bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occupational exposure to blood and body fluids among a group of Turkish nursing and midwifery students during clinical practise training: Frequency of needlestick and sharps injuries
Authors: KARADAĞ Mevlüde
Published: July 2010

Aim:  To ascertain the number of needlestick and sharps injuries (NSSIs) in nursing and midwifery students and to assess the use of universal precautions among injured and non‐injured students.

Methods:  A survey of a representative sample of nursing and midwifery students who did clinical practise in a hospital was conducted. In total, 203 students met the inclusion criterion of the study. Of these, 141 (69.46%) provided useable data. The survey form was designed by the researcher after reviewing the relevant literature. The data frequency, percentages, and χ2‐values were examined.

Results:  According to the data, 35.5% of the participating students had experienced a NSSI, 54% of the students had received one NSSI, and 36.0% had two NSSIs. Sixty‐six percent of the injured students had been injured by an ampoule and the majority of injuries occurred in the treatment room. Most of the students had washed their injury with antiseptic solution and 84% had not told anyone about their injury. While 86.5% of the students threw away used needles in the special sharps containers disposal box, 89.4% also stated that they always recapped used needles. Almost all the students had received the hepatitis B vaccine. Only 14% of the students stated that they always wore gloves.

Conclusions:  This study shows that a significant percentage of nursing and midwifery students receive NSSIs. It is very important to frequently review information about preventive measures so that the students practise them during clinical practise every semester. Moreover, the instructors should monitor if the students are taking the necessary preventive measures without fail.
A clinical case–control study on the association between mannose‐binding lectin and susceptibility to HIV‐1 infection among northern Han Chinese population
Authors: Sheng A. , Lan J. , Wu H. , Lu J. , Wang Y. , Chu Q. , Jia Z. , Song M. , Liu L. , Wang W.
Published: July 2010

Mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) is a key molecule of the innate immune system and a competent to bind carbohydrates of a variety of microorganisms, resulting in complement activation and opsonophagocytosis against various pathogens. However, there is no systemic investigation on the MBL’s role in innate immune responses against HIV‐1 infection among northern Han Chinese. This study investigated the association between MBL and HIV‐1 infection susceptibility among northern Han Chinese. A total of 91 HIV‐1 infected patients and 91 HIV‐1 seronegative healthy individuals were recruited. Six polymorphisms of MBL2 gene were genotyped by pyrosequencing. The quantitative measurement of serum MBL concentration and MBL complex activity were performed by ELISA. The CD4+ T‐cell counts were determined by flow cytometry. The plasma viral loads of 91 HIV‐1 infected patients were determined by bDNA method. The results show that there is an association between MBL and HIV‐1 infection susceptibility among northern Han Chinese. The individuals with B variant, low serum MBL concentration and low MBL complex activity are more susceptible to HIV‐1 infection.
Association of IL‐4 −590 T>C polymorphism and risk of renal cell carcinoma in a Chinese population
Authors: Zhu J. , Ju X. , Yan F. , Qin C. , Wang M. , Ding Q. , Zhang Z. , Yin C.
Published: July 2010

Interleukin 4 (IL‐4) is a typical pleiotropic T helper 2 (Th2) cytokine. This cytokine is a critical mediator of the Th1/Th2 balance and apoptosis potential and involved in the process of inflammation‐mediated carcinogenesis in human organs, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The effects of functional promoter polymorphism of the IL‐4 gene on risk of RCC in Chinese are still unknown. In this study, we genotyped functional polymorphism in IL‐4−590 T>C in a hospital‐based case–control study of 340 patients with diagnosed RCC and 342 cancer‐free controls in a Chinese population. Compared with IL‐4−590 TT genotype, the CC genotype had a significantly decreased RCC risk [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.22–0.89]. Furthermore, a significant decreased risk of RCC was found in the combined variant genotypes CT + CC compared with the TT genotype (adjusted OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.50–0.93). The IL‐4 C allele frequency was 0.178 among the cases and 0.237 among the controls, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.007). These results suggest that the IL‐4−590 T>C polymorphism is involved in susceptibility to developing RCC in Chinese populations. Larger studies are warranted to validate our findings.
Microfilament Dynamics is Required for Root Growth under Alkaline Stress in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhou Yue , Yang Zijun , Guo Guangqin , Guo Yan
Published: July 2010

The microfilament (MF) cytoskeleton has crucial functions in plant development. Recent studies have revealed the function of MFs in diverse stress response. Alkaline stress is harmful to plant growth; however, it remains unclear whether the MFs play a role in alkaline stress. In the present study, we find that blocking MF assembly with latrunculin B (Lat B) leads to inhibition of plant root growth, and stabilization of MFs with phalloidin does not significantly affect plant root growth under normal conditions. In high external pH conditions, MF de‐polymerization is induced and that associates with the reduction of root growth; phalloidin treatment partially rescues this reduction. Moreover, Lat B treatment further decreases the survival rate of seedlings growing in high external pH conditions. However, a high external pH (8.0) does not affect MF stability in vitro. Taken together, our results suggest that alkaline stress may trigger a signal that leads the dynamics of MFs and in turn regulates root growth.
High-redshift Lyα emitters: clues on the Milky Way infancy
Authors: Salvadori Stefania , Dayal Pratika , Ferrara Andrea
Published: July 2010

With the aim of determining if Milky Way (MW) progenitors could be identified as high-redshift Lyman Alpha Emitters (LAEs), we have derived the intrinsic properties of z ≈ 5.7 MW progenitors, which are then used to compute their observed Lyα luminosity, Lα, and equivalent width (EW). MW progenitors visible as LAEs are selected according to the canonical observational criterion, Lα > 1042 erg s−1 and EW > 20 Å. Progenitors of MW-like galaxies have Lα = 1039−43.25 erg s−1, making some of them visible as LAEs. In any single MW merger tree realization, typically only one (out of ≈50) progenitor meets the LAE selection criterion, but the probability of having at least one LAE is very high, P = 68 per cent. The identified LAE stars have ages t* ≈ 150–400 Myr at z ≈ 5.7, with the exception of five small progenitors with t* < 5 Myr and large EW = 60–130 Å. LAE MW progenitors provide >10 per cent of the halo very metal-poor stars [Fe/H] < −2, thus establishing a potentially fruitful link between high-z galaxies and the local Universe.
A relativistically broadened Oviii Lyα line in the ultracompact X-ray binary 4U 0614+091
Authors: Madej O. K. , Jonker P. G. , Fabian A. C. , Pinto C. , Verbunt F. , de Plaa J.
Published: July 2010

Ultracompact X-ray binaries consist of a neutron star or black hole that accretes material from a white dwarf donor star. The ultracompact nature is expressed in very short orbital periods of less than 1 h. In the case of 4U 0614+091 oxygen-rich material from a CO or ONe white dwarf is flowing to the neutron star. This oxygen-rich disc can reflect X-rays emitted by the neutron star giving a characteristic emission spectrum. We have analysed high-resolution Reflection Grating Spectrometer and broad-band European Photon Imaging Camera (EPIC) spectra of 4U 0614+091 obtained by the XMM–Newton satellite. We detect a broad emission feature at ∼0.7 keV in both instruments, which cannot be explained by unusual abundances of oxygen and neon in the line of sight, as proposed before in the literature. We interpret this feature as O viii Lyα emission caused by reflection of X-rays off highly ionized oxygen, in the strong gravitational field close to the neutron star.
Beam profile sensitivity of the WMAP CMB power spectrum
Authors: Sawangwit U. , Shanks T.
Published: July 2010

Using the published Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) 5-yr data, we first show how sensitive the WMAP power spectra are to the form of the WMAP beam. It is well known that the beam profile derived from observations of Jupiter is non-Gaussian and indeed extends, in the W band for example, well beyond its 12.6-arcmin FWHM core out to more than 1° in radius. This means that even though the core width corresponds to wavenumber l ≈ 1800, the form of the beam still significantly affects the WMAP results even at l ≈ 200, which is the scale of the first acoustic peak. The difference between the beam convolved Cl and the final Cl is ≈ 70 per cent at the scale of the first peak, rising to ≈ 400 per cent at the scale of the second.

New estimates of the Q-, V- and W-band beam profiles are then presented, based on a stacking analysis of the WMAP5 radio source catalogue and temperature maps. The radio sources show a significantly (3–4σ) broader beam profile on scales of 10–30 arcmin than that found by the WMAP team, whose beam analysis is based on measurements of Jupiter. Beyond these scales, the beam profiles from the radio sources are too noisy to give useful information. Furthermore, we find tentative evidence for a non-linear relation between WMAP and ATCA/IRAM 95-GHz source fluxes. We discuss whether the wide beam profiles could be caused either by radio source extension or clustering and find that neither explanation is likely. We also argue against the possibility that Eddington bias is affecting our results. The reasons for the difference between the radio source and the Jupiter beam profiles are therefore still unclear. If the radio source profiles were then used to define the WMAP beam, there could be a significant change in the amplitude and position of even the first acoustic peak. It is therefore important to identify the reasons for the differences between these two beam profile estimates.
The orbital period of V458 Vulpeculae, a post-double common-envelope nova
Authors: Rodríguez-Gil P. , Santander-García M. , Knigge C. , Corradi R. L. M. , Gänsicke B. T. , Barlow M. J. , Drake J. J. , Drew J. , Miszalski B. , Napiwotzki R. , Steeghs D. , Wesson R. , Zijlstra A. A. , Jones D. , Liimets T. , Muñoz-Darias T. , Pyrzas S. , Rubio-Díez M. M.
Published: July 2010

We present time-resolved optical spectroscopy of V458 Vulpeculae (Nova Vul 2007 No. 1) spread over a period of 15 months starting 301 d after its discovery. Our data reveal radial-velocity variations in the He iiλ5412 and He iiλ4686 emission lines. A period analysis of the radial-velocity curves resulted in a period of 98.096 47 ± 0.000 25 min (0.068 122 55 ± 0.000 000 17 d) which we identify with the orbital period of the binary system. V458 Vul is therefore the planetary nebula central binary star with the shortest period known. We explore the possibility of the system being composed of a relatively massive white dwarf (M1 ≳ 1.0 M⊙) accreting matter from a post-asymptotic giant branch star which produced the planetary nebula observed. In this scenario, the central binary system therefore underwent two common-envelope episodes. A combination of previous photoionization modelling of the nebular spectra, post-asymptotic giant branch evolutionary tracks and the orbital period favour a mass of M2 ∼ 0.6 M⊙ for the donor star. Therefore, the total mass of the system may exceed the Chandrasekhar mass, which makes V458 Vul a Type Ia supernova progenitor candidate.
Distinct core and halo stellar populations and the formation history of the bright Coma cluster early-type galaxy NGC 4889
Authors: Coccato Lodovico , Gerhard Ortwin , Arnaboldi Magda
Published: July 2010

We study the stellar population far into the halo of one of the two brightest galaxies in the Coma cluster, NGC 4889, based on deep medium-resolution spectroscopy with FOCAS at the Subaru 8.2-m telescope. We fit single stellar population models to the measured line-strength (Lick) indices (Hβ, Mgb, [MgFe]′ and 〈Fe〉). Combining with literature data, we construct radial profiles of metallicity, [α/Fe] element abundance ratio and age for NGC 4889, from the centre out to ∼60 kpc (∼ 4 Re). We find evidence for different chemical and star formation histories for stars inside and outside 1.2 Re = 18 kpc radius. The inner regions are characterized by a steep [Z/H] gradient and high [α/Fe] at ∼2.5 solar value. In the halo, between 18 and 60 kpc, the [Z/H] is near-solar with a shallow gradient, while [α/Fe] shows a strong negative gradient, reaching solar values at 60 kpc. We interpret these data in terms of different formation histories for both components. The data for the inner galaxy are consistent with a rapid, quasi-monolithic, dissipative merger origin at early redshifts, followed by one or at most a few dry mergers. Those for the halo argue for later accretion of stars from old systems with more extended star formation histories. The half-light radius of the inner component alone is estimated as ∼6 kpc, suggesting a significantly smaller size of this galaxy in the past. This may be the local stellar population signature of the size evolution found for early-type galaxies from high-redshift observations.
Perchlorate in raw and drinking water sources in England and Wales
Authors: McLaughlin Clare L. , Blake Simon , Hall Tom , Harman Mark , Kanda Rakesh , Hunt Joanna , Rumsby Paul C.
Published: July 2010

A well‐known use of perchlorate is as a rocket fuel propellant; however, more widespread uses include in munitions and fireworks, and it also occurs naturally. Perchlorate suppresses the thyroid, which can lead to a variety of adverse effects. It is a widespread contaminant in the United States, but limited occurrence data in the United Kingdom exist, and even less for drinking water. Monitoring of 20 raw and treated drinking water sites in England and Wales, covering four seasonal periods, showed that perchlorate is a low‐level background contaminant of raw and treated drinking water. Low concentrations (treated drinking water: <0.020–2.073 μg/L, mean 0.747 μg/L) were detected at every higher‐risk site. The concentrations were comparable in each of the four sampling exercises and no significant trends were apparent relating to the time of year, the type of risk or the method of chlorination. Limited data showed that removal by ion exchange and granular‐activated carbon may occur.
The carotid baroreflex is reset following prolonged exercise in humans
Authors: Hart E. C. , Rasmussen P. , Secher N. H. , George K. P. , Cable N. T. , Volianitis S. , Shave R.
Published: July 2010

Aim:  Alterations in the carotid baroreflex (CBR) control of arterial pressure may explain the reduction in arterial pressure and left ventricular (LV) function after prolonged exercise. We examined the CBR control of heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP), in addition to changes in LV function, pre‐ to post‐exercise.

Methods:  Seven males (age, mean ± SEM; 29 ± 4 years) completed 4 h of ergometer rowing at a workload of 10–15% below the lactate threshold. The CBR control of HR and MAP was assessed via the rapid neck‐suction/pressure protocol. LV systolic function was measured by echocardiography, where ejection fraction (EF), the ratio of systolic blood pressure to end systolic volume (SBP/ESV) and stroke volume (SV) were estimated.

Results:  Following exercise MAP was reduced (12 ± 3%) and HR was elevated (35 ± 5%; P < 0.05). Furthermore, CBR control of MAP was relocated to the left on the stimulus–response curve (P < 0.05) demonstrating that the CBR operated around a lower arterial pressure. Concomitantly, LV systolic function was reduced, indicated by a decrease in EF (22 ± 2%), SBP/ESV (32 ± 14%) and SV (25 ± 5%, P < 0.05). The reduced EF and SBP/ESV were associated with the decreased MAP operating point (r2 = 0.71 and r2 = 0.47, respectively, P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  The CBR is reset after prolonged exercise to a lower prevailing arterial pressure. This resetting of the CBR may contribute to the reduction arterial pressure and LV function after exercise.
Ethnicity and Sociolinguistic Variation in San Francisco
Authors: Hall‐Lew Lauren
Published: July 2010

California’s San Francisco Bay Area has long been one of the most ethnically diverse areas of the United States, and ethnicity is an integral aspect of any research on language use in the region. This article gives a brief social history of San Francisco with respect to settlement patterns since the 1850s’ gold rush, paying particular attention to Chinese Americans, who are argued to play an especially distinctive role in the city’s history and current social landscape. This article also reviews the sociolinguistic research on language and ethnicity in and around San Francisco, with a focus on studies on variation and change in English, noting the relative lack of attention to Asian American ethnicities and calling for increased scholarship on the linguistic construction of Asian identities in the San Francisco area.
Construction Morphology
Authors: Booij Geert
Published: July 2010

In construction morphology, complex words are seen as constructions on the word level. The notion ‘construction’, a pairing of form and meaning, as developed in the theory of Construction Grammar, is essential for an insightful account of the properties of complex words. Morphological patterns can be represented as constructional schemas that express generalizations about sets of existing complex words and word forms, and provide the recipes for coining new (forms of) words. Such schemas form part of a hierarchical lexicon with generalizations on different levels of abstraction, they account for holistic properties of complex words that are not derivable from their constituents, and they can be unified into complex schemas that express the co‐occurrence of certain types of word formation. The format of constructional schemas is also appropriate for phrasal lexical units with word‐like functions such as phrasal names, particle verbs, and periphrastic expressions.
Linguistic Effects of Immigration: Language Choice, Codeswitching, and Change in Western European Turkish
Authors: Backus Ad , Jørgensen J. Normann , Pfaff Carol
Published: July 2010

Since the 1960s, Western Europe has been host to a large Turkish immigrant community. While many such communities shift to the majority language in the space of a few generations, language maintenance is remarkably successful in this community. This is partially because of continuing immigration, but it is also typical of a transnational identity that characterizes many bilingual communities in modern Europe. The linguistic effects of this on‐going contact situation include extensive codeswitching and slowly emerging changes in the lexicon and syntax. These are contained in a range of speech styles that show that in such modern migrant communities, the way in which different subgroups utilize their multilingual repertoire varies considerably, depending on background factors such as gender, locality, age, and socio‐political identity.
‘Environmental Refugees’: Key Debates and the Contributions of Geographers
Authors: Gill Nick
Published: July 2010

This article reviews the key current debates around the concept of environmental refugees, focusing on geography’s actual and potential contributions. First, although the most widely quoted estimate is between 200 and 250 million environmental refugees by 2050 (with some estimates greatly exceeding this), there is continuing disagreement about the scale of the challenge with numerous authors questioning available evidence. Geographical discussions about the reification of scale and the increasingly questioned division between nature and society might usefully inform these debates. Second, although the term ‘environmental refugees’ has achieved widespread usage, the degree to which ‘the environment’ can be singled out as a decisive cause of refugee movement has been questioned. Geographers have also provided some quantitative evidence that casts the relationship between environmental processes and refugees into doubt. Third, an important debate is taking place regarding the suitability of existing political refugee law for extension into the environmental domain. Many social scientists have expressed concern about the feasibility and desirability of extending the remit of existing international refugee protection. The article concludes by offering a series of future research directions that will allow geographers to continue to engage innovatively with this field.
Agent‐based Modeling of Animal Movement: A Review
Authors: Tang Wenwu , Bennett David A.
Published: July 2010

Animal movement is a complex spatiotemporal phenomenon that has intrigued researchers from many disciplines. Interactions among animals, and between animals and the environments that they traverse, play an important role in the development of the complex ecological and social systems in which they are embedded. Agent‐based models have been increasingly applied as a computational approach to the study of animal movement across landscapes. In this article, we present a review of agent‐based models in which the simulation of animal movement processes and patterns is the central theme. Our discussion of these processes is focused on four key components: internal states, external factors, motion capacities, and navigation capacities. These four components have been identified in the emerging movement ecology research paradigm and are important for modeling animal movement behavior. Because agent‐based models allow for an individual‐based approach that encapsulates these four components, the underlying processes that drive animal behavior can be deeply explored using this technique. A set of challenges and issues remain, however, for agent‐based models of animal movement. In this article, we review the existing literature and identify potential research directions that could help address these challenges.
Neoliberal Subjectivities and the Development of the Night‐Time Economy in British Cities
Authors: Shaw Robert
Published: July 2010

This article provides a review of the academic literature on the night‐time economy (NTE) of British cities. The first half of the article concentrates on the development of the contemporary NTE by academics in the 1990s, showing how such ideas were translated to policy makers through their concomitance with other policies such as urban entrepreneurialism and market liberalization which fitted into neoliberal policy trends. The second half of the article discusses the subsequent academic critique of NTE. Although this has focused on the regulatory practices of neoliberalism, showing how these have lead to large concentrations of bars which promote unhealthy drinking practices, there has been a move in recent work to also consider the subjectivities which have developed in the neoliberal NTE. I suggest that an understanding of subjectivities informed by theoretical work of Deleuze and Guattari and non‐representational theories, which see subjectivities as trans‐personal assemblages which emerge through dispersed interactions between bodies and affects, can develop these insights. This moves research into neoliberal subjectivities in the NTE towards a research agenda in which the processes of the emergence of subjectivities are investigated and which thus responds to some of the recent critiques made of regulatory‐focused approaches.
Barriers to Collaborative Governance in New Zealand Fisheries: Pt II
Authors: Ali Memon P. , Kirk Nicholas A.
Published: July 2010

Recurrent ecological crises in fisheries throughout the world make it imperative that a fundamental re‐alignment of institutional arrangements occurs in order to promote sustainability. Collaborative institutional arrangements that provide incentives for collective action are seen as a more effective way to solve this problem than the more traditional hierarchical regulatory or market led approaches used in the past. While the merits of devolved collaborative governance have been stressed in recent fisheries literature, this paper is the second in a series of two which attempt to critically examine the barriers which impede collaboration in fisheries, using a New Zealand case study. This paper presents a typology of collaboration in New Zealand fisheries, and outlines three barriers to collaboration: the bio‐physical attributes of the resource, community factors and institutional barriers. We conclude the arguing that the success of devolved collaboration has so far been contested and highly uneven in the New Zealand setting.
Regional Climate Models for Hydrological Impact Studies at the Catchment Scale: A Review of Recent Modeling Strategies
Authors: Teutschbein Claudia , Seibert Jan
Published: July 2010

This article reviews recent applications of regional climate model (RCM) output for hydrological impact studies. Traditionally, simulations of global climate models (GCMs) have been the basis of impact studies in hydrology. Progress in regional climate modeling has recently made the use of RCM data more attractive, although the application of RCM simulations is challenging due to often considerable biases. The main modeling strategies used in recent studies can be classified into (i) very simple constructed modeling chains with a single RCM (S‐RCM approach) and (ii) highly complex and computing‐power intensive model systems based on RCM ensembles (E‐RCM approach). In the literature many examples for S‐RCM can be found, while comprehensive E‐RCM studies with consideration of several sources of uncertainties such as different greenhouse gas emission scenarios, GCMs, RCMs and hydrological models are less common. Based on a case study using control‐run simulations of fourteen different RCMs for five Swedish catchments, the biases of and the variability between different RCMs are demonstrated. We provide a short overview of possible bias‐correction methods and show that inter‐RCM variability also has substantial consequences for hydrological impact studies in addition to other sources of uncertainties in the modeling chain. We propose that due to model bias and inter‐model variability, the S‐RCM approach is not advised and ensembles of RCM simulations (E‐RCM) should be used. The application of bias‐correction methods is recommended, although one should also be aware that the need for bias corrections adds significantly to uncertainties in modeling climate change impacts.
Women, Men, and Leadership: Exploring the Gender Gap at the Top
Authors: Hoyt Crystal L.
Published: July 2010

Elite‐level leaders in business and government make significant and far‐reaching decisions influencing many facets of society. However, relatively few of these powerful positions are held by women. This article explores gender in leadership by focusing on the difficulties women experience in attaining and being seen as effective in top leadership positions. It begins by revealing the lack of parity between the sexes in leadership and in the remaining sections it addresses empirical research that serves to illuminate the leadership labyrinth, or obstacles to women’s progress, also known as the glass ceiling. In the first section, research on gender and leadership styles, traits, and effectiveness is reviewed followed by a consideration of how both domestic responsibilities and current organizational cultures differentially impact women and men on their journey to top leadership positions. The focus then shifts to examining how stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination contribute to women’s under‐representation in elite leadership roles by both impacting perceptions of and responses to women as well as impacting the experiences of women themselves. The final section concludes with thoughts on promoting parity in top‐level leadership.
Miscanthus×giganteus plant regeneration: effect of callus types, ages and culture methods on regeneration competence
Authors: KIM HYOUNG SEOK , ZHANG GUIRONG , JUVIK JOHN A. , WIDHOLM JACK M.
Published: July 2010

The perennial rhizomatous grass, Miscanthus×giganteus is an ideal biomass crop due to its rapid vegetative growth and high biomass yield potential. As a naturally occurring sterile hybrid, M. ×giganteus must be propagated vegetatively by mechanically divided rhizomes or from micropropagated plantlets. Plant regeneration through somatic embryogenesis is a viable approach to achieve large‐scale production of plantlets in tissue culture. Effect of the callus types, ages and culture methods on the regeneration competence was studied to improve regeneration efficiency and shorten the period of tissue culture in M. ×giganteus. Shoot‐forming calli having a yellow or white compact callus with light‐green shoot‐like structures showed the highest regeneration frequency. Percentage of shoot‐forming callus induction from immature inflorescence explants was 41% on callus induction medium containing 13.6 μM 2,4‐d and 0.44 μM benzyladenine (BA). The use of a regeneration medium containing 1.3 μM NAA and 22 μM BA was effective at shortening the incubation period required for plantlet regeneration, with 69% of total regenerated plantlets obtained within 1 month of incubation on regeneration medium. Embryogenic‐like callus morphotype could maintain regeneration competency for up to 1 year as suspension cultures. Field grown regenerated plants showed normal phenotypic development with DNA content and plant heights comparable to rhizome propagated plants. Winter survival rates of the regenerated plants planted in 2006 and 2007 at the University of Illinois South Farm, Urbana‐Champaign, Illinois, were 78% and 56%, respectively.
Disturbances of sleep perception in a group of multiple sclerosis patients: A case report
Authors: Attarian Hrayr , Applebee Garrick , Schuman Catherine
Published: July 2010

Sleep misperception, whether severe enough to qualify as paradoxical insomnia or not, is common in a number of neurological and psychiatric conditions. The objective was to assess sleep perception in a group of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. As part of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved trial designed to assess the efficacy of eszopiclone versus placebo in improving MS patients’ sleep continuity, we observed a pattern of both paradoxical and reverse paradoxical insomnia in a small number of participants. Eight participants (26.7%) had some degree of misperception at some point during the study. Six (20%) had reverse paradoxical insomnia and two (6.7%) had paradoxical insomnia. This is a preliminary observation that we hope will increase awareness of the condition of misperception of sleep in subjects with MS. (Clin. Exp. Neuroimmunol. doi: 10.1111/j.1759‐1961.2010.00012.x, 2010)
Creating Early Success in Financial Accounting: Improving Performance on Adjusting Journal Entries*
Authors: PHILLIPS FRED , SCHMIDT REGAN N.
Published: July 2010

Adjusting journal entries constitute a necessary component of accrual basis accounting and are critical to the accuracy of financial statements. However, accounting students often struggle to comprehend these accounting entries, which is a concern given that failure to understand early topics in accounting courses has been found to impact course performance and selection of undergraduate major. Perceiving accounting as a language, we utilize psycholinguistic theory to understand how an instructor may improve coherence of students’ mental structures of accounting problems. We conduct an experiment to investigate the extent to which a simple instructor intervention, requiring that the initial deferral transaction be recorded, is able to improve student performance on the subsequent deferral adjustments, and whether this improvement is consistent across problem sets that differ in task difficulty. Consistent with our theoretical prediction, we find that this intervention results in improved performance. The beneficial effect of the intervention is found to differ across problem‐set task difficulty. Implications for accounting education are discussed.
Isolation of equine bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells: a comparison between three protocols
Authors: BOURZAC C. , SMITH L. C. , VINCENT P. , BEAUCHAMP G. , LAVOIE J.‐P. , LAVERTY S.
Published: July 2010

Reason for performing the study:There is a need to assess and standardise equine bone marrow (BM) mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) isolation protocols in order to permit valid comparisons between therapeutic trials at different sites.

Objective:To compare 3 protocols of equine BM MSC isolation: adherence to a plastic culture dish (Classic) and 2 gradient density separation protocols (Percoll and Ficoll).

Materials and methods:BM aspirates were harvested from the sternum of 6 mares and MSCs isolated by all 3 protocols. The cell viability after isolation, MSC yield, number of MSCs attained after 14 days of culture and the functional characteristics (self‐renewal (CFU) and multilineage differentiation capacity) were determined for all 3 protocols.

Results:The mean ± s.d. MSC yield from the Percoll protocol was significantly higher (6.8 ± 3.8%) than the Classic protocol (1.3 ± 0.7%). The numbers of MSCs recovered after 14 days culture per 10 ml BM sample were 24.0 ± 12.1, 14.6 ± 9.5 and 4.1 ± 2.5 × 106for the Percoll, Ficoll and Classic protocols, respectively, significantly higher for the Percoll compared with the Classic protocol. Importantly, no significant difference in cell viability or in osteogenic or chondrogenic differentiation was identified between the protocols. At Passage 0, cells retrieved with the Ficoll protocol had lower self‐renewal capacity when compared with the Classic protocol but there was no significant difference between protocols at Passage 1. There were no significant differences between the 3 protocols for the global frequencies of CFUs at Passage 0 or 1.

Conclusions and clinical relevance:These data suggest that the Percoll gradient density separation protocol was the best in terms of MSC yield and self‐renewal potential of the MSCs retrieved and that MSCs retrieved with the Ficoll protocol had the lowest self‐renewal but only at passage 0. Then, the 3 protocols were equivalent. However, the Percoll protocol should be considered for equine MSC isolation to minimise culture time.
A Research Vision for Museums
Authors: Jacobsen John W.
Published: July 2010

Abstract The museum family in America is in danger, and perhaps other museum families across the globe are, as well. Management has failed our mission by focusing on outputs like attendance numbers, and audience researchers have failed management by not shedding light on the connections between the pleasure of learning and attendance—or, if you will, between individual gains and a museum’s public value. This research vision for museums looks at how you can make that connection and save museums in their hour of need.
Redefining Successful Interpretation in Art Museums
Authors: Fischer Daryl , Levinson Lisa
Published: July 2010

Abstract  This article aims to capture the spirit and content of a lively exchange among museum staff members at the Denver Art Museum. It began as a conference call and continued as an online dialogue about how definitions of success have evolved with advances in technology and changing expectations of visitors. Together we explored how DAM staff encourage more active participation in the museum and the creative tension that ensues between visitor co‐creation and institutional control. Woven throughout this conversation are examples that demonstrate the need to move fluidly between high tech and low tech interpretives, onsite and online experiences, and the impact of environments that break down museum stereotypes. It is our hope that this discussion will spark similar dialogues among colleagues in individual institutions and in the profession at large. Readers are encouraged to respond through the blog at Curator’s new website: http://www.curatorjournal.org.
The Mindful Museum
Authors: Janes Robert R.
Published: July 2010

Abstract  The convergence of global issues—ranging from climate change to the erosion of cultural diversity—has created a watershed of opportunity or an unprecedented crisis for museums. The contemporary museum business model based on consumption, entertainment and ancillary education is increasingly unsustainable and irrelevant in this context. This article explores the concept of a more responsible museum and the need for a heightened sense of social, environmental and economic stewardship as the foundation for a sustainable future, in a time of profound social and environmental change for society at large. Obstacles to organizational effectiveness are discussed, as are methods for enhancing greater organizational awareness of societal issues. Examples of progressive museum practice are also presented by way of illustration. The possible consequences of inaction suggest the need for museums to transform their culture‐and‐industry business model into one of a locally‐embedded problem‐solver, in tune with the challenges and aspirations of their communities.
“Ferry Me O’er”: Musing on the Future of Museum Culture
Authors: Stimler Neal
Published: July 2010

Abstract  Museum professionals face unprecedented challenges in the digital world of the twenty‐first century. How will we meet those challenges and who will lead us to the new shore of our future? We need museum professionals who act as ferrymen, guiding the museum community and its constituents through the troubled waters of our age to cultural reform that leads us to the essential purpose of art: love.
Survey of fractured SrTiO3 surfaces: From the micrometer to nanometer scale
Authors: Chien TeYu , Guisinger Nathan P. , Freeland John W.
Published: July 2010

Cross-sectional scanning tunneling microscopy was utilized to study fractured perovskite oxide surfaces. It was found that for the non-cleavable perovskite oxide, SrTiO3, atomically flat terraces could be routinely created with a controlled fracturing procedure. Optical, scanning electron and scanning tunneling microscopies, and a profilometer were used to obtain information from submillimeter to submicrometer scales of the fractured surface topography.
Improving the metallic content of focused electron beam-induced deposits by a scanning electron microscope integrated hydrogen-argon microplasma generator
Authors: Miyazoe Hiroyuki , Utke Ivo , Kikuchi Hirokazu , Kiriu Shinya , Friedli Vinzenz , Michler Johann , Terashima Kazuo
Published: July 2010

Local coinjection of a (H2–Ar) microplasma jet and Cu(O2C5F6H)2 molecules during focused electron beam-induced deposition (FEBID) was studied with respect to changes in the Cu:C ratio of deposits. Microplasma-assisted FEBID (30 keV and 1 nA) decreased codeposition of carbon, oxygen, and fluorine originating from the chamber background and the precursor molecule. The copper metal content could be increased to 41 at. %, being almost four times more than in conventional FEBID deposits without coinjection. Conventional FEB deposits from Cu(O2C5F6H)2 resulted in 11–12 at. % Cu content. Microplasma post-treatments of conventional FEB deposits resulted in volume changes, surface roughening, and an increase of the overall Cu content to 27 at. %. The removal mechanisms were of nonthermal nature. At repulsive bias potentials from 0 to +30 V, a pure chemical etching of the carbonaceous matrix by atomic hydrogen radials occurred. At attractive bias potentials of up to −30 V, a more efficient ion induced chemical sputtering regime prevailed where Ar+ ions break carbon bonds, which in turn will be passivated by atomic hydrogen radicals to form volatile hydrocarbon compounds.
Molecular structure effects on dry etching behavior of Si-containing resists in oxygen plasma
Authors: Bruce R. L. , Lin T. , Phaneuf R. J. , Oehrlein G. S. , Bell W. , Long B. , Willson C. G.
Published: July 2010

The authors have studied the influence of Si–O bonding in the polymer structure of Si-containing resists on O2 plasma etch behavior. Three polymers were synthesized with the same Si wt % (12.1%) and varying number of Si–O bonds (0, 1, or 2). The etch resistance during the plasma process was measured by monitoring the film thickness removed using real-time in situ ellipsometry. After plasma exposure, surface chemical changes and roughness were characterized by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy, respectively. For O2 plasma exposure without substrate bias, all polymers showed the formation of a ∼1 nm SiO2 layer at the surface that acted as a barrier to further oxygen etching. Adding Si–O bonds to the polymer structure at constant wt % Si greatly reduced the etch rate and Si loss during oxygen plasma etching relative to the case of no such bonds. Polymers with one Si–O bond in the polymer structure showed identical etch behavior to polymers with the same wt % Si and two Si–O bonds. However, increasing the number of Si–O bonds in the structure decreased the glass transition temperature of the polymer, leading to the formation of micron-sized wrinkles after plasma exposure. When a substrate bias was applied, the etch rate and the rate of Si loss increased due to sputtering of the SiO2 layer by energetic ions. For 90% N2/O2 discharges with substrate bias, a typical oxygen-based pattern transfer plasma condition, the etch rates of the polymers with the Si–O bond were lower and the SiO2 layer thickness formed was larger than that formed in pure O2 discharges with substrate bias. For all gas discharge conditions, polymers with pre-existing Si–O bonds showed less Si loss.
Fabrication and coupling investigation of films of PbS quantum dots
Authors: Lü Wei , Yamada Fumihiko , Kamiya Itaru
Published: July 2010

The authors report the self-assembly and characterization of monolayer PbS quantum dots (QDs) on GaAs substrates and the effect of thermal annealing on close-packed PbS QD films. The QD monolayer film was prepared using a 1,6-hexanedithiol self-assembled monolayer to link PbS QDs to GaAs substrates. Atomic force microscopy measurement confirmed the formation of PbS QD monolayer on GaAs. The temperature dependence of photoluminescence (PL) intensity of PbS QDs shows a feature typical for close-packed PbS QD films. For investigation of the influence of thermal annealing, three close-packed films of colloidal PbS QDs were prepared by drop coating and treated at different annealing temperatures. By controlling the annealing temperature, the PL intensity of close-packed films at room temperature can be improved. The room temperature PL intensity can be adjusted to be higher than that at 10 K. These results provide insights for future applications of colloidal QDs and the improvement of their performances.
Error Minimization in Lateral Inhibition Circuits
Authors: Barad Omer , Rosin Dalia , Hornstein Eran , Barkai Naama
Published: July 2010

Accurate selection of sensory organ precursor cells in fruit flies requires cell-autonomous Notch-ligand interactions to facilitate rapid inhibition of neighboring cells.
Deliberative ethics in a biomedical institution: an example of integration between science and ethics
Authors: Boniolo G , Di Fiore P P
Published: July 2010

The deliberative ethics guidelines elaborated and implemented by members of the IFOM-IEO Campus (Firc Institute of Molecular Oncology (IFOM) and the European Institute of Oncology (IEO)). These should serve the dual purpose of establishing a minimal set of standard rules for bioethical debate and any ensuing decision-making process, especially for the perspective of providing real instruments to foster public engagement and public awareness on the ethical issues involved in biomedical research. It is shown that these guidelines instantiate the scheme of one of the correct ways of debating formalised by the western thought.
Analysis of the status of informed consent in medical research involving human subjects in public hospitals in Shanghai
Authors: Jianping Wang , Li Lan , Xue Di , Tang Zhongjin , Jia Xieyang , Wu Rong , Xi Yiqun , Wang Tong , Zhou Ping
Published: July 2010

Objectives

The objectives of the study are to understand the current practice of informed consent in medical research in public hospitals in Shanghai, and to share our views with other countries, especially developing countries.

Methods

In the study, 145 consent forms (CFs) of the selected research projects in eight public hospitals with ethics committees in Shanghai were audited, and the principle investigators (PIs) of these research projects and 40 student subjects who had participated in clinical drug tests were surveyed by questionnaires.

Results

The CFs of medical researches in public hospitals with ethics committees in Shanghai were generally acceptable. However, there were some defects in the CFs. Although most of the surveyed PIs had correct recognition of informed consent, some processes of informed consent were not in accordance with generally accepted requirements. A large number of the PIs considered the greatest difficulty with informal consent was lack of correct recognition of subjects or legally authorised representatives on medical research.

Discussion

Informed consent in medical research should consider the research ethics, the background of potential subjects, the local resources and culture of medical research. In addition, special protection is needed for student subjects in informed consent as well as efforts for building and restoring the public's trust in biomedical research.

Conclusion

The informed consent in Shanghai's public hospitals with ethics committees was generally acceptable and the achievement of adequate informed consent is influenced by many factors.
IMPLICATION OF ENTROPY FLOW FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SYSTEM AS SUGGESTED BY THE LIFE CYCLE OF A HURRICANE
Authors: LIU C. , LUO Z. , LIU Y. , YU H. , ZHOU X. , WANG D. , MA L. , XU H.
Published: July 2010

The entropy flows of Hurricane Katrina (2005) are calculated using the entropy flow formula appropriate for atmospheric dynamical systems based on the National Centre for Environmental Prediction/National Centre for Atmospheric Research reanalysis data. The results show that the intensification of net negative (positive) entropy flow entering into Katrina preceded the strengthening (weakening) of its intensity and the asymmetries of the entropy flow pattern around Katrina's centre contained some significant information on hurricane track prediction. These results imply that classical thermodynamic entropy may serve as an order parameter for an atmospheric system and that entropy flow analysis might provide a new insight into the mechanism responsible for the life cycle of the system.
HAZARDOUS GASES DETECTION BY FLUCTUATION-ENHANCED GAS SENSING
Authors: KOTARSKI MATEUSZ M. , SMULKO JANUSZ M.
Published: July 2010

Gas sensing can be enhanced by observing resistance fluctuations in Taguchi Gas Sensors. Unfortunately, fluctuation measurements need advanced measurement setups. This paper presents a possibility of fluctuation-enhanced gas sensing that can be utilized in a simplified and cheap gas sensing system. A detailed study has been conducted for two hazardous gases: ammonia ( NH3 ) and hydrogen sulfide ( H2S ) using TGS 826 and TGS 825 resistance sensors. The research was focused on practical application of gas detection by resistance fluctuations for the selected harmful gases. Repeatability of noise measurements was investigated to establish rules for most reliable gas detection by a single gas sensor.