bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
9/11: Mental Health in the Wake of Terrorist Attacks
Authors: Raphael Beverley
Published: December 2009

Does terrorism have a unique and significant emotional and behavioral impact among adults and children? In what way does the impact of terrorism exceed the individual level and affect communities and specific professional groups, and test different leadership styles? How were professional communities of mental health clinicians, policy-makers and researchers mobilized to respond to the emerging needs post disaster? What are the lessons learned from the work conducted after 9/11, and the implications for future disaster mental health work and preparedness efforts? Yuval Neria and his team are uniquely placed to answer these questions having been involved in modifying ongoing trials and setting up new ones in New York to address these issues straight after the attacks. No psychiatrist, mental health professional or policy-maker should be without this book.
The Pseudotumor Cerebri Syndrome
Authors: Johnston Ian , Owler Brian , Pickard John
Published: December 2009

The condition known most widely as pseudotumor cerebri syndrome is of diagnostic interest and clinical importance not just to neurosurgeons, but also to neurologists, ophthalmologists and headache specialists. Variously called idiopathic intracranial hypertension, benign intracranial hypertension, and other names over the century or so since it was first recognised, the authors argue for the grouping of all these conditions under the name of pseudotumor cerebri syndrome on the basis of a common underlying mechanism - an impairment of CSF absorption due to abnormalities at the CSF/venous interface. The book reviews the development of ideas around some of the more contentious issues and deals in depth with aetiology, investigative findings and strategies, treatment and outcome, and in the concluding chapter, considers the possibility of establishing an experimental model to facilitate analysis of the unresolved issues, and pointing the way to a more complete understanding of this controversial condition.
Neuropsychological Neurology
Authors: Larner A. J.
Published: December 2009

Essential to the management of patients suffering from neurological disorders is an understanding of the cognitive aspects of these conditions. This book begins with an outline of the various cognitive domains and how they can be tested, before covering in depth the cognitive deficits seen not only in prototypical neurodegenerative cognitive disorders (Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementias, Huntington's disease, prionoses), but also in other common neurological disorders which may be complicated by cognitive impairment (stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, brain tumours). This book is an essential reference text for all neurologists, not just those with an interest in cognitive disorders; and for general physicians and specialists who deal with any endocrine, metabolic, vascular, or infective disorders which may compromise cognitive function. Practitioners of professions allied to medicine which involve contact with cognitively impaired patients will also find this text useful.
In Vitro Fertilization
Authors: Elder Kay , Dale Brian
Published: December 2009

This comprehensively updated and expanded second edition builds on its successful and popular predecessor, retaining the practical features which made the first edition such an essential guide to IVF. The edition describes additions to the range of ART clinical treatments, including the use of testicular and epididymal sperm, blastocyst stage transfer, and new perspectives in cryobiology and cryopreservation techniques. By incorporating laboratory techniques and protocols, with an even greater emphasis on quality control, it provides an indispensable and practical account. The introductory chapters covering the scientific background that underpins effective laboratory practice have been substantially expanded, derived from research in mammalian systems into the molecular biology of oogenesis, oocyte maturation, and early embryo metabolism. This second edition distils a wealth of practical and scientific detail for the benefit of all IVF practitioners.
MRI from Picture to Proton
Authors: McRobbie Donald W. , Moore Elizabeth A. , Graves Martin J. , Prince Martin R.
Published: December 2009

MRI from Picture to Proton presents the basics of MR practice and theory in a unique way: backwards! The subject is approached just as a new MR practitioner would encounter MRI: starting from the images, equipment and scanning protocols, rather than pages of physics theory. The reader is brought face-to-face with issues pertinent to practice immediately, filling in the theoretical background as their experience of scanning grows. Key ideas are introduced in an intuitive manner which is faithful to the underlying physics but avoids the need for difficult or distracting mathematics. Additional explanations for the more technically inquisitive are given in optional secondary text boxes. The new edition is fully up-dated to reflect the most recent advances, and includes a new chapter on parallel imaging. Informal in style and informed in content, written by recognized effective communicators of MR, this is an essential text for the student of MR.
Prescribing in Dermatology
Authors: Buchanan Polly , Courtenay Molly
Published: December 2009

The introduction of non-medical prescribing has meant that nurses, pharmacists and the professions allied to health are frequently faced with prescribing decisions. This text provides easily accessible information upon which to base these decisions when prescribing for patients with dermatological conditions ensuring safe and effective prescribing practices. Each chapter looks at a common skin disorder (including acne vulgaris and rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, urticaria and angio-oedema, infections and infestations, and skin cancer) and provides information on assessment, differential diagnosis, management strategies and prescribing. Key background information from the relevant life sciences (anatomy, physiology and pharmacology), as applied to clinical practice, is also provided. This book provides an invaluable guide for those healthcare professionals prescribing for, and treating, patients with dermatological conditions.
Monitoring in Coastal Environments Using Foraminifera and Thecamoebian Indicators
Authors: Scott David B. , Medioli Franco S. , Schafer Charles T.
Published: December 2009

Foraminifera and thecamoebians are highly sensitive to environmental stress (natural or anthropogenic). This feature means that they can be used to biologically characterize a variety of freshwater and coastal marine environments. Due to their small size and hard shells, large quantities are also found fossilised in core samples, making them ideal for reconstructing past environmental conditions. This volume covers the specific environmental applications of these organisms and contains an introduction to the subject, detailed descriptions of methods and techniques and case studies. Written for non-specialists, this book will appeal to resource managers and consultants in the public and private sector who routinely work on coastal environmental problems. The book will also serve as a supplementary text for graduate students in many courses on environmental monitoring, ecological baseline studies and environmental science.
Hydrodynamics of High-Speed Marine Vehicles
Authors: Faltinsen Odd M.
Published: December 2009

Hydrodynamics of High-Speed Marine Vehicles, first published in 2006, discusses the three main categories of high-speed marine vehicles - vessels supported by submerged hulls, air cushions or foils. The wave environment, resistance, propulsion, seakeeping, sea loads and manoeuvring are extensively covered based on rational and simplified methods. Links to automatic control and structural mechanics are emphasized. A detailed description of waterjet propulsion is given and the effect of water depth on wash, resistance, sinkage and trim is discussed. Chapter topics include resistance and wash; slamming; air cushion-supported vessels, including a detailed discussion of wave-excited resonant oscillations in air cushion; and hydrofoil vessels. The book contains numerous illustrations, examples and exercises.
Hormones, Signals and Target Cells in Plant Development
Authors: Osborne Daphne J. , McManus Michael T.
Published: December 2009

Meristematic cells in plants become the many different types of cells found in a mature plant. This is achieved by a selective response to chemical signals both from neighbouring cells and distant tissues. It is these responses that shape the plant, its time of flowering, the sex of its flowers, its length of survival or progress to senescence and death. How do plants achieve this? This treatise addresses this question using well-chosen examples to illustrate the concept of target cells. The authors discuss how each cell has the ability to discriminate between different chemical signals, determining which it will respond to and which it will ignore. The regulation of gene expression through signal perception and signal transduction is at the core of this selectivity and the Target Cell concept. This volume will serve as a valuable reference for all researchers working in the field of plant developmental biology.
Biomedicine and the Human Condition
Authors: Sargent Michael G.
Published: December 2009

How to avoid disease, how to breed successfully and how to live to a reasonable age, are questions that have perplexed mankind throughout history. This 2005 book explores our progress in understanding these challenges, and the risks and rewards of our attempts to find solutions. From the moment of conception, nutrition and exposure to microbes or alien chemicals have consequences that are etched into our cells and genomes. Such events have a crucial impact on development in utero and in childhood, and later, on the way we age, respond to infection, or the likelihood of developing chronic diseases, including cancer. The issues covered include the powerful influence of infectious disease on human society, the burden of our genetic legacy and the lottery of procreation. The author discusses how prospects for human life might continually improve as biomedicine addresses these problems and also debates the ethical checkpoints encountered.
Stable Domination and Independence in Algebraically Closed Valued Fields
Authors: Haskell Deirdre , Hrushovski Ehud , Macpherson Dugald
Published: December 2009

This book addresses a gap in the model-theoretic understanding of valued fields that had limited the interactions of model theory with geometry. It contains significant developments in both pure and applied model theory. Part I of the book is a study of stably dominated types. These form a subset of the type space of a theory that behaves in many ways like the space of types in a stable theory. This part begins with an introduction to the key ideas of stability theory for stably dominated types. Part II continues with an outline of some classical results in the model theory of valued fields and explores the application of stable domination to algebraically closed valued fields. The research presented here is made accessible to the general model theorist by the inclusion of the introductory sections of each part.
Beware the silent presentation of a high and dehiscent jugular bulb in the external ear canal
Authors: Ball M , Elloy M , Vaidhyanath R , Pau H
Published: December 2009

Objective:

We report two rare cases of high and dehiscent jugular bulbs protruding into the external ear canal; one case was silent, the other symptomatic.

Method:

The cases are presented and the relevant literature reviewed and discussed.

Results:

A 52-year-old woman underwent mastoid exploration for suspected cholesteatoma. On raising the tympanomeatal flap, while still lateral to the annulus, brisk venous bleeding occurred from a high, dehiscent jugular bulb in the external ear canal. The second patient, a 42-year-old man, underwent imaging for suspected glomus tumour. A high, dehiscent jugular bulb was found protruding into the external ear canal and hypotympanum.

Conclusion:

High jugular bulbs in the middle ear have been reported many times. To our knowledge, there has only been one previous report of a high jugular bulb in the external ear. These cases illustrate the importance of full, accurate assessment of high resolution computed tomography images, and of appropriate, immediate management of bleeding.
The genomic Echinococcus microsatellite EmsB sequences: from a molecular marker to the epidemiological tool
Authors: KNAPP J. , BART J. M. , MAILLARD S. , GOTTSTEIN B. , PIARROUX R.
Published: December 2009

In the field of molecular and epidemiological parasitology, characterization of fast evolving genetic markers appears as an important challenge to consider the diversity and genetic structure of parasites. The study of respective populations can help us to understand their adaptive strategies to survive and perpetuate the species within different host populations, all trying to resist infection. In the past, the relative monomorphic features of Echinococcus multilocularis, the causative agent of alveolar echinococcosis and a severe human parasitic disease, did not stimulate studies dealing with the genetic variability of Echinococcus species or respective populations. A recently developed, characterized and validated original multilocus microsatellite, named EmsB, tandemly repeated in the genome, offered an additional opportunity for this line of investigation. We have compiled in this review new insights brought by this molecular tracker on the transmission activity of Echinococcus among different hosts and at different geographical scales.
Source geometry from exceptionally high resolution long period event observations at Mt Etna during the 2008 eruption
Authors: De Barros Louis , Bean Christopher J. , Lokmer Ivan , Saccorotti Gilberto , Zuccarello Luciano , O'Brien Gareth S. , Métaxian Jean‐Philippe , Patanè Domenico
Published: December 2009

During the second half of June, 2008, 50 broadband seismic stations were deployed on Mt Etna volcano in close proximity to the summit, allowing us to observe seismic activity with exceptionally high resolution. 129 long period events (LP) with dominant frequencies ranging between 0.3 and 1.2 Hz, were extracted from this dataset. These events form two families of similar waveforms with different temporal distributions. Event locations are performed by cross‐correlating signals for all pairs of stations in a two‐step scheme. In the first step, the absolute location of the centre of the clusters was found. In the second step, all events are located using this position. The hypocentres are found at shallow depths (20 to 700 m deep) below the summit craters. The very high location resolution allows us to detect the temporal migration of the events along a dike‐like structure and 2 pipe shaped bodies, yielding an unprecedented view of some elements of the shallow plumbing system at Mount Etna. These events do not seem to be a direct indicator of the ongoing lava flow or magma upwelling.
Dynamic compact model of thermally assisted switching magnetic tunnel junctions
Authors: El Baraji M. , Javerliac V. , Guo W. , Prenat G. , Dieny B.
Published: December 2009

The general purpose of spin electronics is to take advantage of the electron’s spin in addition to its electrical charge to build innovative electronic devices. These devices combine magnetic materials which are used as spin polarizer or analyzer together with semiconductors or insulators, resulting in innovative hybrid CMOS/magnetic (Complementary MOS) architectures. In particular, magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) can be used for the design of magnetic random access memories [S. Tehrani, Proc. IEEE 91, 703 (2003)], magnetic field programmable gate arrays [Y. Guillement, International Journal of Reconfigurable Computing, 2008], low-power application specific integrated circuits [S. Matsunaga, Appl. Phys. Express 1, 091301 (2008)], and rf oscillators. The thermally assisted switching (TAS) technology requires heating the MTJ before writing it by means of an external field. It reduces the overall power consumption, solves the data writing selectivity issues, and improves the thermal stability of the written information for high density applications. The design of hybrid architectures requires a MTJ compact model, which can be used in standard electrical simulators of the industry. As a result, complete simulations of CMOS/MTJ hybrid circuits can be performed before experimental realization and testing. This article presents a highly accurate model of the MTJ based on the TAS technology. It is compatible with the Spectre electrical simulator of Cadence design suite.
Rank one chaos in a class of planar systems with heteroclinic cycle
Authors: Chen Fengjuan , Han Maoan
Published: December 2009

In this paper, we study rank one chaos in a class of planar systems with heteroclinic cycle. We first find a stable limit cycle inside the heteroclinic cycle. We then add an external periodic forcing to create rank one chaos. We follow a step-by-step procedure guided by the theory of rank one chaos to find experimental evidence of strange attractors with Sinai, Ruelle, and Bowen measures.
Effect of coalesce doping of Nd and La on structure, dielectric, and magnetic properties of BiFeO3
Authors: Pandit Pragya , Satapathy S. , Gupta P. K. , Sathe V. G.
Published: December 2009

Single phase Bi0.9−xLa0.1NdxFeO3 (BLNFOx) (x=0.05, 0.07, and 0.1) multiferroic ceramics were prepared to study the effect of combine substitution of La and Nd in BiFeO3 (BFO). X-ray diffraction studies revealed phase transition from rhombohedral (R3c) to triclinic (P1) on substitution of 05 and 07 mol % of Nd and subsequent transition to monoclinic C2/c with 10 mol % of Nd along with 10 mol % of La. These structural phase transitions and weakening of long range ferroelectric order with increasing x are also confirmed from Raman spectra. The existence of ferroelectricity and the corresponding Curie temperature for all noncentrosymmetric composition were determined using differential thermal analysis. Small remnant magnetization of 0.067 emu/g is observed in (BLNFO)x=0.07 as a result of collapse of space modulated spin structure. For pure BFO dielectric anomaly was observed at 355 °C corresponding to Neel temperature. Due to coexistence of long range ferroelectric order and canted antiferromagnetic orders in (BLNFO)x=0.05 and 0.07 the magnetoelectric effects were observed below Neel temperature at 302 and 294 °C, respectively, near which magnetoelectric coupling is obvious.
Atomistic origins of the phase transition mechanism in Ge2Sb2Te5
Authors: Da Silva Juarez L. F. , Walsh Aron , Wei Su-Huai , Lee Hosun
Published: December 2009

The fast and reversible phase transition mechanism between crystalline and amorphous phases of Ge2Sb2Te5 has been in debate for several years. Through employing first-principles density functional theory calculations, we identify a direct structural link between the metastable crystalline and amorphous phases. The phase transition is driven by the displacement of Ge atoms along the rocksalt [111] direction from stable octahedron to high energy unstable tetrahedron sites close to the intrinsic vacancy regions, which generates a high energy intermediate phase between metastable and amorphous phases. Due to the instability of Ge at the tetrahedron sites, the Ge atoms naturally shift away from those sites, giving rise to the formation of local-ordered fourfold motifs and the long-range structural disorder. Intrinsic vacancies, which originate from Sb2Te3, lower the energy barrier for Ge displacements, and hence, their distribution plays an important role in the phase transition. The high energy intermediate configuration can be obtained experimentally by applying an intense laser beam, which overcomes the thermodynamic barrier from the octahedron to tetrahedron sites. The high figure of merit of Ge2Sb2Te5 is achieved from the optimal combination of intrinsic vacancies provided by Sb2Te3 and the instability of the tetrahedron sites provided by GeTe.
Mechanism of alkane dehydrogenation catalyzed by acidic zeolites: Ab initio transition path sampling
Authors: Bučko Tomáš , Benco Lubomir , Dubay Orest , Dellago Christoph , Hafner Jürgen
Published: December 2009

The dehydrogenation of propane over acidic chabazite has been studied using ab initio density-functional simulations in combination with static transition-state searches and dynamic transition path sampling (TPS) methods at elevated temperatures. The acidic zeolite has been modeled both using a small cluster and a large periodic model consisting of two unit cells, the TPS simulations allow to account for the effect of temperature and entropy. In agreement with experimental observations we find propene as the dominant reaction product and that the barrier for the dehydrogenation of a methyl group is higher than that for a methylene group. However, whereas all studies based on small cluster models (including the present one) conclude that the reaction proceeds via the formation of an alkoxy intermediate, our TPS studies based on a large periodic model lead to the conclusion that propene formation occurs via the formation of various forms of propyl cations stabilized by entropy, while the formation of an alkoxy species is a relatively rare event. It was observed only in 15% of the reactive trajectories for methyl dehydrogenation and even in only 8% of the methylene dehydrogenation reactions. Our studies demonstrate the importance of entropic effects and the need to account for the structure and flexibility of the zeolitic framework by using large periodic models.
Quenched-annealed density functional theory for interfacial behavior of hard rods at a hard rod matrix
Authors: Cheung David L. , Schmidt Matthias
Published: December 2009

We consider a system of mobile hard rods that are immersed in an isotropic matrix of hard rods with quenched positions and orientations. Using quenched-annealed density functional theory the disorder-averaged excess free energy functional is approximated by an Onsager second virial form, which is valid in the limit of large length-to-thickness aspect ratio of the particles. We find that inside the bulk isotropic matrices the isotropic-nematic phase transition occurs at higher values of the chemical potential than in the pure system, shifted proportionally to the product of the matrix density and the matrix-fluid excluded volume. We investigate adsorption and penetration behavior of the annealed rods at the planar surface of a porous rod matrix, considering both perpendicular and parallel boundary conditions of the nematic director far from the surface.
Electric-field tuning of the metal-insulator transition in ultrathin films of LaNiO3
Authors: Scherwitzl R. , Zubko P. , Lichtensteiger C. , Triscone J.-M.
Published: December 2009

Epitaxial ultrathin films of the metallic perovskite LaNiO3 were grown on (001) SrTiO3 substrates using off-axis rf magnetron sputtering. The film structure was characterized and their electrical properties investigated. Films thinner than 8 unit cells display a metal-insulator transition at a thickness dependent characteristic temperature. Hall measurements revealed p-type conduction, which was confirmed by electric field-effect experiments. Large changes in the transport properties and the metal-insulator transition temperature were observed for the thinnest LaNiO3 films as the carrier density was electrostatically tuned.
Structure of annealed nanoindentations in n- and p-doped (001)GaAs
Authors: Le Bourhis E. , Patriarche G.
Published: December 2009

We have studied the structure of annealed nanoindentations realized at room temperature (RT) on (001) GaAs having either n or p doping under a large range of loads Fm (between 0.5 and 50 mN). Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe systematically the nanoindentation structures. The lengths of the rosette arms were multiplied by a factor of two to three during the annealing process at 500 °C and were determined to vary with Fm, which could be modeled considering the two step thermomechanical history. While almost no anisotropy was observed before annealing (after indentation at RT), the [110] arms were observed to extend almost twice as long as the [1¯10] ones in n-doped specimens after annealing. This anisotropy was much reduced in p-doped specimens. Furthermore, almost no partial dislocations were observed whereas they were obvious in n-doped specimens before annealing.
The size effect of catalyst on the growth of helical carbon nanofibers
Authors: Xia J. H. , Jiang X. , Jia C. L.
Published: December 2009

Cu-catalyzed carbon nanofibers are investigated by means of transmission electron microscopy. Straight and helical carbon nanofibers are observed to connect to the catalyst particles of octahedron or triangular prism in the samples prepared using the same processing conditions. Statistic analysis of the results leads to evidence that the morphology of the nanofibers depends on the size of the catalyst particles. Small size of catalyst particles favors formation of the helical fibers, while large size of catalysts results in the straight fibers. Based on the observed results, growth, and morphology formation of the carbon nanofibers are discussed. The growth model in which the rotating catalysts catalyze the growth of the carbon nanostructure in a helical way is proposed.
Two perspectives on the twist of DNA
Authors: Britton Lauren A. , Olson Wilma K. , Tobias Irwin
Published: December 2009

Because of the double-helical structure of DNA, in which two strands of complementary nucleotides intertwine around each other, a covalently closed DNA molecule with no interruptions in either strand can be viewed as two interlocked single-stranded rings. Two closed space curves have long been known by mathematicians to exhibit a property called the linking number, a topologically invariant integer, expressible as the sum of two other quantities, the twist of one of the curves about the other, and the writhing number, or writhe, a measure of the chiral distortion from planarity of one of the two closed curves. We here derive expressions for the twist of supercoiled DNA and the writhe of a closed molecule consistent with the modern view of DNA as a sequence of base-pair steps. Structural biologists commonly characterize the spatial disposition of each step in terms of six rigid-body parameters, one of which, coincidentally, is also called the twist. Of interest is the difference in the mathematical properties between this step-parameter twist and the twist of supercoiling associated with a given base-pair step. For example, it turns out that the latter twist, unlike the former, is sensitive to certain translational shearing distortions of the molecule that are chiral in nature. Thus, by comparing the values for the two twists for each step of a high-resolution structure of a protein-DNA complex, we may be able to determine how the binding of various proteins contributes to chiral structural changes of the DNA.
Effects of gate-first and gate-last process on interface quality of In0.53Ga0.47As metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors using atomic-layer-deposited Al2O3 and HfO2 oxides
Authors: Zhao Han , Huang Jeff , Chen Yen-Ting , Yum Jung Hwan , Wang Yanzhen , Zhou Fei , Xue Fei , Lee Jack C.
Published: December 2009

We have investigated the effects of gate-first and gate-last process on oxide/InGaAs interface quality using In0.53Ga0.47As metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors (MOSCAPs) with atomic-layer-deposited (ALD) oxides. Sequence of source/drain activation anneal in the process results in remarkable electrical and physical difference. Applying gate-last process provides significant frequency dispersion reduction and interface trap density reduction for InGaAs MOSCAPs compared to gate-first process. A large amount of In–O, Ga–O, and As–As bonds was observed on InGaAs surface after gate-first process while no detectable interface reaction after gate-last process. Electrical and physical results also show that ALD Al2O3 exhibits better interface quality on InGaAs than HfO2.
Enhanced photoluminescence of strained Ge with a δ-doping SiGe layer on silicon and silicon-on-insulator
Authors: Li Cheng , Chen Yanghua , Zhou Zhiwen , Lai Hongkai , Chen Songyan
Published: December 2009

An enhancement of the direct bandgap photoluminescence from Ge layer on silicon with boron or phosphorous δ-doping SiGe layers at room temperature is reported. The n-type δ-doping SiGe layer is proposed to transfer extra electrons to L valley in Ge, which decreases the possibility of the excited electrons in the Γ valley to be scattered to the L valley, and improve the photoluminescence of the direct band transition in the Ge layer. Additionally, 2.5 fold enhancement of luminescence from the strained Ge layer on a silicon-on-insulator substrate is demonstrated due to the resonant effect. This investigation is very promising for efficient Si-based Ge light emitting diodes compatible with silicon technology.
Chemically modified ink-jet printed silver electrodes for organic field-effect transistors
Authors: Whiting Gregory Lewis , Arias Ana Claudia
Published: December 2009

Modification of ink-jet printed silver source and drain electrodes for organic field-effect transistors (FETs) with the electron acceptor 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4TCNQ) was investigated. Solution-based deposition of F4TCNQ onto ink-jet printed silver electrodes formed using either a nanoparticle-based or a metal organic decomposition ink, lead to a greater than tenfold improvement in FET mobility. Using these modified electrodes with the organic semiconductor 6,13-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl) pentacene yields devices with a charge carrier mobility up to 0.9 cm2 V−1 s−1 and a current on/off ratio of 106.
Asf1-like structure of the conserved Yaf9 YEATS domain and role in H2A.Z deposition and acetylation
Authors: Wang Alice Y. , Schulze Julia M. , Skordalakes Emmanuel , Gin Jennifer W. , Berger James M. , Rine Jasper , Kobor Michael S.
Published: December 2009

Chromatin can be modified by posttranslational modifications of histones, ATP-dependent remodeling, and incorporation of histone variants. The
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
protein Yaf9 is a subunit of both the essential histone acetyltransferase complex NuA4 and the ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complex SWR1-C, which deposits histone variant H2A.Z into euchromatin. Yaf9 contains a YEATS domain, found in proteins associated with multiple chromatin-modifying enzymes and transcription complexes across eukaryotes. Here, we established the conservation of YEATS domain function from yeast to human, and determined the structure of this region from Yaf9 by x-ray crystallography to 2.3 Å resolution. The Yaf9 YEATS domain consisted of a β-sandwich characteristic of the Ig fold and contained three distinct conserved structural features. The structure of the Yaf9 YEATS domain was highly similar to that of the histone chaperone Asf1, a similarity that extended to an ability of Yaf9 to bind histones H3 and H4 in vitro. Using structure–function analysis, we found that the YEATS domain was required for Yaf9 function, histone variant H2A.Z chromatin deposition at specific promoters, and H2A.Z acetylation.
MicroRNA-dependent metamorphosis in hemimetabolan insects
Authors: Gomez-Orte Eva , Belles Xavier
Published: December 2009

How does a juvenile insect transform into an adult? This question, which sums up the wonder of insect metamorphosis, has fascinated mankind since ancient times. Modern physiology has established the endocrine basis regulating these transformations, which mainly depend on two hormone types: ecdysteroids, which promote molts, and juvenile hormones, which repress the transformation into the adult stage. The interplay of these two hormones regulates the genes involved in juvenile and adult programs and the shift from one to the other. microRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs, which participate in many biological processes, and we wondered whether they might be also involved in insect metamorphosis. In insects, Dicer-1 ribonuclease transforms miRNA precursors into mature miRNAs. Thus, using systemic RNA interference (RNAi) to silence the expression of Dicer-1 in the hemimetabolan insectBlattella germanica, we depleted miRNA contents in the last instar nymph. This practically inhibited metamorphosis after the next molt, as the resulting specimens showed nymphoid features and were able to molt again. The experiments show that miRNAs play a key role in hemimetabolan metamorphosis, perhaps regulating genes that are juvenile hormone targets.
Monkeys recognize the faces of group mates in photographs
Authors: Pokorny Jennifer J. , de Waal Frans B. M.
Published: December 2009

Nonhuman primates posses a highly developed capacity for face recognition, which resembles the human capacity both cognitively and neurologically. Face recognition is typically tested by having subjects compare facial images, whereas there has been virtually no attention to how they connect these images to reality. Can nonhuman primates recognize familiar individuals in photographs? Such facial identification was examined in brown or tufted capuchin monkeys (
Cebus apella
), a New World primate, by letting subjects categorize facial images of conspecifics as either belonging to the in-group or out-group. After training on an oddity task with four images on a touch screen, subjects correctly identified one in-group member as odd among three out-group members, and vice versa. They generalized this knowledge to both new images of the same individuals and images of juveniles never presented before, thus suggesting facial identification based on real-life experience with the depicted individuals. This ability was unexplained by potential color cues because the same results were obtained with grayscale images. These tests demonstrate that capuchin monkeys, like humans, recognize whom they see in a picture.
Tools based on nuclear and isotopic techniques for the management of threatened coastal ecosystems
Authors: Szymczak Ron
Published: December 2009

Elucidation of in situ environmental processes is the key to effective ecosystem management. However, due to the complexity of coastal ecosystems, few tools are available to determine the inter-relationships and rates of these events. It is only when all of the important variables are understood and computationally described that effective ecological risk analysis can be accomplished. Model packages already exist which describe and predict specific coastal processes and further refinement of subroutines and user-interfaces has some value; however the truly significant advances lie in synergistic integration of different codes. Predictive ecological risk analysis requires transport models predicting contaminant concentrations under a range of environmental scenarios and bioaccumulation and trophic-transfer models using keystone species (or critical groups) identified by models elucidating trophic structure. In an attempt to elucidate natural processes, or solve environmental problems, stable and radioisotope tracers have a number of advantages over conventional techniques. Stable isotope studies replace visual observations of prey-predator interactions with statistically interpretable chemical data. Radiotracers provide real time kinetic data on uptake and transfer of specific contaminants and environmental transport processes. The unique assemblage and application of these nuclear and isotopic environmental probes will greatly assist in effective ecological risk assessment of present situations and the resource-economic evaluation of proposed management options. The nuclear-based technologies developed from studies undertaken in the Sydney (Australia) environs are transferred to developing countries via the IAEA/Regional Cooperative Agreement (RCA) Project: Improving Regional Capacity for Assessment, Planning and Responding to Aquatic Environmental Emergencies (RAS/8/095). The IAEA Project objectives were to improve the regional capacity for the management of aquatic radiological and environmental risks and to develop capabilities in the RCA countries to assess, plan and respond to pollution events in aquatic environments. Expert missions supported national projects in individual Member States, further developing and transferring skills and technologies.
Red blood cell distribution width and 1‐year mortality in acute heart failure
Authors: van Kimmenade Roland R.J. , Mohammed Asim A. , Uthamalingam Shanmugam , van der Meer Peter , Felker G. Michael , Januzzi James L.
Published: December 2009

Aims

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) predicts mortality in chronic heart failure (HF) and stable coronary artery disease. The prognostic value of RDW in more acute settings such as acute HF, and its relative prognostic value compared with more established measures such as N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP), remains unknown.

Methods and results

In a cohort of 205 patients with acute HF, independent predictors of RDW were identified using linear regression analysis. The association between RDW and 1‐year survival in the context of other predictors was assessed using Cox's proportional hazards analysis. Red blood cell distribution width was elevated in 67 (32.7%) patients; RDW was independently associated with haematological variables such as haemoglobin (P < 0.001) as well as the use of loop diuretics (P = 0.006) and β‐blockers (P = 0.015) on presentation, but not with nutritional deficiencies, recent transfusion, or inflammatory variables. Log‐transformed RDW values independently predicted mortality in multivariable Cox's proportional hazards analysis (hazards ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.00–1.06; P = 0.04); when stratified on the basis of RDW and NT‐proBNP status, the combination provided additional prognostic information.

Conclusion

Red blood cell distribution width is frequently elevated among patients with acute HF and does not appear to be associated with nutritional status, transfusion history, or inflammation. Red blood cell distribution width independently predicts 1‐year mortality in acute HF. The value of RDW appears additive to other established prognostic variables such as NT‐proBNP.
Amphibacillus jilinensis sp. nov., a facultatively anaerobic, alkaliphilic bacillus from a soda lake
Authors: Wu Xiao-Yue , Zheng Gang , Zhang Wen-Wu , Xu Xue-Wei , Wu Min , Zhu Xu-Fen
Published: December 2009

A facultatively anaerobic, alkaliphilic, spore-forming, Gram-positive-staining rod, designated Y1T, was isolated under strictly anaerobic conditions from sediment of a soda lake in Jilin province, China. The strain was not dependent on Na+ but was highly halotolerant and grew optimally in medium JY with 0.5 M Na+ (0.06 M NaHCO3 and 0.44 M NaCl). The optimum pH for growth was 9.0, with a range of pH 7.5–10.5. No growth occurred at pH 7.0 or 11.0. The strain was mesophilic, with a temperature range of 15–45 °C and optimum growth at 32 °C. Strain Y1T was able to use certain mono- and oligosaccharides. Soluble starch and casein were hydrolysed. The methyl red test, Voges–Proskauer test and tests for catalase and oxidase activities were negative. The predominant fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed 93.4–96.8 % sequence similarity to members of the genus Amphibacillus. The DNA G+C content was 37.7 mol% (T
m method). The DNA–DNA relatedness of strain Y1T with respect to Amphibacillus tropicus DSM 13870T and Amphibacillus sediminis DSM 21624T was 48 and 37 %, respectively. On the basis of its phylogenetic position and the DNA–DNA relatedness data as well as its physiological and biochemical properties, strain Y1T represents a novel species of the genus Amphibacillus, for which the name Amphibacillus jilinensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Y1T (=CGMCC 1.5123T =JCM 16149T).
Arabidopsis Spermidine Synthase Is Targeted by an Effector Protein of the Cyst Nematode Heterodera schachtii
Authors: Hewezi Tarek , Howe Peter J. , Maier Tom R. , Hussey Richard S. , Mitchum Melissa G. , Davis Eric L. , Baum Thomas J.
Published: December 2009

Cyst nematodes are sedentary plant parasites that cause dramatic cellular changes in the plant root to form feeding cells, so-called syncytia. 10A06 is a cyst nematode secretory protein that is most likely secreted as an effector into the developing syncytia during early plant parasitism. A homolog of the uncharacterized soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines), 10A06 gene was cloned from the sugar beet cyst nematode (Heterodera schachtii), which is able to infect Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Constitutive expression of 10A06 in Arabidopsis affected plant morphology and increased susceptibility to H. schachtii as well as to other plant pathogens. Using yeast two-hybrid assays, we identified Spermidine Synthase2 (SPDS2), a key enzyme involved in polyamine biosynthesis, as a specific 10A06 interactor. In support of this protein-protein interaction, transgenic plants expressing 10A06 exhibited elevated SPDS2 mRNA abundance, significantly higher spermidine content, and increased polyamine oxidase (PAO) activity. Furthermore, the SPDS2 promoter was strongly activated in the nematode-induced syncytia, and transgenic plants overexpressing SPDS2 showed enhanced plant susceptibility to H. schachtii. In addition, in planta expression of 10A06 or SPDS2 increased mRNA abundance of a set of antioxidant genes upon nematode infection. These data lend strong support to a model in which the cyst nematode effector 10A06 exerts its function through the interaction with SPDS2, thereby increasing spermidine content and subsequently PAO activity. Increasing PAO activity results in stimulating the induction of the cellular antioxidant machinery in syncytia. Furthermore, we observed an apparent disruption of salicylic acid defense signaling as a function of 10A06. Most likely, increased antioxidant protection and interruption of salicylic acid signaling are key aspects of 10A06 function in addition to other physiological and morphological changes caused by altered polyamines, which are potent plant signaling molecules.
Changing the (im)balance of power: high‐performance work systems in Brazil
Authors: Sø Rocha Robson
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the research findings of a longitudinal case study of a Brazilian company which changed its work system from a highly Taylorist to a high‐performance work system (HPWS) form of organization. The paper presents the organizational processes linked to these changes and discusses their implications for manager‐worker relations.

Design/methodology/approach

Longitudinal qualitative research, based on 89 interviews with 62 informants, and conducted over a period of eight years.

Findings

In seeking to implement HPWS, firms need to pool and recombine different sources of expertise to succeed. At this stage, the balance of power between different organizational actors starts to shift towards greater mutual dependence, thus reducing power imbalances. The paper also discusses the gradual development of HPWSs in an emerging market economy.

Research limitations/implications

The research is based on a single case study, which limits the potential for generalization, but it also provides a basis for a more detailed study of the challenges faced by organizational actors when firms move towards HPWSs.

Practical implications

A key distinguishing characteristic of the new managerial model – the intense and ongoing collaboration with its labor force at different levels that the firm needs – has become essential.

Originality/value

There are very few studies in the literature dealing with HPWSs in Brazil and their implications for employee relations.
The impact of Social Networking 2.0 on organisations
Authors: Sophia van Zyl Anria
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to increase the understanding of what electronic social networking encompasses. It also aims to educate IT, business decision makers, knowledge workers and librarians about the various applications, benefits and risks associated with social networking.

Design/methodology/approach

After a literature review of the available resources (academic literature, journal articles, white papers, popular media and books) the benefits and perceived risks associated with electronic social networking on organisations are investigated.

Findings

An individual's success in society depends on the shape and size of his/her social network and ability to network and form connections with other social groups. Organisations which can harness this innate human ability to manage knowledge will be able to lower transactions costs and become more profitable.

Originality/value

The paper increases the understanding of what electronic social networking encompasses and how it can be utilised for business purposes. The ideas and discussion put forth are equally applicable to libraries and may give them new insights into the provision of social networking applications as part of their services to users.
Evolution of e‐records management practices in e‐government
Authors: Kulcu Ozgur
Published: December 2009

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the new aspects of records management practices introduced by the start of the provision of public services in the electronic environment.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey method was used in this research; data were gathered through literature reviews and interviews.

Findings

The major findings of the study are that the development of the official communication flow with the opportunities of the electronic environment is a must of the modern state concept. However, meeting the required legal and administrative criteria related to electronic records management applications, filling the gaps, taking action on the examples of the developed, and following the outputs of projects are considered to be quite significant.

Originality/value

The paper provides valuable information about the description of the e‐records management in terms of e‐government, and gives information about the recent developments in Turkey.
The relationship between the research activity of Iranian medical universities and their web impact factor
Authors: Asadi Maryam , Shekofteh Maryam
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to look at the relationship between research in Iranian medical universities, together with their Web Impact Factor (WIF).

Design/methodology/approach

The Altavista search engine was chosen because of its advanced search facilities for counting links and having a wider scope of academic web sites than other search engines. It was searched for determining the number of pages, in‐links and self‐links of 42 web sites of Iranian medical universities. The Web Impact Factor (WIF) was calculated by two formulas and the relationship between the two grades of universities (WIF and ISI) was calculated by using the Spearman's correlation coefficient.

Findings

Tehran, Iran and Gilan medical universities had the first to third grade in the number of web sites' pages. The number of in‐links to Tehran, Isfahan and Tabriz medical universities was more than the others. The WIF of universities' web sites was counted in four groups with regard to their number of web pages and Kerman, Kermanshah, Fasa and Qom had the highest grades of WIF in each group, but there was no meaningful relationship between WIF grades and ISI grades. Also, the WIF of university web sites was counted with regard to the number of their members in the four groups and the result shows that Hormozgan, Shiraz, Isfahan and Tehran had the highest grade in each group. Again, there was no meaningful relation between WIF grades and ISI grades.

Research limitations/implications

It seems that counting the number of in‐links is a better scale for ranking university web sites than WIF. WIF is proposed only in situations where the number of web pages is about equal.

Originality/value

The paper provides rankings, for the first time, of Iranian medical university web sites with regard to WIF based on the number of the web pages as well as on the number of the academic staff. The research shows a methodology that others can follow.