bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low temperature direct bonding mechanisms of tetraethyl orthosilicate based silicon oxide films deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Sabbione C. , Di Cioccio L. , Vandroux L. , Nieto J.-P. , Rieutord F.
Published: September 2012

Bonding behaviour and surface adhesion mechanisms of tetraethyl orthosilicate silicon oxide films are investigated. Prior to the bonding, infrared absorption spectroscopy was used to assess chemical composition of the bonding layers. The incorporation of −OH groups during the deposition process and the moisture absorption is shown and a specific effect of the applied RF power is highlighted. A strong correlation is found between trapped species and the evolution of the bonded layers during subsequent thermal annealing. The first observed phenomenon is an overall hardness reduction of the film deposited at low RF power which results in an increase of local adhesion area, hence an enhancement of the bonding energy. In the meantime, in this configuration water production is promoted in the volume of the film through silanol condensation and silicon oxidation occurs at the interface between the bonding layer and the silicon bulk. As a by-product of this reaction, hydrogen is released and it migrates towards the bonding interface. As a consequence, defects appear at the bonding interface. Thanks to the use of a stop barrier at the bulk interface, silicon oxidation is prevented, defect free bonding is obtained and the described scenario is confirmed.
Microwave scattering from laser spark in air
Authors: Sawyer Jordan , Zhang Zhili , Shneider Mikhail N.
Published: September 2012

In this paper, microwave Mie scattering from a laser-induced plasma in atmospheric air is computed. It shows that the scattered microwave transitions from coherent Rayleigh scattering to Mie scattering based on the relative transparency of the laser-induced plasma at the microwave frequency. The microwave penetration in the plasma alters from total transparency to partial shielding due to the sharp increase of the electron number density within the avalanche ionization phase. The transition from Rayleigh scattering to Mie scattering is verified by both the temporal evolution of the scattered microwave and the homogeneity of polar scattering plots.
Correlation between glass-forming ability, thermal stability, and crystallization kinetics of Cu-Zr-Ag metallic glasses
Authors: Song K. K. , Gargarella P. , Pauly S. , Ma G. Z. , Kühn U. , Eckert J.
Published: September 2012

The glass-forming ability (GFA) of the Cu-Zr-Ag system is evaluated based on the large amount of literature data available and discussed in the frame of a predictive amorphization criterion which combines topological instability and electronic criteria. The correlation between GFA, thermal stability, and crystallization kinetics of (Cu0.5Zr0.5)100−xAgx (x = 0, 2, 6, and 10) metallic glasses is further investigated. The enhancement of the GFA of the alloys and the thermal stability/fragility of the supercooled liquid can be traced back to a large size effect/volume mismatch and electronic effects. However, the apparent activation energy of crystallization decreases with increasing Ag content in the alloys which may be due to a nanoscale microstructural heterogeneity induced by the Ag addition. At a certain Ag content, a small amount of AgZr crystals precipitate together with Cu10Zr7 and CuZr2 and the crystallization mechanism changes from interface-controlled one-dimensional growth to three-dimensional growth with different nucleation rates.
Molecular gradient for second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory using the divide-expand-consolidate (DEC) scheme
Authors: Kristensen Kasper , Jørgensen Poul , Jansík Branislav , Kjærgaard Thomas , Reine Simen
Published: September 2012

We demonstrate that the divide-expand-consolidate (DEC) scheme – which has previously been used to determine the second-order Møller–Plesset (MP2) correlation energy – can be applied to evaluate the MP2 molecular gradient in a linear-scaling and embarrassingly parallel manner using a set of local Hartree–Fock orbitals. All manipulations of four-index quantities (describing electron correlation effects) are carried out using small local orbital fragment spaces, whereas two-index quantities are treated for the full molecular system. The sizes of the orbital fragment spaces are determined in a black-box manner to ensure that the error in the DEC-MP2 correlation energy compared to a standard MP2 calculation is proportional to a single input threshold denoted the fragment optimization threshold (FOT). The FOT also implicitly controls the error in the DEC-MP2 molecular gradient as substantiated by a theoretical analysis and numerical results. The development of the DEC-MP2 molecular gradient is the initial step towards calculating higher order energy derivatives for large molecular systems using the DEC framework, both at the MP2 level of theory and for more accurate coupled-cluster methods.
Growth processes of lithium titanate thin films deposited by using pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Kumatani Akichika , Ohsawa Takeo , Shimizu Ryota , Takagi Yoshitaka , Shiraki Susumu , Hitosugi Taro
Published: September 2012

We have investigated the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) growth processes of spinel lithium titanates based on the preparation of Li4Ti5O12 and LiTi2O4 from a Li4Ti5O12 target. The Li/Ti atomic ratio of the species arriving at substrate during the deposition was only ∼0.5. The LiTi2O4 epitaxial thin films fabricated on MgAl2O4 (111) substrate exhibited high conductivity at room temperature (∼3.0 × 103 Ω−1 cm−1) and a superconducting transition temperature of ∼12 K. These values are the highest reported for epitaxial thin films. Our results demonstrate the importance of the target composition, providing further insights into the Li-containing metal oxide deposition processes using PLD.
Octagonal silica toroidal microcavity for controlled optical coupling
Authors: Kato Takumi , Yoshiki Wataru , Suzuki Ryo , Tanabe Takasumi
Published: September 2012

We fabricated polygonal silica toroidal microcavities to achieve stable mechanical coupling with an evanescent coupler such as a tapered fiber. The octagonal cavity was fabricated by using a combination of isotropic etching, anisotropic etching, and laser reflow. It offers both high and low coupling efficiencies with the cavity mode even when the coupler is in contact with the cavity, which makes the device more practically because of easy alignment. A numerical simulation showed that an octagonal silica toroidal microcavity had an optical quality factor of 8.8 × 106.
Polarized and diameter-dependent Raman scattering from individual aluminum nitride nanowires: The antenna and cavity effects
Authors: Hsu Hsu-Cheng , Hsu Geng-Ming , Lai Yu-shiung , Feng Zhe Chuan , Tseng Shuo-Yen , Lundskog Anders , Forsberg Urban , Janzén Erik , Chen Kuei-Hsien , Chen Li-Chyong
Published: September 2012

Raman scattering of individual aluminum nitride (AlN) nanowires is investigated systematically. The axial direction of single nanowire can be rapidly verified by polarized Raman scattering. The angular dependencies of E2(high) mode show strongly anisotropic behavior in smaller nanowires, which results from optical antenna effect. Raman enhancement (RE) per unit volume of E2(high) increases with decreasing diameter of nanowires. Compared to the thin film, ∼200-fold increase of RE is observed in AlN nanowires having diameter less than 50 nm, which is far beyond the quantum confinement regime. Such a large RE can be attributed to the effects of resonant cavity and stimulated Raman scattering.
Longitudinal computer-generated holograms for digital frequency control in electronically tunable terahertz lasers
Authors: Chakraborty Subhasish , Marshall Owen P. , Khairuzzaman Md. , Hsin Chen-Wei , Beere Harvey E. , Ritchie David A.
Published: September 2012

Longitudinal computer-generated holograms (LCGHs) can be used for the inverse design of aperiodic photonic lattices for customizable frequency control of light propagation. A one-dimensional binary LCGH, designed to harness the coarse gain tuning of a terahertz (THz) quantum cascade laser (QCL) operating at around 2.9 THz, is patterned directly by ion milling into the surface plasmon-based waveguides of pre-characterized QCLs. The initial multi-mode emission is suppressed in favour of electronically controlled, discretely tunable single-mode lasing spanning over 160 GHz. Side-mode suppression ratios of over 20 dB are also demonstrated in these tunable THz LCGH-QCLs.
Magnetic transition in α-NaCuPO4 with Cu-O chains
Authors: Wu Y. , Dong X. L. , Yang H. X. , Wang X. J. , Huang X. J. , Li J. Q. , Zhou F. , Zhou X. J. , Zhao Z. X.
Published: September 2012

The magnetic properties and specific heat have been studied on α-NaCuPO4, an analog of ion-battery material LiFePO4. A ferromagnetic-like transition at 23 K was observed for the first time by the isofield magnetization measurement and confirmed by isothermal magnetization below 23 K. The compound obeys Curie-Weiss law with an antiferromagentic coupling feature. A canted antiferromagentism was suggested to account for the ferromagnetic-like transition. The contribution from the orbital magnetic moment is found to be non-ignorable. Furthermore, specific heat shows that the magnetic transition is broadened and the critical temperature is enhanced under magnetic field, revealing a low dimensionality feature.
PAMELA: An open-source software package for calculating nonlocal exact exchange effects on electron gases in core-shell nanowires
Authors: Long Andrew W. , Wong Bryan M.
Published: September 2012

We present a new pseudospectral approach for incorporating many-body, nonlocal exact exchange interactions to understand the formation of electron gases in core-shell nanowires. Our approach is efficiently implemented in the open-source software package PAMELA (Pseudospectral Analysis Method with Exchange & Local Approximations) that can calculate electronic energies, densities, wavefunctions, and band-bending diagrams within a self-consistent Schrödinger-Poisson formalism. The implementation of both local and nonlocal electronic effects using pseudospectral methods is key to PAMELA's efficiency, resulting in significantly reduced computational effort compared to finite-element methods. In contrast to the new nonlocal exchange formalism implemented in this work, we find that the simple, conventional Schrödinger-Poisson approaches commonly used in the literature (1) considerably overestimate the number of occupied electron levels, (2) overdelocalize electrons in nanowires, and (3) significantly underestimate the relative energy separation between electronic subbands. In addition, we perform several calculations in the high-doping regime that show a critical tunneling depth exists in these nanosystems where tunneling from the core-shell interface to the nanowire edge becomes the dominant mechanism of electron gas formation. Finally, in order to present a general-purpose set of tools that both experimentalists and theorists can easily use to predict electron gas formation in core-shell nanowires, we document and provide our efficient and user-friendly PAMELA source code that is freely available at http://alum.mit.edu/www/usagi.
Fast image reconstruction for fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Varma Mahesh Ravi , Rajan K. , Mondal Partha Pratim
Published: September 2012

Real-time image reconstruction is essential for improving the temporal resolution of fluorescence microscopy. A number of unavoidable processes such as, optical aberration, noise and scattering degrade image quality, thereby making image reconstruction an ill-posed problem. Maximum likelihood is an attractive technique for data reconstruction especially when the problem is ill-posed. Iterative nature of the maximum likelihood technique eludes real-time imaging. Here we propose and demonstrate a compute unified device architecture (CUDA) based fast computing engine for real-time 3D fluorescence imaging. A maximum performance boost of 210× is reported. Easy availability of powerful computing engines is a boon and may accelerate to realize real-time 3D fluorescence imaging.
Temporal activity patterns of the swamp rat (Rattus lutreolus) and other rodents in north-eastern New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Meek Paul D. , Zewe Frances , Falzon Greg
Published: September 2012

The activity patterns and partitioning of time by four small mammal species, with a focus on the swamp rat (Rattus lutreolus) in north-eastern New South Wales, was investigated using camera trap data from two studies. Analysis was carried out on 1079 camera trap events over 1530 camera trap–nights or 36 720 h of camera trap deployment in the field. The activity patterns of Rattus lutreolus were distinctly diurnal with crepuscular peaks of activity but this differed between sites and when in the presence of competitors. The Hastings River mouse (Pseudomys oralis) and the bush rat (Rattus fuscipes) displayed typical bimodal patterns of nocturnal activity. Antechinus were mostly nocturnal but were occasionally active during the day. These data indicate that where species of Muridae co-occur, diurnal time partitioning by R. lutreolus may reduce competition for food resources. It also confirms the speculation that R. lutreolus displays diurnal behaviour, albeit dependent on the presence of other murids.
Regulation of stomatal movement and photosynthetic activity in guard cells of tomato abaxial epidermal peels by salicylic acid
Authors: Poór Péter , Tari Irma
Published: September 2012

Salicylic acid (SA), a signalling molecule in plant–pathogen interactions induces stomatal closure in intact leaves and it has a direct control over stomatal movement by increasing the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) in guard cells (GC). Stomatal closure on the abaxial epidermal peels of tomato leaves was induced at 10−7 and 10−3 M SA but stomata remained open at 10−4 M. At concentrations that reduced stomatal aperture, the ROS and NO levels were raised. The accumulation of ROS and NO could be prevented by specific scavengers, which were effective inhibitors of the SA-induced stomatal closure. In contrast with other plant species, the guard cells (GCs) of tomato did not show a long-lasting accumulation of ROS in the presence of 10−4 M SA and their NO content decreased to below the control level, leading to stomatal opening. Increasing SA concentrations resulted in a significant decrease in the maximum and effective quantum yields of PSII photochemistry and in the photochemical quenching parameter of GCs. In the presence of 10−7 and 10−4 M SA, the chloroplasts of GCs sustained a higher electron transport rate than in the presence of 10−3 M, suggesting that the SA-induced inhibition of GC photosynthesis may affect stomatal closure at high SA concentrations.
Phosphorus loss and speciation in overland flow from a plantation horticulture catchment and in an adjoining waterway in coastal Queensland, Australia
Authors: Stork Peter R. , Lyons David J.
Published: September 2012

Phosphorus (P) in overland flow from horticulture farms in coastal Queensland, Australia, could eutrophy coastal freshwater and marine habitats environments nearby. The potential for such eutrophication was investigated in a coastal macadamia plantation under commercial production. During the 13-month study, P losses in overland flow were quantified in a 0.24-ha farm catchment with a 3.1% gradient, during five consecutive storm events. These events were within expected short- and long-term episodic rainfall frequencies and intensities. Runoff occurred when such storms generated between 20–40 mm/h of rainfall for >9 min. Calculated annual losses of total P were 0.32 kg/ha.year, comprising dissolved inorganic P (DIP, 0.28 kg/ha.year), particulate P (0.03 kg/ha.year), and dissolved organic P (0.01 kg/ha.year). DIP represented 88% of all losses and this was attributed to excessive fertilisation and untimely applications. Losses of total P were generally higher than those reported in comparable studies.
Concentrations of DIP in runoff were 20–200-fold higher than those found in other coastal catchments in Queensland. High concentrations of DIP were present in the topsoil of the non-fertilised, inter-row areas of the farm catchment and this was attributed to transfer and deposition of DIP from adjacent fertilised tree beds during storm flow. Therefore, it can be expected that farm runoff will be enriched with DIP from these areas for an indeterminate period despite any future remediation to fertiliser management. The weighted average of DIP in farm runoff was 2.01 mg/L, whereas it was 0.005 mg/L in a catchment stream bordering the farm, showing a steep concentration gradient between the two ecosystem compartments. Together with nitrogen (N) losses in runoff, reported previously, an N : P molar ratio of 2 : 1 was contained in the farm runoff. This was well below the growth-limiting threshold for aquatic organisms, as determined by the Redfield ratio of 16 : 1 (N : P). The entry of nutrient-enriched farm runoff, as detailed in this study, into the catchment stream and the proximity of such waterways (8 km) to the coastline may also have implications for the near-shore (oligotrophic) marine environment during periods of storm flow. Altogether, this work revealed the high risk of eutrophication from farming landscapes such as the one under study.
Judgements of relative direction: The effect of task instructions on spatial recall
Authors: Donaldson Phillip , Tlauka Michael , Robertson Caitlin
Published: September 2012

One of the most widely used tasks in the spatial memory literature is the judgement of relative direction (JRD) test. The present investigation examined the hypothesis that standard JRD task demands bias spatial recall. In two experiments, participants' recall of small-scale layouts as measured by standard JRD tests (in which the relationship between objects was employed to establish imagined orientations within the learned scene) was compared with recall as measured by novel JRD tasks. The novel tasks emphasized either the internal front/back and left/right axes of individual objects (Experiment 1) or extrinsic spatial cues (Experiment 2). Spatial recall was found to reflect the reference cues emphasized by the JRD task in Experiment 1 and by the novel task in Experiment 2. The finding that directional judgements tended to reflect a frame of reference aligned with the set of cues emphasized by task demands suggests that the nature of the task employed to test knowledge can have an effect on spatial recall.
Causal essentialism in kinds
Authors: Ahn Woo-kyoung , Taylor Eric G. , Kato Daniel , Marsh Jessecae K. , Bloom Paul
Published: September 2012

The current study examines causal essentialism, derived from psychological essentialism of concepts. We examine whether people believe that members of a category share some underlying essence that is both necessary and sufficient for category membership and that also causes surface features. The main claim is that causal essentialism is restricted to categories that correspond to our intuitive notions of existing kinds and hence is more attenuated for categories that are based on arbitrary criteria. Experiments 1 and 3 found that people overtly endorse causal essences in nonarbitrary kinds but are less likely to do so for arbitrary categories. Experiments 2 and 4 found that people were more willing to generalize a member's known causal relations (or lack thereof) when dealing with a kind than when dealing with an arbitrary category. These differences between kinds and arbitrary categories were found across various domains—not only for categories of living things, but also for artefacts. These findings have certain real-world implications, including how people make sense of mental disorders that are treated as real kinds.
Enhanced optical conductance in graphene superlattice due to anisotropic band dispersion
Authors: Ang Yee Sin , Zhang C
Published: September 2012

The optical response of a Kronig–Penney type graphene superlattice is investigated. When an external field is applied along the periodicity of the superlattice, the total optical response of the graphene superlattice is enhanced due to the formation of anisotropic Dirac fermions. Such anisotropy tunes up the total optical spectra while maintaining the same critical electric field regardless of the degree of anisotropy. The optical conductance of anisotropic Dirac fermions exhibits two contrasting behaviours: (i) inversely proportional to the anisotropy and (ii) directly proportional to the anisotropy, depending on the direction of the external field. Interestingly, the anisotropy-induced optical conductance enhancement also occurs in gapped graphene with band structure anisotropy. This suggests that the enhanced electron–photon couplings in the presence of anisotropy is a general feature of the relativistic nature of the Dirac fermions in both massless and massive form. It is also revealed that the strong optical nonlinearity is a consequence of the relativistic nature of the Dirac fermions and the Dirac cone isotropy is not required.
Treatment of Superficial Cutaneous Vascular Lesions: Experience with the Long-Pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG Laser
Authors: Ozyurt Kemal , Colgecen Emine , Baykan Halit , Ozturk Perihan , Ozkose Mehmet
Published: September 2012

Recent published studies evaluating the long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser for superficial cutaneous vascular lesions have limited subjects and optimal treatment parameters have not been established. To determine the efficacy and safety of the long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser on superficial cutaneus vascular lesions and analyse retrospectively our experience of a 3-year period are the aims of this study. Over the 3-year period, 255 patients were treated [189 female and 66 male; median age 35 (range 7–65) years; Fitzpatrick skin types II-V]. Twenty-six patients with spider angioma, 130 with facial telangiectasia, and 99 with leg telangiectasia were treated. A long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser was used. A test dose was performed at the initial consultation and thereafter patients were reviewed and treated at 4-week intervals for 5 months. Of those patients who completed treatment and followup, 26/26 (100%) of spider angiomas, 125/130 (97%) of facial telangiectasia, and 80/99 (80,8%) of leg telangiectasia markedly improved or cleared. We suggest that the long pulsed Nd:YAG laser is a safe and effective treatment for common superficial cutaneous vascular lesions. However, it is not the first choise to use to treat superficial vessels on the face where depth is not the concern.
Geographical Gradients in Argentinean Terrestrial Mammal Species Richness and Their Environmental Correlates
Authors: Márquez Ana L. , Real Raimundo , Kin Marta S. , Guerrero José Carlos , Galván Betina , Barbosa A. Márcia , Olivero Jesús , Palomo L. Javier , Vargas J. Mario , Justo Enrique
Published: September 2012

We analysed the main geographical trends of terrestrial mammal species richness (SR) in Argentina, assessing how broad-scale environmental variation (defined by climatic and topographic variables) and the spatial form of the country (defined by spatial filters based on spatial eigenvector mapping (SEVM)) influence the kinds and the numbers of mammal species along these geographical trends. We also evaluated if there are pure geographical trends not accounted for by the environmental or spatial factors. The environmental variables and spatial filters that simultaneously correlated with the geographical variables and SR were considered potential causes of the geographic trends. We performed partial correlations between SR and the geographical variables, maintaining the selected explanatory variables statistically constant, to determine if SR was fully explained by them or if a significant residual geographic pattern remained. All groups and subgroups presented a latitudinal gradient not attributable to the spatial form of the country. Most of these trends were not explained by climate. We used a variation partitioning procedure to quantify the pure geographic trend (PGT) that remained unaccounted for. The PGT was larger for latitudinal than for longitudinal gradients. This suggests that historical or purely geographical causes may also be relevant drivers of these geographical gradients in mammal diversity.
Dynein mediates the localization and activation of mTOR in normal and human cytomegalovirus-infected cells
Authors: Clippinger Amy J. , Alwine James C.
Published: September 2012

Activation of stress signaling pathways normally leads to inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1); however, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection maintains mTORC1 activity in the presence of numerous types of stress. We previously demonstrated that HCMV infection maintains mTORC1 activity during amino acid deprivation through a Ras-related GTP-binding (Rag) protein-independent mechanism. This depends on the colocalization of mTOR and its activator, Rheb (Ras homology enriched in brain)-GTP, to a perinuclear position that corresponds to the viral cytoplasmic assembly compartment (AC). The data presented here show that the HCMV-induced, amino acid depletion-resistant perinuclear localization and activation of mTORC1 occurs as early as 8 h post-infection, prior to AC formation. We show that the molecular motor dynein is required for perinuclear localization of mTORC1 in both uninfected and HCMV-infected cells. Association between dynein and mTOR is shown by coimmunoprecipitation, and inhibition of dynein function using RNAi or the small molecule inhibitor ciliobrevin A inhibits mTORC1 activity in both uninfected and HCMV-infected cells. The data suggest that mTORC1 activation requires dynein-dependent transport to a position in the cell where it can be activated. Thus, the HCMV commandeers a cellular dynein-dependent mTORC1 activation mechanism to maintain stress-resistant mTORC1 activity during infection and to form the AC.
TAp73 depletion accelerates aging through metabolic dysregulation
Authors: Rufini Alessandro , Niklison-Chirou Maria Victoria , Inoue Satoshi , Tomasini Richard , Harris Isaac S. , Marino Arianna , Federici Massimo , Dinsdale David , Knight Richard A. , Melino Gerry , Mak Tak Wah
Published: September 2012

Aging is associated with impaired scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here, we show that TAp73, a p53 family member, protects against aging by regulating mitochondrial activity and preventing ROS accumulation. TAp73-null mice show more pronounced aging with increased oxidative damage and senescence. TAp73 deletion reduces cellular ATP levels, oxygen consumption, and mitochondrial complex IV activity, with increased ROS production and oxidative stress sensitivity. We show that the mitochondrial complex IV subunit cytochrome C oxidase subunit 4 (Cox4i1) is a direct TAp73 target and that Cox4i1 knockdown phenocopies the cellular senescence of TAp73-null cells. Results indicate that TAp73 affects mitochondrial respiration and ROS homeostasis, thus regulating aging.
The p53 family grows old
Authors: Flores Elsa R. , Lozano Guillermina
Published: September 2012

p73 and p63 are evolving members of the p53 tumor suppressor family. TAp73 is a p73 isoform with a potent transcriptional activation domain, and loss of TAp73 predisposes mice to tumor development. In this issue of Genes & Development, Rufini and colleagues (pp. 2009–2014) discuss how TAp73-null mice display an aging phenotype that is due to mitochondrial dysfunction. Specifically, decreased levels of cytochrome C oxidase subunit 4 isoform 1 (Cox4i1) impair cytochrome C oxidase (COX) function, the multimeric enzyme that executes the last step in aerobic respiration. An emerging theme is that defects in metabolism account for both cancer and aging.
DNAbarcodingNeotropical fishes: recent advances from thePampaPlain,Argentina
Authors: Rosso J. J. , Mabragaña E. , González Castro M. , Díaz de Astarloa J. M.
Published: September 2012

The fish fauna of thePampaPlain, the southernmost distribution range of manyNeotropical species, was barcoded in this study.COIsequences were analysed by means of distance (K2P/NJ) and character‐based (ML) models, as well as theBarcodeIndexNumber (BIN).K2P/NJanalysis was able to discriminate among all previously identified species while also revealing the likely occurrence of two cryptic species that were further supported byBINandMLanalyses. On the other hand, bothBINandMLwere not able to discriminate between two species ofRineloricaria. Despite the small genetic divergence betweenA. cf. pampaandA. eigenmanniorum, a tight array of haplotypes was observed for each species in both the distance and character‐based methods. Deep intraspecific divergences were detected inCnesterodon decemmaculatus(5%) andSalminus brasiliensis(6%). ForSalminus brasiliensis,these findings were further supported by character‐based (ML) evidence and meristic and morphological data. Our results also showed that Pampa Plain representatives ofSalminus brasiliensis,Rhamdia quelen,Hoplias malabaricus,Synbranchus marmoratus,Australoheros facetus,Oligosarcus jenynsiiandCorydoras paleatusdiffered by more than 3% from their conspecifics from other parts of South America. Overall, this study was able to highlight the likely occurrence of a cryptic species inSalminus brasiliensisand also illustrate the strong geographical structure in theCOIsequence composition of seven fish species fromSouthAmerica.
Lupus anticoagulant detection: out of control?
Authors: Moore G. W. , Brown K. L. , Bromidge E. S. , Drew A. J. , Ledford‐Kraemer M. R.
Published: September 2012

Introduction

Expert guidelines indicate that normalised ratios are preferred to clotting times for lupus anticoagulant (LA) assays to mitigate analytical variation. We investigated the effects of deriving normalised ratios from the reference interval (RI) mean or different normal pooled plasmas (NPP).

Methods

Screen, confirm and mixing tests for dilute Russell's viper venom time and APTT were converted to normalised ratios and interpreted for LA.

Results

Of 1000 clinical samples, 824 generated identical interpretations using RI mean or NPP‐derived ratios and 57 identified LAs in one or both assays via either denominator. Separate RIs were applied for normalised ratios derived from the NPP or RI mean. Applying percentage correction index (PCI) to screen and confirm assays irrespective of screen elevation increased agreement to 92.5%. Two frozen and one lyophilised NPP were then used to derive ratios for 204 samples and 130 generated identical interpretations with all NPPs, 14 had overall interpretation parity and 19 overall agreement via PCI, giving 79.9% overall agreement. The results derived from each NPP were interpreted against RIs derived from RI means to reflect differences resulting from NPPs with clotting times dissimilar to RI means.

Conclusions

Disparities were largely a function of closeness of NPP clotting times to test RI means and not owing to clotting factor level differences and likely related to manufacturing variables. Diagnostic benefit of normalised ratios can be maximised by matching NPP values to RI means. If RI mean is employed, and it likely requires re‐establishing with new reagent batches.
The role of aggressions suffered by healthcare workers as predictors of burnout
Authors: Gascon Santiago , Leiter Michael P , Andrés Eva , Santed Miguel A , Pereira Joao P , Cunha María J , Albesa Agustín , Montero‐Marín Jesus , García‐Campayo Javier , Martínez‐Jarreta Begoña
Published: September 2012

Aims and objectives.  To examine the prevalence of aggression against healthcare professionals and to determine the possible impact that violent episodes have on healthcare professionals in terms of loss of enthusiasm and involvement towards work. The objective was to analyse the percentage of occupational assault against professionals’ aggression in different types of healthcare services, differentiating between physical and verbal aggression as a possible variable in detecting burnout in doctors and nursing professionals.

Background.  Leiter and Maslach have explored a double process model of burnout not only based on exhaustion by overload, but also based on personal and organisational value conflicts (community, rewards or values). Moreover, Whittington has obtained conclusive results about the possible relationship between violence and burnout in mental health nurses.

Design.  A retrospective study was performed in three hospitals and 22 primary care centres in Spain (n = 1·826).

Methods.  Through different questionnaires, we have explored the relationship between aggression suffered by healthcare workers and burnout.

Results.  Eleven percent of respondents had been physically assaulted on at least one occasion, whilst 34·4% had suffered threats and intimidation on at least one occasion and 36·6% had been subjected to insults. Both forms of violence, physical and non‐physical aggression, showed significant correlations with symptoms of burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and inefficacy).

Conclusions.  The survey showed evidence of a double process: (1) by which excess workload helps predict burnout, and (2) by which a mismatch in the congruence of values, or interpersonal conflict, contributes in a meaningful way to each of the dimensions of burnout, adding overhead to the process of exhaustion–cynicism–lack of realisation.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Studies indicate that health professionals are some of the most exposed to disorders steaming from psychosocial risks and a high comorbidity: anxiety, depression, etc. There is a clear need for accurate instruments of evaluation to detect not only the burnout but also the areas that cause it. Professional exhaustion caused by aggression or other factors can reflect a deterioration in the healthcare relationship.
Development of a tool to describe the role of the clinical nurse consultant in Australia
Authors: Fry Margaret , Duffield Christine , Baldwin Richard , Roche Michael , Stasa Helen , Solman Annette
Published: September 2012

Aims and objectives.  To develop a tool for defining and measuring the role characteristics and responsibilities of an advanced practice nursing role in Australia.

Background.  Internationally, there is considerable confusion about the precise role responsibilities of advanced practice nursing positions. In Australia, the clinical nurse consultant is an advanced practice role with five nominated domains of practice. However, there are no tools for measuring the performance of clinical nurse consultants against the listed domains.

Design and methods.  Participants were 56 clinical nurse consultants at a tertiary public hospital. The existing literature, an online survey, and position descriptions were used to generate the a priori themes for the initial template. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted (in 2010) to test the template characteristics. The template underwent multiple iterations in its development.

Results.  A 50‐item tool was devised, which consisted of five domains with a ten‐point hierarchical scale within each domain. In preliminary testing, the revised template was found to provide greater clarity regarding roles and grades than the original position descriptions.

Conclusions.  Further testing and refinement of the modified rating scale is needed, but it offers the possibility of a new tool that can be used by health service managers to determine the grade of a clinical nurse consultant position and for evaluating role performance.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This preliminary study suggests that the tool provides a useful means of measuring advanced nursing practice and responsibilities across different domains and levels of appointment. The tool may be able to be adapted for use with other advanced practice nursing roles both within Australia and internationally.
Recruitment of neural precursor cells from circumventricular organs of patients with cerebral ischaemia
Authors: Sanin V. , Heeß C. , Kretzschmar H. A. , Schüller U.
Published: September 2012

Aims

Adult neurogenesis is well described in the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle walls and in the subgranular zone of the hippocampal dentate gyrus. However, recent studies indicate that self‐renewal of neural stem cells (NSCs) is not restricted to these niches, but that diverse areas of the adult brain are capable of generating new neurones and responding to various pathological alterations. In particular, NSCs have been identified in circumventricular organs (CVOs) of the adult mouse brain.

Methods

In order to detect possible neural stem or progenitor cells in CVOs of the human brain, we analysed post mortem human brain tissue from patients without neuropathological changes (n = 16) and brains from patients with ischaemic stroke (n = 16).

Results

In all analysed CVOs (area postrema, median eminence, pineal gland and neurohypophysis) we observed cells with expression of early NSC markers, such as GFAP, nestin, vimentin, OLIG2 and PSA‐NCAM, with some of them coexpressing Ki67 as a marker of cell proliferation. Importantly, stroke patients displayed an up to fivefold increase with respect to the relative number of Ki67‐ and OLIG2‐expressing cells within their CVOs.

Conclusions

Our findings are compatible with a scenario where CVOs may serve as a further source of NSCs in the adult human brain and may contribute to neurogenesis and brain plasticity in the context of brain injury.
Clinical and immunophenotypic features of atypical complete DiGeorge syndrome
Authors: Vu Quang Van , Wada Taizo , Toma Tomoko , Tajima Hanako , Maeda Miho , Tanaka Risa , Oh‐ishi Tsutomu , Yachie Akihiro
Published: September 2012

Background

DiGeorge syndrome is a congenital malformation characterized by variable defects of the thymus, heart and parathyroid glands. Athymic patients are classified as exhibiting complete DiGeorge syndrome. Some of these patients may also exhibit oligoclonal T‐cell expansion, generalized rash and lymphadenopathy at some point after birth. This rare condition is known as atypical complete DiGeorge syndrome, resembles Omenn syndrome, and has not been fully characterized.

Methods

The clinical and immunophenotypic features of atypical complete DiGeorge syndrome were assessed in two affected Japanese infants. T‐cell receptor (TCR) Vβ repertoire was analyzed on flow cytometry and complementarity‐determining region 3 spectratyping.

Results

Both patients had no detectable thymus tissue and profound T‐cell lymphopenia soon after birth. Progressive increase of activated T cells, however, as well as eosinophilia, high serum IgE level, generalized rash, and lymphadenopathy were observed during early infancy. A highly restricted TCR Vβ repertoire was demonstrated both in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.

Conclusions

The Omenn syndrome‐like manifestations might be associated with the oligoclonal proliferation of activated T cells. Analysis of the immunophenotype and TCR Vβ repertoire is helpful to establish the early diagnosis of atypical complete DiGeorge syndrome.
Corporate social responsibility and aging workforces: an explorative study of corporate social responsibility implementation in small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Gellert Franz Josef , de Graaf Frank Jan
Published: September 2012

Although critical differences exist between large companies and small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), limited empirical research has been done on human resource (HR)‐related corporate social responsibility (CSR). In this paper we study aging workforce management (AWM) as a component of CSR. Our study was conducted in the Netherlands through a randomly distributed online questionnaire. Managers and team leaders of 201 SMEs responded. The data were analyzed using multiple hierarchical regression analysis. Our results are twofold: first, findings suggest that CSR policies in micro organizations with fewer than five employees seem to be strongly associated with AWM; and second, that companies with a focus on integration of older workers in daily activities do not perceive their actions as HR‐related. Using AWM as part of CSR helps to give insight into the role of the owner, company size and the nature of implicit CSR practices. Our study demonstrates that the use of AWM in CSR research can lead to valuable insights and therefore, our overarching research question is answered that AWM can be used when studying CSR.
Punishing the Foreigner: Implicit Discrimination in the Premier League Based on Oppositional Identity*
Authors: Gallo Edoardo , Grund Thomas , James Reade J.
Published: September 2012

We present the first empirical study to reveal the presence of implicit discrimination in a non‐experimental setting. By using a large dataset of in‐match data in the English Premier League, we show that white referees award significantly more yellow cards against non‐white players of oppositional identity. We argue that this is the result of implicit discrimination by showing that this discriminatory behaviour: (i) increases in how rushed the referee is before making a decision, and (ii) it increases in the level of ambiguity of the decision. The variation in (i) and (ii) cannot be explained by any form of conscious discrimination such as taste‐based or statistical discrimination. Moreover, we show that oppositional identity players do not differ in their behaviour from other players along several dimensions related to aggressiveness and style of play providing further evidence that this is not statistical discrimination.
Brahms's Six Songs, Op. 3
Authors: Snarrenberg Robert
Published: September 2012

Brahms's first bouquet of songs, six settings of poems by four different poets, shows that he was already a sensitive reader of lyric poetry and a composer who could write Romantic miniatures in which the smallest details bear considerable significance. The essay describes musicopoetic elements in each of these six songs and the musical and narrative threads that weave through them.
Japanese Economic Stagnation: Causes and Global Implications*
Authors: TYERS ROD
Published: September 2012

Despite Japan’s prominence in global finance and trade through the 1980s, its global role has appeared to diminish with its recent stagnation and the rise of China. This article reviews the claimed sources of Japan’s stagnation, including productivity and labour slowdowns, monetary policy in the aftermath of the Plaza Accord and the surge in China’s growth. Their independent effects are quantified using a multi‐region global dynamic model. The productivity slowdown emerges strongest however its exogeneity is questioned. The resulting losses are shown to have been severe for the Japanese but mild in other regions, disguised by the rise of China.
Coffee, mines and dams: conflicts over land in the Bolaven Plateau, southern Lao PDR
Authors: Delang Claudio O , Toro Matthew , Charlet‐Phommachanh Marieke
Published: September 2012

During the last decades, neoliberal economic reforms aiming at facilitating trade and cross‐boundary investment have encouraged transnational and national economic actors to search for ‘empty’ land to grow export crops, to mine, or to develop hydroelectric dams. Mainland Southeast Asia is one of the regions where such investment has been taking place as it contains resource‐hungry countries (Thailand and in particular neighbouring China), and countries with ‘empty’ land and the willingness to use such land to foster economic growth (Laos, Cambodia and Burma). This beset the question as to what happens to the people who inhabit the land that is supposed to be ‘empty’, and the relationship between the different land uses that takes over that ‘empty’ land. This paper describes the land conflicts in one area in southern Laos, the Bolaven Plateau, where national and international capital backing large‐scale coffee plantation, bauxite mining and dam construction is displacing smallholding coffee farmers – the ‘traditional’ land users – within a political environment of poorly enforced property rights and endemic corruption. We describe how the smallholding coffee farmers are relocated to make way for the new economic activities supported by considerable amounts of foreign capital, and how the land grabbing results in lower standards of living for the smallholding coffee farmers, with few benefits to the country as a whole.
The Elasticity of Taxable Income in New Zealand*
Authors: Claus Iris , Creedy John , Teng Josh
Published: September 2012

This paper reports estimates of the elasticity of taxable income with respect to the net‐of‐tax rate for New Zealand taxpayers. The relative stability of the New Zealand personal income tax system, in terms of marginal rates, thresholds and the tax base, provides helpful conditions for deriving these estimates. The elasticity of taxable income was estimated to be substantially higher for the highest income groups. Changes in the timing of income flows for the higher income recipients were found to be an important response to the announcement of a new higher rate bracket. The marginal welfare costs of personal income taxation were consistent across years, being relatively small for all but the higher tax brackets. For the top marginal rate bracket of 39 per cent, the welfare cost of raising an extra dollar of tax revenue was estimated to be well in excess of a dollar. Implications of the findings are that: disincentive effects of high top marginal rates can be substantial even when labour supply responses are small; the welfare costs of increases in top marginal tax rates can be high; and announcement effects of tax policy changes can lead to considerable income shifting between time periods.
A novel compound, denosomin, ameliorates spinal cord injury via axonal growth associated with astrocyte‐secreted vimentin
Authors: Teshigawara Kiyoshi , Kuboyama Tomoharu , Shigyo Michiko , Nagata Aiko , Sugimoto Kenji , Matsuya Yuji , Tohda Chihiro
Published: September 2012

Background and Purpose

In the spinal cord injury (SCI) axon regeneration is inhibited by the glial scar, which contains reactive astrocytes that secrete inhibitory chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan (CSPG). We previously reported that a novel compound, denosomin, promotes axonal growth under degenerative conditions in cultured cortical neurons. In this study, we investigated the effects of denosomin on functional recovery in SCI mice and elucidated the mechanism though which denosomin induces axonal growth in the injured spinal cord.

Experimental Approach

Denosomin was administered p.o. for 7 or 14 days to contusion mice. Behavioural evaluations and immunohistochemistry were done. Primary cultured cortical neurons and astrocytes were treated with denosomin to investigate the mechanism of axonal growth facilitation.

Key Results

Denosomin improved hind limb motor dysfunction and axonal growth, especially in the 5‐HT‐positive tracts across the scar and increased the density of astrocytes. Denosomin increased astrocyte proliferation, inhibited astrocytic death and increased the expression and secretion of vimentin in cultured astrocytes. Furthermore, vimentin increased axonal outgrowth in cultured neurons, even in the presence of inhibitory CSPG. Denosomin increased the number of vimentin‐expressing astrocytes inside glial scars of SCI mice, and 5‐HT‐positive axonal growth occurred in a vimentin‐associated manner.

Conclusion and Implications

Denosomin increased the ratio of astrocytes that secrete vimentin as an axonal growth facilitator, which, we propose enhances axonal growth beyond the glial scar and promotes functional recovery in SCI mice. This study is the first to demonstrate this novel role of vimentin in SCI and drug‐mediated modification of the inhibitory property of reactive astrocytes.