bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The band structure-matched and highly spin-polarized Co2CrZ/Cu2CrAl Heusler alloys interface
Authors: Ko V. , Han G. , Qiu J. , Feng Y. P.
Published: November 2009

Here we present a lattice- and band-matched nonmagnetic L21 Heusler alloy spacer for Co2CrZ Heusler alloys where Z=Si or Al. By first principle calculations, we find that the band structure matching is almost perfectly satisfied when they are interfaced with Cu2CrAl. Despite the loss of half-metallicity due to interface states, our calculations show that the spin polarization at these band-matched (001) interfaces is higher than 80%. These lattice-matched Co2CrZ/Cu2CrAl interfaces with excellent band matching and enhanced spin scattering asymmetry are promising for all-metallic current-perpendicular-to-plane giant magnetoresistance device applications.
Spectrum of a passive scalar in moderate Reynolds number homogeneous isotropic turbulence
Authors: Danaila L. , Antonia R. A.
Published: November 2009

For moderate Reynolds numbers, the spectral scaling exponents of both velocity [E(k)∝k−mu] and the transported passive scalar [Eθ(k)∝k−mθ] fields exhibit departures from the asymptotic prediction mu=mθ=5/3. However, at the same Reynolds number, the passive scalar spectrum for homogeneous isotropic turbulence is closer to the universal asymptotic state than the dynamic velocity field that transports it. This paper provides a possible explanation for this behavior, in the case of a gaseous mixing with Prandtl (or Schmidt) number Pr≃1. A scenario of the scalar energy transfer toward higher wavenumbers is proposed and validated using experimental data, in which the velocity field itself is actively involved via its characteristic time. A direct relationship between velocity and scalar spectra and therefore between mu and mθ is thus established.
Free energy landscape for the translocation of polymer through an interacting pore
Authors: Sun Li-Zhen , Cao Wei-Ping , Luo Meng-Bo
Published: November 2009

Free energy landscapes for polymer chain translocating through an interacting pore are calculated by using exact enumeration method. A potential barrier exists at weak attractive or repulsive polymer-pore interaction and it changes to a potential well with the increase in the attraction. The result reveals that there is a free translocation point where polymer is free of energy barrier. Using the free energy landscape, the translocation time τ for polymer worming through the pore and the migration time τm for polymer migrating from cis side to trans side are calculated with the Fokker–Plank equation. It shows that a moderate attractive polymer-pore interaction accelerates the migration of polymer from cis side to trans side.
Intensity modulation of terahertz quantum cascade lasers under external light injection
Authors: Sekine Norihiko , Hosako Iwao
Published: November 2009

We investigated the light-current characteristics of terahertz (THz) quantum cascade lasers under external light injection, which excites interband transitions in the active materials. It was found that the amount of reduction in the THz power was constant for all injection currents above threshold, and the dependence of the reduction amount on the wavelength of the external light was observed to show a resonancelike feature. The dominant intensity modulation mechanism was found to be the loss change caused by interband transitions in the active region. Further, the effective coupling efficiency plays an important role in the intensity modulation.
Thermal behavior of hard-axis magnetization in noninteracting particles with uniaxial anisotropy
Authors: Ilievski F. , Cuchillo A. , Nunes W. , Knobel M. , Ross C. A. , Vargas P.
Published: November 2009

Experimental evidence is presented to support predictions made by an analytical model describing the temperature-dependent behavior of an assembly of noninteracting magnetic nanoparticles with uniaxial anisotropy under an external field. When the applied field is smaller than the anisotropy field of the particles and is oriented perpendicular to the easy axis, a maximum of the magnetization occurs at finite temperature. The theory shows good agreement with measurements of an array of CoCrPt nanoislands with uniaxial anisotropy. Deviations are discussed taking into account the thermal dependencies of the saturation magnetization and the anisotropy of the magnetic material.
Chaperone domains convert prolyl isomerases into generic catalysts of protein folding
Authors: Jakob Roman P. , Zoldák Gabriel , Aumüller Tobias , Schmid Franz X.
Published: November 2009

Thecis/transisomerization of peptide bonds before proline (prolyl bonds) is a rate-limiting step in many protein folding reactions, and it is used to switch between alternate functional states of folded proteins. Several prolyl isomerases of the FK506-binding protein family, such as trigger factor, SlyD, and FkpA, contain chaperone domains and are assumed to assist protein folding in vivo. The prolyl isomerase activity of FK506-binding proteins strongly depends on the nature of residue Xaa of the Xaa-Pro bond. We confirmed this in assays with a library of tetrapeptides in which position Xaa was occupied by all 20 aa. A high sequence specificity seems inconsistent with a generic function of prolyl isomerases in protein folding. Accordingly, we constructed a library of protein variants with all 20 aa at position Xaa before a rate-limitingcisproline and used it to investigate the performance of trigger factor and SlyD as catalysts of proline-limited folding. The efficiencies of both prolyl isomerases were higher than in the tetrapeptide assays, and, intriguingly, this high activity was almost independent of the nature of the residue before the proline. Apparently, the almost indiscriminate binding of the chaperone domain to the refolding protein chain overrides the inherently high sequence specificity of the prolyl isomerase site. The catalytic performance of these folding enzymes is thus determined by generic substrate recognition at the chaperone domain and efficient transfer to the active site in the prolyl isomerase domain.
Transition state analogues in structures of ricin and saporin ribosome-inactivating proteins
Authors: Ho Meng-Chiao , Sturm Matthew B. , Almo Steven C. , Schramm Vern L.
Published: November 2009

Ricin A-chain (RTA) and saporin-L1 (SAP) catalyze adenosine depurination of 28S rRNA to inhibit protein synthesis and cause cell death. We present the crystal structures of RTA and SAP in complex with transition state analogue inhibitors. These tight-binding inhibitors mimic the sarcin–ricin recognition loop of 28S rRNA and the dissociative ribocation transition state established for RTA catalysis. RTA and SAP share unique purine-binding geometry with quadruple π-stacking interactions between adjacent adenine and guanine bases and 2 conserved tyrosines. An arginine at one end of the π-stack provides cationic polarization and enhanced leaving group ability to the susceptible adenine. Common features of these ribosome-inactivating proteins include adenine leaving group activation, a remarkable lack of ribocation stabilization, and conserved glutamates as general bases for activation of the H
2
O nucleophile. Catalytic forces originate primarily from leaving group activation evident in both RTA and SAP in complex with transition state analogues.
Escape from the noun phrase
Authors: Epps Patience
Published: November 2009

This paper deals with the evolution of certain subordinating constructions in Hup, a Nadahup (Makú) language of the northwest Amazon. Internal reconstruction, informed by close resemblances among synchronically attested clause types, suggests that Hup’s headless relative clause has given rise to a converb construction, a subtype of adverbial in which a dedicated verb form modifies a main clause. This development provides new insight into the origins of converbs and sheds light on the crosslinguistically common resemblance between relative and adverbial constructions more generally. Additionally, the Hup converbal clause has itself developed a main clause function, and the subordinating morphology employed by the relative and converb constructions is associated with topicalization. The transitions undergone by these structures in Hup contribute to our understanding of the diachronic pathways that may be taken by clauses once they have attained syntactic complexity.
The role of scaffold proteins in JNK signalling
Authors: Engström W. , Ward A. , Moorwood K.
Published: November 2009

This paper summarises how scaffold proteins affects and regulate the JNK signalling pathway. We believe that some of these scaffold proteins, by virtue of their anchoring and catalytic properties contribute to a high degree of specificity of intra cellular signalling pathways that regulate the progression through the cell cycle.
Submerged macrophytes as indicators of the ecological quality of lakes
Authors: SØNDERGAARD MARTIN , JOHANSSON LISELOTTE S. , LAURIDSEN TORBEN L. , JØRGENSEN TORBEN B. , LIBORIUSSEN LONE , JEPPESEN ERIK
Published: November 2009

1. We analysed submerged macrophyte communities from 300 Danish lakes to determine the efficacy of different species, maximum colonisation depth (Cmax) of plants as well as coverage and plant volume inhabited (PVI) as indicators of eutrophication.

2. Most species occurred at a wide range of phosphorus and chlorophyll a (Chla) concentrations, but some species of isoetids (Lobelia, Isoëtes) and Potamogeton (Potamogeton gramineus, Potamogeton alpinus and Potamogeton filiformis) were mainly found at low nutrient concentrations and hence may be considered as indicators of nutrient poor conditions. However, species typically found in nutrient‐rich conditions, such as Elodea canadensis and Potamogeton pectinatus, were also found at total phosphorus (TP) <0.02 mg P L−1 and Chla <5 μg L−1 and therefore cannot be considered as reliable indicators of eutrophic conditions.

3. Submerged macrophyte coverage, PVI and the Cmax were negatively correlated with TP and Chla. However, variability among lakes was high and no clear thresholds were observed. At TP between 0.03 and 0.07 mg P L−1 plant coverage in shallow lakes ranged from nearly 0 to 100%, whilst at concentrations between 0.10 and 0.20 mg P L−1 only 29% of the lakes had coverage >10%. Cmax was found to be a useful indicator only in deep lakes with unvegetated areas in the deeper part, whereas the use of coverage was restricted to shallow lakes or shallow areas of deep lakes.

4. Overall, submerged macrophytes responded clearly to eutrophication, but the metrics investigated here showed no well‐defined thresholds. We developed a simple index based on species richness, presence of indicator species, coverage and Cmax, which might be used to track major changes in macrophyte communities and for lake classification.
The impact of nurse empowerment on job satisfaction
Authors: Ning Sun , Zhong He , Libo Wang , Qiujie Li
Published: November 2009

Title.  The impact of nurse empowerment on job satisfaction.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to test Kanter’s organizational empowerment theoretical model specifying the relationships among demographics, structural empowerment, and job satisfaction.

Background.  Empowerment has become an increasingly important factor in determining nurses’ job satisfaction in current restructured work environments in China.

Methods.  A correlational, cross‐sectional design was used to test Kanter’s organizational empowerment model with a sample of 650 full‐time nurses employed in six Chinese hospitals in 2007, with a response rate of 92% (n = 598). The instruments used were the Demographic Data Questionnaire, Conditions of Work Effectiveness Questionnaire‐II, and Job Satisfaction Scale.

Results.  The three lowest scoring items for Conditions of Work Effectiveness Questionnaire‐II were resources, opportunity and informal power. The job satisfaction items revealing most dissatisfaction were workload and compensation, professional promotion, amount of work responsibility, work environments, and organizational policies. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between empowerment and job satisfaction (r = 0·547, P < 0·01). The demographic factors influencing empowerment were work objectives and age. The influencing factors for job satisfaction were work objectives and education level.

Conclusion.  The results provide support for Kanter’s organizational empowerment theory in the Chinese nurse population. Nurses who view their work environments as empowering are more likely to provide high quality care. Enhancing empowerment in a supportive environment would allow nurses to experience satisfaction with their jobs.
Pathogenicity of biological control agents for livestock ectoparasites: a simulation analysis
Authors: ROSE H. , WALL R.
Published: November 2009

The management of arthropod ectoparasites of livestock currently relies largely on the use of neurotoxic chemicals. However, concerns over the development of resistance, as well as operator and environmental contamination, have stimulated research into alternative approaches to their control, including the use of biological pathogens. The search for suitable pathogens often focuses on identifying the most highly virulent agents for application. However, practical issues such as the ability of a pathogen to penetrate to the skin through hair or wool, tolerance of high skin surface temperatures and high residual activity may mean that the most virulent pathogens are not necessarily the most appropriate for commercial application. Here, a simulation model is constructed and used to highlight a range of key features which characterize suitable pathogens for such application. Sensitivity analysis shows that even a relatively low probability of infection following contact between infectious and susceptible individuals may give acceptable control, providing it is counterbalanced by higher survival of both infected and infectious parasite hosts in order to allow the rate of transmission to exceed the threshold required to suppress parasite population growth. The model highlights the need for studies attempting to identify sustainable biocontrol agents to explore the use of pathogens which have a range of the characteristics that contribute to overall pathogenicity, but which are also most compatible with practical application systems.
Seasonal abundance of anopheline mosquitoes and their association with rainfall and malaria along the Matapí River, Amapí, Brazil
Authors: GALARDO A. K. R. , ZIMMERMAN R. H. , LOUNIBOS L. P. , YOUNG L. J. , GALARDO C. D. , ARRUDA M. , D'ALMEIDA COUTO A. A. R.
Published: November 2009

Three communities separated by 1.5–7.0 km, along the Matapí River, Amapá State, Brazil, were sampled monthly from April 2003 to November 2005 to determine relationships between seasonal abundance of host‐seeking anophelines, rainfall and malaria cases. Out of the 759 821 adult female anophelines collected, Anopheles darlingi Root (Diptera: Culicidae) was the most abundant (56.2%) followed by An. marajoara Galvão & Damasceno (24.6%), An. nuneztovari Gabaldón (12.4%), An. intermedius (Chagas) (4.4%) and An. triannulatus (Neiva and Pinto) (2.3%). Vector abundance, as measured by human landing catches, fluctuated during the course of the study and varied in species‐specific ways with seasonal patterns of rainfall. Anopheles darlingi and An. triannulatus were more abundant during the wet‐dry transition period in June to August, whereas An. marajoara began to increase in abundance in February in two villages, and during the wet‐dry transition in the other village. Anopheles nuneztovari and An. intermedius increased in abundance shortly after the rains began in January to February. A generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) analysis of 32 consecutive months of collections showed significant differences in abundance for each species by village and date (P < 0.0001). Correlations between lagged rainfall and abundances also differed among species. A strong positive correlation of An. darlingi abundance with rainfall lagged by 4 and 5 months (Pearson's r = 0.472–0.676) was consistent among villages and suggests that rainfall may predict vector abundance. Significant correlations were detected between numbers of malaria cases and abundances of suspected vector species. The present study shows how long‐term field research may connect entomological and climatological correlates with malaria incidence.
Navigating ethical discharge planning: A case study in older adult rehabilitation
Authors: Durocher Evelyne , Gibson Barbara E.
Published: November 2009

Background:  Ethical issues are becoming more complex as individuals live longer with increased disability and medical needs. This article elucidates common ethical issues encountered in discharge planning with older adults.

Methods:  We conducted normative ethical analysis of a clinical case using methods of philosophical inquiry, including thick description, reflexivity, conceptual clarification and examination of competing arguments for internal consistency.

Results:  The analysis demonstrates how health‐care teams struggle to balance protection from harm while honouring informed choices. We argue that ethical discharge planning requires judicious identification of client values, even if these conflict with team determinations of best interests.

Conclusion:  Dialogue is needed to identify risks, help clients determine their personal level of acceptable risk and determine provisions to minimise risks.
Hypermethylation downregulates Runx3 gene expression and its restoration suppresses gastric epithelial cell growth by inducing p27 and caspase3 in human gastric cancer
Authors: Chen Weichang , Gao Nan , Shen Yuling , Cen Jian‐nong
Published: November 2009

Background and Aims:  Runx family transcription factors are integral components of transforming growth factor‐β signaling pathways and have been implicated in cell cycle regulation, differentiation, apoptosis, and malignant transformation. The silencing of tumor suppressor genes by aberrant hypermethylation occurs frequently in human cancer. It has been noted previously that Runx3 is regarded as an important tumor suppressor gene.

Methods:  Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to measure Runx3 and the DNA methyltransferase 1 (Dnmt1) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression level of paired samples of primary gastric cancer and corresponding non‐cancerous gastric mucosae, which were obtained from surgically resected specimens of 70 patients. Western blot was used to detect the expression of Runx3 at protein levels. The promoter methylation status was measured by using methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction. We used Annexin V‐FITC/PI assay to detect cell apoptosis, and the cell cycle was also analyzed. In order to examine the cell cycle and/or apoptosis, we determined p27 and caspase 3 expression by immunohistological analysis.

Results:  Our results demonstrate a loss or substantial decrease of Runx3 expression in 70 cases of gastric tumors as compared with that in normal gastric mucosa (0.5749 ± 0.3580 vs 1.7252 ± 0.4085, P < 0.05). The protein levels of the Runx3 gene were significantly lower in gastric cancers than those in adjacent normal tissues. The hypermethylation of Runx3 was involved in 50% (28/56) of gastric cancer tissues, which had reduced Runx3 mRNA expression. The differences of the Dnmt1 mRNA level were significant between the methylated and unmethylated Runx3 cancerous groups. Runx3 methylation was significantly correlated with increased Dnmt1 (r = 0.64, P < 0.01). Enforced restoration of Runx3 expression led to the induction of cell apoptosis and upregulation of p27 and caspase3 expression in vitro.

Conclusions:  Our results suggest that a decrease of Runx3 expression by DNA hypermethylation is frequently associated with the evolution of gastric cancer. Runx3 was an independent prognostic factor and a potential therapeutic target for gastric cancer.
Corporate communication of financial risk
Authors: Taylor Grantley , Tower Greg , Neilson John
Published: November 2009

This study provides insights on the Financial Risk Management Disclosure (FRMD) patterns of Australian listed resource companies for the 2002–2006 period leading up to and immediately following adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Regression analysis demonstrates that corporate governance and capital raisings of firms are significant and positively associated with FRMD patterns. In contrast, overseas stock exchange listing of firms is significantly negatively associated with FRMD patterns. The findings show that the introduction of IFRS changes corporation’s willingness to communicate risk information.
Agency problems and audit fees: further tests of the free cash flow hypothesis
Authors: Griffin Paul A. , Lont David H. , Sun Yuan
Published: November 2009

This study finds that the agency problems of companies with high free cash flow (FCF) and low growth opportunities induce auditors of companies in the US to raise audit fees to compensate for the additional effort. We also find that high FCF companies with high growth prospects have higher audit fees. In both cases, higher debt levels moderate the increased fees, consistent with the role of debt as a monitoring mechanism. Other mechanisms to mitigate the agency costs of FCF such as dividend payout and share repurchase (not studied earlier) do not moderate the higher audit fees.
Underwriter reputation, earnings management and the long‐run performance of initial public offerings
Authors: Chang Shao‐Chi , Chung Tsai‐Yen , Lin Wen‐Chun
Published: November 2009

This study contributes to the extant literature on the nature of earnings management surrounding initial public offerings (IPOs) by investigating the role of underwriter reputation. We argue that prestigious underwriters will protect their reputation by carefully monitoring and certifying financial information on IPO firms, thereby limiting any potential earnings manipulation. As a result, those IPO firms that are associated with more prestigious underwriters are likely to exhibit substantially less‐aggressive earnings management. Conversely, we find the existence of a negative relationship between earnings management and the post‐offer performance of an IPO firm’s stocks only for those firms associated with less‐prestigious underwriters.
Transthyretin as a potential CSF biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies: effects of treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors
Authors: Schultz K. , Nilsson K. , Nielsen J. E. , Lindquist S. G. , Hjermind L. E. , Andersen B. B. , Wallin A. , Nilsson C. , Petersén Å.
Published: November 2009

Background:  Previous studies have indicated that transthyretin (TTR) levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are altered in depression and dementia. The present study aimed to investigate whether CSF TTR can be used to discriminate between patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) with or without medication, as well as to reveal whether CSF TTR correlates with depression in dementia.

Methods:  CSF samples from 59 patients with AD, 13 patients with DLB and 13 healthy controls were collected, and biochemical analysis was performed. Subjects were assessed for the presence of depression.

Results:  No significant differences in CSF TTR were found between AD, DLB, and control subjects or between depressed and non‐depressed dementia patients. Interestingly, we found a significant reduction in CSF TTR (14%) in AD patients who were medicated with cholinesterase inhibitors compared to those AD patients who were not.

Conclusions:  Significant reductions in CSF TTR were found after cholinesterase inhibitor treatment in patients with AD compared to untreated individuals. CSF TTR was unaltered in patients with DLB and had no relationship to depression in the present cohort with dementias.
Changes in regional cerebral blood flow in the right cortex homologous to left language areas are directly affected by left hemispheric damage in aphasic stroke patients: evaluation by Tc‐ECD SPECT and novel analytic software
Authors: Uruma G. , Kakuda W. , Abo M.
Published: November 2009

Background:  The objective of this study was to clarify the influence of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) changes in language‐relevant areas of the dominant hemisphere on rCBF in each region in the non‐dominant hemisphere in post‐stroke aphasic patients.

Methods:  The study subjects were 27 aphasic patients who suffered their first symptomatic stroke in the left hemisphere. In each subject, we measured rCBF by means of 99mTc‐ethylcysteinate dimmer single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The SPECT images were analyzed by the statistical imaging analysis programs easy Z‐score Imaging System (eZIS) and voxel‐based stereotactic extraction estimation (vbSEE). Segmented into Brodmann Area (BA) levels, Regions of Interest (ROIs) were set in language‐relevant areas bilaterally, and changes in the relative rCBF as average negative and positive Z‐values were computed fully automatically. To assess the relationship between rCBF changes of each ROIs in the left and right hemispheres, the Spearman ranked correlation analysis and stepwise multiple regression analysis were applied.

Results:  Globally, a negative and asymmetric influence of rCBF changes in the language‐relevant areas of the dominant hemisphere on the right hemisphere was found. The rCBF decrease in left BA22 significantly influenced the rCBF increase in right BA39, BA40, BA44 and BA45.

Conclusions:  The results suggested that the chronic increase in rCBF in the right language‐relevant areas is due at least in part to reduction in the trancallosal inhibitory activity of the language‐dominant left hemisphere caused by the stroke lesion itself and that these relationships are not always symmetric.
Transboundary Crises through the Eyes of Policymakers: Sense Making and Crisis Management
Authors: Hermann Margaret G. , Dayton Bruce W.
Published: November 2009

If the world of crisis is changing, it is crucial to understand how policymakers perceive these new, transboundary threats. This article explores how policymakers made sense of such crises in 81 cases. The findings indicate that how much time urgency and surprise the policymakers perceived accompanied a transboundary threat helped to shape the nature of their decision‐making process and how they managed the crisis. The data suggest that researchers and practitioners can gain an idea of how a crisis is likely to be managed by ascertaining how policymakers are viewing the triggering event.
Sexual selection and animal personality
Authors: Schuett Wiebke , Tregenza Tom , Dall Sasha R. X.
Published: November 2009

Consistent individual behavioural tendencies, termed “personalities”, have been identified in a wide range of animals. Functional explanations for personality have been proposed, but as yet, very little consideration has been given to a possible role for sexual selection in maintaining differences in personality and its stability within individuals. We provide an overview of the available literature on the role of personality traits in intrasexual competition and mate choice in both human and non‐human animals and integrate this into a framework for considering how sexual selection can generate and maintain personality. For this, we consider the evolution and maintenance of both main aspects of animal personality: inter‐individual variation and intra‐individual consistency.
‘It's like being in a zoo.’ Researching with people with intellectual disability
Authors: Dowse Leanne
Published: November 2009

This paper introduces key debates in the contemporary practice of disability research and examines how these apply to conceptualising, designing and conducting research with people with intellectual disability. Specifically, it describes a collaborative action‐oriented reflexive approach to researching the lived experience of people with intellectual disability in self‐advocacy, offering a ‘reflective reprocessing’ of the methodological traditions, decisions, complexities and inadequacies of approaches to researching with such people. Emphasis on mutuality and the co‐construction of research agendas, interpretative frames and meanings is a method that has rarely been seen in research practice in intellectual disability. The approach described enables a merging of the skills of the ‘researcher’ and the ‘researched’ to create a process of integrated inquiry and reflection. It promises the possibility of new forms of co‐produced social knowledge about intellectual disability and self‐advocacy, with explicitly emancipatory values and assumptions.
Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) induced by cefotaxime
Authors: Chaabane Amel , Aouam Karim , Gassab Lies , Njim Leila , Boughattas Naceur A.
Published: November 2009

We report a case of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) after cefotaxime use confirmed by a positive patch test. A 30‐year‐old woman received cefotaxime, fosfomycin and ciprofloxacin for sinusitis. Twelve days after drug initiation, she developed an extending pustular erythema associated with fever. Laboratory investigations showed marked leukocytosis. His blood chemistry was normal. The histological examination showed parakeratosis, spongiosis and nonfollicular intra‐epidermal pustules consistent with AGEP. All medications were withdrawn. The symptoms resolved within 11 days after cefotaxime discontinuation. Patch tests were positive to cefotaxime after 48 h, while ciprofloxacin and fosfomycin yielded negative findings. Based on the Naranjo algorithm, it is probable that AGEP reaction was caused by cefotaxime. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of AGEP associated with positive cefotaxime patch testing.
High Resolution Imaging of Latent Fingerprints by Localized Corrosion on Brass Surfaces
Authors: Goddard Alex J. , Hillman A. Robert , Bond John W.
Published: November 2009

Abstract:  The Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) is capable of imaging fingerprint ridges on polished brass substrates at an unprecedented level of detail. While exposure to elevated humidity at ambient or slightly raised temperatures does not change the image appreciably, subsequent brief heating in a flame results in complete loss of the sweat deposit and the appearance of pits and trenches. Localized elemental analysis (using EDAX, coupled with SEM imaging) shows the presence of the constituents of salt in the initial deposits. Together with water and atmospheric oxygen—and with thermal enhancement—these are capable of driving a surface corrosion process. This process is sufficiently localized that it has the potential to generate a durable negative topographical image of the fingerprint. AFM examination of surface regions between ridges revealed small deposits (probably microscopic “spatter” of sweat components or transferred particulates) that may ultimately limit the level of ridge detail analysis.
Change within and among forest communities: the influence of historic disturbance, environmental gradients, and community attributes
Authors: Bunn Windy A. , Jenkins Michael A. , Brown Claire B. , Sanders Nathan J.
Published: November 2009

Understanding how ecological communities change over time is critical for biodiversity conservation, but few long‐term studies directly address decadal‐scale changes in both the within‐ and among‐community components of diversity. In this study, we use a network of permanent forest vegetation plots, established in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (USA) in 1978, to examine the factors that influence change in community composition within and among communities. In 2007, we resampled 15 plots that were logged in the late 1920s and 15 plots that had no documented history of intensive human disturbance. We found that understory species richness decreased by an average of 4.3 species over the 30‐yr study period in the logged plots, but remained relatively unchanged in the unlogged plots. In addition, tree density decreased by an average of 145 stems ha−1 in the logged plots, but was relatively stable in the unlogged plots. However, we found that historic logging had no effect on within‐community understory or tree compositional turnover during this time period. Instead, sites at lower elevations and sites with lower understory biomass in 1978 had higher understory compositional turnover than did sites at higher elevations and sites with higher understory biomass. In addition, sites with lower soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) and with lower tree basal area in 1978 had higher tree compositional turnover than did sites with higher soil CEC and higher tree basal area. Among‐community similarity was unchanged from 1978 to 2007 for both the logged and unlogged plots. Overall, our results indicate that human disturbance can affect plant communities for decades, but the extent of temporal change in community composition may nevertheless depend more on environmental gradients and community attributes.
Substrate specificity and inhibition of brassinin hydrolases, detoxifying enzymes from the plant pathogens Leptosphaeria maculans and Alternaria brassicicola
Authors: Pedras M. Soledade C. , Minic Zoran , Sarma‐Mamillapalle Vijay K.
Published: November 2009

Blackleg (Leptosphaeria maculans and Leptosphaeria biglobosa) and black spot (Alternaria brassicicola) fungi are devastating plant pathogens known to detoxify the plant defence metabolite, brassinin. The significant roles of brassinin as a crucifer phytoalexin and as a biosynthetic precursor of several other plant defences make it important in plant fitness. Brassinin detoxifying enzymes produced by L. maculans and A. brassicicola catalyse the detoxification of brassinin by hydrolysis of its dithiocarbamate group to indolyl‐3‐methanamine. The purification and characterization of brassinin hydrolases produced by L. maculans (BHLmL2) and A. brassicicola (BHAb) were accomplished: native BHLmL2 was found to be a tetrameric protein with a molecular mass of 220 kDa, whereas native BHAb was found to be a dimeric protein of 120 kDa. Protein characterization using LC‐MS/MS and sequence alignment analyses suggested that both enzymes belong to the family of amidases with the catalytic Ser/Ser/Lys triad. Furthermore, chemical modification of BHLmL2 and BHAb with selective reagents suggested that the amino acid serine was involved in the catalytic activity of both enzymes. The overall results indicated that BHs have new substrate specificities with a new catalytic activity that can be designated as dithiocarbamate hydrolase. Investigation of the effect of various phytoalexins on the activities of BHLmL2 and BHAb indicated that cyclobrassinin was a competitive inhibitor of both enzymes. On the basis of pH dependence, sequence analyses, chemical modifications of amino acid residues and identification of headspace volatiles, a chemical mechanism for hydrolysis of the dithiocarbamate group of brassinin catalysed by BHLmL2 and BHAb is proposed. The current information should facilitate the design of specific synthetic inhibitors of these enzymes for plant treatments against blackleg and black spot fungal infections.
Watershed erosion risk assessment and management utilizing revised universal soil loss equation‐geographic information systems in the Mediterranean environments
Authors: Abu Hammad Ahmad
Published: November 2009

The generation of an easily adaptable method for erosion risk assessment is important for management and conservation of the available resources in developing countries. The study aims to assess the risk of soil erosion by using an integrated, easy to apply, time‐ and money‐conserving revised universal soil loss equation‐geographic information systems (RUSLE‐GIS)‐based model in the Eastern part of the Mediterranean. Although the model showed a good efficiency in predicting the annual soil loss (R2=0.68), the limited runoff–erosion data warrant the need for long‐term data to test and calibrate the model. The model showed that 24% of the watershed area has an annual soil loss exceeding the soil loss tolerance (SLT) of the area (5 Mg/ha). When all the RUSLE factors were kept constant, except the C factor, the model showed the highest soil loss potential under olive groves (20–30 Mg/ha), and the lowest under wheat and barley (5 Mg/ha). The application of proper conservation practices to these areas is thus important, i.e. reducing the number of tillage and/or time of tillage practices.
Determinants of Pathology in Light‐irradiated Cells
Authors: Sinyakov Michael S. , Zhevelev Helena M. , Avtalion Ramy R.
Published: November 2009

This work is devoted to further evaluation of pathological states in light‐irradiated cells in terms of relationship between the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) count. Human leukocytes were isolated from 34 donors exhibiting flu‐like symptoms, irradiated with a nonlaser blue light (2 and 5 mW cm−2) and examined for ROS production by a chemiluminescence (CL) assay. The level of ROS was measured as a basal chemiluminescence before (BCL0) and after (BCL) irradiation. In our preceding study (Sinyakov, M. et al. [2007] Photomed. Laser Surg.25, 257–263), PMN‐oriented group analysis was applied to a data set divided into light‐resistant and light‐sensitive points, and cell responsiveness to light was suggested for prognostic evaluation of pathology. In the present work, BCL‐oriented analysis was performed on the whole data set to evaluate the individual contribution of every point. BCL level and PMN count were confirmed to be independent variables. Sign‐specific delta (DEL) values (DEL = BCL − BCL0) were assessed in relation to respective levels of BCL, BCL0 and PMN counts. DEL and BCL0 were found to be reliable photochemical indices of pathology. Taken together, the results obtained from group and individual analyses provide a novel outlook on the dynamics of pathological development and indicate a promising potential of the assay as a fast discriminator between the nonpathological state and different levels of pathology.
Reducing Adverse Effects from UV Sunscreens by Zeolite Encapsulation: Comparison of Oxybenzone in Solution and in Zeolites
Authors: Chrétien Michelle N. , Heafey Eve , Scaiano Juan C.
Published: November 2009

Oxybenzone (OXB) is one of the most widely employed sunscreen ingredients, yet its allowed load is limited to a maximum of 6% reflecting the frequency with which adverse effects are reported. From a spectroscopic point of view, OXB has excellent absorption properties in both the UVB and UVA regions. We propose that zeolite encapsulation can lead to a sunscreen composite ingredient, that we describe as a supramolecular sunscreen, that will retain the excellent spectroscopic properties of OXB, while preventing contact between the skin and the active ingredient. OXB is very photostable, with the only photodegradative pathway observed being the monophotonic photoejection of electrons that leads to trace yields of phenoxyl radicals; this trace reaction is so minor that it cannot be detected from the recovery of unreacted OXB following UV exposure. Solution, as well as powder and in vitro studies of the supramolecular sunscreen, demonstrate that the protective properties of OXB are totally preserved when encapsulated in zeolite NaY.
Class‐Effect With Antihypertensive Medications: Pharmacologic Considerations
Authors: Sica Domenic A.
Published: November 2009

Class effect is easy to conceptualize when the change in blood pressure (BP) as a primary end point has been determined and dose equivalence has been established. Class effect is an indistinct term if non‐BP end points are being assessed and unconventional dosing, either dose amount or dose frequency, occurs. With different classes of drugs, such as diuretics, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors, or angiotensin receptor blockers, determining dose equivalence from outcomes trials is confused by varying differences in dosing frequencies and titration requirements. If 3 or more drugs in a class show clinical effects as a result of large outcome studies, the Food and Drug Administration may consider this as being evidence for a class effect; however, labeling issues would have to be resolved. Therefore, if a compound is being proposed for therapeutic substitution within a class, clinicians should have familiarity with the compound before administering/prescribing it.
Ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in the intensively cultivated agricultural landscape of Northern China – implications for biodiversity conservation
Authors: LIU YUNHUI , AXMACHER JAN C. , WANG CHANGLIU , LI LIANGTAO , YU ZHENRONG
Published: November 2009

Abstract. 1. In the intensively cultivated major crop production areas of China, large knowledge gaps still prevail with regard to the current status of biodiversity in general, and especially in relation to agriculture management and planting patterns. Effective measures for species conservation are hence widely lacking.

2. The diversity of ground beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) assemblages was compared between intensively managed wheat/maize fields, cotton monocultures, lawns, orchards and semi‐natural woodland located in Quzhou county, a typical, intensively managed agricultural region in the North China Plain.

3. Although significant differences were found in species composition between different habitats, diversity of ground beetles in non‐cropping sites was not significantly higher than in intensively managed wheat/maize double‐cropping fields, while cotton monocultures had a significant lower carabid diversity. A combination of intensively managed wheat/maize double‐cropping fields with orchards appears to preserve substantial proportions of ground beetle diversity.

4. To conserve the full spectrum of beetle species currently observed in the agricultural landscape of the North China Plain, the creation of both diverse habitats and a diversity of cropping systems are important, which includes a strengthening of less intensive farming practices.
Movement characteristics of the Scarce Blue‐tailed Damselfly, Ischnura pumilio
Authors: ALLEN KATHERINE A. , THOMPSON DAVID J.
Published: November 2009

Abstract.  1. The Scarce Blue‐tailed Damselfly, Ischnura pumilio, is threatened in the UK and exists in small, transient colonies. Consequently, little is known about its dispersal characteristics. This study investigates movement in two contrasting habitats with the aim of informing conservation management on a landscape scale.

2. Mark‐release‐recapture studies were performed at an established colony in the New Forest and a smaller population in the Red River valley in southern England. A total of 2304 individuals was marked.

3. Ischnura pumilio was found to be exceptionally sedentary. Mean gross lifetime movement was 56 m and 43% of individuals moved <50 m in their lifetime. Movements over 150 m were very rare. Maximum lifetime movement was 1165 m. As such, I. pumilio is the most sedentary odonate studied in the UK to date.

4. Movement was inversely density dependent, which has important conservation implications if individuals attempt to emigrate from small populations because of low density. The presence of parasitic mites (Hydryphantes sp.) significantly increased movement distance.

5. Ischnura pumilio had a low dispersal probability compared to other damselflies. As the smallest British odonate, this is in keeping with the relationship between size and dispersal found across taxa.

6. Ischnura pumilio has been regarded as a ‘wandering opportunist’ due to its tendency to appear in locations far from known sites. However, this study suggests that long range movement rarely occurs from prime habitat that is maintained in an early successional stage. This has implications for the conservation of the species in the UK.
How overworked are pathologists? An assessment of cases for histopathology and cytopathology services
Authors: Yoon Hye Kyoung , Diwa Michele H , Lee Youn Soo , Kim Gwangil , Song Sang Yong , Lee Kyoung Bun , Kim Han Kyeom , Han Woon Sup , Seo Jeong‐Wook
Published: November 2009

Background and aim: The objective of this paper is to evaluate the workload of staff in anatomic pathology (AP) laboratories in Korea. Methods: A survey was conducted at 197 AP laboratories in South Korea, these were categorized as 37 free standing laboratories, 14 laboratories in non‐training hospitals (without residents), 79 in training hospitals (with residents), and 67 in university hospitals. The workloads of the staff were analyzed using the mean and standard deviation of the number of cases. Results: In total, there were 512 pathologists, 806 technicians and 205 cytopathology screeners. In a year, they processed a total of 3,150,261 histopathology cases and 4,115,420 cytopathology cases. The numbers of histopathology cases per pathologist or technician in one laboratory were 6,950 ± 6,748 and 4,074 ± 3,630, respectively. There were 109 laboratories that employed 205 cytoscreeners in addition to the 308 pathologists, where a cytoscreener read 14,780 ± 13,110 cases of cytopathology. However, in 88 laboratories, there were 132 pathologists who were not assisted by cytoscreeners, where a pathologist was reading 4,277 ± 3,033 cases of cytopathology. Conclusion: We propose a mean plus a standard deviation as a recommended guideline for staff workload at each laboratory setting to be used for a quality assurance program.
Impact of protein concentrate coproducts on net land requirement for European biofuel production
Authors: LYWOOD WARWICK , PINKNEY JOHN , COCKERILL SAM
Published: November 2009

A methodology is proposed for calculating the net land area requirement for European biofuels, accounting for the substitution impact of animal feed protein coproducts such as dried distillers grains and solubles (DDGS) and rape meal. For example, when bioethanol is produced from cereal grain starch, grain protein is preserved in the DDGS coproduct. Each tonne of wheat DDGS has the potential to replace 0.59 tonnes of soy meal and 0.39 tonnes of cereals in EU animal feed, and the land area required for soy and cereal feed production offsets much of the land requirement for wheat bioethanol feedstock. While the land area needed for bioethanol from feed wheat in North West Europe is 0.40 ha t−1, the net requirement after accounting for coproducts is just 0.03ha t−1 of bioethanol produced, 6% of the gross land requirement. Calculated in this way, the net land area required to produce biofuel from EU cereal, rapeseed and sugar beet crops is much lower than the gross land requirement, and from cereal and sugar beet crops is less than the land requirement of biofuel from oil palm and sugar cane.