bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implications of flexible-shelled eggs in a Cretaceous choristoderan reptile
Authors: Hou Lian-Hai , Li Pi-Peng , Ksepka Daniel T. , Gao Ke-Qin , Norell Mark A.
Published: December 2009

Flexible, or soft-shelled, eggs are almost unknown in the fossil record, leaving large gaps in our knowledge of the reproductive biology of many tetrapod clades. Here, we report two flexible-shelled eggs of the hyphalosaurid choristodere
Hyphalosaurus baitaigouensis
from the Early Cretaceous of China, one containing an embryo and the second associated with a neonate. Choristoderes are an enigmatic group of aquatic reptiles that survived the K–T extinction but died out in the Miocene. Hyphalosaurids, a specialized clade of Choristodera, resemble miniature plesiosaurs and are considered to be primarily aquatic in habit. Scanning electron microscopy of samples from the eggs reveals a thin, non-columnar external mineralized layer characterized by rounded nodes and tentatively identified poorly structured irregular pores, with an underlying amorphous layer presumably representing decomposed protein fibrils. While the relationships of Choristodera remain controversial, eggshell microstructure more closely resembles that of Lepidosauromorpha (the lineage including lizards) as opposed to that of Archosauromorpha (the lineage including birds and crocodiles).
Four Darwinian themes on the origin, evolution and preservation of island life
Authors: Lomolino Mark V.
Published: December 2009

Charles Darwin’s observations and insights continue to inspire nearly all scientists who are captivated by both the marvels and the perils of island life. Here I feature four themes inspired by Darwin’s singular insights: themes that may continue to provide valuable lessons for understanding the ecological and evolutionary development of insular biotas, and for conserving the natural character and evolutionary potential of all species restricted to isolated ecosystems (natural or anthropogenic).
Hospice nurses and genetics: implications for end‐of‐life care
Authors: Metcalfe Alison , Pumphrey Rachel , Clifford Collette
Published: December 2009

Aim.  The overall aim of this study is to determine hospice nurses’ perception of the importance of genetics to hospice care provision and their personal level of confidence in carrying out genetics‐related activities within an end‐of‐life care context.

Background.  Hospices nurses regularly care for patients and their families affected by inherited genetic conditions (e.g. some cancers). Therefore, nurses need knowledge and awareness of the implications of genetic conditions and confidence in their abilities to provide appropriate care and support for patients and families.

Design.  Survey.

Method.  Questionnaires were sent to a stratified sample of hospice nurses (n = 1149) in England and Wales. Using Likert scales, nurses were asked to rate the importance of and their confidence in undertaking a range of scenario‐based activities that accompany caring for a patient and family affected by a genetic condition in the hospice setting. Open questions invited comments on their experiences of nursing patient/family in similar situations. Follow‐up telephone interviews were carried out with hospice nurse educators to explore emerging issues.

Results.  Response rate was 29% (n = 328). Hospice nurses felt that all aspects of genetics‐related care were ‘very important’ to hospice care, but lacked confidence in their ability to carry out the activities. Many respondents had not considered the relevance of genetics to hospice‐care prior to completing the questionnaire but now considered it essential to end‐of‐life care even if they were not confident to provide it.

Conclusion.  Hospice nurses’ need genetics education focusing on the psychosocial implications of caring for patients and families affected by genetic conditions to enable them to provide the complex care and support in face of the difficult issues that arise in practice.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This study highlights the genetics education needs of hospice nurses in providing end‐of life care for patients and their families affected by inherited genetic conditions.
An exploration of the continuing professional development needs of nurse independent prescribers and nurse supplementary prescribers who prescribe medicines for patients with diabetes
Authors: Carey Nicola , Courtenay Molly
Published: December 2009

Background.  Nurse Independent and Nurse Supplementary Prescribing has extended the role that nurses in the UK have in the management of care for patients with diabetes. Concerns surround nurses’ pharmacological knowledge and provision of continuing professional development to meet the needs of nurse prescribers.

Aim.  To examine the continuing professional development needs of nurses who prescribe medicines to patients with diabetes.

Design.  A questionnaire survey.

Methods.  The NMC database was used to randomly select and distribute questionnaires to 1992 registered Nurse Independent/Nurse Supplementary Prescribers. One thousand and four hundred questionnaires were returned. Medicines for patients with diabetes were prescribed by 439 respondents. This paper reports on the findings of these 439 nurses.

Results.  The majority (63%) of nurses worked in general practice. Over 80% reported continuing professional development was available and that they had accessed it to support their prescribing role. Over 40% of nurses had continuing professional development needs in the areas of prescribing policy, pharmacology for diabetes and the management and treatment of diabetes related conditions. Senior nurses reported fewer continuing professional development needs.

Conclusion.  Access and provision of continuing professional development for nurse prescribers has improved since the initial implementation of nurse prescribing. However, nurse’s pharmacological knowledge and the provision of continuing professional development continue to be an area of concern which warrant further investigation.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Previous concerns have been identified about the provision of continuing professional development to meet the needs of nurse prescribers. Pharmacological knowledge is still the greatest continuing professional development requirement of nurses who prescribe for patients with diabetes. Education providers may wish to consider developing the content of continuing professional development programmes to meet these needs.
The quality of home care nurses’ documentation in new electronic patient records
Authors: Gjevjon Edith R , Hellesø Ragnhild
Published: December 2009

Aims.  The present study explores how community nurses addressed patient care in the EPR and the comprehensiveness of their documentation.

Background.  The need for comprehensive nursing documentation in home health care is considerable and quality is regarded as a prerequisite for continuity of care. Documentation according to the nursing process is considered to be of good quality due to its logical structure. Nurses in home health care face different challenges than nurses in institutionalised care because of long‐term patient situations and a focus on chronic illness rather than acute disease.

Design.  Retrospective study.

Method.  The study was performed on a sample of 91 patient records. Data were analysed in three phases: (1) systematising the unstructured text, (2) structuring the text according to the nursing process and (3) assessing the comprehensiveness using a validated instrument.

Results.  The home care nurses documented patient care chronologically along a time axis rather than using a logical structure according to the nursing process. The documentation reflected today’s overall emphasis on patient participation, as more than 70% of the notes on nursing status were connected to subjective nursing status. Paradoxically, the nurses showed a lack of attention to the patients’ ability to communicate. Only two of 264 documented nursing diagnoses were connected to communication. The comprehensiveness of the documentation, however, was incomplete.

Conclusions.  Home health care nurses are attentive to patient participation but fail to address patients’ needs with regard to communication. The documentation is incomplete when assessed according to the steps of the nursing process. A question that arises is whether the nursing process may be a limitation for the quality of the nursing documentation.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The study contributes to identifying areas of improvement in documentation by nurses in home health care.
Design and validation of an instrument to measure nursing research culture: the Nursing Research Questionnaire (NRQ)
Authors: Corchon Silvia , Watson Roger , Arantzamendi Maria , Saracíbar Maribel
Published: December 2009

Aim.  To describe the development of a self‐administered questionnaire to study the nursing research culture in a Spanish hospital.

Background.  There is urgent need to promote nursing research in Spain. To do this, it is imperative to understand the Spanish nursing research culture. As no valid Spanish instrument was available, a new instrument called the Nursing Research Questionnaire was developed.

Design.  A survey and psychometric approach.

Methods.  The development and testing of the instrument had three phases which included: identification of concepts and questions; pilot work of the first draft of the tool; and a survey and further test of the instrument.

Results.  The new instrument was a self‐administered questionnaire which contained 43 items divided into three main sections: nurses’ research capability; research related activity; and factors influencing research development. The pilot work and the survey results indicated adequate content and face validity of the tool. The internal consistencies of the tool for the four subscales ranged from 0·25–0·93, and the intraclass correlation coefficients in three subscales were over 0·70.

Conclusions.  This paper describes the development of a self‐administered questionnaire to gather information about the nursing research culture in a Spanish hospital. After further refinement, its use will provide information that will contribute to the development of nursing research in Spain.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The new instrument could be used to provide an understanding of the research culture among nurses in Spain, which will help to design targeted interventions to promote nursing research activity and improve the quality of nursing practice and patient care.
Innate IFN‐γ Production by Subsets of Natural Killer Cells, Natural Killer T Cells and γδ T Cells in Response to Dying Bacterial‐Infected Macrophages
Authors: Kubota K.
Published: December 2009

Interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) activation of macrophages is a crucial step in the early innate defence against bacterial infection. This innate IFN‐γ is thought to be produced mainly by natural killer (NK) cells through activation with interleukin (IL)‐12p70 secreted by macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) that have sensed bacterial products. However, a number of reports have shown that bacterial stimuli are unable to induce macrophages and/or DCs to produce sufficient amounts of IL‐12p70 unless these cells are primed by IFN‐γ. It remains, therefore, unsettled how initial IFN‐γ is produced. In a previous study, we reported a novel IFN‐γ production pathway that was associated with cell death in macrophages caused by intracellular bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes (LM) and Shigella flexneri. In this study, we showed that cell death of bone‐marrow‐derived macrophage (BMM) cells following in vitro infection with Staphylococcus aureus (SA), an extracellular bacterium, can also stimulate this IFN‐γ production pathway. We also unequivocally demonstrated by using BMM cells from IL‐12‐deficient mice that the bacterial‐infected macrophage cell death‐mediated IFN‐γ production can occur without IL‐12 although the magnitude of the response is much smaller than that in the presence of IL‐12. The enhancing effect of IL‐12 on this response proved to be attributable to the negligible amounts (0.5∼1.5 pg/ml) of IL‐12p70 but not to the large amounts of IL‐12p40 that were both secreted by SA‐ and LM‐infected macrophages. Taken all together, we propose that macrophage cell death caused by bacteria may trigger the initial IFN‐γ production at an early stage of bacterial infection.
Many faces of graft‐versus‐host disease
Authors: Peñas Pablo F , Zaman Sarah
Published: December 2009

Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation is increasingly used in the treatment of malignant and non‐malignant disorders. Despite ongoing advances in the field, morbidity and mortality related to graft‐versus‐host disease remains a major barrier to its application. Graft‐versus‐host disease is a difficult‐to‐diagnose disease. Dermatologists are involved due to its diverse cutaneous expression. In order to appropriately diagnose, classify and treat this complex disease, knowledge of its expanding cutaneous expression is required. This review provides a synopsis of the clinical manifestations of acute, lichenoid and sclerodermatous phases of graft‐versus‐host disease with a look at the current evidence surrounding its differential diagnosis.
Trends in overweight and obesity in Swedish schoolchildren 1999–2005: has the epidemic reached a plateau?
Authors: Lissner L. , Sohlström A. , Sundblom E. , Sjöberg A.
Published: December 2009

The aim of this review is to synthesize published evidence on the most recent trends in overweight and obesity among Swedish children. Specifically, trends are reported among fourth graders (10–11 years) from six different municipalities between 1999 and 2005. Weights and heights in representative samples of children within each area were measured by school nurses as part of routine school health examinations. Standardized definitions of overweight, obesity and thinness were calculated by methods described by Cole et al. in 2000 and 2007. In Stockholm, obesity prevalence during academic years starting 1999 and 2003 decreased non‐significantly from 4.4% to 2.8% in girls, and increased non‐significantly from 3.2% to 3.8% among boys. In Gothenburg, comparing academic years starting 2000 and 2004, prevalence of overweight in girls decreased from 19.6% to 15.9% (P < 0.01) while thinness increased from 9.5% to 11.9% (P < 0.05); no significant changes were observed in boys. Finally, the Swedish National Institute of Public Health released figures from Karlstad, Umeå, Västerås and Ystad in 2003–2005 during which time no trends in prevalence could be clearly shown. The stabilized rates are probably a result of regional and local actions that have taken place in many sectors of society, rather than one specific measure or national political action.
PESSIMISM OR OPTIMISM: A JUSTIFICATION TO VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARD ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY*
Authors: ETNER JOHANNA , JELEVA MEGLENA , JOUVET PIERRE‐ANDRE
Published: December 2009

This article analyses the determinants of voluntary contribution to environmental quality by introducing the perception of environmental risk. We consider individuals who are aware both of the impact of their voluntary contributions and of the quality of the current environment on the future quality of environment. Their preferences are represented by the RDU model. We distinguish three kinds of effect: environmental quality, wealth and risk perception. The first effects are not always sufficient to explain agents' implication in the improvement of environmental quality.
Gene Expression in the Neuropeptide Y System During Ethanol Withdrawal Kindling in Rats
Authors: Olling Janne D. , Ulrichsen Jakob , Correll Mette , Woldbye David P.D.
Published: December 2009

Background:  Multiple episodes of ethanol intoxication and withdrawal result in progressive, irreversible intensification of the withdrawal reaction, a process termed “ethanol withdrawal kindling.” Previous studies show that a single episode of chronic ethanol intoxication and withdrawal causes prominent changes in neuropeptide Y (NPY) and its receptors that have been implicated in regulating withdrawal hyperexcitability. This study for the first time examined the NPY system during ethanol withdrawal kindling.

Methods:  Ethanol withdrawal kindling was studied in rats receiving 16 episodes of 2 days of chronic ethanol intoxication by intragastric intubations followed by 5 days withdrawal. The study included 6 groups: 4 multiple withdrawal episode (MW) groups [peak withdrawal plus (MW+)/minus (MW−) seizures, 3‐day (MW3d), and 1‐month (MW1mth) withdrawal], a single withdrawal episode group (SW), and an isocalorically fed control group. Gene expression of NPY and its receptors Y1, Y2, and Y5 was studied in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) and CA3/CA1, as well as piriform cortex (PirCx), and neocortex (NeoCx).

Results:  MW+/− as well as SW groups showed decreased NPY gene expression in all hippocampal areas compared with controls, but, in the DG and CA3, decreases were significantly smaller in the MW− group compared with the SW group. In the MW+/− and SW groups, Y1, Y2, and Y5 mRNA levels were decreased in most brain areas compared with controls; however, decreases in Y1 and Y5 mRNA were augmented in the MW+/− groups compared with the SW group. The MW+ group differed from the MW− group in the PirCx, where Y2 gene expression was significantly higher.

Conclusion:  Multiple withdrawal episodes reversibly decreased NPY and NPY receptor mRNA levels at peak withdrawal, with smaller decreases in NPY mRNA levels and augmented decreases in Y1/Y5 mRNA levels compared with a SW episode. Multiple withdrawal‐induced seizures increased the Y2 mRNA levels in PirCx. These complex changes in NPY system gene expression could play a role in the ethanol withdrawal kindling process.
Phosphodiesterase Type 4 Inhibition Does Not Restore Ocular Dominance Plasticity in a Ferret Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Krahe Thomas E. , Paul Arco P. , Medina Alexandre E.
Published: December 2009

Background:  There is growing evidence that deficits in neuronal plasticity account for some of the neurological problems observed in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Recently, we showed that early alcohol exposure results in a permanent impairment in visual cortex ocular dominance (OD) plasticity in a ferret model of FASD. This disruption can be reversed, however, by treating animals with a Phosphodiesterase (PDE) type 1 inhibitor long after the period of alcohol exposure.

Aim:  Because the mammalian brain presents different types of PDE isoforms we tested here whether inhibition of PDE type 4 also ameliorates the effects of alcohol on OD plasticity.

Material and Methods:  Ferrets received 3.5 g/Kg alcohol i.p. (25% in saline) or saline as control every other day between postnatal day (P) 10 to P30, which is roughly equivalent to the third trimester equivalent of human gestation. Following a prolonged alcohol‐free period (10 to 15 days), ferrets had the lid of the right eye sutured closed for 4 days and were examined for ocular dominance changes at the end of the period of deprivation.

Results:  Using in vivo electrophysiology we show that inhibition of PDE4 by rolipram does not restore OD plasticity in alcohol‐treated ferrets.

Conclusion:  This result suggests that contrary to PDE1, PDE4 inhibition does not play a role in the restoration of OD plasticity in the ferret model of FASD.
Feasibility of Using Interactive Voice Response to Monitor Daily Drinking, Moods, and Relationship Processes on a Daily Basis in Alcoholic Couples
Authors: Cranford James A. , Tennen Howard , Zucker Robert A.
Published: December 2009

Background:  Daily process research on alcohol involvement has used paper‐and‐pencil and electronic data collection methods, but no studies have yet tested the feasibility of using Interactive Voice Response (IVR) technology to monitor drinking, affective, and social interactional processes among alcoholic (ALC) couples. This study tested the feasibility of using IVR with n = 54 ALC couples.

Methods:  Participants were n = 54 couples (probands who met criteria for a past 1‐year alcohol use disorder and their partners) recruited from a substance abuse treatment center and the local community. Probands and their partners reported on their daily drinking, marital interactions, and moods once a day for 14 consecutive days using an IVR system. Probands and partners were on average 43.4 and 43.0 years old, respectively.

Results:  Participants completed a total of 1,418 out of a possible 1,512 diary days for an overall compliance rate of 93.8%. ALC probands completed an average of 13.3 (1.0) diary reports, and partners completed an average of 13.2 (1.0) diary reports. On average, daily IVR calls lasted 7.8 (3.0) minutes for ALC probands and 7.6 (3.0) minutes for partners. Compliance was significantly lower on weekend days (Fridays and Saturdays) compared to other weekdays for probands and spouses. Although today’s intoxication predicted tomorrow’s noncompliance for probands but not spouses, the strongest predictor of proband’s compliance was their spouse’s compliance. Daily anxiety and marital conflict were associated with daily IVR nonresponse, which triggered automated reminder calls.

Conclusions:  Findings supported that IVR is a useful method for collecting daily drinking, mood, and relationship process data from alcoholic couples. Probands’ compliance is strongly associated with their partners’ compliance, and automated IVR calls may facilitate compliance on high anxiety, high conflict days.
Revisiting Intragastric Ethanol Intubation as a Dependence Induction Method for Studies of Ethanol Reward and Motivation in Rats
Authors: Braconi Simone , Sidhpura Nimish , Aujla Harinder , Martin‐Fardon Rémi , Weiss Friedbert , Ciccocioppo Roberto
Published: December 2009

Background:  The purpose of this study was to re‐examine intragastric ethanol intubation as a dependence induction method that effectively induces physical dependence upon ethanol over a short time period, is devoid of intrinsic stress artifacts, inexpensive, and easy to implement.

Methods:  Male Wistar rats were subjected to ethanol dependence induction via intragastric ethanol intubation. Ethanol solution (final concentration 20%, made up in a dietary liquid vehicle consisting of powdered milk, sucrose, and water) was intubated 4 times per day, at 4‐hour intervals, for 6 consecutive days (for a total of 10 g/kg/day). The utility of this procedure was evaluated for inducing physical dependence, determined by daily and final withdrawal ratings. Anxiety‐like behavior associated with ethanol dependence history was examined using the elevated plus‐maze (EPM) test, conducted 5 days after ethanol withdrawal. To evaluate whether potential stress‐like effects of intragastric intubation per se produce lasting effects on behavior, experimentally naive rats were compared with vehicle‐intubated rats for anxiety‐like behavior on the EPM.

Results:  Blood alcohol levels reached stable levels between 200 and 250 mg%, measured 1 hour after the second and third ethanol intubation on days 2, 4, and 6. Ethanol‐treated rats developed significant somatic withdrawal signs, recorded daily between 10 and 12 hours after the last ethanol administration. At 5 days postwithdrawal, ethanol‐treated rats showed significant anxiety‐like behavior, measured by decreased open arm time and open arm entries on the EPM, compared with vehicle controls. Additionally, ethanol postdependent rats showed decreased open arm time compared with experimentally naive rats. EPM performance did not differ between vehicle‐intubated and naive rats. No withdrawal seizures were observed and mortality rate was near zero.

Conclusions:  These findings suggest that intragastric ethanol administration produces a behavioral profile consistent with ethanol dependence (i.e., significant withdrawal signs after termination of ethanol exposure and elevated anxiety‐like behavior persisting beyond completion of physical withdrawal), and that the intubation procedure itself does not produce lasting nonspecific anxiety‐like effects. Thus, under the conditions employed here, this procedure provides an effective tool for inducing and evaluating the consequences of ethanol dependence in animal models of ethanol reward and motivation.
Moderate Alcohol Consumption Aggravates High‐Fat Diet Induced Steatohepatitis in Rats
Authors: Wang Yan , Seitz Helmut K. , Wang Xiang‐Dong
Published: December 2009

Background:  Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) develops in the absence of chronic and excessive alcohol consumption. However, it remains unknown whether moderate alcohol consumption aggravates liver inflammation in pre‐existing NASH condition.

Methods:  Sprague‐Dawley rats were first fed ad libitum with Lieber‐DeCarli high‐fat diet (71% energy from fat) for 6 weeks to induce NASH, as demonstrated previously. Afterwards, these rats were continuously fed with high‐fat diet (HFD, 55% total energy from fat) or high fat plus alcohol diet (HFA, 55% energy from fat and 16% energy from alcohol) for an additional 4 weeks. Pathological lesions including fat accumulation and inflammatory foci in liver were examined and graded. Lipid peroxidation and apoptotic hepatocytes in the liver were assessed. The mRNA expressions of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα) and TNF receptor 1 (TNF‐R1), Fas death receptor (Fas) and Fas ligant (FasL), IL‐1β and IL‐12 were determined by real‐time PCR. Protein levels of total and cleaved caspase‐3, CYP2E1, Bax, and Bcl‐2 were measured by western blotting.

Results:  The number of hepatic inflammatory foci and apoptotic hepatocytes were significantly increased in rats fed with HFA as compared with those in HFD‐fed rats. The aggravated inflammatory response and cellular apoptosis mediated by HFA were associated with elevated mRNA expression of Fas/FasL and cleaved caspase‐3 protein. Although no significant differences were observed between HFD and HFA groups, the levels of lipid peroxidation, Bax and Bcl‐2 protein concentration, and mRNA levels of other inflammatory cytokines were significantly higher in these 2 groups than those in the control group.

Conclusions:  These data suggest that even moderate alcohol consumption can cause more hepatic inflammation and cellular apoptosis in a pre‐existing NASH condition.
Labor Supply, Flexible Hours and Real Estate Agents
Authors: Benjamin John D. , Chinloy Peter , Winkler Daniel T.
Published: December 2009

Real estate agents have flexibility in choosing hours and employers. These responses are tested with a five‐equation recursive model. Agents choose between full‐ and part‐time work. The conditional wage measures productivity adjusted for self‐selection to each status. Hours worked in each status depend on the fitted after‐tax wage and household income, yielding flexible supply elasticities. Using a 2005 survey of 8,450 U.S. real estate agents, a year of experience raises the full‐time hourly wage by 2.5%. Conditional hours worked decline by 0.6%, implying an earnings return of 1.9% per year of experience. The labor supply elasticity for full‐time agents is 0.21; it is almost zero for part timers.
Electrical Stability of a Novel Refractory Sealing Glass in a Dual Environment for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Chou Yeong‐Shyung , Stevenson Jeffry W. , Meinhardt K. D.
Published: December 2009

A novel refractory alkaline‐earth silicate (Sr–Ca–Y–B–Si) sealing glass was developed for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) applications. The glass was sealed between two metallic interconnect plates and tested for electrical stability at elevated temperatures and dual environments under dc loading. The isothermal aging results showed very stable electrical resistivity with values 5–9 orders of magnititudes higher than typical SOFC function materials at 850°C for ∼700 h. For comparison, a state‐of‐the‐art sealing glass (G18, Ba–Ca–Al–B–Si) was also evaluated in a similar condition and showed a less stable condition in accelerated tests at 830°C for ∼100 h. Interfacial microstructure was characterized and possible reactions are discussed.
Nonoxide Sol–Gel Synthesis of Terbium‐Doped Silicon Nitride Phosphors
Authors: Hassan Shereen , Carravetta Marina , Hector Andrew L. , Stebbings Laura A.
Published: December 2009

Exposure of solutions of Tb(N(SiMe3)2)3 with SiCl(NEt2)3 in tetrahydrofuran to dry ammonia results in polymeric xerogels. Heating these gels in ammonia leads to amorphous Tb:SiNx phosphors that exhibit bright green luminescence under UV irradiation. MAS‐NMR and combustion analysis reveal that the phosphors are silicon nitride materials analogous to those typically produced by sol–gel routes. Photoluminescence behavior is similar to that of Tb:SiNx or Tb:SiO2 films produced by ion implantation that show good electroluminescence activity.
Facile Synthesis, Characterization of ZnO Nanotubes and Nanoflowers in an Aqueous Solution
Authors: Chu Dewei , Masuda Yoshitake , Ohji Tatsuki , Kato Kazumi
Published: December 2009

Two kinds of different ZnO nanostructures, nanotubes, and nanoflowers were synthesized using an aqueous solution approach. It was demonstrated that the addition of Al3+ and ZnO sol causes the different growth behavior of ZnO nanostructures, and leads to the formation of a nanotube array as well as self‐assembled nanoflowers, respectively. The effects of reaction parameters on the morphology of ZnO nanostructures were investigated. The present route reports the possibility for morphology control and assembly of ZnO nanostructures on arbitrary substrates at a low temperature on a large scale.
Global Knowledge Flows: Participating in International Meetings
Authors: Rothstein Fran
Published: December 2009

Fran Rothstein is contributing editor of the Commission on World Anthropologies column in Anthropology News.
Human Rights and the Honduran Coup
Authors: Pine Adrienne
Published: December 2009

Shannon Speed is contributing editor of “Human Rights Forum,” the AAA Committee for Human Rights column in Anthropology News.
Who Was Boas, Really? Confronting Anthropology's Past in Our Creation of its Future
Authors: Thompson Kerry
Published: December 2009

Shirley Fiske and Niel Tashima are contributing editors of “Anthropology Works,” the AAA Committee on Practicing, Applied and Public Interest Anthropology column in Anthropology News.
Navigating NSF
Authors: Winslow Deborah
Published: December 2009

Deborah Winslow is contributing editor of “Gateway to NSF,” the National Science Foundation column in Anthropology News.
Activation of ethylene‐related genes in response to aphid feeding on resistant and susceptible melon and tomato plants
Authors: Anstead James , Samuel Preethi , Song Ning , Wu Chengjun , Thompson Gary A. , Goggin Fiona
Published: December 2009

The simple gaseous compound ethylene (ET) has long been recognized as a common component of plant responses to insect feeding and pathogen attack. However, it is presently uncertain whether it plays a role in host–plant resistance to piercing–sucking insects such as aphids. In these experiments, we investigated the expression of key ET‐associated genes in resistant and susceptible interactions in two model systems: the tomato‐Mi‐Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas) (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Macrosiphini) system and the melon‐virus aphid transmission gene (Vat)‐Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididiae: Aphidini) system. We examined expression patterns of genes associated with ET synthesis, perception, signal transduction, and downstream response. When compared with control plants, plants infested with aphids showed marked differences in gene expression. In particular, ET signaling pathway genes and downstream response genes were highly upregulated in the resistant interaction between A. gossypii and Vat+, indicating ET may play a role in Vat‐mediated host–plant resistance. A key integrator between the ET and jasmonic acid pathways (Cm‐ERF1) showed the strongest response.
The Effects of “Early Offers” in Medical Malpractice Cases: Evidence from Texas
Authors: Black Bernard , Hyman David A. , Silver Charles
Published: December 2009

Medical malpractice litigation is costly and time consuming. Professor Jeffrey O'Connell, with various co‐authors, has long advocated “early offer” rules that would encourage defendants to offer to settle for economic damages plus attorney fees, and punish plaintiffs who refuse such offers. Using detailed closed claims data from Texas for 1988–2005, we simulate the effects of these “early offers.” Under a base set of assumptions, early offers will sharply reduce payouts in cases with small economic damages (under $100,000, all amounts in 1988 dollars); will moderately reduce payouts in currently tried cases with economic damages from $100,000–$200,000 and would normally increase payouts (and therefore will not be made) in tried (settled) cases with economic damages over $200,000 ($100,000). Overall, we predict that early offers will be made in 72 percent of all cases, and will result in a 16 percent (20 percent) decline in payouts in tried (settled) cases. Almost all this effect comes from the sharp decline in payouts in cases with small economic damages. Defense costs will drop by roughly 60 percent (20 percent) in currently tried (settled) cases in which an early offer is made, and by about 13 percent overall. An early offer program will have very different effects on different types of plaintiffs, with especially large payout reductions for elderly and deceased plaintiffs. An early offer program also overlaps substantially in its effects with a statutory cap on noneconomic damages (which 26 states already have). Defendants in many of these states have already realized large reductions in payment of noneconomic damages; the additional reductions from an early offer program are modest and would often affect plaintiffs whose recoveries were already limited by damage caps. Our mixed results contrast sharply with dramatic claims by O'Connell and co‐authors, who predict 70 percent reductions in both payouts and defense costs. Their estimates reflect the compound effects of a series of unreasonable assumptions.
Economic Development, Social Identity and Community Empowerment in the Central and Western Amazon
Authors: DE SOUZA MELLO BICALHO ANA MARIA , HOEFLE SCOTT WILLIAM
Published: December 2009

A multi‐dimensional and multi‐scalar perspective is used to contrast different experiences with community development involving new settlers, the historic riverine peasantry and Amerindians on and beyond the advancing frontier in the Brazilian Amazon. Local development is shown to occur only when a compromise is reached between the economic development of individual farmers, common social background and community political empowerment. However, the local development of communities does not necessarily result in regional development because contradictions present between political actors can cancel out gains in one dimension or scale vis‐à‐vis others and so frustrate wider processes.
Effect of Comorbidities and Medications on Left Ventricular Mass Regression After Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Syed Mohsin , Torosoff Mikhail , Rosati Carl , Alger Sharon , Fein Steven
Published: December 2009

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2010;12:223–227. ©2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Hypertension, diabetes, and obesity frequently coexist and significantly contribute to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Weight loss in obese individuals has been associated with improved blood pressure control and regression in left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy. The authors investigated the impact of comorbidity and medication on clinical and echocardiographic parameters after weight loss in obese patients. Serial echocardiography and clinical data were collected in 62 patients before bariatric surgery and after 6 months or 10% weight loss. Obese patients with diabetes or hypertension had higher baseline LV mass (LVM) (334±73 g in hypertension and diabetes vs 252±97 g in hypertension and 219±75 g in disease‐free patients, P=.003; P=.089for differences in LVM indexed by height), despite the lack of significant differences in body mass index or systolic blood pressure. There were no significant differences in baseline LVM or LVM index related to the medication used to treat hypertension. After weight loss, patients on β‐blocker therapy experienced the most significant LV hypertrophy regression (−76.5±79.1 g with β‐blockers, −17.8±43.7 g with diuretics, −4.5±46.6 g with angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, and −23.1±50.9 g in not treated patients, overall P=.538; β‐blockers vs no therapy P<.005; P=.145 for differences in LVM index). Bariatric surgery, combined with a weight loss program, provide substantial weight and LVM reduction regardless of comorbidities or blood pressure changes. β‐Blocker therapy appears to be associated with the greatest LVM regression after weight loss.
The Core Competency Movement in Marriage and Family Therapy: Key Considerations From Other Disciplines
Authors: Miller John K. , Todahl Jeff L. , Platt Jason J.
Published: December 2009

There is a growing movement to define competency within the field of marriage and family therapy (MFT), particularly with respect to the training of practitioners and the evaluation of clinical practice. Efforts to define competency, however, transcend the practice of MFT and much can be learned from the experiences of other disciplines. Professions such as education, law, and medicine have made strides toward addressing the complex issue of competency standards in their respective fields. This article describes some ways in which the issue of competency has been approached in other professions, as well as some common dilemmas posed by adopting a competency‐based orientation, to shed light on the process of defining competency in MFT. Moreover, this article identifies some of the more useful conceptualizations, modes of pedagogy, and evaluative practices found in other professions.
Emotion‐Focused Couples Therapy and the Facilitation of Forgiveness
Authors: Greenberg Leslie , Warwar Serine , Malcolm Wanda
Published: December 2009

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an emotion‐focused couple therapy intervention for resolving emotional injuries. Twenty couples acting as their own waitlist controls were offered a 10–12‐session treatment to help resolve unresolved anger and hurt from a betrayal, an abandonment, or an identity insult that they had been unable to resolve for at least 2 years. Treated couples fared significantly better on all outcome measures over the treatment period compared to the waitlist period. They showed a significant improvement in dyadic satisfaction, trust, and forgiveness as well as improvement on symptom and target complaint measures. Changes were maintained on all of the measures at 3‐month follow‐up except trust, on which the injured partners deteriorated. At the end of treatment, 11 couples were identified as having completely forgiven their partners and six had made progress toward forgiveness compared with only three having made progress toward forgiveness over the waitlist period. The results suggest that EFT is effective in alleviating marital distress and promoting forgiveness in a brief period of time but that additional sessions may be needed to enhance enduring change.
Energy recovery from lipid extracted, transesterified and glycerol codigested microalgae biomass
Authors: EHIMEN EHIAZE A. , CONNAUGHTON SEAN , SUN ZHIFA , CARRINGTON GERRY C.
Published: December 2009

The production of methane (CH4) via the anaerobic digestion of microalgae biomass residues from the biodiesel production process has the potential to meet some of the energy requirements of the primary biomass to fuel conversion process. This paper investigates the practical CH4 yields achievable from the anaerobic conversion of the microalgae residues (as well as codigestion with glycerol) after biodiesel production using both the conventional and in situ transesterification methods. Results demonstrate that the type of lipid extraction solvent utilized in the conventional transesterification process could inhibit subsequent CH4 production. On the basis of actual CH4 production, a recoverable energy of 8.7–10.5 MJ kg−1 of dry microalgae biomass residue was obtained using the lipid extracted and transesterified microalgae samples. On codigesting the microalgae residues with glycerol, a 4–7% increase in CH4 production was observed.
Where has all the Money Gone?
Authors: Davis Kevin
Published: December 2009

This paper explains how modern developments in lending and liquidity management using short‐term secured lending contributed to the process of financial sector expansion prior to the financial crisis and its subsequent unwinding. It focuses upon the role of the non‐regulated financial sector, and aims to assist readers to understand the answer to the commonly asked question: where has all the money gone? It draws some lessons and policy implications and identifies a number of regulatory issues emerging as the subject for debate.
The Post‐2007 Financial Crisis and Policy Challenges facing Australia
Authors: Pomfret Richard
Published: December 2009

The post‐2007 financial crisis had similar roots to many previous crises since the 1970s: moral hazard and easy credit. It had a global impact because it was centred in the USA and UK, and hence triggered a fall in global demand and international trade. The paper argues that financial deregulation and innovation contributed to economic growth in the 1990s and 2000s in the USA and UK, as well as Australia and elsewhere, and with a dynamic risk‐taking financial sector crises are the flip side of high growth as some risk‐taking institutions end up making bad loans. The policy challenge is to reap the advantages of a dynamic financial sector while ensuring sufficient prudence to offset the inherent moral hazard when depositors are insured by the state. Australia did not experience a serious financial crisis in 2007–9, but active macropolicy was necessary to address the economic crisis. Nevertheless, future bank failures are to be expected and policy‐makers need to design appropriate financial sector regulations in preparation.
The Global Financial Crisis and Its Effects*
Authors: Edey Malcolm
Published: December 2009

The global financial crisis has been one of the most significant economic shocks in the post‐war period. At its core, the crisis originated in credit markets in developed countries – centred particularly in the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe – but the fallout has had a significant effect on activity in every country and region. As the crisis intensified, there was a large swing in the appetite of world financial markets for risk, and in their capacity to accept risk. The result was a shift from the easy credit conditions that had prevailed for some years to a situation of tight credit and in some cases dysfunctional markets. This was accompanied by a loss of consumer and business confidence, with significant effects on global activity. This article focuses on the main causes of the crisis, how it has affected the world economy, and how governments and central banks have responded.
Experimental Observations of Stress-Driven Grain Boundary Migration
Authors: Rupert T. J. , Gianola D. S. , Gan Y. , Hemker K. J.
Published: December 2009

Moving Boundaries

Classical models of fine-grained metals view grain boundaries as static objects, but this view has been challenged by recent experimental observations. Drawing on techniques used by the fracture mechanics community,

Rupert
et al.

(p.
1686
) present experiments on freestanding aluminum films that show specific geometries cause either stress or strain concentrations on deformation. Confirming recent simulations, shear stresses were found to be a key driver of grain boundary motion.
We Need to Talk About Bioweapons
Living Weapons
Biological Warfare and International Security

by Gregory D. Koblentz

Cornell University Press, Ithaca, NY, 2009. 273 pp. $35, £23.95. ISBN 9780801447686.
Breeding Bio Insecurity
How U.S. Biodefense Is Exporting Fear, Globalizing Risk, and Making Us All Less Secure

by Lynn C. Klotz and Edward J. Sylvester

University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2009. 268 pp. $27.50, £19. ISBN 9780226444055.
Authors: Balmer Brian
Published: December 2009

The two books explore the nature and magnitude of the threats posed by biological weapons along with approaches to preventing their use.
Racial Bias, Unspoken But Heard
Authors: Dovidio John F.
Published: December 2009

Exposure to nonverbal behaviors can transmit race bias to observers.
Trying to Stay Afloat
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey , Marshall Eliot
Published: December 2009

The global financial crisis made 2009 a tough year for many U.S. academic institutions dependent on state funding or endowments. But it has also been a banner year for thousands of individual scientists, whose labs have benefited from billions of dollars in U.S. government stimulus funding.
Congress Takes Care of Science In Quiet Finish to a Busy Year
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: December 2009

Congress has quietly passed a 2010 spending bill that gives several U.S. science agencies pretty much what they expected, including a 2.3% bump for the National Institutes of Health and a 6.7% increase for the National Science Foundation.
Terrorism Charges Against Grad Student Raise Questions
Authors: Miller Greg
Published: December 2009

Last month a sociology graduate student at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, was charged with conspiracy under the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act after he refused to testify before a grand jury that is apparently investigating a laboratory break-in at the University of Iowa in 2004.
A Dark Tale Behind Two Retractions
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: December 2009

Two papers from a prominent chemistry lab were retracted from
Science
and the
Journal of the American Chemical Society
this fall because the results couldn't be replicated. The story behind the retractions involves an extortion attempt and a threat of suicide.
Chair of Science Panel to Leave Congress
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: December 2009

Representative Bart Gordon (D–TN), the chair of the House Science and Technology Committee, announced this week that he will retire at the end of 2010, ending a 26-year career in Congress.
Sarkozy's 'Grand Loan' Bets That Research Will Pay Off
Authors: Enserink Martin
Published: December 2009

On Monday, president Nicolas Sarkozy announced a €35 billion investment plan that he pledged would make France's science more productive, its population smarter, its economy more competitive, and its environment cleaner.
Where to PARK?
Authors: Khidr Lily
Published: December 2009

A gene mutated in familial Parkinson's disease is now linked to brain cancer.
Accuracy of AccessBio Immunoglobulin M and Total Antibody Rapid Immunochromatographic Assays for the Diagnosis of Acute Scrub Typhus Infection
Authors: Blacksell Stuart D. , Jenjaroen Kemajittra , Phetsouvanh Rattanaphone , Wuthiekanun Vanaporn , Day Nicholas P. J. , Newton Paul N. , Ching Wei-Mei
Published: December 2009

Using archived samples, we assessed the diagnostic capacity of a rapid immunochromatographic test (ICT) for the detection of
Orientia tsutsugamushi
IgM and total antibodies to aid with the diagnosis of acute scrub typhus infection in febrile patients in Laos. The sensitivity and the specificity of the ICT for the detection of IgM were 96.8% (121/125 samples; 95% confidence interval [CI], 92.1 to 99.1%) and 93.3% (98/105 samples; 95% CI, 86.7 to 97.3%), respectively. For the detection of total antibodies, the sensitivity was 97.6% (122/125 samples; 95% CI, 93.1 to 99.5%), but the specificity was much lower, at 71.4% (75/105 samples; 95% CI, 61.8 to 79.8%).