bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exact sensitivity matrix and influence of the number of pilot points in the geostatistical inversion of moment equations of groundwater flow
Authors: Riva Monica , Guadagnini Alberto , De Gaspari Francesca , Alcolea Andres
Published: November 2010

We present novel equations for the exact sensitivity matrix of the (ensemble) mean hydraulic head under steady state groundwater flow conditions. These equations are embedded in a geostatistical inverse procedure to condition approximations of stochastic moment equations of flow on measured hydraulic conductivities and heads. Our formulation allows considerable improvement of the methodology proposed by Hernandez et al. (2003, 2006) and renders the inversion of moment equations feasible for a large number of unknown hydraulic parameters. The spatial distribution of the natural logarithm, Y, of conductivity is parameterized within the pilot points framework. Whereas prior values of Y at pilot points are obtained by a variant of kriging, posterior estimates at pilot points are obtained through a maximum likelihood fit of computed to measured heads. The maximum likelihood function also includes a regularization term. By means of a synthetic example and upon adopting formal model information criteria we explore the influence of (1) the number of pilot points and (2) the order of approximation of the governing mean flow equation on our ability to properly estimate the log conductivity and head fields and identify the relative weight of the regularization term and the parameters of the underlying Y variogram. We find that none of the adopted information criteria can identify the optimum number of pilot points and the plausibility weight and variogram parameters values can be determined by the Kashyap's Bayesian measure.
Global configuration of Saturn's magnetic field derived from observations
Authors: Carbary J. F. , Achilleos N. , Arridge C. S. , Khurana K. K. , Dougherty M. K.
Published: November 2010

Magnetic field observations from the Cassini spacecraft are averaged into 1 × 1 RS (1 RS = 60238 km) meridional bins at Saturn. A Runge‐Kutta procedure uses the bin‐averaged field components to estimate the global configuration of Saturn's magnetic field and map field lines from the equator to Saturn's ionosphere. Within ∼18 RS of Saturn, the mapping gives a good representation of the meridional shape of Saturn's magnetic field and confirms that beyond L ∼ 6, the field departs from a dipole and becomes a smoothly‐warped magnetodisk. The disk warps upwards by as much as ∼1 RS at radial distances of ∼15 RS, with the warping increasing with radial distance. When traced back to Saturn, the bin average field lines intersect the ionosphere at latitudes similar to those expected on the basis of recent magnetic field models; the ionospheric pierce latitudes can differ by as much as 6° from those expected from a simple offset dipole.
Gene genealogies support Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris as a monophyletic group
Authors: Jiménez‐Gasco M. M. , Milgroom M. G. , Jiménez‐Díaz R. M.
Published: November 2010

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (Foc), the causal agent of fusarium wilt of chickpea, consists of two pathotypes (yellowing and wilting) and eight races (races 0, 1B/C, 1A and 2–6) of diverse geographical distribution. Six Foc isolates, one each of races 0, 1B/C, 1A, 4, 5 and 6, representing the two pathotypes and the geographical range of the pathogen, showed identical sequences in introns of the genes for translation elongation factor 1α (EF1α), β‐tubulin, histone 3, actin and calmodulin. Eleven additional Foc isolates representative of all races, pathotypes and geographical range, and three isolates of F. oxysporum (Fo) nonpathogenic to chickpea were further analysed for sequence variation in the EF1α gene. All isolates pathogenic to chickpeas shared an identical EF1α gene sequence, which differed from that shared by the three Fo isolates nonpathogenic to chickpea. EF1α gene sequences from the 17 Foc isolates and the three Fo isolates were compared with 24 EF1α gene sequences in GenBank from isolates of 11 formae speciales of F. oxysporum by parsimony analysis. Foc isolates formed a grouping distinct from other formae speciales and nonpathogenic isolates. These results indicate that F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceris is monophyletic.
Changes in sensitivity of Cercospora beticola populations to sterol‐demethylation‐inhibiting fungicides during a 4‐year period in northern Greece
Authors: Karaoglanidis G. S. , Loannidis P. M. , Thanassoulopoulos C. C.
Published: November 2010

From 1996 to 1999, single‐lesion isolates of Cercospora beticola, the cause of sugar beet leaf‐spot disease, were obtained from sugar beet fields with different histories of use of the sterol‐demethylation‐inhibiting (DMI) fungicides, flutriafol and difenoconazole in Amyndeon, Imathia and Serres in northern Greece. Fields were sampled twice per year, before and after the within‐season exposure of fungal populations to applications of DMI fungicides. The sensitivity to flutriafol and difenoconazole of 150 isolates of C. beticola per sampling site and sampling period was determined. In areas with a history of prolonged DMI use, sensitivity to both fungicides decreased gradually over the study period, suggesting directional selection on a polygenically controlled character. The size of the shift in a particular year seemed to depend on which fungicide was applied during that year in the fields, suggesting only partial cross‐resistance between flutriafol and difenoconazole. Within the Serres population there was a significant correlation (r = 0·57) between sensitivities to flutriafol and difenoconazole. Decreased sensitivity was the result of the selection of less sensitive strains during the spraying periods. The frequency of such strains significantly increased through the years and finally reached values of 32% for both flutriafol and difenoconazole in the Serres population and 20 and 16%, respectively, in the Imathia population, at the end of 1999. The high frequency of less sensitive strains in the Serres population was related to a slight decline in DMI field performance in this area during that year. However, the frequency of the less sensitive strains was not stable. The sensitivity assays carried out early in each season, before the DMI spray applications, showed that the mean sensitivities of the populations were significantly higher (P < 0·05) than those of the previous autumn. These changes were mainly the result of a significant decline in frequency of the less sensitive strains, indicating that such strains have either reduced saprophytic survival ability during the overwintering period or lower competitive ability in the absence of DMI treatments.
Argyrophilic grains of Braak: occurrence in dendrites of neurons containing hyperphosphorylated tau protein
Authors: Tolnay M. , Mistl C. , Ipsen S. , Probst A.
Published: November 2010

M. Tolnay, C. Mistl, S. Ipsen and A. Probst (1998) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology24,53–59

Argyrophilic grains of Braak: occurrence in dendrites of neurons containing hyperphosphorylated tau protein

Braak's argyrophilic grains (ArGs) are spindle‐shaped neuropil structures originally found in patients afflicted with adult onset dementia. We recently observed that tau protein is hyperphosphorylated in most nerve cells in areas rich in ArGs, suggesting that these grains may be a morphological expression of tau protein pathology in local neurons. The aim of this study was therefore to determine in three cases with ArGs whether grains are associated with individual neurons containing hyperphosphorylated tau. A combination of Gallyas silver staining and AT8 immunocytochemistry was used. AT8 is a monoclonal antibody that recognizes tau in a phosphorylation‐dependent manner. Up to 80% of pyramidal cells of sector CA1 showed diffuse AT8 staining of their cell bodies and dendrites. Most grains were freely scattered throughout the neuropil. However, some were clearly located in side‐branches of apical dendrites of AT8 immunoreactive pyramidal neurons. Dendritic branches often formed bush‐like ramifications containing clusters of ArGs. Other dendrites consisted of a single stump containing one or two large grains at their tips. Spheroidal enlargements of dendritic branches, with a size corresponding to ArGs, were also found in Golgi Cox preparations of cases with ArGs but not in Alzheimer's disease cases or in controls. Our results show that some ArGs are formed within dendrites of neurons whose most obvious pathology is a diffuse hyperphosphorylation of the tau protein. Furthermore, morphology of dendrites containing grains suggests that a process of progressive shrinkage of dendrites is taking place in neurons bearing ArGs.
Temperature dependence of middle infrared absorption lines in silver halide crystals doped with Pr3+, Dy3+, and Nd3+ ions
Authors: Shafir I. , Nagli L. , Katzir A.
Published: October 2010

The electron-phonon coupling was investigated for mid-infrared transitions in silver halide crystals doped with Pr, Dy, or Nd. The temperature dependence of the absorption spectral line widths and the line shifts were measured in mid-infrared absorption lines in these crystals. It was shown that in each case the temperature dependence is consistent with the two-phonon Raman process model having a single characteristic Debye temperature. This Debye temperature was found to be in the range of 142–155.5 K. It was also found that below 50 K the line widths are caused by inhomogeneous crystal strains.
Miniaturization of vortex-comprising system using ferromagnetic nanotori
Authors: Carvalho-Santos V. L. , Moura-Melo W. A. , Pereira A. R.
Published: November 2010

The energetics associated to the ferromagnetic, vortex, and onionlike magnetization configurations are explicitly computed in the toroidal geometry. The analysis reveals that the vortex appears to be the most prominent of such states, minimizing total energy in every torus with internal radius r≳10 nm, or even in smaller ones provided that R/ℓex≳1.5 (R is the torus external radius and ℓex is the exchange length). This possibility of having very small nanomagnets comprising a vortex-type state, might have importance in higher density binary logic and/or storage and in novel mechanisms for cancer therapy applications.
State-selective optimization of local excited electronic states in extended systems
Authors: Kovyrshin Arseny , Neugebauer Johannes
Published: November 2010

Standard implementations of time-dependent density-functional theory (TDDFT) for the calculation of excitation energies give access to a number of the lowest-lying electronic excitations of a molecule under study. For extended systems, this can become cumbersome if a particular excited state is sought-after because many electronic transitions may be present. This often means that even for systems of moderate size, a multitude of excited states needs to be calculated to cover a certain energy range. Here, we present an algorithm for the selective determination of predefined excited electronic states in an extended system. A guess transition density in terms of orbital transitions has to be provided for the excitation that shall be optimized. The approach employs root-homing techniques together with iterative subspace diagonalization methods to optimize the electronic transition. We illustrate the advantages of this method for solvated molecules, core-excitations of metal complexes, and adsorbates at cluster surfaces. In particular, we study the local π→π∗ excitation of a pyridine molecule adsorbed at a silver cluster. It is shown that the method works very efficiently even for high-lying excited states. We demonstrate that the assumption of a single, well-defined local excitation is, in general, not justified for extended systems, which can lead to root-switching during optimization. In those cases, the method can give important information about the spectral distribution of the orbital transition employed as a guess.
Explicitly correlated coupled-cluster theory using cusp conditions. I. Perturbation analysis of coupled-cluster singles and doubles (CCSD-F12)
Authors: Köhn Andreas , Tew David P.
Published: November 2010

Geminal functions based on Slater-type correlation factors and fixed expansion coefficients, determined by cusp conditions, have in recent years been forwarded as an efficient and numerically stable method for introducing explicit electron correlation into coupled-cluster theory. In this work, we analyze the equations of explicitly correlated coupled-cluster singles and doubles (CCSD-F12) theory and introduce an ordering scheme based on perturbation theory which can be used to characterize and understand the various approximations found in the literature. Numerical results for a test set of 29 molecules support our analysis and give additional insight. In particular, our results help rationalize the success of the CCSD(F12) approximation which is based on a very systematic cancellation of the neglected, otherwise individually large third-order geminal-geminal coupling terms. Further approximations to CCSD(F12) can be introduced without sacrificing the accuracy if the entire set of third-order coupling terms between the conventional doubles cluster amplitudes and the geminal doubles amplitudes is retained, leading to the recently proposed CCSD[F12] and CCSD(F12∗) models, which have negligible overhead compared to conventional CCSD calculations. Particularly, the importance of the ring-term type contribution is pointed out which may be used to improve on other existing approximations such as CCSD-F12b. For small basis sets, it might be advantageous to keep certain higher-order terms leading to CCSD-F12∗, which, for the case of the SP ansatz, merely involves a noniterative correction to CCSD(F12∗).
Many-body interaction in resonant tunneling of terahertz quantum cascade lasers
Authors: Wang F. , Guo X. G. , Cao J. C.
Published: October 2010

The time-dependent population inversion is simulated by the semiconductor Bloch equations with the many-body interaction in the resonant tunneling of the terahertz quantum cascade lasers (QCLs). When the many-body interaction is considered, the oscillation amplitude of the population inversion induced by the resonant tunneling is larger in the set up process, and the steady population inversion is little larger at the same dephasing time. The gain recovery process after the terahertz QCL being pumped by a nonchirped π pulse is simulated. The gain recovery time is shorter with the many-body interaction being considered. These phenomena stem from the induced more intense resonant tunneling that caused by the renormalized energy detuning when the many-body interaction is considered. We show the importance of the many-body interaction in electron resonant tunneling between two neighbor periods of the terahertz QCL.
Extend the omnidirectional zero-average-index photonic band gap using the band edge formalism: Application to the metamaterial with Drude dispersion
Authors: Xiang Yuanjiang , Wen Shuangchun , Dai Xiaoyu , Tang Zhixiang , Fan Dianyuan
Published: November 2010

The band edge formalism of zero-average-index photonic band gap for the one-dimensional photonic crystals containing dispersion negative-index metamaterial is obtained. By adopting the band edge formalism, the upper and lower frequencies limits of the zero-average-index band gap are analyzed, and the results are in complete agreement with the results got by the projected band structure method. It is shown that the width and the band edge of the zero-average-index photonic band gap are significantly affected by the each constitutive parameter of the component materials of the one-dimensional photonic crystals. Based on the band edge formalism, new method of extending the zero-average-index photonic band gap has been presented by tuning the constitutive parameter of the component materials. Moreover, the conditions for zero width zero-average-index band gap are obtained. The realizability of tuning the constitutive parameter of the Drude dispersion metamaterial constructed by the nonresonant composite right/left-handed transmission structures is also discussed.
Analysis of electrical charging and discharging kinetics of different glasses under electron irradiation in a scanning electron microscope
Authors: Fakhfakh S. , Jbara O. , Rondot S. , Hadjadj A. , Patat J. M. , Fakhfakh Z.
Published: November 2010

This paper presents a comparative study of electrical charging and discharging behavior of different glasses submitted to electron beam irradiation in scanning electron microscope. Charge storage and charge spreading in these glasses have been examined with help of a time resolved current method. Our interest concerns more particularly the dynamic behavior and the amount of the space charge build-up during and after electron irradiation under different experimental conditions of primary beam energy and current density. The precise contributions of different possible self regulation processes (leakage current and secondary electron emission) for charge accumulation are analyzed. Moreover, to characterize the ability of glasses to store charges in a stable way we introduce a relevant parameter that expresses quantitatively the variation in the released charge. The primary beam energy and the current density effects on the evolution of secondary electron emission yield during irradiation are also examined. As expected, the charge storage and spreading processes appear to be extremely dependent on the incident beam energy, current density and on the chemical composition of the studied glasses.
Micellization and adsorption of surfactant in a nonpolar liquid in micrometer scale geometries
Authors: Beunis F. , Strubbe F. , Marescaux M. , Neyts K. , Verschueren A. R. M.
Published: November 2010

Mixtures of nonpolar liquid and surfactant are used increasingly in applications with microscopic dimensions. However, most methods to characterize them are performed on bulk solutions. We measure electrical transient currents in thin layers of nonpolar liquid with surfactant and derive several properties from these measurements. This paper reports the results for different liquid layer thicknesses and surfactant concentrations. We observe a dependence on the layer thickness of the inverse micelle concentration, which cannot be explained by bulk micellization alone. A model including surface adsorption is proposed that describes surfactant behavior in microscale geometries.
A molecular phylogeny and infrageneric classification for Kunzea (Myrtaceae) inferred from rDNA ITS and ETS sequences
Authors: de Lange P. J. , Smissen R. D. , Wagstaff S. J. , Keeling D. J. , Murray B. G. , Toelken H. R.
Published: November 2010

Circumscription and infrageneric classification of Kunzea is evaluated after phylogenetic analyses of nrDNA ITS and ETS sequences. Kunzea is monophyletic if the K. ericoides complex and the monotypic Angasomyrtus are included. The genus can be divided into western Australian, eastern Australian, and eastern Australian plus New Zealand clades. Angasomyrtus has greater affinity with the eastern Kunzea species, despite its western Australian endemic status. A new infrageneric classification is proposed, recognising four subgenera, with a further division into sections within two of these. A new combination in Kunzea is made for Angasomyrtus.
Taxonomic revision of Pycnandra subgenus Trouettia (Sapotaceae), with six new species from New Caledonia
Authors: Swenson Ulf , Munzinger Jérôme
Published: November 2010

Pycnandra (Sapotaceae, Chrysophylloideae) is endemic to New Caledonia, with ~60 species, and is subdivided into five (or six) subgenera. Here, we revise P. subg. Trouettia and recognise 17 species of which six (P. bourailensis, P. caeruleilatex, P. confusa, P. elliptica, P. pubiflora and P. sessiliflora) are described as new and provide 10 new combinations. The subgenus is found only in Grande Terre, the main island of New Caledonia. The members occur in a wide range of habitats, from dry maquis vegetation to moist humid forest, from sea level to the higher massif, and all species except P. bourailensis and P. sarlinii are restricted to ultramafic soils. Pycnandra is characterised by the absence of staminodes, a single-seeded fruit, plano-convex cotyledons and the absence of endosperm. Pycnandra subg. Trouettia is distinguished on a character combination of several homoplastic features such as alternate and tomentulose leaves, pubescent ovary and a broad seed scar. The corolla is tomentulose on the outer surface of six species, a character shared with one species in P. subg. Achradotypus. Because of past and present mining activities in New Caledonia and because these species are restricted to habitats on ultramafic soils, conservation assessments are urgently needed. Preliminary IUCN Red List assessments are provided for all members of subg. Trouettia. Six taxa (P. deplanchei subsp. deplanchei, P. deplanchei subsp. floribunda, P. intermedia, P. obscurinerva, P. sarlinii, P. sessiliflora) are proposed the IUCN status of Vulnerable; P. caeruleilatex, P. elliptica and P. schmidii are considered to be Endangered, and the two species P. bourailensis and P. confusa are proposed to be listed as Critically Endangered.
How the Golgi works: A cisternal progenitor model
Authors: Pfeffer Suzanne R.
Published: November 2010

The Golgi complex is a central processing compartment in the secretory pathway of eukaryotic cells. This essential compartment processes more than 30% of the proteins encoded by the human genome, yet we still do not fully understand how the Golgi is assembled and how proteins pass through it. Recent advances in our understanding of the molecular basis for protein transport through the Golgi and within the endocytic pathway provide clues to how this complex organelle may function and how proteins may be transported through it. Described here is a possible model for transport of cargo through a tightly stacked Golgi that involves continual fusion and fission of stable, “like” subcompartments and provides a mechanism to grow the Golgi complex from a stable progenitor, in an ordered manner.
High Level of Gastrointestinal Nosocomial Infections in the German Surveillance System, 2002–2008
Authors: Spackova Michaela , Altmann Doris , Eckmanns Tim , Koch Judith , Krause Gerard
Published: November 2010

Objective.

Surveillance of nosocomial infections (NIs) is well established in many countries but often does not include gastrointestinal infections. We sought to determine the proportion of NIs among all hospitalized cases for the 4 most prevalent types of gastrointestinal infections in Germany.

Methods.

We analyzed all notifications of laboratory-confirmed or epidemiologically linked gastrointestinal infections due to norovirus, rotavirus,Salmonellaspecies, andCampylobacterspecies reported to the Robert Koch Institute in Berlin, Germany, from 2002 through 2008. Infections were considered nosocomial if disease onset was more than 2 days after hospitalization for norovirus, rotavirus, andSalmonellainfection and more than 5 days after hospitalization forCampylobacterinfection.

Results.

During the study period, 710,725 norovirus, 394,500 rotavirus, 395,736Salmonella, and 405,234Campylobactergastrointestinal infections were reported. Excluding cases for which nosocomial status could not be determined, we identified 39,424 (49%) of 80,650 norovirus, 11,592 (14%) of 83,451 rotavirus, 3,432 (8%) of 43,348Salmonella, and 645 (2%) of 33,503Campylobactergastrointestinal infections as definite nosocomial cases. Multivariate analysis confirmed higher risk of gastrointestinal NIs for patients aged more than 70 years (relative risk [RR], 7.0 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 6.7–7.2];P< .001) and residents of western states (RR, 1.3 [95% CI, 1.2–1.3];P< .001) and lower risk for female patients (RR, 0.9 [95% CI, 0.9–0.9;P< .001). Yearly NI proportions remained stable except for norovirus.

Conclusions.

The investigated gastrointestinal NIs in Germany do not show a clear trend, but they are at high level, revealing potential for public health action and improvement of hospital infection control mainly among older patients. National prevalence studies on gastrointestinal NIs would be of additional value to give more insight on how and where to improve hospital infection control.
TWO-DIMENSIONAL STUDY OF THE PROPAGATION OF PLANETARY WAKE AND THE INDICATION OF GAP OPENING IN AN INVISCID PROTOPLANETARY DISK
Authors: Muto Takayuki , Suzuki Takeru K. , Inutsuka Shu-ichiro
Published: November 2010

We analyze the physical processes of gap formation in an inviscid protoplanetary disk with an embedded protoplanet using a two-dimensional local shearing-sheet model. The spiral density wave launched by the planet shocks and the angular momentum carried by the wave is transferred to the background flow. The exchange of the angular momentum can affect the mass flux in the vicinity of the planet to form an underdense region, or gap, around the planetary orbit. We first perform weakly nonlinear analyses to show that the specific vorticity formed by shock dissipation of the density wave can be a source of mass flux in the vicinity of the planet and that the gap can be opened even for low-mass planets unless the migration of the planet is substantial. We then perform high-resolution numerical simulations to check analytic consideration. By comparing the gap-opening timescale and type I migration timescale, we propose a criterion for the formation of underdense region around the planetary orbit that is qualitatively different from previous studies. The minimum mass required for the planet to form a dip is twice as small as previous studies if we incorporate the standard values of type I migration timescale, but it can be much smaller if there is a location in the disk where type I migration is halted.
A modified lead-free piezoelectric BZT–xBCT system with higher TC
Authors: Bao Huixin , Zhou Chao , Xue Dezhen , Gao Jinghui , Ren Xiaobing
Published: November 2010

Very recently, a high-performance Pb-free piezoelectric system Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3–x(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 (abbreviated as BZT–xBCT) has been reported, showing a very high d
33 of 620 pC N−1 at x = 50. However, the Curie temperature T
C (for x = 50) is relatively low (93 °C), thus restricting its applications. We report a method to increase the T
C of the lead-free system BZT–xBCT, that is, increasing the T
C of both tetragonal and rhombohedral terminals. The modified system Ba(Zr0.15Ti0.85)O3–x(Ba0.8Ca0.2)TiO3 showed a higher T
C of 114 °C at x = 53. We also found that both d
33 and ε along the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) decreased with a deviation from the cubic–tetragonal–rhombohedral triple point. This result is explained by considering an increase in polarization rotation barrier with a deviation in composition from the triple point. Our results implied that to achieve a high d
33 with a high T
C, a nearly vertical MPB is required. Our work may give a new insight into how to design ‘ideal’ Pb-free piezoelectrics with both high piezoelectricity and high T
C.
Regulated post-transcriptional RNA cleavage diversifies the eukaryotic transcriptome
Authors: Mercer Tim R. , Dinger Marcel E. , Bracken Cameron P. , Kolle Gabriel , Szubert Jan M. , Korbie Darren J. , Askarian-Amiri Marjan E. , Gardiner Brooke B. , Goodall Gregory J. , Grimmond Sean M. , Mattick John S.
Published: November 2010

The complexity of the eukaryotic transcriptome is generated by the interplay of transcription initiation, termination, alternative splicing, and other forms of post-transcriptional modification. It was recently shown that RNA transcripts may also undergo cleavage and secondary 5′ capping. Here, we show that post-transcriptional cleavage of RNA contributes to the diversification of the transcriptome by generating a range of small RNAs and long coding and noncoding RNAs. Using genome-wide histone modification and RNA polymerase II occupancy data, we confirm that the vast majority of intraexonic CAGE tags are derived from post-transcriptional processing. By comparing exonic CAGE tags to tissue-matched PARE data, we show that the cleavage and subsequent secondary capping is regulated in a developmental-stage- and tissue-specific manner. Furthermore, we find evidence of prevalent RNA cleavage in numerous transcriptomic data sets, including SAGE, cDNA, small RNA libraries, and deep-sequenced size-fractionated pools of RNA. These cleavage products include mRNA variants that retain the potential to be translated into shortened functional protein isoforms. We conclude that post-transcriptional RNA cleavage is a key mechanism that expands the functional repertoire and scope for regulatory control of the eukaryotic transcriptome.
The effect of D-cycloserine on immediate vs. delayed extinction of learned fear
Authors: Langton Julia M. , Richardson Rick
Published: October 2010

We compared the effect of D-cycloserine (DCS) on immediate (10 min after conditioning) and delayed (24 h after conditioning) extinction of learned fear in rats. DCS facilitated both immediate and delayed extinction when the drug was administered after extinction training. However, DCS did not facilitate immediate extinction when administered prior to extinction training (i.e., when the interval between drug administration and shock was reduced). In addition, administering five, but not two, shocks prior to extinction training disrupted the facilitating effects of DCS on delayed extinction. These results suggest that aversive experiences prior to DCS administration can prevent it from facilitating extinction.
Transient Proliferation of Proanthocyanidin-Accumulating Cells on the Epidermal Apex Contributes to Highly Aluminum-Resistant Root Elongation in Camphor Tree
Authors: Osawa Hiroki , Endo Izuki , Hara Yukari , Matsushima Yuki , Tange Takeshi
Published: November 2010

Aluminum (Al) is a harmful element that rapidly inhibits the elongation of plant roots in acidic soils. The release of organic anions explains Al resistance in annual crops, but the mechanisms that are responsible for superior Al resistance in some woody plants remain unclear. We examined cell properties at the surface layer of the root apex in the camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) to understand its high Al resistance mechanism. Exposure to 500 μm Al for 8 d, more than 20-fold higher concentration and longer duration than what soybean (Glycine max) can tolerate, only reduced root elongation in the camphor tree to 64% of the control despite the slight induction of citrate release. In addition, Al content in the root apices was maintained at low levels. Histochemical profiling revealed that proanthocyanidin (PA)-accumulating cells were present at the adjacent outer layer of epidermis cells at the root apex, having distinctive zones for cell division and the early phase of cell expansion. Then the PA cells were gradually detached off the root, leaving thin debris behind, and the root surface was replaced with the elongating epidermis cells at the 3- to 4-mm region behind the tip. Al did not affect the proliferation of PA cells or epidermis cells, except for the delay in the start of expansion and the accelerated detachment of the former. In soybean roots, the innermost lateral root cap cells were absent in both PA accumulation and active cell division and failed to protect the epidermal cell expansion at 25 μm Al. These results suggest that transient proliferation and detachment of PA cells may facilitate the expansion of epidermis cells away from Al during root elongation in camphor tree.
Rare material in academic libraries
Authors: Potter Susan , Holley Robert P.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to summarize the importance of rare materials for academic libraries, including developments since the arrival of the internet and the effects of declining library budgets.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors reviewed the literature on the subject coupled with their experiences with collection development.

Findings

Collecting rare materials remains important for scholarly research, though harder to justify during a period of budget stringency. Academic libraries should discover creative ways to discover and add rare materials to their collections. Rare materials require special expertise in their acquisition, processing, storage, and use. Digitization is making rare materials more accessible but cannot substitute for the use of the originals in all cases.

Practical implications

The authors provide a summary of recent thought on the status of rare materials in academic libraries – for libraries that include such collections or for those interested in increasing their holdings of rare materials.

Originality/value

The paper provides a summary of recent trends in collecting rare materials in academic libraries.
A pragmatic model for evidence‐based guideline development in hospitals
Authors: Turner Tari , Harris Claire , Green Sally
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Existing methods of development of evidence‐based guidelines are time‐consuming, resource‐intensive and require extensive skills in systematic reviewing. These factors act as barriers to development of evidence‐based guidelines in hospitals. The aim of this paper is to revise the existing method of development of evidence‐based guidelines to create a new pragmatic model that was feasible in hospital settings.

Design/methodology/approach

The model consists of eight steps: scope, prioritise, search, appraise, draft, consult, disseminate and update. These steps largely parallel the established guideline development process, but suggest more focused, pragmatic methods.

Findings

The “prioritise” step is a new step. Other differences include: guideline development by an individual or small group rather than a large multidisciplinary group; searching for evidence for only a limited number of priority decision points rather than for all decision points; searching only in a limited number of sources likely to provide high quality research rather than searching very broadly; searching only for high‐quality research which is less open to bias rather than searching for all forms of research evidence; including only research evidence which can be easily accessed in full text, rather than investing time in tracking down research which is difficult to obtain; and only involving consumers in guideline development where an existing mechanism for consumer involvement exists.

Originality/value

This new, pragmatic guideline development model aims to overcome the substantial barriers to guideline development in hospital settings. This model needs to be tested to determine if it is feasible and produces guidelines that are trustworthy.
Heterozygosity‐fitness correlations of conserved microsatellite markers in Kentish ploversCharadrius alexandrinus
Authors: KÜPPER CLEMENS , KOSZTOLÁNYI ANDRÁS , AUGUSTIN JAKOB , DAWSON DEBORAH A. , BURKE TERRY , SZÉKELY TAMÁS
Published: November 2010

Heterozygosity‐fitness correlations (HFCs) are frequently used to examine the relationship between genetic diversity and fitness. Most studies have reported positive HFCs, although there is a strong bias towards investigating HFCs in genetically impoverished populations. We investigated HFCs in a large genetically diverse breeding population of Kentish ploversCharadrius alexandrinusin southern Turkey. This small shorebird exhibits highly variable mating and care systems, and it is becoming an ecological model species to understand breeding system evolution. Using 11 conserved and six anonymous microsatellite markers, we tested whether and how heterozygosity was associated with chick survival, tarsus and body mass growth controlling for nongenetic effects (chick sex, hatching date, length of biparental care and site quality) that influence survival and growth. There was no genome‐wide effect of heterozygosity on fitness, and we did not find any significant effects of heterozygosity on growth rates. However, two of the 11 conserved markers displayed an association with offspring survival: one marker showed a positive HFC, whereas the other marker showed a negative HFC. Heterozygosity at three further conserved loci showed significant interaction with nongenetic variables. In contrast, heterozygosity based on anonymous microsatellite loci was not associated with fitness or growth. Markers that were correlated with chick survival were not more likely to be located in exons or introns than other markers that lacked this association.
Exposure of sterile Mediterranean fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) males to ginger root oil reduces female remating
Authors: Morelli R. , Paranhos B. J. , Coelho A. M. , Castro R. , Garziera L. , Lopes F. , Bento J. M. S.
Published: November 2010

Females of Ceratitis capitata are facultative polyandrous, with remating more common in laboratory strains rather than wild ones. In the application of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) against this pest, large overflooding ratios of sterile : wild males can increase the remating frequency. Females that mate for the first time with a sterile male tend to remate more frequently. The exposure of sterile males to ginger root oil (GRO) is used in C. capitata SIT programmes to increase the sterile male mating success. Exposing males to an ‘aromatherapy’ with GRO may also increase the remating frequency among wild females. The frequency of wild females remating, number of matings per female, the refractory period between the first and second mating, and the duration of the first and second matings of wild females were determined under laboratory conditions for three mating scenarios that included wild males only or wild males competing with sterile males (either GRO‐treated or non‐treated). Wild females first mated with sterile males exposed to GRO had their remating rate over the following 6 days and the mean number of matings per female reduced in comparison to those first mated with non‐exposed sterile males, from 62.5% to 32.2% and from 3.1 to 1.6 respectively. The remating parameters of females mated with sterile GRO‐exposed males resembled those of females mated with wild males.
Suitability of cereal stemborers in Cameroon to Kenyan populations of the braconid larval parasitoid Cotesia sesamiae
Authors: Ndemah R. , Schulthess F. , Abang A. , Ghogomu R. T. , Ntonifor N. , Dupas S. , LeRü B.
Published: November 2010

The noctuid Busseola fusca is the most destructive pest of maize in Cameroon. Various habitat management technologies have been developed and tested but none of them provides a self‐sustainable solution. The braconid Cotesia sesamiae, the most common larval endoparasitoid of the B. fusca in eastern Africa, is rare in West Africa and Cameroon. In Cameroon, it is mostly found on non‐crop borer species feeding on wild grasses. Thus, two Kenyan C. sesamiae populations and their hybrid were introduced into Cameroon. Suitability studies were carried out with two B. fusca populations, the noctuid Poeonoma serrata, which is commonly found feeding on Napier grass but not maize, and the noctuid Sesamiae cretica, which was recently accidentally introduced into Mauritania, where it attacks sorghum. The performance of the C. sesamiae was influenced by both host species/population and parasitoid population, although the B. fusca population had a minor effect. The reproductive potential of the hybrid was superior over that of its parent populations. The least suitable host was P. serrata, thus it was concluded that it would probably not play a major role in perennating C. sesamiae during the dry season. With S. cretica as host, parasitism was similar but brood size was lower than with either B. fusca population. Release strategies of C. sesamiae and its chances of establishment on B. fusca and S. cretica in the hot–humid forest zone and the cool highland of Cameroon and in Mauritania are discussed.
Translational advances in pleural malignancies
Authors: STATHOPOULOS Georgios T.
Published: November 2010

Pleural malignancies, including primary malignant pleural mesothelioma and secondary pleural metastasis of various tumours resulting in malignant pleural effusion, are frequent and lethal diseases that deserve devoted translational research efforts for improvements to be introduced to the clinic. This paper highlights select clinical advances that have been accomplished recently and that are based on preclinical research on pleural malignancies. Examples are the establishment of folate antimetabolites in mesothelioma treatment, the use of PET in mesothelioma management and the discovery of mesothelin as a marker of mesothelioma. In addition to established translational advances, this text focuses on recent research findings that are anticipated to impact clinical pleural oncology in the near future. Such progress has been substantial, including the development of a genetic mouse model of mesothelioma and of transplantable models of pleural malignancies in immunocompetent hosts, the deployment of stereological and imaging methods for integral assessment of pleural tumour burden, as well as the discovery of the therapeutic potential of aminobiphosphonates, histone deacetylase inhibitors and ribonucleases against malignant pleural disease. Finally, key obstacles to overcome towards a more rapid advancement of translational research in pleural malignancies are outlined. These include the dissection of cell‐autonomous and paracrine pathways of pleural tumour progression, the study of mesothelioma and malignant pleural effusion separately from other tumours at both the clinical and preclinical levels, and the expansion of tissue banks and consortia of clinical research of pleural malignancies.
Expression of resistin in the prostate and its stimulatory effect on prostate cancer cell proliferation
Authors: Kim Hae Jong , Lee Yong Seong , Won Eun Ha , Chang In Ho , Kim Tae Hyoung , Park Eon Sub , Kim Mi Kyung , Kim Wonyong , Myung Soon Chul
Published: November 2010

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

We found that resistin, a member of adipokine family, is expressed in human prostate cancers and induces prostate cancer cell proliferation through PI3K/Akt signaling pathways.

We are studying the effect of resistin on other urogenital tract diseases besides prostate cancer, and the relationship between other adipokines and the urogenital tract diseases.

OBJECTIVES

• To determine whether resistin, a novel adipokine, induces prostate cancer cell proliferation.

• To identify the mechanisms underlying the activation of prostate cancer cells by resistin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

• Semi‐quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining were performed to investigate the intensity of prostate epithelial resistin expression.

• Human full‐length resistin gene (RETN) was transfected into the PC‐3 cells using the pEGFP‐N1 vector to assess the effect of overexpression of resistin in prostate cancer cell line PC‐3.

• Various concentrations of human recombinant protein resistin were added to the hormone‐insensitive prostate cancer cell lines PC‐3 and DU‐145 for 48 h, and cell proliferation was assessed by a water‐soluble tetrazolium salt assay.

RESULTS

• Human prostate cancer cell lines PC‐3 and DU‐145 were found to express the human resistin mRNA.

• Resistin protein was strongly detected in high‐grade prostate cancer tissue, whereas BPH or low‐grade prostate cancer tissue revealed fainter expression of resistin.

• Cell proliferation was stimulated by both the full‐length resistin gene overexpression and resistin treatment.

• Akt phosphorylation occurred after addition of resistin to PC‐3 and DU‐145 cells. LY294002, a pharmacological inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K), significantly inhibited PC‐3 and DU‐145 cell proliferation after resistin treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

• Resistin is expressed in human prostate cancers.

• Resistin induces prostate cancer cell proliferation through PI3K/Akt signalling pathways.

• The proliferative effect of resistin on prostate cancer cells may account in part for prostate cancer progression.
An Obituary for the Third Way: The Financial Crisis and Social Democracy in Europe
Authors: RYNER MAGNUS
Published: November 2010

Why has the financial crisis not served as an occasion for social democratic revival? It is because, with the ‘Third Way’, European social democracy became imbricated with the financial system in crisis to such an extent that it is in no position to offer an alternative to it. The financial crisis is the crisis of the Third Way. Furthermore, the Third Way was based on the faulty premise that it was possible to replicate USA's apparent success in the 1990s, which, however, was based on very particular conditions. The argument is pursued with reference to inter alia Third Way ideology, transatlantic relations, the political economy of capitalist variety, and the political sociology of mass parties.
A Tale of Two Milibands: From Environmental Citizenship to the Politics of the Common Good
Authors: LOCKWOOD MATTHEW
Published: November 2010

Two different proposals for a political basis for a low carbon transformation in Britain have been put forward in recent years by the Miliband brothers. In 2006, David Miliband argued for a new ‘environmental contract’ between state and citizens, in the spirit of the post‐war social contract. Last year Ed Miliband proposed a ‘politics of the common good’. The historical sociology of citizenship suggests that the environmental contract approach will not work, mainly because of the pure public bad nature of the climate nature and the politics that flow from this. The ‘common good’ approach is more promising, but to make any headway, will have to tackle the strengthening of materialism and populism over the last generation.
The Big Society: Power to the People?
Authors: KISBY BEN
Published: November 2010

The Prime Minister, David Cameron, recently set out his vision of a ‘big society’. Its core themes are empowering communities, redistributing power from the state to citizens and promoting a culture of volunteering. The idea is badly flawed. It overlooks the crucial role that needs to be played by the state in promoting social justice, which is vital to the development of active citizenship and vibrant communities. Moreover, Cameron views the active citizen as simply a philanthropist and volunteer rather than as a politically literate individual, knowledgeable about the major political issues of the day and actively involved in debates about how public or private services ought to be run. The initiative is particularly perverse in the context of the credit crunch, a vitally important cause of which was precisely not the development of an over‐mighty state but rather the inadequate state regulation of free market trading activities by banks.
The dynamics of cognitive control: Evidence for within‐trial conflict adaptation from frequency‐tagged EEG
Authors: Scherbaum Stefan , Fischer Rico , Dshemuchadse Maja , Goschke Thomas
Published: November 2010

A central topic in the cognitive sciences is how cognitive control is adapted flexibly to changing task demands. Conflict monitoring theory originally proposed conflict triggered adjustments of cognitive control after a conflict trial to improve subsequent performance. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that readjustments of cognitive control occur continuously within a conflict trial itself. Using frequency tagged electroencephalogram in a flanker task, we traced the allocation of attention to target and distracter stimuli. We found evidence for a conflict‐triggered within‐trial contrast enhancement dissociating target and distracters. This contrast enhancement vanished for consecutive trials with constant tagging frequencies, indicating that trial‐to‐trial conflict adaptation effects may, at least partly, be the product of interacting processes serving conflict resolution within trials.