bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing the learning curve for robotically assisted and straight stick laparoscopic procedures in surgical novices
Authors: Rashid T. G. , Kini M. , Ind T. E. J.
Published: June 2010

Introduction

Robotically assisted laparoscopic surgery has a different learning curve to straight stick laparoscopic surgery. The learning curve for novices is likely to be different to that for experienced surgeons. We assessed the early learning curve for trainees with 18 months or less of surgical experience.

Methods

Six surgical novices performed 120 exercises using laparoscopic instruments and a DaVinci S robot. The exercise comprised cutting out a computer‐generated paper circle. Time to completion, number of instrument changes and accuracy were compared (Kruskal–Wallis test).

Results

Trainees required significantly less time using the robot (326 vs. 433 s; p < 0.0001); recorded fewer mistakes (1 vs. 4.5; p < 0.0001) and fewer instrument changes (1 vs. 3; p < 0.0001). Significant improvement was demonstrated in time, number of mistakes and instrument changes for robotically‐assisted laparoscopic surgery.

Conclusion

For surgical novices tested on an in vitro dexterity exercise, a robotically assisted laparoscopic system offers a shorter learning curve and improved accuracy compared to straight stick surgery. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Response by fish assemblages to an environmental flow release in a temperate coastal Australian river: A paired catchment analysis
Authors: Rolls R. J. , Boulton A. J. , Growns I. O. , Maxwell S. E.
Published: June 2010

Defining appropriate environmental flow regimes and criteria for the use of environmental water allocations requires experimental data on the ecological impacts of flow regime change and responses to environmental water allocation. Fish assemblages in one regulated and one unregulated tributary paired in each of two sub‐catchments of the Hunter River, coastal New South Wales, Australia, were sampled monthly between August 2006 and June 2007. It was predicted that altered flow regime due to flow regulation would reduce species richness and abundance of native fish, and assemblage composition would differ between paired regulated and unregulated tributaries. Despite significant changes in richness, abundance and assemblage composition through time, differences between regulated and unregulated tributaries were not consistent. In February 2007, an environmental flow release (‘artificial flood’) of 1400 ML was experimentally released down the regulated tributary of one of the two catchments over 6 days. The flow release resulted in no significant changes in fish species abundances or assemblage composition when compared to nearby unregulated and regulated tributaries. Flow regulation in this region has reduced flow variability and eliminated natural low‐flow periods, although large floods occurred at similar frequencies between regulated–unregulated tributaries prior to and during 2006–2007, resulting in only moderate changes to regulated flow regimes. Barriers to dispersal within catchments also compound the effects of flow regulation, and findings from this study indicate that the location of migratory barriers potentially confounded detection of the effects of flow regime change. Further experimental comparisons of fish assemblages in regulated rivers will refine river‐specific response thresholds to flow regime change and facilitate the sustainable use of water in coastal rivers. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Approximate models for aggregate data when individual‐level data sets are very large or unavailable
Authors: Peköz Erol A. , Shwartz Michael , Christiansen Cindy L. , Berlowitz Dan
Published: June 2010

In this article, we study a Bayesian hierarchical model for profiling health‐care facilities using approximately sufficient statistics for aggregate facility‐level data when the patient‐level data sets are very large or unavailable. Starting with a desired patient‐level model, we give several approximate models and the corresponding summary statistics necessary to implement the approximations. The key idea is to use sufficient statistics from an approximate model fitted by matching up derivatives of the models' log‐likelihood functions. This derivative matching approach leads to an approximation that performs better than the commonly used approximation given in the literature. The performance of several approximation approaches is compared using data on 5 quality indicators from 32 Veterans Administration nursing homes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of the Effects of the Mold Surface and Solid Mold Flux Crystallization on Radiative Heat Transfer Rates in Continuous Casting
Authors: Wang W. , Cramb A.W.
Published: June 2010

Radiative heat transfer plays a crucial role in the meniscus area of a steel continuous casting machine. However, the study of radiation across the mold flux and copper molds is very difficult due to the harsh environment and highly transient nature of the phenomena in continuous casting molds. By using an infrared radiation emitter, a radiative heat flux was able to be applied to a copper mold with different top surfaces to observe their effects on the radiative heat transfer. The mold surface was covered with solid slag disk subjected to the radiative heat flux to simulate the radiative heat transfer phenomena in continuous casting. The solid slag disk could either be glass or a mixture of glass and precipitated crystals. The effect of full crystallization of a slag disk was to reduce the heat transfer rate by 20.5%, as compared with a completely glassy sample.
Large scale integration of wind power: moderating thermal power plant cycling
Authors: Göransson Lisa , Johnsson Filip
Published: June 2010

Power plant cycling in thermal plants typically implies high costs and emissions. It is, therefore, important to find ways to reduce the influence of variations in wind power generation on these plants without forsaking large amounts of wind power. Using a unit commitment model, this work investigates the possibility to reduce variations by means of a moderator, such as a storage unit or import/export capacity. The relation between the reduction in CO2‐emissions and the power rating of the moderator is investigated, as well as the benefit of a moderator which handles weekly variations compared with a moderator which has to be balanced on a daily basis.

It is found that a daily balanced moderator yields a decrease in emissions of about 2% at 20% wind power grid penetration. The reduction in emissions is mainly due to an avoidance of start‐up and part load emissions and a moderator of modest power rating is sufficient to achieve most of this decrease. In the case of a weekly balanced moderator, emissions are reduced as the moderator power rating increases. At 40% wind power grid penetration, a weekly balanced moderator reduces emissions with up to 11%. The major part of this reduction is due to the avoidance of wind power curtailment.

The simulated benefit (CO2‐emissions and costs) from adding a general moderator is compared with emissions from Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies and cost data of five available moderator technologies; transmission capacity, pumped hydro power, compressed air energy storage, flow batteries and sodium sulphur batteries. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impacts of large amounts of wind power on design and operation of power systems, results of IEA collaboration
Authors: Holttinen Hannele , Meibom Peter , Orths Antje , Lange Bernhard , O'Malley Mark , Tande John Olav , Estanqueiro Ana , Gomez Emilio , Söder Lennart , Strbac Goran , Smith J Charles , van Hulle Frans
Published: June 2010

There are dozens of studies made and ongoing related to wind integration. However, the results are not easy to compare. IEA WIND R&D Task 25 on ‘Design and Operation of Power Systems with Large Amounts of Wind Power’ collects and shares information on wind generation impacts on power systems, with analyses and guidelines on methodologies. In the state‐of‐the‐art report (October, 2007), and the final report of the 3 years period (July, 2009) the most relevant wind power grid integration studies have been analysed especially regarding methodologies and input data. Several issues that impact on the amount of wind power that can be integrated have been identified. Large balancing areas and aggregation benefits of wide areas help in reducing the variability and forecast errors of wind power as well as help in pooling more cost effective balancing resources. System operation and functioning electricity markets at less than day‐ahead time scales help reduce forecast errors of wind power. Transmission is the key to aggregation benefits, electricity markets and larger balancing areas. Best practices in wind integration studies are described. There is also benefit when adding wind power to power systems: it reduces the total operating costs and emissions as wind replaces fossil fuels and this should be highlighted more in future studies. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐Term Symptom Relief from Primary Hyperparathyroidism Following Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy
Authors: Aspinall Sebastian R. , Boase Sam , Malycha Peter
Published: June 2010

Background

The affect of the surgical approach for primary hyperparathyroidism (1HPT) on long‐term symptom relief has not been studied. This study compares the long‐term relief of symptoms assessed by the Parathyroidectomy Assessment of Symptoms (PAS) score in patients undergoing bilateral neck exploration (BNE) and minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP).

Methods

In this case–control study, patients with 1HPT who had followed a protocol to assess symptoms before and after parathyroid surgery between 1999 and 2008 were contacted by letter and had blood taken to assess calcium, ionized calcium, and parathyroid hormone (PTH). The main aim was to assess symptoms at long‐term follow‐up using the PAS score. The incidence of persistent or recurrent 1HPT at long‐term follow‐up after MIP and BNE was also compared.

Results

Two hundred and forty‐six patients underwent parathyroid surgery and 142 responded to our correspondence, of which 64 underwent MIP and 78 BNE. Follow‐up after BNE was longer than MIP (61 vs. 41 months). At long‐term follow‐up, the mean PAS score fell by 125 and 175 in the MIP and BNE groups, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the decline of the PAS score between the MIP and BNE groups. Six patients developed persistent or recurrent 1HPT following MIP compared to three after BNE; this difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

This study is the first to report on long‐term symptom relief from 1HPT after MIP, and demonstrates that both MIP and BNE can achieve this. In order to establish whether the long‐term outcomes from these procedures are equivalent, further adequately powered studies are required.
Yin and Yang Part Deux: CCN5 inhibits the pro‐fibrotic effects of CCN2
Authors: Leask Andrew
Published: June 2010

There is no treatment for fibrotic disease is a significant cause of mortality. CCN2 Members of the CCN family of matricellular proteins have a characteristic four domain structure. CCN2 (connective tissue growth factor) is believed to play an essential role in fibrogenesis. In a recent paper, data are provided that CCN5 (wisp2), which lacks the carboxy‐terminal heparin‐binding domain shared by the other CCN proteins, may act as a dominant‐negative protein to suppress CCN2‐mediated fibrogenesis. These data are consistent with the notion that different CCN proteins may enhance or suppress each other’s action and also suggest that CCN5, may be used as a novel anti‐fibrotic therapy.
Azoospermia factor and male infertility
Authors: Koh Eitetsu , Sin Ho‐Su , Fukushima Masato , Namiki Mikio
Published: June 2010

Recently, work has shown that azoospermia factor (AZF) microdeletions result from homologous recombination between almost identical blocks in this gene region. These microdeletions in the Y chromosome are a common molecular genetic cause of spermatogenetic failure leading to male infertility. After completion of the sequencing of the Y chromosome, the classical definition of AZFa, AZFb, and AZFc was modified to five regions, namely AZFa, P5/proximal‐P1, P5/distal‐P1, P4/distal‐P1, and AZFc, as a result of the determination of Y chromosomal structure. Moreover, partial AZFc deletions have also been reported, resulting from recombination in their sub‐ampliconic identical pair sequences. These deletions are also implicated in a possible association with Y chromosome haplogroups. In this review, we address Y chromosomal complexity and the modified categories of the AZF deletions. Recognition of the association of Y deletions with male infertility has implications for the diagnosis, treatment, and genetic counseling of infertile men, in particular candidates for intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
Cocoa polyphenols suppress TNF-α-induced vascular endothelial growth factor expression by inhibiting phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase-1 (MEK1) activities in mouse epidermal cells
Authors: Kim Jong-Eun , Son Joe Eun , Jung Sung Keun , Kang Nam Joo , Lee Chang Yong , Lee Ki Won , Lee Hyong Joo
Published: June 2010

Cocoa polyphenols have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. TNF-α is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that has a vital role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases such as cancer and psoriasis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression is associated with tumorigenesis, CVD, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. We tested whether cocoa polyphenol extract (CPE) inhibited TNF-α-induced VEGF expression in promotion-sensitive JB6 mouse epidermal cells. CPE significantly inhibited TNF-α-induced up-regulation of VEGF via reducing TNF-α-induced activation of the nuclear transcription factors activator protein-1 (AP-1) and NF-κB, which are key regulators of VEGF expression. CPE also inhibited TNF-α-induced phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase. CPE blocked activation of their downstream kinases, p70 kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase and p90 kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase. CPE suppressed phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activity via binding PI3K directly. CPE did not affect TNF-α-induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase-1 (MEK1) but suppressed TNF-α-induced MEK1 activity. Collectively, these results indicate that CPE reduced TNF-α-induced up-regulation of VEGF by directly inhibiting PI3K and MEK1 activities, which may contribute to its chemopreventive potential.
Tyrosine requirement during the rapid catch-up growth phase of recovery from severe childhood undernutrition
Authors: Badaloo Asha , Hsu Jean W.-C. , Taylor-Bryan Carolyn , Reid Marvin , Forrester Terrence , Jahoor Farook
Published: June 2010

The requirement for aromatic amino acids during the rapid catch-up in weight phase of recovery from severe childhood undernutrition (SCU) is not clearly established. As a first step, the present study aimed to estimate the tyrosine requirement of children with SCU during the catch-up growth phase of nutritional rehabilitation using a diet enriched in energy and proteins. Tyrosine requirement was calculated from the rate of excretion of 13CO2 (F 13CO2) during [13C]phenylalanine infusion in thirteen children with SCU, five females and eight males, at about 19 d after admission when the subjects were considered to have entered their rapid catch-up growth phase and were consuming 627·3 kJ and about 3·5 g protein/kg per d. Measurements of F 13CO2 during [13C]phenylalanine infusion were made on two separate days with a 1 d interval. Three measurements at tyrosine intakes of 48, 71 and 95 mg/kg per d were performed on experimental day 1 and measurements at tyrosine intakes of 148, 195 and 241 mg/kg per d were performed on experimental day 2. An estimate of the mean requirement was derived by breakpoint analysis with a two-phase linear regression cross-over model. The breakpoint, which represents an estimate of the mean tyrosine requirement, is a value of 99 mg/kg per d when the children were growing at about 15 g/kg per d. The result indicates that the mean requirement for tyrosine during the catch-up growth phase of SCU is about 99 mg/kg per d under similar conditions to the present study.
Malnutrition in the UK: policies to address the problem
Authors: Elia M. , Russell C. A. , Stratton R. J.
Published: June 2010

In 2007, the estimated cost of disease-related malnutrition in the UK was in excess of £13×109. At any point in time, only about 2% of over 3 million individuals at risk of malnutrition were in hospital, 5% in care homes and the remainder in the community (2–3% in sheltered housing). Some government statistics (England) grossly underestimated the prevalence of malnutrition on admission and discharge from hospital (1000–3000 annually between 1998 and 2008), which is less than 1% of the prevalence (about 3 million in 2007–2008) established by national surveys using criteria based on the ‘Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool’ (‘MUST’). The incidence of malnutrition-related deaths in hospitals, according to government statistics (242 deaths in England in 2007), was also <1% of an independent estimate, which was as high as 100 000/year. Recent healthcare policies have reduced the number of hospital and care home beds and encouraged care closer to home. Such policies have raised issues about education and training of the homecare workforce, including 6 million insufficiently supported informal carers (10% of the population), the commissioning process, and difficulties in implementing nutritional policies in a widely distributed population. The four devolved nations in the UK (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales) have developed their own healthcare polices to deal with malnutrition. These generally aim to span across all care settings and various government departments in a co-ordinated manner, but their effectiveness remains to be properly evaluated.
Spatial variation in gender-biased parasitism: host-related, parasite-related and environment-related effects
Authors: KRASNOV BORIS R. , MATTHEE SONJA
Published: June 2010

The gender-biased pattern of parasite infestation has been shown to be a complicated phenomenon that cannot be explained by a single mechanism but rather involves several different mechanisms. We asked what are the factors that affect the manifestation and extent of gender-biased parasitism and studied the relationship between parasite-related (mean abundance, mean species richness and total species richness of all parasites), host-related (rodent density and proportion of reproductive males and females both separately and together) and environment-related (mean daily maximal and minimal temperatures, rainfall and relative humidity) factors and the magnitude of gender-biased infestation of a South African rodent Rhabdomys pumilio by ixodid ticks, gamasid mites, lice and fleas. We found that spatial variation in gender differences in parasite infestation was affected by parasite-, host- and environment-related factors, although the set of factors affecting gender differences in infestation differed among higher taxa of ectoparasites. Gender differences in infestation by fleas and lice were affected mainly by parasite-related factors, whereas gender differences in infestation by ticks and, in part, by mites were affected mainly by host-related and environmental factors. In addition, spatial variation in most measures of gender difference in mite infestation remained unexplained.
Comparative analysis of two fatty acid binding proteins fromFasciola gigantica
Authors: CHUNCHOB SUPATRA , GRAMS RUDI , VIYANANT VITHOON , SMOOKER PETER M. , VICHASRI-GRAMS SUKSIRI
Published: June 2010

Fatty acid binding proteins are considered to be promising vaccine candidates against trematodiasis. In order to provide additional information about their function inFasciola giganticawe performed a comparative analysis of FgFABP1 and FgFABP3, two isoforms with quite different isoelectric points of 4·9 and 9·9 and 67% sequence identity. Both are expressed in the juvenile and adult parasite but differ in their tissue-specific distribution. In addition, the sequence of FABP3 is identical inF. hepaticaandF. giganticaindicating the protein's functional importance in this genus. Immune sera produced against soluble recombinant FgFABPs reacted with 14 kDa antigens in crude worm, soluble egg, cirrus sac extracts, and excretion/secretion product. Both FgFABPs were located in the parenchyma of the parasite but in addition, FgFABP1 was abundant in testes and spermatozoa while FgFABP3 was abundant in vitelline cells, eggs, and caecal epithelium. Mass spectrometry identified FgFABP1 and FgFABP3 in the ES product whereas only FgFABP3 was identified in egg extract. Serum samples of an experimentally infected rabbit reacted from week 6 post-infection with FgFABP3 and from week 12 with FgFABP1 while sera of infected sheep were not reactive. The results suggest differences in the biological functions of these 2 isoforms and differences in the host/parasite interaction that should be considered for their potential as vaccines against fascioliasis.
Personal debt and suicidal ideation
Authors: Meltzer H. , Bebbington P. , Brugha T. , Jenkins R. , McManus S. , Dennis M. S.
Published: June 2010

Background

Personal debt is one of many factors associated with anxiety, depression and suicidality. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between personal debt and suicidal ideation in the context of sociodemographic factors, employment and income, lifestyle behaviours, and recently experienced traumatic events.

Method

Interviews were conducted with a random probability sample comprising 7461 respondents for the third national survey of psychiatric morbidity of adults in England. Fieldwork was carried out throughout 2007. The prevalence of suicidal thoughts in the past week, past year and lifetime was assessed and current sources of debt were recorded.

Results

In 2007, 4.3% of adults in England had thought about taking their own life in the past 12 months, ranging from 1.8% of men aged ⩾55 years to 7.0% of women aged 35–54 years. Those in debt were twice as likely to think about suicide after controlling for sociodemographic, economic, social and lifestyle factors. Difficulty in making hire purchase or mail order repayments and paying off credit card debt, in addition to housing-related debt (rent and mortgage arrears), was strongly associated with suicidal thoughts. Feelings of hopelessness partially mediated the relationship between debt and suicidal ideation.

Conclusions

The number of debts, source of the debt and reasons for debt are key correlates of suicidal ideation. Individuals experiencing difficulties in repaying their debts because they are unemployed or have had a relationship breakdown or have heavy caring responsibilities may require psychiatric evaluation in addition to debt counselling.
Bricks and Mortar Clientelism: Sectarianism and the Logics of Welfare Allocation in Lebanon
Authors: Cammett Melani , Issar Sukriti
Published: June 2010

In plural societies, social welfare can be a terrain of political contestation, particularly when public welfare functions are underdeveloped and ethnic or religious groups provide basic social services. It is well established that such organizations favor in-group members, but under what conditions do they serve out-group communities? To address this question, the authors compare the welfare programs of the predominantly Sunni Muslim Future Movement and the Shiite Muslim Hezbollah in Lebanon. Although they operate under the same institutional rules and economic contexts and boast the largest welfare programs in their respective communities, the Future Movement aims to serve a broader array of beneficiaries, including non-Sunnis, whereas Hezbollah focuses more exclusively on Shiite communities. Based on analyses of an original data set of the spatial locations of welfare agencies, qualitative data from interviews with providers and beneficiaries, and case studies of areas where the two parties established and did not establish welfare agencies, the authors argue that distinct political mobilization strategies—whether electoral or nonelectoral—explain different patterns of service delivery across the two organizations.
‘If you're gonna have a hit’: intratextual mixes and edits of pop recordings
Authors: Everett Walter
Published: June 2010

This essay reviews alternate mixes and edited versions produced for numerous purposes over the past half-century for stock singles, promotional singles, albums and reissues of all sorts, all evidencing a form of literary intertextuality of uniquely central importance to the record industry that has not previously been covered systematically. These multiple texts resulting from different manipulations of a single tape source exhibit what is termed intratextuality, leading to variations in composition, arranging and engineering. In addition, much of the essay's discussion will document for scholars as well as for fans a number of recordings whose continuing availability has been jeopardized by never having been reissued in CD format.
Hits and misses: crafting a pop single for the top-40 market in the 1960s
Authors: Toft Robert
Published: June 2010

The art of crafting successful pop singles can be a hit and miss affair, and this essay addresses the notion of hits and misses through a consideration of ‘(They Long to Be) Close to You’ by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. In September 1963, Bacharach produced the first version of the song with Richard Chamberlain, but the recording was, and still is, considered an artistic failure, as was the version Bacharach produced with Dionne Warwick a year later. It was not until Richard and Karen Carpenter recorded the song in 1970, without input from Bacharach, that the full potential of ‘Close to You’ was realised. But what made the two Bacharach versions miss the mark, while the Carpenters, to use Bacharach's words, ‘nailed it’? If one identifies the elements of a recording's sonic surface that contribute to its success, the deficiencies of Bacharach's misses become as readily apparent as the strategies The Carpenters employed to score a hit. Specifically, this essay considers how groove, instrumentation, melodic style, tempo, manner of performance (both vocal and instrumental), and the disposition of the song's sections (verses and bridge) generate an expressive flow that either enhances (The Carpenters) or diminishes (Bacharach) the emotional impact of the story told in the lyrics.
REFLECTION AND MORALITY
Authors: Larmore Charles
Published: June 2010

Our capacity for impersonal reflection, for looking at our own perspective from without, as part of a world that exists independently of us, is our most distinctive trait as human beings. It finds its most striking expression in our moral thinking. For we are moral beings insofar as we stand back from our individual concerns and see in the good of others, in and of itself, a reason for action on our part. It is not, to be sure, in morality alone that we exercise this power of impersonal reflection. We do so too, whenever we set about weighing the evidence for some belief without regard for what we would like to be true or for what common opinion would say. Yet nowhere does this self-transcendence show forth more vividly than when we turn our attention from our own happiness to that of another, taking the same immediate interest in that person's good—just because it is his or hers—as we naturally harbor for our own. In this essay, I explore the way that the moral point of view is shaped by the nature of impersonal reflection and thus constitutes a signal expression of our humanity.
SUBJECTIVE RIGHTNESS
Authors: Smith Holly M.
Published: June 2010

Twentieth century philosophers introduced the distinction between “objective rightness” and “subjective rightness” to achieve two primary goals. The first goal is to reduce the paradoxical tension between our judgments of (i) what is best for an agent to do in light of the actual circumstances in which she acts and (ii) what is wisest for her to do in light of her mistaken or uncertain beliefs about her circumstances. The second goal is to provide moral guidance to an agent who may be uncertain about the circumstances in which she acts, and hence is unable to use her standard moral principle directly in deciding what to do. This paper distinguishes two important senses of “moral guidance”; proposes criteria of adequacy for accounts of subjective rightness; canvasses existing definitions for “subjective rightness”; finds them all deficient; and proposes a new and more successful account. It argues that each comprehensive moral theory must include multiple principles of subjective rightness to address the epistemic situations of the full range of moral decision-makers, and shows that accounts of subjective rightness formulated in terms of what it would reasonable for the agent to believe cannot provide that guidance.
MAKING ROOM FOR OPTIONS: MORAL REASONS, IMPERFECT DUTIES, AND CHOICE
Authors: Greenspan Patricia
Published: June 2010

An imperfect duty such as the duty to aid those in need is supposed to leave leeway for choice as to how to satisfy it, but if our reason for a certain way of satisfying it is our strongest, that leeway would seem to be eliminated. This paper defends a conception of practical reasons designed to preserve it, without slighting the binding force of moral requirements, though it allows us to discount certain moral reasons. Only reasons that offer criticism of alternatives can yield requirements, but our reasons for particular ways of satisfying imperfect duties merely count in favor of the acts in question.

When the state is authorized to take over charitable obligations, it should not be seen as enforcing fulfillment of our imperfect duties, but rather as forcing us to help fulfill collective duties that may be substantially modified by transfer to the state, replacing imperfect duties with perfect. Besides the cost to us in freedom of choice there is a moral cost to replacing the virtuous motives of charity with those that tend to accompany paying taxes. However, a compensating feature of state involvement is the fact that its more precise demands come with limits.
THE OBLIGATION TO BE VIRTUOUS: KANT'S CONCEPTION OF THETUGENDVERPFLICHTUNG
Authors: Guyer Paul
Published: June 2010

In theMetaphysics of Morals, Kant makes a distinction betweenduties of virtue and the obligation to be virtuous. For a number of reasons, it may seem as if the latter does not actually require any actions of us not already required by the former. This essay argues that Kant does succeed in describing obligations that we have to prepare for virtuous conduct that are different from simply fulfilling specific duties of virtue, and that in so doing he describes an important element of the moral life.
Farmer-developed vegetable intercropping systems in southern Hebei, China
Authors: Feike Til , Chen Qing , Graeff-Hönninger Simone , Pfenning Judit , Claupein Wilhelm
Published: June 2010

The expansion of intensive vegetable production systems exacerbates ongoing resource degradation in China's Hebei province. There is an urgent need to develop and disseminate more sustainable vegetable production systems. Intercropping, the simultaneous cultivation of two or more crops on the same field, is widely practiced in the region. Intercropping can use environmental resources more efficiently and is therefore considered to generate high and stable yields with lower inputs. Until now, scientific literature on vegetable intercropping in China is non-existent. To identify prevailing vegetable intercropping systems, a qualitative inquiry was conducted in southern Hebei province. Researchers, extensionists and farmers were interviewed on the occurrence, methods, potentials and constraints of vegetable intercropping. Furthermore, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted to examine the farmers' underlying motives and concepts and to determine the origin and distribution of the systems. The investigations revealed a huge variety of sophisticated systems being practiced in southern Hebei. Apart from pure vegetable intercropping systems such as spinach–garlic, especially maize–vegetable and cotton–vegetable systems are widespread. The systems are developed by the farmers themselves and disseminated by the state extension service. Apart from the benefits of plant health, the optimal use of limited land resources is the main reason for farmers to exercise intercropping. However, with the ongoing mechanization and labor force reduction in the agricultural sector, a great part of the intercropping systems, which demand a high input of manual labor, are prone to extinction in the long run. Recent research in China focused purely on agronomic advantages of intercropping, neglecting the linkages between the socio-economic developments and farmers' decisions in the field. To overcome this dilemma and to maintain the traditional and sustainable intercropping systems, we conclude that only an integrative research approach that involves various stakeholders from the beginning is able to adjust the intercropping systems to future demands.
Constraint of the CO2 rise by new atmospheric carbon isotopic measurements during the last deglaciation
Authors: Lourantou Anna , Lavrič Jošt V. , Köhler Peter , Barnola Jean‐Marc , Paillard Didier , Michel Elisabeth , Raynaud Dominique , Chappellaz Jérôme
Published: June 2010

The causes of the ∼80 ppmv increase of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) during the last glacial‐interglacial climatic transition remain debated. We analyzed the parallel evolution of CO2 and its stable carbon isotopic ratio (δ13CO2) in the European Project for Ice Coring in Antarctica (EPICA) Dome C ice core to bring additional constraints. Agreeing well but largely improving the Taylor Dome ice core record of lower resolution, our δ13CO2 record is characterized by a W shape, with two negative δ13CO2 excursions of 0.5‰ during Heinrich 1 and Younger Dryas events, bracketing a positive δ13CO2 peak during the Bølling/Allerød warm period. The comparison with marine records and the outputs of two C cycle box models suggest that changes in Southern Ocean ventilation drove most of the CO2 increase, with additional contributions from marine productivity changes on the initial CO2 rise and δ13CO2 decline and from rapid vegetation buildup during the CO2 plateau of the Bølling/Allerød.
A new form of Saturn's magnetopause using a dynamic pressure balance model, based on in situ, multi‐instrument Cassini measurements
Authors: Kanani S. J. , Arridge C. S. , Jones G. H. , Fazakerley A. N. , McAndrews H. J. , Sergis N. , Krimigis S. M. , Dougherty M. K. , Coates A. J. , Young D. T. , Hansen K. C. , Krupp N.
Published: June 2010

The shape and location of a planetary magnetopause can be determined by balancing the solar wind dynamic pressure with the magnetic and thermal pressures found inside the boundary. Previous studies have found the kronian magnetosphere to show rigidity (like that of Earth) as well as compressibility (like that of Jupiter) in terms of its dynamics. In this paper we expand on previous work and present a new model of Saturn's magnetopause. Using a Newtonian form of the pressure balance equation, we estimate the solar wind dynamic pressure at each magnetopause crossing by the Cassini spacecraft between Saturn Orbit Insertion in June 2004 and January 2006. We build on previous findings by including an improved estimate for the solar wind thermal pressure and include low‐energy particle pressures from the Cassini plasma spectrometer's electron spectrometer and high‐energy particle pressures from the Cassini magnetospheric imaging instrument. Our improved model has a size‐pressure dependence described by a power law DP−1/5.0 ± 0.8. This exponent is consistent with that derived from numerical magnetohydrodynamic simulations.
Characterization of fracture systems using precise array locations of earthquake multiplets: An example at Deception Island volcano, Antarctica
Authors: Carmona E. , Almendros J. , Peña J. A. , Ibáñez J. M.
Published: June 2010

Volcano‐tectonic earthquakes are common seismic events in active volcanic areas. The stress produced by volcanic processes is released through fracturing of the shallow crust. Very often, these earthquakes occur in multiplets with similar waveforms, a fact which indicates common source characteristics. In this work, we introduce a method that uses array techniques to calculate precise relative locations of earthquake multiplets. We use the relative slowness estimate method to determine accurately the apparent slownesses and propagation azimuths of the earthquakes relative to a selected master event. We also obtain precise estimates of the S‐P delays. This information is used to calculate precise relative locations by ray tracing in an Earth model. We applied this method to determine the characteristics of the fractures activated during the 1999 seismic series at the Deception Island volcano, Antarctica. We selected a set of 17 earthquake multiplets, initially located in a small (4 × 4 km) region a few km NE of the array site. We estimated precise locations for 14 of the clusters. In most cases, hypocenters were distributed in well‐defined planar geometries. We found the best fitting planes, which we interpreted as fractures in the medium. For two clusters, the method spatially separated the earthquakes into two subgroups. Thus, we obtained two planes for each of these clusters, resulting in a total of 16 fracture planes. This is the first time that the orientations of fracture planes related to a seismic series have been obtained using a seismic array. We performed several tests to check various aspects in relation to the stability of the method and concluded that the results were robust. The dip angles indicate that the planes are mostly subvertical, while the strike angles clearly show a NW‐SE trend for most of the planes and a few planes with NE–SW trends. The geometry and position of these planes suggest that the 1999 seismic series was influenced by regional tectonics, although the origin of the destabilization of the system may be related to the reactivation of a shallow magma chamber.
Geometry and seismic properties of the subducting Cocos plate in central Mexico
Authors: Kim Y. , Clayton R. W. , Jackson J. M.
Published: June 2010

The geometry and properties of the interface of the Cocos plate beneath central Mexico are determined from the receiver functions (RFs) utilizing data from the Meso America Subduction Experiment (MASE). The RF image shows that the subducting oceanic crust is shallowly dipping to the north at 15° for 80 km from Acapulco and then horizontally underplates the continental crust for approximately 200 km to the Trans‐Mexican Volcanic Belt (TMVB). The crustal image also shows that there is no continental root associated with the TMVB. The migrated image of the RFs shows that the slab is steeply dipping into the mantle at about 75° beneath the TMVB. Both the continental and oceanic Moho are clearly seen in both images, and modeling of the RF conversion amplitudes and timings of the underplated features reveals a thin low‐velocity zone between the plate and the continental crust that appears to absorb nearly all of the strain between the upper plate and the slab. By inverting RF amplitudes of the converted phases and their time separations, we produce detailed maps of the seismic properties of the upper and lower oceanic crust of the subducting Cocos plate and its thickness. High Poisson's and Vp/Vs ratios due to anomalously low S wave velocity at the upper oceanic crust in the flat slab region may indicate the presence of water and hydrous minerals or high pore pressure. The evidence of high water content within the oceanic crust explains the flat subduction geometry without strong coupling of two plates. This may also explain the nonvolcanic tremor activity and slow slip events occurring in the subducting plate and the overlying crust.
Hydroclimate and variability in the Great Lakes region as derived from the North American Regional Reanalysis
Authors: Li Xiuping , Zhong Shiyuan , Bian Xindi , Heilman Warren E. , Luo Yong , Dong Wenjie
Published: June 2010

We investigated the seasonal and interannual variability of the moisture budget in the Great Lakes region of the United States using the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) data set from 1979 through 2007. The much higher spatial and temporal resolution and improved precipitation and land surface data assimilation of the NARR data set compared with its global counterparts enable more accurate depictions of the moisture budget and hydrological cycle in the Great Lakes region. The analyses reveal that in the past three decades except for two drought years, the evaporation over the region is insufficient to account for the total precipitation. Transport mechanisms supply additional moisture, with a net gain in moisture associated with meridional transport by southerly winds overcoming a net loss in moisture due to zonal transport by westerly winds. The interannual variability of the moisture deficit (the difference between evaporation and precipitation) is associated mainly with the interannual variability in the moisture flux convergence. These results highlight the critical importance of remote moisture sources and large‐scale moisture transport to the hydrological cycle in the Great Lakes region. The trend analyses show an upward trend for evaporation that is consistent with warming over the region in all seasons during the NARR data period. Precipitation exhibits an increasing trend in spring and winter, with the largest increase in winter, but no clear trends in summer and autumn.
Excluded‐volume expansion of Archie's law for gas and solute diffusivities and electrical and thermal conductivities in variably saturated porous media
Authors: Hamamoto Shoichiro , Moldrup Per , Kawamoto Ken , Komatsu Toshiko
Published: June 2010

Describing and predicting gas and solute diffusivities and electrical and thermal conductivities under variably saturated fluid conditions are necessary for simulating gas, solute, and heat transport in soils. On the basis of comprehensive data for gas (Dp) and solute (Ds) diffusivities and electrical (EC) and thermal (TC) conductivities for differently textured and variably saturated soils, we investigated analogies and differences between the four parameters. At fluid (water or air) saturation, relative parameter values for Dp, Ds, and EC were all well described by an excluded‐volume expansion of Archie's first law. The cementation exponent in Archie's first law was close to 1.5 for all parameters. At fluid‐unsaturated conditions, relative values of Dp, Ds, and EC (normalized at fluid saturation) were well described by an excluded‐volume expansion of Archie's second law. In the case of relative TC, the saturation exponent in Archie's second law was substituted by the inverse of it for the three other parameters since water bridge effects dramatically enhance the TC with increasing moisture contents in relatively dry porous media. If appropriate but different expressions for a percolation threshold in Archie's second law were applied for the four parameters, a saturation exponent value of around 2.0 generally gave accurate predictions of all four parameters for differently textured soils. Finally, the excluded‐volume expansion of Archie's second law was modified to also represent porous media with bimodal pore size distribution and well‐described data for Dp and Ds in aggregated soil.
Contrasting silicon isotope signatures in rivers from the Congo Basin and the specific behaviour of organic‐rich waters
Authors: Cardinal D. , Gaillardet J. , Hughes H. J. , Opfergelt S. , André L.
Published: June 2010

We investigate the dissolved δ30Si of the Congo River, the world's second largest riverine source of Si to the ocean. Small tributaries rich in dissolved organic carbon running through wetlands (“Black Rivers”) exhibit the lowest δ30Si ever measured in running surface waters (+0.02 ± 0.15‰), whilst the main branch and largest tributaries have higher values (+0.98 ± 0.13‰), well within the average of what has been measured so far. Our data suggest that the contribution of Black Rivers to the total discharge of the basin is 22 ± 10% and that δ30Si is mostly controlled by weathering intensity rather than fluxes. We propose both a mass and Si‐isotopic balance model, which suggest that the distribution of Si in the particulate and/or dissolved components in Congo rivers results mainly from mixing between two types of weathering regimes: one where clays are formed and remain stable, and one where they are dissolved under the action of organic matter.
Chiral ruthenium polypyridyl complexes as mitochondria-targeted apoptosis inducers
Authors: Chen Tianfeng , Mei Wen-Jie , Wong Yum-Shing , Liu Jie , Liu Yanan , Xie Huang-Song , Zheng Wen-Jie
Published: June 2010

A series of chiral ruthenium polypyridyl complexes have been synthesized and evaluated for theirin vitroanticancer activities. Λ-[Ru(bpy)2(o-tFMPIP)]Cl2·3H2O was identified as a novel complex that was able to induce mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in melanoma A375 cells through regulation of Bcl-2 family members and activation of caspases.
A distinct type of glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase with
sn
-2 preference and phosphatase activity producing 2-monoacylglycerol
Authors: Yang Weili , Pollard Mike , Li-Beisson Yonghua , Beisson Fred , Feig Michael , Ohlrogge John
Published: June 2010

The first step in assembly of membrane and storage glycerolipids is acylation of glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P). All previously characterized membrane-bound, eukaryotic G3P acyltransferases (GPATs) acylate the
sn
-1 position to produce lysophosphatidic acid (1-acyl-LPA). Cutin is a glycerolipid with omega-oxidized fatty acids and glycerol as integral components. It occurs as an extracellular polyester on the aerial surface of all plants, provides a barrier to pathogens and resistance to stress, and maintains organ identity. We have determined that
Arabidopsis
acyltransferases GPAT4 and GPAT6 required for cutin biosynthesis esterify acyl groups predominantly to the
sn
-2 position of G3P. In addition, these acyltransferases possess a phosphatase domain that results in
sn
-2 monoacylglycerol (2-MAG) rather than LPA as the major product. Such bifunctional activity has not been previously described in any organism. The possible roles of 2-MAGs as intermediates in cutin synthesis are discussed. GPAT5, which is essential for the accumulation of suberin aliphatics, also exhibits a strong preference for
sn
-2 acylation. However, phosphatase activity is absent and 2-acyl-LPA is the major product. Clearly, plant GPATs can catalyze more reactions than the
sn
-1 acylation by which they are currently categorized. Close homologs of GPAT4-6 are present in all land plants, but not in animals, fungi or microorganisms (including algae). Thus, these distinctive acyltransferases may have been important for evolution of extracellular glycerolipid polymers and adaptation of plants to a terrestrial environment. These results provide insight into the biosynthetic assembly of cutin and suberin, the two most abundant glycerolipid polymers in nature.