bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytical approach for design of blazed dielectric gratings for light trapping in solar cells
Authors: Mokkapati S , Beck F J , Catchpole K R
Published: January 2011

An analytical approach based on the scalar diffraction theory is presented for design of blazed diffraction gratings for maximizing the light trapping in solar cells. The model provides a conceptual insight into the behaviour of blazed structures. The predictions of the analytical model are checked against numerical results obtained using the commercial FDTD modelling software. Within the limits of the scalar diffraction theory, this analytical approach can be used to design gratings with arbitrary shapes.
Characterization of a helicon plasma source in low diverging magnetic fields
Authors: Lafleur T , Charles C , Boswell R W
Published: January 2011

A detailed experimental characterization has been performed of a helicon mode in low nonuniform magnetic fields (B
0 < 5 mT) for pressures between 0.04 Pa < p
0 < 0.4 Pa and rf powers between 50 W < P
0 < 400 W, using a number of electrostatic probes as well as circuit measurements of the antenna and matching network system. The helicon mode is produced over a narrow range of magnetic field values, where a distinct density peak is formed that becomes broader (and higher) as the power or pressure is increased. The density peak is found to shift to larger magnetic fields for increasing powers or pressures, giving an almost linear relationship between the maximum density and the magnetic field at this maximum density, in agreement with helicon dispersion theory. The density within the peak (>1017 m−3) is more than an order of magnitude larger than that before or after, and is associated with a corresponding peak in the measured antenna resistance, thus showing a larger percentage of the input power is deposited within the plasma.
Room temperature synthesis of nanocrystalline anatase sols and preparation of uniform nanostructured TiO2 thin films: optical and structural properties
Authors: Hosseingholi M , Pazouki M , Hosseinnia A , Aboutalebi S H
Published: January 2011

Transparent TiO2 thin films were deposited on soda-lime glass substrates via the sol–gel method using a nanocrystalline TiO2 sol solution prepared at room temperature employing the dip-coating method. The effects of pH on crystallinity, particle size and stability of the synthesized TiO2 sols were investigated, systematically. TiO2 thin films were thickened by means of a sequential dip-coating process. The TiO2 films were transparent and exhibited proper adherence. The effects of thickness and annealing temperature on the structural and optical properties of the thin films were evaluated. The prepared powder was crystalline without any thermal treatment. The crystallite size of the particles (anatase) was in the range 4.2–12.1 nm depending on the initial pH value. Although only the anatase phase was observed at room temperature and 400 °C, a further increase in annealing temperature up to 700 °C resulted in the formation of the rutile phase. Even at high annealing temperatures, fairly smooth and homogeneous surfaces with no cracks and pores were observed. It was demonstrated that the films were transparent in the visible region with characteristic absorption in the UV region. Band gap of the as-deposited film was estimated to be 3.34 eV and was found to decrease with increasing annealing temperature.
About the strain state of different metal oxide layers epitaxially grown on Si(1 1 1)
Authors: Zaumseil P , Schroeder T
Published: January 2011

The strain state of metal oxides Pr2O3, Y2O3 and Sc2O3 used as buffer material in different heteroepitaxially grown semiconductor-oxide-Si(1 1 1) layer stacks was studied by x-ray diffraction techniques at room temperature (RT) and near the growth temperature of 625 °C. A broad spectrum of different strain states was found depending on preparation conditions, layer combination and layer thickness. Pr2O3 behaves differently from the other two investigated oxides as it grows in a hexagonal phase on Si(1 1 1) and must be transformed into the stable cubic phase by annealing processes. This transformation is accompanied by the creation of an amorphous silicate interface layer that leads to a decoupling of substrate and oxide lattices and finally to a partial relaxation of the cub-Pr2O3 layer only. High-temperature measurements demonstrate that there exists a measurable difference between the strain state at RT, where x-ray measurements are typically performed, and at growth temperature. The coefficient of thermal expansion of different metal oxides was measured in thin film structures for the first time. These coefficients are significantly higher compared with that of Si, which leads to an additional tensile strain component when the samples are cooled down to RT.
Reorientation mechanisms and pseudoelasticity in iron nanowires
Authors: Zhu Jianwei , Shi Daning
Published: January 2011

Using molecular dynamics simulations we present the ⟨1 1 0⟩ → ⟨0 0 1⟩ reorientation and pseudoelasticity induced by axial strain in iron nanowires. The reorientation mechanism shows an intricate dependence on the deformation temperature. Specifically, the original ⟨1 1 0⟩ nanowires and the reorientated ⟨0 0 1⟩ counterparts exhibit pseudoelastic behaviour with a recovery strain on the order of 30%. We further demonstrate that the unique stress–strain response in iron nanowires leads to a new phenomenon, i.e. the spontaneous ⟨1 1 0⟩ → ⟨0 0 1⟩ reorientation initiated by an external loading with a small strain on the order of −4%. Our study implies that iron nanowires may have potential applications in multifunctional nanomaterials such as smart sensors.
Elastic properties of α-iron at high temperatures by high-pressure neutron scattering
Authors: Klotz S , Strässle Th , Cornelius A L , Philippe J , Pomjakushin V
Published: January 2011

We present high pressure–high temperature neutron diffraction data of α-iron in the 0–8 GPa and 300–550 K range. We find the isochors of α-iron strictly parallel to those of ϵ-iron, except at high P/T when the α–γ–ϵ triple point to the non-magnetic γ- and ϵ-phases is approached. This gives evidence for magnetoelastic effects in α-iron at high P/T. The measurements have been made possible by the use of a cell which enables neutron diffraction by external heating in the 0–10 GPa range and to at least 550 K. The technique should have numerous applications in research on condensed matter using neutrons.
Application of x-ray image magnifier and demagnifier to parallel beam x-ray computed tomography
Authors: Hirano K
Published: January 2011

X-ray computed tomography (CT) using synchrotron radiation is a powerful technique for qualitatively assessing structural features in various objects. However, the spatial resolution is often limited by the detector, and the size of a sample must be smaller than the viewing field of the detector. We therefore introduced an asymmetrically cut crystal between the sample and the detector to either magnify or demagnify the sample image. For practical usefulness, we adopted a one-dimensional magnification/demagnification scheme rather than a two-dimensional scheme to ensure a high throughput. Actually, a throughput higher than 90% can be obtained by carefully designing the entire optics so that the magnifier/demagnifier forms a nondispersive arrangement with an existing optical element such as a monochromator. Measurements of the modulation transfer function confirmed that the spatial resolution is improved by the magnifier. It was also shown that the magnifier functions properly in x-ray CT experiments. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the x-ray demagnifier could be used for CT experiments with a sample larger than the viewing field of the detector.
Reply to Comment on ‘Effect of surface energy on tensile deformation of nanotubes’
Authors: Yang Fuqian
Published: January 2011

In this reply, the correct formula for the tension of an elastic nanotube was used to obtain the dependence of stress enhancement on surface energy. The stress enhancement for the nanotube is inversely proportional to the thickness of the nanotube. The surface energy significantly increases the rigidity of nanotubes with small tube thickness.
Comparison of assessment methods used to diagnose Hematodinium sp. infections in Cancer pagurus
Authors: Ní Chualáin Ciara , Robinson Martin
Published: January 2011

Ní Chualáin, C., and Robinson, M. 2011. Comparison of assessment methods used to diagnose Hematodinium sp. infections in Cancer pagurus. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: . Endoparasitic dinoflagellates of the genus Hematodinium have recently gained attention as significant pathogens of the brown crab Cancer pagurus in Ireland. Patent infections, which are characterized by a hyperpigmented carapace and moribund condition, are limited to the discrete periods when macroscopic identification is possible. Three methods are assessed for diagnosing Hematodinium sp. infections in brown crab at the times when macroscopic identification is not always possible. Haemolymph smears, histological sections of gill, heart, midgut, hepatopancreas, muscle, and gonad, and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay provided virtually equivalent accuracy in gauging infection prevalence, regardless of season. Sequences of PCR amplicons from the 18S ribosomal RNA gene confirmed the identity of the parasite as belonging to the genus Hematodinium. Infection intensity values (<1–87%) obtained from haemolymph smears underscored infection levels within tissues, 90% of which contained advanced levels of infection. Alterations to tissues of infected crabs included haemocytopoenia, oedema, which caused dilation of the haemal sinuses resulting in pressure necrosis to the connective tissues around the oocytes, myocardial bundles, and hepatopancreatic tubules. The claw muscle of infected animals contained the fewest parasites.
Plasmodesmal companion cell-mesophyll communication in the control over carbon metabolism and phloem transport: insights gained from viral movement proteins
Authors: Lucas William J. , Balachandran Suchandra , Park Jun , Wolf Shmuel
Published: January 2011

Many plant viruses encode for a protein(s) that is essential for movement from the site of replication to surrounding, uninfected cells. These proteins have the ability to interact with endogenous plasmodesmal proteins to increase the plasmodesmal size exclusion limit (SEL). When expressed in transgenic tobacco plants, the movement protein of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV-MP), in addition to increasing the SEL, also alters the biomass partitioning and carbon allocation within these plants. During the day, source leaves of transgenic plants that express the TMV-MP accumulate sugars and starch and biomass partitioning into root tissue is reduced when compared with vector control plants. However, studies with transgenic tobacco plants expressing various mutant forms of the TMV-MP, as well as plants expressing the MP of cucumber mosaic virus, established that the effect on biomass partitioning and carbon allocation is independent of its effect on plasmodesmal SEL. Graft experiments and analysis of transgenic tobacco and potato plants expressing the TMV-MP under tissue-specific promoters indicated that mesophyll cells may be the site of TMV-MP action. In the light of these results and evidence that plasmodesmata are capable of trafficking macromolecules, it is proposed that plasmodesmata within the leaf establish a special communication network between the companion cells (CC) and the mesophyll. In this model, output signals from the CC to the mesophyll and input signals from the mesophyll to the CC are involved in regulating photosynthesis occurring within the mesophyll and loading/export that takes place in the CC-SE complex. It is proposed that the TMV-MP-mediated influence on plasmodesmal trafficking of these signal molecules alters this endogenous control mechanism resulting in a shift in biomass partitioning and carbon allocation.
Interaction between sieve element and companion cell and the consequences for photoassimilate distribution. Two structural hardware frames with associated physiological software packages in dicotyledons?
Authors: van Bel Aart J.E.
Published: January 2011

The unique properties of the sieve element/companion cell complex (SE/CC complex) are based on the concerted action of SE and CC. A prominent role in this interaction is played by the branched plasmodesmata (pore-plasmodesma units, PPUs) between SE and CC. The large molecular exclusion limit of the PPUs enables an intensive exchange of macromolecular materials and messengers. Further, the degree of symplasmic autonomy of the SE/CC complex and the structural/functional properties of the SE/CC modules may differ between the dicotyledonous families. The speculation is advanced that the difference in building blocks produces two distinct phloem frames (‘hardware’) with associated physiological programmes (‘software’). The implications of two phloem types for photosynthate distribution and relative growth rate are discussed.
Functional characterization of sucrose binding protein-mediated sucrose uptake in yeast
Authors: Grimes Howard D. , Overvoorde Paul J.
Published: January 2011

A sucrose binding protein was identified whose temporal and spatial patterns of mRNA expression and localization patterns of protein were tightly correlated with the active uptake of sucrose in several cell types. Heterologous expression of the sucrose binding protein in yeast strains have allowed a functional characterization of sucrose uptake as mediated by this protein. Ectopic expression of the sucrose binding protein in the susy7/ura3 yeast strain restored the ability of this strain to grow on medium containing sucrose as a sole carbon source. Further characterization of the kinetics of [14C]-sucrose uptake indicate that the sucrose binding protein mediates the uptake of sucrose in a non-saturable, linear manner and that this uptake is relatively insensitive to pH or treatment with protonophores. These biochemical attributes of sucrose binding protein-mediated sucrose uptake mimic the well characterized linear, non-saturable uptake of sucrose described in higher plants. The sucrose binding protein is a unique plasma membrane protein and shares sequence similarity to the seed storage proteins. The sucrose binding protein may mediate sucrose uptake across the plasma membrane in a plant-specific manner.
Sinks—integral parts of a whole plant
Authors: Farrar J.F.
Published: January 2011

It is argued that it is not possible to predict the flux of assimilate into a sink by making a measurement on that sink alone. Rather carbon flux is a whole-plant property and can only be predicted from measurements made simultaneously in source leaves and sinks, and the transport system itself.
Phospholipid homeostasis regulates lipid metabolism and cardiac function through SREBP signaling in Drosophila
Authors: Lim Hui-Ying , Wang Weidong , Wessells Robert J. , Ocorr Karen , Bodmer Rolf
Published: January 2011

The epidemic of obesity and diabetes is causing an increased incidence of dyslipidemia-related heart failure. While the primary etiology of lipotoxic cardiomyopathy is an elevation of lipid levels resulting from an imbalance in energy availability and expenditure, increasing evidence suggests a relationship between dysregulation of membrane phospholipid homeostasis and lipid-induced cardiomyopathy. In the present study, we report that the Drosophila easily shocked (eas) mutants that harbor a disturbance in phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) synthesis display tachycardia and defects in cardiac relaxation and are prone to developing cardiac arrest and fibrillation under stress. The eas mutant hearts exhibit elevated concentrations of triglycerides, suggestive of a metabolic, diabetic-like heart phenotype. Moreover, the low PE levels in eas flies mimic the effects of cholesterol deficiency in vertebrates by stimulating the Drosophila sterol regulatory element-binding protein (dSREBP) pathway. Significantly, cardiac-specific elevation of dSREBP signaling adversely affects heart function, reflecting the cardiac eas phenotype, whereas suppressing dSREBP or lipogenic target gene function in eas hearts rescues the cardiac hyperlipidemia and heart function disorders. These findings suggest that dysregulated phospholipid signaling that alters SREBP activity contributes to the progression of impaired heart function in flies and identifies a potential link to lipotoxic cardiac diseases in humans.
Genealogical lineage sorting leads to significant, but incorrect Bayesian multilocus inference of population structure
Authors: OROZCO‐terWENGEL PABLO , CORANDER JUKKA , SCHLÖTTERER CHRISTIAN
Published: January 2011

Over the past decades, the use of molecular markers has revolutionized biology and led to the foundation of a new research discipline—phylogeography. Of particular interest has been the inference of population structure and biogeography. While initial studies focused on mtDNA as a molecular marker, it has become apparent that selection and genealogical lineage sorting could lead to erroneous inferences. As it is not clear to what extent these forces affect a given marker, it has become common practice to use the combined evidence from a set of molecular markers as an attempt to recover the signals that approximate the true underlying demography. Typically, the number of markers used is determined by either budget constraints or by statistical power required to recognize significant population differentiation. Using microsatellite markers from Drosophila and humans, we show that even large numbers of loci (>50) can frequently result in statistically well‐supported, but incorrect inference of population structure using the software baps. Most importantly, genomic features, such as chromosomal location, variability of the markers, or recombination rate, cannot explain this observation. Instead, it can be attributed to sampling variation among loci with different realizations of the stochastic lineage sorting. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced for low levels of population differentiation. Our results have important implications for ongoing studies of population differentiation, as we unambiguously demonstrate that statistical significance of population structure inferred from a random set of genetic markers cannot necessarily be taken as evidence for a reliable demographic inference.
Serum Levels of Acute Phase Proteins: SAA, Hp and Progesterone (P4) in Mares with Early Embryonic Death
Authors: Krakowski L , Krawczyk CH , Kostro K , Stefaniak T , Novotny F , Obara J
Published: January 2011

Contents

The study involved 46 healthy purebred Arabian mares exhibiting regular oestrous cycles that underwent artificial insemination (AI). Pregnancy was detected ultrasonographically (US) in 40 mares. In 15 mares in foal, early embryonic death (EED) was observed during the pregnancy days 14–21. Blood for determinations of serum acute phase proteins (SAA and Hp) and progesterone (P4) was sampled 12–24 h before ovulation and the first insemination, at 12, 24, 72, 96 h and on day 7, 10, 14, 21, 35 and 55 after ovulation. The results revealed that in 25 mares without EED, the serum levels of P4, SAA and Hp were within physiological limits; in 15 mares with EED, the levels of SAA and Hp were significantly increased. In seven mares with EED, high levels of SAA and Hp were already found before ovulation and at 12, 24, 72, 96 h as well as on day 7 and 10 post–ovulation, whereas the level of P4 was normal for early pregnancy. In the remaining eight mares with EED, increased levels of SAA and Hp were found at 72 h after ovulation and maintained until day 55. In this group, the level of P4 decreased since 96 h after ovulation. Determinations of SAA, Hp and P4 in mares in early pregnancy (EP) are useful for monitoring normal development of pregnancy and for diagnosis of subclinical genital inflammations, which may lead to EED.
Impact of Ovarian and Uterine Conditions on Some Diagnostic Tests Output of Endometritis in Postpartum High‐Yielding Dairy Cows
Authors: Senosy W , Uchiza M , Tameoka N , Izaike Y , Osawa T
Published: January 2011

Contents

The effect of ovarian predominating structures and uterine condition on the result of some diagnostic tools for the evaluation of endometritis was studied in postpartum (pp) Holstein–Friesian dairy cows (n = 58). Endometrial cytology (EC) and the evaluation of vaginal mucus by vaginoscopy or Metricheck were performed weekly from week 3 to 7 pp. The ovarian studies involved the predominating structures including cystic follicles with plasma progesterone (P4; more or <1 ng/ml; >23 mm), corpus luteum (CL), pre‐ovulatory follicles (10–23 mm) and small follicles (<10 mm). The uterine conditions comprised uterine involution, tonicity and fluid in uterus (FIU) regarding echogenicity extent. During week 5, the percentage of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN%) was higher (p < 0.05) in animals with pre‐ovulatory follicles (mean ± SEM, 26.3 ± 7.6%) than animals having CL (11.0 ± 3.6%). In cystic ovaries, during week 5, PMN% was higher (p < 0.05) in follicular cysts with low progesterone (P4 < 1 ng/ml; 9.3 ± 2.6%) than those with high P4 (P4 ≥ 1 ng/ml; 1.5 ± 1.1%). Moreover, PMN% was higher (p < 0.01) in animals with non‐involuted uterus (11.5 ± 7.4%) than those with involuted uterus (2.7 ± 0.6%) during week 7 pp. The animals that had abnormal mucus determined by Metricheck was higher in animals with atonic uterus than those with tonic uterus during week 6 (82.6% vs 51.5%; p < 0.05) and 7 (71.4% vs 25.7%; p < 0.01) pp. In addition, by vaginoscopy, the prevalence of animals with abnormal discharge showing small follicles (100%, 5/5) during week 3 pp and pre‐ovulatory follicles (40.0%, 8/20) during week 5 pp was higher (p < 0.05) when compared to those having CL during week 3 (33.3%; 1/3) and week 5 pp (7.7%; 2/26), respectively. In conclusion, endometrial cytology, Metricheck and vaginoscopy were influenced by the predominating various ovarian structures and uterine condition in early pp high‐yielding dairy cows.
Effects of Heavy Metals and Pesticides on Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Spermatozoa Functions In Vitro
Authors: Selvaraju S , Nandi S , Gupta PSP , Ravindra JP
Published: January 2011

Contents

Industrial toxic metals, pollutants and bio‐accumulative pesticides interfere with the male reproductive functions in farm animals. Frozen‐thawed semen samples were incubated with heavy metals (cadmium and lead) and pesticides (chlorpyrifos and endosulfan) of different concentrations (0, 0.005, 0.05, 0.02, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 μg/ml) for 1 h, and various spermatozoa functional parameters and in vitro fertilization rates were assessed. Any significant effect was assessed by comparing the 1 h data between the control and treatment groups. Progressive forward motility was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in spermatozoa exposed to lower concentrations (0.05–0.5 μg/ml) of toxic substances. The straight‐line velocity (μm/s) and the average path velocity (μm/s) were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in spermatozoa exposed to 1.0 and 0.5 μg/ml of cadmium (11.6 ± 1.9 and 16.3 ± 1.9) and chlorpyrifos (10.4 ± 1.5 and 17.1 ± 1.3), respectively, when compared to control (20.4 ± 1.4 and 28.1 ± 1.7). The acrosomal integrity was also significantly (p < 0.05) reduced at 0.05 μg/ml of chlorpyrifos (33.3 ± 1.9), 1.0 μg/ml of cadmium (36.8 ± 3.7), 1.0 μg/ml of lead (39.4 ± 2.8) and 0.5 μg/ml of endosulfan (38.3 ± 3.2), respectively. The spermatozoa chromatin decondensation was significantly (p < 0.05) affected at higher concentrations (>0.5 μg/ml) of these chemicals. The mitochondrial membrane potential (%) was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced at 0.05 μg/ml of cadmium (3.2 ± 0.2) and chlorpyrifos (4.3 ± 0.4), 0.1 μg/ml of lead (3.8 ± 0.3) and 0.5 μg/ml of endosulfan (3.2 ± 0.3) when compared to control (6.7 ± 1.0). The in vitro fertilization capabilities (cleavage percentage) of spermatozoa were significantly reduced at 1.0 μg/ml of cadmium (28.3 ± 2.4) and 2.0 μg/ml of lead (31.1 ± 2.7), chlorpyrifos (29.4 ± 2.2) and endosulfan (32.6 ± 2.5) when compared to control (59.4 ± 4.4). This study suggested that the mitochondrial membrane potential was primarily affected even with lowest doses of toxic chemicals. Cadmium when compared to lead and chlorpyrifos when compared to endosulfan were found to be more toxic to the spermatozoa.
Fertility Following CIDR Based Synchronization Regimens in Anoestrous Nili‐Ravi Buffaloes
Authors: Naseer Z , Ahmad E , Singh J , Ahmad N
Published: January 2011

Contents

The objective of this study was to compare oestrus expression and fertility rate in used and new controlled internal drug releasing (CIDR) device treated anoestrous buffaloes. Furthermore, to determine the timing of ovulation, and fertility rate in estradiol benzoate (EB) and GnRH‐administered CIDR‐treated anoestrous Nili‐Ravi buffaloes. In experiment 1, buffaloes received either a used CIDR (UCIDR, n = 35) or a new CIDR (NCIDR, n = 36) for 7 day and PGF2α on day 6. Oestrous expression was similar (p > 0.05) between UCIDR (88.5%) and NCIDR (96.6%) buffaloes. The pregnancy rate did not differ (p > 0.05) because of treatment (37.1% in UCIDR vs 36.6% in NCIDR). In experiment 2, buffaloes (n = 55) received CIDR device for 7 days and PGF2α, on day 6 and randomly assigned into three treatment groups: (i) CIDR‐EB (n = 17) received EB on day 8, (ii) CIDR‐GnRH (n = 18) received GnRH on day 9 and (iii) control (n = 20) received no further treatment. Mean interval from CIDR removal to ovulation in CIDR‐EB, CIDR‐GnRH and CIDR group were 61.3 ± 0.8, 64.9 ± 1.8 and 65.1 ± 16.7 h, respectively. However, the buffaloes in the CIDR‐EB and CIDR‐GnRH group had lesser variability in the timing of ovulation compared to control. The pregnancy rate of both CIDR‐EB group (58%) and CIDR‐GnRH group (61%) were tended to be higher (p < 0.1) than control (30%). In conclusion, compared to NCIDR devices, previously UCIDR devices are equally effective to induce oestrus in anoestrous buffaloes resulting optimal pregnancy rate. Administration of EB and GnRH after CIDR removal results in tighter synchrony (less variability) and improved fertility in anoestrous buffaloes. CIDR based synchronization regimens have great potential in fertility improvement in anoestrous buffaloes.
Why parents and children consent to become involved in medical student teaching
Authors: Pinnock Ralph , Weller Jennifer , Shulruf Boaz , Jones Rhys , Reed Peter , Mizutani Satomi
Published: January 2011

Aim:  Clinical experience in paediatrics is essential for medical undergraduates. This is the first study, of which we are aware, to examine why children of different ages admitted acutely to hospital and their parents agree to become involved in medical student teaching. We wanted to establish whether they considered that they needed to give consent before seeing medical students, whether this was routinely sought and what influenced their decisions.

Methods:  Data were collected using questionnaires and semi‐structured interviews of parents and children.

Results:  Questionnaires were completed by 105 parents of children less than 6 years old, and 34 children between 10 years and 15 years old and their parents. Interviews were conducted with 32 children between the ages of 6 and 10 years and their parents. Most parents and children consider that they have a responsibility to teaching but must always be asked for consent. They were motivated by altruism, but fear of emotional distress or pain can lead them to refuse. Younger children may not be able to give reasons for not wanting to see a medical student but sometimes have firm views, which must be respected. Having seen a medical student previously did influence children's or parents' opinions. Most children who have seen a medical student were prepared to see students again.

Conclusion:  Medical students can be reassured that parents and children admitted acutely to a children's hospital have a positive attitude to student involvement and are prepared to help them learn clinical skills, but consent must always be obtained and the child's perspective must always be considered.
The value of the CRB65 score to predict mortality in exacerbations of COPD requiring hospital admission
Authors: EDWARDS LLIFON , PERRIN KYLE , WIJESINGHE MEME , WEATHERALL MARK , BEASLEY RICHARD , TRAVERS JUSTIN
Published: January 2011

Background and Objective:  The CRB65 score, a risk stratification method validated for use in community‐acquired pneumonia, has recently been shown to have utility in acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD). The objective of this study was to independently validate the CRB65 score as a predictor of mortality in patients who required hospital admission with AECOPD.

Methods:  The medical records of patients admitted to Wellington Hospital with AECOPD during a 12‐month period from June 2006 were reviewed. Logistic regression was used to determine the strength of the association between the CRB65 score and death at three measurement times: in‐hospital, 30 days and 12 months.

Results:  Complete data were available in 133/174 patient admissions. In‐hospital and 30‐day mortality increased progressively with increasing CRB65 score and was markedly higher in the CRB 3–4 group (3%, 5%, 29%, and 4%, 9%, 43% for CRB65 scores 0–1, 2, 3–4 for in‐hospital and 30‐day mortality, respectively). Differences in 1‐year mortality were less apparent (24%, 25%, 57% for CRB65 scores 0–1, 2, 3–4, respectively). The CRB65 score demonstrated a modest value for predicting in‐hospital and 30‐day mortality with a c statistic of 0.68 at both time points.

Conclusions:  The CRB65 score shows similar characteristics for predicting short‐term mortality in AECOPD as its use in community‐acquired pneumonia. We recommend its use in clinical practice, particularly in patients with a score ≥3, which is associated with a high risk of early mortality, and need for intensive hospital management.
Small‐gauge vitrectomy in traumatic retinal detachment
Authors: Ehrlich Rita , Polkinghorne Philip
Published: January 2011

Abstract

Purpose:  To report the outcome of retinal detachment surgery following trauma treated with small‐gauge vitrectomy.

Design:  Retrospective chart review.

Participants:  Adult patients presenting with a retinal detachment following severe trauma between 2007 and 2009 that underwent vitreoretinal surgery with either 25‐ or 23‐gauge vitrectomy.

Methods:  Data collected included; age, sex, eye, time interval between injury and diagnosis of retinal detachment, anatomical and functional success, complications, and length of follow up.

Main Outcome Measures:  Anatomical and functional outcome.

Results:  Nineteen consecutive adult patients with traumatic retinal detachment were included. The mean age was 51.4 ± 19.3 years; 68.5% were male. Thirteen patients (68.4%) presented with visual acuity of hand movement or worse including six patients with light perception only. Five eyes achieved 6/60 vision or better, and three eyes had visual acuity of 6/12 or better. During the period of follow up six eyes experienced a recurrent retinal detachment.

Conclusion:  Traumatic retinal detachment can be successful managed with small‐gauge vitrectomy.
Fear of falling and falls self‐efficacy and their relationship to higher‐level competence among community‐dwelling senior men and women in Japan
Authors: Katsumata Yuriko , Arai Asuna , Tomimori Masashi , Ishida Kozo , Lee Romeo B , Tamashiro Hiko
Published: January 2011

Aim:  This cross‐sectional study examined the relationships of fear of falling and falls self‐efficacy with higher‐level competence among community‐dwelling senior citizens in Japan.

Methods:  Of the 822 registered senior citizens, 731 (89%) community dwellers were requested to participate in the survey using a mailed self‐accomplished questionnaire. Data from 648 respondents with duly accomplished questionnaires were analyzed using R2, the coefficient of determination, based on a multivariate regression analysis.

Results:  Fear of falling, low falls self‐efficacy and higher‐level functional disability were observed among respondents. Of the hypothesized relationships examined by sex, fear of falling was significantly associated with disability among male respondents and low falls self‐efficacy among both sexes. Several confounding variables were strongly associated with competence.

Conclusion:  While the data underscore the strategic importance of promoting higher‐level competence among the senior citizens, there is much to suggest that their competence is likely to be maintained if their fear of falling and falls self‐efficacy were modified. Programs must also consider a wide array of intervening factors. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2011; 11: 282–289.
FOXP3 and survival in urinary bladder cancer
Authors: Winerdal Malin E. , Marits Per , Winerdal Max , Hasan Mudhar , Rosenblatt Robert , Tolf Anna , Selling Katarina , Sherif Amir , Winqvist Ola
Published: January 2011

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

This is the first study examining FOXP3 expression in invasive urothelial urinary bladder cancer and in their tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). The relation of their respective immunohistological expression to survival adds new knowledge in the fields of tumour immunology and prognostic markers.

OBJECTIVE

• To investigate the possible impact of FOXP3 expression in T‐cells, as well as in tumour cells, on long‐term survival in patients with urinary bladder cancer (UBC) invading muscle.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• In a retrospective study, tumour specimens from 37 patients cystectomized for T1–T4 UBC during 1999–2002 at the Karolinska University Hospital were examined by immunohistochemistry for tumour expression and/or infiltration of immune cells expressing FOXP3 as well as CD3.

• The results obtained were correlated with clinicopathological parameters, where the primary and secondary outcomes investigated were overall survival and progression‐free survival, respectively.

RESULTS

• Infiltration of CD3+ and FOXP3+ lymphocytes (≥3 cells per high‐power field) were both correlated with better survival, and this relationship persisted throughout the whole study period (all P < 0.05).

• Patients with FOXP3+ tumour cells had decreased long‐term survival compared to those patients with FOXP3− tumours (P < 0.05).

• Despite a limited amount of patient material, the results of the present study indicate that FOXP3 expression, in both lymphocytes and tumour cells, is an important prognostic factor in UBC.

CONCLUSIONS

• FOXP3 expression in UBC cells is associated with decreased long‐term survival and thus may be a novel negative prognostic factor in UBC invading muscle.

• By contrast, the presence of FOXP3+ tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes was correlated with a positive prognosis. Because FOXP3 is up‐regulated upon activation in human T‐cells, FOXP3 may serve more as an activation marker than as a regulatory T‐cell indicator in this case.

• These results support the need for larger prospective studies aiming to confirm the results obtained and to examine the underlying mechanisms in detail.
Distinct effects of pitavastatin and atorvastatin on lipoprotein subclasses in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Shimabukuro M. , Higa M. , Tanaka H. , Shimabukuro T. , Yamakawa K. , Masuzaki H.
Published: January 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 856–864 (2011)

Aims  Effects of pitavastatin and atorvastatin on the lipid profile and lipoprotein subclasses were compared in patients with Type 2 diabetes with dyslipidaemia.

Methods  Patients with Type 2 diabetes with hypercholesterolaemia and/or hypertriglyceridaemia were randomized to receive pitavastatin 2 mg (n = 16) or atorvastatin 10 mg (n = 15) for 6 months, and blood lipid and lipoprotein profiles and cholesterol and triglyceride contents of 20 lipoprotein subclasses, determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography, were compared.

Results  At baseline, cholesterol in VLDL and LDL subclasses were increased equally in two groups of patients with diabetes as compared with normolipidaemic control subjects. As compared with baseline, serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, non‐HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol:HDL cholesterol ratio and apolipoprotein B were decreased after 1, 3 and 6 months of treatment with atorvastatin and pitavastatin. Serum triglyceride levels were decreased after 1, 3 and 6 months of atorvastatin, but only at 3 months of pitavastatin. Serum HDL cholesterol was increased after 1, 3 and 6 months of pitavastatin, whereas HDL cholesterol was even decreased after 6 months of atorvastatin. Cholesterol levels of most VLDL and LDL subclasses were decreased equally in both groups. However, only pitavastatin increased cholesterol of medium HDL subclass. Serum triglyceride and triglyceride contents in VLDL and LDL subclasses were decreased only by atorvastatin.

Conclusions  The impact on lipoprotein subclass profiles was different between pitavastatin and atorvastatin. It may be beneficial to determine lipoprotein subclass profile and select the appropriate statin for each profile in patients with diabetes with an additional cardiovascular risk such as low HDL cholesterol or hypertriglyceridaemia.
Why are Trade Agreements Regional?
Authors: Zissimos Ben
Published: January 2011

This paper shows how distance may be used to coordinate on a unique equilibrium in which trade agreements are regional. Trade agreement formation is modeled as coalition formation. In a standard trade model with no distance between countries a familiar problem of coordination failure occurs, giving rise to multiple equilibria; any one of many possible trade agreements can form. With distance between countries, regional trade agreements generate larger rent‐shifting effects than nonregional agreements. Countries use these effects to coordinate on a unique equilibrium.
The Role of Banks in Monetary Policy Transmission: Empirical Evidence from Russia
Authors: Juurikkala Tuuli , Karas Alexei , Solanko Laura
Published: January 2011

This paper focuses on the role of the banking sector in monetary policy transmission in an emerging economy with a rapidly developing financial system. Specifically, we examine whether the central bank's monetary policy stance affects banks' lending behavior. Based on a comprehensive quarterly dataset on all Russian banks from 1Q1999 to 1Q2007, we find evidence for the existence of a bank lending channel in Russia. Contrary to several studies on developed economies, the level of a bank's capitalization matters for the transmission process. Better capitalized banks are less likely to adjust their lending practices following a change in the monetary policy stance.
Adolescent Sibling Relationship Quality and Adjustment: Sibling Trustworthiness and Modeling, as Factors Directly and Indirectly Influencing These Associations
Authors: Gamble Wendy C. , Yu Jeong Jin , Kuehn Emily D.
Published: January 2011

The main goal of this study was to examine the direct and moderating effects of trustworthiness and modeling on adolescent siblings' adjustment. Data were collected from 438 families including a mother, a younger sibling in fifth, sixth, or seventh grade (M = 11.6 years), and an older sibling (M = 14.3 years). Respondents completed Web‐based surveys describing sibling conflict and warmth. Siblings reported on trustworthiness and modeling, and mothers described adjustment. Sibling conflict was directly associated with internalizing and externalizing behaviors for both siblings. The older siblings' reports of trustworthiness were directly associated with the outcome measures. The younger siblings' reports of trustworthiness were less directly associated, but a possible salutary effect was most evident under the highest levels of sibling conflict or warmth. Higher sibling modeling was a risk factor for adjustment problems in relations characterized by high conflict. Results support exploring trustworthiness as a key dimension of sibling relations.
Efficient Probabilistic Forecasts for Counts
Authors: McCabe Brendan P. M. , Martin Gael M. , Harris David
Published: January 2011

Efficient probabilistic forecasts of integer-valued random variables are derived. The optimality is achieved by estimating the forecast distribution non-parametrically over a given broad model class and proving asymptotic (non-parametric) efficiency in that setting. The method is developed within the context of the integer auto-regressive class of models, which is a suitable class for any count data that can be interpreted as a queue, stock, birth-and-death process or branching process. The theoretical proofs of asymptotic efficiency are supplemented by simulation results that demonstrate the overall superiority of the non-parametric estimator relative to a misspecified parametric alternative, in large but finite samples. The method is applied to counts of stock market iceberg orders. A subsampling method is used to assess sampling variation in the full estimated forecast distribution and a proof of its validity is given.
Robustness of Design in Dose–Response Studies
Authors: Li Pengfei , Wiens Douglas P.
Published: January 2011

We construct experimental designs for dose–response studies. The designs are robust against possibly misspecified link functions; for this they minimize the maximum mean-squared error of the estimated dose required to attain a response in 100p% of the target population. Here p might be one particular value—p = 0.5 corresponds to ED50-estimation—or it might range over an interval of values of interest. The maximum of the mean-squared error is evaluated over a Kolmogorov neighbourhood of the fitted link. Both the maximum and the minimum must be evaluated numerically; the former is carried out by quadratic programming and the latter by simulated annealing.
DIVORCE LAW REFORM?
Authors: Kahn‐Freund O.
Published: January 2011

“Every public action which is not customary, either is wrong, or, if it is right, is a dangerous precedent. It follows that nothing should ever be done for the first time.”

Cornford, Microcosmographia Academica.
Divorce (Insanity And Desertion) Act, 1958
Authors: Stone O. M.
Published: January 2011

THE Divorce (Insanity and Desertion) Act, 1958,1 which brings into effect some recommendations of the Royal Commission on Marriage and Divorce,2 tidies up some anomalies in the field of matrimonial causes: (i) by widening the definition of incurable unsoundness of mind (or insanity in Scotland) as a ground for divorce3 and (ii) by alleviating hardships resulting from the introduction of desertion as a ground for divorce3 after 1937.
Reviews
Authors: Tapper Colin , Coutts J. A. , O'Donohue Florence , Harvey C. P. , Newark F. H. , Street Harry , Cohn E. J. , Borrie Gordon , Walton Raymond , Bronlie Ian , Bridge J. W. , Mann F. A. , Hammelmann H. A. , Garner J. F. , Harvey C. P. , Weston C. A. , Street Harry , Coutts J. A. , Markose A. T. , Brown L. Neville , Gerard Antonia , Giles O.C. , McClean J. D.
Published: January 2011

The Enforcement of Morals. By Patrick Devlin.

Legal Systems and Lawyers' Reasonings. By Julius Stone.

Law in Society. By Geoffrey Sawer. [London: Oxford University Press. Clarendon Law Series: edited by H. L. A. Hart.

Advocacy in Our Time. By O. C. Mazengarb, C.B.E., Q.C., M.A., LL.D.

Salmond on the Law of Torts. Fourteenth edition. By R. F. V. Heuston, M. A., LL. B., Professor of Law in the University of Southampton, of Gray's Inn and King's Inn, Dublin, Barrister‐at‐Law.

Jurisdiction and Illegality. By Amnon Rubinstein.

Die Erforschung des Sachverhalts im Prozess. By Erich Döhring, Professor at the University of Kiel.

A Casebook of Administrative Law. By J. A. G. Griffith and H. Street.

Tribunals and Inquiries―A Guide to Procedure. By Neville D. Vandyk.

Capital Gains Tax. By G. S. A. Wheatcroft, assisted by A. E. W. Park and John E. Talbot.

Corporation Tax. By Peter M. B. Rowland and John E. Talbot with Annotations to Finance Act 1965 by S. Michael Young and John Silberrad.

Disarmament and International Law. By Allan Gotlieb.

United Nations Forces. By D. W. Bowett with the assistance and collaboration of Dr. G. P. Barton, H. C. Carnegic, Wing‐Commander A. E. Cobus, J. G. Collier, M. Hardy, Dr. Rosalyn Higgins and Professor L. B. Sohn.

The Theory of Nationalisation. By Konstantin Katzarov.

Criminal on the Road. A Study of Serious Motoring Offences and those who commit them. By T. C. Willett.

Curtis and Ruoff on The Law and Practice of Registered Conveyancing. Second edition. By Theodore B. F. Ruoff, C.B.E., Chief Land Registrar.

Banking Law for Trustee Savings Banks. By C. L. Lawton, Barrister‐at‐Law.

The Practitioner's Guide to Hire‐Purchase Cases. By Harold Brown, Q.C.

The Mercantile and Industrial Law of Scotland. By J. J. Gow.

The Quantum of Damages in Bodily and Fatal Injury Cases. Second edition. By M. M. Corbett and J. L. Buchanan.

Law Relating to Hospitals and Kindred Institutions. Fourth edition. By S. R. Speller, O.B.E., LL.B.

Introduction to Modern Hindu Law. By J. Duncan M. Derrett, M.A., PH.D., of Gray's Inn, Barrister‐at‐Law, Professor in Oriental Laws in the University of London, Tagore Professor of Law for 1953, University of Calcutta.

Le Droit de Visits des Parents Séparés de leurs Enfants en Suisse, en France et en Allemagne. By Maurice Marthaler.

A Deliktuális Felelösség a Társadalom és a Jog Fejlödésének Történetében (Delictual Liability in the History of the Evolution of Society and Law). By Ferenc Mádl.

Das Deutsche Seerecht. First edited by Georg Schaps and others. Third edition. By Hans Jürgen Abraham.

Criminal Law in Nigeria (excluding the North). By C. O. Okonkwo and M. E. Naish.
CODIFYING THE COMMON LAW: PROTRACTED GESTATION
Authors: Hahlo H. R.
Published: January 2011

“It shall be the duty of each of the [Law] Commissions to take and keep under review all the law with which they are respectively concerned with a view to its systematic development and reform, including in particular the codification of such law.…”
AFTER THE ANCIEN REGIME: THE WRITING OF JUDGMENTS IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS 1979/1980
Authors: Murphy W. T. , Rawlings R. W.
Published: January 2011

“Ten censure wrong for one who writes amiss; A fool might once himself alone expose, Now one in verse makes many more in prose.” (Alexander Pope, An Essay on Criticism.)
RETHINKING AFRICAN CUSTOMARY LAW
Authors: Snyder Francis
Published: January 2011

Law, Custom and Social Order: The Colonial Experience in Malawi and Zambia. By Martin Chanock.
Comparative Legal Studies and Commitment to Theory
Authors: Legrand Pierre
Published: January 2011

Peter de Cruz, A Modern Approach to Comparative Law, Deventer: Kluwer, 1993, x + 350 pp, Dfl 90.
Corporate Governance: A Defence of the Status Quo
Authors: Alcock Alistair
Published: January 2011

J.E. Parkinson, Corporate Power and Responsibility: Issues in the Theory of Company Law, Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1993, xxv + 464 pp, hb £50.00, pb £19.95.
Fact‐finding in Inter‐state Adjudication
Authors: Jacob Saju
Published: January 2011

All analogies are imperfect in this respect, and yet the whole of our reasoning from experience … is reasoning from extremely imperfect analogies between past and present occurrences. The question is not, are the conditions of the two problems the same? — for that may always be answered in the negative — but do they resemble each other closely enough for the old solution to be so modified as to apply to the new problem, or to suggest an analogous solution which may be applied to it?1