bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Albumin‐bound low molecular weight thiols analysis in plasma and carotid plaques by CE
Authors: Zinellu Angelo , Lepedda Antonio , Sotgia Salvatore , Zinellu Elisabetta , Marongiu Giommaria , Usai Maria Franca , Gaspa Leonardo , De Muro Pierina , Formato Marilena , Deiana Luca , Carru Ciriaco
Published: November 2009

We describe a new method for the quantification of low molecular weight thiols, as homocysteine, cysteine, cysteinylglycine, glutamylcysteine and glutathione bound to human plasma albumin. After albumin isolation and purification by SDS‐PAGE, thiols were freed from protein with tri‐n‐butylphosphine and successively derivatized with 5‐iodoacetamidofluorescein. Samples were then injected and quantified in about 18 min by CE with laser induced fluorescence detection. Precision tests indicate a good repeatability of the method both for migration times (RSD<0.63%) and areas (RSD<2.98%). The method allows to measure all five low molecular weight thiols released from just 3 μg of albumin thus improving the other described methods in which only three or four thiols were detected. Due to the elevated sensitivity (LOD of 0.3 pM for all thiols), also low molecular weight thiols bound to albumin filtered in tissues could be quantified.
Low‐dose weekly platinum‐based chemoradiation for advanced head and neck cancer
Authors: Watkins John M. , Zauls A. Jason , Wahlquist Amy H. , Shirai Keisuke , Garrett‐Mayer Elizabeth , Gillespie M. Boyd , Day Terry A. , Sharma Anand K.
Published: November 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

The optimal concurrent chemoradiotherapy regimen for definitive treatment of locoregionally advanced head and neck cancer remains to be determined. The present investigation reports toxicities, disease control, patterns of failure, and survival outcomes in a large mature cohort of patients treated with low‐dose weekly platinum‐based concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

Study Design:

Retrospective single‐institution series.

Methods:

Toxicity and outcome data for locoregionally advanced head and neck cancer patients treated with low‐dose weekly platinum‐based chemotherapy concurrent with standard fractionation radiotherapy were retrospectively collected and analyzed from a clinical database. Survival analysis methods, including Kaplan‐Meier estimation and competing risks analysis, were used to assess locoregional disease control, freedom from failure, and overall survival.

Results:

Ninety‐six patients were eligible for the present analysis. Nearly all patients had American Joint Committee on Cancer clinical stage III to IVB disease (99%). Severe acute toxicities included grade 3 mucositis (61%), grade 3/4 nausea (27%/1%), and grade 3 neutropenia (8%). Thirty‐seven patients (38%) required hospitalization for a median of 7 days (range, 1–121). Ninety‐two percent of patients completed the fully prescribed course of radiotherapy, and 87% completed ≥6 cycles of chemotherapy. At a median survivor follow‐up of 40 months (range, 8–68), 47% of patients were without evidence of disease recurrence. The estimated 4‐year freedom from failure and overall survival were 48% and 58%, respectively. Initial site(s) of disease failure were locoregional for 22 patients, locoregional and distant (five patients), and distant only (14 patients).

Conclusions:

Weekly low‐dose platinum‐based chemotherapy with full‐dose daily radiotherapy is a tolerable alternative regimen for locoregionally advanced head and neck cancers, with comparable efficacy and patterns of failure to alternative regimens. Laryngoscope, 2010
Two new approaches in intrauterine tracheal occlusion using an ultrathin fetoscope
Authors: Tchirikov Michael , Gatopoulos Georgios , Strohner Miriam , Puhl Alexander , Steetskamp Joscha
Published: November 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To introduce and establish a new approach in minimal invasive fetoscopic surgery in order to reduce access trauma and the iatrogenic preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) as a major complication of intrauterine treatment of congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Methods:

In total, 27 pregnant sheep were operated on using fetoscopes with 1.2 and 1.0 mm optics. We used an elliptic sheath alone with a maximum diameter of 2.6/1.3 mm; in these cases the balloon was placed under ultrasound control. In comparison, we placed the balloon under fetoscopic control using the fetoscopic sheath and a 7F (2.3 mm) introducer. Therefore, the maximum access trauma was not bigger than the diameter of sheath of introducer.

Results:

With this technique we successfully operated on 22 sheep. The use of real time three‐dimensional ultrasound control distinctly facilitates the operation procedure.

Conclusions:

Our preliminary findings show that fetoscopic tracheal occlusion using ultrathin fetoscopes and reducing the access trauma on the level of 4.2 or even 2.65 mm2 could be seen as a method of reducing the rate of PPROM. Laryngoscope, 2010
Anxious and depressive symptoms in Parkinson's disease: The French cross‐sectionnal DoPaMiP study
Authors: Nègre‐Pagès Laurence , Grandjean Hélène , Lapeyre‐Mestre Maryse , Montastruc Jean Louis , Fourrier Annie , Lépine Jean Pierre , Rascol Oliver ,   on behalf of the DoPaMiP Study Group
Published: November 2009

Anxiety has been less extensively studied than depression in Parkinson's disease (PD). The DoPaMiP survey allowed assessing simultaneously anxiety and depressive symptoms in PD and comparing correlations of both symptoms with clinical and therapeutic features of the disease. Cross sectional survey conducted prospectively in 450 ambulatory nondemented PD patients and 98 patients with other disorders than PD. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), parkinsonism using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). Other clinical factors were measured using a structured standardized examination/questionnaire. The mean HADS‐A (anxiety) subscore was higher in PD patients than in the others (8.2 ± 3.9 vs. 6.5 ± 3.2, P < 10−4) as was the HADS‐D (depressive) subscore (6.6 ± 3.8 vs. 3.9 ± 3.2, P < 10−4). Patients with possible/probable anxious signs (HADS‐A ≥ 8) were more prevalent in PD (51% vs. 29%, P < 10−4) as were those with depressive symptoms (40% vs. 10%, P < 10−4). Conversely, anxiolytic and antidepressant medications consumption was not different between the 2 groups. Patients with anxious symptoms were more frequently female and younger than those without such symptoms, while those with depressive symptoms had more severe indices of parkinsonism, more comorbidities and lower cognitive function (Mini Mental State Exam). The logistic regression model revealed that patients with depressive symptoms received more frequently levodopa and less frequently a dopamine agonist. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were more frequent in PD patients than in medical control group. Both symptoms were commonly associated in the same PD patients, but were correlated with different clinical/therapeutic features, suggesting different underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Globally optimal, minimum stored energy, double‐doughnut superconducting magnets
Authors: Tieng Quang M. , Vegh Viktor , Brereton Ian M.
Published: November 2009

The use of the minimum stored energy current density map–based methodology of designing closed‐bore symmetric superconducting magnets was described recently. The technique is further developed to cater for the design of interventional‐type MRI systems, and in particular open symmetric magnets of the double‐doughnut configuration. This extends the work to multiple magnet domain configurations. The use of double‐doughnut magnets in MRI scanners has previously been hindered by the ability to deliver strong magnetic fields over a sufficiently large volume appropriate for imaging, essentially limiting spatial resolution, signal‐to‐noise ratio, and field of view. The requirement of dedicated interventional space restricts the manner in which the coils can be arranged and placed. The minimum stored energy optimal coil arrangement ensures that the field strength is maximized over a specific region of imaging. The design method yields open, dual‐domain magnets capable of delivering greater field strengths than those used prior to this work, and at the same time it provides an increase in the field‐of‐view volume. Simulation results are provided for 1‐T double‐doughnut magnets with at least a 50‐cm 1‐ppm (parts per million) field of view and 0.7‐m gap between the two doughnuts. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A novel photobleachable polysilane copolymer for optical waveguide fabrication
Authors: He Lei , Chen Baoxue , Iso Mamoru
Published: November 2009

Poly(methylphenylsilane)‐poly(benzylmethacrylate) (PMPS‐PBzMA) block copolymer was prepared by photopolymerization of benzylmethacrylate (BzMA) monomer using PMPS as a macromolecular photo‐radical initiator. Its application as a photobleachable polymer material for optical waveguide fabrication was investigated. By changing weight ratios of BzMA to PMPS during polymerization, the obtained PMPS‐PBzMA showed different photo‐induced refractive changes. PMPS‐PBzMA proved to have good photosensitivity, optical properties, and thermal stability. A multimode PMPS‐PBzMA optical waveguide was achieved, with a propagation loss of 1.0 dB/cm at 1310 nm. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptation ofCorynebacterium glutamicumto salt‐stress conditions
Authors: Fränzel Benjamin , Trötschel Christian , Rückert Christian , Kalinowski Jörn , Poetsch Ansgar , Wolters Dirk Andreas
Published: November 2009

Corynebacterium glutamicumis one of the biotechnologically most important microorganisms because of its ability to enrich amino acids extracellularly. Hence,C. glutamicumrequires effective adaptation strategies against both hypo‐ and hyperosmotic stress. We give a comprehensive and coherent outline about the quantitative dynamics ofC. glutamicumduring adaptation to hyperosmotic stress at the transcript and protein levels. The osmolyte carrier ProP, playing a pivotal role in hyperosmotic stress defence, exhibits the strongest up‐regulation of all proteins. A conspicuously regulated group comprises proteins involved in lipid biosynthesis of the cell envelope. This is in accordance with our observation of a more viscous and stickier cell envelope, which is supported by the findings of an altered lipid composition. Together with our results, showing that several transporters were down‐regulated, this membrane adaptation appears to be one ofC. glutamicum'smajor protection strategies against hyperosmotic stress. In addition, we demonstrate that no oxidative stress and no iron limitation occur during salt stress contrary to former postulations. Ultimately, it is remarkable that various proteins with divergent mRNA‐protein dynamics and regulation have been observed. This leads to the assumption that there are still unknown mechanisms in between the bacterial transcription, translation and post‐translation and that these are waiting to be unravelled.
Emerging applications of fluorescent nanocrystals quantum dots for micrometastases detection
Authors: Mahmoud Wael , Sukhanova Alyona , Oleinikov Vladimir , Rakovich Yury P. , Donegan John F. , Pluot Michel , Cohen Jacques H. M. , Volkov Yuri , Nabiev Igor
Published: December 2009

The occurrence of metastases is one of the main causes of death in many cancers and the main cause of death for breast cancer patients. Micrometastases of disseminated tumour cells and circulating tumour cells are present in more than 30% of breast cancer patients without any clinical or even histopathological signs of metastasis. Low abundance of these cell types in clinical diagnostic material dictates the necessity of their enrichment prior to reliable detection. Current micrometastases detection techniques are based on immunocytochemical and molecular methods suffering from low efficiency of tumour cells enrichment and observer‐dependent interpretation. The use of highly fluorescent semiconductor nanocrystals, also known as “quantum dots” and nanocrystal‐encoded microbeads tagged with a wide panel of antibodies against specific tumour markers offers unique possibilities for ultra‐sensitive micrometastases detection in patients' serum and tissues. The nanoparticle‐based diagnostics provides an opportunity for highly sensitive parallel quantification of specific proteins in a rapid and low‐cost method, thereby providing a link between the primary tumour and the micrometastases for early diagnosis.
Ethmoid mucocele: A new feature of primary ciliary dyskinesia
Authors: Berlucchi Marco , Maroldi Roberto , Aga Alfred , Grazzani Livia , Padoan Rita
Published: December 2009

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare congenital autosomal recessive disease that produces impairment of mucosal ciliary movement. Children with this disorder usually manifest recurrent and chronic infections of the upper and lower airways. We describe the history of a 12‐month‐old boy in whom the correct diagnosis of PCD was achieved after the occurrence of ethmoid mucocele associated with omolateral proptosis. A careful description of this new feature of PCD and its dangerous complications are also presented. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:197–201. ©2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Metabolic enzyme(s) confer imidacloprid resistance in a clone of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) from Greece
Authors: Philippou Despina , Field Linda , Moores Graham
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported varying levels of resistance against imidacloprid in several insect species, including populations of the peach‐potato aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer). These cases of resistance have been attributed to either target‐site resistance or enhanced detoxification. In this study, a clone of M. persicae originating from Greece revealed a 60‐fold resistance factor to imidacloprid.

RESULTS: The Greek clone is compared in terms of metabolic enzyme activity and synergism profiles with other M. persicae clones showing lower imidacloprid resistance.

CONCLUSION: A combination of in vitro biochemical assays and in vivo differential synergism studies using PBO and a close analogue EN 16/5‐1 suggests that the mechanism conferring increased resistance in this clone is primarily due to enhanced oxidase activity. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Reduced‐order observer‐based output‐feedback tracking control of nonlinear systems with state delay and disturbance
Authors: Zhang Zhengqiang , Xu Shengyuan , Shen Hao
Published: November 2009

In this paper, we investigate the problem of output‐feedback tracking control for a class of nonlinear SISO systems in the strick‐feedback form, which are subject to both uncertain delay‐related functions and disturbances. A reduced‐order observer is first introduced to provide the estimates of the unmeasured states. Then, an output‐feedback controller is recursively designed based on the backsteppng method. By constructing an appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, we prove that all the signals in the closed‐loop system are bounded. The tracking performance is guaranteed by suitably choosing the design parameters. Finally, a simulation example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Environmental performance and compliance costs for industrial wastewater treatment – an international comparison
Authors: Salomaa Eila , Watkins Gary
Published: November 2009

Investment in environmental protection, in connection with all productive investments in industrial processes and plants, is obligatory and routine in industrialized and high‐income countries. The quality of the environmental regulatory system, including regulatory stringency, has been found to have a connection with national wealth.

In this study, the relationships between environmental performance, the cost of environmental protection and the wealth of nations are examined by using international statistics on industry, economics and the environment. Environmental performance is studied using data on emissions of organic water pollutants resulting from industrial activities as well as the investments and current expenditure on wastewater management in selected countries. Variations in environmental performance discovered among countries are both absolute and relative with respect to the level of expected BOD intensity based on the wealth of these countries. The costs of wastewater management to Finnish industry are presented. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Implementing sustainable development in the construction industry: constructors' perspectives in the US and Korea
Authors: Son Hyojoo , Kim Changwan , Chong Wai Kiong , Chou Jui‐Sheng
Published: November 2009

Concern about the devastating impacts of on‐site construction processes on the environment (e.g., consumption of energy and materials, generation of waste and dust, and pollution of air and water) has led to a heightened awareness of the need for sustainable construction practices. Constructors in the construction industry in the US and Korea were surveyed on their level of awareness of sustainable construction measures that could be implemented during the actual construction phase, and on their level of preparedness to implement such measures. The results of the survey indicate a fairly high level of awareness of and preparedness for sustainable construction and a positive outlook for the future of sustainable construction in both countries. The results of this study indicate that constructors should have more responsibilities and get involved at an earlier stage of a construction project – during the design phase – in order to exploit their knowledge. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Re‐Evaluation of Histopathological Factors Affecting Prognosis of Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma in an Iodine‐Sufficient Country
Authors: Sugitani Iwao , Toda Kazuhisa , Yamamoto Noriko , Sakamoto Atsuhiko , Fujimoto Yoshihide
Published: November 2009

Background

Poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) was recognized as an independent clinicohistological entity of thyroid cancer in the 2004 World Health Organization (WHO) classifications, separated from papillary (PTC) and follicular carcinoma (FTC). The Turin proposal provides more specific criteria for the diagnosis of PDTC. However, in an iodine‐sufficient country such as Japan, PDTC comprises <1% of all thyroid cancers. In 1983, Sakamoto analyzed pathological characteristics of PTC and FTC that recurred within 5 years after initial surgery and identified solid, trabecular, insular (STI) and scirrhous growth patterns as important predictors of poor prognosis. We re‐evaluated the impact of histopathological findings on the clinical course of PTC and FTC.

Materials and methods

Specimens from 376 consecutive cases diagnosed as PTC (n = 351) or FTC (n = 25) between 1994 and 2001 were reviewed.

Results

Nine (2%) patients were diagnosed with PDTC according to WHO criteria. Only 1 case (0.3%) met the Turin criteria. In addition, STI components were seen in various specimens as follows: ≥50%, ≥10% but <50%, >0% but <10%, and 0% of specimens for 9 (2%), 31 (8%), 19 (5%), and 317 cases (85%), respectively. As for cause‐specific survival, a significant difference was apparent between the ≥50% and ≥10% but <50% groups. Disease‐free survival was identical between these groups and was significantly worse than in the >0% but <10% and 0% groups. According to multivariate analysis, histological features of STI ≥10% and squamous metaplasia were significantly related to cause‐specific survival, but scirrhous infiltration, necrosis, nuclear atypia, and vascular invasion were not. The presence of STI at a level ≥10% was also a significant risk factor, together with clinical risk factors including large tumor size, large nodal metastasis, and distant metastasis. According to AMES risk‐group definition, clinically high‐risk patients with STI ≥10% showed the worst 10‐year cause‐specific survival, at 57%, irrespective of total thyroidectomy with radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment. Ten of 25 PTC patients (40%) with STI ≥10% developed cervical recurrence, whereas 9 of 15 FTC patients (60%) with STI ≥10% showed distant metastasis.

Conclusions

The measurement of STI ≥10% represents a distinctly important risk factor for patient survival. In particular, clinically high‐risk patients with STI ≥10% need further therapy beyond RAI. Original histological pattern, as papillary or follicular, affects the site of recurrence.
Genetik der monogenen isolierten Alopezien
Authors: Betz R.C.
Published: November 2009

Die monogen vererbten isolierten Alopezien umfassen eine Gruppe klinisch und genetisch heterogener Formen von Haarlosigkeit/-verlust. Die klinische Unterteilung der isolierten Alopezien erfolgt nach Erkrankungsbeginn, betroffenen Regionen und Struktur des Haarschafts. Frauen und Männer sind gleichermaßen betroffen, die Vererbung ist autosomal-dominant oder autosomal-rezessiv. Seit der Identifizierung des Keratingens KRT86 als Ursache für die so genannte Monilethrix im Jahr 1997 konnten in der letzten Dekade Mutationen in 9 weiteren Genen für verschiedene Formen isolierter Alopezien identifiziert werden, darunter weitere Keratingene (KRT81 und KRT83) für die Monilethrix, das Hairless-Gen für die Atrichia congenita/papuläre Atrichie, das Corneodesmosingen für die autosomal-dominante Form der Hypotrichosis simplex sowie die Gene Desmoglein 4, Lipase H und der G-Protein gekoppelte Rezeptor P2RY5 (LPAR6) für autosomal-rezessive Formen der Hypotrichose. Molekulargenetische und pathophysiologische Untersuchungen dieser seltenen Haarentwicklungsstörungen trugen entscheidend dazu bei, grundlegende Mechanismen des Haarausfalls und somit auch physiologische Mechanismen des Haarwachstums besser zu verstehen.
Genetische Ursachen für epidermale Fragilität
Authors: Has C. , Bruckner-Tuderman L.
Published: November 2009

Bei epidermaler Fragilität führen geringfügige Verletzungen zur Blasenbildung der Haut und der hautnahen Schleimhäute. Verantwortlich für die Fragilität sind Mutationen in Genen, die Proteine der epidermalen und dermo-epidermalen Adhäsion kodieren. Die meisten Erkrankungen werden in der Gruppe der Epidermolysis bullosa zusammengefasst und sind sowohl klinisch als auch genetisch heterogen. Bei Neugeborenen und Kleinkindern, aber auch bei vielen erwachsenen Patienten kann der Subtyp der Epidermolysis bullosa aufgrund des Phänotyps nicht diagnostiziert werden. Die genaue Diagnosestellung ist nur durch spezifische Laboruntersuchungen, wie das Immunfluoreszenzmapping, die Elektronenmikroskopie und die Mutationsanalyse möglich. Die Behandlung ist symptomatisch und basiert auf allgemeinem Wundmanagement, während bei den schweren Formen mit Multisystembeteiligung interdisziplinäre medizinische Betreuung notwendig ist. Die neuen Erkenntnisse über molekulare Grundlagen und Pathomechanismen der Epidermolysis bullosa ermöglichen die Entwicklung neuartiger molekularen Therapien.
STRATEGIC PHOSPHORUS APPLICATION IN LEGUME-CEREAL ROTATIONS INCREASES LAND PRODUCTIVITY AND PROFITABILITY IN WESTERN KENYA
Authors: KIHARA J. , VANLAUWE B. , WASWA B. , KIMETU J. M. , CHIANU J. , BATIONO A.
Published: November 2009

Many food production systems in sub-Saharan Africa are constrained by phosphorus (P). We hypothesized that within legume-cereal rotation systems: targeting P to the legume phase leads to higher system productivity, and that use of grain legumes leads to better economic returns than use of herbaceous legumes. Four P application regimes: (i) no P, (ii) P applied every season, (iii) P applied in season 1 only and (iv) P applied in season 2 only were tested for four seasons in three cropping systems (continuous maize, mucuna-maize rotation and soybean-maize rotation) in a split plot experiment set up in Nyabeda, western Kenya. Treatments where P was applied were better than no P treatments. While continuous cereal systems showed the need for application of P every second season, rotation systems involving mucuna and soyabean indicated that application in one out of three seasons could be sufficient. Nitrogen fertilizer equivalence was 52 to >90 kg N ha−1for soyabean and 37 to >90 kg N ha−1for mucuna, depending on P fertilization and season. Analysis of marginal rates of return (MRR) showed that soybean-maize rotation with one application of P was the most economically viable option, with an MRR of at least 147% compared to other non-dominated options.
Comparison of radiofrequency and monopolar electrocautery tonsillectomy
Authors: Aksoy F , Ozturan O , Veyseller B , Yildirim Y S , Demirhan H
Published: November 2009

Objectives:

To compare the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency and monopolar electrocautery tonsillectomy, regarding operation duration and tonsillectomy morbidity, including post-operative pain and haemorrhage and tonsillar fossa healing, in patients with recurrent chronic tonsillitis.

Study design:

A prospective, randomised, double-blind, controlled clinical study.

Methods:

Fifty patients aged over 10 years who required tonsillectomy were randomly assigned to have one tonsil removed by radiofrequency and the other by monopolar electrocautery. Operation duration, post-operative haemorrhage, post-operative pain and tonsillar fossa wound healing were compared.

Results:

The mean ± standard deviation of the operation duration required for the radiofrequency method was significantly longer than that for monopolar electrocautery: 8.1 ± 1.6 minutes vs 7.3 ± 1.5 minutes, respectively (p = 0.034). Post-operative haemorrhage was observed in only three patients (13.6 per cent). Inter-group analysis showed no significant differences in post-operative pain scores for the radiofrequency vs monopolar electrocautery methods (3.7 ± 1.6 vs 3.3 ± 1.4, respectively; p < 0.126). Inter-group analysis showed that tonsillar fossa wound healing scores evaluated on the fifth, 10th and 14th post-operative days were significantly higher in the radiofrequency group compared with the monopolar electrocautery group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

The present study results indicated that monopolar electrocautery tonsillectomy was superior to radiofrequency tonsillectomy in terms of post-operative tonsillar fossa wound healing; however, both techniques were comparable in terms of post-operative pain.
Age of acquisition and proficiency as factors in language production: Agreement in bilinguals
Authors: FOOTE REBECCA
Published: November 2009

Research on the production of subject–verb number agreement in monolinguals suggests differences between and within languages in how it proceeds as a function of morphological richness. When agreement morphology is relatively rich, the influence of conceptual number over grammatical number is less than when it is relatively poor. Within the framework of Eberhard, Cutting and Bock's (2005) marking and morphing account of agreement production, this finding is explained by how number features from the syntax and the lexicon are reconciled. This study asks: (1) Can this account of differences in agreement production as a function of morphological richness be extended to the case of bilinguals? (2) Do age of acquisition and/or proficiency modulate whether these differences surface in bilinguals? Agreement production was examined in early and late English–Spanish, and late Spanish–English bilinguals of varying proficiency. Higher-proficiency bilinguals patterned similarly to monolinguals, supporting the extension of the marking and morphing account.
Beyond Benevolence: Toward a Reframing of Mission in the Episcopal Church
Authors: Zscheile Dwight J.
Published: December 2009

Today’s changing context invites a rethinking of mission in the Episcopal Church. Based on a large-scale, grassroots intervention process in an American Episcopal diocese, this article identifies several operative missiological and ecclesiological categories in the Episcopal Church that warrant critical examination. The themes of democracy, inclusion, and benevolence are explored in light of their historical and theological background and against the sociological realities of the contemporary church. The article proposes a reframing of Episcopal mission in a more theological and Trinitarian direction using the themes of communion, companionship, creativity, and cultivation.
Effekt unterschiedlicher Strategien beim Embryotransfer auf die Ergebnisse der assistierten Reproduktion
Authors: Fehr Peter , Nygren Karl-Gösta , De Geyter Christian
Published: November 2009

Zunehmend gibt es eine Tendenz in der Reproduktionsmedizin, eine Mehrlingsgeburt nach assistierter Reproduktion als Komplikation zu betrachten, welche vermieden werden kann. Eine Mehrlingsgeburt bedeutet besonders für eine Frau mit einer ungewollten Kinderlosigkeit ein hohes Risiko, da bei den Kindern signifikant häufiger Hirnschäden beobachtet wurden. Auch für die Gesellschaft stellen Mehrlingsgeburten und ihre Folgen ein wesentlicher ökonomischer Kostenfaktor dar. In Schweden wurde zur Vorbeugung von Mehrlingsschwangerschaften die Übertragung eines einzelnen ausgewählten Embryos entwickelt. Dort werden seit 2004 ungefähr 70 % der Behandlungszyklen mit der assistierten Reproduktion nach der SET-Methode durchgeführt. Die Ergebnisse demonstrieren, dass durch den Transfer eines einzelnen, selektionierten Embryos (SET) akzeptable Schwangerschaftsraten bei gleichzeitiger Absenkung der Mehrlingsgeburtenrate auf circa 5 % erzielt werden können. In der Schweiz kann eine solche Vorgehensweise aufgrund des Verbots der Embryonenselektion nicht umgesetzt werden.
Synergy of rising nitrogen depositions and atmospheric CO2 on land carbon uptake moderately offsets global warming
Authors: Churkina Galina , Brovkin Victor , von Bloh Werner , Trusilova Kristina , Jung Martin , Dentener Frank
Published: November 2009

Increased carbon uptake of land in response to elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration and nitrogen deposition could slow down the rate of CO2 increase and facilitate climate change mitigation. Using a coupled model of climate, ocean, and land biogeochemistry, we show that atmospheric nitrogen deposition and atmospheric CO2 have a strong synergistic effect on the carbon uptake of land. Our best estimate of the global land carbon uptake in the 1990s is 1.34 PgC/yr. The synergistic effect could explain 47% of this carbon uptake, which is higher than either the effect of increasing nitrogen deposition (29%) or CO2 fertilization (24%). By 2030, rising carbon uptake on land has a potential to reduce atmospheric CO2 concentration by about 41 ppm out of which 16 ppm reduction would come from the synergetic response of land to the CO2 and nitrogen fertilization effects. The strength of the synergy depends largely on the cooccurrence of high nitrogen deposition regions with nonagricultural ecosystems. Our study suggests that reforestation and sensible ecosystem management in industrialized regions may have larger potential for climate change mitigation than anticipated.
Very low frequency earthquakes related to small asperities on the plate boundary interface at the locked to aseismic transition
Authors: Ito Yoshihiro , Obara Kazushige , Matsuzawa Takanori , Maeda Takuto
Published: November 2009

Very low frequency (VLF) seismic signals observed in southwestern Japan are evidently radiated from shear slips on the upper surface of the subducting Philippine Sea Plate. We used grid moment tensor inversion and centroid moment tensor inversion to calculate 242 moment tensor solutions with moment magnitudes between 3.1 and 3.8 from continuous seismograms recorded over a 5 year period by using a very dense broadband seismic network. At least 5–10 sequences of repetitive activity were observed during the 5 years. The VLF events formed clustered distributions along the 35 km isodepth contour of the subducting plate surface. The nodal planes (which dip landward) of moment tensor solutions of the VLF events reflected the configuration of the subducting plate interface. The slip vectors were consistent with the direction of movement of the subducting plate; the dip and strike of the slip vectors clearly reflected the configuration of the upper surface of the subducting plate. We found that the rates of seismic moment release per unit area associated with five major VLF clusters were very similar, although both the seismic magnitudes and sizes of the clusters varied considerably. The rate of seismic moment released from detectable VLF sources was 0.1% of the rates of short‐term slow slip events, suggesting that the source areas occupied only 0.1% of the fault segment on which the short‐term slow slip events occurred.
Thermochemical interpretation of 1‐D seismic data for the lower mantle: The significance of nonadiabatic thermal gradients and compositional heterogeneity
Authors: Cobden Laura , Goes Saskia , Ravenna Matteo , Styles Elinor , Cammarano Fabio , Gallagher Kerry , Connolly James A. D.
Published: November 2009

Equation‐of‐state (EOS) modeling, whereby the seismic properties of a specified thermochemical structure are constructed from mineral physics constraints, and compared with global seismic data, provides a potentially powerful tool for distinguishing between plausible mantle structures. However, previous such studies at lower mantle depths have been hampered by insufficient evaluation of mineral physics uncertainties, overestimation of seismic uncertainties, or biases in the type of seismic and/or mineral physics data used. This has led to a wide, often conflicting, variety of models being proposed for the average lower mantle structure. In this study, we perform a thorough reassessment of mineral physics and seismic data uncertainties. Uncertainties in both the type of EOS, and mineral elastic parameters, used are taken into account. From this analysis, it is evident that the seismic variability due to these uncertainties is predominantly controlled by only a small subset of the mineral parameters. Furthermore, although adiabatic pyrolite cannot be ruled out completely, it is problematic to explain seismic velocities and gradients at all depth intervals with such a structure, especially in the interval 1660–2000 km. We therefore consider a range of alternative thermal and chemical structures, and map out the sensitivity of average seismic velocities and gradients to deviations in temperature and composition. Compositional sensitivity is tested both in terms of plausible end‐member compositions (e.g., MORB, chondrite), and via changes in each of the five major mantle oxides, SiO2, MgO, FeO, CaO, and Al2O3. Fe enrichment reduces bothPandSvelocities significantly, while Si enrichment (and Mg depletion) increasesPandSvelocities, with a larger increase inPthan inS. Using purely thermal deviations from adiabatic pyrolite, it remains difficult to explain simultaneously all seismic observations. A superadiabatic temperature gradient does improve the seismic fit in the lowermost mantle, but should be accompanied by concurrent bulk chemistry changes. Our results suggest that the most plausible way to alter bulk chemistry in the lowermost mantle, simultaneously fitting density, bulk velocity and shear velocity constraints, is an increasing contribution of a hot, basalt‐enriched component with depth.
Correcting satellite‐based infrared sulfur dioxide retrievals for the presence of silicate ash
Authors: Kearney C. S. , Watson I. M.
Published: November 2009

Previous studies have suggested that the presence of silicate ash may cause the 8.6‐μm sulfur dioxide (SO2) retrieval to overestimate total column abundances and contribute to variations between ultraviolet and 8.6‐μm SO2 estimates. Tested here is a volcanic aerosol forward model which allows the determination of transmission spectra. The forward model is embedded into a three‐layer atmospheric radiative transfer model, based upon the moderate spectral resolution atmospheric transmittance algorithm (MODTRAN) radiative transfer code. This model is used to investigate the effects of silicate ash on the 8.6‐μm SO2 retrieval from satellite data. Forward modeling of transmission through volcanic clouds enables us to evaluate the assumptions and errors of current retrievals. Four free variables, (1) effective radius, (2) variance, (3) number of particles, and (4) spectral refractive index, are used to determine the transmission and single scattering albedo at 7–13 μm. Here we present simplistic characterizations of three eruptions, containing sulfates, ice, or andesitic ash using this forward model. The ash correction model based on the aerosol forward model is tested on the ash‐rich lobe of the 19 February 2001 eruption plume of Mount Cleveland volcano using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data. Uncorrected MODIS radiance values estimate 22 kt of SO2, while ash‐corrected radiances estimate 17 kt. The minimal reduction in total SO2 indicates that previous variations in ultraviolet and 8.6‐μm SO2 retrievals are unlikely to be due solely to the presence of ash.
Characterization of phyllosilicates observed in the central Mawrth Vallis region, Mars, their potential formational processes, and implications for past climate
Authors: McKeown Nancy K. , Bishop Janice L. , Noe Dobrea Eldar Z. , Ehlmann Bethany L. , Parente Mario , Mustard John F. , Murchie Scott L. , Swayze Gregg A. , Bibring Jean‐Pierre , Silver Eli A.
Published: November 2009

Mawrth Vallis contains one of the largest exposures of phyllosilicates on Mars. Nontronite, montmorillonite, kaolinite, and hydrated silica have been identified throughout the region using data from the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM). In addition, saponite has been identified in one observation within a crater. These individual minerals are identified and distinguished by features at 1.38–1.42, ∼1.91, and 2.17–2.41μm. There are two main phyllosilicate units in the Mawrth Vallis region. The lowermost unit is nontronite bearing, unconformably overlain by an Al‐phyllosilicate unit containing montmorillonite plus hydrated silica, with a thin layer of kaolinite plus hydrated silica at the top of the unit. These two units are draped by a spectrally unremarkable capping unit. Smectites generally form in neutral to alkaline environments, while kaolinite and hydrated silica typically form in slightly acidic conditions; thus, the observed phyllosilicates may reflect a change in aqueous chemistry. Spectra retrieved near the boundary between the nontronite and Al‐phyllosilicate units exhibit a strong positive slope from 1 to 2μm, likely from a ferrous component within the rock. This ferrous component indicates either rapid deposition in an oxidizing environment or reducing conditions. Formation of each of the phyllosilicate minerals identified requires liquid water, thus indicating a regional wet period in the Noachian when these units formed. The two main phyllosilicate units may be extensive layers of altered volcanic ash. Other potential formational processes include sediment deposition into a marine or lacustrine basin or pedogenesis.
Transient competitive complexation in biological kinetic isotope fractionation explains nonsteady isotopic effects: Theory and application to denitrification in soils
Authors: Maggi Federico , Riley William J.
Published: November 2009

The theoretical formulation of biological kinetic isotope fractionation often assumes first‐order or Michaelis‐Menten kinetics, the latter solved under the quasi‐steady state assumption. Both formulations lead to a constant isotope fractionation factor, therefore they may return incorrect estimations of isotopic effects and misleading interpretations of isotopic signatures when fractionation is not a steady process. We have analyzed the isotopic signature of denitrification in biogeochemical soil systems by Menyailo and Hungate (2006) in which high and variable 15N‐N2O enrichment during N2O production and inverse isotope fractionation during N2O consumption could not be explained with first‐order kinetics and the Rayleigh equation, or with Michaelis‐Menten kinetics. When Michaelis‐Menten kinetics were coupled to Monod kinetics to describe biomass and enzyme dynamics, and the quasi‐steady state assumption was relaxed, transient Michaelis‐Menten‐Monod kinetics accurately reproduced the observed concentrations, and variable and inverse isotope fractionations. These results imply a substantial revision in modeling isotopic effects, suggesting that steady state kinetics such as first‐order, Rayleigh, and classic Michaelis‐Menten kinetics should be superseded by transient kinetics in conjunction with biomass and enzyme dynamics.
Scaling up ecohydrological processes: Role of surface water flow in water‐limited landscapes
Authors: Popp Alexander , Vogel Melanie , Blaum Niels , Jeltsch Florian
Published: November 2009

In this study, we present a stochastic landscape modeling approach that has the power to transfer and integrate existing information on vegetation dynamics and hydrological processes from the small scale to the landscape scale. To include microscale processes like ecohydrological feedback mechanisms and spatial exchange like surface water flow, we derive transition probabilities from a fine‐scale simulation model. We applied two versions of the landscape model, one that includes and one that disregards spatial exchange of water to the situation of a sustainably used research farm and communally used and degraded rangeland in semiarid Namibia. Our simulation experiments show that including spatial exchange of overland flow among vegetation patches into our model is a precondition to reproduce vegetation dynamics, composition, and productivity, as well as hydrological processes at the landscape scale. In the model version that includes spatial exchange of water, biomass production at light grazing intensities increases 2.24‐fold compared to the model without overland flow. In contrast, overgrazing destabilizes positive feedbacks through vegetation and hydrology and decreases the number of hydrological sinks in the model with overland flow. The buffer capacity of these hydrological sinks disappears and runoff increases. Here, both models predicted runoff losses from the system and artificial droughts occurring even in years with good precipitation. Overall, our study reveals that a thorough understanding of overland flow is an important precondition for improving the management of semiarid and arid rangelands with distinct topography.
Multiscale cloud system modeling
Authors: Tao Wei‐Kuo , Moncrieff Mitchell W.
Published: November 2009

The central theme of this paper is to describe how cloud system resolving models (CRMs) of grid spacing ∼1 km have been applied to various important problems in atmospheric science across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales and how these applications relate to other modeling approaches. A long‐standing problem concerns the representation of organized precipitating convective cloud systems in weather and climate models. Since CRMs resolve the mesoscale to large scales of motion (i.e., 10 km to global) they explicitly address the cloud system problem. By explicitly representing organized convection, CRMs bypass restrictive assumptions associated with convective parameterization such as the scale gap between cumulus and large‐scale motion. Dynamical models provide insight into the physical mechanisms involved with scale interaction and convective organization. Multiscale CRMs simulate convective cloud systems in computational domains up to global and have been applied in place of contemporary convective parameterizations in global models. Multiscale CRMs pose a new challenge for model validation, which is met in an integrated approach involving CRMs, operational prediction systems, observational measurements, and dynamical models in a new international project: the Year of Tropical Convection, which has an emphasis on organized tropical convection and its global effects.
Long‐term rainfall risk from tropical cyclones in coastal areas
Authors: Langousis Andreas , Veneziano Daniele
Published: November 2009

We develop a methodology for the frequency of extreme rainfall intensities caused by tropical cyclones (TCs) in coastal areas. The model does not account for landfall effects. This makes the developed framework best suited for open water sites and coastal areas with flat topography. The mean rainfall field associated with a TC with maximum tangential wind speed Vmax, radius of maximum winds Rmax, and translation speed Vt is obtained using a physically based model, whereas rainfall variability at both large scales (from storm to storm) and small scales (due to rainbands and local convection) is modeled statistically. The statistical component is estimated using precipitation radar data from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission. Taylor's hypothesis is used to convert spatial rainfall intensity fluctuations to temporal fluctuations at a given location A. The combined physical‐statistical model gives the distribution of the maximum rainfall intensity at A during an averaging period D for a TC with characteristics (Vmax, Rmax, Vt) that passes at a given distance from A. To illustrate the use of the model for long‐term rainfall risk analysis, we formulate a recurrence model for tropical cyclones in the Gulf of Mexico that make landfall between longitudes 85° and 95°W. We then use the rainfall and recurrence models to assess the rainfall risk for New Orleans. For return periods of 100 years or more and long averaging durations (D around 12–24 h), tropical cyclones dominate over other rainfall event types, whereas the reverse is true for shorter return periods or shorter averaging durations.
Valuing instream flows using the hedonic price method
Authors: Netusil Noelwah R. , Summers Matthew T.
Published: November 2009

The Oregon Water Trust (OWT) uses a market‐based approach to protect and enhance instream flows in Oregon. We use the hedonic price method to estimate the effect of numerous variables on the annualized price OWT pays for water rights: the amount of water protected by the transaction, transaction type (state approved or contractual agreement), presence of anadromous and/or resident fish, and if a fish is listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We find evidence of a premium for state‐approved transactions and for transactions that protect water in streams with listed species. Adjusting the amount of water protected by each transaction to include only rights that will be delivered with a high degree of certainty produces coefficient estimates that are similar, but more accurate, than using unadjusted water rights amounts.
Upper ocean nitrogen fluxes in the Polar Antarctic Zone: Constraints from the nitrogen and oxygen isotopes of nitrate
Authors: DiFiore Peter J. , Sigman Daniel M. , Dunbar Robert B.
Published: November 2009

We report nitrate nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O) isotope measurements from the seasonally sea ice covered Polar Antarctic Zone (PAZ) south of the Southern Antarctic Circumpolar Front. The 15N/14N and 18O/16O ratios of nitrate both increase into the summertime surface mixed layer, in strong correlation with the upward decrease in nitrate concentration, the expected result of nitrate assimilation by phytoplankton. Culture studies indicate that algal assimilation of nitrate fractionates the nitrate N and O isotopes equally, while previous field studies suggest that nitrate N and O isotope behavior can be decoupled by euphotic zone nitrification. Our data for the PAZ show strong coupling of the dual isotopes of nitrate, and a numerical model of Antarctic summertime surface layer N cycling fits our observations (including isotopic compositions of both nitrate and suspended particulate N) if the nitrification rate is no more than 6% of the nitrate assimilation rate by phytoplankton. The model estimates that the N isotope effect of nitrate assimilation is 5.0 ± 0.7‰. This estimate lacks some of the uncertainties associated with previous studies within the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, and it is at the low end of most recent estimates from the Southern Ocean, the range of which we speculatively attribute to an effect of mixed layer depth on the amplitude of isotope discrimination.