bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unbundling of operation and network development activities in electricity distribution
Authors: Lassila Jukka , Tanskanen Anna , Lohjala Juha , Partanen Jarmo
Published: November 2009

Purpose

Based on literature and an empirical case, the purpose of this paper is to present a framework for decision‐making in utilities where unbundling considerations are taking place. The paper analyses the implications of splitting long‐term network planning activity from the organization responsible for short‐term network operation activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed framework includes an analysis of impacts of external forces, set‐up of common targets and performance models, and alignment of responsibilities in the new organization. The empirical results and validation of the proposed framework is performed by an electric utility, where legal unbundling of activities has taken place; the study includes expert interviews and theoretical analysis.

Findings

Colliding interests in the new business model can be avoided if economic and technical targets are mainly set by the regulator for both network development and operation activities.

Research limitations/implications

The results are based on internal re‐organization; a complementary study on re‐organizing network business activities to an external service provider could give information about the generalizability of the findings.

Practical implications

Application of the proposed framework for decision‐making and lessons learned can support electric utilities when planning for unbundling and strategic target‐setting in the unbundled business model.

Originality/value

The study presents experiences of re‐organized network business activities in a pioneering market area with a long experience of outsourcing. The detailed analysis of internal re‐organization within one electric utility can facilitate further restructuring phases.
Social enterprise
Authors: Galera Giulia , Borzaga Carlo
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the evolution of the social enterprise concept at an international level. It provides a comprehensive overview of the existing literature in this subject area and focuses on the legal implementation of social enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is an analytic review, building on previous work. Conclusions are on how the social enterprise concept has been legally implemented in a number of representative European countries.

Findings

The lack of a common understanding of social enterprise should not be regarded as a limitation as such debate encourages a rethinking of the theoretical definition of enterprise and its legal structure. The legal recognition of social enterprise contributes to conceptual clarification in the countries concerned.

Research limitations/implications

This is a conceptual discussion paper, which stimulates further research on the most interesting mechanisms and consistent models of social enterprise that are developing at an international level.

Originality/value

The paper synthesises existing conceptual studies on social enterprise. It contributes to enrich the current debate on social enterprise and aids in focusing future research.
Business ethics in Islam: the glaring gap in practice
Authors: Abuznaid Samir Ahmad
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine and discuss business ethics from an Islamic perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Descriptive, analytical, and comparative analyses are used.

Findings

The study reveals several factors that affect Muslims' ethical behavior, including legal, organizational, and individual factors. However, there are factors that affect manager's unethical behavior; for example, stage of moral development, family influence and peer influence. The paper outlines some of the ethical guidelines that should be manifested in a Muslim manager, such as being trustful, honest, and consultative. Finally, the paper highlights some of the moral issues that seem to be common between Islam and other religions such as no lying, stealing, fraud, or deceit.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides insights into Islamic work ethics for Western managers and employees, enabling them to work more effectively with Islamic managers, employees, and business partners. It is believed that the paper will provide a better understanding of Muslim societies in general and Islamic managers in particular. It also has some implications for Islamic managers and employees who have to deal with ethical dilemmas as well as situations that offer potential benefits or gains and are considered unethical on a daily basis. It is also hoped that this paper will reinforce managers' Islamic behavior and make them more aware of the code of conduct on business.

Practical implications

The findings presented in this research can be used by Western managers, employees, business partners, and academicians as a guide to Islamic work ethics in Muslim societies.

Originality/value

The paper makes a contribution to the literature on Islamic work ethics. It is believed to be one of few studies investigating the issue of management ethics in Islam. The findings presented will be of genuine interest to Western and non‐Western managers, employees, and academicians.
NFKB1‐94ins/del polymorphism is not associated with lung injury after cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Wang J. F. , Bian J. J. , Wan X. J. , Zhu K. M. , Sun Z. Z. , Lu A. D.
Published: November 2009

Nuclear factor (NF)‐κB (NFKB1)‐94ins/del is an important polymorphism that affects promoter activity of the NFKB1 gene and is potentially associated with several inflammatory diseases. We investigated the association of this polymorphism with lung injury after cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass in a prospective cohort study of 283 patients. Genotyping was performed by high resolution melting analysis; analysis indicated no association of NFKB1 with postoperative lung injury (p = 0.064). Relative risks of the del allele and the del/del genotype were 1.34 (95% CI 1.02–1.75) and 1.74 (95% CI 1.00–3.05) respectively. Logistic regression analysis (with factors including age, peripheral vascular disease and surgical duration as risk factors of lung injury after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass) also failed to confirm that the NFKB1 genotype is influential for lung injury (p = 0.113). We conclude that, contrary to some other evidence, the NFKB1‐94ins/del polymorphism is not associated with lung injury after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.
Magnetochronology of synorogenic Miocene foreland sediments in the Fars arc of the Zagros Folded Belt (SW Iran)
Authors: Khadivi Sh. , Mouthereau F. , Larrasoaña J.‐C. , Vergés J. , Lacombe O. , Khademi E. , Beamud E. , Melinte‐Dobrinescu M. , Suc J.‐P.
Published: November 2009

The timing of deformation in the northern Zagros Folded Belt is poorly constrained because of the lack of an accurate absolute chronology of the syntectonic sedimentary sequences. The foreland basin infill in the northern part of the Fars arc is composed of supratidal sabkha deposits (Razak Fm), medium‐grained deltaic deposits (Agha Jari Fm) and coarse conglomerates of nearshore fan delta deposits at the base (Bakhtyari Fm, Bk1) and continental alluvial deposits at the top of the section (Bakhtyari Fm, Bk2). A magnetostratigraphic study was carried out in a composite section spanning about 1300 m on the northern flank of the Chahar–Makan syncline. Magnetostratigraphic correlation of the Razak Fm with chron C6n yields an age of 19.7 Ma at the base of the composite section. The transition to Agha Jari Fm is correlated with chron C5Cn, yielding an age of 16.6 Ma. The transition to the conglomerates of the Bakhtyari Fm (Bk1) correlates with the chron C5AD at approximately 14.8 Ma, which is considerably older than previously thought. The base of the Bakhtyari Fm growth strata, and thus the beginning of the deformation in northern Fars, is dated at 14–15 Ma. The topmost preserved Bakhtyari Fm (Bk1) is folded and unconformably overlain by Bakhtyari Fm (Bk2) conglomerates. This indicates that tectonic deformation in northern Zagros was already underway in the Middle Miocene.
Characterising the origin, nature and fate of sediment exported from catchments perturbed by active tectonics
Authors: Whittaker Alexander C. , Attal Mikaël , Allen Philip A.
Published: November 2009

Changes to the tectonic boundary conditions governing erosional dynamics in upland catchments have a significant effect on the nature and magnitude of sediment supply to neighbouring basins. While these links have been explored in detail by numerical models of landscape evolution, there has been relatively little work to quantify the timing, characteristics and locus of sediment release from upland catchments in response to changing tectonic boundary conditions that are well‐constrained independently.  We address this challenge by quantifying the volume and granulometric characteristics of sediment exported from modern rivers draining across active normal faults in the Central Apennines in Italy.  We demonstrate that catchments undergoing a transient response to tectonics are associated with significant volumetric export of material derived primarily from the zone upstream of the fault, producing bi‐modal grain‐size distributions with elevated D84 values within the transient reach. This is in direct contrast to the headwaters, where the fluvial capacity to transport sediment is low and the grain‐size distribution of material in transit is fine and uni‐modal. The grain‐size response is driven by landslides feeding coarse material directly into the channel, and we show the amplitude of the signal is modulated by the degree of tectonic perturbation, once the threshold for bedrock landsliding is exceeded. Additionally, we evaluate the length‐scale over which this transient grain‐size signal propagates downstream into the basin. We show that the coarse‐fraction sediment released is retained in the proximal hanging‐wall if rates of tectonic subsidence are high and if the axial river system is small or far from the fault‐bounded mountain front. Our results therefore provide some of the first quantitative data to evaluate how transient landscape responses affect the locus, magnitude and calibre of sediment supply to basins.
Paediatric lymphoblastic T‐cell leukaemia and lymphoma: one or two diseases?
Authors: Burkhardt Birgit
Published: November 2009

There is ongoing discussion on whether paediatric acute T‐cell lymphoblastic leukaemia (T‐ALL) and paediatric lymphoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (T‐LBL) are two distinct entities or whether they represent two variant manifestations of one and the same disease and the distinction is arbitrary. Both show overlapping clinical, morphological and immunophenotypic features. Many clinical trials use the amount of blast infiltration of the bone marrow as the sole criterion to distinguish between T‐ALL and T‐LBL. The current World Health Organization classification designates both malignancies as T lymphoblastic leukaemia/lymphoma. However, subtle immunophenotypic, molecular and cytogenetic differences suggest that T‐ALL and T‐LBL might be biologically different in certain aspects. The current review summarizes and discusses the recent advances and understanding of the molecular profile of paediatric T‐ALL and T‐LBL.
Characterization of Wnt/β‐catenin signalling in osteoclasts in multiple myeloma
Authors: Qiang Ya‐Wei , Chen Yu , Brown Nathan , Hu Bo , Epstein Joshua , Barlogie Bart , Shaughnessy Jr. John D.
Published: November 2009

We recently showed that increasing Wnt/β‐catenin signalling in the bone marrow microenvironment or in multiple myeloma (MM) cells clearly suppresses osteoclastogenesis in SCID‐hu mice; however, this regulation of osteoclastogenesis could result directly from activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signalling in osteoclasts or indirectly from effects on osteoblasts. The present studies characterized Wnt/β‐catenin signalling and its potential role in osteoclasts. Systematic analysis of expression of WNT, FZD, LRP and TCF gene families demonstrated that numerous Wnt‐signalling components were expressed in human osteoclasts from patients with MM. Functional Wnt/β‐catenin signalling was identified by accumulation of total and active β‐catenin and increases in Dvl‐3 protein in response to Wnt3a or LiCl. Furthermore, Wnt‐induced increases in β‐catenin and Dvl‐3 were attenuated by Wnt antagonists Dkk1 and sFRP1. Finally, Wnt3a‐induced TCF/LEF transcriptional activity suggests that canonical Wnt signalling is active in osteoclasts. Supernatants from dominant‐negative‐β‐catenin–expressing osteoblast clones significantly stimulated tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase–positive osteoclast formation from primary MM‐derived osteoclasts, compared with supernatants from control cells. These results suggested that Wnt/β‐catenin signalling is active in osteoclasts in MM and is involved in osteoclastogenesis in bone marrow, where it acts as a negative regulator of osteoclast formation in an osteoblast‐dependent manner in MM.
Deaths of children occurring at home in six European countries
Authors: Pousset G. , Bilsen J. , Cohen J. , Addington‐Hall J. , Miccinesi G. , Onwuteaka‐Philipsen B. , Kaasa S. , Mortier F. , Deliens L.
Published: November 2009

Objectives  Until now there have been no population‐based European data available regarding place of death of children. This study aimed to compare proportions of home death for all children and for children dying from complex chronic conditions (CCC) in six European countries and to investigate related socio‐demographic and clinical factors.

Methods  Data were collected from the death certificates of all deceased children aged 1–17 years in Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, England, Wales (2003) and Italy (2002). Gender, cause and place of death (home vs. outside home) and socio‐demographic factors (socio‐economic status, degree of urbanization and number of hospital beds in the area) were included in the analyses. Data were analysed using frequencies and multivariate logistic regression.

Results  In total 3328 deaths were included in the analyses; 1037 (31.2%) related to CCC. The proportion of home deaths varied between 19.6% in Italy and 28.6% in the Netherlands and was higher for children dying from CCC in all the countries studied, varying between 21.7% in Italy and 50% in the Netherlands. Among children dying from CCC, home death was more likely for cancer patients and those aged over 10 years. After controlling for potentially related clinical and socio‐demographic factors, differences in the proportion of home deaths between countries remained significant, with higher proportions in Belgium and the Netherlands as compared with Italy.

Conclusions  Although home deaths comprise a substantial proportion of all deaths of children with CCCs, variation among disease categories and across countries suggest that considerable potential still exists for further improvements in facilitating end‐of‐life care in the home for those children and families who desire to be in this location.
Increased mRNA expression of collagen V gene in pulmonary fibrosis of systemic sclerosis
Authors: Parra E. R. , Teodoro W. R. , De Morais J. , Katayama M. L. H. , De Souza R. , Yoshinari N. H. , Capelozzi V. L.
Published: November 2009

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (2): 110–120

Background  Collagen V shows promise as an inducer of interstitial lung fibrosis in experimental systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Materials and methods  Remodelling of the pulmonary interstitium was evaluated based on the clinical data and open lung biopsies from 15 patients with SSc. Normal lung tissues obtained from eight individuals who died of traumatic injuries were used as control group. Immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, morphometry, tri‐dimensional reconstruction and a real‐time polymerase chain reaction were used to evaluate the quantity, structure and molecular chains of collagen V. The impact of these markers was tested on clinical data.

Results  The main difference in collagen V content between SSc patients and the control group was an increased, abnormal and distorted fibre deposition in the alveolar septa and the pre‐acinar artery wall. The lungs from SSc patients presented [α1(V)] and [α2(V)] mRNA chain expression increased, but [α2(V)] was proportionally increased compared with the control group. High levels of collagen V were inversely associated with vital capacity (r = −0·72; P = 0·002), forced vital capacity (r = −0·76; P < 0·001), forced expiratory volume in 1‐s (r = −0·89; P < 0·001) and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (r = −0·62; P = 0·04).

Conclusions  Abnormal collagen V fibres are overproduced in lungs from SSc patients and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease as this molecule regulates tissue collagen assembly. The aberrant histoarchitecture observed in SSc can be related to the overexpression of the [α2(V)] gene of unknown origin.
Interleukin‐18 levels are associated with low‐density lipoproteins size
Authors: Berneis K. , Rizzo M. , Evans J. , Rini G. B. , Spinas G. A. , Goedecke J. H.
Published: November 2009

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (1): 54–55

Introduction  Both low‐density lipoproteins (LDL) size and serum interleukin (IL)‐18 levels have been shown to be predictors of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, it is still unknown whether IL‐18 levels are independently associated with LDL size.

Methods  In this cross‐sectional study including 53 premenopausal women (18–45 years), LDL size (by gradient gel electrophoresis), serum IL‐18, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), serum lipids, insulin sensitivity (SI, by frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test) were measured.

Results  LDL size correlated with IL‐18 (r = −0·38, P = 0·006), hs‐CRP (r = −0·40, P = 0·003), SI (r = 0·36, P = 0·011), serum triglycerides (r = −0·32, P = 0·018) and high‐density lipoproteins (HDL)‐cholesterol (r = 0·40, P = 0·003). When these variables were entered into a regression model, serum IL‐18 (β = −0·26, P = 0·04), triglycerides (β = −0·29, P = 0·02) and HDL‐cholesterol (β = 0·34, P = 0·01) levels were independently associated with LDL size, accounting for 42% of the variance (P < 0·001). Serum hs‐CRP levels and SI were not significant independent predictors of LDL size in this model.

Conclusions  This is the first report showing that elevated IL‐18 levels are associated with reduced LDL size, independent of other inflammatory and metabolic risk factors. Future prospective studies are needed to evaluate the predictive role of IL‐18 as an inflammatory marker of LDL size and the development of subclinical and/or clinical atherosclerosis.
Heavy metals in 3300‐year‐old agricultural soils used to assess present soil contamination
Authors: Elberling B. , Breuning‐madsen H. , Hinge H. , Asmund G.
Published: November 2009

For evaluating present concentrations of heavy metals in soils, it is important to be able to determine natural or background soil concentrations. Here, we compare the content of 7 m HNO3‐extractable and 0.2 m Na‐EDTA‐extractable fractions of cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb) and copper (Cu) in present day cultivated A horizons (Ap) under different land uses and 19 buried A horizons (Apb) that have been covered by 3300‐year‐old burial mounds. The buried A horizons represent a unique opportunity to evaluate background concentrations of heavy metals in top soil. Variations in background concentrations were mainly related to clay content. Using the grain size distribution of present‐day topsoils (cultivated and forest/natural A horizons), the background concentrations were calculated and subtracted from observed concentrations prior to an evaluation of soil‐type‐ and land‐use‐specific metal accumulation. All cultivated soils were significantly enriched with respect to Cd, Pb, Zn and Cu over the last 3300 years and all forest soils were enriched with Pb. The study highlights the importance of using appropriate reference material for assessing present‐day metal concentrations and stocks.
Effect of temperature on water retention phenomena in deformable soils: theoretical and experimental aspects
Authors: Salager S. , El Youssoufi M. S. , Saix C.
Published: November 2009

In this paper, a theoretical and experimental investigation of the effect of temperature on water retention phenomena in deformable soils is presented. A general law expressing the change in suction with water content, temperature and void ratio is proposed theoretically. This law accounts for the influence of density and temperature on water retention. It also provides a general framework which appears to be well‐adapted to describe many particular cases. The effect of temperature is studied through a predictive relationship which is established in this framework. This relationship allows us to obtain the water retention curve at any temperature from that at a reference temperature, thus reducing strongly the number of tests required to characterize the thermo‐hydraulic behaviour of a soil. The relevance of this relationship was experimentally verified from new tests as well as the results previously reported in the literature. The new tests were performed on two model media, namely, a terracotta ceramic and a clayey‐silty sand. The tests taken from the literature concerned two different clays. Comparison between theoretical prediction and experimental data was particularly promising and shows the capability of the model to cover a wide range of soils.
Predators and microorganisms of prey: goshawks prefer prey with small uropygial glands
Authors: Møller Anders P. , Erritzøe Johannes , Tøttrup Nielsen Jan
Published: November 2009

1. The uropygial gland of birds produces chemical substances with antimicrobial properties that have been shown to reduce the abundance of feather degrading bacteria and other microorganisms. These microorganisms would affect the flight capabilities of birds and, consequently, a relationship between size of uropygial glands and probability of capture by aerial predators should exist.

2. We tested this hypothesis by estimating the susceptibility of 56 species of prey of the goshawk Accipiter gentilis Linnaeus to predation as the observed abundance of prey relative to the expected abundance from mean population density.

3. In a comparative analysis of the relationship between relative size of the uropygial gland and susceptibility to predation we found a strong negative relationship accounting for 16% of the variance. This relationship was present in analyses that accounted for similarity due to common phylogenetic descent, the fact that prey of intermediate size were preferred, and that larger prey species have larger uropygial glands.

4. These observations are consistent with uropygial glands being under strong selection from aerial predators that are likely mediated by the effect of uropygial glands on feather degrading bacteria and therefore on flight capabilities of birds.
Extensive major histocompatibility complex class I binding promiscuity for Mycobacterium tuberculosis TB10.4 peptides and immune dominance of human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐B*0702 and HLA‐B*0801 alleles in TB10.4 CD8+ T‐cell responses
Authors: Axelsson‐Robertson Rebecca , Weichold Frank , Sizemore Donata , Wulf Markus , Skeiky Yasir A. W. , Sadoff Jerry , Maeurer Markus J
Published: November 2009

The molecular definition of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I‐presented CD8+ T‐cell epitopes from clinically relevant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) target proteins will aid in the rational design of T‐cell‐based diagnostics of tuberculosis (TB) and the measurement of TB vaccine‐take. We used an epitope discovery system, based on recombinant MHC class I molecules that cover the most frequent Caucasian alleles [human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐A*0101, A*0201, A*0301, A*1101, A*2402, B*0702, B*0801 and B*1501], to identify MHC class I‐binding peptides from overlapping 9‐mer peptides representing the Mtb protein TB10.4. A total of 33 MHC class I‐binding epitopes were identified, spread across the entire amino acid sequence, with some clustering at the N‐ and C‐termini of the protein. Binding of individual peptides or closely related peptide species to different MHC class I alleles was frequently observed. For instance, the common motif of xIMYNYPAMx bound to six of eight alleles. Affinity (50% effective dose) and off‐rate (half life) analysis of candidate Mtb peptides will help to define the conditions for CD8+ T‐cell interaction with their nominal MHC class I‐peptide ligands. Subsequent construction of tetramers allowed us to confirm the recognition of some of the epitopes by CD8+ T cells from patients with active pulmonary TB. HLA‐B alleles served as the dominant MHC class I restricting molecules for anti‐Mtb TB10.4‐specific CD8+ T‐cell responses measured in CD8+ T cells from patients with pulmonary TB.
Cytoskeletal proteins bound to heat‐shock protein 70 may elicit resistance to simian immunodeficiency virus infection of CD4+ T cells
Authors: Bergmeier Lesley A. , Babaahmady Kaboutar , Pido‐Lopez Jeffrey , Heesom Kate J. , Kelly Charles G. , Lehner Thomas
Published: November 2009

This study is based on the evidence that immunization of macaques with human CD4+ T cells elicits prevention of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection. We hypothesized that heat‐shock protein 70 (HSP70) isolated from CD4+ T cells may act as a chaperone and carry the protective host proteins. Two moieties of HSP70 were affinity‐purified from human CD4+ T cells; an ADP preparation with HSP70‐bound proteins (ADP‐HSP) and an ATP control preparation. Immunization of rhesus macaques with these preparations showed significant inhibition of SIVmac251 infectivity ex vivo in CD4+ T cells only with the ADP‐HSP (P = 0·01). Proteomic analysis identified three cytoskeletal elements, cofilin, profilin and γ‐actin, exclusively in the ADP‐HSP preparation. Investigation of the mechanism of prevention of SIV replication suggests that antibodies to the cytoskeletal proteins may inhibit actin depolymerization and facilitate viral degradation by the innate antiviral APOBEC3G. As cytoskeletal proteins are critical in the formation of virological and immunological synapses, finding specific antibodies and anti‐SIV/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) factors suggests a novel insight into HIV‐1 immunopathogenesis.
Edge behaviour in a minute parasitic wasp
Authors: Reeve John D. , Cronin James T.
Published: November 2009

1. Changes in the density of an organism near a boundary elements (edge effects) are often thought to be generated by changes in movement behaviour, but in most cases the mechanism underlying these effects is unknown.

2. We quantified the movement behaviour of a minute parasitic wasp, Anagrus columbi, in relation to edges in its habitat. This wasp attacks eggs of the planthopper Prokelisia crocea, which inhabits a wet prairie ecosystem composed of patches of its host plant prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata) interspersed within a matrix of mudflat, smooth brome (Bromus inermis) and native grasses. Two edge types are common in this system, cordgrass‐mudflat and cordgrass‐brome.

3. We conducted mark–recapture experiments in which wasps were released at the cordgrass‐matrix edge and 50 cm within cordgrass or matrix, for both edge types. The marked wasps were recaptured using a grid of sticky traps. We fitted an advection‐diffusion model to these data, yielding estimates of the diffusion rate and advection coefficient for cordgrass and matrix, for each release position and edge type.

4. The spatial distribution of wasps was well‐described by the advection‐diffusion model. The pattern suggests that marked wasps strongly biased their movements towards the edge when released in matrix, and to a lesser extent when released in cordgrass, while edge releases showed little bias. The advection coefficients were similar for the two edge types, as were the diffusion rates for the three substrates (cordgrass, brome, mudflat). The diffusive and advective components of movement were of comparable magnitude for matrix and cordgrass releases, suggesting equal amounts of directed and random movement.

5. Our results suggest the wasps are attracted to cordgrass patches across short distances, and that bias in their movements may concentrate them at the patch edge. Their edge behaviour is qualitatively different from that of the host insect.

6. The methodology described here could be readily adapted to other systems, where direct observations of movement are difficult but mark–recapture studies are feasible.
Plant genetic diversity yields increased plant productivity and herbivore performance
Authors: Kotowska Agnieszka M. , Cahill Jr James F. , Keddie B. Andrew
Published: November 2009

1. Plant genotypic diversity has important consequences for a variety of ecosystem processes, yet empirical evidence for its effects on productivity, one of the most fundamental of these processes, is lacking. In addition, the performance of insect herbivores in response to high genotypic diversity is unknown, despite previous work demonstrating differential herbivore performance among plant genotypes.

2. We manipulated genotypic diversity of the annual plant Arabidopsis thaliana in both the presence and absence of the generalist herbivore Trichoplusia ni under semi‐natural growth conditions. We used nine genotypes (eight ecotypes and one mutant) of A. thaliana known to differ widely in functional traits. Productivity and insect biomass were measured in monocultures and mixtures of all nine genotypes grown at multiple fertilization levels and planting densities.

3. In both the absence and presence of herbivores, genotypic diversity increased plant productivity and survival. This effect was, for the most part, independent of fertility or density. Sampling or selection effects did not appear to be wholly responsible for these results as all genotypes were maintained in equal proportion and no single genotype became dominant for the duration of the experiment.

4. High diversity increased T. ni biomass and survival in all treatments. Insect biomass was positively, but not tightly, correlated to plant biomass, indicating that the higher herbivore performance observed in genotypic mixtures was only partially due to higher productivity.

5.
Synthesis. Our data support the idea that even within a single plant species, genotypic diversity can exert strong influences on both the producer and herbivore communities. The exact mechanisms responsible for these effects and the relative importance of genotypic diversity in natural communities warrant further investigation.
The neurovascular unit in the setting of stroke
Authors: Del Zoppo G. J.
Published: November 2009

del Zoppo GJ (University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA). The neurovascular unit in the setting of stroke (Review). J Intern Med 2010; 267: 156–171.

Abstract.  Microvessels and neurons respond rapidly and simultaneously in focal regions of ischaemic injury in such a way as to suggest that the responses could be coordinated. The ability of neurons to modulate cerebral blood flow in regions of activation results from neurovascular coupling. But little is known about the microvessel‐to‐neuron direction of the relationship. The presence and participation of intervening glial cells implies the association of microvessels, glia, and neurons in a ‘neurovascular unit’. The interdependent functions of the cellular and matrix components of this theoretical unit have not been rigorously explored, except under conditions of injury where, for the most part, only single components or tissue samples have been studied. Whereas maintenance or timely re‐establishment of flow reduces tissue and neuron injury in both humans and animal models, protection of neuron function in humans has not prevented the evolution of injury despite the inherent mechanisms of neurovascular coupling. However, occlusion of flow to the brain rapidly identifies regions of neuron‐vascular vulnerability within the vascular territory‐at‐risk. These coalesce to become the mature ischaemic lesion. The failure, so far, of clinical trials of neuron protectant agents to achieve detectable tissue salvage could be explained by the vulnerability (and lack of protection) of essential components of the ‘unit’. This presentation summarizes evidence and thoughts on this topic. These support the need to understand component interactions within the neurovascular unit.
Influenza vaccines provide diminished protection but are cost‐saving in older adults
Authors: Deans G. D. , Stiver H. G. , McElhaney J. E.
Published: November 2009

Deans GD, Stiver HG, McElhaney JE (University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada). Influenza vaccines provide diminished protection but are cost‐saving in older adults (Foresight). J Intern Med 2010; 267: 220–227.

Abstract.  Influenza is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality in adults aged over 65 years. Although vaccination remains the most effective method of preventing influenza and its sequellae, current vaccination strategies provide less protection to older adults than to younger persons. Influenza vaccination in community‐dwelling older adults is cost‐effective, though there is room for improvement. Newer vaccine strategies considered for use in older adults include alternate routes of administration (intradermal or intranasal), addition of adjuvant, and novel methods of antigen presentation. Measuring cell‐mediated immune response to new vaccines in addition to antibody response may correlate better with vaccine efficacy in this population. Whilst pandemic influenza A/H1N1 2009 (pH1N1) has largely spared older adults, the impact of pH1N1 vaccination has yet to be determined.
The genetics of ischaemic stroke
Authors: Matarin M. , Singleton A. , Hardy J. , Meschia J.
Published: November 2009

Abstract.  Matarin M, Singleton A, Hardy J, Meschia J (Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Bethesda, MD, USA; UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK; Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA). The genetics of ischaemic stroke (Review). J Intern Med 2010; 267: 139–155.

In this review, we discuss the genetic factors in both the aetiology and treatment of ischaemic stroke. We discuss candidate gene association studies, family linkage studies and the more recent whole genome association studies and whole genome expression studies. We also briefly discuss genetic testing for stroke risk and genetic analysis of treatment complications.
Introduction: Stockholm stroke symposium – from genes to acute care
Authors: Wester P.
Published: November 2009

Abstract.  Wester P (Umeå University, Sweden). Introduction: Stockholm stroke symposium – from genes to acute care. J Intern Med 2010; 267: 136–138.

The acute stroke research field is dynamic and exciting with several clinical breakthroughs, which give reason for optimism. There is gradually a broader understanding of the genetic linkage with different aspects of stroke. As a majority of stroke cases are caused by thrombo‐embolism with blocking of one or more of the cerebral arteries, the obvious acute treatment strategy is to remove the occluded vessel and thereby restore the aerobic metabolism provided that neuroimaging analyses reveal the presence of rescuable ischaemic tissue. On January 28–29, 2009, the Journal of Internal Medicine arranged a 2‐day symposium entitled Stockholm stroke symposium – from genes to acute care. In this issue of JIM, five comprehensive reviews from this symposium are presented. These include the genetic factors in the aetiology and treatment of ischaemic stroke, the interplay between microvessels, neurons and glia (i.e., the microvascular unit) in the setting of acute stroke, a critical review of various neuroimaging techniques to visualize ischaemic tissue that is still viable (the ischaemic penumbra), recanalization strategies by means of intravenous thrombolysis as well as future recanalization techniques by, for example, intra‐arterial or mechanical thrombolysis and sonothrombolysis by a transcranial approach.
HRTEM studies of amorphous ZrNiTiCu nanocrystalline composites
Authors: DUTKIEWICZ J. , LITYŃSKA‐DOBRZYŃSKA L. , KOVAČOVA A. , MOLNAROVA M. , ROGAL Ł. , MAZIARZ W.
Published: November 2009

Ball milling of easy glass forming Ti25Zr17Ni29Cu29 alloys lead to the formation of an amorphous structure accompanied by a substantial increase of powder microhardness. The powders show clear glass transition effect and a few stage crystallization starting above 500°C. High‐resolution transmission electron microscope technique allowed identifying nanocrystalline inclusions as Cu12NiTi7 within the amorphous powder. The amorphous powders mixed with nanocrystalline iron or silver powders were hot pressed to form composites. A narrow 200 nm broad intermediate single‐phase layer at the amorphous‐phase/iron interface containing all elements present in the composite was identified using transmission electron microscope and high‐angle annular dark field detector techniques. scanning transmission electron microscopy energy dispersive spectroscopy line profile showed gradual change of composition within the intermediate zone. Amorphous phase contains small nanocrystals of size close to 10 nm identified using High‐resolution transmission electron microscope as Cu12NiTi7. Compression tests have shown better plasticity of composites than in the case of pure hot‐pressed amorphous powder; furthermore, high elastic limit of composites and the ultimate compression stress of about 1800 MPa for composites containing 20% Fe and near 700 MPa for those with 20% Ag.
Interactions between molten aluminum and Y2O3 studied with TEM techniques
Authors: WOJEWODA‐BUDKA J. , SOBCZAK N. , MORGIEL J.
Published: November 2009

Complementary structural characterization of the reaction product region formed due to high‐temperature interaction (1273 K) between molten aluminum and dense polycrystalline yttria substrate was performed. The reaction product region extending up to 1 mm into the oxide substrate was characterized by a wavy shape morphology and multilayer structure consisted of three‐layered zones. The application of transmission electron microscopy coupled with focused ion beam preparation technique allowed the detailed structural examination of reactively formed compounds and interfaces between different zones and phases. Fine crystalline precipitates of Al5Y3O12 (YAG) phase surrounded by the Al3Y were detected within the first zone. The second layer consisted of much bigger AlYO3 (YAP) crystals and the third one, which was the widest zone, revealed a typical C4 microstructure where elongated YAP precipitates accompanied the Al2Y metallic channels.
The effect of TMCP parameters on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti–Nb microalloyed steel
Authors: NOWOTNIK A. , SIWECKI T.
Published: November 2009

The aim of this work was to study the influence of thermo‐mechanical controlled process parameters on the refinement of microstructure during processing as well as the final microstructure and mechanical properties of Nb microalloyed steel. The steel was investigated and thermo‐mechanical controlled process simulations were carried out using the material testing system 810. The effect of deformation sequences with constant finish rolling temperature and accelerated controlled cooling rate were studied with regard to strength and microstructure of heavy plate. The optimized thermo‐mechanical controlled process parameters will be discussed in relation to the microstructure and precipitate evolution, as well as the mechanical properties of high‐strength steel, microalloyed with Nb and Ti. The best results for strength were obtained for accelerated controlled cooling rates >5°C s−1 in the present cases where the finishing temperature was 850°C, for both light and heavy reductions.
EBSD studies of microstructure and texture in Ni–Ti–Co shape memory strip and ribbon
Authors: GORYCZKA T.
Published: November 2009

The electron back scattered diffraction method was applied for carrying out detailed surface studies of the ternary Ni–Ti–Co alloy produced using melt‐spinning and twin roll casting techniques. The samples were studied in the as‐cast state without grinding or polishing. It was found that in the melt‐spun ribbon apart from fine narrow columnar grains, that extended along the ribbon thickness, wider columnar grains parallel to the ribbon surface were also observed. These grains were textured along the {100}〈011〉 orientation. The twin roll cast strip revealed more complex and inhomogeneous morphology of its surface. Mainly, the axes of the grains were oriented along two textural components: 〈100〉 for the fine grains and {100}〈011〉 for the columnar grains parallel to the surface. In addition to the results obtained from the X‐ray diffraction, the electron back scattered diffraction technique revealed the 〈111〉 fibre texture in the sample.
Microstructure characterization of erosion resistant coatings on carbon‐bonded carbon fibre composites
Authors: MOSKALEWICZ T. , SMEACETTO F. , SALVO M. , BOCCACCINI A.R. , CZYRSKA‐FILEMONOWICZ A.
Published: November 2009

The microstructure of as received and surface treated carbon‐bonded carbon fibre composites has been examined by light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The microstructure of the as received material consists of a bonded together layered carbon fiber network, identified as graphitic carbon (hexagonal close packed). To improve the erosion resistance of the carbon‐bonded carbon fibre composites composite, the SiC and silicate glass–ceramic coatings from the system SiO2–Al2O3–Y2O3 were produced on carbon‐bonded carbon fibre composites composites by a low‐cost slurry technique. Transmission electron microscopy investigations of cross‐section thin foils allowed for detailed analysis of the coatings microstructure. It was found that the SiC coating was consisting mainly of a nanocrystalline SiC (fcc). The multilayered glass–ceramic coating showed a complex microstructure consisting of an external SiO2–Al2O3–Y2O3 layer and an intermediate nanocrystalline SiC layer. The SiO2–Al2O3–Y2O3 layer was composed of SiO2 (fcc), Y2Si2O7 (op) and Al4.644Si1.357O9.68 (op).
Transmission electron microscopy characterization of Au/Pt/Ti/Pt/GaAs ohmic contacts for high power GaAs/InGaAs semiconductor lasers
Authors: ŁASZCZ A. , CZERWINSKI A. , RATAJCZAK J. , SZERLING A. , PHILLIPP F. , VAN AKEN P.A. , KĄTCKI J.
Published: November 2009

We report on transmission electron microscopy studies of Au/Pt/Ti/Pt(10–30 nm) contact structures for high power GaAs/InGaAs semiconductor lasers. The studies showed that annealing at 450°C of contact structures causes the reaction of whole Pt with substrate components (Ga and As) and the formation of Pt‐GaAs interlayers with smooth interfaces as required for such structures. Annealing of the structures at 470 and 490°C unfavourably affects the contact structure. At this condition, the strong downward diffusion of Au and Pt from the top layers causes a formation of Au‐Pt pits, which break the Ti barrier. Transmission electron microscopy observation revealed that Au/Pt/Ti/Pt(10–30 nm) system annealed at 450°C is appropriate for practical applications. The EDS technique used to identify the phase composition in the Pt(30nm)/GaAs structure (specially produced for the EDS analysis) annealed at 450°C showed that two layers were formed as a result of the reaction of the whole Pt layer with GaAs, and they consist of Ga, Pt and As. The top layer has the highest concentration of Ga. However, the bottom layer, which is close to the substrate, has the highest concentration of As.
Three new RelE‐homologous mRNA interferases of Escherichia coli differentially induced by environmental stresses
Authors: Christensen‐Dalsgaard Mikkel , Jørgensen Mikkel Girke , Gerdes Kenn
Published: November 2009

Prokaryotic toxin – antitoxin (TA) loci encode mRNA interferases that inhibit translation, either by cleaving mRNA codons at the ribosomal A site or by cleaving any RNA site‐specifically. So far, seven mRNA interferases of Escherichia coli have been identified, four of which cleave mRNA by a translation‐dependent mechanism. Here, we experimentally confirmed the presence of three novel TA loci in E. coli. We found that the yafNO, higBA (ygjNM) and ygiUT loci encode mRNA interferases related to RelE. YafO and HigB cleaved translated mRNA only, while YgiU cleaved RNA site‐specifically at GC[A/U], independently of translation. Thus, YgiU is the first RelE‐related mRNA interferase that cleaves mRNA independently of translation, in vivo. All three loci were induced by amino acid starvation, and inhibition of translation although to different degrees. Carbon starvation induced only two of the loci. The yafNO locus was induced by DNA damage, but the transcription originated from the dinB promoter. Thus, our results showed that the different TA loci responded differentially to environmental stresses. Induction of the three loci depended on Lon protease that may sense the environmental stresses and activate TA loci by cleavage of the antitoxins. Transcription of the three TA operons was autoregulated by the antitoxins.
Who is the BosR around here anyway?
Authors: Samuels D. Scott , Radolf Justin D.
Published: November 2009

Borrelia burgdorferi encodes a novel DNA‐binding protein in the Fur/PerR family of transcriptional regulators termed BosR (BB0647). This issue of Molecular Microbiology contains two molecular genetic studies that help to clarify the function of BB0647 and resolve longstanding controversies. Loss of BB0647 appears to have a pronounced effect on borrelial gene expression and, in one study, caused significant in vitro growth defects. BB0647 was also found to be essential for infection of the mammalian host but not the tick vector. Both Ouyang et al. and Hyde et al. also demonstrate, quite unexpectedly, that BB0647 is required for induction of RpoS, an alternative sigma factor that controls a cadre of B. burgdorferi genes, most notably ospC, which enable the spirochetes to establish mammalian infection following tick inoculation. There are still many unanswered questions regarding the precise physiological role of BB0647, the most important of which relate to its homologues Fur and PerR: to what extent does it regulate either the response to oxidative stress and/or transition metal uptake? The mechanism(s) whereby BB0647 interfaces with the Rrp2‐RpoN‐RpoS pathway also remains to be discerned. However, these two seminal papers establish BB0647 (BosR) as a central player in the molecular biology and physiology of B. burgdorferi as well as the pathogenesis of Lyme disease.
Three (and more) component regulatory systems – auxiliary regulators of bacterial histidine kinases
Authors: Buelow Daelynn R. , Raivio Tracy L.
Published: November 2009

Two‐component signal transduction (TCST) is the most prevalent mechanism employed by microbes to sense and respond to environmental changes. It is characterized by the signal‐induced transfer of phosphate from a sensor histidine kinase (HK) to a response regulator (RR), resulting in a cellular response. An emerging theme in the field of TCST signalling is the discovery of auxiliary factors, distinct from the HK and RR, which are capable of influencing phosphotransfer. One group of TCST auxiliary proteins accomplishes this task by acting on HKs. Auxiliary regulators of HKs are widespread and have been identified in all cellular compartments, where they can influence HK activity through interactions with the sensing, transmembrane or enzymatic domains of the HK. The effects of an auxiliary regulator are controlled by its regulated expression, modification and/or through ligand binding. Ultimately, auxiliary regulators can connect a given TCST system to other regulatory networks in the cell or result in regulation of the TCST system in response to an expanded range of stimuli. The studies highlighted in this review draw attention to an emerging view of bacterial TCST systems as core signalling units upon which auxiliary factors act.