bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High power subterahertz electromagnetic wave radiation from GaN photoconductive switch
Authors: Imafuji Osamu , Singh Brahm Pal , Hirose Yutaka , Fukushima Yasuyuki , Takigawa Shinichi
Published: August 2007

The authors present apparently the observation of subterahertz electromagnetic wave emission from GaN based large aperture photoconductive switches (LA-PCSWs) excited by ultraviolet femtosecond laser pulses. The photoconductive layer of the GaN LA-PCSW is doped with carbon giving rise to a resistivity as high as 60MΩcm. The absolute energy of the emitted radiation pulses is measured to be 93.3pJ/pulse under 500V bias voltage. The Fourier spectrum of the measured pulse by the time-domain-spectroscopy shows the main components lie in 0.1–0.2THz regime.
Subadditivity of q-entropies for q>1
Authors: Audenaert Koenraad M. R.
Published: August 2007

I prove a basic inequality for Schatten q-norms of quantum states on a finite-dimensional bipartite Hilbert space H1⊗H2: 1+∥ρ∥q⩾∥Tr1ρ∥q+∥Tr2ρ∥q. This leads to a proof—in the finite-dimensional case—of Raggio’s conjecture [G. A. Raggio, J. Math. Phys. 36, 4785 (1995)] that the q-entropies Sq(ρ)=(1−Tr[ρq])∕(q−1) are subadditive for q>1; that is, for any state ρ, Sq(ρ) is not greater than the sum of the Sq of its reductions, Sq(ρ)⩽Sq(Tr1ρ)+Sq(Tr2ρ).
Dynamic characterization of organic bulk heterojunction photodetectors
Authors: Punke M. , Valouch S. , Kettlitz S. W. , Christ N. , Gärtner C. , Gerken M. , Lemmer U.
Published: August 2007

The authors report the dynamic properties of bulk heterojunction photodiodes based on a polymer blend system consisting of poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) and the fullerene derivative [6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester. Devices with a high-frequency contact layout were analyzed under continuous wave and pulsed laser illumination (λ=532nm). The organic photodiodes exhibit a pulse response with a full width at half maximum of 11ns to the applied 1.6-ns-long laser pulses. Rise times as small as 1.6ns and fall times <40ns were measured under applied reverse bias.
Flux locking a superfluid interferometer
Authors: Sato Yuki , Joshi Aditya , Packard Richard
Published: August 2007

The authors demonstrate a flux locking technique using injected heat current to linearize the output of a superfluid helium-4 interferometer. A rotation flux through the interferometer loop produces a shift in the phase of the superfluid order parameter. This shift is nullified via negative feedback by a phase shift caused by the injected heat current. The feedback signal is then a linear function of rotation flux.
Formation of self-assembled quantum dots on AlInAs and GaInAs matrices using a GaSb sublayer
Authors: Enzmann Roland , Dachs Susanne , Meyer Ralf , Finley Jonathan , Amann Markus-Christian
Published: August 2007

In this letter, the authors present the formation of InAs quantum dots on GaInAs and AlInAs lattice matched on InP (001) substrates via molecular beam epitaxy by inserting a two monolayer GaSb sublayer below the InAs quantum dot material. They show that the formation of quantum dots is favored on indium-free and antimony-rich surfaces while quantum dashes are preferentially formed on indium-rich and antimony-free surfaces. Using a thin layer of GaSb between the InAs quantum dot material and the AlInAs or GaInAs matrix, single quantum dots were formed even with low quantum dot densities (≈1∕μm2). These quantum dots give rise to photoluminescence between 1100 and 1500nm depending on the matrix material.
Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with a femtosecond high harmonic light source using a two-dimensional imaging electron analyzer
Authors: Mathias S. , Miaja-Avila L. , Murnane M. M. , Kapteyn H. , Aeschlimann M. , Bauer M.
Published: August 2007

An experimental setup for time- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy using a femtosecond 1kHz high harmonic light source and a two-dimensional electron analyzer for parallel energy and momentum detection is presented. A selection of the 27th harmonic (41.85eV) from the harmonic spectrum of the light source is achieved with a multilayer Mo∕Si double mirror monochromator. The extinction efficiency of the monochromator in selecting this harmonic is shown to be better than 7:1, while the transmitted bandwidth of the selected harmonic is capable of supporting temporal pulse widths as short as 3fs. The recorded E(k) photoelectron spectrum from a Cu(111) surface demonstrates an angular resolution of better than 0.6° (=0.03Å−1 at Ekin,e=36eV). Used in a pump-probe configuration, the described experimental setup represents a powerful experimental tool for studying the femtosecond dynamics of ultrafast surface processes in real time.
Additional focusing of a high-intensity laser beam in a plasma with a density ramp and a magnetic field
Authors: Gupta Devki Nandan , Hur Min Sup , Suk Hyyong
Published: August 2007

Propagation of a high power Gaussian laser beam through a plasma with a density ramp where a magnetic field is present has been investigated. The spot size of the laser beam decreases as the beam penetrates into the plasma due to the role of a plasma density ramp. The studies show that the combined effect of a plasma density ramp and a magnetic field enhances the self-focusing property of the laser beam. Both factors not only reduce the spot size of the laser beam but also maintain it with only a mild ripple over several Rayleight lengths.
Experiencing Visualities in Designed Urban Environments: Learning from Milton Keynes
Authors: Degen Monica , DeSilvey Caitlin , Rose Gillian
Published: August 2007

In many discussions of how cities in the global North are changing, the growing importance of urban design is emphasised: that is, the production of visually and spatially coherent urban buildings and spaces seems to be increasingly central to urban change. To date, most attention has focused on exploring the reasons for this shift. Much less attention has been paid to the experiences of the people inhabiting and using such designed spaces. Although many authors acknowledge that, in theory, such encounters between human subjects and designed urban environments are richly various and unpredictable, few studies have examined this empirically and learnt theoretically from these encounters. Drawing on fieldwork undertaken in the British city of Milton Keynes—the centre of which is a shopping mall, a designed environment par excellence—the authors argue that understanding experiences of contemporary urban change requires a relational and performative understanding of environmental encounters, and they suggest three intertwined implications for rethinking research on urban aesthetics: first, a multimodal and sensuously embedded understanding of vision; second, a practice-centred understanding of the environment; and third, a need for self-reflexive understanding of the researchers' position in the fieldwork.
Developing an Integrated Approach for Public Participation: A Case of Land-Use Planning in Slovenia
Authors: Golobiĉ Mojca , Maruŝiĉ Ivan
Published: August 2007

This paper draws on the importance of public participation in improving several aspects of the land-use planning and decision-making process and regards the lack of adequate tools as an important barrier hindering effective implementation of participation in planning practice. The hypothesis is that extensive research into local knowledge, especially regarding values and goals, followed by a careful and focused preparation of expert proposals could improve the effectiveness of the participatory process. The paper therefore focuses on the development of methodologies to obtain knowledge from local residents and to integrate it effectively with expert knowledge to produce an input for the communicative process, whereby interaction and communication can bring about consensual planning proposals. The methodology discussed in this paper is an innovative combination of several tools already recognized within spatial and/or participatory planning, such as public surveys and participatory workshops. Connecting these tools can be shown to ameliorate their individual drawbacks and to achieve synergetic effects in all aspects. The use of support tools, such as cognitive mapping, statistical analysis, and suitability modeling, to assist these processes is also discussed. The study was implemented as a pilot project testing the proposed methodology in a case study of land-use planning for a local community in Slovenia, which is currently undergoing significant change from a rural community into an urban community. The results have shown that the use of a traditional questionnaire, combined with the mapping of chosen responses, proved effective in the acquisition of existing local knowledge. The result also showed that in-depth analysis of local knowledge and values and consideration of both in preparing alternative expert planning proposals proved to be a valuable input into traditional participation workshops, thus fostering an interactive participative planning process, whereby conflicts could be resolved while searching for a consensual solution.
The New Politics of Urban Housing
Authors: Murie Alan , Rowlands Rob
Published: August 2007

The significant changes in housing policy in the UK over the last three decades have been widely described and discussed. Public housing has moved away from centre stage because of privatisation and the decline in new public sector building. In the last decade there has been a renewed concern to provide affordable housing, but policy has not reverted to the earlier model where the affordable-housing drive was led by local authorities and new towns. Instead, it has turned to the use of the planning system to deliver different kinds of affordable housing, and one consequence has been the advent of a different style and density of urban housing development. The authors address the change in housing provision from a perspective related to the politics of construction. They play off earlier work by Dunleavy, and contrast the new politics of urban housing with those described in the era prior to 1975. They draw on research on mixed-tenure developments and regional housing strategies in England, and suggest that there is a new technological and ideological shortcut which is affecting the pattern of housing in major urban areas. Although there are some profound differences from the era of mass housing, there are also some important similarities in the factors that underpin the new politics of urban housing. The authors discuss key issues and provide suggestions for future research.
Forerunner genes contiguous to RB1 contribute to the development of
in situ
neoplasia
Authors: Lee Sangkyou , Jeong Joon , Majewski Tadeusz , Scherer Steven E. , Kim Mi-Sook , Tuziak Tomasz , Tang Kuang S. , Baggerly Keith , Grossman Herbert Barton , Zhou Jain-Hua , Shen Lanlan , Bondaruk Jolanta , Ahmed Saira S. , Samanta Susmita , Spiess Philippe , Wu Xifeng , Filipek Slawomir , McConkey David , Bar-Eli Menashe , Issa Jean-Pierre , Benedict William F. , Czerniak Bogdan
Published: August 2007

We used human bladder cancer as a model system and the whole-organ histologic and genetic mapping strategy to identify clonal genetic hits associated with growth advantage, tracking the evolution of bladder cancer from intraurothelial precursor lesions. Six putative chromosomal regions critical for clonal expansion of intraurothelial neoplasia and development of bladder cancer were identified by using this approach. Focusing on one of the regions, which includes the model tumor suppressor
RB1
, we performed allelotyping of single-nucleotide polymorphic sites and identified a 1.34-Mb segment around
RB1
characterized by a loss of polymorphism associated with the initial expansion of
in situ
neoplasia. This segment contains several positional candidate genes referred to by us as forerunner genes that may contribute to such expansion. We subsequently concentrated our efforts on the two neighbor genes flanking
RB1
, namely
ITM2B
and
CHC1L
, as well as
P2RY5
, which is located inside
RB1
. Here, we report that
ITM2B
and
P2RY5
modulated cell survival and were silenced by methylation or point mutations, respectively, and thus by functional loss may contribute to the growth advantage of neoplasia. We also show that homozygous inactivation of
P2RY5
was antecedent to the loss of
RB1
during tumor development, and that nucleotide substitutions in
P2RY5
represent a cancer predisposing factor.
Disruption of CXCR4 enhances osteoclastogenesis and tumor growth in bone
Authors: Hirbe Angela C. , Rubin Jessica , Uluçkan Özge , Morgan Elizabeth A. , Eagleton Mark C. , Prior Julie L. , Piwnica-Worms David , Weilbaecher Katherine N.
Published: August 2007

CXCR4 regulates hematopoietic and tumor cell homing to bone, but its role during osteoclast (OC) development is unknown. We investigated the role of CXCR4 in osteoclastogenesis and in a model of bone metastasis. Compared with controls, mice reconstituted with CXCR4 null hematopoietic cells exhibited elevated markers of bone resorption, increased OC perimeter along bone, and increased bone loss. CXCR4−/− OCs demonstrated accelerated differentiation and enhanced bone resorption
in vitro
. Furthermore, tumor growth specifically in bone was significantly increased in mice reconstituted with CXCR4−/− hematopoietic cells. Finally, enhancement of bone tumor growth in the absence of CXCR4 was abrogated with the OC inhibitor, zoledronic acid. These data demonstrate that disruption of CXCR4 enhances osteoclastogenesis and suggest that inhibition of CXCR4 may enhance established skeletal tumor burden by increasing OC activity.
Preparation and Photoluminescence of ZnO Comb-Like Structure and Nanorod Arrays
Authors: Yin Song , Chen Yi-qing , Su Yong , Zhou Qing-tao
Published: August 2007

A large quantity of Zinc oxide (ZnO) comb-like structure and high-density well-aligned ZnO nanorod arrays were prepared on silicon substrate via thermal evaporation process without any catalyst. The morphology, growth mechanism, and optical properties of the both structures were investigated using XRD, SEM, TEM and PL. The resulting comb-teeth, with a diameter about 20 nm, growing along the [0001] direction have a well-defined epitaxial relationship with the comb ribbon. The ZnO nanorod arrays have a diameter about 200 nm and length up to several micrometers growing approximately vertical to the Si substrate. A ZnO film was obtained before the nanorods growth. A growth model is proposed for interpreting the growth mechanism of comb-like zigzag-notch nanostructure. Room temperature photoluminescence measurements under excitation wavelength of 325 nm showed that the ZnO comb-like nanostructure has a weak UV emission at around 384 nm and a strong green emission around 491 nm, which correspond to a near band-edge transition and the singly ionized oxygen vacancy, respectively. In contrast, a strong and sharp UV peak and a weak green peak was obtained from the ZnO nanorod arrays.
Bernoulli, Euler, permutations and quantum algebras
Authors: Hodges Andrew , Sukumar C.V
Published: August 2007

The combinatorial properties of the Bernoulli and Euler numbers are interpreted using a new classification of permutations. The classification is naturally described by an operator algebra of a type familiar from quantum theory. It has a duality structure described by an operator satisfying anticommutation relations.
Band gap Green's functions and localized oscillations
Authors: Movchan Alexander B , Slepyan Leonid I
Published: August 2007

We consider some typical continuous and discrete models of structures possessing band gaps, and analyse the localized oscillation modes. General considerations show that such modes can exist at any frequency within the band gap provided an admissible local mass variation is made. In particular, we show that the upper bound of the sinusoidal wave frequency exists in a non-local interaction homogeneous waveguide, and we construct a localized mode existing there at high frequencies. The localized modes are introduced via the Green's functions for the corresponding uniform systems. We construct such functions and, in particular, present asymptotic expressions of the band gap anisotropic Green's function for the two-dimensional square lattice. The emphasis is made on the notion of the depth of band gap and evaluation of the rate of localization of the vibration modes. Detailed analysis of the extremal localization is conducted. In particular, this concerns an algorithm of a ‘neutral’ perturbation where the total mass of a complex central cell is not changed
Multisymplectic formulation of fluid dynamics using the inverse map
Authors: Cotter C.J , Holm D.D , Hydon P.E
Published: August 2007

We construct multisymplectic formulations of fluid dynamics using the inverse of the Lagrangian path map. This inverse map, the ‘back-to-labels’ map, gives the initial Lagrangian label of the fluid particle that currently occupies each Eulerian position. Explicitly enforcing the condition that the fluid particles carry their labels with the flow in Hamilton's principle leads to our multisymplectic formulation. We use the multisymplectic one-form to obtain conservation laws for energy, momentum and an infinite set of conservation laws arising from the particle relabelling symmetry and leading to Kelvin's circulation theorem. We discuss how multisymplectic numerical integrators naturally arise in this approach.
Case of subcutaneous sparganosis: Use of imaging in definitive preoperative diagnosis
Authors: SARUKAWA Shunji , KAWANABE Takeshi , YAGASAKI Akiko , SHIMIZU Akira , SHIMADA Shinji
Published: August 2007

Herein, we report a rare case of subcutaneous sparganosis in a 60‐year‐old Japanese woman. She had a 2 cm × 2 cm elastic‐hard, subcutaneous nodule, which was the larva of a tapeworm, and a surrounding granuloma in her internal thigh. It was thought that she became infected by drinking water contaminated with the worm. She was definitively diagnosed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). After excision of the lesion, the titer of ELISA showed clear decline; therefore, we could conclude that she had been completely freed from sparganosis. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound sonography of her subcutaneous nodule demonstrated the characteristic signs: a band‐like structure in the MRI and a coiled linear hypoechoic body in a clear, oval mass in the ultrasound sonography.
Biological and therapeutic significance of MUC1 with sialoglycans in clear cell adenocarcinoma of the ovary
Authors: Tamada Yutaka , Takeuchi Hideyuki , Suzuki Nao , Susumu Nobuyuki , Aoki Daisuke , Irimura Tatsuro
Published: August 2007

A monoclonal antibody (mAb) MY.1E12 was applied to detect MUC1 with sialylated glycans in a total of 55 formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded surgical specimens of ovarian clear cell adenocarcinomas. A reverse correlation between the binding levels of this mAb and patient survival was demonstrated. To examine the role of MUC1 in ovarian clear cell carcinomas, two cDNA encoding MUC1 were transfected into ES‐2 ovarian clear cell carcinoma cells. By comparing these cells, the role of MUC1 in tumorigenicity, chemosensitivity and survival under anoikis conditions were assessed. The results indicate that MUC1 expressed on ovarian clear cell carcinoma cells is causally involved in the malignant behavior. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 1586–1591)
Past Experience of Advice and Treatment for Drinking Problems of Patients with Alcoholic Liver Disease
Authors: Saunders John B. , Wodak A. D. , Williams Roger
Published: August 2007

Using a standarised questionnaire we interviewed 156 patients with newly‐diagnosed alcoholic liver disease to establish whether they had been advised in the past to reduce their alcohol consumption and if they had been referred for treatment of an alcohol problem. A detailed assessment of their lifetime alcohol intake and severity of alcohol dependence was also undertaken. Most patients has a long history of excessive drinking (mean duration 17.3 years), yet only 69 (44%) said thay they had been advised by their general practitioners to reduce or stop drinking. This was corroborated by a review of a case records. Only 35 patients (22%) had been referred to a hospital clinic and 16 (10%) had attended an alcoholism counselling service or Alcoholics Anonymous. Patients who had received some intervention had a relatively higher mean daily alcohol intake and were more severely dependent on alcohol. These results suggest that most patients who develop alcoholic liver disease escape detection for many years because they have a relatively mild alcohol dependence syndrome. To limit the increasing morbidity from alcoholic liver disease emphasis must be placed on trying to identify and treat a broader spectrum of excessive drinkers than has been the case hitherto.
Different angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors have similar clinical efficacy after myocardial infarction
Authors: Hansen Morten L. , Gislason Gunnar H. , Køber Lars , Schramm Tina Ken , Folke Fredrik , Buch Pernille , Abildstrom Steen Z. , Madsen Mette , Rasmussen Søren , Torp‐Pedersen Christian
Published: August 2007

What is already known about this subject

• Treatment with an angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor benefits many patients with cardiovascular disease.

• ACE inhibitors are generally assumed to be equally effective, but this has never been fully verified in clinical trials.

What this study adds

• Studying the association among ACE inhibitors after myocardial infarction demonstrated similarity in clinical outcome and supports a dosage–response relationship.

• Therefore, for long‐term benefits for patients who need treatment with an ACE inhibitor, a focus of treatment at the recommended dosage is most important and not which ACE inhibitor is used.

Aim

Therapy with angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors is common after myocardial infarction (MI). Given the lack of randomized trials comparing different ACE inhibitors, the association among ACE inhibitors after MI in risk for mortality and reinfarction was studied.

Methods

Patients hospitalized with first‐time MI (n = 16 068) between 1995 and 2002, who survived at least 30 days after discharge and claimed at least one prescription of ACE inhibitor, were identified using nationwide administrative registries in Denmark.

Results

Adjusted Cox regression analysis demonstrated no differences in risk for all‐cause mortality, but patients using captopril had higher risk of reinfarction (hazard ratio 1.18, 95% confidence interval 1.05, 1.34). However, following adjustment for differences in used dosages, all ACE inhibitors had similar clinical efficacy. Risk of all‐cause mortality: trandolapril (reference) 1.00, ramipril 0.97 (0.89, 1.05), enalapril 1.04 (0.95, 1.150), captopril 0.95 (0.83, 1.08), perindopril 0.98 (0.84, 1.15) and other ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) 1.06 (0.94, 1.19). Reinfarction: trandolapril (reference) 1.00, ramipril 0.98 (0.89, 1.08), enalapril 1.04 (0.92, 1.17), captopril 1.05 (0.89, 1.25), perindopril 0.96 (0.81, 1.14) and other ACE inhibitors or ARB 0.99 (0.86, 1.14). Furthermore, the association between ARBs and clinical events was similar to ACE inhibitors (trandolapril reference): all‐cause mortality 0.99 (0.84, 1.16) and recurrent MI 0.99 (0.83, 1.19).

Conclusions

Our results suggest a class effect among ACE inhibitors when used in comparable dosages. Focus on treatment at the recommended dosage is therefore most important, and not which ACE inhibitor is used.
Inhibition of Akt induces significant downregulation of survivin and cytotoxicity in human multiple myeloma cells
Authors: Hideshima Teru , Catley Laurence , Raje Noopur , Chauhan Dharminder , Podar Klaus , Mitsiades Constantine , Tai Yu‐Tzu , Vallet Sonia , Kiziltepe Tanyel , Ocio Enrique , Ikeda Hiroshi , Okawa Yutaka , Hideshima Hiromasa , Munshi Nikhil C. , Yasui Hiroshi , Richardson Paul G. , Anderson Kenneth C.
Published: August 2007

Akt mediates growth and drug resistance in multiple myeloma (MM) cells in the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment. We have shown that a novel Akt inhibitor Perifosine induces significant cytotoxicity in MM cells in the BM milieu. This study further delineated molecular mechanisms whereby Perifosine triggered cytotoxicity in MM cells. Neither the intensity of Jun NH2‐terminal kinase phosphorylation nor caspase/poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase cleavage correlated with Perifosine‐induced cytotoxicity in MM.1S, INA6, OPM1 and OPM2 MM cells. However, survivin, which regulates caspase‐3 activity, was markedly downregulated by Perifosine treatment, without changes in other anti‐apoptotic proteins. Downregulation of survivin by siRNA significantly inhibited OPM1 MM cell growth, confirming that survivin mediates MM cell survival. Perifosine significantly downregulated both function and protein expression of β‐catenin. Co‐culture with BM stromal cells (BMSCs) upregulated both β‐catenin and survivin expression in MM cells, which was blocked by Perifosine. Importantly, Perifosine treatment also downregulated survivin expression in human MM cells grown in vivo in a severe combined immunodeficient mouse xenograft model. Finally, Perifosine inhibited bortezomib‐induced upregulation of survivin, associated with enhanced cytotoxicity of combined bortezomib and Perifosine treatment. These preclinical studies provide the framework for clinical trials of bortezomib with Perifosine to improve patient outcome in MM.
CD154 induces a switch in pro‐survival Bcl‐2 family members in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Willimott Shaun , Baou Maria , Naresh Kikkeri , Wagner Simon D.
Published: August 2007

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cells survive and proliferate in patients but rapidly die in culture. The microenvironment that sustains leukaemic cells in vivo contains both stromal cell elements and T cells. We defined changes in Bcl‐2 family protein expression on culture with CD40 ligand (CD154) expressed on mouse fibroblast L cells, and interleukin‐4 (IL‐4; CD154/IL‐4 system): conditions that support survival and proliferation. Unexpectedly, Bcl‐2 protein expression decreased whilst pro‐survival Bcl‐xL (as well as A1 and Mcl‐1) increased. However, the CD154‐L cell/IL‐4 system also increased the pro‐apoptotic proteins, Bid and Noxa, suggesting that an increased pool of pro‐survival factors and not the effects of a single protein mediate survival. Most pro‐apoptotic proteins were not induced in drug or spontaneous apoptosis, but expression of Bcl‐xS, a pro‐apoptotic BCL2L1 isoform, was associated with cell death. This was post‐transcriptionally controlled, and, therefore, alternative splicing at the Bcl‐x locus appears to have a role in the regulation of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) cell survival. This study demonstrated a switch in pro‐survival proteins associated with the transition from quiescence to CD154‐driven proliferation. CLL therapies targeting Bcl‐2 may need to be modified to antagonize proliferation centre‐specific pro‐survival proteins.
The development of pressure ulcers in patients with hip fractures: inadequate nursing documentation is still a problem
Authors: Gunningberg Lena , Lindholm Christina , PhD Marianne Carlsson , PhD Per‐Olow Sjödén
Published: August 2007

The aims of the study were to investigate, on a daily basis: (i] the development and progress of pressure ulcers, (ii) the documented nursing interventions for prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers, and (iii) when nursing interventions regarding prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers were documented, in relation to patient risk status and the development of pressure ulcers. The study design was prospective, comparative and descriptive. A total of 55 patients with hip fracture were included. To facilitate the nurse's assessment, a ‘pressure ulcer card’ was developed, consisting of the Modified Norton Scale (MNS) and descriptions of the four stages of pressure ulcers. The incidence of pressure ulcers was 55%. The mean rank of the lowest MNS score was significantly lower for patients who developed pressure ulcers than for patients without pressure ulcers. The majority of the pressure ulcers occurred between admission to the ward and the fourth day after surgery. Documented interventions regarding prevention and treatment were: repositioning, overlays, cushions, use of lotion and observation. The mean number of interventions per patient was 2·2 for patients who developed pressure ulcers during their hospital stay. The comprehensiveness and quality of the nursing record was unsatisfactory, and only three nursing records reached the level required by Swedish law. Preventive interventions such as repositioning were documented when the pressure ulcer had already occurred. The lack of nursing documentation regarding prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers may indicate that nurses did not identify pressure ulcers as a prioritized nursing problem for this patient group. The Modified Norton Scale could be a valuable tool for nurses, both identifying the patient at risk and acting as a guide for nursing interventions. The study was approved by the ethics committee of the Faculty of Medicine at Uppsala University.
The effect of aromatherapy massage with music on the stress and anxiety levels of emergency nurses: comparison between summer and winter
Authors: Cooke Marie , Holzhauser Kerri , Jones Mark , Davis Cathy , Finucane Julie
Published: August 2007

Aims and objectives.  This research aimed to evaluate the use of aromatherapy massage and music as an intervention to cope with the occupational stress and anxiety that emergency department staff experience. The study also aimed to compare any differences in results between a summer and winter 12‐week massage plan.

Background.  Emergency nurses are subjected to significant stressors during their work and it is known that workloads and patient demands influence the role stress has on nurses. The perception that winter months are busier for emergency departments has long been held and there is some evidence that people with cardiac and respiratory dysfunction do present more frequently in the winter months. Massage has been found to decrease staff anxiety.

Design.  The study used a one‐group pre‐test, post‐test quasi‐experimental design with random assignment.

Method.  Staff occupational stress was assessed pre‐ and post‐ 12 weeks of aromatherapy massage with music and anxiety was measured pre and post each massage session. Sick leave was also measured. Comparisons of summer and winter data were undertaken.

Results.  A total of 365 massages were given over two 12‐week periods, one during summer and the other during winter. Analysis identified that aromatherapy massage with music significantly reduced anxiety for both seasonal periods. Premassage anxiety was significantly higher in winter than summer. No differences in sick leave and workload were found. There was no difference in the occupational stress levels of nurses following the two 12‐week periods of massage.

Conclusion.  Emergency nurses were significantly more anxious in winter than summer but this cannot be attributed to increased sick leave or workloads. Aromatherapy massage with music significantly reduced emergency nurses’ anxiety.

Relevance to clinical practice.  High levels of anxiety and stress can be detrimental to the physical and emotional health of emergency nurses and the provision of a support mechanism such as on‐site massage as an effective strategy should be considered.
Promoting evidence‐based care through a clinical research fellowship programme
Authors: Milne Donna J , Krishnasamy Meinir , Johnston Linda , Aranda Sanchia
Published: August 2007

Aim.  This paper reports on the development and evaluation of a multidisciplinary critical appraisal and research utilization‐training programme at one organization with the aim of demonstrating a potential approach to the challenge of ensuring practice is evidence based.

Background.  Considerable time and attention is devoted to developing and evaluating new clinical innovations. Nevertheless, it is estimated that a quarter of patients continue to receive treatments that are unnecessary or potentially harmful.

Design.  A cross‐sectional qualitative evaluation survey of nurses and allied health staff participating in the training programme.

Methods.  After running the programme twice at this organization we sought to evaluate the impact of the programme. Participants were asked to write answers to open‐ended questions to examine personal and professional outcomes of participation.

Results.  All respondents found the programme to be worthwhile and beneficial to their everyday practice. Importantly, participants reported feeling more confident when discussing clinical issues within the multidisciplinary team. The majority have presented their work via oral presentations or in publications and many have gone on to enrol in higher degrees.

Conclusions.  A critical appraisal and research utilization programme, as described here, has benefits for clinicians in terms of building confidence, knowledge and skill acquisition and also for the organization in terms of provision of evidence‐based care and quality and safety. It successfully addresses commonly reported barriers to research utilization.

Relevance to clinical practice.  A programme such as the Clinical Research Fellowship increases clinicians’ ability and confidence to generate research questions that are meaningful to practice and then investigate the issue in a rigorous and timely manner.
Alternative trans‐splicing of the Trypanosoma cruzi LYT1 gene transcript results in compartmental and functional switch for the encoded protein
Authors: Benabdellah Karim , González‐Rey Elena , González Antonio
Published: August 2007

Trypanosma cruzi has a complex life cycle that includes infective and non‐infective stages in distinct hosts. Control of gene expression by the parasite must adjust to rather diverse circumstances. Through stage‐regulated, alternative trans‐splicing of the primary transcript, the T. cruzi LYT1 gene generates two protein products differing in the presence or absence of 28 amino acids at their amino end. We find that the shorter protein, kLYT1, is located at two spots in the mitochondrial kinetoflagellar zone and its expression reverts the ‘accelerated stage development’ phenotype of the LYT1‐null mutant. The larger product, mLYT1, localizes on the plasma membrane. The signal for membrane localization presents characteristics of a type II anchor including the possibility of cleavage. Expression of mLYT1 reverts the ‘loss of virulence’ phenotype associated to diminished haemolytic activity at acid pH, but stage development still progresses at an accelerated rate. This compartmentalization switch of LYT1 results in two surprisingly different functions: haemolytic activity at acid pH for mLYT1, and a putative involvement in mitochondrial metabolism for kLYT1. We conclude that alternative trans‐splicing plays an important role in stage‐regulated control of gene expression in trypanosomatids.
BIOMARKER: Assessment of alcohol consumption among hepatitis C‐positive people receiving opioid maintenance treatment using direct ethanol metabolites and self‐report: a pilot study
Authors: Wurst Friedrich M. , Haber Paul S. , Wiesbeck Gerhard , Watson Bianca , Wallace Cate , Whitfield John B. , Halter Claudia , Weinmann Wolfgang , Conigrave Katherine M.
Published: August 2007

This study was conducted to identify the alcohol consumption among hepatitis C‐positive people receiving opioid maintenance therapy using self‐report and biomarkers. A total of 49 people (28 male, 21 female) were hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive and were included. The alcohol use disorder identification test (AUDIT) and self‐reported ethanol intake in the last 28 days were assessed. In addition to gamma‐glutamyl‐transferase (GGT) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl sulphate (EtS) were determined in serum and urine (UEtG, UEtS, SEtG) using liquid chromatography/tandem mass‐spectroscopy (LC/MS‐MS) with deuterated internal standards. Abstinence from alcohol was reported for the last 28 days by 13 participants and for the last 7 days by 22. AUDIT was > 8 in 27 cases. The maximum values were 34.8 mg/l for UEtG, 5.3 mg/l for UEtS and 0.15 for SEtG. Among the 19 UEtG positives, 8 had not reported any ethanol intake in the 7 days prior to the study. Six participants reported intake of up to 320 g of ethanol in the last 7 days, but were negative for SEtG, UEtG and UEtS. Self‐reported ethanol intake in the last 28 days correlated with AUDIT score (r = 0.733, P < 0.001), with the direct ethanol metabolites and MCV. In this population, abstinence and episodic heavy drinking are more common than in the general population. Episodic heavy drinking is a significant cause of acute risk in this population. Results from biomarker testing could indicate cases of under‐ as well as over‐reporting of alcohol consumption. Further research on the diagnostic accuracy of direct ethanol metabolites, including the use of phosphatidylethanol (PEth), in this setting is needed.
New insights into autism from a comprehensive genetic map
Authors: Katzov H
Published: August 2007

Mapping autism risk loci using genetic linkage and chromosomal rearrangements The Autism Genome Project Consortium (2007) Nature Genetics 39: 319–328
Inhibition of the membrane attack complex of complement for induction of accommodation in the hamster‐to‐rat heart transplant model
Authors: Suhr Benjamin D. , Black Sylvester M. , Guzman‐Paz Manuel , Matas Arthur J. , Dalmasso Agustin P.
Published: August 2007

Abstract:  Background:  To induce accommodation in the hamster‐to‐rat cardiac transplantation model, in addition to cyclosporin A (CSA) to inhibit T‐cell‐mediated graft rejection, cobra venom factor (CVF) is often used to prevent complement‐mediated graft rejection. Although it is generally assumed that CVF makes accommodation possible because it inactivates the complement membrane attack complex (MAC), it is not known which complement components must be inactivated and whether complement activation products generated by CVF are also involved in the induction of accommodation. Therefore, to investigate mechanisms by which CVF contributes to accommodation, we studied induction of accommodation of hamster hearts grafted into rats with complement deficiencies of C6; these rats cannot assemble the MAC but, in contrast to CVF, retain in their native state all complement proteins that precede the MAC.

Methods:  Golden Syrian hamster hearts were transplanted heterotopically into the abdomen of normocomplementemic and C6‐deficient (C6D) PVG rats. Graft rejection was determined by cessation of palpable cardiac contractions. CSA, 10 mg/kg, was administered daily to all rats. Graft survival was compared in rats given CVF (60 U/kg 1‐day pre‐transplant and 20 U/kg/day for the next 9 days), C6D rats given no CVF, normocomplementemic rats given anti‐C6 IgG or non‐immune IgG but no CVF, and C6D rats reconstituted with normocomplementemic rat serum. Total complement and C6 serum levels were measured using hemolytic assays in rat peripheral blood.

Results:  We found that hamster hearts transplanted into C6D rats receiving CSA but no CVF survived long‐term, with histology typical of an accommodated heart. The accommodated hamster heart did not reconstitute C6 levels of the C6D recipient rats. Moreover, in normocomplementemic rats given anti‐C6 antibodies (abs) to induce partial C6 deficiency, accommodation also developed without administration of CVF. Accommodation of the hamster heart failed to develop in C6D rats whose complement was reconstituted by administration of normocomplementemic rat serum given before and following transplantation.

Conclusions: These studies demonstrate that, in this model, inhibition of MAC‐mediated graft rejection is sufficient to allow the development of accommodation. Inactivation of C3 or other complement proteins of the alternate pathway, or the presence of complement‐derived biologically active fragments, is not needed for development of accommodation.
Granulocyte transfusions for neutropenic patients with life‐threatening infections: a single centre experience in 47 patients, who received 348 granulocyte transfusions
Authors: Ofran Y. , Avivi I. , Oliven A. , Oren I. , Zuckerman T. , Bonstein L. , Rowe J. M. , Dann E. J.
Published: August 2007

Introduction  The role of granulocyte transfusions (GT) in patients with neutropenia‐related infections remains controversial.

Materials and Methods  A retrospective analysis of 47 neutropenic patients, treated with 348 consecutive GTs for life‐threatening infections between 1999 and 2004, is presented.

Results  The only grade III–IV toxicity observed in GT recipients was respiratory deterioration (n= 6, 12·8%). The overall infection‐related mortality (IRM) approached 38%. Achievement of a neutrophil count of > 700 cells per µl after at least 50% of days of GTs (n = 33, 70%) significantly correlated with reduced IRM (27·3% vs. 64·3%, P < 0·02). GT doses of > 2 × 1010 neutrophils per bag appeared to increase both neutophil and platelet counts following transfusion.

Conclusion  GTs are safe and should be considered for patients with life‐threatening neutropenic infections. However, prospective randomized studies of GTs are the only way to establish the true role of GTs.
Morphology of Deep Gland of the Third Eyelid in Pig Foetuses
Authors: Klećkowska‐Nawrot J. , Dzięgiel P.
Published: August 2007

The morphological and histological examinations of the deep gland of the third eyelid were carried out on pig foetuses coming from the 35th, 50th, 63rd, 94th and 112th day of gestation. The morphological examinations were conducted using the method of macroscopic preparation with a forehead magnifying glass and binocular (magnification 1.5–5.0×). In order to make anatomical elements more visible, 60–80% absolute alcohol and 0.5–4% acetic acid solution were used for the examinations. For the histological examinations, the whole eyeball with developing accessory organs was collected from the pig foetuses on the 35th day of gestation. On the 50th, 63rd, 94th and 112th day of gestation only the deep gland of the third eyelid was collected. Staining with haematoxylin‐eosin and Azan method was performed. It was found during the examinations that the process of the formation of the deep gland of the third eyelid starts on the 35th day of gestation. On the 50th day of gestation, the gland cells are evenly distributed in the connective tissue stroma. On the 63rd day of gestation, the connective tissue divides the gland parenchyma into indistinct lobes composed of 6–15 lobules. On the 94th day of gestation, the gland lobes become visible; the efferent ducts are situated in the central part of the lobe. On the 112th day of gestation, the lobes are composed of a high number of lobules composed of two kinds of excretory ducts. The first type of the excretory ducts is lined with the simple cuboid epithelium whose nuclei are situated at the base of the cell. The other type of the excretory ducts is lined with the simple cuboid epithelium whose nuclei are round and arranged less or more peripherally.
Egg Cannibalism in a Facultative Polygynous Ant: Conflict for Reproduction or Strategy to Survive?
Authors: Hora Riviane R. , Poteaux Chantal , Doums Claudie , Fresneau Dominique , Fénéron Renée
Published: August 2007

Policing, i.e. all behaviours that prevent a nestmate from reproducing, is currently observed in social insects. It is presumed to have evolved to regulate potential conflicts generated by genetic asymmetries or to enhance colony efficiency by avoiding surplus reproductives and brood. In the ant,Ectatomma tuberculatum,individual queen fecundity was similar in monogynous and polygynous colonies issued from a Mexican population. Egg cannibalism, however, occurred in the polygynous colonies. The stealing and destruction of reproductive queen‐laid eggs involved only nestmate queens, even if they were highly related. No queen appeared to monopolize reproduction in the polygynous colonies. But, the observed value of relatedness among workers differed from the expected value, suggesting an unequal sharing of reproduction between queens. We discussed whether the cannibalism of queen‐laid eggs inE. tuberculatumresults from a competition for reproduction among queens or if this phenomenon is related to constraints on nutritional resources.
An Investigation on Strains of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis in North and North West of Iran
Authors: Nazari F. , Niknam G. R. , Ghasemi A. , Taghavi S. M. , Momeni H. , Torabi S.
Published: August 2007

Tomato bacterial canker disease was first reported from Urmiyeh in West Azerbaijan province in Iran. The disease causes lesion (canker), wilting and dryness of infected plants, leaf and fruit spots and the decline of the whole plant. Out of 102 isolates obtained from the fields in the major tomato producing areas of understudy regions, 98 were found Gram positive, yellow‐pigmented isolates, identified as Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis based on the morphological and biochemical characteristics described in previous studies. Among these strains, 64 were virulent and 34 showed poor virulence. A strain of Cmm (NCPPB382) was used as a check (standard) in all steps of this study. DNA fingerprinting with repetitive‐sequence‐based PCR (rep‐PCR) (BOX primer) carried out among 11 representative strains (eight strains from West Azerbaijan, two from Golestan and one as standard). The most virulent strain was chosen as representative in each location. Dendrograms were prepared using NTSYS‐pc version 2/o2e software, unweighted pair group with arithmetic average method and simple matching similarity coefficient. According to the site of cut‐off line, three groups (clusters) with 82/5% similarity and six groups with 55% similarity were separated based on biochemical and SDS‐PAGE data, and rep‐PCR reactions respectively. Low similarity among groups (55%) can be explained as high genetic diversity among the strains. One strain of west Azerbaijan and the strains of Golestan, clustered in the same group suggesting that they may have been originated from a common source. Other strains of west Azerbaijan were clustered into different groups including II, III, IV, V and VI, suggesting the possibility of occurrence of different populations in a geographical region.