bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Democratic Concerns and Legal Traditions: The Dutch 1953 and 1956 Constitutional Reforms ‘Towards’ Europe
Authors: VAN LEEUWEN KARIN
Published: June 2012

This study analyses the 1953 and 1956 Dutch constitutional reforms ‘towards’ Europe, revealing the complexity and mutuality between national constitutional reform and the development of European integration in the 1950s. It demonstrates that long-standing Dutch traditions of adherence to international law played a formative role in constitutional reform, which itself ultimately facilitated the transformation of European law. Thus, it challenges the understanding of this development of European law as merely a constitutional or administrative process, arguing for the inclusion of national constitutional legal traditions in the writing of the history of European law.
Establishing a Constitutional Practice of European Law: The History of the Legal Service of the European Executive, 1952–65
Authors: RASMUSSEN MORTEN
Published: June 2012

The origins of the constitutional practice of European law clearly lie in the two famous rulings of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) Van Gend en Loos (1963) and Costa v. E.N.E.L (1964). Despite this, very little is known for sure about the genesis of the ECJ's interpretation or the dynamics within the Court at the time. Most accounts focus on the role of the ECJ in revolutionising European law. Using recently disclosed archival material, this article traces the role of the Legal Service of the European executive in the development of the constitutional practice. It demonstrates that the Legal Service played a crucial role both in terms of devising the legal philosophy behind the two rulings and in the establishing of a professional and academic field of European law, which would underpin the constitutional practice. At the same time it shows that the ECJ – although it adopted the legal philosophy recommended by the Legal Service – did this in a cautious and restricted manner to minimise national resistance.
We Are The State We Seek: Everyday Life in Czechoslovakia and East Germany, 1945–89
Authors: SAMMARTINO ANNEMARIE
Published: June 2012

The study of everyday life has had a particular resonance for historians of state socialism for a variety of reasons. First, the study of everyday life promises to get beyond the notorious doublespeak and rosy scenarios of official discourse. Second, the history of everyday life makes use of the great boon of recent history: the availability of interview subjects. Historians of earlier periods can only look longingly at the surfeit of interview subjects available to those who work on more recent decades. While oral history can have its own problems, the works under consideration in this review largely use them to good effect to get at the lacunae and misrepresentations in official discourse. Third, the study of everyday life offers an important vantage point for understanding the vast majority of citizens who were not resistors and yet challenged the state in important ways. As Sandrine Kott has noted, ‘individual preference . . . constituted a third brake on the “perfect” working of the system’. Finally, the ‘interesting’ events in East European socialism are ones that are people powered, most famously the 1989 revolutions that spanned the region. The history of everyday life offers the promise of explaining the paradox of how supposedly stable regimes which experienced comparatively little open resistance in forty years of existence collapsed in a matter of weeks or even days.
Remembering Communism During and After Communism (review article)
Authors: BRUNNBAUER ULF
Published: June 2012

In the past decade there has been a real explosion of studies on collective memory in eastern Europe. Two large themes have attracted the attention of scholars: the ongoing re-evaluations of the past after the end of communism and the memory of state socialism. These two topics were evidently related to each other in two ways: first, the communist period became an object of collective memory and many events linked to communist rule were re-evaluated once taboos and politically imposed interpretations fell by the wayside. Second, many political and public figures identified communist rule in eastern Europe as the reason why the nation's ‘genuine’ memory had been distorted. Now, they claimed, history could and had to be rewritten in order to bring previously suppressed memories to the foreground.
The house-building sector of London's economy, 1550–1650
Authors: BAER WILLIAM C.
Published: June 2012

London historians marvel at London's population growth during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, but never at how those hundreds of thousands of people got housed. It did not just ‘happen’; building tens of thousands of houses required marshalling land, money, materials and labour, and directing them at specific building sites. The task was performed by a myriad of small-scale builders from most walks of life, projectors who used contracts to have work done they could not perform themselves. All this was done in an environment of considerable risk in building new houses because of royal prohibitions against doing so, and facing large fines, sometimes imprisonment, and their new houses pulled down.
Child-stripping in the Victorian city
Authors: MACRAILD DONALD M. , NEAL FRANK
Published: June 2012

During the nineteenth century, police, magistrates, reformers and the press noticed a rising tide of juvenile crime. Child-stripping, the crime of stealing young children's clothes by force or deception, was an activity of this type which caused alarm among contemporaries. As the century progressed, improved policing, urbanization and Irish migration, allied to growing social concern, caused more cases of child-stripping to be noticed. Accounts by Dickens, Mayhew and others characterized child-stripping as an activity indulged in by old women who were able to make money by victimizing the weakest strata of society. However, research in the British Library's digitized newspaper collections as well as in parliamentary papers conclusively demonstrates that child-stripping, far from being the domain of Dickensian crones, was actually perpetrated by older children, notably girls, against children even younger than themselves. Despite widespread revulsion, which at times approached a ‘moral panic’ prompted by the nature of the crime, progressive attitudes largely prevailed with most child-stripping children being sent to reformatories or industrial schools in the hope of reforming their behaviour. This article thus conforms with Foucauldian notions of the switch from physical to mental punishments and aligns with the Victorians’ invention of children as a category of humanity that could be saved.
Re-thinking corruption in post- 1950 urban Britain: the Poulson affair, 1972–1976
Authors: JONES PETER
Published: June 2012

The Poulson affair is central for the agenda of post-1950 British urban history. Particularly, it suggests that corruption is a key facet within the politics of planning and the rebuilding of Britain's urban environment. Poulson provides a useful route into an examination of the place of corruption because of the scale of his activity both in terms of volumes and types of constructions he planned. His networks and the geographical concentrations of his work also provide a regional dimension. Perceptions of Poulson have been fashioned by investigative and satirical journalism and television. A re-evaluation in light of official government sources and Poulson's autobiography raise important issues concerning the ethics of public officials and private businessmen; and the consequences of the interaction of public and private markets. Poulson's business was driven by the twin engines of government funding and the activity cycles of the construction industry. The fluctuation in his planned commissions provides a useful barometer of the planning environment. Poulson's demise exposed the complex relations between business, civil servants, ministers and local councillors contributing to growing public distrust of the workings of government. Finally, it is suggested that the affair was a critical factor in re-shaping central–local government relationships.
At a green crossroads: recent theses in urban environmental history in Europe and North America
Authors: FRIOUX STÉPHANE
Published: June 2012

Since the path-breaking work of prominent North American historians such as Joel Tarr and Martin Melosi, as well as more recent roundtables in Europe, urban environmental history is now a mature research field, at the intersection of various related approaches. Time has passed since a leader of environmental history, William Cronon, could write that ‘cities in particular deserve much more work than they have received’. In this field, urban history necessarily crosses with environmental history, but also with the history of technology and social and cultural history; whilst its scholars not only emanate from a traditional historical background, but also from geography, science and engineering. Urban environmental historians, as they are referred to here, have duly established the importance of studying the relationships between ‘nature’ (including non-humans) and humans in and around cities. This ‘nature’ is a complex and shifting entity: recent doctoral studies have, for instance, documented rivers transformed by human action, weeds growing in the spatial and social margins of cities and tidal wetlands progressively filled in and built upon. The recently completed Ph.D.s reviewed in this essay see the built environment more as a hybrid of natural elements, like water, plants, animals and human action. Aided by the environmental lens, the scope of the urban historian has also been broadened by studying the ways in which residents’ lives were transformed by the invention, spread and environmental impact of new technologies, as well as the political responses to environmental crises.
Red Blood Cell Transfusion: Experience in a Rural Aeromedical Transport Service
Authors: Higgins George L. , Baumann Michael R. , Kendall Kevin M. , Watts Michael A. , Strout Tania D.
Published: June 2012

Introduction

The administration of blood products to critically ill patients can be life-saving, but is not without risk. During helicopter transport, confined work space, communication challenges, distractions of multi-tasking, and patient clinical challenges increase the potential for error. This paper describes the in-flight red blood cell transfusion practice of a rural aeromedical transport service (AMTS) with respect to whether (1) transfusion following an established protocol can be safely and effectively performed, and (2) patients who receive transfusions demonstrate evidence of improvement in condition.

Methods

A two-year retrospective review of the in-flight transfusion experience of a single-system AMTS servicing a rural state was conducted. Data elements recorded contemporaneously for each transfusion were analyzed, and included hematocrit and hemodynamic status before and after transfusion. Compliance with an established transfusion protocol was determined through structured review by a multidisciplinary quality review committee.

Results

During the study, 2,566 missions were flown with 45 subjects (1.7%) receiving in-flight transfusion. Seventeen (38%) of these transports were scene-to-facility and 28 (62%) were inter-facility. Mean bedside and in-flight times were 22 minutes (range 3-109 minutes) and 24 minutes (range 8-76 minutes), respectively. The most common conditions requiring transfusion were trauma (71%), cardiovascular (13%) and gastrointestinal (11%). An average of 2.4 liters (L) of crystalloid was administered pre-transfusion. The mean transfusion was 1.4 units of packed red blood cells. The percentages of subjects with pre- and post-transfusion systolic blood pressures of <90 mmHg were 71% and 29%, respectively. The pre- and post-transfusion mean arterial pressures were 62 mmHg and 82 mmHg, respectively. The pre- and post- transfusion mean hematocrit levels were 17.8% and 30.4%, respectively. At the receiving institution, 9% of subjects died in the Emergency Department, 18% received additional transfusion within 30 minutes of arrival, 36% went directly to the operating room, and 36% were directly admitted to intensive care. Thirty-one percent of subjects died prior to hospital discharge. There were no protocol violations or reported high-risk provider blood exposure incidents or transfusion complications. All transfusions were categorized as appropriate.

Conclusions

In this rural AMTS, transfusion was an infrequent, likely life-saving, and potentially high-risk emergent therapy. Strict compliance with an established transfusion protocol resulted in appropriate and effective decisions, and transfusion proved to be a safe in-flight procedure for both patients and providers.

Higgins GL 3rd, Baumann MR, Kendall KM, Watts MA, Strout TD. Red blood cell transfusion: experience in a rural aeromedical transport service. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2012;27(3):1-4.
Identification of Current Priorities for Research in Humanitarian Action: Proceedings of the First Annual UN OCHA Policy and Research Conference
Authors: Foran Mark P. , Greenough Paul G. , Thow Andrew , Gilman Daniel , Schütz Andreas , Chandran Rahul , Baiocchi Allegra
Published: June 2012

On December 12-13, 2011, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) hosted a humanitarian policy and research conference on the theme of “Risk, Adaptation and Innovation in Humanitarian Action.” The four sessions of the conference covered humanitarian action in a changing world, adaptation and innovation in humanitarian action, humanitarian action in protracted and violent conflict, and effective humanitarian action. This special report contains summaries of presentations in each session and the conclusions resulting from the discussions throughout. Through a process of open discussion, debate, and a closing survey, the conference participants identified four top priorities in humanitarian research for the coming years: evidence-driven humanitarian decision-making; accountability and transparency; risk and agility; and partnership. In addition to plans for a 2nd Annual Research and Policy conference in December of 2012, specific outcomes of the conference include a series of regional workshops in 2012 and 2013, launching with Asia, Africa and the Middle East; creation of Policy Working Groups (PWG) for each research priority identified; and a new flagship OCHA publication, to be launched in late 2012 or early 2013, which will share the progress made on the research priorities identified.

Foran MP, Greenough PG, Thow A, Gilman D, Schütz A, Chandran R, Baiocchi A. Identification of current priorities for research in humanitarian action: proceedings of the First Annual UN OCHA Policy and Research Conference. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2012;27(3):1-7.
Predictors of Ambulance Transport in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Scherer Tara M. , Russ Stephan , Jenkins Cathy A. , Jones Ian D. , Slovis Corey M. , Cunningham Brittany L. , Barrett Tyler W.
Published: June 2012

Introduction

Despite intense public awareness campaigns, many patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) do not utilize Emergency Medical Services (EMS) transportation to the Emergency Department (ED). Predictors for mode of transport by EMS versus private vehicle in patients with an acute STEMI were investigated.

Hypothesis

It was hypothesized that patient characteristics, specifically older age, male sex, and a history of a prior cardiac intervention, would be associated with a higher likelihood of EMS utilization.

Methods

A retrospective, observational cohort study was performed for all STEMI patients treated from April 1, 2007 through June 30, 2010 at an urban, academic ED with 24-hour cardiac catheterization available. Multivariable analyses with predetermined predictors (age, sex, prior cardiac intervention, weekend/evening arrival) were performed to investigate associations with mode of transport. Door-to-balloon (D2B) times were calculated.

Results

Of the 209 STEMI patients, 11 were excluded, leaving 198 for analysis. Median age was 60 years (IQR: 53-70), 138 (70%) arrived by private vehicle, and 60 (30%) by EMS. The primary analysis did not identify significant predictors for EMS, but a post-hoc model found that private insurance (OR 0.18; 95% CI, 0.07-0.45) was associated with fewer EMS transports. Although not statistically significant due to the great variability in time of arrival for STEMI patients transported by private vehicle, EMS transports had shorter D2B times. During business hours and weekend/evenings, EMS had D2B times of 50 (IQR: 42-61) and 58 minutes (IQR: 47-63), respectively, while private vehicle transports had median D2B times of 62 (IQR: 50-74) and 78 minutes (IQR: 66-106).

Conclusion

No associations between mode of transport and patient age, sex, weekend/evening presentation and history of a prior cardiac intervention were identified. Privately insured patients were less likely to use EMS when experiencing a STEMI. More effective ways are needed to educate the public on the importance of EMS activation when one is concerned for acute coronary syndrome.

Scherer TM, Russ S, Jenkins CA, Jones ID, Slovis CM, Cunningham BL, Barrett TW. Predictors of ambulance transport in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2012;27(3):1-5.
Working Memory Performance among Childhood Brain Tumor Survivors
Authors: Conklin Heather M. , Ashford Jason M. , Howarth Robyn A. , Merchant Thomas E. , Ogg Robert J. , Santana Victor M. , Reddick Wilburn E. , Wu Shengjie , Xiong Xiaoping
Published: June 2012

While longitudinal studies of children treated for brain tumors have consistently revealed declines on measures of intellectual functioning, greater specification of cognitive changes following treatment is imperative for isolating vulnerable neural systems and developing targeted interventions. Accordingly, this cross-sectional study evaluated the performance of childhood brain tumor survivors (n = 50) treated with conformal radiation therapy, solid tumor survivors (n = 40) who had not received central nervous system (CNS) -directed therapy, and healthy sibling controls (n = 40) on measures of working memory [Digit Span and computerized self-ordered search (SOS) tasks]. Findings revealed childhood brain tumor survivors were impaired on both traditional [Digit Span Backward- F(2,127)= 5.98; p < .01] and experimental [SOS-Verbal- F(2,124)= 4.18; p < .05; SOS-Object- F(2,126)= 5.29; p < .01] measures of working memory, and performance on working memory measures correlated with intellectual functioning (Digit Span Backward- r = .45; p < .0001; SOS- r = −.32 to −.26; p < .01). Comparison of performance on working memory tasks to recognition memory tasks (computerized delayed match-to-sample) offered some support for greater working memory impairment. This pattern of findings is consistent with vulnerability in functional networks that include prefrontal brain regions and has implications for the clinical management of children with brain tumors. (JINS, 2012, 18, 1–10)
Freedom's Ambivalent Pleasures: Richard Rodriguez and the Conservative
Logic of Identity
Authors: Beltrán Cristina
Published: June 2012

For feminists interested in questions of freedom, the current era is as
exciting as it is paradoxical. As we move into the second decade of the
millennium, we find ourselves witnessing enhanced opportunities for women in
many areas of life: More women than ever are earning college degrees and
attending graduate and professional school, more women are now represented
at the highest levels of government, and women continue to make major gains
in the workplace (Rosin 2010a, 2010b). And while this progress is far from
equal among the various populations of women, it is safe to say that within
the United States, women today face fewer restrictions and have more options
and opportunities to act in the world than ever before. Yet despite the
increased presence of women and people of color within various elite
circles, this is also a time of widening economic inequality. This condition
of enhanced opportunity for an increasingly diverse elite alongside
widespread and deepening inequality has important implications for the ways
that feminists understand the dynamics of freedom today.
The Contradictions of Inclusion: Mapuche Women and Michelle
Bachelet
Authors: Richards Patricia
Published: June 2012

The center-left Concertación held the presidency in Chile from the end
of the Pinochet dictatorship in 1990 until 2010. The coalition's loss of the
office provides a unique opportunity to evaluate its performance. I focus in
this essay on the government of socialist Michelle Bachelet, Chile's first
woman president, who held the office from 2006 to 2010. I am interested in
the contradictions in the evaluations of her presidency by feminists
(including feminist scholars) and Mapuche activists (and scholars of Mapuche
politics). While both groups shared a mix of hope and skepticism at the
beginning of her government, one of the things that most struck me in field
visits to Chile as her term progressed was growing enthusiasm on the part of
Chilean feminist acquaintances and growing bitterness on the part of Mapuche
ones. I am particularly concerned with what this means for indigenous women
who find themselves at the intersection of these two identifications, and
suggest that their positionality and experiences represent a long-standing
and still unanswered challenge to feminist methods and praxis.
Strong spatial variability in trace gasdynamics following experimental drought in a humid tropical forest
Authors: Wood Tana E. , Silver Whendee L.
Published: June 2012

Soil moisture is a key driver of biogeochemical processes in terrestrial ecosystems, strongly affecting carbon (C) and nutrient availability as well as trace gas production and consumption in soils. Models predict increasing drought frequency in tropical forest ecosystems, which could feed back on future climate change directly via effects on trace gasdynamics and indirectly through changes in nutrient availability. We used throughfall exclusion shelters to determine effects of short‐term (3 month) drought on trace gas fluxes and nutrient availability in humid tropical forests in Puerto Rico. Exclusion and control plots were replicated within and across three topographic zones (ridge, slope, valley) to account for spatial heterogeneity typical of these ecosystems. Throughfall exclusion reduced soil moisture in all sites and lowered exchangeable phosphorus (P) on ridges and slopes. Drought decreased soil carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 30% in ridge sites and 28% in slope sites, and increased net methane (CH4) consumption by 480% in valley sites. Both valley and ridge sites became net nitrous oxide (N2O) sinks in response to soil drying. Emissions of CO2 and N2O, as well as CH4 consumption were positively related to exchangeable P and the nitrate:ammonium ratio. These findings suggest that drought has the potential to decrease net trace gas emissions from humid tropical forest soils. The differential response of trace gas emissions and nutrients from different topographic zones to drought underscores the complexity of biogeochemical cycling in these ecosystems and the importance of considering spatial heterogeneity when estimating whole system responses.
How does the hot core of a volcanic plume control the sulfur speciation in volcanic emission?
Authors: Hoshyaripour G. , Hort M. , Langmann B.
Published: June 2012

Volcanic eruptions inject sulfur into the atmosphere mainly in form of SO2 and H2S. The ratio of these species (H2S/SO2), which is usually used as the mirror of the oxidation state of the source magma, varies significantly according to the type of activity, tectonic setting etc. This study aims to investigate the role of the hot core of plinian and sub‐plinian volcanic plumes (T > 600°C) in sulfur speciation based on the thermodynamic equilibrium in this temperature range. We consider the hot core as a box model in which 1000°C magmatic gas and 25°C ambient air are mixed and show that it functions as a hot oxidizing reactor for S species. Processes inside the hot core usually decrease the H2S content of the system but can either increase or decrease SO2 depending on initial oxidation state. Thus the SO2 injected into the atmosphere is not essentially generated directly from the magma but it can be produced in the hot core as the result of H2S oxidation. Besides, volcanic cloud compositions do not mirror the source conditions. Considering three types of tectonic settings (convergent plate, divergent plate and hot spot) we propose that H2S emission is more likely under reduced conditions in divergent plate and hot spot volcanic settings.
Fast and accurate calculation of multipath spread from VOACAP predictions
Authors: Stocker A. J.
Published: June 2012

Improved predictions of multipath spread at HF have been obtained from VOACAP by including the effect of probability distribution functions of the signal power rather than just taking the median signal power. A Monte Carlo calculation method has been adopted that is superior in terms of accuracy and computation speed over the brute force method previously employed. The predictions of multipath spread are generally comparable with the values measured over an 1800 km sub‐auroral path. The new method will be useful to those planning or operating digitally modulated radio systems in the HF band since these can be adversely affected by multipath spread.
Regional blending of fresh and saline irrigation water: Is it efficient?
Authors: Kan Iddo , Rapaport‐Rom Mickey
Published: June 2012

Blending fresh and saline irrigation waters is implemented in many countries facing water scarcity. However, when analyzed at the field level, previous economic studies have indicated that blending fresh and saline water is suboptimal. This paper examines the blending issue on a regional scale, where both water sources and land are concurrently allocated to crops. Regional water distribution networks that enable salinity adjustment at the field level are compared to networks that allow controlling water salinity on a regional scale only, such that salt concentrations cannot differ by crop. We characterize the conditions for blending to be an optimal strategy under regional salinity control networks, and show that these conditions can be met by an empirical water production model commonly used in the literature. Empirical analysis of 16 regions in Israel revealed optimal blending in six of them. However, regardless of whether blending is optimal or not, the optimal fresh‐water application is higher under regional salinity control networks, implying that blending does not support freshwater conservation. The paper analyzes the relationship between water and land constraints' shadow values, and the properties of the two water distribution networks. We show that although farming revenues are higher under networks that allow assignment of specific water salinities to crops, regional salinity control networks can become more profitable to farmers who face prices set endogenously so as to be the binding factor on the use of constrained water and land. The implications of the network selection on intraregional water supply costs are discussed.
Nonlinear evolution of the lower hybrid irregularities in artificially created dusty space plasmas
Authors: Fu H. , Scales W. A.
Published: June 2012

Plasma turbulence associated with the creation of an artificial dust layer in the earth's ionosphere is investigated. The lower hybrid turbulence is considered as the dust is injected across the geomagnetic field into the background plasma, which generates irregularities at times much longer than the dust charging period. A two‐dimensional hybrid particle‐in‐cell model is developed to investigate the lower hybrid instability driven by the streaming charged dust beam. It is shown that turbulence near the lower hybrid frequency is generated which has spatial structure with enhanced electric fields in localized density depletions. The wave saturation involves ion and dust heating. Energization of ions perpendicular to the magnetic field is observed. The ratio of electron plasma frequency to electron gyro frequency plays an important role on the lower hybrid irregularity spatial structure. Important parameters of the dust cloud that impact nonlinear evolution of the waves are discussed for the regimes of upcoming space experiments. Similarities between past observations of lower hybrid turbulence observed during passive space experiments in the auroral region and lower hybrid turbulence generated by such active experiments is discussed.
Effects of finite plasma pressure on centrifugally driven convection in Saturn's inner magnetosphere
Authors: Liu X. , Hill T. W.
Published: June 2012

We have previously shown simulation results for centrifugally driven plasma convection in Saturn's inner magnetosphere (2 < L < 12) using the Rice Convection Model, including a continuously active distributed plasma source, and the effects of the Coriolis force and the pickup current. These simulations result in a quasi‐steady state, in which fast, narrow inflow channels alternate with slower, wider outflow channels, consistent with Cassini Plasma Spectrometer observations. These previous simulations, however, did not include the plasma pressure. We investigate here the effects of finite plasma pressure and the associated gradient‐curvature drift current by giving the cold plasma a finite temperature. Our simulations confirm the theoretical expectation that a finite plasma pressure produces a force in the positive radial direction, the same direction as the centrifugal force, and acts as an additional driver of plasma convection. Our simulations also confirm that the radial velocities can be reduced (to keep them within observational constraints) by increasing the assumed ionospheric Pedersen conductance (also within observational constraints).
El Niño‐Southern Oscillation, the Madden‐Julian Oscillation and Atlantic basin tropical cyclone rapid intensification
Authors: Klotzbach Philip J.
Published: June 2012

Both El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) have previously been documented to impact Atlantic basin tropical cyclone (TC) activity through alterations in large‐scale fields such as vertical wind shear, mid‐level moisture, sea level pressure and sea surface temperature. Atlantic TC activity has been shown to be enhanced when La Niña conditions are present in the tropical Pacific, while activity is reduced when El Niño conditions occur. Atlantic TC activity is enhanced when the convectively active phase of the MJO is over Africa and the western Indian Ocean (Phases 1–2), while TC activity is suppressed when the convectively active phase of the MJO is over the tropical Pacific (Phases 6–7). These relationships are shown to extend to Atlantic basin rapid intensification (RI) events (typically defined as intensification of 30 knots or greater in 24 h), with nearly three times as many RI events in La Niña years when compared with El Niño years. In addition, approximately four times more RI episodes occur when the MJO exceeds one standard deviation in Phases 1–2 than when the MJO exceeds one standard deviation in Phases 6–7. Storms forming in Phases 1–2 are twice as likely to undergo at least one RI episode during their lifetime as storms forming in Phases 6–7. Even stronger relationships are seen when the MJO and ENSO are considered in combination.
Shaping the landscape: mechanistic consequences of ubiquitin modification of chromatin
Authors: Braun Sigurd , Madhani Hiten D
Published: June 2012

The organization of eukaryotic chromosomes into transcriptionally active euchromatin and repressed heterochromatin requires mechanisms that establish, maintain and distinguish these canonical chromatin domains. Post‐translational modifications are fundamental in these processes. Monoubiquitylation of histones was discovered more than three decades ago, but its precise function has been enigmatic until recently. It is now appreciated that the spectrum of chromatin ubiquitylation is not restricted to monoubiquitylation of histones, but includes degradatory ubiquitylation of histones, histone‐modifying enzymes and non‐histone chromatin factors. These occur in a spatially and temporally controlled manner. In this review, we summarize our understanding of these mechanisms with a particular emphasis on how ubiquitylation shapes the physical landscape of chromatin.
H5N1 infects the biosecurity debate
Authors: Hunter Philip
Published: June 2012

The generation of mutant H5N1 flu virus raised fundamental questions about the assessment and management of the risks of dual‐use biological research. Governments might well increase oversight and regulation to rectify the current shortcomings.
Biochemical identification and crystal structure of kynurenine formamidase fromDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Han Qian , Robinson Howard , Li Jianyong
Published: June 2012

KFase (kynurenine formamidase), also known as arylformamidase and formylkynurenine formamidase, efficiently catalyses the hydrolysis of NFK (N-formyl-L-kynurenine) to kynurenine. KFase is the second enzyme in the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism. A number of intermediates formed in the kynurenine pathway are biologically active and implicated in an assortment of medical conditions, including cancer, schizophrenia and neurodegenerative diseases. Consequently, enzymes involved in the kynurenine pathway have been considered potential regulatory targets. In the present study, we report, for the first time, the biochemical characterization and crystal structures of Drosophila melanogaster KFase conjugated with an inhibitor, PMSF. The protein architecture of KFase reveals that it belongs to the α/β hydrolase fold family. The PMSF-binding information of the solved conjugated crystal structure was used to obtain a KFase and NFK complex using molecular docking. The complex is useful for understanding the catalytic mechanism of KFase. The present study provides a molecular basis for future efforts in maintaining or regulating kynurenine metabolism through the molecular and biochemical regulation of KFase.
Mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide as a prognostic marker for all-cause mortality in patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease
Authors: von Haehling Stephan , Papassotiriou Jana , Hartmann Oliver , Doehner Wolfram , Stellos Konstantinos , Geisler Tobias , Wurster Thomas , Schuster Andreas , Botnar Rene M. , Gawaz Meinrad , Bigalke Boris
Published: June 2012

In the present study, we investigated the prognostic value of MR-proANP (mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide). We consecutively evaluated a catheterization laboratory cohort of 2700 patients with symptomatic CAD (coronary artery disease) [74.1% male; ACS (acute coronary syndrome), n=1316; SAP (stable angina pectoris), n=1384] presenting to the Cardiology Department of a large primary care hospital, all of whom underwent coronary angiography. Serum MR-proANP and other laboratory markers were sampled at the time of presentation or in the catheterization laboratory. Clinical outcome was assessed by hospital chart analysis and telephone interviews. The primary end point was all-cause death at 3 months after enrolment. Follow-up data were complete in 2621 patients (97.1%). Using ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curves, the AUC (area under the curve) of 0.73 [95% CI (confidence interval), 0.67–0.79] for MR-proANP was significantly higher compared with 0.58 (95% CI, 0.55–0.62) for Tn-I (troponin-I; DeLong test, P=0.0024). According to ROC analysis, the optimal cut-off value of MR-proANP was at 236 pmol/l for all-cause death, which helped to find a significantly increased rate of all-cause death (n=76) at 3 months in patients with elevated baseline concentrations (≥236 pmol/l) compared with patients with a lower concentration level in Kaplan–Meier survival analysis (log rank, P<0.001). The predictive performance of MR-proANP was independent of other clinical variables or cardiovascular risk factors, and superior to that of Tn-I or other cardiac biomarkers (all: P<0.0001). MR-proANP may help in the prediction of all-cause death in patients with symptomatic CAD. Further studies should verify its prognostic value and confirm the appropriate cut-off value.
Brownian motions on metric graphs
Authors: Kostrykin Vadim , Potthoff Jürgen , Schrader Robert
Published: June 2012

Brownian motions on a metric graph are defined. Their generators are characterized as Laplace operators subject to Wentzell boundary at every vertex. Conversely, given a set of Wentzell boundary conditions at the vertices of a metric graph, a Brownian motion is constructed pathwise on this graph so that its generator satisfies the given boundary conditions.
The magnetocaloric effect of partially crystalline Fe-B-Cr-Gd alloys
Authors: Law J. Y. , Franco V. , Ramanujan R. V.
Published: June 2012

The influence of annealing temperature and crystallization on the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of Fe-B-Cr-Gd partially crystalline alloys was studied. Although the alloys exhibited dissimilar devitrification behavior, all the alloys exhibited MCE behavior consistent with a phenomenological universal curve and theoretical power law expressions of the magnetic field dependence of MCE. The TC of partially crystalline Fe75B12Cr8Gd5 alloys increased with increasing annealing temperatures. However, peak magnetic entropy change and refrigerant capacity values remained relatively constant, suggesting that these alloys are promising for active magnetic regenerator applications.
Production of negative ions on graphite surface in H2/D2 plasmas: Experiments and srim calculations
Authors: Cartry G. , Schiesko L. , Hopf C. , Ahmad A. , Carrère M , Layet J. M. , Kumar P. , Engeln R.
Published: June 2012

In previous works, surface-produced negative-ion distribution-functions have been measured in H2 and D2 plasmas using graphite surfaces (highly oriented pyrolitic graphite). In the present paper, we use the srim software to interpret the measured negative-ion distribution-functions. For this purpose, the distribution-functions of backscattered and sputtered atoms arising due to the impact of hydrogen ions on a-CH and a-CD surfaces are calculated. The srim calculations confirm the experimental deduction that backscattering and sputtering are the mechanisms of the origin of the creation of negative ions at the surface. It is shown that the srim calculations compare well with the experiments regarding the maximum energy of the negative ions and reproduce the experimentally observed isotopic effect. A discrepancy between calculations and measurements is found concerning the yields for backscattering and sputtering. An explanation is proposed based on a study of the emitted-particle angular-distributions as calculated by srim.
Transverse self-modulation of ultra-relativistic lepton beams in the plasma wakefield accelerator
Authors: Vieira J. , Fang Y. , Mori W. B. , Silva L. O. , Muggli P.
Published: June 2012

The transverse self-modulation of ultra-relativistic, long lepton bunches in high-density plasmas is explored through full-scale particle-in-cell simulations. We demonstrate that long SLAC-type electron and positron bunches can become strongly radially self-modulated over centimeter distances, leading to wake excitation in the blowout regime with accelerating fields in excess of 20 GV/m. We show that particles energy variations exceeding 10 GeV can occur in meter-long plasmas. We find that the self-modulation of positively and negatively charged bunches differs when the blowout is reached. Seeding the self-modulation instability mitigates the effect of the competing hosing instability. This work reveals that a proof-of-principle experiment to test the physics of bunch self-modulation can be performed with available lepton bunches and with existing experimental apparatus and diagnostics.
Nanomanipulation and nanofabrication with multi-probe scanning tunneling microscope: From individual atoms to nanowires
Authors: Qin Shengyong , Kim Tae-Hwan , Wang Zhouhang , Li An-Ping
Published: June 2012

The wide variety of nanoscale structures and devices demands novel tools for handling, assembly, and fabrication at nanoscopic positioning precision. The manipulation tools should allow for in situ characterization and testing of fundamental building blocks, such as nanotubes and nanowires, as they are built into functional devices. In this paper, a bottom-up technique for nanomanipulation and nanofabrication is reported by using a 4-probe scanning tunneling microscope (STM) combined with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The applications of this technique are demonstrated in a variety of nanosystems, from manipulating individual atoms to bending, cutting, breaking carbon nanofibers, and constructing nanodevices for electrical characterizations. The combination of the wide field of view of SEM, the atomic position resolution of STM, and the flexibility of multiple scanning probes is expected to be a valuable tool for rapid prototyping in the nanoscience and nanotechnology.
The electronic band structure of GaBiAs/GaAs layers: Influence of strain and band anti-crossing
Authors: Batool Z. , Hild K. , Hosea T. J. C. , Lu X. , Tiedje T. , Sweeney S. J.
Published: June 2012

The GaBixAs1−x bismide III-V semiconductor system remains a relatively underexplored alloy particularly with regards to its detailed electronic band structure. Of particular importance to understanding the physics of this system is how the bandgap energy Eg and spin-orbit splitting energy Δo vary relative to one another as a function of Bi content, since in this alloy it becomes possible for Δo to exceed Eg for higher Bi fractions, which occurrence would have important implications for minimising non-radiative Auger recombination losses in such structures. However, this situation had not so far been realised in this system. Here, we study a set of epitaxial layers of GaBixAs1−x (2.3% ≤ x ≤ 10.4%), of thickness 30–40 nm, grown compressively strained onto GaAs (100) substrates. Using room temperature photomodulated reflectance, we observe a reduction in Eg, together with an increase in Δo, with increasing Bi content. In these strained samples, it is found that the transition energy between the conduction and heavy-hole valence band edges is equal with that between the heavy-hole and spin-orbit split-off valence band edges at ∼9.0 ± 0.2% Bi. Furthermore, we observe that the strained valence band heavy-hole/light-hole splitting increases with Bi fraction at a rate of ∼15 (±1) meV/Bi%, from which we are able to deduce the shear deformation potential. By application of an iterative strain theory, we decouple the strain effects from our experimental measurements and deduce Eg and Δo of free standing GaBiAs; we find that Δo indeed does come into resonance with Eg at ∼10.5 ± 0.2% Bi. We also conclude that the conduction/valence band alignment of dilute-Bi GaBiAs on GaAs is most likely to be type-I.
Simulation of melting in crystalline polyethylene
Authors: Zubova E. A. , Balabaev N. K. , Musienko A. I. , Gusarova E. B. , Mazo M. A. , Manevitch L. I. , Berlin A. A.
Published: June 2012

We carry out a molecular dynamics simulation of the first stages of constrained melting in crystalline polyethylene (PE). When heated, the crystal undergoes two structural phase transitions: from the orthorhombic (O) phase to the monoclinic (M) phase, and then to the columnar (C), quasi-hexagonal, phase. The M phase represents the tendency to the parallel packing of planes of PE zigzags, and the C phase proves to be some kind of oriented melt. We follow both the transitions O→M and M→C in real time and establish that, at their beginning, the crystal tries (and fails) to pass into the partially ordered phases similar to the RI and RII phases of linear alkanes, correspondingly. We discuss the molecular mechanisms and driving forces of the observed transitions, as well as the reasons why the M and C phases in PE crystals substitute for the rotator phases in linear alkanes.
Step bunching process induced by the flow of steps at the sublimated crystal surface
Authors: Załuska-Kotur Magdalena A. , Krzyżewski Filip
Published: June 2012

Stepped GaN(0001) surface is studied by the kinetic Monte Carlo method and compared with the model based on Burton-Cabrera-Frank equations. Successive stages of surface pattern evolution during high temperature sublimation process are discussed. At low sublimation rates, clear, well defined step bunches form. The process happens in the absence or for very low Schwoebel barriers. Bunches of several steps are well separated, move slowly and stay straight. Character of the process changes for more rapid sublimation process where double step formations become dominant and together with meanders and local bunches assemble into the less ordered surface pattern. Solution of the analytic equations written for one dimensional system confirms that step bunching is induced by the particle advection caused by step movement. Relative particle flow towards moving steps becomes important when due to the low Schwoebel barrier both sides of the step are symmetric. Simulations show that in the opposite limit of very high Schwoebel barrier steps fracture and rough surface builds up.
Ambipolar charge injection and transport of few-layer topological insulator Bi2Te3 and Bi2Se3 nanoplates
Authors: Hao Guolin , Qi Xiang , Liu Yundan , Huang Zongyu , Li Hongxing , Huang Kai , Li Jun , Yang Liwen , Zhong Jianxin
Published: June 2012

We report the electrostatic properties of few-layer Bi2Te3 and Bi2Se3 nanoplates (NPs) grown on 300 nm SiO2/Si substrate. Electrons and holes are locally injected in Bi2Te3 and Bi2Se3 nanoplates by the apex of an atomic force microscope tip. Both carriers are delocalized uniformly over the whole nanoplate. The electrostatic property of topological insulator Bi2Te3 and Bi2Se3 nanoplates after charge injection is characterized by Kelvin probe force microscopy under ambient environment and exhibits an ambipolar surface potential behavior. These results provide insight into the electronic properties of topological insulators at the nanometer scale.
Cabrera-Mott kinetics of oxidation of metal nanowires
Authors: Zhdanov Vladimir P. , Kasemo Bengt
Published: June 2012

The Cabrera-Mott model, implying that oxidation of a metal is limited by the field-facilitated activated jumps of metal ions at the metal-oxide interface, was originally proposed to interpret growth of thin oxide films on planar metal surfaces. Recently, the model was used to describe oxidation of spherical nanoparticles with small radius of curvature. Here, we analyze oxidation of nanowires. The increase of the oxide thickness with increasing time for a nanowire is shown to be slower than that for a nanoparticle with the same radius, but faster than in the case of a planar surface.
Metal cluster’s effect on the optical properties of cesium bromide thin films
Authors: Kumar Kuldeep , Arun P. , Ravi Kant Chhaya , Juluri Bala Krishna
Published: June 2012

Cesium bromide (CsBr) films grown on glass substrates by thermal evaporation showed prominent absorption peaks in the UV-visible region. Interestingly, these absorption spectra showed peaks which red shifted over time in ambient exposure. Structural and morphological studies suggested decrease in particle size overtime which was unusual. Electron micrographs show the formation of “daughter” cesium nanorods from parent CsBr particles. Theoretical calculations show the optical behavior observed to be due to localized surface plasmon resonance resulting from cesium nanorods.