijiang , Reim Kerstin , Ko Chien‐Ping , Chow Robert H.
Published: February 2013

Key points

Knockout (KO) of complexin in mouse neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) and adrenal chromaffin cells causes a reduction and a loss in synchronicity in calcium‐mediated exocytosis.

A train of high‐frequency stimuli induces synaptic facilitation rather than depression in Complexin 1 KO NMJs, and the degree of facilitation is sensitive to calcium buffering.

There is a specific reduction of the vesicle pool close to the calcium channels in Complexin 2 KO chromaffin cells, which can be rescued by heterologous expression of either Complexin 1 or Complexin 2.

Complexin synchronizes vesicle release through facilitating vesicle and calcium channel coupling.

Abstract  Complexins (Cplxs) are small, SNARE‐associated proteins believed to regulate fast, calcium‐triggered exocytosis. However, studies have pointed to either an inhibitory and/or facilitatory role in exocytosis, and the role of Cplxs in synchronizing exocytosis is relatively unexplored. Here, we compare the function of two types of complexin, Cplx 1 and 2, in two model systems of calcium‐dependent exocytosis. In mouse neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), we find that lack of Cplx 1 significantly reduces and desynchronizes calcium‐triggered synaptic transmission; furthermore, high‐frequency stimulation elicits synaptic facilitation, instead of normal synaptic depression, and the degree of facilitation is highly sensitive to the amount of cytoplasmic calcium buffering. In Cplx 2‐null adrenal chromaffin cells, we also find decreased and desynchronized evoked release, and identify a significant reduction in the vesicle pool close to the calcium channels (immediately releasable pool, IRP). Viral transduction with either Cplx 1 or 2 rescues both the size of the evoked response and the synchronicity of release, and it restores the IRP size. Our findings in two model systems are mutually compatible and indicate a role of Cplx 1 and 2 in facilitating vesicle priming, and also lead to the new hypothesis that Cplxs may synchronize vesicle release by promoting coupling between secretory vesicles and calcium channels.
Oxygen sensing and hypoxia signalling pathways in animals: the implications of physiology for cancer
Authors: Ratcliffe Peter J.
Published: February 2013

Abstract  Studies of regulation of the haematopoietic growth factor erythropoietin led to the unexpected discovery of a widespread system of direct oxygen sensing that regulates gene expression in animals. The oxygen‐sensitive signal is generated by a series of non‐haem Fe(II)‐ and 2‐oxoglutarate‐dependent dioxygenases that catalyse the post‐translational hydroxylation of specific residues in the transcription factor hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF). These hydroxylations promote both oxygen‐dependent degradation and oxygen‐dependent inactivation of HIF, but are suppressed in hypoxia, leading to the accumulation of HIF and assembly of an active transcriptional complex in hypoxic cells. Hypoxia‐inducible factor activates an extensive transcriptional cascade that interfaces with other cell signalling pathways, microRNA networks and RNA–protein translational control systems. The relationship of these cellular signalling pathways to the integrated physiology of oxygen homeostasis and the implication of dysregulating these massive physiological pathways in diseases such as cancer are discussed.
A Consistent Set of Nonlocal Bresse–Timoshenko Equations for Nanobeams With Surface Effects
Authors: Elishakoff Isaac , Soret Clement
Published: February 2013

In this study, we propose governing differential equations for beams, taking into account shear deformation, rotary inertia, locality, and surface stress effects. It is shown that the equation is both simpler and more consistent than the appropriate Bresse–Timoshenko equations extended to include locality and surface stress effects. The proposed equation contains 11 terms with respect to displacement versus 19 terms appearing in the equations that extend the Bresse–Timoshenko equations to include nonlocality and surface effects.
Bioinspired Graphene Nanogut
Authors: Qin Zhao , Buehler Markus J.
Published: February 2013

Low-dimensional nanomaterials are attractive for various applications, including damage repair, drug delivery, and bioimaging. The ability to control the morphology of nanomaterials is critical for manufacturing as well as for utilizing them as functional materials or devices. However, the manipulation of such materials remains challenging, and effective methods to control their morphology remain limited. Here, we propose to mimic a macroscopic biological system—the gut—as a means to control the nanoscale morphology by exploiting the concept of mismatch strain. We show that, by mimicking the development of the gut, one can obtain a controlled wavy shape of a combined carbon nanotube and graphene system. We show that the scaling laws that control the formation of the gut at the macroscale are suitable for ultrasmall-diameter carbon nanotubes with a diameter smaller than 7 Å but do not account for the morphology of systems with larger diameter nanotubes. We find that the deviation is caused by cross-sectional buckling of carbon nanotube, where this behavior relates to the different constitutive laws for carbon nanotube and graphene in contrast to the macroscale biological system. Our study illustrates the possibility of downscaling macroscale phenomena to the nanoscale using continuum mechanics theory, with wide-ranging applications in nanotechnology.
A Better Estimation of Plastic Zone Size at the Crack Tip Beyond Irwin's Model
Authors: Jia Y. J. , Shi M. X. , Zhao Y. , Liu B.
Published: February 2013

Irwin's model on plastic zone at the crack tip is discussed in many fracture mechanics textbooks. However, we found in Irwin's model that the internal resultant force on the crack plane and the one applied in remote field are not strictly balanced. This imbalance leads to the error in the scenario of small scale yielding, and an improper finite plastic zone size (PZS) is predicted when the remote stress approaches the yielding strength. In this paper, an improved model is developed through surrendering some main assumptions used in Irwin's model and an infinite PZS is then predicted as the remote stress goes up close to yielding strength, which implies that this estimation can be applied to situations with large scale yielding. In small scale yielding cases, the new estimation of PZS agrees well with finite element simulation results. In addition, a more accurate quantitative relation between the PZS and the effective stress intensity factor is derived, which might help characterize fracture behaviors in engineering applications.
Ytterbium oxide formation at the graphene–SiC interface studied by photoemission
Authors: Watcharinyanon Somsakul , Johansson Leif I. , Xia Chao , Virojanadara Chariya
Published: February 2013

Synchrotron-based core level and angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy was used to study the formation of ytterbium (Yb) oxide at the graphene–SiC substrate interface. Oxide formation at the interface was accomplished in two steps, first intercalation of Yb into the interface region and then oxygen exposure while heating the sample at 260 °C to oxidize the Yb. After these processes, core level results revealed the formation of Yb oxide at the interface. The Yb 4f spectrum showed upon oxidation a clear valence change from Yb2+ to Yb3+. After oxidation the spectrum was dominated by emission from oxide related Yb3+ states and only a small contribution from silicide Yb2+ states remained. In addition, the very similar changes observed in the oxide related components identified in the Si 2p and Yb 4f spectra after oxidation and after subsequent heating suggested formation of a Si-Yb-O silicate at the interface. The electronic band structure of graphene around the K¯-point was upon Yb intercalation found to transform from a single π band to two π bands. After Yb oxide formation, an additional third π band was found to appear. These π bands showed different locations of the Dirac point (ED), i.e., two upper bands with ED around 0.4 eV and a lower band with ED at about 1.5 eV below the Fermi level. The appearance of three π-bands is attributed to a mixture of areas with Yb oxide and Yb silicide at the interface.
Yorkie’s Mask
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: February 2013

Mask acts as a cofactor for transcriptional coactivators in the Hippo pathway to modulate gene transcription.
An interesting clinical scenario of patient with acute myocardial infarction with single coronary artery
Authors: Bhairappa Shivakumar , Bagi Vittal , Subramani Khamitkar Shankar Rao , Prasad Naviluru Madaiah
Published: February 2013

Anomalous origin of the left main coronary artery from the right sinus of valsalva  is an extremely rare condition. Right-sided single coronary trunk associated with rudimentary left coronary artery is probably the rarest. The clinical significance of single coronary artery (SCA) depends on its relationship with the great arteries. The causes of myocardial ischaemia in these arteries could be impaired vasodilator response, vascular compression between great arteries or atherosclerosis. We report a 42-year-old gentleman who presented with anterior wall myocardial infarction (MI) and thrombolysed with streptokinase. The coronary angiogram done revealed anomalous right SCA (Lipton type-RII/Yamanaka RIIA) with recanalised left anterior descending artery (LAD). In this case the cause of MI could be atherosclerotic, as this patient responded to thrombolytic therapy and coronary angiogram revealed recanalised LAD. This case highlights the fact that these anomalous arteries are susceptible to atherosclerosis as are normally arising coronary arteries.
PALLIATIVE AND END OF LIFE CARE IN PRISONS IN ENGLAND AND WALES: DO INEQUALITIES EXIST? A SURVEY OF HEALTHCARE MANAGERS
Authors: Fletcher A J , Payne S , Waterman D , Turner M
Published: February 2013

Introduction

The End of Life Care Strategy (2008) states: ‘high quality services should be available in all locations, including prisons’. Prisons have characteristics which potentially create inequalities in the delivery of care. A paucity of research means that the need for palliative and end of life care in prisons has not been established.

Aims and Methods

To quantify palliative and end of life care need, in adult prisons and identify strategies for enhancing care. A self-reported questionnaire was developed and distributed to 124 prisons.

Results

Data obtained from 39 prisons (31.5% response rate), revealed that between 2010–2012, 68 prisoners required palliative care, 45 were considered for release to receive care in alternative locations, of which 20 were released. Factors preventing release included ongoing risk, failure to identify patients in a timely manner, and prisoners' wishes to remain in prison. Two-thirds of prisons had a palliative care policy; 28% had implemented the Gold Standards Framework; 54% the Liverpool Care Pathway or equivalent and 36% Advance Care Planning. Ninety percent of prisons had access to palliative care nurse specialists and 77% palliative medicine consultants.

Conclusions

The number of prisoners requiring palliative care is larger than expected. Although there is evidence of palliative care support and principles available, work is still required to ensure equity in end of life care provision for prisoners. Further research in this area, funded by Marie Curie Cancer Care, will begin in 2013.
CHANGES IN PLACE OF DEATH PREFERENCES IN PATIENTS RECEIVING SPECIALIST PALLIATIVE CARE: A RETROSPECTIVE CASE NOTE REVIEW
Authors: Evans R , Finucane A , Vanhegan L , Arnold L , Oxenham D
Published: February 2013

Introduction

To have choice and control over where death occurs is considered central to a good death. In recognition of this, most end of life care strategies promote the need to support people to die in their place of choice. Previous studies suggest that preferences may change over time, however few studies have examined the type of changes in preference that occur in patients receiving specialist palliative care (SPC).

Aims and Methods

To explore changes in preferred place of death (PPD) for patients receiving SPC; and to examine the pattern of these changes. A retrospective case note review of all patients who died under the care of Marie Curie Hospice Edinburgh during a 6-month period was undertaken (311 patients). Caldicott Guardian approval was given for this study.

Results

204 patients were asked about PPD more than once; 57% of these changed their mind at least once. Most changed from ‘preference unknown’ to home (33%) or to hospice (39%). 44% of patients who had an inpatient stay changed their preference compared to 27% who did not have an inpatient stay. Of those choosing the hospice, 88% had been an inpatient compared to 39% of those choosing home. The majority of patients wished to die in the location where they were asked about their preference: Care home: 100%, Hospice: 81% Home:78%.

Conclusions

Preference for place of death changes; more patients make a categorical choice over time. Most patients choose a place they are familiar with. Patients who have experienced hospice admission are more likely to choose this option.