bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of microseismic multiplet analysis to the Basel geothermal reservoir stimulation events
Authors: Dyer B.C. , Schanz U. , Spillmann T. , Ladner F. , Häring M.O.
Published: June 2010

The stimulation of a geothermal well in Basel, Switzerland produced a distribution of microseismic event locations with an overall alignment in the direction of the maximum horizontal stress. Fault plane solutions of individual larger events indicated movements on fracture planes at an angle to the maximum horizontal stress that could not be reliably interpreted from the event locations. To obtain higher resolution images of the microseismic event locations, events with similar waveforms have been identified by multiplet analysis. A number of receivers were used in the multiplet processing to ensure each multiplet is represented by a unique group of waveforms. The location accuracy within each multiplet has been significantly improved using cross‐correlation to refine the shear‐wave traveltime picks. The distribution of events within each multiplet can be interpreted as being due to movements on a single fracture or a number of near parallel fractures. It is shown that whilst the overall distribution of events is around the direction of the maximum horizontal stress, the individual multiplets representing fracture planes have a variety of azimuths and dips.
Factors associated with vaccine failure and vertical transmission of hepatitis B among a cohort of Canadian mothers and infants
Authors: Singh A. E. , Plitt S. S. , Osiowy C. , Surynicz K. , Kouadjo E. , Preiksaitis J. , Lee B.
Published: June 2010

Summary.  Mother‐to‐child transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) continues to occur despite immunoprophylaxis. We examined maternal factors contributing to transmission in infants receiving adequate immunoprophylaxis in Alberta, Canada. Prenatal specimens from HBsAg‐positive women whose babies developed HBV infection despite immunoprophylaxis (cases) and HBsAg‐positive mothers whose babies did not (controls) were tested for HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV DNA. Specimens with detectable DNA underwent HBV genotyping. Routinely collected surveillance data and laboratory test results were compared between cases and controls. Twelve cases and 52 controls were selected from a provincial registry from 2000 to 2005. At the time of prenatal screening, median maternal age was 31 years [interquartile range (IQR): 27.5–34.5], and median gestational age was 12 weeks (IQR 10.0–15.5). Cases were more likely than controls to test positive for HBeAg (77.8%vs 23.1%; P < 0.05). Of all mothers with detectable viral load (n = 51), cases had a significantly higher median viral load than did controls (5.6 × 108 IU/mL vs 1750 IU/mL, P < 0.0001). Of the two cases who were HBeAg negative, one had an undetectable viral load 8 months prior to delivery and a sP120T mutation. The viral load in the other case was 14 000 IU/mL. The majority of isolates were genotype B (31.3%) and C (31.3%) with no significant differences in genotype between cases or controls. In this case–control study, transmission of HBV to infants was more likely to occur in mothers positive for HBeAg and with high HBV DNA.
Weed flora and dormant‐season cover crops have no effects on arbuscular mycorrhizae of grapevine
Authors: BAUMGARTNER K , FUJIYOSHI P , SMITH R , BETTIGA L
Published: June 2010

Baumgartner K, Fujiyoshi P, Smith R & Bettiga L (2010). Weed flora and dormant‐season cover crops have no effects on arbuscular mycorrhizae of grapevine. Weed Research50, 456–466.

We tested the hypothesis that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) diversity and colonisation of grapevine increase with increasing frequency and diversity of mycorrhizal hosts on the vineyard floor. The vineyard floor cover was manipulated by cover cropping (rye, triticale) inter‐rows, and implementing weed control treatments in intra‐row areas. Weed control treatments were the standard practice of pre‐emergence applications of oxyfluorfen or simazine, and alternatives of post‐emergence applications of glyphosate or oxyfluorfen, and cultivation. Grapevine mycorrhizal colonisation and frequency, diversity and richness of mycorrhizal weeds were examined for 3 years, after which AMF diversity was evaluated using PCR. Canonical correspondence analyses showed that weed control, but not cover crops, affected weed composition; cultivation and post‐emergence treatments were dominated by mycorrhizal weeds (Sonchus oleraceus and Conyza canadensis respectively), pre‐emergence treatments were dominated by non‐mycorrhizal Cyperus esculentus. Weed frequency varied among treatments; cultivation was less effective than both herbicide treatments in the first year, and both cultivation and post‐emergence herbicide were least effective in the last year. Therefore, the alternative weed control methods may not be as effective as the pre‐emergence herbicide. Weed control had a significant interaction with year on frequency, diversity and richness of mycorrhizal weeds, none of which correlated with grapevine mycorrhizal colonisation. Our finding of no effect of weed control on grapevine mycorrhizae, despite significant effects on weeds, provide no support our hypothesis, but rather suggest that mycorrhizal hosts on the vineyard floor have no influence on grapevine mycorrhizae.
Drought advances spring growth phenology of the Mediterranean shrubErica multiflora
Authors: Bernal M. , Estiarte M. , Peñuelas J.
Published: June 2010

Current climate projections predict drier and warmer conditions in the Mediterranean basin over the next century. While advanced spring growth due to warming has been described in the literature, few data are available on the effects of drought on phenology. Hence, the phenology and growth of two Mediterranean shrubs,Erica multifloraandGlobularia alypum, was studied in a rainfall exclusion field experiment to simulate spring drought in a natural shrubland. We estimated the onset of growth in spring by monitoring the appearance of new stems, and the end of growth in summer by following the elongation of stems. Drought treatment caused earlier onset of the spring growing season inE. multiflora,whereas no advance was observed inG. alypum. However, growth cessation was not affected inE. multiflora. Drought reduced the growth of both shrubs, as reflected in less stem elongation. The results show that a drier climate might affect not only growth but also spring phenology of some Mediterranean species. We suggest that a reduction in the cooling effect of transpiration may have analogous effects to warming and might advance the start of growth inE. multiflora,a species whose phenology has been described as warming‐sensitive. The lengthening of the growing season resulting from advanced growth did not imply higher productivity, as growth was restricted by drought.
Evidence for Rapid Changes in the Population Genetic Structure of Magnaporthe oryzae in Southern Spain
Authors: Lara‐Á lvarez Isaac , Tharreau Didier , Aguilar‐Portero Manuel , Castejón‐Muñoz Mercedes
Published: June 2010

Previous studies of European populations of the blast fungus (Magnaporthe oryzae) have shown the existence of five clonal lineages. Three of them were common to different countries, whereas one was specific to Hungary and another was specific to Spain. But these studies were carried out on a limited number of individuals and pointed out a need for more extensive studies in each European rice‐growing area. In addition, temporal evolution of M. oryzae populations is also poorly documented. In this study, we focused on Guadalquivir delta region in southern Spain. A total of 186 M. oryzae isolates were collected from various farmer and experimental fields, on diverse cultivars, over the period 1999–2003, and characterized for their genotypic and pathotypic diversity. Five lineages were identified, one of which was detected for the first time in Europe (E6). The E6 lineage, which was collected over the period 2000–2003, became dominant in 2000. Pathotyping confirmed previous results of a narrow diversity for virulence spectrum in European lineages. Five dominant pathotypes were identified, each one corresponding to a single pathotype. Drastic changes in lineage relative frequencies were observed from one year to another. The origin of such changes is discussed.
Ultrastructure of the Initial Interaction ofPuccinia arachidisandCercosporidium personatumwith Leaves ofArachis hypogaeaandArachis stenosperma
Authors: De Macedo Leal‐Bertioli Soraya Cristina , De Farias Marcelo Picanço , Silva Pedro Íalo Tanno , Guimarães Patricia Messenberg , Brasileiro Ana Cristina Miranda , Bertioli David John , De Araujo Ana Claudia Guerra
Published: June 2010

Cultivated peanut,Arachis hypogaeaL., is an economically important species. It is very susceptible to different stresses to which wild species are mostly resistant. Foliar diseases, such as late leaf spot (LLS) caused by the fungusCercosporidium personatum, and rust caused by the fungusPuccinia arachidis, are responsible for decrease in plant growth and productivity. The peanut wild relativeArachis stenospermaaccession V10309 was identified as resistant to a number of pests and diseases, including LLS and rust. Aiming to better understand the mechanisms of resistance ofA. stenospermatoC. personatumandP. arachidis, determine initial key steps of the plant–pathogen interaction and to contribute for studies on genes involved in this interaction, ultrastructural analysis was performed on leaves ofA. stenospermaV10309 (wild, resistant) andA. hypogaeacv. IAC‐Tatu (cultivated, susceptible) inoculated withC. personatumorP. arachidis. For both fungal species, adhesion, germination of spores and hyphal proliferation occurred in both species but was more limited and later inA. stenospermathan inA. hypogaea, and no successful penetration was observed in the former. These data suggest that inA. stenosperma, infection is hampered at the stage of penetration. This is the first morphological description of the first hours of the interaction of plant pathogenic fungi and the resistant wild speciesA. stenosperma.
Viruses Infecting Tomato in València, Spain: Occurrence, Distribution and Effect of Seed Origin
Authors: Soler Salvador , Prohens Jaime , López Carmelo , Aramburu José , Galipienso Luis , Nuez Fernando
Published: June 2010

Viral diseases are a serious limitation to the tomato crop in the region of València, Spain. A survey of tomato viruses in open field cultivation plots was made in the three provinces of this region. A total of 228 plots classified according to the origin of the seed (farmer seed plots or commercial seed plots) were surveyed, from which 1300 individual plants were sampled and tested for Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV), Parietaria mottle virus (PMoV), Potato virus Y (PVY), Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) and for the tomato yellow leaf curl disease (TYLCD). Virus infection was detected in 58.9% of the plants sampled and in 86.0% of the plots surveyed. All these viruses were detected, and the most prevalent were ToMV and PVY (34.1% and 27.1% of infected plants, respectively), but PMoV and TYLCD were the less prevalent (1.2% and 1.3% of infected plants, respectively). Differences among provinces and seed origin were found for most of the viruses studied. In particular, both ToMV and PVY had a higher level of infection in plants from farmer seed plots than in commercial seed plots, which accounts for the higher percentage of virus‐infected plants in the former (64.2%) when compared to the latter (49.1%). Single and multiple infections were found in 42.38% and 16.54% of the samples, respectively. The most common multiple infection was of ToMV, PVY or both. These results show that the percentage of infected plants and plots in open field cultivation is very high in this region and the origin of the seed is an important factor in the incidence of virus infection. In this respect, preventive measures, including virus‐free seed, resistant cultivars and improved cultural practices, could reduce the incidence of virus infection.
Neuroanatomical correlates of attention‐deficit–hyperactivity disorder accounting for comorbid oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder
Authors: Sasayama Daimei , Hayashida Ayako , Yamasue Hidenori , Harada Yuzuru , Kaneko Tomoki , Kasai Kiyoto , Washizuka Shinsuke , Amano Naoji
Published: June 2010

Aim:  An increasing number of neuroimaging studies have been conducted to uncover the pathophysiology of attention‐deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The findings are inconsistent, however, at least partially due to methodological differences. In the present study voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) was used to evaluate brain morphology in ADHD subjects after taking into account the confounding effect of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD) comorbidity.

Methods:  Eighteen children with ADHD and 17 age‐ and gender‐matched typically developing subjects underwent high‐spatial resolution magnetic resonance imaging. The regional gray matter volume differences between the children with ADHD and controls were examined with and without accounting for comorbid ODD and CD in a voxel‐by‐voxel manner throughout the entire brain.

Results:  The VBM indicated significantly smaller regional gray matter volume in regions including the bilateral temporal polar and occipital cortices and the left amygdala in subjects with ADHD compared with controls. Significantly smaller regional gray matter volumes were demonstrated in more extensive regions including the bilateral temporal polar cortices, bilateral amygdala, right occipital cortex, right superior temporal sulcus, and left middle frontal gyrus after controlling for the confounding effect of comorbid ODD and CD. 

Conclusion:  Morphological abnormalities in ADHD were seen not only in the regions associated with executive functioning but also in the regions associated with social cognition. When the effect of comorbid CD and ODD was taken into account, there were more extensive regions with significantly smaller volume in ADHD compared to controls.
Schizophrenia patients discharged against medical advice at a mental hospital in Taiwan
Authors: Wung Yu‐Ting , Chen Cheng‐Chung , Chen Feng‐Chuan , Lin Ching‐Hua
Published: June 2010

Aim:  The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the risk factors associated with discharge against medical advice (AMA) and compare the time to rehospitalization between patients with AMA discharges and those with regular discharges.

Methods:  All schizophrenia inpatients discharged from a psychiatric hospital between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2006 were monitored. The clinical variables were compared between the patients discharged AMA and those with regular discharges. Logistic regression was used to determine the best predictor for AMA discharge. Times to rehospitalizaton within 15 and 60 days after discharge were measured using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results:  Compared to patients with regular discharges, patients discharged AMA were significantly more likely to be male (P = 0.007), to have comorbid alcohol abuse/dependence (P = 0.007), to take typical antipsychotic agents (P = 0.005) and to have shorter lengths of hospital stay (P < 0.001). Logistic regression demonstrated that male gender (odds ratio [OR], 1.631; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.067– 2.493)] and prescription of typical antipsychotic agents (OR, 1.729; 95%CI: 1.098–2.723) were the most influential predictors for discharge AMA. There were significant differences in time to rehospitalization between these two groups during the 15‐day (P = 0.009) and 60‐day (P = 0.038) follow‐up periods.

Conclusion:  Male gender and prescription of typical antipsychotic agents increased the likelihood of AMA discharge. The consequence for patients with AMA discharges was earlier rehospitalization. Future studies are needed in many different mental health systems to better generalize the findings.
Propranolol in the management of periorbital infantile haemangioma
Authors: Cheng Jin Fong , Gole Glen A , Sullivan Timothy J
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background:  Infantile haemangiomas are the commonest tumours of the orbit in children. Treatment is usually expectant, unless they are visually threatening. Although steroids, other pharmacological and surgical treatment modalities have their place, there are risks involved. A previous case series reported the successful use of propranolol for infantile haemangioma. The safety and efficacy of propranolol in the treatment of periorbital haemangioma was reviewed in a serious of our patients.

Methods:  We performed a retrospective review of patients seen by two ophthalmologists (TJS and GAG), collecting data on colour, size of lesion, duration of treatment and side‐effects of treatment. Our main outcome measures were colour and size of infantile haemangioma before and after treatment, the change in astigmatism of our patients and the incidence of complications from propranolol.

Results:  We reviewed 10 patients with infantile haemangioma. They were treated with propranolol oral syrup 2 mg/kg/day in divided doses for a mean duration of 32.8 (range 12–42) weeks. All our patients had a reduction in colour and size of the lesions. The mean lesion size decreased from 756.7 to 543.2 mm2 after treatment (P = 0.075). Five patients had significant astigmatism and 60% had successful reduction of astigmatism after treatment. None of our patients suffered significant side‐effects of propranolol.

Conclusion:  Propranolol appears to be a safe and effective treatment in the management of infantile haemangioma.
WINDOW ON THE NETHERLANDS: CRACKS IN THE MYTH: CHALLENGES TO LAND POLICY IN THE NETHERLANDS
Authors: BUITELAAR EDWIN
Published: June 2010

In the international literature and discussions on land management, Dutch land policy is often presented as a special case, sometimes even as a role model for other countries. However, in recent years this policy has come under pressure as a consequence of institutional changes in the housing market, the social housing sector, spatial policy and European competition rules. This paper intends to unravel these changes and their effect on Dutch land policy. It also reflects upon the implications of land policy changes for the effectiveness of spatial policy.
Censorship and Opinion Formation: Franziska Linkerhand on the GDR Stage
Authors: Bradley Laura
Published: June 2010

This article uses the stage history of Franziska Linkerhand to cast new perspectives on GDR theatre after Wolf Biermann's expatriation. Whilst this period is usually associated with a retreat from experimentation, new space for innovative contemporary drama opened up in the spring and summer of 1978. Christoph Schroth's groundbreaking production of Franziska Linkerhand was judged a qualified success when it was premièred in Schwerin, but it sparked controversy in Leipzig and especially in East Berlin. After prolonged negotiations, performances in Schwerin were allowed to continue, but plans for new productions in Halle and Wittenberg were dropped. The changing theatrical fortunes of Franziska Linkerhand thus allow us to trace processes of opinion formation within the theatre community and political establishment, and to show how and why the Culture Ministry had to change its policy on GDR drama in autumn 1978 – a change which historians have previously overlooked. The case study also sheds new light on the nature and extent of regional differences in GDR theatre censorship in the 1970s: whilst East Berlin's First Party Secretary pushed for tighter restrictions than the Ministry, the different decisions reached in other regions can be explained by the changes in central policy.

An hand einer Untersuchung der Inszenierungsgeschichte von Franziska Linkerhand wirft dieser Beitrag ein neues Licht auf das DDR‐Theater nach der Ausbürgerung Wolf Biermanns. Obwohl die Jahre nach 1976 gewöhnlich mit einem Rückgang an künstlerischen Experimenten assoziiert werden, öffnete sich im Frühling und Sommer 1978 neuer Raum für innovative Gegenwartsdramatik. Christoph Schroths bahnbrechende Inszenierung von Franziska Linkerhand schien sich in Schwerin anfangs durchgesetzt zu haben, löste in Leipzig und vor allem in Ostberlin jedoch heftige Kontroversen aus. Nach langen Verhandlungen durfte das Stück in Schwerin weiterhin aufgeführt werden, Pläne für neue Inszenierungen in Halle und Wittenberg wurden jedoch gestrichen. Der Beitrag unternimmt den Versuch, an hand dieser Entwicklungen der Meinungsbildung unter Theaterleuten und Funktionären nachzuspüren und somit zu erklären, warum das Ministerium für Kultur im Herbst 1978 seine Linie im Hinblick auf die Gegenwartsdramatik ändern musste. Historiker haben diesen Kurswechsel bisher übersehen. Die Fallstudie bietet auch neue Einsichten in die Ursachen und das Ausmaß regionaler Unterschiede in der DDR‐Theaterzensur der siebziger Jahre: während der Erste Sekretär der Ostberliner SED‐Bezirksleitung eine strengere Politik als das Ministerium vertrat, lassen sich die unterschiedlichen Entscheidungen in anderen Bezirken durch den Kurswechsel in der zentralen Theaterpolitik erklären.
‘Eine Bindung durch Hass’: Double‐Agency, Mimesis and the Role of Hands in Monika Maron's Stille Zeile Sechs
Authors: Ring Annie
Published: June 2010

This article deals with the case of collaboration portrayed in Monika Maron's novel Stille Zeile Sechs. Her protagonist, Rosalind Polkowski, has been celebrated as resisting the disciplinary state structures represented by her employer, former SED Party functionary Herbert Beerenbaum. Meanwhile the text's narrative structure and a curious mimetic function in the heroine's behaviour appear to encourage a psychoanalytical reading: Polkowski as traumatised victim of Communism. But her role transcribing Beerenbaum's memoirs positions her as a more problematic double‐agent, a handmaid of power.

Polkowski's double‐agency has an interesting historical counterpart in the author's own brief affair as a Kontaktperson (code‐name ‘Mitsu’) for the foreign intelligence service of the East German secret police. Maron's involvement in ‘Stasi’ operations worked in contradiction to her oppositional stance, and reflected a ‘hateful bind’ that she felt in relation to the GDR.

To read the double‐agency that the fictional and historical cases share in terms of guilt or victimhood is insufficient. Placed alongside the ‘Mitsu’ case, Polkowski's fictional double‐bind brings to light what we might call a ‘security complex’, a network of subjective and state securities in which collaboration and resistance are matters of constant negotiation between power and the subject.

Der Artikel beschäftigt sich mit einem Fall der Kollaboration in Monika Marons Roman Stille Zeile Sechs. Marons Protagonistin, Rosalind Polkowski, ist mehrfach als Figur des Widerstands ausgezeichnet worden, insofern sie gegen die Staatsmacht aufbegehrt, die von ihrem Arbeitgeber, dem ehemaligen SED‐Funktionär Herbert Beerenbaum vertreten wird. Die Erzählstruktur des Romans und die Inszenierung eines mimetisch‐traumatischen Verhaltens von Polkowski scheinen inzwischen eine psychoanalytische Leseart anzuregen, die sie als ‘Opfer’ des Kommunismus darstellt. In ihrer Rolle als Schreibkraft, die Beerenbaums Memoiren transkribiert, erweist sich Polkowski jedoch vielmehr als eine problematische Doppelagentin, als eine Handlangerin der Macht.

Polkowskis Doppelagententätigkeit hat ein interessantes Gegenstück: Maron selbst war für kurze Zeit unter dem Decknamen ‘Mitsu’ als Kontaktperson für die ‘Hauptverwaltung Aufklärung’ des Ministeriums für Staatssicherheit der DDR tätig. Marons Verwicklung in die operative Arbeit des MfS stand im Gegensatz zu ihrer oppositionellen Haltung, und reflektierte eine ‘Bindung durch Haß’, die sie gegen ihren Willen mit dem Staat verband.

Ich schlage vor, dass die Doppelagententätigkeit, die von dem fiktiven wie von dem historischen Fall bezeugt wird, über Bezugssysteme von Schuld und Opferschaft hinausgeht. Eine Lektüre des Romans neben dem ‘Fall Mitsu’ bringt stattdessen ein Netzwerk der subjektiven und staatlichen Sicherheiten ans Licht, einen ‘Komplex der Sicherheit’ vielleicht, innerhalb dessen Mitarbeit und Widerstand zwischen Macht und Subjekt ständig neu ausgehandelt werden müssen.
‘Ostpolitik, Nordpolitik’: Partition and National Identity in Germany and Ireland
Authors: Ó Dochartaigh Pól
Published: June 2010

This paper looks at the effects of partition in both Germany and Ireland on national identity. It identifies certain parallels in the ways that official and unofficial attitudes developed over time in the two countries during partition/division and aims to show that attitudes towards the question of national identity among large sections of the populations of all four states were frequently at variance with officially stated positions on the question. Thus the definition of Germanness in the Federal Republic and Irishness in the Republic of Ireland became ambiguous with time, serving to define as the occasion demanded either a cultural identity that went beyond the territory of the state or a political identity based on the de facto territory of the state. Similarly, in both the GDR and Northern Ireland official attempts to create a new national identity that was no longer shared with citizens of the larger state were ambiguous and riddled with contradictions, more often rooted in denial than in any affirmation of a positive alternative, and as such they were rejected by significant portions of the populations. The ambiguities that arose in all states led to the situation whereby in both Germany and Ireland an all‐embracing national identity came to reside primarily in those sections of the populations in the smaller states which rejected a separate national identity but whose adherence to a national identity tied to ‘Germany’ or ‘Ireland’ was not compromised by the territorial ambiguities that arose with time in the larger state claiming the name.

In diesem Beitrag werden die Auswirkungen der Zweistaatlichkeit in Deutschland und Irland auf die nationale Identität in beiden Ländern besprochen. Bestimmte Parallelen in der Art und Weise, wie sich offizielle und inoffizielle Einstellungen mit der Zeit entwickelten, werden herausgearbeitet und es wird gezeigt, dass in allen vier Staaten die öffentliche Meinung von den offiziellen Verlautbarungen divergierte. Zu den Begriffen ‘deutsch’ in der Bundesrepublik und ‘irisch’ in der Republik Irland gehörte eine gewisse Ambiguität, da sowohl eine kulturelle Identität, die über die Staatsgrenze hinausging, als auch eine politische Identität, die das de facto Staatsgebiet zur Grundlage hatte, gemeint sein könnte. Ebenso widersprüchlich gestalteten sich offizielle Versuche in Nordirland und der DDR, eine neue, von dem größeren Staat getrennte nationale Identität zu entwickeln, da oft eher Verneinung der alten gemeinsamen als Befürwortung einer neuen getrennten Identität betont wurde und diese deshalb von einem Großteil der Bevölkerung abgelehnt wurden. Dies führte dazu, dass eine gesamtdeutsche bzw. gesamtirische Identität in jenem Bevölkerungsteil im kleineren Teilstaat erhalten blieb, der die Teilung ablehnte und dessen nationale Identität nicht durch die Ambiguitäten der sich allmählich verändernden nationalen Identität im größeren Teilstaat kompromittiert wurde.
Shifts in plant respiration and carbon use efficiency at a large‐scale drought experiment in the eastern Amazon
Authors: Metcalfe D. B. , Meir P. , Aragão L. E. O. C. , Lobo‐do‐Vale R. , Galbraith D. , Fisher R. A. , Chaves M. M. , Maroco J. P. , da Costa A. C. L. , de Almeida S. S. , Braga A. P. , Gonçalves P. H. L. , de Athaydes J. , da Costa M. , Portela T. T. B. , de Oliveira A. A. R. , Malhi Y. , Williams M.
Published: June 2010

Featured paper: See Editorial p553
Potential consequences of climate warming for tropical plant species in high mountains of southern Ethiopia
Authors: Kreyling Juergen , Wana Desalegn , Beierkuhnlein Carl
Published: June 2010

Aim  Species in the tropics respond to global warming by altitudinal distribution shifts. Consequences for biodiversity may be severe, resulting in lowland attrition, range‐shift gaps, range contractions and extinction risks. We aim to identify plant groups (growth forms, families, endemic status) with higher than average risks.

Location  South Ethiopian highlands.

Methods  Based on observational data from mainly unexplored and remote mountain regions, we applied a published model to project the consequences of an upward shift of thermal site conditions on the altitudinal distribution of 475 plant species. Annual average temperature increases of up to 5 °C were evaluated. Differences between groups of species were analysed by a permutation procedure and Generalized Linear Models.

Results  Because of a limited regional species pool, even mild warming is projected to create strong potential risks concerning lowland attrition, i.e. the net loss of species richness because of upward range shifts in the absence of new species arriving. Likewise, many species are expected to face range‐shift gaps, i.e. the absence of an overlap between future and current altitudinal ranges already under mild warming scenarios. Altitudinal contractions and mountain‐top extinctions will potentially become important when warming exceeds 3.5 °C. Mean area per species is projected to decline by 55% for the A2 emissions scenario (+4.2 °C until 2100) because of the physical shape of the mountains. Higher than average vulnerability is expected for endemic species as well as for herbs and ferns. Plant families that are especially threatened are identified.

Main conclusions  Lowland biotic attrition and range‐shift gaps as predicted by a simple model driven by shifts of isotherms will result in novel challenges for preserving mountain biodiversity in the inner tropics. Whereas contractions of occupied area are expected to threaten endemic and already endangered species in particular, we suggest that conservation priorities can be identified based on simple prognostic models even without precise regional warming scenarios.
Invasiveness of alien plants in Brussels is related to their phylogenetic similarity to native species
Authors: Ricotta Carlo , Godefroid Sandrine , Rocchini Duccio
Published: June 2010

Aim  Understanding the processes that drive invasion success of alien species has received considerable attention in current ecological research. From an evolutionary point of view, many studies have shown that the phylogenetic similarity between the invader species and the members of the native community may be an important aspect of invasiveness. In this study, using a coarse‐scale systematic sampling grid of 1 km2, we explore whether the occupancy frequency of two groups of alien species, archaeophytes and neophytes, in the urban angiosperm flora of Brussels is influenced by their phylogenetic relatedness to native species.

Location  The city of Brussels (Belgium).

Methods  We used ordinary least‐squares regressions and quantile regressions for analysing the relationship between the occupancy frequency of alien species in the sampled grid and their phylogenetic distance to the native species pool.

Results  Alien species with high occupancy frequency in the sampled grid are, on average, more phylogenetically related to native species than are less frequent aliens, although this relationship is significant only for archaeophytes. In addition, as shown by the quantile regressions, the relationship between phylogenetic relatedness to the native flora and occupancy frequency is much stronger for the most frequent aliens than for rare aliens.

Main conclusions  Our data suggest that it is unlikely that species with very low phylogenetic relatedness to natives will become successful invaders with very high distribution in the area studied. To the contrary, under future climate warming scenarios, present‐day urban aliens of high occupancy frequency are likely to become successful invaders even outside urban areas.
Damage Characterisation of Inhomogeneous Materials: Experiments and Numerical Simulations of Wave Propagation
Authors: Aggelis D. G.
Published: June 2010

Abstract:  Elastic waves are commonly used for characterisation of concrete. To produce reliable results, wave propagation needs a lot of understanding. Therefore, combined study through experiments and simulations is deemed essential. In the present paper, the case of concrete with flakey inclusions, serving as micro‐cracks, is investigated both in laboratory experiments and computer simulation. The results suggest new wave features suitable for characterisation. Parameters like wave dispersion and frequency dependent attenuation prove to be more sensitive to damage than the traditionally used pulse velocity and can improve characterisation when employed in situ. The monitoring of a cracked concrete bridge before and after repair is discussed as a case study.
Enhancing the Deformation of Shape Memory Sandwich Panels
Authors: Radford D. W. , Antonio A.
Published: June 2010

Abstract:  Composite sandwich panels fabricated using a thermosetting shape memory polymer matrix material and a corresponding thermoset shape memory polymer foam core offer the potential to demonstrate large, recoverable, deformations in otherwise stiff structures, under flexural loading. However, as with flexure of thin, fibre‐reinforced shape memory matrix laminates, deflection is limited by fibre compression buckling because of the reduced shape memory matrix stiffness at elevated temperature. A hybrid matrix concept has been developed for sandwich panels loaded in flexure in a single direction. This concept uses a non‐shape memory resin as the matrix for a fraction of the plies on the surface of the facesheet loaded in compression. It is predicted that, at the elevated temperatures required for the generation of deformation in the shape memory structural sandwich panel, the shape memory matrix and foam moduli will be substantially reduced, while the modulus of the non‐shape memory resin will not. Thus, at elevated temperature this effectively leads to a shift of the neutral axis towards the non‐shape memory surface, keeping the low stiffness shape memory matrix material in tension and extending the range of deformation prior to onset of fibre buckling. The experiments performed demonstrate that this hybrid matrix approach enables a three‐fold increase in mid‐span deformation prior to buckling of fibres in the compression surface plies. Furthermore, the force measured to attain the deformed geometry, at elevated temperature, only increases approximately 10–15%, while the magnitude of the force required remains very low. Thus, the hybrid matrix approach functions as predicted and enables the development of sandwich panel structural elements which can undergo large, recoverable deformations.
Effect of Loading Rate on Fracture Energy of High‐Strength Concrete
Authors: Ruiz G. , Zhang X. X. , Yu R. C. , Porras R. , Poveda E. , del Viso J. R.
Published: June 2010

Abstract:  This research deals with the sensitivity of several types of performance‐designed high‐strength concrete to the loading rate. Variations in the composition of the concrete produce the desired performance, for instance having null shrinkage or being able to be pumped at elevated heights without segregation, but they also produce variations in the fracture properties that are reported in this paper. We performed tests at five loading rates spanning six orders of magnitude in the displacement rate, from 1.74 × 10−5 mm s−1 to 17.4 mm s−1. Load‐displacement curves show that their peak is higher as the displacement rate increases, whereas the corresponding displacement is almost constant. Fracture energy also increases, but only for loading rates higher than 0.01 mm s−1. We use a formula based on a cohesive law with a viscous term [Anales de Mecánica de la Fractura 25 (2008) 793–797] to study the results. The correlation of the formula to the experimental results is good and it allows us to obtain the theoretical value for the fracture energy under strictly static conditions. In addition, both the fracture energy and the characteristic length of the concretes used in the study diminish as the compressive strength of their aggregates increases.
Quercetin and its principal metabolites, but not myricetin, oppose lipopolysaccharide‐induced hyporesponsiveness of the porcine isolated coronary artery
Authors: Al‐Shalmani Salmin , Suri Sunita , Hughes David A , Kroon Paul A , Needs Paul W , Taylor Moira A , Tribolo Sandra , Wilson Vincent G
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Quercetin is anti‐inflammatory in macrophages by inhibiting lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐mediated increases in cytokine and nitric oxide production but there is little information regarding the corresponding effect on the vasculature. We have examined the effect of quercetin, and its principal human metabolites, on inflammatory changes in the porcine isolated coronary artery.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Porcine coronary artery segments were incubated overnight at 37°C in modified Krebs‐Henseleit solution with or without 1 µg·mL−1 LPS. Some segments were also co‐incubated with quercetin‐related flavonoids or Bay 11‐7082, an inhibitor of NFκB. Changes in isometric tension of segments to vasoconstrictor and vasodilator agents were recorded. Nitrite content of the incubation solution was estimated using the Griess reaction, while inducible nitric oxide synthase was identified immunohistochemically.

KEY RESULTS Lipopolysaccharide reduced, by 35–50%, maximal contractions to KCl and U46619, thromboxane A2 receptor agonist, and impaired endothelium‐dependent relaxations to substance P. Nitrite content of the incubation medium increased 3‐ to 10‐fold following exposure to LPS and inducible nitric oxide synthase was detected in the adventitia. Quercetin (0.1–10 µM) opposed LPS‐induced changes in vascular responses, nitrite production and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase. Similarly, 10 µM Bay 11‐7082, 10 µM quercetin 3′‐sulphate and 10 µM quercetin 3‐glucuronide prevented LPS‐induced changes, while myricetin (10 µM) was inactive. Myricetin (10 µM) prevented quercetin‐induced modulation of LPS‐mediated nitrite production.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Quercetin, quercetin 3′‐suphate and quercetin 3‐glucuronide, exerted anti‐inflammatory effects on the vasculature, possibly through a mechanism involving inhibition of NFκB. Myricetin‐induced antagonism of the effect of anti‐inflammatory action of quercetin merits further investigation.
Determinants of off‐farm work and its effects on farm performance: the case of Norwegian grain farmers
Authors: Lien Gudbrand , Kumbhakar Subal C. , Hardaker J. Brian
Published: June 2010

Limited attention has been given in the literature to the impact of off‐farm work on farm performance. More knowledge about the determinants of part‐time farming and its effects on farm performance could help policymakers to introduce better targeted rural development policies. The aim in this article is to fill part of the above‐mentioned gaps by analyzing factors that influence the choices of off‐farm work by either the farmer alone or jointly by both the farmer and partner; and simultaneously examining how off‐farm work influences farm performance. These analyses were based on an unbalanced panel data set from Norwegian grain farms during 1991 to 2005. Among the determinants of off‐farm work hours, we found that, in addition to demographic, time trend, and some regional effects, there was a significant negative effect of farm output on farmers' off‐farm work hours. The production function results revealed that off‐farm work had a positive effect on farm output, at first increasing but then decreasing with increase in hours spent in off‐farm work. Furthermore, our analysis revealed no systematic effect of off‐farm work on farm technical efficiency.
The impact of auction characteristics on prices of agricultural products traded online: evidence from cherries
Authors: Sun Chia‐Hung
Published: June 2010

This article provides an empirical study on the relationship between auction characteristics and prices using a data set on cherry sales from the online auction site Yahoo! Kimo. Using three alternative measures of the dependent variable, results indicate that reputation variables have a statistically important association with auction prices. The extent of reputation's impact on prices varies substantially depending on the model specification and estimation technique. The article highlights the effectiveness of a nonlinear specification for both measuring and interpreting the underlying reputation variables. The use of a “Buy It Now” option, size, and country of the origin is correlated with prices at statistically significant levels. Several econometric concerns regarding the empirical modeling strategy are discussed.
Real‐time telemetric monitoring in whole‐body 60Co gamma‐photon irradiated rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Carrier C.A. , Elliott T.B. , Ledney G.D.
Published: June 2010

Background  Animals undergoing experimental manipulations, such as exposure to radiation, may exhibit physiologic and behavioral signs of pain and distress. Telemetry permits close monitoring of these parameters for early and effective management during procedures.

Methods  Radiotelemetric units were surgically implanted into 24 Macaca mulatta before 6.5‐Gy cobalt‐60 γ‐photon irradiation. Each unit transmitted electrocardiogram, intrathoracic pressure, and body temperature leads. Primate irradiation‐restraint boxes and housing cages were modified to collect telemetric signals before, during, and after irradiation.

Results  Differences in respiratory rate, heart rate, or body temperature in telemetric‐collected recordings, which were observed during non‐irradiation and irradiation sessions, were statistically insignificant.

Conclusions  Insignificant changes in the physiological parameters during monitoring suggest that the animals experienced no detectable pain or distress during irradiation.
Acute myeloid leukemia, the 3q21q26 syndrome and diabetes insipidus: A case presentation
Authors: CURLEY Cameron , KENNEDY Glen , HAUGHTON Anne , LOVE Amanda , MCCARTHY Catherine , BOYD Andrew
Published: June 2010

Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a rare presenting complication of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Typically, the combination of DI and AML is associated with structural abnormalities of the neurohypophysis. We present a case of AML and DI presenting without any abnormalities of the neurohypophysis on radiological scanning and with normal cerebrospinal fluid examination. The AML karyotype at presentation was characterized by the presence of a t(3; 3)(q21; q26) translocation and monosomy 7. After treatment with induction chemotherapy, the patient achieved a complete remission and his DI resolved. At subsequent AML relapse, characterized by a complex karyotype without the t(3; 3)(q21; q26) translocation or monosomy 7, DI did not recur. Our case provides clinical support to the hypothesis that the t(3; 3)(q21; q26) translocation and/or monosomy 7 in AML may directly result in dysregulation of transcription factors resulting in development of DI in AML patients.
Hepatic arterial infusion of chemotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: SHAO Yu‐Yun , HUANG Chun‐Chieh , LIANG Po‐Chin , LIN Zhong‐Zhe
Published: June 2010

Treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a significant problem for clinicians. Sorafenib, the only approved agent, improves survival rate, but is associated with a low tumor response rate. Alternative approaches for the treatment of advanced HCC are urgently needed. Hepatic arterial infusion of chemotherapy (HAIC) is a promising modality for the treatment of advanced HCC. Since its introduction, there have been improvements in implantable pumps, in catheter implantation and in the convenience and safety of HAIC in general. Numerous clinical studies have shown that HAIC provides moderate therapeutic efficacy with substantially favorable toxicity profiles in selected patient groups with advanced HCC. However, the lack of large randomized studies means that HAIC is not yet a well‐established treatment for advanced HCC. We believe there is an urgent need for the further investigation of HAIC for the treatment of advanced HCC.
Prognostic value of lymph node ratio in poor prognosis node‐positive breast cancer patients in Saudi Arabia
Authors: IBRAHIM Ezzeldin M , ELKHODARY Tawfik R , ZEKRI Jamal M , BAHADUR Yasir , EL‐SAYED Mohamed E , AL‐GAHMI Aboelkhair M , RIZVI Syed Azhar J , HASSOUNA Ashraf H , FAWZY Ehab E , AWADALLA Said S
Published: June 2010

Aim: Women in Saudi Arabia develop breast cancer at a young age with high prevalence of poor prognostic features. Because of such features, it is necessary to examine prognostic factors in this population. One such factor is the prognostic role of lymph node ratio (LNR).

Methods: We performed retrospective analyses of patients with invasive non‐metastatic breast cancer who underwent axillary lymph node dissection and had one or more positive axillary lymph nodes.

Results: Two hundred and seventeen patients were considered eligible for the analysis. The median age was 46 years. At a median follow‐up of 39.8 months, the median disease‐free survival (DFS) was 67.3 months (95% CI, 50.4 to 84.3 months). Neither the classification of patients based on positive lymph node (pN) staging system, nor the absolute number of pN prognosticated DFS. Conversely, age ≤ 35 years at diagnosis, grade 3 tumors and the intermediate (>0.20 to ≤0.65) and high (>0.65) LNR categories were the only variables that were independently associated with adverse DFS. Using these variables in a prognostic model allowed the classification of patients into three distinctive risk strata. The overall survival (OS) in this series was 92.5 months (95% CI, 92.1–92.6). Only ER negative tumor adversely influenced OS.

Conclusion: Analysis of survival outcome of mostly young patients with early breast cancer identified adverse prognostic variables affecting DFS. If the utility of the derived model including LNR is proven in a larger patient population, it may replace the use of absolute number of positive axillary lymph nodes.
MOISTURE‐SORPTION ISOTHERMS OF IRISH AND SWEET POTATOES
Authors: SOPADE P.A. , AJISEGIRI E.S.A. , CHUKWU O. , ABASS A.B.
Published: June 2010

The sorption properties of dried white varieties of Irish and sweet potatoes were studied at 34C over a range of water activity, 0.10–0.98. A static gravimetric procedure was employed and five sorption models – Bradley; Brunauer, Emmet and Teller (BET); Oswin; Henderson; and Guggenheim, Anderson and de Boer (GAB) – were used in the analysis. For the entire isotherm, both Bradley and Henderson models were suitable for the Irish potato, while Oswin and Bradley models better described the behavior of the sweet potato. Monolayer moisture contents (Mo) for the two potato varieties were calculated using both the BET and GAB equations, and it was found that both crops exhibited the BET type II pattern. The Mo for the two varieties were recommended as the least moisture required for stable storage.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Information on moisture sorption regime is required for the storage and the enhancement of stability of stored potatoes both in raw and processed forms. Moisture sorption isotherm is also needed for the prediction and practice of drying, frying and other thermo‐related processing of potatoes. It is also required in the determination of critical values for processing such asequilibrium moisture content, critical moisture content and other moisture regimes. It is, in addition, required for the determination of the minimum moisture required for stability of the processed potatoes and therefore necessary information during packaging, and the determination/selection of packaging materials.