bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences and similarities between the central and the southern Apennines (Italy): Examining the Gran Sasso versus the Matese‐Frosolone salients using paleomagnetic, geological, and structural data
Authors: Satolli Sara , Calamita Fernando
Published: September 2008

The Apennines consists of the following two major first‐order arcuate features: the northern Apennines Arc and the southern Apennines‐Calabrian Arc, separated by the Sangro‐Volturno line. In this paper we compare and discuss these major arcs, which are characterized by several differences. These are mainly related to differences in paleogeographic domains, stratigraphic successions, structural setting, and geodynamic evolution. We describe with particular emphasis the following two main salients: the Gran Sasso Range and the Matese‐Frosolone Mountains, geographically belonging to the central and the southern Apennines, respectively. We analyze existing geological, structural, and paleomagnetic information from both salients and provide new paleomagnetic and magnetic anisotropy data for eight Messianian‐Tortonian sites from the Matese‐Frosolone Mountains. The aim of the work is to reconstruct the Tortonian‐Quaternary kinematic evolution of the central Apennines, which represents the junction zone between the northern Apennines Arc and the southern Apennines‐Calabrian Arc. Furthermore, we propose to use the different style of paleomagnetic rotations in arcuate shapes as a tool to discriminate if structures located in the central Apennines geologically belong to the northern Apennines Arc or to the southern Apennines‐Calabrian Arc. Finally, the results of this study allowed us to interpret the Sangro‐Volturno line as an oblique ramp of the Pliocene‐Quaternary frontal thrusts.
Tropospheric carbon monoxide concentrations and variability on Venus from Venus Express/VIRTIS‐M observations
Authors: Tsang Constantine C. C. , Irwin Patrick G. J. , Wilson Colin F. , Taylor Fredric W. , Lee Chris , de Kok Remco , Drossart Pierre , Piccioni Giuseppe , Bezard Bruno , Calcutt Simon
Published: September 2008

We present nightside observations of tropospheric carbon monoxide in the southern hemisphere near the 35 km height level, the first from Venus Express/Visible and Infrared Thermal Imaging Spectrometer (VIRTIS)‐M‐IR. VIRTIS‐M data from 2.18 to 2.50 μm, with a spectral resolution of 10 nm, were used in the analysis. Spectra were binned, with widths ranging from 5 to 30 spatial pixels, to increase the signal‐to‐noise ratio, while at the same time reducing the total number of retrievals required for complete spatial coverage. We calculate the mean abundance for carbon monoxide at the equator to be 23 ± 2 ppm. The CO concentration increases toward the poles, peaking at a latitude of approximately 60°S, with a mean value of 32 ± 2 ppm. This 40% equator‐to‐pole increase is consistent with the values found by Collard et al. (1993) from Galileo/NIMS observations. Observations suggest an overturning in this CO gradient past 60°S, declining to abundances seen in the midlatitudes. Zonal variability in this peak value has also been measured, varying on the order of 10% (∼3 ppm) at different longitudes on a latitude circle. The zonal variability of the CO abundance has possible implications for the lifetime of CO and its dynamics in the troposphere. This work has definitively established a distribution of tropospheric CO, which is consistent with a Hadley cell circulation, and placed limits on the latitudinal extent of the cell.
Tunable reflection minima of nanostructured antireflective surfaces
Authors: Boden S. A. , Bagnall D. M.
Published: September 2008

Broadband antireflection schemes for silicon surfaces based on the moth-eye principle and comprising arrays of subwavelength-scale pillars are applicable to solar cells, photodetectors, and stealth technologies and can exhibit very low reflectances. We show that rigorous coupled wave analysis can be used to accurately model the intricate reflectance behavior of these surfaces and so can be used to explore the effects of variations in pillar height, period, and shape. Low reflectance regions are identified, the extent of which are determined by the shape of the pillars. The wavelengths over which these low reflectance regions operate can be shifted by altering the period of the array. Thus the subtle features of the reflectance spectrum of a moth-eye array can be tailored for optimum performance for the input spectrum of a specific application.
InAs–GaSb laser: Prospects for efficient terahertz emission
Authors: Shvartsman L. D. , Laikhtman B.
Published: September 2008

We suggest to use InAs/GaSb coupled quantum wells for terahertz lasing. In these heterostructures terahertz lasing is based not on intersubband but on interband transitions. Crucial advantages of this design in comparison with intersubband lasers are (i) a large value of the interband dipole matrix element and (ii) easier maintenance of population inversion. These advantages lead to a gain of two orders of magnitude higher than that for intersubband lasing. Even higher gain can be obtained in special design InAs/GaSb W-structures where a hybridization gap of 1–3 THz is formed and optical density of states is singular.
Carrier wave-packet transport under the influence of charged quantum dot in small-area resonant tunneling diode
Authors: Hou Y. , Wang W.-P. , Li N. , Xu W.-L. , Lu W. , Fu Y.
Published: September 2008

It was shown experimentally that charging InAs quantum dots (QDs) embedded in a small-area GaAs/AlAs double-barrier resonant tunneling diode (RTD) effectively modified the carrier transport properties of the RTD. By adopting and comparing the one-dimensional plane-wave and three-dimensional (3D) wave-packet transport theories we show that the electron transports in the QDRTD device are in the form of 3D wave packets, which are strongly affected by the 3D long-range Coulomb potential induced by charged InAs QDs. This explains well experimental data and indicates that the 3D wave-packet transport model is more appropriate for the QDRTD device.
Localized heating and thermal characterization of high electrical resistivity silicon-on-insulator sensors using nematic liquid crystals
Authors: Elibol Oguz H. , Reddy Bobby , Bashir Rashid
Published: September 2008

We present a method for localized heating of media at the surface of silicon-on-insulator field-effect sensors via application of an ac voltage across the channel and the substrate and compare this technique with standard Joule heating via the application of dc voltage across the source and drain. Using liquid crystals as the medium to enable direct temperature characterization, our results show that under comparable bias conditions, heating of the medium using an alternating field results in a greater increase in temperature with a higher spatial resolution. These features are very attractive as devices are scaled to the nanoscale dimensions.
Structural basis for RNA recognition by a type II poly(A)-binding protein
Authors: Song Jikui , McGivern Jered V. , Nichols Karl W. , Markley John L. , Sheets Michael D.
Published: September 2008

We identified a functional domain (XlePABP2-TRP) of
Xenopus laevis
embryonic type II poly(A)-binding protein (XlePABP2). The NMR structure of XlePABP2-TRP revealed that the protein is a homodimer formed by the antiparallel association of β-strands from the single RNA recognition motif (RRM) domain of each subunit. In each subunit of the homodimer, the canonical RNA recognition site is occluded by a polyproline motif. Upon poly(A) binding, XlePABP2-TRP undergoes a dimer-monomer transition that removes the polyproline motif from the RNA recognition site and allows it to be replaced by the adenosine nucleotides of poly(A). Our results provide high-resolution structural information concerning type II PABPs and an example of a single RRM domain protein that transitions from a homodimer to a monomer upon RNA binding. These findings advance our understanding of RRM domain regulation, poly(A) recognition, and are relevant to understanding how type II PABPs function in mRNA processing and human disease.
Parallel life history evolution in mouthbrooding cichlids from the African Great Lakes
Authors: Duponchelle Fabrice , Paradis Emmanuel , Ribbink Anthony J. , Turner George F.
Published: September 2008

The existence of ancient deep-water lakes provides an opportunity to study the independent adaptation of aquatic organisms to pelagic, benthic, and rocky shore habitats. With improving resolution of their phylogenetic relationships, the many cichlid fish species endemic to the African Great Lakes Malawi, Tanganyika, and Victoria provide a significant resource for the comparative study of such evolutionary processes. Here, we show that cichlid lineages colonizing rocky shores and pelagic habitats in the different lakes have independently evolved larger eggs and lower fecundities than benthic lineages, suggesting parallel adaptive life-history evolution. By contrast, other pelagic teleost fishes in both marine and freshwater habitats, including African lakes, typically produce large numbers of very small eggs. Our results also suggest that decreased fecundity and increased egg size not only occurred independently in each lake but occurred independently in the colonization of rocky and pelagic habitats.
‘Towards professional multilingualism?’ Reconceptualising the school coordinator role in initial teacher training
Authors: Butcher John , Mutton Trevor
Published: September 2008

This article explores the school coordinator role in initial teacher training (ITT) in England. Recognising that mentoring is fully embedded and highly researched in ITT, it argues the role of the coordinator, while integral to partnerships, is far less researched. This paper investigates tensions in the role, between managing programme‐wide quality assurance, teaching professional studies and developing school‐based mentors. These questions were explored through multi‐site case‐studies with four HEIs and their partner schools in four linked phases of data collection. Data analysis established a range of different conceptualisations of the role, with only limited evidence of a development role with their mentors. The authors argue for policies which establish a more coherent conceptualisation of the role, and an agreed nomenclature. A key recommendation is to free coordinators from bureaucratic demands on their time to enable them to exemplify a new ‘professional multilingualism’.
Peristaltic Transport of a Particle–Fluid Suspension through a Uniform and Non‐Uniform Annulus
Authors: Mekheimer K. S. , Abd Elmaboud Y.
Published: September 2008

This study looks at the influence of an endoscope on the peristaltic flow of a particle–fluid suspension (as blood model) through tubes. A long wavelength approximation through a uniform and non‐uniform infinite annulus filled with an incompressible viscous and Newtonian fluid mixed with rigid spherical particles of identical size is investigated theoretically. The inner tube is uniform, rigid and moving with a constant velocity V0, whereas the outer non‐uniform tube has a sinusoidal wave travelling down its wall. The axial velocity of the fluid phase uf, particulate phase up and the pressure gradients have been obtained in terms of the dimensionless flow rate Q, the amplitude ratio ɸ, particle concentration C, the velocity constant V0 and the radius ratio ϵ (the ratio between the radius of the inner tube and the radius of the outer one at the inlet). Numerical calculations for various values of the physical parameters of interest are carried out for the pressure rise and the friction force on the inner and the outer tubes.
Measurements of injected impurity assimilation during massive gas injection experiments in DIII-D
Authors: Hollmann E.M. , Jernigan T.C. , Parks P.B. , Boedo J.A. , Evans T.E. , Groth M. , Humphreys D.A. , James A.N. , Lanctot M.J. , Nishijima D. , Rudakov D.L. , Scott H.A. , Strait E.J. , Van Zeeland M.A. , Wesley J.C. , West W.P. , Wu W. , Yu J.H.
Published: September 2008

Impurities (H2, D2, He, Ne or Ar) injected into steady (non-disrupting) discharges with massive gas injection (MGI) are shown to mix into the plasma core dominantly via magnetohydrodynamic activity during the plasma thermal quench (TQ). Mixing efficiencies of injected impurities into the plasma core are measured to be of order 0.05–0.4. 0D modelling of the experiments is found to reproduce observed TQ and current quench durations reasonably well (typically within ±25% or so), although shutdown onset times are underestimated (by around 2×). Preliminary 0D modelling of ITER based on DIII-D mixing efficiencies suggests that MGI will work well in ITER with regard to disruption heat load and vessel force mitigation, but may not collisionally suppress runaway electrons.
Community Planning for Pandemic Influenza: Lessons From the VA Health Care System
Authors: Lurie Nicole , Dausey David J. , Knighton Troy , Moore Melinda , Zakowski Sarah , Deyton Lawrence
Published: September 2008

Background: Coordination and communication among community partners—including health departments, emergency management agencies, and hospitals—are essential for effective pandemic influenza planning and response. As the nation’s largest integrated health care system, the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) could be a key component of community planning.

Purpose: To identify issues relevant to VA–community pandemic influenza preparedness.

Methods: As part of a VA–community planning process, we developed and pilot-tested a series of tabletop exercises for use throughout the VA system. These included exercises for facilities, regions (Veterans Integrated Service Networks), and the VA Central Office. In each, VA and community participants, including representatives from local health care facilities and public health agencies, were presented with a 3-step scenario about an unfolding pandemic and were required to discuss issues and make decisions about how the situation would be handled. We report the lessons learned from these pilot tests.

Results: Existing communication and coordination for pandemic influenza between VA health care system representatives and local and regional emergency planners are limited. Areas identified that would benefit from better collaborative planning include response coordination, resource sharing, uneven resource distribution, surge capacity, standards of care, workforce policies, and communication with the public.

Conclusions: The VA health system and communities throughout the United States have limited understanding of one another’s plans and needs in the event of a pandemic. Proactive joint VA–community planning and coordination—including exercises, followed by deliberate actions to address the issues that arise—will likely improve pandemic influenza preparedness and will be mutually beneficial. Most of the issues identified are not unique to VA, but are applicable to all integrated care systems. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2008;2:251–257)
The interaction of CK2α and CK2β, the subunits of protein kinase CK2, requires CK2β in a preformed conformation and is enthalpically driven
Authors: Raaf Jennifer , Brunstein Elena , Issinger Olaf‐Georg , Niefind Karsten
Published: September 2008

The protein kinase CK2 (former name: “casein kinase 2”) predominantly occurs as a heterotetrameric holoenzyme composed of two catalytic chains (CK2α) and two noncatalytic subunits (CK2β). The CK2β subunits form a stable dimer to which the CK2α monomers are attached independently. In contrast to the cyclins in the case of the cyclin‐dependent kinases CK2β is no on‐switch of CK2α; rather the formation of the CK2 holoenzyme is accompanied with an overall change of the enzyme's profile including a modulation of the substrate specificity, an increase of the thermostability, and an allocation of docking sites for membranes and other proteins. In this study we used C‐terminal deletion variants of human CK2α and CK2β that were enzymologically fully competent and in particular able to form a heterotetrameric holoenzyme. With differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) we confirmed the strong thermostabilization effect of CK2α on CK2β with an upshift of the CK2α melting temperature of more than 9°. Using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) we measured a dissociation constant of 12.6 nM. This high affinity between CK2α and CK2β is mainly caused by enthalpic rather than entropic contributions. Finally, we determined a crystal structure of the CK2β construct to 2.8 Å resolution and revealed by structural comparisons with the CK2 holoenzyme structure that the CK2β conformation is largely conserved upon association with CK2α, whereas the latter undergoes significant structural adaptations of its backbone.
The spatial scale of adaptive population differentiation in a wide‐spread, well‐dispersed plant species
Authors: Becker Ute , Dostal Petr , Jorritsma‐Wienk Linda D. , Matthies Diethart
Published: September 2008

Adaptation to the specific conditions at different sites may contribute strongly to the wide distribution of a plant species. However, little is known about the scale at which such adaptation occurs in common species. We studied population differentiation, plasticity and local adaptation of the short‐lived perennialHypochoeris radicata, a widespread and common plant whose seeds are well‐dispersed. We reciprocally transplanted seedlings among several populations of different size within and among three European regions (in the northwest Czech Republic, central Germany and the central Netherlands) and studied several fitness‐related traits over two growing seasons. The region in which the reciprocal transplant experiment was carried out had no influence on the performance of seedlings, indicating that there were no differences in overall habitat quality. In contrast, the site within region, and the plot within site strongly influenced mean plant performance. Plants from different populations of origin differed in their performance, indicating genetic variation among populations, but performance strongly depended on the specific combination of population of origin and transplant site. Plants that grew at their home site produced on average almost twice the number of seeds per transplant (a multiplicative fitness measure) than foreign plants originating from other sites. Survival, rosette size and multiplicative fitness all decreased with increasing distance from the home site to the transplant site. The size of the population of origin did not influence overall plant performance or the strength of local adaptation. In conclusion, our results indicate that the common and widespreadH.radicataconsists of locally adapted genotypes within its European range at a relatively small scale. Thus a large potential for gene flow by seeds and a high density of populations do not appear to be sufficient to prevent population differentiation by selection.
Successful implementation of a nurse‐led teaching programme to independently administer subcutaneous methotrexate in the community setting to children with Crohn’s disease
Authors: GARRICK V. , ATWAL P. , BARCLAY A. R. , MCGROGAN P. , RUSSELL R. K.
Published: September 2008

Background  Methotrexate is increasingly used as a third line immunosuppression agent in children with Crohn’s disease (CD). Methotrexate is traditionally administered in the hospital setting.

Aim  To set up a nurse‐led education programme to teach children/their parents to administer subcutaneous methotrexate in the community.

Methods  All patients were given methotrexate over a 16‐month period. Patient demographics including previous treatments were collected. A competency based teaching package was implemented by the inflammatory bowel disease nurse. Distances and travel times together with costings were calculated.

Results  Thirty two patients (19 male; 13 female) with a median treatment age of 11.96 years (IQR 10.67–13.92) were studied. Thirty of 32 (17 children, 13 parents) were independently administering methotrexate. The median return journey distance to hospital was 23 miles (IQR 14.4–42.4) taking a median time of 52 min (IQR 41.0–73.5) for each injection. The total patient travel saving was £10 537 (average £730 per patient) and nursing time saving was £12 808 with home administration (total saving £23 345).

Conclusions  This paediatric study demonstrates that methotrexate injections can be given successfully in the majority (94%) of patients with CD independently in the community, resulting in significant time and money savings for patients and health professionals alike.
Land‐use legacy and the persistence of invasiveAvena barbataon abandoned farmland
Authors: Standish Rachel J. , Cramer Viki A. , Hobbs Richard J.
Published: September 2008

Exotic species invasion onto abandoned farmlands has been linked to an increase in the availability of soil nutrients after cultivation.Avena barbataPott. (hereafterAvena) is an exotic annual grass that invades old‐fields in south‐western Australia and persists for decades after abandonment. We hypothesized that the competitive ability ofAvenaagainst native woody seedlings is increased on old‐fields affected by P‐fertilizer residues.

We tested this hypothesis in a pot study by growing single native seedlings in competition with increasing densities ofAvena, at old‐field and pre‐agricultural levels of soil P. Then, we planted the same four species,Acacia acuminataBenth.,Allocasuarina campestris(Diels) L.A.S.Johnson,Eucalyptus loxophlebaBenth. subsp.loxophlebaandHakea recurvaMeisn., into plots within an old‐field affected by P‐fertilizer residues, and removedAvenafrom half of the plots. Also, as water availability limits seedling establishment, particularly in the presence ofAvena, we compared the establishment of seedlings planted into microcatchments to improve water availability with that of seedlings planted into level sites.

We found that P enrichment did not substantially enhance the ability ofAvenato compete with any of the native species that we tested in pots.Avenawas the superior competitor against all four native species at both P levels.

In the field, the chances of native seedling establishment were markedly improved by the removal ofAvena.Microcatchments improved the survival ofE. loxophlebasubsp.loxophlebain competition withAvena, but not that of the three other native species. In the absence ofAvena, microcatchments made inconsistent or little difference to the survival and biomass of the planted native seedlings.

Synthesis and applications. Reducing soil P will not be sufficient to promote species coexistence on old‐fields becauseAvenaremains competitive at low soil P. The combination of the land‐use legacies, reduced native seed supply and the introduction of an invasive species that is a superior competitor regardless of P availability, all contribute to the persistence of this invasive species on old‐fields in south‐western Australia. The restoration of the historic ecosystem will require intense effort and there is a risk that planted communities will be prone to re‐invasion.
CTLA4 codon 17 dimorphism in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Seidl C. , Donner H. , Fischer B. , Usadel K.‐H. , Seifried E. , Kaltwasser J.P. , Badenhoop K.
Published: September 2008

Abstract: The genetic susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis is conferred by genes in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region on chromosome 6, but additional genes may be involved to determine disease susceptibility. We have studied the distribution of the CTLA4 exon 1 polymorphism (49 A/G) in rheumatoid arthritis. This dimorphism at codon 17 results in an amino acid exchange (Thr/Ala) in the leader peptide of the expressed protein and was analyzed by PCR, SSCP and RFLP in 258 Caucasian rheumatoid arthritis patients and 456 controls. Rheumatoid arthritis patients were characterized by a decreased frequency of homozygotes for the Thr‐17 substitution (32% versus 39%) and an overrepresentation of patients heterozygous for the Thr/Ala substitution (54% versus 46%). Gene frequencies for the Ala/Thr substitution differed only marginally from controls. In contrast, analyses of the CTLA4 exon 1 polymorphism with respect to HLA‐DRB1*04 revealed significantly more patients with Ala in the homozygous (19% versus 15% controls) or heterozygous state (54% versus 39% controls) and less homozygous for Thr (27% versus 46% controls), with a particular increase of Ala/Ala genotypes among rheumatoid arthritis patients carrying the HLA‐DRB1*0401 subtype. Among HLA‐DRB1*04 negative rheumatoid arthritis patients, we observed no difference between the allele frequencies of the Ala‐17 or Thr‐17 substitution.
HLA‐Cw*1602: a new susceptibility marker of Behçet's disease in southern Spain
Authors: Sanz L , González‐Escribano F. , de Pablo R. , Núñez‐Roldán A. , Kreisler M. , Vilches C.
Published: September 2008

Abstract: Genotyping of the HLA‐C locus by PCR‐SSP in Behçet's disease patients from southern Spain reveals a statistically significant association with Cw*1602 (OR 20.15, corrected ρ<0.05). This is an uncommon allele absent from the healthy control group, which seems to confer higher relative risk than B51 in this study (OR 1.85). Stratified frequencies do not show statistically significant differences but suggest that the Cw*1602‐B51 haplo‐type could be the main HLA marker of Behçet's disease in the analyzed population.
Shaping of the lower jaw bone during growth of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus and a Lake Victoria cichlid Haplochromis chilotes: A geometric morphometric approach
Authors: Fujimura Koji , Okada Norihiro
Published: September 2008

East African cichlids have evolved feeding apparatus morphologies to adapt to diverse feeding environments. However, little is known about how the morphologies are formed during development. Here, we assessed the shape changes of the lower jaw bone during growth of the Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus and a Lake Victoria cichlid Haplochromis chilotes using geometric morphometric methods. ‘Early Juvenile to Late Juvenile’ and ‘Late Juvenile to Adult’ transitions of the shape change during growth of both O. niloticus and H. chilotes were detected. The ‘Early Juvenile to Late Juvenile’ transition of the shape change in H. chilotes occurred slightly earlier than in O. niloticus. We also compared the shape changes during growth of the two cichlids. Principal component analysis showed both commonalities and differences in the morphological changes between the cichlids. Our data suggest that most shape change may have a similar pattern during the growth of O. niloticus and H. chilotes, and that the differences in adult shapes may be due to differences arising early in development, not to the difference of shape change during growth. These data provide a basis for understanding the developmental mechanisms underlying this adaptive trait of East African cichlids.
Unusual weight fluctuation under corticosteroid and psychotropic treatment
Authors: Terao Takeshi
Published: September 2008

It is generally accepted that corticosteroid therapy may increase weight. Because corticosteroids may induce several psychiatric symptoms, psychotropic drugs are required to treat these symptoms in some cases. The present study describes a patient who had unusual weight fluctuation under corticosteroid and psychotropic treatment such as mianserin and aripiprazole.
Neuropsychological impairment and gender differences in HIV‐1 infection
Authors: Faílde‐Garrido José M. , Alvarez Marina Rodríguez , Simón‐López Miguel A.
Published: September 2008

Aims: Research into neuropsychological consequences of HIV has focused mainly on male subjects, and therefore very little is known about the disease in female subjects and, of course, about gender differences. The aim of the present research was therefore to investigate neuropsychological impairment rates and pattern in HIV male and female patients, with regard to the study of gender differences in tasks assessing attention, memory for texts, digits and words, psychomotor speed, verbal intelligence and abstract reasoning.

Methods: A clinical sample was recruited consisting of 122 subjects, divided into four groups: (i) 57 HIV+ men; (ii) 31 HIV+ women; (iii) 18 HIV− men and (iv) 16 HIV− women. All the subjects had more than 18 years, being the average of age of 34.08 for men and 33.35 for women. The evaluation of each subject consisted of a semistructured interview investigating sociodemographic, clinical and toxicological aspects and a neuropsychological assessment, with a battery of tests specifically selected for this study and chosen for their validity and because they have been shown to be sensitive to neuropsychological impairment in HIV‐infected patients in other studies.

Results: None of HIV− male and female groups fulfilled impairment criteria. Regarding the HIV+ group, a rate of neuropsychological impairment of 51.9% was obtained for the men and 54.8% for the women, but there were no significant differences between groups. Nevertheless, were detected significant differences in neuropsychological impairment rates between HIV+ and HIV− women, and also between HIV+ and HIV− men. Although HIV+ women presented multiple factors that could increase their neuropsychological vulnerability to the effects of HIV, HIV+ men had the same probability of having neuropsychological impairment as HIV+ women.

Conclusions: A different neuropsychological impairment pattern was detected between genders: while HIV+ men had greater impairment in visual memory, attention, psychomotor speed and abstract reasoning, HIV+ women had greater impairment on attention, psychomotor speed and verbal memory for texts.
Factors impacting on psychological distress and recovery after the 2004 Niigata–Chuetsu earthquake, Japan: Community‐based study
Authors: Kuwabara Hideki , Shioiri Toshiki , Toyabe Shin‐Ichi , Kawamura Tsuyoshi , Koizumi Masataka , Ito‐Sawamura Miki , Akazawa Kouhei , Someya Toshiyuki
Published: September 2008

Aim:  This study was undertaken 5 months after the 2004 Niigata–Chuetsu earthquake in Japan to assess factors that impacted on psychological distress and its recovery.

Methods:  Three thousand and twenty‐six adult victims who lived in temporary shelter and in seriously damaged areas were evaluated by questionnaire. The questionnaire queried subject profile, degree of house damage, health status, and psychological distress using a 5‐point scale before, immediately and 5 months after the earthquake.

Results:  Immediately after the earthquake, 59.3% of the subjects had psychological distress. At 5 months after the earthquake, however, this percentage decreased to 21.8%. The psychological distress immediately after the earthquake was significantly serious in victims who: (i) were female; (ii) felt stronger fear of the earthquake and the aftershocks; (iii) lived at home or office after the earthquake; and (iv) were injured due to the earthquake or suffered from sickness after the earthquake. In contrast, the factors impairing psychological recovery 5 months after the earthquake were as follows: (i) being with unfamiliar member(s) during the night after the earthquake; (ii) serious house damage; (iii) living in temporary shelter or at a relative's home after the earthquake; and (iv) physical illness after the earthquake.

Conclusion:  Despite differences between disasters, these results were consistent with those in some previous studies and may be useful for long‐term mental care support.
Measuring readiness to change and locus of control belief among male alcohol‐dependent patients in Taiwan: Comparison of the different degrees of alcohol dependence
Authors: Yeh Mei‐Yu
Published: September 2008

Aims:  The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the Drinking‐Related Health Locus of Control scale (DRIE) and the three aspects of readiness to change (i.e. ambivalence, recognition, and taking action), in response to the degree of dependence.

Methods:  This study was carried out based on data collected from 160 male alcohol‐dependent patients, and the degree of alcohol dependence was divided into three categories: light, moderate, and severe, on the basis of the total scores of the short‐form Severity Degree Alcohol Dependence Data questionnaire (SADD).

Results:  There were significant differences between the different degrees of dependence on drinking‐related locus of control, feelings of ambivalence toward drinking, recognition of problematic drinking, and readiness to take action to change. Patients with more severe dependence usually had higher scores of drinking‐related locus of control, indicating a tendency toward external locus of control, feelings of ambivalence, and recognition of their drinking problem; patients with light dependence usually had higher scores for taking action.

Conclusions:  Clinicians can strengthen readiness to change problematic drinking if the importance of degree of dependence and drinking‐related locus of control are taken into consideration when devising interventions.
Cerebral glucose metabolism abnormalities in patients with major depressive symptoms in pre‐dialytic chronic kidney disease: Statistical parametric mapping analysis of F‐18‐FDG PET, a preliminary study
Authors: Song Sang Heon , Kim In Joo , Kim Seong‐Jang , Kwak Ihm Soo , Kim Yong‐Ki
Published: September 2008

Aims:  The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between depressive symptoms and cerebral glucose metabolism in pre‐dialytic chronic kidney disease (PDCKD) patients.

Methods:  Twenty‐one patients with stage 5 CKD and 21 healthy volunteers underwent depressive mood assessment and statistical parametric mapping (SPM) using F‐18‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET).

Results:  Several voxel clusters of significantly decreased cerebral glucose metabolism were found in PDCKD patients. The largest cluster was left prefrontal cortex (Brodmann area [BA] 9). The second largest cluster was also left prefrontal cortex (BA 9). The third largest clusters were right prefrontal cortex (BA 10) and right basolateral prefrontal cortex (BA 46). Other brain areas also showed decreased cerebral glucose metabolism including left anterior cingulate gyrus (BA 32), left premotor cortex (BA 6), left transverse temporal gyrus (BA 41), left superior temporal gyrus (BA 42), right basolateral prefrontal cortex (BA 44), right inferior parietal lobule (BA 39), left middle temporal gyrus (BA 19), and left angular gyrus (BA 39). Hypermetabolized brain areas, however, were not found in PDCKD patients compared to normal controls. For the right orbitofrontal cortex there was a negative correlation of cerebral glucose metabolism with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) in PDCKD patients (BA 11).

Conclusion:  PDCKD patients with depressive symptoms had decreased cerebral glucose metabolism in several brain areas. For the right orbitofrontal cortex there was a negative correlation with HDRS in PDCKD patients. The present findings provide functional neuroimaging support for abnormal cerebral glucose metabolism in PDCKD patients with depressive symptoms.
NATÜRLICHKEIT: EINE STRUKTURELLE UND PRAGMATISCHE KATEGORIE DER SPRACHNORMIERUNG IN TEXTEN DER FRÜHEN NEUZEIT
Authors: Gardt Andreas
Published: September 2008

Für die Zeit vom 16. bis zum 18. Jahrhundert lässt sich die Rede von der Natürlichkeit der Sprache zunächst wörtlich verstehen: Sprachliche Strukturen werden auf Strukturen der Wirklichkeit abgebildet, und als optimal gilt weitgehende Entsprechung, etwa in den Bereichen von Wortbildung und Syntax. Während aber in den früheren Texten bei dieser Abbildung religiöse und kulturpatriotische Aspekte eine erhebliche Rolle spielen (die Natursprache der Mystiker als Ausdruck religiöser Wahrheit, das von Fremdwörtern freie Deutsch als natürlicher Ausdruck deutscher Kultur und Lebensart), dominiert später ein Verständnis von Natürlichkeit im Sinne von ‘Deutlichkeit’, in enger Verbindung mit ‘Verständlichkeit’. Dieser Betonung der darstellungsfunktionalen und kommunikativen Dimension von Sprache entspricht eine Veränderung der Forderungen an eine morphologisch, syntaktisch und stilistisch leistungsfähige Sprache.
BESTREBUNGEN ZUR EINFÜHRUNG EINES SPRACHSCHUTZGESETZES SEIT DER DEUTSCHEN VEREINIGUNG
Authors: Pfalzgraf Falco
Published: September 2008

Seit der deutschen Vereinigung und besonders seit der Jahrtausendwende kommt es vermehrt zu Forderungen nach einem Gesetz zum Schutz der deutschen Sprache, welches in erster Linie als Maßnahme gegen den als zunehmend wahrgenommenen Einfluss des (amerikanischen) Englisch auf das Deutsche anzusehen ist. Diesbezüglich gibt dieser Artikel einen chronologischen Überblick über die Aktivitäten des ‘Vereins Deutsche Sprache' (VDS) und die Forderungen verschiedenster Politiker nach einer möglichen deutschen Sprachgesetzgebung. Gleichzeitig wird untersucht, inwieweit ein Zusammenhang zwischen beidem bestehen könnte. Wie sich herausstellt, existieren offenbar enge Beziehungen zwischen Forderungen, die der VDS verlauten lässt, und Stellungnahmen, die einige Politiker daraufhin abgeben. Es zeigt sich, dass es oftmals eine Zusammenarbeit des VDS mit Politikern in teils hoher Position gibt und dass zahlreiche Politiker dem VDS zumindest nahe stehen. Daraus ergibt sich die Frage, ob der VDS als einflussreiche Größe in Politik und Gesellschaft derzeit zu Unrecht unterschätzt wird.
GERMAN LANGUAGE AND GERMAN IDENTITY IN AMERICA: EVIDENCE FROM SCHOOL GRAMMARS 1860–19181
Authors: Langer Nils
Published: September 2008

One of our jobs as ‘AuslandsgermanistInnen’ is to promote an understanding of German culture in the home community. In our particular case, in the UK, this involves teaching a language and concepts which are – at least on the surface – fairly foreign to the target audience. How does the transmission of cultural and linguistic knowledge take place between motherland and linguistic enclaves? This paper will address this question with regard to the retention and loss of German culture and language by recent and settled immigrants in America at the turn of the nineteenth to the twentieth century. In particular, evidence from German school grammars printed in the USA will be examined to investigate what kind of cultural references were taught to school children.
The Frequency of Financial Analysts' Forecast Revisions: Theory and Evidence about Determinants of Demand for Predisclosure Information
Authors: Holden Craig W. , Stuerke Pamela S.
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  A fundamental property of a financial market is its degree of price informativeness. A major determinant of price informativeness is predisclosure information collected by financial analysts and then privately disseminated to clients, who make the recommended trades. We develop a dynamic model of the analyst's optimal strategy of forecast revision frequency with endogenous analysts and endogenous traders. We then empirically test the model's predictions. We find that forecast revision frequency is positively associated with earnings variability, trading volume, and earnings response coefficients, and negatively associated with skewness of trading volume. Thus, we find strong empirical support for our dynamic model.
Expanding the Global Network of Protected Areas to Save the Imperiled Mediterranean Biome
Authors: UNDERWOOD EMMA C. , KLAUSMEYER KIRK R. , COX ROBIN L. , BUSBY SYLVIA M. , MORRISON SCOTT A. , SHAW M. REBECCA
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  Global goals established by the Convention on Biological Diversity stipulate that 10% of the world's ecological regions must be effectively conserved by 2010. To meet that goal for the mediterranean biome, at least 5% more land must be formally protected over the next few years. Although global assessments identify the mediterranean biome as a priority, without biologically meaningful analysis units, finer‐resolution data, and corresponding prioritization analysis, future conservation investments could lead to more area being protected without increasing the representation of unique mediterranean ecosystems. We used standardized analysis units and six potential natural vegetation types stratified by 3 elevation zones in a global gap analysis that systematically explored conservation priorities across the mediterranean biome. The highest levels of protection were in Australia, South Africa, and California‐Baja California (from 9–11%), and the lowest levels of protection were in Chile and the mediterranean Basin (<1%). Protection was skewed to montane elevations in three out of five regions. Across the biome only one of the six vegetation types—mediterranean shrubland—exceeded 10% protection. The remaining vegetation types—grassland, scrub, succulent dominated, woodland, and forest—each had <3% protection. To guard against biases in future protection efforts and ensure the protection of species characteristic of the mediterranean biome, we identified biodiversity assemblages with <10% protection and subject to >30% conversion and suggest that these assemblages be elevated to high‐priority status in future conservation efforts.
Corporate Environmental Behaviors in Voluntary Programs: Does Timing Matter?*
Authors: Moon Seong‐gin
Published: September 2008

Objective.Why do some firms participate in voluntary programs earlier than others? What conditions dictate whether firms participate in voluntary programs earlier rather than later? Current research on voluntary programs has not considered discrete processes in which corporate actors could have different motives and objectives in different time dimensions, that is, early versus late.

Methods.We adopt a diffusion theory to disaggregate corporate voluntary participation behavior in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sponsored Green Lights (GL) voluntary program. We focus on the GL participants during two periods—the early joiners in 1993–1994, and the late joiners in 1995–1996.

Results.At the early diffusion stage, firms are more likely driven by the market motive that garners a “green” reputation, an important strategic asset to promote market competitiveness; at the late diffusion stage, firms are more driven by the institutional motive to improve their relationships with regulatory agencies and subsequently relieve regulatory pressures from them.

Conclusion.We find that firms have different motives for GL participation at different diffusion stages. We suggest that policymakers who want to induce firms to join voluntary programs should pay more attention to program designs and implementation schemes that accommodate different corporate interests and objectives in different time orders of firms' participations in voluntary programs.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Distancing and the Geographic Relationship Between Electricity Consumption and Production in Massachusetts*
Authors: Luna Marcos
Published: September 2008

Objective.Based on the concept of “distancing” and its implications for ecological feedback and environmental inequality, this article examines the influence of geographic distance from power plants on residential electricity consumption in Massachusetts.

Methods.Mean geographic distance to all power plants in Massachusetts was calculated to a rasterized surface and aggregated by municipality for 243 cities and towns. Using stepwise regression, annual per household residential electricity consumption by municipality was regressed on mean distance to power plants, median household income, percent minority, median number of rooms, and median age.

Results.Mean geographic distance to power plants and median number of rooms emerged as statistically significant predictors of per household residential electricity consumption.

Conclusions.The findings lend support to the concept of “distancing” and its implications for consumption in a domestic context. This analysis offers evidence of scale‐independent similarity between global and local phenomena of environmental inequality and resource consumption.
Policy Climates and Reductions in Automobile Use*
Authors: Borek Erika , Bohon Stephanie A.
Published: September 2008

Objectives. This study examines how national environmental policy influences individual car‐driving behavior in the European Union.

Methods. Using the International Social Survey: Environment II in conjunction with the 2001 and 2002 Environmental Sustainability Indices, we analyze the relationship between macro‐level policy indicators and the reported reduction of individual car driving for environmental reasons, controlling for meso‐ and micro‐level factors.

Results. Our results show that individuals report a greater likelihood of driving less for environmental reasons when they live in nations that adopt strong pro‐environmental policies, even when such policies are not directly related to car use.

Conclusions. Our finding that a national policy climate focused on environmental sustainability is associated with pro‐environmental behaviors among individuals in that nation encourages us to believe that greater international cooperation on environmental issues (such as the Kyoto Protocol) and increased strength of domestic environmental policies will positively change individual behavior.
The α3 subunit gene of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is a candidate gene for ethanol stimulation
Authors: Kamens H. M. , McKinnon C. S. , Li N. , Helms M. L. , Belknap J. K. , Phillips T. J.
Published: September 2008

Alcohol and nicotine are coabused, and preclinical and clinical data suggest that common genes may influence responses to both drugs. A gene in a region of mouse chromosome 9 that includes a cluster of three nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunit genes influences the locomotor stimulant response to ethanol. The current studies first used congenic mice to confirm the influential gene on chromosome 9. Congenic F2mice were then used to more finely map the location. Gene expression of the three subunit genes was quantified in strains of mice that differ in response to ethanol. Finally, the locomotor response to ethanol was examined in mice heterozygous for a null mutation of the α3 nAChR subunit gene (Chrna3). Congenic data indicate that a gene on chromosome 9, within a 46 cM region that contains the cluster of nAChR subunit genes, accounts for 41% of the genetic variation in the stimulant response to ethanol. Greater expression ofChrna3was found in whole brain and dissected brain regions relevant to locomotor behavior in mice that were less sensitive to ethanol‐induced stimulation compared to mice that were robustly stimulated; the other two nAChR subunit genes in the gene cluster (α5 and β4) were not differentially expressed. Locomotor stimulation was not expressed on the genetic background ofChrna3heterozygous (+/−) and wild‐type (+/+) mice; +/− mice were more sensitive than +/+ mice to the locomotor depressant effects of ethanol.Chrna3is a candidate gene for the acute locomotor stimulant response to ethanol that deserves further examination.
Activity of Indenoisoquinolines against African Trypanosomes
Authors: Bakshi Rahul P. , Sang Dongpei , Morrell Andrew , Cushman Mark , Shapiro Theresa A.
Published: September 2008

African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), caused by protozoanTrypanosoma bruceispecies, is a debilitating disease that is lethal if untreated. Available drugs are antiquated, toxic, and compromised by emerging resistance. The indenoisoquinolines are a class of noncamptothecin topoisomerase IB poisons that are under development as anticancer agents. We tested a variety of indenoisoquinolines for their ability to killT. brucei. Indenoisoquinolines proved trypanocidal at submicromolar concentrations in vitro. Structure-activity analysis yielded motifs that enhanced potency, including alkylamino substitutions on N-6, methoxy groups on C-2 and C-3, and a methylenedioxy bridge between C-8 and C-9. Detailed analysis of eight water-soluble indenoisoquinolines demonstrated that in trypanosomes the compounds inhibited DNA synthesis and acted as topoisomerase poisons. Testing these compounds on L1210 mouse leukemia cells revealed that all eight were more effective against trypanosomes than against mammalian cells. In preliminary in vivo experiments one compound delayed parasitemia and extended survival in mice subjected to a lethal trypanosome challenge. The indenoisoquinolines provide a promising lead for the development of drugs against sleeping sickness.