bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
POU5F1P1, a putative cancer susceptibility gene, is overexpressed in prostatic carcinoma
Authors: Kastler Silvia , Honold Lisa , Luedeke Manuel , Kuefer Rainer , Möller Peter , Hoegel Josef , Vogel Walther , Maier Christiane , Assum Guenter
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND

Association between genetic variants located on human chromosome 8q24.21 with an increased risk for prostatic carcinoma has been well established. POU5F1P1, a processed pseudogene homologous to the pluripotency factor OCT4, is the only sequence with coding capacity in this region. The objective of this study was to investigate the POU5F1P1 expression in prostatic carcinoma and carcinoma surrounding prostatic tissue.

METHODS

RT‐PCR and real‐time PCR was used to measure the expression of POU5F1P1 relative to the expression of HPRT1 in cell lines, prostatic carcinoma and carcinoma surrounding prostatic tissue. The structure of the POU5F1P1 mRNA and the promoter sequence were elucidated by 5′‐RACE experiments. The POU5F1P1 protein was shown with immunohistochemistry on prostate tissue.

RESULTS

POU5F1P1 was found to be the only member of the POU5F1 family to be expressed in prostate with over‐expression in prostatic carcinoma compared to surrounding prostatic tissue probably because of an increased density of expressing cells. The POU5F1P1 expression is driven by a variety of promoter structures scattered over a genomic region of 860 kB.

CONCLUSIONS

The over‐expression of POU5F1P1 in prostatic carcinoma in addition to its genomic location and the putative function of its gene product render POU5F1P1 a good candidate to harbour functional genetic variants which modulate prostatic cancer susceptibility. Prostate 70: 666–674, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Variations in mechanisms of selective area growth of GaN on nano‐patterned substrates by MOVPE
Authors: Liu Chaowang , Shields Philip A. , Chen Qin , Allsopp Duncan W. E. , Wang Wang Nang , Bowen Chris R. , Phan T.‐L. , Cherns David
Published: December 2009

The growth behaviour of GaN selective area growth (SAG) by MOVPE on two types of nano‐patterned GaN substrates has been investigated. Samples were characterized by SEM, AFM and TEM. Results indicate that well formed nano‐pyramids with base size of ∼150 nm, and sharp tips are readily grown through mask patterns defined by electron beam lithography (EBL). A growth rate of nearly zero on the {10$ \bar 1 $1} nano‐facets, effectively self‐limiting growth (SLG), has been observed under a wide range of growth conditions using a conventional growth mode. In contrast, pulsed growth is able to change the SLG behaviour, and thereby control the size of pyramids, even to coalesce the pyramids to form flat, smooth GaN films. SLG‐like behaviour of GaN SAG on patterns defined by nano‐imprint lithography (NIL) is also observed and enabled nano‐pyramids to form. However, GaN SAG on NIL patterns shows accelerated growth in some pores at the early stage of the growth. This accelerated growth is attributed to the possible presence of screw‐type dislocations in the pore. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Contactless and soft contact electroreflectance of AlGaN/GaN and GaN/AlGaN/GaN field effect transistor heterostructures
Authors: Kudrawiec Robert , Misiewicz Jan
Published: December 2009

AlGaN/GaN field effect transistor (FET) structures with a two dimensional electron gas (2DEG) at the interface were investigated by electromodulation spectroscopy [contactless electroreflectance (CER), and soft contact electroreflectance (SCER)]. It has been clearly shown that in contactless mode of electroreflectance (i.e., CER spectroscopy) the 2DEG screens the band bending modulation in GaN layer from the external electromodulation which is generated by the capacitor‐like system. In a result only the optical transition in AlGaN layer and no signal, which could be associated with the optical transition in GaN buffer layer, is observed in CER spectra. This screening is not present in soft contact mode of electroreflectance (i.e., SCER spectroscopy). It has been clearly shown that the soft contact mode of electrorefletance works very well for AlGaN/GaN FET structures with a 2 nm thick GaN cap layer. In this mode of electroreflectance measurements the signal from GaN buffer layer was clearly observed whereas in CER spectra this signal was not detected. In CER spectra only the AlGaN‐related transition and the GaN cap‐related transition were observed. The last transition was observed at the energy of ∼3.65 eV because of quantum confinement in GaN cap layer, i.e., a surface quantum well in fact. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Protective effect of Korean red ginseng extract on cisplatin ototoxicity in HEI‐OC1 auditory cells
Authors: Im Gi Jung , Chang Ji Won , Choi June , Chae Sung Won , Ko Eun Ju , Jung Hak Hyun
Published: December 2009

Ginseng extract is known to have many beneficial effects, including the reversal of pathological and physiological changes induced by ischemia, stress, and aging. Cisplatin, an effective antineoplastic drug, can cause irreversible sensorineural hearing loss and serious tinnitus in humans; thus cisplatin‐induced ototoxicity is a useful experimental model for ototoxicity. This study investigated the protective effects of Korean red ginseng extract on cisplatin‐induced ototoxicity in auditory cells. Pretreatment with 2.5 mg/mL of ginseng extract prior to application of 20 μm of cisplatin significantly increased cell viability after 48 h of incubation in auditory cells. Pretreatment with ginseng extract significantly attenuated the cisplatin‐induced increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS). Ginseng extract also inhibited the expression of caspase‐3 and poly‐ADP‐ribose polymerase related to cisplatin‐induced apoptosis because a major mechanism of cisplatin‐induced toxicity involves ROS production. Thus, Korean red ginseng extract can play both an anti‐apoptotic and anti‐oxidative role on cisplatin‐induced ototoxicity in an auditory cell line. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The challenge of monitoring impacts of water abstraction on macroinvertebrate assemblages in unregulated streams
Authors: Chessman Bruce C. , Royal Meredith J. , Muschal Monika
Published: December 2009

Monitoring of the ecological impacts of water abstraction from unregulated streams in the state of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, is challenging because water is abstracted by thousands of geographically dispersed users who pump intermittently according to temporally varying needs and the limitations imposed by licences and access rules. Detailed, quantitative monitoring methods are too costly for widespread routine application because of the size of the state (801 000 km2) and the large number of streams affected by abstraction. We therefore tested the possibility of detecting abstraction impacts on aquatic macroinvertebrates with rapid biological assessment (RBA) methods similar to those that are routinely used for biological monitoring of Australian rivers. We sampled 85 sites on unregulated streams in north‐eastern NSW during a period of prolonged and recurring drought, 54 of which were designated as reference sites with respect to water abstraction because upstream entitlement for abstraction was less than 1% of their mean annual flow (MAF). The remaining, non‐reference sites had an average of 4% of MAF licensed for upstream abstraction (range 1–20%). Sweep and kick samples were collected at each site in two seasons, and invertebrates were picked for 30 min per sample and analysed at genus level. We found a small but statistically significant overall difference in macroinvertebrate assemblages between the reference and non‐reference sites, but the amount of upstream entitlement did not affect the degree to which assemblages at individual sites deviated from site‐specific reference conditions. We attribute the absence of evident impact mainly to the low proportions of streamflow abstracted, but limitations of RBA methods may also be a factor. We recommend a risk‐based approach to future monitoring whereby effort is focussed on those streams where a high proportion of flow is abstracted. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
International entrepreneurship: managerial and policy implications
Authors: Cumming Douglas , Sapienza Harry J. , Siegel Donald S. , Wright Mike
Published: December 2009

This article provides an overview of the literature on international entrepreneurship (henceforth, IE). In doing so, we adopt a broad perspective on IE, consistent with the notion that entrepreneurship refers to how opportunities to create future goods and services are discovered, evaluated, and exploited (Venkataraman, 1997). After providing focused summaries of the articles included in the special issue, we outline a research agenda to improve our understanding of the determinants and outcomes of IE. We also highlight several methodological issues of particular importance to IE research. Copyright © 2009 Strategic Management Society.
Oscillating improvisation: how entrepreneurial firms create success in foreign market entries over time
Authors: Bingham Christopher B.
Published: December 2009

This study explores how entrepreneurial firms become successful in foreign market entries over time. The setting is the foreign market entries of entrepreneurial firms with headquarters in Singapore, the U.S., and Finland. There are several findings. Firms with more successful foreign market entries decrease improvisation in opportunity selection but increase improvisation in opportunity execution. In contrast, firms with less successful foreign market entries do the opposite. Intriguingly, data suggest that increased improvisation in opportunity execution may be influenced by decreased improvisation in opportunity selection, whereas decreased improvisation in opportunity execution may be influenced by increased improvisation in opportunity selection. Overall, besides contributing fresh insights about the relationship between improvisation and performance in new venture firms, a central contribution of this study is shedding light on the texture of entrepreneurial cognition and the little known relationship between cognition, action, amended cognitions, and redirected action. Copyright © 2009 Strategic Management Society.
Standardization of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring of Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve in Thyroid Operation
Authors: Chiang Feng‐Yu , Lee Ka‐Wo , Chen Hui‐Chun , Chen Hsiu‐Ya , Lu I‐Cheng , Kuo Wen‐Rei , Hsieh Ming‐Chia , Wu Che‐Wei
Published: December 2009

Background

The lack of standardized procedures of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) during thyroid operations may lead to highly variable results, and many of these results can cause misleading information and, conversely, increase the risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury. Therefore, standardization of IONM procedures is necessary.

Methods

A total of 289 patients (435 nerves at risk) who underwent thyroidectomy by the same surgeon were enrolled in this study. Each patient was intubated with EMG endotracheal tube by the same anesthesiologist. Standardized IONM procedures were applied in each patient. The procedures include preoperative and postoperative video‐recording of vocal cord movement, ensuring the correct position of electrodes after the neck was placed at full extension, vagal stimulation and registration of EMG signals before and after RLN dissection, and photographic documentation of the exposed RLN.

Results

Five patients encountered dysfunction of IONM, which was caused by malposition of electrodes and the problem was detected at once. One patient with non‐RLN was detected at the earlier stage of operation. Eighteen nerves experienced loss of EMG signals during thyroid dissection, and the causes of nerve injuries were well elucidated with the application of our standardized IONM procedures.

Conclusions

The standardized IONM procedures are useful and helpful not only to eliminate false IONM results, but also to elucidate the mechanism of RLN injury. After ascertaining the surgical pitfalls and improving the surgical techniques, the palsy rate was significantly reduced in this study.
C‐mip interacts with the p85 subunit of PI3 kinase and exerts a dual effect on ERK signaling via the recruitment of Dip1 and DAP kinase
Authors: Kamal Maud , Pawlak Andre , BenMohamed Fatima , Valanciuté Asta , Dahan Karine , Candelier Marina , Lang Philippe , Guellaën Georges , Sahali Djillali
Published: December 2009

MINT‐7383689, MINT‐7383711: Dip‐1 (uniprotkb:Q80SY4) physically interacts (MI:0915) with c‐Mip (uniprotkb:Q8IY22) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)
Solar and proxy-sensitivity imprints on paleohydrological records for the last millennium in west-central Europe
Authors: Magny M. , Arnaud F. , Holzhauser H. , Chapron E. , Debret M. , Desmet M. , Leroux A. , Millet L. , Revel M. , Vannière B.
Published: December 2009

This paper presents a lake-level record established for the last millennium at Lake Saint-Point in the French Jura Mountains. A comparison of this lake-level record with a solar irradiance record supports the hypothesis of a solar forcing of variations in the hydrological cycle linked to climatic oscillations over the last millennium in west-central Europe, with higher lake levels during the solar minimums of Oort (around AD 1060), Wolf (around AD 1320), Spörer (around AD 1450), Maunder (around AD 1690), and Dalton (around AD 1820). Further comparisons of the Saint-Point record with the fluctuations of the Great Aletsch Glacier (Swiss Alps) and a record of Rhône River floods from Lake Bourget (French Alps) give evidence of possible imprints of proxy sensitivity on reconstructed paleohydrological records. In particular, the Great Aletsch record shows an increasing glacier mass from AD 1350 to 1850, suggesting a cumulative effect of the Little Ice Age cooling and/or a possible reflection of a millennial-scale general cooling until the mid-19th century in the Northern Hemisphere. In contrast, the Saint-Point and Bourget records show a general trend toward a decrease in lake levels and in flood magnitude anti-correlated with generally increasing solar irradiance.
The impact of climate changes during the Holocene on vegetation in northern French Guiana
Authors: Freycon Vincent , Krencker Marion , Schwartz Dominique , Nasi Robert , Bonal Damien
Published: December 2009

The impact of climatic changes that occurred during the last glacial maximum and the Holocene on vegetation changes in the Amazon Basin and the Guiana Shield are still widely debated. The aim of our study was to investigate whether major changes in vegetation (i.e. transitions between rainforests and C4 savannas) occurred in northern French Guiana during the Holocene. We measured variations in the ä13C of soil organic matter at eight sites now occupied by forest or savannah. The forest sites were selected to cover two regions (forest refugia and peneplains) which are thought to have experienced different intensities of disturbance during the latest Pleistocene and the Holocene. We found that none of the forest sites underwent major disturbances during the Holocene, i.e. they were not replaced by C4 savannahs or C4 forest savannahs for long periods. Our results thus suggest that tropical rainforests in northern French Guiana were resilient to drier climatic conditions during the Holocene. Nevertheless, geographical and vertical variations in the 13C of SOM were compatible with minor changes in vegetation, variations in soil processes or in soil physical properties.
THE IMPACT OF EXPOSURE TO MASS MEDIA CAMPAIGNS AND SOCIAL SUPPORT ON LEVELS AND TRENDS OF HIV-RELATED STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION IN NIGERIA: TOOLS FOR ENHANCING EFFECTIVE HIV PREVENTION PROGRAMMES
Authors: FAKOLADE R. , ADEBAYO S. B. , ANYANTI J. , ANKOMAH A.
Published: December 2009

People living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHAs) often face stigma and discrimination, especially in developing countries. HIV-related stigma is expressed through social ostracism, personal rejection, direct and indirect discrimination, and denial from families and friends. Consequently, it is associated with reduced adoption of preventive and care behaviours, including condom use, seeking for HIV test and care-seeking behaviour subsequent to diagnosis. Ignorance about the epidemiology of the disease on modes of transmission and prevention aggravates HIV-related stigma in Nigeria. Behaviour change communication activities through mass media have been shown to be an effective approach in improving people's knowledge about the disease. This paper monitors trends in the level of accepting attitudes towards PLWHAs in Nigeria between 2003 and 2007. It also evaluates the impact of exposure to mass media and social support on the levels of accepting attitudes towards PLWHAs. A significant and positive trend was evident between 2003 and 2007 (p<0.0001). Furthermore, exposure to mass media communications on HIV and AIDS issues and social support were significantly related to the reduced stigma and discrimination against PLWHAs (p<0.0001).
Cultivating Knowledge in Nineteenth-Century English Gardens
Authors: Lustig A. J.
Published: December 2009

The Argument

The popularity of botany and natural history in England combined with the demographic changes of the first half of the nineteenth century to bring about a new aesthetics of gardening, fusing horticultural practice with a connoisseurship of botanical science. Horticultural societies brought theoretical botany into the practice of gardening. Botanical and horticultural periodicals disseminated both science and prescriptions for practice, yoking them to a progressive social agenda, including the betterment of the working class and urban planning. Finally, botany was incorporated into systems of education, reinforcing the union of theory and practice.

Three garden plans from the 1790s, 1835, and 1846 illustrate the embodiment of this theory and practice in the design of private suburban gardens. These horticultural/botanical gardens, described in the second half of the article, represent a neglected side of botany's bifurcated descent from Renaissance collections of curiosities into horticultural gardening and herbarium-based systematics.
Modelling multi-type transmission of pneumococcal carriage in Bangladeshi families
Authors: ERÄSTÖ P. , HOTI F. , GRANAT S. M. , MIA Z. , MÄKELÄ P.H. , AURANEN K.
Published: December 2009

The burden of pneumococcal carriage is largest in developing countries from which, however, detailed studies on pneumococcal transmission are missing. In this study we followed nasopharyngeal carriage in Bangladeshi infants (n=99) from birth, with 2-week sampling intervals until age 4 months, and monthly thereafter until age 1 year, and also their family members at the same intervals. We assessed the dependence of pneumococcal acquisition rates on age, serotype, serotype-specific exposure (i.e. transmission) and current state of carriage (yes/no). A statistical model of pneumococcal transmission, taking into account incompletely observed data, was applied to estimate rates of acquisition and clearance for a large number of serotypes at the same time. Serotypes that were common in the study population were more often acquired from the community than rarer serotypes. However, when conditioning on serotype-specific exposure within the family, transmission rates were similar between different serotypes. Exposure within families signified more than tenfold increase in the rate of acquisition.
Diagnostische Kompetenz von Lehrkräften
Authors: Artelt Cordula , Gräsel Cornelia
Published: December 2009

«Diagnostische Kompetenz» wird als eine zentrale berufsbezogene Fähigkeit von Lehrkräften gesehen, der in der Lehrerbildung und in den Bemühungen um die Qualitätsverbesserung an Schulen ein großer Stellenwert zugeschrieben wird. Der Beitrag gibt u. a. einen Überblick über die Forschungsarbeiten dieses Themenheftes zur diagnostischen Kompetenz, wobei primär herausgearbeitet wird, worin der Erkenntnisfortschritt der Beiträge liegt. Abschließend werden zentrale weitere Forschungsdesiderata im Bereich der diagnostischen Kompetenz von Lehrkräften benannt.
Diagnostische Kompetenz von Grundschul- und Gymnasiallehr- kräften im Leistungsbereich und im Bereich Interessen
Authors: Karing Constance
Published: December 2009

Gegenstand der vorliegenden Arbeit ist die diagnostische Kompetenz von Grundschul- und Gymnasiallehrkräften im Leistungsbereich und im Bereich Fachinteresse. Ausgehend von Überlegungen zum Erwerb der diagnostischen Kompetenz geht die Studie folgenden Fragestellungen nach: Schätzen Grundschullehrkräfte die Schülerleistungen (Arithmetik, Wortschatz und Textverstehen) und das Fachinteresse der Schülerinnen und Schüler (Deutsch und Mathematik) akkurater ein als Gymnasiallehrkräfte? Besteht ein Zusammenhang zwischen der Kooperation der Lehrkräfte, der Zusammenarbeit zwischen Lehrkräften und Eltern, der Leistungsstreuung und der Streuung des Fachinteresses in den untersuchten Bereichen mit der Diagnosegenauigkeit der Lehrkräfte? Datenbasis ist eine Stichprobe der BiKS-Studie von 1984 Grundschülerinnen und Grundschülern der 4. Jahrgangsstufe und deren 142 Lehrkräfte sowie 914 Gymnasiastinnen und Gymnasiasten der 5. Jahrgangsstufe und deren 111 Lehrkräfte. In der 4. und 5. Jahrgangsstufe wurden mittels Kompetenztests der Wortschatz, das Textverstehen und die Rechenfähigkeit der Schülerinnen und Schüler erfasst. Zudem wurde das Fachinteresse in Mathematik und Deutsch von den Schülerinnen und Schülern erhoben. Grundschul- und Gymnasiallehrkräfte wurden gebeten, diese Merkmale für jeden ihrer Schülerinnen und Schüler einzuschätzen. Wie erwartet, schätzen die Grundschullehrkräfte im Vergleich zu den Gymnasiallehrkräften die Schülerleistungen in Arithmetik, Wortschatz und Textverstehen sowie das Fachinteresse in Deutsch akkurater ein. Allerdings schätzen Grundschullehrkräfte das Fachinteresse in Mathematik nicht signifikant akkurater ein als Gymnasiallehrkräfte. Darüber hinaus zeigte sich, dass die Leistungsstreuung und die Streuung des Fachinteresses bedeutsam mit der diagnostischen Kompetenz der Lehrkräfte zusammenhängen.
Leistung nach Misserfolg in Abhängigkeit von Zielorientierung und aufgabenspezifischem Fähigkeitsselbstkonzept
Authors: Dickhäuser Claudia , Buch Susanne R.
Published: December 2009

In einer laborexperimentellen Studie wurde der Einfluss von Zielorientierung und aufgabenspezifischem Fähigkeitsselbstkonzept (FSK) auf die Leistung während und nach Misserfolg geprüft. Zusätzlich wurden das Ausmaß an Spaß bei der Aufgabenbearbeitung sowie Besorgtheitsgedanken in der Misserfolgssituation als Mediatoren untersucht. Das aufgabenspezifische FSK der N = 74 Studierenden wurde als Personenfaktor erhoben, die Zielorientierungen experimentell manipuliert. In beiden Bedingungen (Lern- und Leistungszielorientierung) wurde Misserfolg induziert und die Leistung sowie Spaß bei der Aufgabenbearbeitung und Besorgtheitsgedanken in der Misserfolgssituation erhoben. Anschließend wurde die Leistung nach Misserfolg in einer anderen Aufgabe erfasst. Wie erwartet war die Leistung während und nach induziertem Misserfolg vorhersagbar aus der Interaktion von Zielorientierung und aufgabenspezifischem FSK. Die Interaktion ging dabei hypothesenkonform auf den Einfluss des aufgabenspezifischen FSKs in der Leistungszielbedingung zurück. Es ergaben sich Hinweise darauf, dass Spaß bei der Aufgabenbearbeitung den Zusammenhang zwischen Zielbedingung und aufgabenspezifischem FSK auf die Leistung während Misserfolgs vermittelte.
Surface waves and field line resonances: A THEMIS case study
Authors: Agapitov Oleksiy , Glassmeier Karl‐Heinz , Plaschke Ferdinand , Auster Hans‐Ulrich , Constantinescu Dragoş , Angelopoulos Vassilis , Magnes Werner , Nakamura Rumi , Carlson Charles W. , Frey Sabine , McFadden James P.
Published: December 2009

Using magnetic field and plasma observations from four of the five Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) spacecraft, a surface wave at the dawn flank of the magnetopause was identified on 25 April 2007. The wave had an amplitude of about 1 RE and propagated tailward with a velocity of about 190–240 km/s. Its azimuthal wavelength was in the range of 9–11 RE. Magnetosheath velocity values support the hypothesis that this surface wave was generated by the Kelvin‐Helmholtz instability. Simultaneously, an ultralow‐frequency (ULF) pulsation event was detected by the fifth THEMIS spacecraft deeper in the magnetosphere, at a distance of about 5–7 RE from the magnetopause. This ULF event showed all the signatures predicted for waves generated by the classical field line resonance process. Frequency and phases of the detected ULF oscillations were found to be in close agreement with the magnetopause surface periodic disturbances. We conclude that the observed ULF wave event was most likely directly generated by the magnetopause surface wave and thus represents one of the few known manifestations of the classical field line resonance process in space directly observed, a conclusion made possible due to the special configuration of the THEMIS mission and its five spacecraft.
Simulation of melt pond evolution on level ice
Authors: Skyllingstad Eric D. , Paulson Clayton A. , Perovich Donald K.
Published: December 2009

A melt pond model is presented that predicts pond size and depth changes, given an initial ice thickness field and representative surface fluxes. The model is based on the assumption that as sea ice melts, fresh water builds up in the ice pore space and eventually saturates the ice. Under these conditions, a water table is defined equal to the draft of the ice or sea level, and ponds are produced in ice surface depressions, much like lakes in a watershed. Pond evolution is forced by applying fluxes of heat at the pond surface and a radiative transfer model for solar radiation that penetrates the pond. Results from the model using forcing data from the Surface Heat Budget of the Arctic Ocean (SHEBA) experiment and representative pond parameters indicate that the model accurately simulates pond depth and fractional area over the summer melt season, with fractional area increasing linearly. Overall, ice albedo is affected primarily by the increase in pond coverage. Decrease in pond albedo from pond deepening has a much lower influence on the total albedo. Cases with predominately sunny conditions are shown to produce more rapid pond expansion than overcast cases. In both sunny and cloudy cases the fractional area increases linearly.
Projected changes in atmospheric heating due to changes in fire disturbance and the snow season in the western Arctic, 2003–2100
Authors: Euskirchen E. S. , McGuire A. D. , Rupp T. S. , Chapin F. S. , Walsh J. E.
Published: December 2009

In high latitudes, changes in climate impact fire regimes and snow cover duration, altering the surface albedo and the heating of the regional atmosphere. In the western Arctic, under four scenarios of future climate change and future fire regimes (2003–2100), we examined changes in surface albedo and the related changes in regional atmospheric heating due to: (1) vegetation changes following a changing fire regime, and (2) changes in snow cover duration. We used a spatially explicit dynamic vegetation model (Alaskan Frame‐based Ecosystem Code) to simulate changes in successional dynamics associated with fire under the future climate scenarios, and the Terrestrial Ecosystem Model to simulate changes in snow cover. Changes in summer heating due to the changes in the forest stand age distributions under future fire regimes showed a slight cooling effect due to increases in summer albedo (mean across climates of −0.9 W m−2 decade−1). Over this same time period, decreases in snow cover (mean reduction in the snow season of 4.5 d decade−1) caused a reduction in albedo, and a heating effect (mean across climates of 4.3 W m−2 decade−1). Adding both the summer negative change in atmospheric heating due to changes in fire regimes to the positive changes in atmospheric heating due to changes in the length of the snow season resulted in a 3.4 W m−2 decade−1 increase in atmospheric heating. These findings highlight the importance of gaining a better understanding of the influences of changes in surface albedo on atmospheric heating due to both changes in the fire regime and changes in snow cover duration.
Terahertz field enhancement in doped semiconductor slot cavities
Authors: Li J. , Webb K. J.
Published: December 2009

A field enhancement mechanism, based on resonance in a metal-insulator-metal waveguide mode in a doped semiconductor slot cavity, is demonstrated at terahertz frequencies using a Drude model and numerical simulations. The influence of both geometry and material on the resonance properties is evaluated. Such field enhancement will aid in terahertz spectroscopy, and allow realization of terahertz resonant-gap chain and other waveguides that have been studied using metals at optical frequencies.
Low-voltage high-performance organic thin film transistors with a thermally annealed polystyrene/hafnium oxide dielectric
Authors: Wang Ying , Acton Orb , Ting Guy , Weidner Tobias , Ma Hong , Castner David G. , Jen Alex K.-Y.
Published: December 2009

Low-voltage pentacene-based organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) are demonstrated with polystyrene (PS)/hafnium oxide (HfOx) hybrid dielectrics. Thermal annealing of PS films on HfOx at 120 °C (PS-120) induces a flatter orientation of the phenyl groups (tilt angle 65°) at the surface compared to PS films without annealing (PS-RT) (tilt angle 31°). The flatter phenyl group orientation leads to better matching of surface energy between pentacene and PS. Pentacene deposited on PS-120 display higher quality thin films with larger grain sizes and higher crystallinity. Pentacene OTFTs with PS-120/HfOx hybrid dielectrics can operate at low-voltage (<3 V) with high field-effect mobilities (1 cm2/V s), high on/off current ratios (106), and low subthreshold slopes (100 mV/dec).
Subwavelength direct laser writing by strong optical nonlinear absorption and melt-ablation threshold characteristics
Authors: Wei Jingsong , Liu Jing , Jiao Xinbing
Published: December 2009

In this work, we propose nonlinear absorption and melt-ablation threshold characteristics induced subwavelength direct laser writing. The writing materials need to have two features: one is strong nonlinear absorption, and the other is melt-ablation threshold characteristics. According to the strong nonlinear absorption and melt-ablation threshold characteristics of AgInSbTe thin films, the effective energy absorption spot is calculated. The results indicate that the full width at half maximum of the effective energy absorption spot is about 2/5 the original spot. If only the energy intensity above 80% maximum can induce the melt-ablation, the direct laser writing mark size or linewidth can be reduced to 0.14λ/NA (NA denotes numerical aperture), which is only about 0.115 times the original spot size. The calculated results are verified, where the mark size is reduced to about 1/8 the real spot.
Long-range collisional energy transfer between charge-transfer (ion-pair) states of I2, induced by H2O and I2(X)
Authors: Ridley Trevor , Lawley Kenneth P. , Donovan Robert J.
Published: December 2009

Long-range (resonant) energy transfer, between g/u charge-transfer states of molecular iodine [i.e., f0g+(P30)→F0u+(P30) and E0g+(P32)→D0u+(P32)], induced by collisions with H2O and I2(X) via multipole coupling, has been observed. Large rate constants, up to 5×10−9 molecules−1 cm3 s−1, for collisional transfer between a range of vibrational levels of the f0g+(P30) and F0u+(P30) ion-pair states of I2, by H2O, are reported. Some previously reported studies on E0g+(P32)→D0u+(P32) and f0g+(P30)→F0u+(P30) collisional transfer, induced by I2(X), have been repeated and revised rate data are presented; the range of initially excited vibrational states studied has also been extended. Much smaller rate constants for quenching by I2(X), compared to H2O, are found and it is proposed that H2O desorbed from the walls of the sample cell could have significantly affected much larger rate data previously reported in the literature. For both collision partners, a model is proposed in which long-range, near-resonant interactions can occur when there is close matching of the change in energy in the ion-pair states with the change in energy that accompanies the rotational transition undergone by the collision partner.
Spin-dependent photoconductivity in nonmagnetic semiconductors at room temperature
Authors: Zhao F. , Balocchi A. , Kunold A. , Carrey J. , Carrère H. , Amand T. , Ben Abdallah N. , Harmand J. C. , Marie X.
Published: December 2009

By combining optical spin injection techniques with transport spectroscopy tools, we demonstrate a spin-photodetector allowing for the electrical measurement and active filtering of conduction band electron spin at room temperature in a simple nonmagnetic GaAsN semiconductor structure. By switching the polarization of the incident light from linear to circular, we observe a spin dependent photoconductivity change reaching up to 40% without the need of an external magnetic field. The spin dependent photoconductivity change relies on the efficient spin filtering effect of conduction band electrons on N-induced Ga self-interstitial deep paramagnetic centers.
Optimal management of fertiliser and stocking rate in temperate grazing systems
Authors: Mokany Karel , Moore Andrew D. , Graham Phillip , Simpson Richard J.
Published: December 2009

Phosphorus (P) fertilisers are one of the key tools available for increasing pasture production and the profitability of grazing enterprises. However, recent rapid changes in fertiliser price have increased the importance of developing optimal management strategies for applying P fertiliser and setting stocking rates. We applied a novel combination of process-based grazing systems modelling and randomised cash flow analyses to examine how changes in fertiliser price affect optimal fertiliser application rates and stocking rates for sheep grazing systems in south-eastern Australia, simultaneously taking into account long-term economic viability and environmental sustainability. We used ‘GrassGro’, a grazing systems decision support tool, to simulate three sheep enterprise types (Merino wethers, Merino ewes, crossbred ewes) at two locations (Hamilton, Victoria; Bookham, New South Wales). Gross margins from each year simulated in GrassGro (1966–2007) were randomised 500 times and input to a cash flow analysis that identified the financially optimal stocking rate for a range of fertiliser applications and the financial risk frontiers (combinations of stocking rate and fertiliser input for which the enterprise becomes financially unviable). For all enterprises examined at both locations, the optimal combinations of stocking rate and fertiliser application rate did not vary markedly as fertiliser price changed. Regardless of enterprise type or location, the fertiliser application rate at which the highest gross margins were achieved provided the greatest range of stocking rates that were both financially viable and environmentally sustainable. Increases in fertiliser price reduced the combinations of stocking rate and fertiliser application rate that were viable in the long term, emphasising the importance of well informed grazing management decisions.
Empirical models to quantify the nutritive characteristics of annual pastures in south-west Western Australia
Authors: Schut A. G. T. , Gherardi S. G. , Wood D. A.
Published: December 2009

The objective of this paper is to quantify the magnitude of the major sources of variation, which affect in vitro digestibility (DMD) and concentrations of neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), and crude protein (CP) of annual pastures in Mediterranean-type climate zones. Four experiments were conducted in the south-west of Western Australia in 2006–07 and 2007–08, where the supply of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, or sulfur and pasture types were varied. Effects of seasonality, fertiliser application, pasture type, and site were analysed with an auto-regression maximum likelihood procedure. Temperature sum was used to explain the seasonal differences in DMD, CP, NDF, and ADF. Seasonality explained 82, 79, 79, and 62% of the total variation in DMD, NDF, ADF, and CP, respectively, with only an additional 5, 5, 6, and 24% being explained by the combined effects of site/management, fertiliser application, and pasture type. The differences in DMD, NDF, ADF, and CP, between sites, were 2.3–6.0%, 4.6–18.7%, 5.8–8.6%, and 1.5–17.4%, respectively. Pasture types differed by 6.6–9.5%, 9.0–11.4%, 3.1–6.1%, and 5.1–5.2% for DMD, NDF, ADF, and CP, respectively. The differences between sites and pasture types were markedly larger for CP, NDF, and ADF than for DMD. Fertiliser application did not affect nutritive characteristics, with the exception of N application rates on CP. It was concluded that the seasonality model captured nearly all of the temporal variation in DMD, NDF, and ADF but not in CP. The spatial variation in DMD was mostly determined by pasture type. By comparison, NDF and ADF were most strongly affected by grazing management, and CP by the availability of N.
Characterisation of high- and low-molecular-weight glutenin subunit genes in Chinese winter wheat cultivars and advanced lines using allele-specific markers and SDS-PAGE
Authors: Yang F. P. , Wang L. H. , Wang J. W. , He X. Y. , Zhang X. K. , Shang X. W. , Yang W. X. , Xia X. C. , He Z. H.
Published: December 2009

Wheat end-use product quality is highly influenced by the composition and quantity of high- and low-molecular-weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS and LMW-GS). In the present study, 224 Chinese wheat cultivars and advanced lines were characterised for the HMW-GS and LMW-GS with allele-specific PCR markers and sodium-dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The results showed that 56 cultivars (25.0%) carried the allele Glu-D1-1d (Dx5), while 80 cultivars (35.7%) with the allele Glu-B1-2a (By8) produced a 527-bp specific band. Fourteen genotypes (6.3%) with the allele Glu-B1e (Bx20) yielded a 701-bp amplicon with the marker Mar and a 753-bp specific PCR fragment with the marker ZSBy9aF1/R3. Glu-B1h (Bx14+By15) was present in only 1 genotype, and 2 cultivars contained the allele Glu-B1f (Bx13+By16) identified with the marker ZSBy9F2/R2. Four genotypes (1.8%) with the allele Glu-B1-1d (Bx6) gave 695-bp and 830-bp bands, and 5 genotypes (2.2%) with the allele Glu-B1i (Bx17+By18) amplified a 659-bp fragment using the marker Bx. One hundred and six cultivars (47.3%) had the allele Glu-B1-2b (By9), amplifying a 663-bp fragment with the marker ZSBy9aF1/R3; 34 genotypes (15.8%) contained the allele Glu-B3d, generating a 662-bp PCR fragment with the marker gluB3d. Fifteen cultivars (7.0%) with the allele Glu-B3b yielded 1570-bp and 750-bp PCR amplicons with the markers gluB3b and gluB3bef, respectively. The allele Glu-B3h was found in 7 cultivars, generating a 1022-bp PCR fragment with the marker gluB3h. The genotypes detected by SDS-PAGE were mostly consistent with those identified by molecular markers, confirming the utility of the molecular markers. The information for the HMW-GS and LMW-GS in Chinese wheat cultivars will be useful in wheat breeding programs.
Modulation of
Fgf3
dosage in mouse and men mirrors evolution of mammalian dentition
Authors: Charles Cyril , Lazzari Vincent , Tafforeau Paul , Schimmang Thomas , Tekin Mustafa , Klein Ophir , Viriot Laurent
Published: December 2009

A central challenge in evolutionary biology is understanding how genetic mutations underlie morphological changes. Because highly calcified enamel enables preservation of detailed dental features, studying tooth morphology enables this question to be addressed in both extinct and extant species. Previous studies have found that mutant mice can have severe abnormalities in tooth morphology, and several authors have explored the evolutionary implications of tooth number modifications in mutants. However, although they can potentially shed much light on evolutionary mechanisms, anomalies in tooth shape remain poorly studied. Here, we report that alterations in dosage of the
Fgf3
gene cause morphological changes in both genetically engineered mutant mice and in human patients. By comparing the dental morphologies in mice and humans carrying
Fgf3
mutations with primitive rodent and primate fossils, we determined that decreases in dosage of
Fgf3
lead to phenotypes that resemble the progressive reappearance of ancestral morphologies. We propose that modifications in the FGF signaling pathway have played an important role in evolution of mammalian dentition by giving rise to new cusps and interconnecting cusps by new crests. We anticipate that our multidisciplinary study will advance the detailed correlation of subtle dental modifications with genetic mutations in a variety of mammalian lineages.
Alcide De Gasperi: a political thinker or a thinking politician?
Authors: Cau Maurizio
Published: December 2009

Historiography has mainly focused on the pragmatic and realist character of Alcide De Gasperi's politics, whilst substantially overlooking the purely intellectual dimension of his lengthy political experience. The publication of a critical edition of his writings allows us to enrich the traditional image that has been developed of this Italian politician, whose interventions in public life were also expressed by way of significant cultural reflections. In this respect his writings from the 1930s, written during his so-called ‘internal exile’ inside the Vatican, are particularly significant. These pages bear witness to De Gasperi's close attachment to the political culture of European Catholicism. His passionate defence of Catholic constitutionalism and Catholic-Liberal goals, the revival of the political traditions of the Zentrum and the development of the Church's social doctrine in a corporativist direction testify to De Gasperi's often underestimated analytical capacity and intellectual breadth.
The roots of a ‘statesman’: De Gasperi's foreign policy
Authors: Lorenzini Sara
Published: December 2009

This article reviews De Gasperi's foreign policy in the light of his recently published writings and speeches. Research has been carried out into the stages of his youth and his internal exile, seeking elements of continuity that would re-emerge later on in De Gasperi's policies as Foreign Minister, and his Atlantic and European policies. The key moments of De Gasperi's international political action, in particular the talks he took part in concerning the Italian Peace Treaty, membership of the Atlantic Pact and promotion of European integration, help to cast light on the characteristics of De Gasperi's political style. Above all, three elements are emphasised: responsibility, loyalty, and a capacity for renewal.
Jordan bimodules over the superalgebras 𝑃(𝑛) and 𝑄(𝑛)
Authors: Martínez Consuelo , Shestakov Ivan , Zelmanov Efim
Published: December 2009

We extend the Jacobson’s Coordinatization theorem to Jordan superalgebras. Using it we classify Jordan bimodules over superalgebras of types

Q
(
n
)

Q(n)

and

J
P
(
n
)

JP(n)

,

n
≥
3

n \geq 3

. Then we use the Tits-Kantor-Koecher construction and representation theory of Lie superalgebras to treat the remaining case

Q
(
2
)

Q(2)

.
Celiac Disease: Predictors of Compliance With a Gluten‐free Diet in Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Errichiello Simona , Esposito Oscar , Di Mase Raffaella , Camarca Maria Erminia , Natale Clelia , Limongelli Maria Giovanna , Marano Caterina , Coruzzo Anna , Lombardo Maria , Strisciuglio Pietro , Greco Luigi
Published: December 2009

Aims:

To identify risk as well as protective factors related to compliance with the gluten‐free diet in a cohort of teenagers with celiac disease (CD).

Patients and Methods:

Two hundred four patients with CD (European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition criteria) older than or equal to 13 years and residents of Campania (southern Italy) were enrolled in the study. Patients underwent clinical examination and blood sampling, and were interviewed about school performance, social relationships, family integration, smoking habit, and compliance with a gluten‐free diet. Anti‐tissue transglutaminase antibodies were assayed with an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:

One hundred fifty of 204 (73.5%) reported no dietary transgressions, and 54 of 204 (26.5%) reported occasional or frequent transgressions. During the previous month 29 of 54 (53.7%) poor compliers ate from 0.001 to 1 g of gluten per day, 14 (25.9%) from 1 to 5 g, and 11 (20.4%) more than 5 g. The daily intake of gluten was significantly related to anti‐tissue transglutaminase antibodies (χ2 = 38.872, P = 0.000). Height was below the third percentile in 19 of 204 (9.3%), and weight was above the 97th percentile in 20 of 204 (9.8%). Diet compliance did not seem to influence the weight and height. One hundred eleven of 150 good compliers (74%) and 31of 54 (57.4%) poor compliers were asymptomatic. Most patients reported good family relationships (88.7%), social relationships (91.2%), and school integration (88.2%). Alternatively, 54% of patients reported some limitation in their social life. Compliance was good in patients who reported excellent school integration (83%) and social relationships (81%).

Conclusion:

Optimal school integration significantly contributes to the likelihood of good compliance. A better understanding within the school environment about CD‐related issues could improve motivation to adhere to a gluten‐free diet.
VP7 and VP4 Sequence Analyses of Rotavirus Strains From Italian Children With Viraemia and Acute Diarrhoea
Authors: Chiappini Elena , Arista Serenella , Moriondo Maria , De Grazia Simona , Giammanco Giovanni Maurizio , Azzari Chiara , Galli Luisa , de Martino Maurizio
Published: December 2009

Information on genotypes or variants associated with systemic rotavirus infection is lacking. Seven viraemic children with acute rotavirus diarrhoea were evaluated. All faecal strains were genotyped (5 G1P[8] type, 1 G9P[8], 1 G1‐G4P[8]). Only 3 of 7 blood strains were typeable (G1P[8], G4P8, and G1P[ND]). A discrepancy between faecal and blood VP7 amino acid sequences (Ser→Asp at position 94) was found in the first child. Two amino acid substitutions (Ile→Val and Asn→Ser at position 106 and 113) in the VP4 sequences were demonstrated in the second child. Complete correspondence was found in the third child. All of the observed amino acid substitutions may be involved in rotavirus neutralisation. We speculate that during co‐infection by multiple strains, a preferential extraintestinal dissemination of some variants may occur, possibly because of differential viral characteristics.