bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oceanographic and climatic evolution of the Miocene Mediterranean deduced from Nd, Sr, C, and O isotope compositions of marine fossils and sediments
Authors: Kocsis L. , Vennemann T. W. , Fontignie D. , Baumgartner C. , Montanari A. , Jelen B.
Published: November 2008

Isotopic compositions of marine sediments and fossils have been investigated from northern basins of the Mediterranean to help constrain local oceanographic and climatic changes adjacent to the uplifting Alps. Stable C and O isotope compositions of benthic and planktonic foraminifera from the Umbria‐Marche region (UMC) have an offset characteristic for their habitats and the changes in composition mimic global changes, suggesting that the regional conditions of climate and the carbon cycle were controlled by global changes. The radiogenic isotope composition of these fossil assemblages allows recognition of three distinct periods. In the first period, from 25 to 19 Ma, high ɛNd values and low 87Sr/86Sr of sediments and fossils support intense tectonism and volcanism, related to the opening of the western Mediterranean. In the second period, from 19 to 13 Ma the 87Sr/86Sr ratio of Mediterranean (UMC) deviate from the global ocean, which is compatible with rapid uplift of the hinterland and intense influx of Sr from Mesozoic carbonates of the western Apennines. This local control on the seawater was driven by a humid and warm climate and indicates restricted exchange of water with the global ocean. Generally, the ɛNd values of the fossils are very similar to those of Indian Ocean water, with brief periods of a decrease in the ɛNd values coinciding with volcanic events and maybe sea level variation at 15.2 Ma. In the third period, from 13 to 10 Ma the fossils have 87Sr/86Sr similar to those of Miocene seawater while their ɛNd values change considerably with time. This indicates fluctuating influence of the Atlantic versus the Paratethys and/or locally evolved seawater in the Mediterranean driven by global sea level changes. Other investigated localities near the Alps and from the ODP 900 site are compatible with this oceanographic interpretation. However, in the late early Miocene, enhanced local control, reflecting erosion of old crustal silicate rocks near the Alps, results in higher 87Sr/86Sr.
Intercomparison of integrated water vapor retrievals from SSM/I and COSMIC
Authors: Wick Gary A. , Kuo Ying‐Hwa , Ralph F. Martin , Wee Tae‐Kwon , Neiman Paul J.
Published: November 2008

Integrated water vapor (IWV) estimates derived from four different Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) algorithms are collocated and compared with IWV retrievals using Global Positioning System radio occultation (GPSRO) soundings from the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) mission. The values exhibit strong overall agreement lending support for the accuracy of both the COSMIC data and the traditional passive microwave IWV products. Differences among the products varying with latitude, cloud liquid water content, rain rate, and wind speed highlight key differences between the SSM/I algorithms. Additional differences related to the coarser COSMIC spatial resolution are also observed but are independent from the other dependencies. The differences appear independent of the bottom altitude of the GPSRO soundings. The results suggest a new method of quantifying the uncertainty in individual IWV retrievals as functions of coincident environmental parameters for application to data assimilation and numerical weather prediction.
Ultraschallscreening der Neugeborenenhüfte: Ergebnisse und Erfahrungen
Authors: Ganger R. , Grill F. , Leodolter S. , Vitek M.
Published: November 2008

In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird über eine prospektive sonographische Hüftscreeningstudie an 1292 Neugeborenen in der Zeit von Mai 1986 bis Juni 1987, und deren sonographische und zum Teil radiologische Nachkontrolle bis Februar 1989 berichtet. Das durchgeführte Untersuchungs- und Behandlungsschema wird vorgestellt. Bei der postpartalen Erstuntersuchung zeigte sich bei 3,25% der Säuglinge (1,97% aller Hüften) ein sofort behandlungsbedürftiger Befund, wobei die Therapie mittels Pavlik-Bandage oder Spreizhose erfolgte. In dieser Gruppe ergab sich eine durchschnittliche Therapiedauer von 4,3 Monaten, dies stellt - verglichen mit Literaturangaben bei späterem Therapiebeginn (3.-4. Lebensmonat) - eine signifikante Verkürzung der Behandlungsdauer dar. Bei Therapieende war stets ein Hüfttyp I nachweisbar. Patienten mit Hüfttyp IIc nach Graf und schlechter (entsprechend Luxationsgrad 2 nach Tönnis) wurden am Ende des 2. Lebensjahres einer radiologischen Kontrolle zugeführt. Eine Hüftkopfnekrose konnte in keinem Fall gefunden werden, in einem Fall zeigte sich ein AC-Winkel von 30 Grad, die übrigen Hüftgelenke wiesen einen unauffälligen Befund auf. Aufgrund der vorliegenden Ergebnisse erscheint ein sonogra-phisches Hüftscreening unbedingt erforderlich, auf die ungenügende Erfassung der Hüftdysplasie durch ein klinisches Screening wird eingegangen.
Die sonographische Positionierung des zentralen Silastic-Einschwemmkatheters nach Shaw
Authors: Rösiger A. , Seitz B.
Published: November 2008

Mit der abdominalen Sonographie und der zweidimensionalen Echokardiographie kann die exakte Position des 0,6 mm Silastic-Katheters im Herzen und/oder den großen Gefäßen (V. cava, Pulmonalarterie) festgestellt und - unter kontinuierlicher Kontrolle - korrigiert werden. Eine radiologische Darstellung mit Kontrastmittelgabe erübrigt sich, da bei diesem Vorgehen das System dekonnektiert, kontaminiert und/oder obstruiert werden kann. Da die exakte Katheterlage mit der radiologischen Darstellung oft nicht ermittelt werden kann, empfiehlt sich die sonographische Positionierung, mit der Katheterlage und die Beziehung von Katheter und kardialen Strukturen demonstriert werden können.
Die zystische Echinokokkose der Leber - Probleme der Ultraschalldiagnostik
Authors: Badea R. , Tapalaga D. , Badea Gh. , Philippi W. , Cazacu M.
Published: November 2008

Es wurden 100 Patienten mit insgesamt 119 Leberzysten untersucht, deren Diagnose nachträglich durch Szintigraphie, Radiologie und Laparotomie gesichert wurde.

Die vorliegende Arbeit stellt eine sonographische Analyse der zystischen Echinokokkose der Leber dar, ihrer Lokalisierung im Bereich der Leber, ihrer sonographisch darstellbaren Formen, Strukturen und Komplikationen sowie ihrer Differentialdiagnose. Der klassische Aspekt der zystischen Echinokokkose war in 58% der Fälle anzutreffen (Typ A), 22,7% der Fälle ließen ein Sediment innerhalb der Zyste vermuten (Typ B), 8,4% der Zysten waren septiert (Typ C), 6,7% wiesen Tochterzysten auf (Typ D) und nur 4,2% der Fälle waren differentialdiagnostisch bedeutsam (Typ E), da sie durch ihren solid-tumorösen Charakter von anderen raumfordernden Prozessen abgegrenzt werden mußten.
Zur Diagnostik kongenitaler AV-Fisteln im Kindesalter - ein Fallbericht
Authors: Krottmayer G. , Zach M. , Beitzke A. , Nicoletti R.
Published: November 2008

Die Diagnose pulmonaler AV-Fisteln ist im Kindesalter selten. Eine zentrale Zyanose, die weder einem zyanotischen Vitium noch einer chronischen Lungenerkrankung zugerechnet werden kann, ist das frühe Leitsymptom. Die Diagnose kann, wie im hier geschilderten Fall, mit der arteriellen Blutgasanalyse, der 2-d-Kontrastechokardiographie, der Radionuklidventrikulographie und der Kardioangiographie gestellt werden. Durch diese sich ergänzenden, nach physiologischen Gesichtspunkten gereihten Methoden, können die für die Therapie und Prognose entscheidenden Fragen beantwortet werden.
Traitement automatique par computer du signal ERG
Authors: Grounauer P. A. , Benard M. , Gartmann D. , Van Toi Vo
Published: November 2008

Heutzutage bieten die Aufnahme und quantitative Analyse des ERG keine Schwierigkeiten mehr. Die Verwendung des „Neuropack 8” gepaart mit dem Computer „DEC 380” erlaubt es, das ERG-Signal einzufangen und gleichzeitig dessen Schwankungen zu messen.
Endovascular Treatment of Aortic Aneurysm Using the Chuter Device
Authors: Chuter Timothy A.M. , Reilly Linda M. , Canto Catherine , Gordon Roy , Jean-Claude Jessie , Wall Susan , Messina Louis M.
Published: November 2008

This article assesses a system of endovascular aneurysm repair and determines its potential role in the management of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The prosthesis was a combination of woven polyester fabric and stainless steel Gianturco Z-stents. Straight (aorto-aortic), tapered (aorto-uniiliac), and bifurcated (aorto-biiliac) stent grafts have all evolved, together with the delivery systems, the patient selection criteria, and the method of insertion, since these devices were first introduced in 1991. Currently, 70% of patients are considered to have the anatomic substrate for endovascular aneurysm repair. All stent-graft implantations were performed in the operating room. Preoperative assessment and postoperative follow-up were based mainly on contrast-enhanced CT, which was performed at 3 days, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months following repair. If the initial CT showed endoleak, CT was repeated at 2 weeks. Persistent leak at 2 weeks was investigated angiographically as the basis for endovascular intervention, following which CT was repeated again. The results of the most recent (US) experience are as follows. Between June 1996 and September 1997, 46 high-risk patients underwent elective endovascular repair of AAA under an FDA protocol. Aorto-uniiliac stent grafts were used in 38 and aorto-aortic stent grafts in the remainder. The operating time was 190 ± 71 min (mean + standard deviation), estimated blood loss was 303 ± 402 ml, and contrast volume was 153 ± 70 ml. The time from operation to resumption of a normal diet was 0.58 ± 0.58 days, to ambulation was 1.17 ± 0.8 days, and to discharge was 3.42 ± 1.51 days. Six patients had an endoleak on the initial CT, but only 1 of these had leakage 1 month after operation. There were no deaths and no conversions to open repair. Endovascular aneurysm repair with this system is safe and effective in the short to medium term.
Imaging Considerations in Pediatric Skeletal Malignancy
Authors: Cassell Ian
Published: November 2008

Imaging of the Pediatric Musculoskeletal System, Pt. II

Musculoskeletal neoplasms are rare entities in the pediatric population. Imaging, however, is essential in assisting with the pathologic diagnosis, in therapeutic planning, in monitoring the response to therapy, and in assessing complications of therapy. Additionally, imaging is used in the long-term follow-up of the cancer patient following therapy as surveillance for recurrence. Special considerations in imaging the pediatric patient include issues of child development and behavior which may require modification of routine adult protocols as well as different disease entities that are seen routinely in the adult population.
Effects of weak anchoring on the equivalent anchoring energy in a nematic cell with large amplitude of the grooves
Authors: Barbero G. , Gliozzi A. S. , Scalerandi M.
Published: November 2008

Nanostructured corrugated surfaces in liquid crystal cells have a strong influence on the alignment of liquid crystal molecules. An equivalent energy can be attributed to the system due to deformations resulting from the equilibrium between bulk elastic forces and surface forces due to the anchoring of the molecules to the layer. First, we derive the equilibrium equations on the surface and in the bulk for a cell with a corrugated surface with large amplitude A of the grooves and weak anchoring. We also analyze numerically the solution and show that the equivalent anchoring energy presents a nontrivial dependence on A and falls to zero for infinite amplitude grooves.
Zero temperature phase diagram of the square-shoulder system
Authors: Pauschenwein Gernot J. , Kahl Gerhard
Published: November 2008

Particles that interact via a square-shoulder potential, consisting of an impenetrable hard core with an adjacent, repulsive, steplike corona, are able to self-organize in a surprisingly rich variety of rather unconventional ordered, three-dimensional structures. Using optimization strategies that are based on ideas of genetic algorithms, we encounter, as we systematically increase the pressure, the following archetypes of aggregates: low-symmetry cluster and columnar phases, followed by lamellar particle arrangements, until at high pressure values compact, high-symmetry lattices emerge. These structures are characterized in the isobaric-isothermal ensemble as configurations of minimum Gibbs free energy. Based on simple considerations, i.e., basically minimizing the number of overlapping coronas while maximizing at the same time the density, the sequence of emerging structures can easily be understood. In contrast to a previous contribution [G. J. Pauschenwein and G. Kahl, Soft Matter 4, 1396 (2008)], we present here a systematic investigation of this phenomenon, considering a short, an intermediate, and a large shoulder width.
Single phase InxGa1−xN (0.25≤x≤0.63) alloys synthesized by metal organic chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Pantha B. N. , Li J. , Lin J. Y. , Jiang H. X.
Published: November 2008

We present the results of single phase InxGa1−xN alloys for the In composition ranging from 25% to 63% synthesized by metal organic chemical vapor deposition. Single peak of x-ray diffraction θ-2θ scans of the (002) plane in InGaN alloys confirms that there is no phase separation. It was found both electron mobility and concentration increase with an increase of In content. Atomic force microscopy measurements revealed that the grown films have a surface roughness that varies between 1.5 and 4.0 nm and are free from In droplets. The results suggest that it is possible to synthesize single phase InGaN alloys inside the theoretically predicted miscibility gap.
Nanoscale charge transport measurements using a double-tip scanning tunneling microscope
Authors: Jaschinsky Philipp , Wensorra Jakob , Lepsa Mihail Ion , Mysliveček Josef , Voigtländer Bert
Published: November 2008

We demonstrate the ability of a double-tip scanning tunneling microscope (STM) combined with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to perform charge transport measurements on the nanoscale. The STM tips serve as electric probes that can be precisely positioned relative to the surface nanostructures using the SEM control and the height reference provided by the tunneling contact. The tips work in contact, noncontact, and tunneling modes. We present vertical transport measurements on nanosized GaAs/AlAs resonant tunneling diodes and lateral transport measurements on the conductive surface of 7×7 reconstructed Si(111). The high stability of the double-tip STM allows nondestructive electrical contacts to surfaces via the tunneling gaps. We performed two-point electrical measurements via tunneling contacts on the Si(111)(7×7) surface and evaluated them using a model for the charge transport on this surface.
Modeling of rf-biased overdamped Josephson junctions
Authors: Karpov O. V. , Buchstaber V. M. , Tertychniy S. I. , Niemeyer J. , Kieler O.
Published: November 2008

This paper presents a mathematical model for determining the stable phase-lock areas of microwave-biased superconductor-normal metal- superconductor Josephson junctions with low normal state resistance and small junction capacitance. The calculations are based on the resistively shunted junction model. The theoretically determined phase-lock areas are in accordance with the experimental results on Nb/HfTi/Nb junctions.
The magnetic effect on static nonlinear dielectric response in magnetic relaxor ferroelectrics
Authors: Zhou Qi , Cao Hai-Xia , Jiang Qing
Published: November 2008

The nonlinear dielectric response for the external field plays a very important role in providing useful information on relaxor ferroelectrics. Based on the spherical random-bond-random-field model and the Heisenberg model, considering the coupling interaction between the relaxor ferroelectricity and magnetism, we calculated the third-order static nonlinear dielectric susceptibility χ3 as well as the scaled nonlinear susceptibility a3=χ3/χ14 of magnetic relaxor ferroelectrics. We find that in contrast to the electric field, the external magnetic field remains relaxor state being a glass state. As the temperature passes through the magnetic phase temperature Tc, χ3, similar to linear dielectric susceptibility χ1, deviates its original low temperature behavior and shows a sharp increase. Furthermore, the position of the peak of χ3 and a3 are greatly affected by Tc and h. The temperature of maximum χ3 and a3 shift to higher temperature region with increasing Tc and h, indicating that freezing temperature Tf of magnetic relaxor ferroelectrics might be controlled by magnetism through magnetoelectric coupling.
Simulation of quasimonoenergetic electron beams produced by colliding pulse wakefield acceleration
Authors: Davoine X. , Lefebvre E. , Faure J. , Rechatin C. , Lifschitz A. , Malka V.
Published: November 2008

The collision of two laser pulses can inject electrons into a wakefield accelerator, and has been found to produce stable and tunable quasimonoenergetic electron beams [J. Faure et al., Nature 444, 737 (2006)]. This colliding pulse scheme is studied here with 3D particle-in-cell simulations. The results are successfully compared with experimental data, showing the accuracy of the simulations. The involved mechanisms (laser propagation, wake inhibition, electron heating and trapping, beam loading) are presented in detail. We explain their interplay effects on the beam parameters. The experimental variations of beam charge and energy with collision position are explained.
Field-induced intermediate orthorhombic phase in (110)-cut Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)0.70Ti0.30O3 single crystal
Authors: Tu C.-S. , Schmidt V. H. , Chien R. R. , Tsai S.-H. , Lee S.-C. , Luo H.
Published: November 2008

Phase transformations of (110)-cut Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)0.70Ti0.30O3 single crystal before and after an electric (E)-field poling have been investigated by means of dielectric permittivity, polarization current, hysteresis loop, and in situ x-ray diffraction as a function of temperature. An R-T-C transition sequence was observed in the unpoled sample upon zero-field heating. R, T, and C are rhombohedral, tetragonal, and cubic phases, respectively. After a prior E-field poling, the crystal underwent an R-O(R)-T-C phase sequence with significant responses in polarization current. O(R) represents that the minor R phase coexists in the orthorhombic matrix. The dielectric permittivities with and without a prior poling were found to follow the Curie–Weiss equation, ε′=C/(T−T0), above the Burns temperature 505 K with the same constants C=1.43×105 K and T0=462 K.
Reduction of chaotic particle transport driven by drift waves in sheared flows
Authors: Marcus F. A. , Caldas I. L. , Guimarães-Filho Z. O. , Morrison P. J. , Horton W. , Kuznetsov Yu. K. , Nascimento I. C.
Published: November 2008

Investigations of chaotic particle transport by drift waves propagating in the edge plasma of tokamaks with poloidal zonal flow are described. For large aspect ratio tokamaks, the influence of radial electric field profiles on convective cells and transport barriers, created by the nonlinear interaction between the poloidal flow and resonant waves, is investigated. For equilibria with edge shear flow, particle transport is seen to be reduced when the electric field shear is reversed. The transport reduction is attributed to the robust invariant tori that occur in nontwist Hamiltonian systems. This mechanism is proposed as an explanation for the transport reduction in Tokamak Chauffage Alfvén Brésilien [R. M. O. Galvão et al., Plasma Phys. Controlled Fusion 43, 1181 (2001)] for discharges with a biased electrode at the plasma edge.
Enhanced multiferroic properties of the high-valence Pr doped BiFeO3 thin film
Authors: Yu Benfang , Li Meiya , Hu Zhongqiang , Pei Ling , Guo Dongyun , Zhao Xingzhong , Dong Shuxiang
Published: November 2008

High-valence Pr-doped BiFeO3 (BPF) multiferroic thin film was prepared by pulsed laser deposition on a Pt∕TiO2∕SiO2∕Si substrate. X-ray diffraction analysis indicates that the BPF film is of pure phase with a polycrystalline perovskite structure. The BPF film exhibited enhanced multiferroic properties: (i) a rectangular-shaped electric hysteresis loop with a large Pr of 75μC∕cm2 and a low Ec of 250kV∕cm at Emax ∼620kV∕cm, (ii) a saturated magnetic hysteresis loop with a large Ms of 58emu∕cm3, and (iii) a fatigue-free behavior after being subjected to 1.2×109 switching cycles, which were superior to, in some aspects, those of La- or Nd-doped BiFeO3 films reported before.
Two-tint pump-probe measurements using a femtosecond laser oscillator and sharp-edged optical filters
Authors: Kang Kwangu , Koh Yee Kan , Chiritescu Catalin , Zheng Xuan , Cahill David G.
Published: November 2008

We describe a simple approach for rejecting unwanted scattered light in two types of time-resolved pump-probe measurements, time-domain thermoreflectance (TDTR) and time-resolved incoherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (TRIARS). Sharp edged optical filters are used to create spectrally distinct pump and probe beams from the broad spectral output of a femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser oscillator. For TDTR, the diffusely scattered pump light is then blocked by a third optical filter. For TRIARS, depolarized scattering created by the pump is shifted in frequency by ≈250 cm−1 relative to the polarized scattering created by the probe; therefore, spectral features created by the pump and probe scattering can be easily distinguished.
Dramatic strain induced modification of the low field anisotropic magnetoresistance in ultrathin manganite films
Authors: Egilmez M. , Saber M. M. , Mansour A. I. , Ma Rongchao , Chow K. H. , Jung J.
Published: November 2008

The authors investigated the anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) in ultrathin La-based manganite films grown on various substrates. It was found that depending on the strain state, the AMR in some of these systems exceeds 100% and can even change sign. These changes are very dramatic when compared to the few percent change in AMR in conventional ferromagnets. The mechanism behind these large changes in the AMR is discussed.
Nonlinear resonant and high dielectric loss behavior of CdS∕α-Fe2O3 heterostructure nanocomposites
Authors: Shi Xiao-Ling , Cao Mao-Sheng , Yuan Jie , Zhao Quan-Liang , Kang Yu-Qing , Fang Xiao-Yong , Chen Yu-Jin
Published: November 2008

Cd S ∕ α - Fe 2 O 3 heterostructures, where the CdS nanorods grow irregularly on the side surface of α-Fe2O3 nanorods, were synthesized via a three-step process. The dielectric properties of the CdS∕α-Fe2O3 heterostructure nanocomposites have been investigated. The equivalent circuit model of the CdS∕α-Fe2O3 heterostructures was established, which reasonably explained the nonlinear dielectric resonant behavior of the CdS∕α-Fe2O3 heterostructure nanocomposites in the range of 5–15GHz. The high dielectric loss is mainly attributed to the conductance loss and the dipole relaxation loss in the CdS∕α-Fe2O3 heterostructures.
Visualizing the dynamics of viral replication in living cells via Tat peptide delivery of nuclease-resistant molecular beacons
Authors: Yeh Hsiao-Yun , Yates Marylynn V. , Mulchandani Ashok , Chen Wilfred
Published: November 2008

In this study, we describe the use of nuclease-resistant molecular beacons (MBs) for the real-time detection of coxsackievirus B6 replication in living Buffalo green monkey kidney (BGMK) cells via Tat peptide delivery. A nuclease-resistant MB containing 2′-
O
-methyl RNA bases with phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages was designed to specifically target an 18-bp 5′ noncoding region of the viral genome. For intracellular delivery, a cell-penetrating Tat peptide was conjugated to the MB by using a thiol–maleimide linkage. Presence of the Tat peptide enabled nearly 100% intracellular delivery within 15 min. When the conjugate was introduced into BGMK cell monolayers infected with coxsackievirus B6, a discernible fluorescence was observed at 30 min after infection, and as few as 1 infectious viral particle could be detected within 2 h. The stability and the intracellular delivery properties of the modified MBs enabled real-time monitoring of the cell-to-cell spreading of viral infection. These results suggest that the Tat-modified, nuclease-resistant MBs may be powerful tools for improving our understanding of the dynamic behavior of viral replication and for therapeutic studies of antiviral treatments.
Integration of varying responses of different organisms to water and sediment quality at sites impacted and not impacted by the petroleum industry
Authors: Nascimento A. , Smith D.H. , Pereira S.A. , Sampaio de Araújo M.M. , Silva M.A. , Mariani A.M.
Published: November 2008

The toxicity of surface waters and interstitial waters from sediments were determined at six study sites in Todos os Santos Bay, Bahia, Brazil, to evaluate the possibility of chronic environmental impact induced by 40 years of exposure to the local petroleum industry. Samples collected from four sites associated with the extraction, transportation and refinement of petroleum, and from two control sites, were tested at seven three-month intervals. Toxicological assays using acute mortality of brine shrimp (Artemia salina) nauplii and chronic abnormalities of sea urchin (Echinometra lucunter) and mangrove oyster (Crassostrea rhizophorae) larvae were employed. Friedman non-parametric analyses of variance integrated seasonal variations in species response patterns and revealed significant differences among the study sites. Ranging the among-site variations for each organism in each sampling period, on a scale from 0.00 (minimum response) to 1.00 (maximum response), permitted the calculation of a single mean value for each species and the ordination of the sites on a qualitative scale of relative impact. Although the ordinations varied with species, the reduction of three species response patterns to a common relative scale also permitted their integration into a single multispecies ordination of the study sites. A cluster analysis of the six sites and two aquatic substrates, based on their toxicity to all three species, illustrated the similarities and differences between locations. Interstitial waters were more toxic, revealing an integrated ordination of Station 6 ≤ Station 5 ≤ (Station 3 = Station2) ≤ (Station 4 = Station 1). The ordination based on surface waters was Station 6 ≤ Station 5 ≤ (Station 2 = Station 1 = Station 3) < Station 4. In combination, the three procedures served efficiently for the description and inferential testing of the multispecies responses and, complemented with additional data on species diversity and chemical contamination of the sediment, confirmed the existence of chronic impact within the study area.
Lotic ecosystems of Serra do Cipó, southeast Brazil: water quality and a tentative classification based on the benthic macroinvertebrate community
Authors: Galdean N. , Callisto M. , Barbosa F.A.R.
Published: November 2008

A general characterization of the water quality of representative rivers of Serra do Cipó, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil is provided as well as the composition and distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates, mainly Plecoptera, Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera and Diptera (Chironomidae). These data are used as a basis to propose a river classification for the area, comprising three major categories: undisturbed waters (Class 1), with no evidence of human influences and showing high taxa richness; waters with intermediate disturbances (Class 2), showing some degree of change in the quality of their trophic resources, due mainly to the influence of human activities (e.g., deforestation, sewage discharges); and disturbed waters (Class 3), showing evidence of eutrophication, although still preserving some diversity of benthic organisms. This proposed classification system, although broad and simple, is believed to provide the necessary basic scientific information to allow for definition of conservation policies in the area, thus contributing to the preservation of rivers and their associated biota.
Delineation of management regions for South African rivers based on water chemistry
Authors: Day J. A. , Dallas H. F. , Wackernagel A.
Published: November 2008

The rivers of South Africa differ in water chemistry because of differences in geology and climate, and in the nature of the terrestrial vegetation. Thus the riverine biotas also differ in their water quality requirements. This paper describes the use of multivariate analytical techniques on a large inorganic chemical database as a means of dividing the country's rivers into regions of like water chemistry for the purposes of water quality management of aquatic ecosystems. Data were used from about 500 usable sites for the three earliest hydrological years (October 1980–September 1983 inclusive) for which information is available for most of the sites. In some cases separate winter (May–September) and summer (November–March) analyses were performed. Those observations in which orthophosphate-phosphorus was greater than 0.1 mg 1-1 and/or nitrate- plus nitrite-nitrogen was greater than 0.5 mg 1-1 and/or conductivity > 500 mS m-1, were excluded. Some of the analyses were run on the subset of records for which the reading of weir height (as a surrogate for discharge) was within 10% of the mean. Chemical variables comprised conductivity and pH, and the concentrations of chloride, total alkalinity (TAL), sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, sulphate, fluoride, silicate, nitrate- plus nitrite-nitrogen, ammonium-nitrogen and orthophosphate-phosphorus, as well as the ratios Cl-:(Cl- + TAL), and Na+:(Na+ + Ca2+). Multivariate techniques included principal components analysis, detrended correspondence analysis and cluster analysis. Eigenvalues are low (< 0.05) for detrended correspondence analyses but high (> 0.7) for principal components analyses. In all cases, [silicate] correlates most strongly with the first axis, and conductivity, [K+] and/or with the second. Alkalinity correlates inversely with [H+], while [Ca2+] and [Mg2+] are closely correlated with each other and with alkalinity. [Na+] and [Cl-] are correlated with each other and weakly with conductivity. Cluster analysis of secondary drainage regions is used together with biogeographic and physiographic information to produce a map of South Africa divided into five major regions for the management of water quality for riverine ecosystems.
Over-fishing in the Great Lakes: the context and history of the controversy
Authors: Regier H.A. , Whillans T.H. , Christie W.J. , Bocking S.A.
Published: November 2008

The issue of over-fishing has spawned controversy in the Laurentian Great Lakes since the early 1800s. Aboriginal, domestic, commercial food, aquacultural and recreational fisheries have experienced a number of different types of over-fishing that have contributed to the fishing-up sequence in the lakes. Some effects of fish habitat destruction by many environmental abuses interacted synergistically with inappropriate fishing practices. The fish communities near larger settled areas ‘hit the wall’ ecologically beginning in the late 1800s. The fisheries of the whole basin ‘hit the wall’ politically in the period 1955–1968. Since 1968, a managerial transformation to an ecosystem approach has occurred, from a modern progressive approach to a new self-organizing redevelopment approach in which biotic and abiotic interests are more balanced than previously. Controversy continues as emergent grass-roots regimes seek alternatives to remnant and senescent institutional arrangements or seek partnership arrangements with new governance institutions.
Bioavailability of lambda-cyhalothrin to Chironomus riparius in sediment–water and water-only systems
Authors: Hamer M.J. , Goggin U.M. , Muller K. , Maund S.J.
Published: November 2008

The bioavailability of 14C-lambda-cyhalothrin and its bioconcentration by larvae of the aquatic insect Chironomus riparius was studied in laboratory sediment–water systems. Ten different sediments with a range of physico-chemical characteristics were investigated. The chemical was applied to sediment slurries and fourth instar C. riparius were exposed in the test system for 48 h. The distribution of the chemical between the sediment, water and organism phases was determined. In addition, the bioconcentration of 14C-lambda-cyhalothrin by C. riparius in a water-only test system was determined.

In all the sediment–water test systems, the vast majority of the 14C-lambda-cyhalothrin (>99%) was adsorbed to the sediment. Aqueous phase concentrations varied between the test systems, as did concentrations of the chemical in the organisms. However, bioconcentration factors based on the aqueous phase concentrations showed little difference between systems, ranging from 1300 to 3400 (mean 2300, coefficient of variation 25%). These values were very similar to the bioconcentration factor determined in water alone after 48 h (2000). Bioconcentration factors based on measured concentrations of extractable 14C-lambda-cyhalothrin in the sediment phase were much more variable, although they were always <1, ranging from 0.11 to 0.84 (mean 0.39, coefficient of variation 61%). Sediment bioconcentration factors were inversely proportional to the measured sediment Kds, which ranged from 3290 to 22 100. That is, the higher the proportion of the chemical that was adsorbed, the lower the sediment bioconcentration factor.

The results of the study supported equilibrium partitioning theory. In sediment–water systems, the lambda-cyhalothrin that was bioavailable was equivalent to the amount which was measured in the water phase.
Dietary Soy Supplement on Fibromyalgia Symptoms: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled, Early Phase Trial
Authors: Wahner-Roedler Dietlind L. , Thompson Jeffrey M. , Luedtke Connie A. , King Susan M. , Cha Stephen S. , Elkin Peter L. , Bruce Barbara K. , Townsend Cynthia O. , Bergeson Jody R. , Eickhoff Andrea L. , Loehrer Laura L. , Sood Amit , Bauer Brent A.
Published: November 2008

Most patients with fibromyalgia use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Properly designed controlled trials are necessary to assess the effectiveness of these practices. This study was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, early phase trial. Fifty patients seen at a fibromyalgia outpatient treatment program were randomly assigned to a daily soy or placebo (casein) shake. Outcome measures were scores of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D) at baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention. Analysis was with standard statistics based on the null hypothesis, and separation test for early phase CAM comparative trials. Twenty‐eight patients completed the study. Use of standard statistics with intent‐to‐treat analysis showed that total FIQ scores decreased by 14% in the soy group (P = .02) and by 18% in the placebo group (P < .001). The difference in change in scores between the groups was not significant (P = .16). With the same analysis, CES‐D scores decreased in the soy group by 16% (P = .004) and in the placebo group by 15% (P = .05). The change in scores was similar in the groups (P = .83). Results of statistical analysis using the separation test and intent‐to‐treat analysis revealed no benefit of soy compared with placebo. Shakes that contain soy and shakes that contain casein, when combined with a multidisciplinary fibromyalgia treatment program, provide a decrease in fibromyalgia symptoms. Separation between the effects of soy and casein (control) shakes did not favor the intervention. Therefore, large‐sample studies using soy for patients with fibromyalgia are probably not indicated.
The association between non‐biting midges and Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Broza Meir , Gancz Hanan , Kashi Yechezkel
Published: November 2008

Vibrio cholerae is a natural inhabitant of aquatic ecosystems, yet its interactions within this habitat are poorly understood. Here we describe the current knowledge on the interaction of V. cholerae with one group of co‐inhabitants, the chironomids. Chironomids, non‐biting midges (Chironomidae, Diptera), are an abundant macroinvertebrate group encountered in freshwater aquatic habitats. As holometabolous insects, chironomids start life when their larvae hatch from eggs laid at the water/air interface; through various feeding strategies, the larvae grow and pupate to become short‐lived, non‐feeding, adult flying insects. The discovery of the connection between V. cholerae and chironomids was accidental. While working with Chironomus transavaalensis, we observed the disintegration of its egg masses and searched for a possible microbial agent. We identified V. cholerae as the primary cause of this phenomenon. Haemagglutinin/protease, a secreted extracellular enzyme, degraded the gelatinous matrix surrounding the eggs, enabling bacterial growth. Observation of chironomids in relation to V. cholerae continuously for 7 years in various types of water bodies in Israel, India, and Africa revealed that environmental V. cholerae adhere to egg‐mass surfaces of various Chironomini (‘bloodworms’). The flying adults' potential to serve as mechanical vectors of V. cholerae from one water body to another was established. This, in turn, suggested that these insects play a role in the ecology of V. cholerae and possibly take part in the dissemination of the pathogenic serogroups during, and especially between, epidemics.
A REFERENT GRAMMATICAL ANALYSIS OF RELATIVE CLAUSES IN POLISH
Authors: Gawrońska‐Werngren Barbara
Published: November 2008

The paper contains a preliminary analysis of some typical Polish relative constructions. The description is formulated in Referent Grammar (RG), a theory developed by Bengt Sigurd (1987) as a tool for parsing and computer translation. RG is a phrase structure grammar, inspired by categorial grammars and GPSG. It can be implemented directly in Prolog (Definite Clause Grammar).
IMPERATIVE SENTENCES IN ENGLISH: SEMANTICS AND PRAGMATICS
Authors: Aarts Flor
Published: November 2008

This paper deals with the description of the meaning of imperative sentences in English. This is an area which raises a number of interesting issues with respect to the semantics‐pragmatics dichotomy. The main purpose of this article is to review some of the major proposals that have been put forward in the literature on the subject written during the last thirty years or so.
SUBJECT‐VERB CONCORD IN EQUATIVE SENTENCES IN ENGLISH1
Authors: Jacobsson Bengt
Published: November 2008

This paper discusses subject assignment and subject‐verb concord in equative sentences, especially ‘pseudo‐clefts’ like What All we need are books and What All that remains to be settled are the prices. Plural concord in such cases is traditionally explained as due to the potential plurality of what or to the ‘attraction’ exerted by the postverbal NP which is routinely taken to be a predicative complement. According to the view defended in this study, the postverbal NP is the real subject and as such ‘attractive’ enough to override the otherwise very strong association between subjecthood and preverbal position.
Rethinking electoral geography: spaces and practices of democracy in Nicaragua
Authors: Cupples Julie
Published: November 2008

Despite engagements with Foucauldian and Deleuzian insights by many geographers, concerns remain that we are still failing to understand the difference geography makes to the exercise of power. This article, which focuses on the 2006 Nicaraguan elections, has three main aims. The first is to explore the relationship between power and space through the lens of an electoral campaign. The second is to contribute to recent attempts to theoretically reinvigorate electoral geography. The third is to provide an alternative reading of democratisation in Nicaragua. Ultimately, this article focuses on how ordinary people in the interests of creating a better life for themselves make do with the circumstances in which they live.
VEGF neutralizing antibody increases the therapeutic efficacy of vinorelbine for renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Sinha Sutapa , Cao Ying , Dutta Shamit , Wang Enfeng , Mukhopadhyay Debabrata
Published: November 2008

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is currently one of the most treatment‐resistant malignancies and affects approximately three in 10,000 people. The impact of this disease produces about 31,000 new cases in the United States per year; and 12,000 people in the United States alone die from RCC annually. Although several treatment strategies have been investigated for RCC, this cancer continues to be a therapeutic challenge. For this reason, the aim of our study is to develop a more effective combinational therapy to treat advanced RCC. We examined the effect of vinorelbine on the signalling pathways of two human renal cancer cell lines (A498 and 786‐O) and also examined the in vivo effect of vinorelbine treatment alone and vinorelbine in combination with the anti‐VEGF antibody 2C3 on A498 and 786‐O tumour growth in nude mice. Tumour angiogenesis was measured by vWF staining, and apoptosis was determined by the TUNEL assay. We observed a significant tumour growth inhibition when using a combinational therapy of anti‐VEGF antibody 2C3 and vinorelbine in both A498 and 786‐O tumour‐bearing mice. The results suggest a breakthrough treatment for advanced RCC.
Taxonomy of autumn-flowering Spiranthes species of southern Nova Scotia
Authors: Catling Paul M.
Published: November 2008

Identification difficulties with the autumn-flowering Spiranthes species of southern Nova Scotia resulted in questions regarding their discreteness and required determination of the most reliable diagnostic characters. Thirty-three morphological features were measured in each of 200 individual plants from 15 stations with no more than 30 plants randomly selected from each station. Principal components analysis did not establish groups clearly. Discriminant analysis of nine groups derived from the distance matrix using UPGMA clustering resulted in three major groups on the first two discriminant axes, representing S. cernua, S. ochroleuca, and S. casei. The Nova Scotian S. casei and S. ochroleuca are shown by further discriminant analysis to differ from their more western counterparts. Spiranthes casei var. novaescotiae is described as a new variety differing from var. casei in many characters including the relatively short, acute, and uniformly fleshy lip with indexed distal margins. Nova Scotian plants referrable to S. ochroleuca differ from more western S. ochroleuca principally in having larger ovaries and polyembryonic seed, these features being associated with apomixis. Minor differences in floral structure are also apparent. Formal recognition of the Nova Scotian race of S. ochroleuca is rejected since the distinctions are such that it is unlikely that it could be distinguished with an acceptable misclassification rate. The identification difficulties with the autumn-flowering Spiranthes species of southern Nova Scotia appear to have resulted from the fact that (1) the Nova Scotian race of S. ochroleuca is apomictic and has lost some of the distinctive features of floral morphology associated with sexuality throughout the rest of the range of this species, and consequently it closely approaches S. cernua, and (2) the Nova Scotian plants of S. casei differ from the typical variety in both floral and vegetative features. These Spiranthes species are among several taxa with a distinct morphological expression in southern Nova Scotia. A diagnostic key to the autumn-flowering Spiranthes species of southern Nova Scotia is provided.
Ultrastructural aspects of coated vesicles in tobacco protoplasts
Authors: Valk P. van der , Fowke L. C.
Published: November 2008

The ultrastructure and distribution of coated vesicles in isolated tobacco protoplasts were investigated using transmission electron microscopy of thin sections of whole protoplasts and stained plasma membrane preparations obtained by osmotic bursting of protoplasts attached to coated microscope grids. Large numbers of coated vesicles were associated with both the plasma membrane and the maturing face of dictyosomes. Dictyosome associated coated vesicles were smaller and had less distinct coats and vesicle membranes than those associated with the plasma membrane. Honeycomb structures believed to be aggregations of coats were also associated with the inner surface of the plasma membrane. Our data suggest that coated vesicles are produced by the Golgi apparatus, fuse with the plasma membrane, their coats remaining attached, at least temporarily, to the plasma membrane inner surface.
Taxonomy and status of Silene uralensis subsp. ogilviensis comb. nov. (Caryophyllaceae) in Yukon Territory, Canada
Authors: Brunton Daniel F.
Published: November 2008

A new subspecific combination, Silene uralensis subsp. ogilviensis (Porsild) Brunton is proposed for a recently described endemic of the Ogilvie Mountains, Yukon Territory. On the basis of a review of the type material it is compared with other North American subspecies of S. uralensis and with the similar S. gonosperma of Eurasia and found to be intermediate between these two in some characteristics. No additional stations of this rare taxon have been located since its original discovery in 1968.
Littoral zones as sources of biodegradable dissolved organic carbon in lakes
Authors: Stets E. G. , Cotner J. B.
Published: November 2008

A survey of 12 lakes in Minnesota, USA, was conducted to examine the factors controlling variability in biodegradable dissolved organic carbon (BDOC) concentration. The principal question addressed was whether BDOC concentration was more strongly related to lake trophic status or morphometric parameters. BDOC concentration was determined by incubating filtered lake water for a period of 15 months and fitting an exponential decay curve to measured DOC concentrations. BDOC concentrations varied from 73 to 427 µmol C·L–1 and composed 15%–63% of the total DOC pool. There were no significant correlations between BDOC and measures of lake trophic status. Instead, BDOC was most closely associated with the percentage of lake area covered by littoral zone, suggesting a significant source of BDOC from aquatic macrophytes and lake surface sediments.
Effect of overloading on fatigue performance of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with externally post-tensioned carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer tendons
Authors: Elrefai Ahmed , West Jeffrey S. , Soudki Khaled A.
Published: November 2008

This paper presents the results of an experimental and analytical study of the fatigue performance of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with externally post-tensioned carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) tendons. Two loading conditions prior to strengthening the beams were investigated: in-service loading and overloading. A total of 18 beams were tested to failure: three under monotonic loading and fifteen under fatigue loads. The CFRP tendons were post-tensioned to 40% of their ultimate capacity. The results demonstrated that overloading the beams had no discernable effect on the fatigue life of the strengthened beams. The strain-reduction approach for unbonded steel tendons was modified to account for using CFRP tendons and for the permanent deformations resulting from the overloading process. The loading history of the beams prior to and after post-tensioning was incorporated into a strain-life fatigue model to predict the fatigue life of the strengthened beams.