bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
International Crimes before Dutch Courts: Recent Developments
Authors: VAN SLIEDREGT ELIES
Published: December 2007

In the early 1990s, two former members of the Afghan secret service applied for a residence permit in the Netherlands. Their request was denied on the basis of the exclusion clause of Article 1F(a) of the Vienna Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. There were serious reasons for suspecting that the men had committed war crimes during the Afghan civil war of 1979–92. In 2000, the immigration authorities transmitted the files of the two men to the public prosecution office, which initiated prosecutions in 2003. At the trial, defence counsel raised various preliminary challenges. They argued that the case should be declared inadmissible since relying on the immigration files would violate the nemo tenetur principle and the right against self-incrimination enshrined in Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Furthermore, the court had no universal jurisdiction over violations of Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions since there was no international rule mandating a right to universal jurisdiction over war crimes committed in non-international armed conflicts. The Hague District Court dismissed the defence challenges and eventually convicted the Afghan nationals to 9 and 12 years' imprisonment. The Hague Appeal Court endorsed most of the findings of the District Court and confirmed the convictions and sentences. The reasoning underlying the decisions, both at first instance and at appeal, raise questions particularly with regard to universal jurisdiction. In this article the defence arguments are explored and the reasoning of the courts is analysed.
Professor John Dugard: A South African Perspective
Authors: DU PLESSIS MAX
Published: December 2007

This article considers the work of John Dugard in the field of human rights and international law and the impact thereof on the South African legal landscape. After tracing the importance of Dugard's early work in South Africa in the fields of legal philosophy, human rights, and international law, the article turns to consider the later achievements in Dugard's prestigious career. The author highlights the numerous cases in which Dugard appeared as counsel before the South African courts, and considers the impact that Dugard had on the drafting of the South African Constitution in relation to international law and its use in interpreting the South African Bill of Rights. The final section of the article considers the shameful failure of the South African government to support Dugard in his bid to be appointed as a judge of the International Court of Justice. The author concludes that notwithstanding the fact that the government has not accorded him the recognition he deserves, Dugard's pioneering human rights work continues unabated in his various positions, including in his role as the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights abuses in occupied Palestine.
Tick infestation on roe deer in relation to geographic and remotely sensed climatic variables in a tick-borne encephalitis endemic area
Authors: CARPI G. , CAGNACCI F. , NETELER M. , RIZZOLI A.
Published: December 2007

Roe deer Capreolus capreolus are among the most important feeding hosts for the sheep tick Ixodes ricinus, thus contributing to the occurrence of tick-borne diseases in Europe. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), which is transmitted by co-feeding of larvae and nymphs on rodents, requires precise climatic conditions to occur. We used roe deer as sentinels for potential circulation of TBE virus in Northern Italy, by examining the association between tick infestation, occurrence of TBE human cases, geographical and climatic parameters. Tick infestation on roe deer, and particularly frequency of co-feeding, was clearly associated with the geographic location and the autumnal cooling rate. Consistently, TBE occurrence in humans was geographically related to co-feeding tick abundance. The surveillance of tick infestation on roe deer, combined with remotely sensed climatic data, could therefore be used as an inexpensive early risk assessment tool of favourable conditions for TBE emergence and persistence in humans.
Lack of response of INT-407 cells to the presence of non-culturableCampylobacter jejuni
Authors: VERHOEFF-BAKKENES L. , HAZELEGER W. C. , ZWIETERING M. H. , De JONGE R.
Published: December 2007

Many contradictory articles on the infectivity of non-culturableCampylobacter jejunican be found. We studied the effect of non-culturableC. jejuniin anin vitroassay. To prevent the potential effect of a few culturable bacteria in the non-culturable suspension, INT-407 cells, which mimic the outer cell layer in the small intestines, were exposed to culturableC. jejunisuspensions with or without non-culturableC. jejuni. The number of bacteria adhering to and/or invading INT-407 cells and the IL-8 secretion were measured. No differences were found between bacterial suspensions with or without non-culturableC. jejuniadded. These findings show that non-culturableC. jejunido not adhere to or invade INT-407 cells and do not induce an immune response. As previous studies showed a correlation between the usedin vitroassays and the effectin vivo, our study strongly suggests that culturability is a good indicator of the risk forC. jejuniinfection.
MYOMETRIAL ACTIVATION – COORDINATION, CONNECTIVITY AND CONTRACTILITY
Authors: MACINTYRE DAVID A , CHAN ENG-CHENG , SMITH ROGER
Published: December 2007

One of the most important stages of pregnancy is the activation of uterine contractions that result in the expulsion of the fetus. The timely onset of labour is clearly important for a healthy start to life but incomplete understanding of the precise mechanisms regulating labour onset have prohibited the development of effective and safe treatments for preterm labour. This review explores the activation of the myometrium at labour onset, focussing on mechanisms of uterine contractility, including those proteins that play an important role in smooth muscle contractility. The review primarily focuses on human work but in the absence of human data describes animal studies. A broad overview of myometrial contraction mechanisms is provided before discussing more detailed aspects and identifying areas where uncertainty remains. Also discussed is the recent application of ‘omics’ based approaches to parturition research, which has facilitated an increase in the understanding of myometrial activation.
Antibody-based immunotherapy in high-risk neuroblastoma
Authors: Johnson Erik , Dean Shannon M. , Sondel Paul M.
Published: December 2007

Although great advances have been made in the treatment of low- and intermediate-risk neuroblastoma in recent years, the prognosis for advanced disease remains poor. Therapies based on monoclonal antibodies that specifically target tumour cells have shown promise for treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma. This article reviews the use of monoclonal antibodies either as monotherapy or as part of a multifaceted treatment approach for advanced neuroblastoma, and explains how toxins, cytokines, radioactive isotopes or chemotherapeutic drugs can be conjugated to antibodies to enhance their effects. Tumour resistance, the development of blocking antibodies, and other problems hindering the effectiveness of monoclonal antibodies are also discussed. Future therapies under investigation in the area of immunotherapy for neuroblastoma are considered.
Detailed sedimentary N isotope records from Cariaco Basin for Terminations I and V: Local and global implications
Authors: Meckler A. Nele , Haug Gerald H. , Sigman Daniel M. , Plessen Birgit , Peterson Larry C. , Thierstein Hans R.
Published: December 2007

For the last deglaciation and Termination V (the initiation of MIS 11 at around 430 ka) we report high‐resolution sedimentary nitrogen isotope (δ15N) records from Cariaco Basin in the Caribbean Sea. During both terminations the previously reported interglacial decrease in δ15N clearly lags local changes such as water column anoxia as well as global increases in denitrification by several thousand years. On top of the glacial‐interglacial change, several δ15N peaks were observed during the last deglaciation. The deglacial signal in Cariaco Basin can be best explained as a combination of (1) local variations in suboxia and water column denitrification as the reason for the millennial‐scale peaks, (2) a deglacial maximum in mean ocean nitrate δ15N, and (3) increasing N2 fixation in response to globally increased denitrification causing the overall deglacial δ15N decrease. In the Holocene, much of the decrease in δ15N occurred between 6 and 3 ka, coinciding with an expected precession‐modulated increase in African dust transport to the tropical North Atlantic and the Caribbean. This begs the hypothesis that N2 fixation in this region increased in response to interglacial maxima in denitrification elsewhere but that this response strengthened with increased mid‐Holocene iron input. It remains to be seen whether the data for MIS 11 support this interpretation.
Non‐hotspot volcano chains originating from small‐scale sublithospheric convection
Authors: Ballmer M. D. , van Hunen J. , Ito G. , Tackley P. J. , Bianco T. A.
Published: December 2007

Some oceanic volcano chains violate the predictions of the hotspot hypothesis for geographic age progressions. One mechanism invoked to explain these observations is small‐scale sublithospheric convection (SSC). In this study, we explore this concept in thermo‐chemical, 3D‐numerical models. Melting due to SSC is shown to emerge in elongated features (∼750 km) parallel to plate motion and not just at a fixed spot; therefore volcanism occurs in chains but not with hotspot‐like linear age progressions. The seafloor age at which volcanism first occurs is sensitive to mantle temperature, as higher temperatures increase the onset age of SSC because of the stabilizing influence of thicker residue from previous mid‐ocean ridge melting. Mantle viscosity controls the rate of melt production with decreasing viscosities leading to more vigorous convection and volcanism. Calculations predict many of the key observations of the Pukapuka ridges, and the volcano groups associated with the Line, Cook‐Austral, and Marshall Islands.
Meteorologically driven trends in sea level rise
Authors: Kolker Alexander S. , Hameed Sultan
Published: December 2007

Determining the rate of global sea level rise (GSLR) during the past century is critical to understanding recent changes to the global climate system. However, this is complicated by non‐tidal, short‐term, local sea‐level variability that is orders of magnitude greater than the trend. While the non‐dimensional North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index can explain some of this variability in the Atlantic, significant results have been largely restricted to Europe. We show that dimensional indices of the position and intensity of the atmospheric centers of action (COAs) comprising the NAO are correlated with a major fraction of the variability and trend at 5 Atlantic Ocean tide gauges since 1900. COA fluctuations are shown to influence winds, pressure and sea‐surface temperatures, thereby influencing sea level via a suite of coastal oceanographic processes. These findings reduce variability in regional sea level rise estimates and indicate a meteorological driver of sea‐level trends.
SAID: Plasmaspheric short circuit of substorm injections
Authors: Mishin E. V. , Puhl‐Quinn P. A.
Published: December 2007

We present magnetically‐conjugate Cluster/DMSP observations of subauroral ion drifts (SAID) after the onset of a weak substorm on 18 March 2002 that confirm and expand on the previous Cluster/DMSP results. The outer side of the SAID channel is aligned with the plasmapause and its outer edge marks the dispersionless boundary of the electron precipitation. The SAID's inner edge co‐locates with a sharp decrease in the flux of the injected ions whose minimum energy increases with the electric potential. Downward ionospheric FACs flow within the channel, mainly near its outer side, concentrating near the density maxima. The SAID peak co‐locates either with that in the density or lies on the outer wall of the trough. The overall SAID features are consistent with a short circuiting of the substorm injection front over the plasmasphere and subsequent formation of a turbulent overlap region.
Transport of the South China Sea subsurface water outflow and its influence on carbon chemistry of Kuroshio waters off southeastern Taiwan
Authors: Chou Wen‐Chen , Sheu David D. , Chen C. T. Arthur , Wen Liang‐Saw , Yang Yih , Wei Ching‐Ling
Published: December 2007

Depth distributions of pH, dissolved oxygen, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), total alkalinity (TA), and δ13CDIC in the water column across the Luzon Strait from the South China Sea to the west Philippine Sea were investigated thoroughly to attest whether the South China Sea subsurface water outflow could act like a “shelf pump” to export the carbon from the interior of the South China Sea into the open Pacific. Results show that the outflow is capable of transporting 17.6 ± 9.0 Tg C a−1 in DIC form out from the South China Sea to the western Pacific, a quantity equivalent to ∼35 ± 18% of the annual export production of the entire South China Sea. Furthermore, owing to the input of this South China Sea outflow, the subsurface waters of the Kuroshio Current become enriched in DIC/TA ratio but depleted in δ13CDIC. Such a change in seawater carbon chemistry might further attenuate the capacity of CO2 sequestration and hamper the use of δ13CDIC data as a tracer to estimate anthropogenic CO2 uptake rate in seawaters around the Kuroshio main path. More importantly, since these modifications can make all their ways northward along with the Kuroshio Current, the effect may reach even as far as to the higher‐latitude region in the northwestern Pacific.
Effects of river flow scaling properties on riparian width and vegetation biomass
Authors: Muneepeerakul R. , Rinaldo A. , Rodriguez‐Iturbe I.
Published: December 2007

The theory of stochastic differential equations driven by multiplicative Markovian dichotomous noise and a number of geomorphological relationships of river basins are used to investigate the geomorphological patterns of the width of riparian zones and the associated riparian vegetation biomass. Under the assumption that the scaling relationship between the river flow fluctuations, represented by the standard deviation of the flows, σQ, and drainage area holds, i.e., σQ ∼ As, we find that the scaling exponent s plays an important role in determining the patterns of the riparian width and vegetation biomass. In particular, high values of s, i.e., when the fluctuation grows relatively fast with drainage area, could result in the riparian zones of high‐magnitude streams being completely void of vegetation, whereas low values of s result in the riparian zones increasing in width with the stream magnitude. For very low s such an increasing trend of riparian width scales with the stream magnitude with an exponent approaching the negative value of the scaling exponent of the stream bank slope. The analysis presented here offers a potentially useful tool that can be used in watershed management, especially under changing climatic conditions, which may induce larger flow fluctuations and extreme events.
Architectural Lessons from Environmental Psychology: The Case of Biophilic Architecture
Authors: Joye Yannick
Published: December 2007

A review of findings from the field of environmental psychology shows that humans are aesthetically attracted to natural contents and to particular landscape configurations. These features are also found to have positive effects on human functioning and can reduce stress. However, opportunities for contact with these elements are reduced in modern urban life. It is argued how this evolution can have subtle but nontrivial adverse effects on psychological and physiological well-being. These can be countered by integrating key features of natural contents and structural landscape features in the built environment. Several practical proposals are discussed, ranging from literal imitations of natural objects (such as plants) to the use of nature's fractal geometry in an architectural context.
Celecoxib decreases expression of the adhesion molecules ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 in a colon cancer cell line (HT29)
Authors: Gallicchio M , Rosa A C , Dianzani C , Brucato L , Benetti E , Collino M , Fantozzi R
Published: December 2007

Background and purpose:

We investigated the ability of celecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibitor, to modulate expression of ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 in the colon cancer cell line HT29.

Experimental approach:

We analysed the effect of celecoxib on ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 protein and mRNA expression in HT29 cells. Experiments were performed in the presence of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) inhibitors to evaluate the involvement of these kinases in this phenomenon. We evaluated adhesion of HT29 cells to FCS‐coated plastic wells in the presence of celecoxib or MAPK inhibitors. Furthermore, we studied the effect of celecoxib on apoptosis.

Key results:

Celecoxib down‐regulated ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 expression in HT29 cells in a time‐ and dose‐dependent way. Celecoxib reduced activation of p38 and p55 c‐Jun terminal NH2 kinase (JNK) MAPKs, but did not affect p46 JNK or p42/44 MAPK phosphorylation. Pretreatment with SB202190 or SP600125, specific inhibitors of p38 and JNK MAPKs, respectively, reduced ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 expression in HT29 cells dose‐dependently. Adhesion of HT29 cells to FCS‐coated plastic wells was inhibited dose‐dependently by celecoxib, and also by SB202190 and SP600125. Celecoxib showed a pro‐apoptotic effect, inducing Bax and BID but down‐regulating Bcl‐2.

Conclusions and implications:

Our findings show that celecoxib caused down‐regulation of ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1, affecting the adhesive properties of HT29 cells in a COX‐2 independent way, inhibiting p38 and p55 MAPKs and activating a pro‐apoptotic pathway.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 153, 870–878; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707634; published online 17 December 2007
Role of complement C5a in mechanical inflammatory hypernociception: potential use of C5a receptor antagonists to control inflammatory pain
Authors: Ting E , Guerrero A T G , Cunha T M , Verri W A , Taylor S M , Woodruff T M , Cunha F Q , Ferreira S H
Published: December 2007

Background and purpose:

C5a, a complement activation product, exhibits a broad spectrum of inflammatory activities particularly neutrophil chemoattraction. Herein, the role of C5a in the genesis of inflammatory hypernociception was investigated in rats and mice using the specific C5a receptor antagonist PMX53 (AcF‐[OP(D‐Cha)WR]).

Experimental approach:

Mechanical hypernociception was evaluated with a modification of the Randall–Selitto test in rats and electronic pressure meter paw test in mice. Cytokines were measured by ELISA and neutrophil migration was determined by myeloperoxidase activity.

Key results:

Local pretreatment of rats with PMX53 (60–180 μg per paw) inhibited zymosan‐, carrageenan‐, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐ and antigen‐induced hypernociception. These effects were associated with C5a receptor blockade since PMX53 also inhibited the hypernociception induced by zymosan‐activated serum and C5a but not by the direct‐acting hypernociceptive mediators, prostaglandin E2 and dopamine. Underlying the C5a hypernociceptive mechanisms, PMX53 did not alter the cytokine release induced by inflammatory stimuli. However, PMX53 inhibited cytokine‐induced hypernociception. PMX53 also inhibited the recruitment of neutrophils induced by zymosan but not by carrageenan or LPS, indicating an involvement of neutrophils in the hypernociceptive effect of C5a. Furthermore, the C5a‐induced hypernociception was reduced in neutrophil‐depleted rats. Extending these findings in rats, blocking C5a receptors also reduced zymosan‐induced joint hypernociception in mice.

Conclusions and implications:

These results suggest that C5a is an important inflammatory hypernociceptive mediator, acting by a mechanism independent of hypernociceptive cytokine release, but dependent on the presence of neutrophils. Therefore, we suggest that inhibiting the action of C5a has therapeutic potential in the control of inflammatory pain.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 153, 1043–1053; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707640; published online 17 December 2007
Effect of bradykinin metabolism inhibitors on evoked hypotension in rats: rank efficacy of enzymes associated with bradykinin‐mediated angioedema
Authors: Fryer R M , Segreti J , Banfor P N , Widomski D L , Backes B J , Lin C W , Ballaron S J , Cox B F , Trevillyan J M , Reinhart G A , von Geldern T W
Published: December 2007

Background and purpose:

Inhibition of bradykinin metabolizing enzymes (BMEs) can cause acute angioedema, as demonstrated in a recent clinical trial in patients administered the antihypertensive, omapatrilat. However, the relative contribution of specific BMEs to this effect is unclear and confounded by the lack of a predictive pre‐clinical model of angioedema.

Experimental approach:

Rats were instrumented to record blood pressure and heart rate; inhibitors were infused for 35 min and bradykinin was infused during the last 5 min to elicit hypotension, as a functional marker of circulating bradykinin and relative angioedema risk.

Key results:

In the presence of omapatrilat bradykinin produced dose‐dependent hypotension, an effect abolished by B2 blockade. In the presence of lisinopril (ACE inhibitor), but not candoxatril (NEP inhibitor) or apstatin (APP inhibitor), bradykinin also elicited hypotension. Lisinopril‐mediated hypotension was unchanged with concomitant blockade of NEP or NEP/DPPIV (candoxatril+A‐899301). However, hypotension was enhanced upon concomitant blockade of APP and further intensified in the presence of NEP inhibition to values not different from omapatrilat alone.

Conclusions and implications:

We demonstrated that bradykinin is degraded in vivo with an enzyme rank‐efficacy of ACE>APP≫NEP or DPPIV. These results suggest the effects of omapatrilat are mediated by inhibition of three BMEs, ACE/APP/NEP. However, dual inhibition of ACE/NEP or ACE/NEP/DPPIV elicits no increased risk of angioedema compared to ACE inhibition alone. Thus, novel BME inhibitors must display no activity against APP to avoid angioedema risk due to high prevalence of ACE inhibitor therapy in patients with diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 153, 947–955; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707641; published online 17 December 2007
Laminar flow past two rotating circular cylinders in a side-by-side arrangement
Authors: Yoon Hyun Sik , Kim Jeong Hu , Chun Ho Hwan , Choi Hee Jong
Published: December 2007

For the purpose of a careful analysis of the modification of flow by the combined effects of the rotation and the spacing between two cylinders on the flow, numerical simulations are performed at a various range of absolute rotational speeds (∣α∣≤2) for four different gap spacings of 3, 1.5, 0.7, and 0.2 at one Reynolds number of 100 showing the typical two-dimensional vortex shedding. As ∣α∣ increases, flow becomes stabilized and finally a steady state beyond the critical rotational speed depending on the gap spacing. In the cases of gap spacings of 3 and 0.2, the wake patterns keep the antiphase-synchronized pattern and the single bluff body pattern, respectively, until flow reaches the steady state. However, for the gap spacings of 1.5 and 0.7, the wake patterns change in the unsteady regime. For the gap spacing of 1.5, the wake pattern shows in-phase-synchronized, flip-flop and antiphase-synchronized patterns in turn according to ∣α∣. For the gap spacing of 0.7, the flip-flopping wake pattern is changed as the in-phase-synchronized pattern behind the cylinder with the one-row vortex street in downstream with increasing ∣α∣.
Preferred frequencies for three unconsolidated earth materials
Authors: Gilcrist Laura E. , Baker Gregory S. , Sen Surajit
Published: December 2007

Exploring near-surface mechanical wave propagation through cohesive and noncohesive soils is important for detecting buried objects (i.e., landmines and unexploded ordnance). Here, we determine that certain preferred frequencies travel through specific soils more efficiently. A controlled-frequency acoustic seismic source was developed to modulate the applied frequency and amplitude. Surface response due to continuous waves traveling through soils was recorded both instantaneously and after a finite load time. Preferred frequencies for sand, clay loam, and silt loam were measured to be 300–330, 100–140, and 140–260Hz, respectively. Observed frequency shifts were dependent upon applied amplitude and load time.
Microstructure and piezoelectric properties of lead-free (1−x)(Na0.5K0.5)NbO3-xCaTiO3 ceramics
Authors: Park Hwi-Yeol , Cho Kyung-Hoon , Paik Dong-Soo , Nahm Sahn , Lee Hyeung-Gyu , Kim Duk-Hee
Published: December 2007

The crystal structure of (1−x)(Na0.5K0.5)NbO3-xCaTiO3 ceramics began to change from orthorhombic to tetragonal at x≥0.03, then became a morphotropic phase boundary in which both the orthogonal and tetragonal phases coexisted at 0.03<x<0.07, and was converted to tetragonal structure at x≥0.07. The Curie temperature decreased with increasing x and the specimen became a relaxor at x≥0.03. A dense microstructure with large grains was developed at 0.04<x<0.07 due to liquid phase sintering. The relative density, grain size, and liquid phase considerably influenced the piezoelectric properties of the specimens. High piezoelectric properties of d33=241, kp=0.41, and ε3T/εo=1316 were obtained from the 0.95NKN-0.05CT ceramics sintered at 1050 °C for 2 h, indicating that the 0.95NKN-0.05 ceramic is a good candidate material for lead-free piezoelectric ceramics.
Recombination activity of interstitial chromium and chromium-boron pairs in silicon
Authors: Schmidt Jan , Krain Rafael , Bothe Karsten , Pensl Gerhard , Beljakowa Svetlana
Published: December 2007

The recombination activity of interstitial chromium (Cri) and pairs of interstitial chromium and substitutional boron (CriBs) in crystalline silicon is studied by combining temperature- and injection-dependent lifetime and deep-level transient spectroscopy measurements on intentionally chromium-contaminated n- and p-type silicon wafers. Cri as well as CriBs pairs are found to be one order of magnitude less recombination active than widely assumed. In the case of Cri, a defect energy level of EC−Et=0.24 eV, an electron capture cross section of σn=2×10−14 cm2, and a hole capture cross section of σp=4×10−15 cm2 are determined. For CriBs pairs, measurements on boron-doped p-type silicon result in Et−EV=0.28 eV, σn=5×10−15 cm2, and σp=1×10−14 cm2. Theoretical calculations using the Shockley–Read–Hall theory show that it depends crucially on the doping concentration whether Cri or CriBs is the more active recombination center. Using a calibration function calculated from the defect parameters determined in this study, lifetime changes measured before and after thermal dissociation of CriBs pairs can be used to determine the interstitial chromium concentration in boron-doped silicon.
Filamentation of a surface plasma wave over a semiconductor-free space interface
Authors: Kumar Gagan , Tripathi V. K.
Published: December 2007

A large amplitude surface plasma wave (SPW), propagating over a semiconductor-free space interface, is susceptible to filamentation instability. A small perturbation in the amplitude of the SPW across the direction of propagation exerts a ponderomotive force on free electrons and holes, causing spatial modulation in free carrier density and hence the effective permittivity εeff of the semiconductor. The regions with higher εeff attract more power from the nieghborhood, leading to the growth of the perturbation. The growth rate increases with the intensity of the surface wave. It decreases with the frequency of the SPW.
Bilayer- and bulk-heterojunction solar cells using liquid crystalline porphyrins as donors by solution processing
Authors: Sun Qingjiang , Dai Liming , Zhou Xiaoli , Li Lanfang , Li Quan
Published: December 2007

Bilayer- and bulk-heterojunction solar cells based on liquid crystalline porphyrins (donors) were fabricated by solution processing. These porphyrins are (i) highly absorptive over the wavelengths of the solar spectrum, (ii) having energy levels matched well with the electron acceptors and anode materials to facilitate charge separation and transfer, and (iii) of a unique homeotropically aligned architecture for efficient charge transport and light harvesting. Thermal annealing of these solar cells induced alignments of porphyrins in the photoactive layers, leading to a factor of 4–5 higher power conversion efficiencies and short circuit current densities than their counterpart devices without postannealing.
Formation of Ohmic hole injection by inserting an ultrathin layer of molybdenum trioxide between indium tin oxide and organic hole-transporting layers
Authors: Matsushima Toshinori , Kinoshita Yoshiki , Murata Hideyuki
Published: December 2007

Current density–voltage (J-V) characteristics of hole-only devices using indium tin oxide (ITO) anode and N,N′-diphenyl-N,N′-bis(1-naphthyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4,4′-diamine (α-NPD) layers were measured with various thicknesses of a molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) buffer layer inserted between ITO and α-NPD. The device with a 0.75-nm-thick MoO3 layer forms Ohmic hole injection at the ITO∕MoO3∕α-NPD interfaces and J-V characteristics of this device are controlled by a space-charge-limited current. Results of X-ray photoelectron and ultraviolet/visible/near-infrared absorption studies revealed that this Ohmic hole injection is attributable to an electron transfer from ITO and α-NPD to MoO3.
Magnetic field induced differential neutron phase contrast imaging
Authors: Strobl M. , Treimer W. , Walter P. , Keil S. , Manke I.
Published: December 2007

Besides the attenuation of a neutron beam penetrating an object, induced phase changes have been utilized to provide contrast in neutron and x-ray imaging. In analogy to differential phase contrast imaging of bulk samples, the refraction of neutrons by magnetic fields yields image contrast. Here, it will be reported how double crystal setups can provide quantitative tomographic images of magnetic fields. The use of magnetic air prisms adequate to split the neutron spin states enables a distinction of field induced phase shifts and these introduced by interaction with matter.
Seasonal variation in the value of subsoil water to wheat: simulation studies in southern New South Wales
Authors: Lilley J. M. , Kirkegaard J. A.
Published: December 2007

Water stored deep in the soil profile is valuable to crop yield but its availability and conversion to grain vary with preceding management and seasonal rainfall distribution. We investigated the value of subsoil water to wheat on the Red Kandosol soils in southern New South Wales, Australia, using the APSIM Wheat model, carefully validated for the study area. Simulation treatments over 106 years of historic climate data involved a factorial combination of (1) a preceding crop of either lucerne (Dry treatment) or a low-yielding wheat crop (Wet treatment) and (2) restriction of wheat root depth to either 1.2 or 1.8 m. Root access to the subsoil (1.2–1.8 m) increased wheat yield by an average of 0.6 and 0.3 t/ha for the Wet and Dry treatments, respectively, at Cootamundra (mean annual rainfall 624 mm) and by 0.5 and 0.1 t/ha at Ardlethan (mean annual rainfall 484 mm). The differences were principally related to the frequency with which the subsoil failed to wet up, which occurred in 8% and 39% of years at Cootamundra in Wet and Dry treatments, respectively, but in 21% and 79% of years at Ardlethan. In seasons where water from the subsoil was used, the mean value of the water for grain yield, expressed as marginal water-use efficiency (MWUE), was 30–36 kg/ha.mm at both sites. High MWUE (>60 kg/ha.mm) generally occurred in seasons of above-average rainfall when subsoil water facilitated extra post-anthesis water extraction, including that from upper soil layers, to realise the high yield potential. Low MWUE (<10 kg/ha.mm) occurred when re-translocation of pre-anthesis assimilate to grain in the 1.2 m treatment compensated for reduced subsoil water extraction and no yield difference between 1.2 and 1.8 m treatments was observed. Counter-intuitively, the results suggest that subsoil water will be of more value in higher rainfall environments due to its more frequent occurrence, and in above-average seasons due to more efficient conversion to grain.
Using plant wax markers to estimate diet composition and intakes of mixed forages in sheep by feeding a known amount of alkane-labelled supplement
Authors: Charmley E. , Dove H.
Published: December 2007

The feeding of known amounts of supplements to grazing animals can be accomplished relatively easily. If the supplement and the other diet components have distinctive profiles of cuticular wax n-alkanes, then the supplement intake and the alkane profiles of the supplement, other dietary components and faeces can be used to estimate the proportions and hence intakes of several forages by the grazing animal. However, this method requires knowledge of recoveries of n-alkanes in faeces. Twenty four wethers were fed one of four diets comprising equal combinations of 1, 2, 3 or 4 forages. Forages used were subterranean clover, phalaris, annual ryegrass and wheat straw. Forages were chopped using a chaff cutter and fed with solvent-extracted cottonseed meal (CSM) labelled with beeswax and synthetic C28 alkane to provide a characteristic alkane profile. Faecal grab samples were taken from sheep from 14 to 23 days after administration of an intra-ruminal controlled-release device (CRD) containing 1 g of each of C32 and C36 alkane. Total faeces were collected from half the sheep on each treatment in order to measure alkane recoveries in individual sheep. Faecal concentrations of the n-alkanes C25 to C31 and C33 were corrected for recovery using the individual sheep value, the treatment mean or the grand mean for all four treatments. Dietary compositions were then estimated from corrected faecal concentrations of n-alkanes using a least-squares procedure and, together with the known supplement intakes, were used to estimate the intakes of all other diet components. Estimates from this ‘labelled supplement’ method were compared with the amounts fed or those estimated using the alkanes derived from the CRD. The labelled supplement method accurately and precisely estimated dietary component proportions and intake for all treatments when measured recoveries for individual sheep were used. Precision declined when recovery was based on estimated recoveries for treatment means or the grand mean. Estimates of intake based on dietary C33 and the measured release rates of C32 or C36 alkanes from the CRD did not differ from measured intakes. Estimates based on the C32 : C31 alkane pair over-estimated intake. Estimates of whole-diet digestibility based on the various ways of estimating intake were all very close to the digestibilities calculated from directly-measured intakes and faecal outputs. It is concluded that the feeding of a known amount of supplement can be successfully used to estimate dietary proportions and hence intakes of diet components, in mixed diets with up to five ingredients, but this approach requires estimates of faecal alkane recovery.
Volume-Limited Dependent Galactic Model Parameters
Authors: Karaali S. , Bilir S. , Yaz E. , Hamzaoğlu E. , Buser R.
Published: December 2007

We estimate 34 sets of Galactic model parameters for three intermediate-latitude fields with Galactic longitudes l = 60°, l = 90°, and l = 180°, and we discussed their dependence on the volume. Also, we confirm the variation of these parameters with absolute magnitude and Galactic longitude. The star samples in two fields are restricted with bright and unit absolute-magnitude intervals, 4 < Mg ≤ 5, and 5 < Mg ≤ 6, whereas for the third field (l = 60°) a larger absolute-magnitude interval is adopted, 4 < Mg ≤ 10. The limiting apparent magnitudes of the star samples are g0 = 15 and g0 = 22.5 mag, which provide space densities within distances in the line of sight of ∼0.9 and 25 kpc.

The Galactic model parameters for the thin disc are not volume dependent. However, the ones for the thick disc and halo do show spectacular trends in their variation with volume, except for the scalelength of the thick disc. The local space density of the thick disc increases, whereas the scaleheight of the same Galactic component decreases monotonically. However, both model parameters approach asymptotic values at large distances.

The relative local space density of the halo estimated by fitting the density laws to the space densities evaluated for all volumes is constant, except for the small ones. However it is absolute-magnitude and Galactic longitude dependent. The axial ratio of the halo increases abruptly for the volumes where a thick disc is dominant, whereas it approaches an asymptotic value gradually for larger volumes, indicating a continuous transition from a disc-like structure to a spherical one at the outermost region of the Galaxy. The variation of the Galactic model parameters with absolute magnitude can be explained by their dependence on the stellar luminosity, whereas the variation with volume and Galactic longitude at short distances is a bias in analysis.
Responses to light changes in tropical seedlings of the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest tree species Cecropia glazioui (Cecropiaceae) and Cedrela fissilis (Meliaceae)
Authors: Paulilo Maria Terezinha Silveira , Duz Sonia Regina , Siminski Alexandre , Santos Marisa
Published: December 2007

This study analysed the behaviour of Cecropia glazioui Sneth. and Cedrela fissilis Vell. seedlings across a 2–50% full sun light gradient. The morphological adjustments of the seedlings to the different light regimes were interpreted as means of light interception in low light and avoidance of water stress in high light conditions. Cecropia seedlings showed greater trait plasticity at the 2–15% light interval, whereas Cedrela seedlings showed a slight tendency to present greater trait plasticity at the 15–30% light interval than the 2–15% interval. The seedlings of both species did not fully acclimate to decreasing light, showing lower values for the mean relative growth rate (RGR) components, leaf area ratio (LAR) and net assimilation rate (NAR) than seedlings under constant low light, but acclimated to increasing light, showing higher values for RGR components than seedlings under constant high light. The general responses to light gradient in these two species indicate their relative tolerance and ability to grow at low and high light and provide traits used in coping with gap dynamics. The results also indicated that the two species differed in their shade tolerance.
Genetic variation in the widespread Embothrium coccineum (Proteaceae) endemic to Patagonia: effects of phylogeny and historical events
Authors: Souto Cintia P. , Premoli Andrea C.
Published: December 2007

Allozyme electrophoresis was used to measure and compare, with other members of the Proteaceae, levels and distribution of genetic diversity in Embothrium coccineum J.R.Forst., a widespread outcrossing species endemic of Andean Patagonian forests. We analysed variation at the species level by sampling 34 populations along its entire range of ~20° latitude. We tested the hypothesis of multiple Pleistocene refugia by phylogeographic methods. We resolved 16 isozyme loci assayed in 934 adult trees. At the species level, total genetic diversity (HT = 0.220) was similar to that of other outcrossed and widespread plant species. Genetic parameters (NA, PSS, HE) were not statistically different from other outcrossed but mostly range-restricted Proteaceae, reflecting a strong phylogenetic imprinting for species sharing life-history traits. Populations are genetically divergent among each other (FST = 0.202). The low correlation between geographic and genetic distances suggests separate histories, i.e. multiple glacial refugia for the cold-tolerant E. coccineum. Phylogeographic trees produced different topologies, although maximum likelihood and parsimony trees shared some elements. Both trees suggest a northern and central clade, and then a separate southern clade. Current processes such as gene flow and selection confound the historic signal. These results seem in contrast to many of the northern hemisphere post-glacial phylogeographic reconstructions which show clear historical tracks of northern range expansion from southern refugia. The present study highlights the importance of phylogenetic imprinting, life-history traits and historical events driving genetic diversity patterns in this widespread Proteaceae from southern South America.
Endangered wild populations of endemic Calanthe orchids on an isolated Japanese island tested for viruses
Authors: Kawakami Kiyohisa , Fuji Shin-ichi , Miyoshi Kazumitsu
Published: December 2007

Leaf samples of endangered endemic orchid Calanthe izu-insularis Ohwi & Satomi collected at the time of full-bloom from two natural habitats on Mikurajima Island on (33°50′N, 139°37′E), ~200 km south of Tokyo, Japan, were examined for nine species of virus. Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) was detected by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) and hybridisation in 4 of the 104 leaf samples from different plants of C. izu-insularis. Five plants were removed from their natural habitat and cultivated in a greenhouse. Concentrations of detectable CMV in these plants increased and CMV was detected in all five plants after 2 weeks of cultivation. However, after an additional 10 weeks of cultivation, CMV was not detected in any of the plants. Thus, it seems possible that almost all of the plants of this species in their natural habitat might harbour CMV at concentrations that are lower than the limit of detection by RT–PCR and hybridisation. The importance of these results for the conservation in situ is discussed.
Comparing landscape-based decision rules for placement of fuel treatments in the boreal mixedwood of western Canada
Authors: Parisien Marc-André , Junor David R. , Kafka Victor G.
Published: December 2007

The present study used a rule-based approach to prioritise locations of fuel treatments in the boreal mixedwood forest of western Canada. The analysis, which was conducted in and around Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan, was based on burn probability (BP) mapping using the Burn-P3 (Probability, Prediction, and Planning) model. Fuel treatment locations were determined according to three rule-sets and five fuel treatment intensities. Fuel treatments were located according to BP only; jurisdictional boundaries and BP; and non-flammable landscape features, BP, and fuel treatment orientation. First, a baseline BP map was created from the original (i.e. unmodified) fuels grid. Fuel treatments were then added to the selected areas and BP maps produced for each combination of rule-set and treatment intensity. BP values for the treated landscapes were compared with those of the baseline BP map. Results varied substantially among scenarios. Locating fuel treatments as a function of the jurisdictional boundaries and BP yielded the lowest reduction in BP. Results suggest that clumping fuel treatments within a limited area or using landscape features to maximise the large-scale spatial benefits of the fuel treatments can significantly reduce landscape-level BP. Although these two strategies may produce similar overall reductions in BP, their appropriateness and utility depend on management objectives.
Simulation of long-term landscape-level fuel treatment effects on large wildfires
Authors: Finney Mark A. , Seli Rob C. , McHugh Charles W. , Ager Alan A. , Bahro Bernhard , Agee James K.
Published: December 2007

A simulation system was developed to explore how fuel treatments placed in topologically random and optimal spatial patterns affect the growth and behaviour of large fires when implemented at different rates over the course of five decades. The system consisted of a forest and fuel dynamics simulation module (Forest Vegetation Simulator, FVS), logic for deriving fuel model dynamics from FVS output, a spatial fuel treatment optimisation program, and a spatial fire growth and behaviour model to evaluate the performance of the treatments in modifying large fire growth. Simulations were performed for three study areas: Sanders County in western Montana, the Stanislaus National Forest in California, and the Blue Mountains in south-eastern Washington. For different spatial treatment strategies, the results illustrated that the rate of fuel treatment (percentage of land area treated per decade) competes against the rates of fuel recovery to determine how fuel treatments contribute to multidecade cumulative impacts on the response variables. Using fuel treatment prescriptions that simulate thinning and prescribed burning, fuel treatment arrangements that are optimal in disrupting the growth of large fires require at least 1 to 2% of the landscape to be treated each year. Randomly arranged units with the same treatment prescriptions require about twice that rate to produce the same fire growth reduction. The results also show that the topological fuel treatment optimisation tends to balance maintenance of previous units with treatment of new units. For example, with 2% landscape treatment annually, fewer than 5% of the units received three or more treatments in five decades with most being treated only once or twice and ~35% remaining untreated after five decades.
A fuel treatment reduces fire severity and increases suppression efficiency in a mixed conifer forest
Authors: Moghaddas Jason J. , Craggs Larry
Published: December 2007

Fuel treatments are being implemented on public and private lands across the western United States. Although scientists and managers have an understanding of how fuel treatments can modify potential fire behaviour under modelled conditions, there is limited information on how treatments perform under real wildfire conditions in Sierran mixed conifer forests. The Bell Fire started on 22 September 2005 on the Plumas National Forest, CA. This fire burned upslope into a 1-year old, 158-ha mechanical fuel treatment on private land. Prior to coming into contact with the fuel treatment, the main fire ignited spot fires 400 feet (122 metres) into the treated area. Overall, this fuel treatment resulted in: (1) increased penetration of retardant to surface fuels; (2) improved visual contact between fire crews and the Incident Commander; (3) safe access to the main fire; and (4) quick suppression of spot fires. This treatment was relatively small and isolated from other fuel treatments but resulted in decreased severity, suppression costs and post-fire rehabilitation needs, leading to cost savings for local public and private land managers.