bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-equilibrium thermodynamics, maximum entropy production and Earth-system evolution
Authors: Kleidon Axel
Published: November 2009

The present-day atmosphere is in a unique state far from thermodynamic equilibrium. This uniqueness is for instance reflected in the high concentration of molecular oxygen and the low relative humidity in the atmosphere. Given that the concentration of atmospheric oxygen has likely increased throughout Earth-system history, we can ask whether this trend can be generalized to a trend of Earth-system evolution that is directed away from thermodynamic equilibrium, why we would expect such a trend to take place and what it would imply for Earth-system evolution as a whole. The justification for such a trend could be found in the proposed general principle of maximum entropy production (MEP), which states that non-equilibrium thermodynamic systems maintain steady states at which entropy production is maximized. Here, I justify and demonstrate this application of MEP to the Earth at the planetary scale. I first describe the non-equilibrium thermodynamic nature of Earth-system processes and distinguish processes that drive the system’s state away from equilibrium from those that are directed towards equilibrium. I formulate the interactions among these processes from a thermodynamic perspective and then connect them to a holistic view of the planetary thermodynamic state of the Earth system. In conclusion, non-equilibrium thermodynamics and MEP have the potential to provide a simple and holistic theory of Earth-system functioning. This theory can be used to derive overall evolutionary trends of the Earth’s past, identify the role that life plays in driving thermodynamic states far from equilibrium, identify habitability in other planetary environments and evaluate human impacts on Earth-system functioning.
Stochastic subgrid-scale modelling for non-equilibrium geophysical flows
Authors: Zidikheri Meelis J. , Frederiksen Jorgen S.
Published: November 2009

Methods motivated by non-equilibrium statistical mechanics of turbulence are applied to solve an important practical problem in geophysical fluid dynamics, namely the parametrization of subgrid-scale eddies needed in large-eddy simulations (LESs). A direct stochastic modelling scheme that is closely related to techniques based on statistical closure theories, but which is more generally applicable to complex models, is employed. Here, we parametrize the effects of baroclinically unstable subgrid-scale eddies in idealized flows with broad similarities to the Antarctic Circumpolar Current of the Southern Ocean. The subgrid model represents the effects of the unresolved eddies through a generalized Langevin equation. The subgrid dissipation and stochastic forcing covariance matrices as well as the mean subgrid forcing required by the LES model are obtained from the statistics of a high resolution direct numerical simulation (DNS). We show that employing these parametrizations leads to LES in close agreement with DNS.
Stochastic modelling of intermittency
Authors: Stemler Thomas , Werner Johannes P. , Benner Hartmut , Just Wolfram
Published: November 2009

Recently, methods have been developed to model low-dimensional chaotic systems in terms of stochastic differential equations. We tested such methods in an electronic circuit experiment. We aimed to obtain reliable drift and diffusion coefficients even without a pronounced time-scale separation of the chaotic dynamics. By comparing the analytical solutions of the corresponding Fokker–Planck equation with experimental data, we show here that crisis-induced intermittency can be described in terms of a stochastic model which is dominated by state-space-dependent diffusion. Further on, we demonstrate and discuss some limits of these modelling approaches using numerical simulations. This enables us to state a criterion that can be used to decide whether a stochastic model will capture the essential features of a given time series.
Fracture pattern formation in frictional, cohesive, granular material
Authors: Ord Alison , Hobbs Bruce E.
Published: November 2009

Naturally, deformed rocks commonly contain crack arrays (joints) forming patterns with systematic relationships to the large-scale deformation. Kinematically, joints can be mode-1, -2 or -3 or combinations of these, but there is no overarching theory for the development of the patterns. We develop a model motivated by dislocation pattern formation in metals. The problem is formulated in one dimension in terms of coupled reaction–diffusion equations, based on computer simulations of crack development in deformed granular media with cohesion. The cracks are treated as interacting defects, and the densities of defects diffuse through the rock mass. Of particular importance is the formation of cracks at high stresses associated with force-chain buckling and variants of this configuration; these cracks play the role of ‘inhibitors’ in reaction–diffusion relationships. Cracks forming at lower stresses act as relatively mobile defects. Patterns of localized deformation result from (i) competition between the growth of the density of ‘mobile’ defects and the inhibition of these defects by crack configurations forming at high stress and (ii) the diffusion of damage arising from these two populations each characterized by a different diffusion coefficient. The extension of this work to two and three dimensions is discussed.
The role of self-organization during confined comminution of granular materials
Authors: Ben-Nun Oded , Einav Itai
Published: November 2009

During confined comminution of granular materials a power-law grain size distribution (gsd) frequently evolves. We consider this power law as a hint for fractal topology if self-similar patterns appear across the scales. We demonstrate that this ultimate topology is mostly affected by the rules that define the self-organization of the fragment subunits, which agrees well with observations from simplistic models of cellular automata. There is, however, a major difference that highlights the novelty of the current work: here the conclusion is based on a comprehensive study using two-dimensional ‘crushable’ discrete-element simulations that do not neglect physical conservation laws. Motivated by the paradigm of self-organized criticality, we further demonstrate that in uniaxial compression the emerging ultimate fractal topology, as given by the fractal dimension, is generally insensitive to alteration of global index properties of initial porosity and initial gsd. Finally, we show that the fractal dimension in the confined crushing systems is approached irrespective of alteration of the criteria that define when particles crush.
MIPS: metal interactions in protein structures
Authors: Hemavathi K. , Kalaivani M. , Udayakumar A. , Sowmiya G. , Jeyakanthan J. , Sekar K.
Published: November 2009

MIPS (metal interactions in protein structures) is a database of metals in the three-dimensional macromolecular structures available in the Protein Data Bank. Bound metal ions in proteins have both catalytic and structural functions. The proposed database serves as an open resource for the analysis and visualization of all metals and their interactions with macromolecular (protein and nucleic acid) structures. MIPS can be searchedviaa user-friendly interface, and the interactions between metals and protein molecules, and the geometric parameters, can be viewed in both textual and graphical format using the freely available graphics plug-inJmol. MIPS is updated regularly, by means of programmed scripts to find metal-containing proteins from newly released protein structures. The database is useful for studying the properties of coordination between metals and protein molecules. It also helps to improve understanding of the relationship between macromolecular structure and function. This database is intended to serve the scientific community working in the areas of chemical and structural biology, and is freely available to all users, around the clock, at http://dicsoft2.physics.iisc.ernet.in/mips/.
A small/wide-angle X-ray scattering instrument for structural characterization of air–liquid interfaces, thin films and bulk specimens
Authors: Jeng U-Ser , Su Chiu Hun , Su Chun-Jen , Liao Kuei-Fen , Chuang Wei-Tsung , Lai Ying-Huang , Chang Je-Wei , Chen Yi-Jiun , Huang Yu-Shan , Lee Ming-Tao , Yu Kuan-Li , Lin Jhih-Min , Liu Din-Goa , Chang Chia-Feng , Liu Chin-Yen , Chang Chien-Hung , Liang Keng S.
Published: November 2009

At the National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, a small/wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) instrument has been installed at the BL23A beamline with a superconducting wiggler insertion device. This beamline is equipped with double Si(111) crystal and double Mo/B4C multilayer monochromators, and an Si-based plane mirror that can selectively deflect the beam downwards for grazing-incidence SAXS (GISAXS) studies of air–liquid or liquid–liquid interfaces. The SAXS/WAXS instrument, situated in an experimental hutch, comprises collimation, sample and post-sample stages. Pinholes and slits have been incorporated into the beam collimation system spanning a distance of ∼5 m. The sample stage can accommodate various sample geometries for air–liquid interfaces, thin films, and solution and solid samples. The post-sample section consists of a 1 m WAXS section with two linear gas detectors, a vacuum bellows (1–4 m), a two-beamstop system and the SAXS detector system, all situated on a motorized optical bench for motion in six degrees of freedom. In particular, the vacuum bellows of a large inner diameter (260 mm) provides continuous changes of the sample-to-detector distance under vacuum. Synchronized SAXS and WAXS measurements are realizedviaa data-acquisition protocol that can integrate the two linear gas detectors for WAXS and the area detector for SAXS (gas type or Mar165 CCD); the protocol also incorporates sample changing and temperature control for programmable data collection. The performance of the instrument is illustratedviaseveral different measurements, including (1) simultaneous SAXS/WAXS and differential scanning calorimetry for polymer crystallization, (2) structural evolution with a large ordering spacing of ∼250 nm in a supramolecular complex, (3) SAXS for polymer blends underin situdrawing, (4) SAXS and anomalous SAXS for unilamellar lipid vesicles and metalloprotein solutions, (5) anomalous GISAXS for oriented membranes of Br-labeled lipids embedded with peptides, and (6) GISAXS for silicate films formedin situat the air–water interface.
X-ray absorption fine structure for single crystals
Authors: Chantler Christopher T. , Tran Chanh Q. , Barnea Zwi
Published: November 2009

X-ray absorption fine structure measurements are a prime tool at synchrotrons around the world, accounting for over 30% of all synchrotron research. They are incisive tools for elucidating local structure, ionization state and coordination geometry. However, in general, it has not been possible to apply them to perfect or near-perfect crystals, and their dominant application is to micro-samples, powders, metals and solutions. The reasons for this are given, and an experimental technique to yield high-precision data for good crystals is developed. This widens the applicability of the technique dramatically, and permits standards and calibration samples to be used and transferred for new types of measurement. It is shown that this is particularly appropriate for discrete measurements of absorption, X-ray absorption fine structure and X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy, and in cases of strong oscillations.
Infliximab safety profile and long‐term applicability in inflammatory bowel disease: 9‐year experience in clinical practice
Authors: ZABANA Y. , DOMÈNECH E. , MAÑOSA M. , GARCIA‐PLANELLA E. , BERNAL I. , CABRÉ E. , GASSULL M. A.
Published: November 2009

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 553–560

Background  Most available data on infliximab therapy come from large, short‐term, pivotal RCTs and concerns about long‐term safety profile still remain.

Aim  To evaluate the long‐term safety profile of infliximab in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in a clinical practice setting.

Methods  Since 1999, all IBD patients treated with infliximab were registered and clinical outcomes prospectively recorded up to March 2008, loss of follow‐up or patient’s death. Infliximab regimens and preventive measures were in accordance with the prevalent guidelines or with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Results  One hundred fifty‐two patients were included (121 Crohn’s disease, 24 ulcerative colitis, 7 indeterminate colitis), with a median of 5 infliximab infusions (IQR 3–8) and 87% of patients received at least three infusions. Seventy‐nine per cent of them received concomitant immunomodulators and 70% were pre‐medicated with hydrocortisone from the first infusion. After a median follow‐up of 142 weeks, 13% presented infusion reactions, 13% viral or bacterial infections and two patients developed neoplasia. The mortality rate was 2.6% (four patients).

Conclusions  Infliximab therapy is safe when the recommended preventive measures are implemented, with a rate of serious adverse events less than 10%. No new safety signals were found.
The safety of intravenous fluorescein for confocal laser endomicroscopy in the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: WALLACE M. B. , MEINING A. , CANTO M. I. , FOCKENS P. , MIEHLKE S. , ROESCH T. , LIGHTDALE C. J. , POHL H. , CARR‐LOCKE D. , LÖHR M. , CORON E. , FILOCHE B. , GIOVANNINI M. , MOREAU J. , SCHMIDT C. , KIESSLICH R.
Published: November 2009

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 548–552

Background  Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is rapidly emerging as a valuable tool for gastrointestinal endoscopic imaging. Fluorescent contrast agents are used to optimize imaging with CLE, and intravenous fluorescein is the most widely used contrast agent. Fluorescein is FDA‐cleared for diagnostic angiography of the retina. For these indications, the safety profile of fluorescein has been well‐documented; however, to date, fluorescein is not cleared for use with CLE.

Aims  To estimate the rate of serious and total adverse events attributable to intravenous fluorescein when used for gastrointestinal CLE.

Methods  We performed a cross sectional survey of 16 International Academic Medical Centres with active research protocols in CLE that involved intravenous fluorescein. Centres using i.v. fluorescein for CLE who were actively monitored for adverse events were included.

Results  Sixteen centres performed 2272 gastrointestinal CLE procedures. The most common dose of contrast agent was 2.5–5 mL of 10% sodium fluorescein. No serious adverse events were reported. Mild adverse events occurred in 1.4% of individuals, including nausea/vomiting, transient hypotension without shock, injection site erythema, diffuse rash and mild epigastric pain. The limitation is that only immediate post procedure events were actively monitored.

Conclusions  Use of intravenous fluorescein for gastrointestinal CLE appears to be safe with few acute complications.
Use of rotation thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) to achieve successful treatment of polytrauma with fibrinogen concentrate and prothrombin complex concentrate
Authors: Schöchl H. , Forster L. , Woidke R. , Solomon C. , Voelckel W.
Published: November 2009

Goal‐directed coagulation therapy is essential in the management of trauma patients with severe bleeding. Due to the complex nature of coagulation disorders in trauma, a quick and reliable diagnostic tool is essential. We report a severely injured multiple trauma patient who received haemostatic therapy with coagulation factor concentrates, guided by rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM®). Initial therapy consisted of fibrinogen concentrate (Haemocomplettan® P), as maximum clot firmness in the ROTEM analyses was low, whereas clotting time was normal. Later on, prothrombin complex concentrate was given to optimise thrombin generation. This approach enabled extended emergency hemihepatectomy to be performed without using fresh frozen plasma. As the EXTEM maximum clot firmness showed good clot quality, no platelets were transfused despite low platelet counts. This case shows the potential success of treatment using both fibrinogen concentrate and prothrombin complex concentrate, not only in restoring haemostasis but also in minimising requirement for transfusion of allogeneic blood products.
Predictions of response to selection caused by angling in a wild population of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: SAURA MARÍA , MORÁN PALOMA , BROTHERSTONE SUSAN , CABALLERO ARMANDO , ÁLVAREZ JAVIER , VILLANUEVA BEATRIZ
Published: November 2009

1. Recreational angling activities in wild populations of Atlantic salmon may induce a selection pressure towards a reduction in body size and length if the angling season coincides with the return of the largest sea age fish class.

2. Using estimates of heritability for growth traits and estimates of the selection pressure from angling operating on growth, we predicted the response to selection expected to occur in a wild population of Atlantic salmon.

3. The dataset used here comprised individuals from two consecutive generations (parents and offspring) from the River Bidasoa (NW Spain). Offspring were assigned to parents using six highly polymorphic microsatellite loci. Use of restricted maximum likelihood methodology and the animal model allowed us to estimate the heritability for body length and body weight as well as their genetic correlation.

4. Estimated heritabilities (0.32 ± 0.12 for length and 0.32 ± 0.11 for weight) and selection pressure caused by angling were used to obtain predictions of response to selection because of angling. Our results suggested a decline of 1.9 mm in body length and 103.3 g in body weight per generation because of angling pressure.

5. The results derived from this study suggest that the angling season should be annually delayed in order to avoid selective angling of the multi‐year class and further reductions in body weight and length.
Seasonal shifts in genotype frequencies in the invasive cladoceran Daphnia lumholtzi in Lake Texoma, U.S.A.
Authors: FRISCH DAGMAR , WEIDER LAWRENCE J.
Published: November 2009

1. We examined the ecological genetics of the invasive cladoceran Daphnia lumholtzi in a reservoir (Lake Texoma) in the southern USA. This species originates from the Old World subtropics and has spread across North America since the late 1980s after its inadvertent introduction to a reservoir in northeastern Texas.

2. The population genetic structure of D. lumholtzi was examined seasonally on 22 dates over a 3‐year period along a natural temperature and salinity gradient.

3. A two‐allele polymorphism at the phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI) locus was detected, while other loci tested showed no variation. Significant temporal heterogeneity existed in genotype frequencies with a major shift between summer and autumn.

4. Results of a multiple linear regression analysis revealed that a significant amount of variation was explained by day length, temperature and conductivity. Additionally, significant spatial heterogeneity of genotype frequencies between lake stations was observed, but was restricted to the summer.

5. Clonal isolates were used in controlled laboratory temperature and salinity tolerance experiments. Results suggest that salinity and temperature tolerance differed between PGI genotypes.

6. Genotype × environment interactions may play a significant role in the micro‐evolutionary dynamics of this invasive species and may have facilitated its rapid expansion across the North American continent.
Androgen action in the masculinization programming window and development of male reproductive organs
Authors: MacLeod D. J. , Sharpe R. M. , Welsh M. , Fisken M. , Scott H. M. , Hutchison G. R. , Drake A. J. , Van Den Driesche S.
Published: November 2009

We have shown previously that deficient androgen action within a masculinization programming window (MPW; e15.5–e18.5 in rats) is important in the origin of male reproductive disorders and in programming male reproductive organ size, but that androgen action postnatally may be important to achieve this size. To further investigate importance of the MPW, we used two rat models, in which foetal androgen production or action was impaired during the MPW by exposing in utero to either di(n‐butyl) phthalate (DBP) or to flutamide. Reduced anogenital distance (AGD) was used as a monitor of androgen production/action during the MPW. Offspring were evaluated in early puberty (Pnd25) to establish if reproductive organ size was altered. The testes, penis, ventral prostate (VP) and seminal vesicles (SV) were weighed and penis length measured. Both DBP and flutamide exposure in the MPW significantly reduced penis, VP and SV size along with AGD at Pnd25; AGD and organ size were highly correlated. In DBP‐, but not flutamide‐, exposed animals, testis weight was also reduced and correlated with AGD. Intratesticular testosterone was also measured in control and DBP‐exposed males during (e17.5) or after (e21.5) the MPW and related to AGD at e21.5. To evaluate the importance of postnatal androgen action in reproductive organ growth, the effect of combinations of prenatal and postnatal maternal treatments on AGD and penis size at Pnd25 was evaluated. In prenatally DBP‐exposed animals, further postnatal exposure to either DBP or flutamide significantly reduced AGD and penis size in comparison with prenatal DBP exposure alone. In comparison, rats exposed postnatally to testosterone propionate after prenatal vehicle‐exposure showed considerable increase in these parameters vs. controls. In conclusion, we show that the size of all male reproductive organs is programmed by androgen exposure in the MPW, but that growth towards this size is dependent on androgen action postnatally.
Oestrogenic mycotoxin exposures and precocious pubertal development
Authors: Massart F. , Saggese G.
Published: November 2009

Since the 1970s, there has been a worldwide scientific discussion on the potential health consequences of human exposure to endocrine disrupters: many environmentally persistent compounds are oestrogen agonists and/or androgen antagonists. Thus, they can dysregulate the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis potentially affecting human puberty timing. Zearalenone (ZEA) is a non‐steroidal mycotoxin produced byFusariumspecies on several grains. Despite its low acute toxicity and carcinogenicity, ZEA exhibits oestrogenic and anabolic properties in several animal species. ZEA food contamination is caused either by direct contamination of grains, fruits and their based‐products or by ‘carry‐over’ of mycotoxins in animal tissues, milk and eggs after intake of contaminated feedstuff. In addition, zeranol (α‐ZAL), a resorcyl lactone derived from ZEA, has been widely used in the USA as a growth promoter to improve fattening rates in cattle. From 1978 to 1984, a great epidemic of premature thelarche and precocious puberty occurred in Puerto Rico. To explain this condition, it was suggested that dairy and meat products could be contaminated with anabolic oestrogens such as ZEA or α‐ZAL. Subsequently, worldwide other groups have also reported causative associations between oestrogenic mycotoxins and development of early thelarche and/or precocious puberty in exposed children. In addition to animal data, epidemiological studies strongly support the hypothesis that human pubertal development may be induced by foetal/early or prepubertal exposure to oestrogenic compounds. Indeed, ZEA and its metabolites are able to adopt molecular conformation, which sufficiently resembles 17β‐oestradiol to allow it to bind to oestrogen receptors (ERs) in target cells exerting oestrogenic (agonist) actions. In this view, oestrogenic mycotoxins are suspected as triggering factor for precocious pubertal development at least in prepubertal exposed girls.
The economic efficiency of a time–area closure to protect spawning bluefin tuna
Authors: Armsworth Paul R. , Block Barbara A. , Eagle Josh , Roughgarden Joan E.
Published: November 2009

1. Spatial management measures, such as time–area closures, offer a widely advocated strategy for managing bycatch in fisheries and fisheries that impact particular life‐history stages, like spawning. The effectiveness of proposed management strategies can be evaluated across different policy dimensions of which we focus on one – maximising total profit. We examine whether a time–area closure presents an economically efficient means to manage bycatches of Atlantic bluefin tuna Thunnus thynnus on their spawning ground in the Gulf of Mexico by longline fishermen targeting yellowfin tuna T. albacares.

2. We combine a behavioural representation of bluefin migration with population dynamic models for the two species and an economic representation of relevant fisheries and solve for optimal, equilibrial management strategies.

3. The models predict the western Atlantic bluefin population is close to open access harvesting conditions, and that rebuilding the bluefin population would increase overall economic revenues from the fisheries by 460%, regardless of the specific actions taken in the Gulf.

4. Time–area closures in the Gulf are predicted to be economically costly if there is little scope for recovery of the bluefin stock. However, the models predict such closures would offer limited economic benefits if there were a broader commitment to rebuild the bluefin population.

5. Synthesis and applications. Technological advances and improvements in our understanding of the life history of these and other species make increasingly precise spatial effort control possible in many fisheries. The case study illustrates when such management measures would maximise fisheries profits while accounting for population dynamics and differences in mortality from different fisheries. However, the case study also highlights that the more elementary policy challenge of preventing overfishing has still often to be overcome.
Behavioural responses of invasive American mink Neovison vison to an eradication campaign, revealed by stable isotope analysis
Authors: Bodey Thomas W. , Bearhop Stuart , Roy Sugoto S. , Newton Jason , McDonald Robbie A.
Published: November 2009

1. The detrimental impacts of invasive, non‐native species on islands are widely acknowledged and it is often best to act rapidly against such species, even where uncertainty exists over the best way to proceed. If management actions are evaluated and refined, using information learnt from the biology of culled animals, this uncertainty can be gradually reduced, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome.

2. American mink Neovison vison carcasses were collected as part of an eradication campaign on several islands of the Outer Hebrides, Scotland, and stable isotope analysis was used to describe ecological variation in this invasive non‐native predator.

3. Isotope profiles from individual mink whiskers demonstrated how behaviour at a population level changed markedly over time. As the eradication campaign progressed, mink increased their reliance on marine food sources and focused their activity on the coastline. Stable isotope analyses also demonstrated sex‐related changes in foraging and ranging behaviour in relation to food resource availability on the two main island complexes.

4. Synthesis and applications. Our findings contribute to the refinement of a campaign to extend the successful eradication of mink from Uist and Harris, to the whole of the Outer Hebrides archipelago, UK. They also highlight the potential for stable isotope approaches to provide more detailed postmortem information that can inform adaptive management of wildlife populations for conservation objectives.
Long‐term changes in the flora of the cereal ecosystem on the Sussex Downs, England, focusing on the years 1968–2005
Authors: Potts G. R. , Ewald J. A. , Aebischer N. J.
Published: November 2009

1. There has been a surge of interest in the effects of modern agriculture on biodiversity but studies of farmland flora have lacked continuity and historical context. Here we present the results of 38 years of annual monitoring of the weed flora of cereal crops on the Sussex Downs.

2. This study investigates the long‐term changes in abundance of 214 weed species, two subspecies and one forma found in the cereal fields of a 62‐km2 area of the Sussex Downs. Species occurrence and weed abundance were recorded annually in June from 1970 to 2005 inclusive. Stubbles were surveyed in 1968, 1971, 2004 and 2005.

3. Annual archaeophytes and perennial natives predominated and the community belonged to the Papaver rhoeas–Silene noctiflora association (OV16) of the UK National Vegetation Classification.

4. Overall, 97% of fields were treated with herbicides prior to sampling, reducing dicotyledonous weed abundance by 64% and taxon occurrence by 52%. From 1970 to 2005 there was no trend in overall abundance of dicotyledons, although monocotyledons decreased by 13% relative to the early 1970s.

5. Of 66 taxa monitored from 1970 to 2005, 18 increased, 38 rose and fell (or vice versa) and 10 showed no trend. Annuals increased until the early 1980s, when many were not susceptible to herbicides, before levelling off or declining slightly as the efficacy of herbicides expanded.

6. Perennial dicotyledons increased steadily throughout the study. This latter change was due to the loss of traditional leys, not to changes in herbicide efficacy.

7. Ninety‐two species of dicotyledons were found on stubbles, with no significant overall change in occurrence from 1968–1971 to 2004–2005. In both stubbles and crops, species uncommon at the start have tended to increase whereas common species have tended to decrease.

8. Combining this study with earlier records, we estimate that 16 weed species have been lost from the study area and 15 gained. Before 1970, the loss rate of archaeophytes and the gain rate of neophytes were both higher than for other species. Most species lost were historically uncommon whereas many of the species gained are now common.

9. Synthesis and applications. The soil seed bank remains sufficient to enable a rapid restoration of the pre‐herbicide flora where needed for wildlife conservation purposes, without ‘enhancement’, i.e. seeding. The means to do this are available through the UK’s agri‐environment ‘in‐field measures’, but these are very unpopular with farmers. Incentives need to be much improved to ensure the future conservation of the traditional arable flora.
Population dynamics of the West Indian sweetpotato weevil Euscepes postfasciatus (Fairmaire): a simulation analysis
Authors: Sato Y. , Miyai S. , Haraguchi D. , Ohno S. , Kohama T. , Kawamura K. , Yamagishi M.
Published: November 2009

The West Indian sweetpotato weevil Euscepes postfasciatus (Fairmaire) is a major pest of the sweet potato Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. and this weevil is a target of an eradication program using the Sterile Insect Technique in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. Understanding the population ecology is essential in the planning of an eradication program; hence, a host‐plant infestation survey and light trap survey have been conducted to monitor the population dynamics of the weevil on Kume Island (Okinawa Prefecture), which is the target area of the trial weevil eradication project. Seasonal tendencies of weevil density were found in these field surveys, but the tendency found in the host‐plant infestation survey was not seen every year, and the effectiveness of the light trap is somewhat suspect. To confirm the reliability of the tendency observed in these field surveys, the present study attempted to explain the tendency by a seasonal temperature change using a temperature‐based model of weevil population dynamics. The seasonal changes of weevil density differed according to host plants and host‐plant fields. The seasonal changes of weevil density inside the host plant Ipomoea indica and outside the host plants in I. indica fields were consistent with those predicted by the model. However, those inside the host plant Ipomoea pes‐caprae in the host‐plant infestation survey were contrary to the predicted ones, and those observed outside host plants in I. pes‐caprae fields by the light trap survey were not in good agreement with the predicted ones. It was concluded that the seasonal change of the weevil density observed in I. indica and I. indica fields can be explained by a seasonal temperature change, but factors other than seasonal temperature change are needed to explain those in I. pes‐caprae and I. pes‐caprae fields.
Efficacy of low‐dose i.v. iron therapy in haemodialysis patients
Authors: PARK JONGHA , CHANG JAI WON , LEE JONG SOO , CHUNG HYUN CHUL , YANG WON SEOK , LEE SANG KOO , PARK SU‐KIL , PARK JUNG SIK
Published: November 2009

Aim:  i.v. iron therapy is more effective in maintaining adequate iron status in haemodialysis (HD) patients than oral iron therapy (OIT). However, data on lower doses of i.v. iron therapy are insufficient.

Methods:  A non‐randomized, open‐label study was performed to compare the efficacy of low‐dose (≤50 mg/week of iron sucrose) i.v. iron therapy (LD‐IVIT) with OIT in HD patients with 100–800 µg/L serum ferritin levels over 4 months.

Results:  Eighty‐nine patients in the LD‐IVIT group (40 men, 49 women; aged 61 ± 13 years) and 30 patients in the oral iron therapy group (17 men, 13 women; aged 59 ± 7 years) were evaluated. After 4 months of each treatment, serum ferritin levels increased from 398 ± 137 to 529 ± 234 µg/L in the LD‐IVIT group (P < 0.01) but decreased from 351 ± 190 to 294 ± 175 µg/L in the OIT group (P < 0.01). In the LD‐IVIT group, transferrin saturation (from 28% ± 11% to 30% ± 14%, P = 0.49), weekly doses of recombinant human erythropoietin (from 5822 ± 2354 to 5636 ± 2306 IU/week, P = 0.48) and haemoglobin (from 101 ± 9 to 103 ± 9 g/L, P = 0.15) levels remained stable.

Conclusion:  LD‐IVIT may be one of the regimens that may be considered for maintaining iron status in HD patients. However, efficacy of LD‐IVIT should be verified by further randomized study.
Growth responses of African savanna trees implicate atmospheric [CO2] as a driver of past and current changes in savanna tree cover
Authors: KGOPE BARNEY S. , BOND WILLIAM J. , MIDGLEY GUY F.
Published: November 2009

Atmospheric CO2 has more than doubled since the last glacial maximum (LGM) and could double again within this century, largely due to anthropogenic activity. It has been suggested that low [CO2] contributed to reduced tree cover in savanna and grassland biomes at LGM, and that increasing [CO2] over the last century promoted increases in woody plants in these ecosystems over the past few decades. Despite the implications of this idea for understanding global carbon cycle dynamics and key global role of the savanna biome, there are still very few experimental studies quantifying the effects of CO2 on tree growth and demography in savannas and grasslands. In this paper we present photosynthetic, growth and carbon allocation responses of African savanna trees (Acacia karroo and Acacia nilotica) and a C4 grass, Themeda triandra, exposed to a gradient of CO2 concentrations from 180 (typical of LGM) to 1000 µmol mol−1 in open‐top chambers in a glasshouse as a first empirical test of this idea. Photosynthesis, total stem length, total stem diameter, shoot dry weight and root dry weight of the acacias increased significantly across the CO2 gradient, saturating at higher CO2 concentrations. After clipping to simulate fire, plants showed an even greater response in total stem length, total stem diameter and shoot dry weight, signalling the importance of re‐sprouting following disturbances such as fire or herbivory in savanna systems. Root starch (per unit root mass and total root starch per plant) increased steeply along the CO2 gradient, explaining the re‐sprouting response. In contrast to the strong response of tree seedlings to the CO2 gradient, grass productivity showed little variation, even at low CO2 concentrations. These results suggest that CO2 has significant direct effects on tree recruitment in grassy ecosystems, influencing the ability of trees to recover from fire damage and herbivory. Fire and herbivore regimes that were effective in controlling tree increases in grassy ecosystems could thus be much less effective in a CO2‐rich world, but field‐based tests are needed to confirm this suggestion.
Recovery of understorey vegetation after release from a long history of sheep grazing in a herb‐rich woodland
Authors: PRICE JODI N. , WONG NATHAN K. , MORGAN JOHN W.
Published: November 2009

The effects of stock grazing on native grassy ecosystems in temperate southern Australia are well documented. However, less is known about the potential of ecosystems to recover after a long history of stock grazing and, in particular, whether the removal of stock will have positive, negative or neutral impacts on biodiversity. We examined the response of understorey vegetation to the removal of sheep grazing in a herb‐rich Eucalyptus camaldulensis (red gum) woodland in western Victoria. Using a space‐for‐time chronosequence, woodlands were stratified into groups based on their time‐since‐grazing removal; these were long‐ungrazed (>20 years), intermediate‐time‐since‐grazing (9–14 years), recently ungrazed (5 years) and continuously grazed. We found significantly higher species density in long‐ungrazed sites relative to sites with a more recent grazing history. No differences were found in species density between continuously grazed sites and those ungrazed in the previous 14 years. Species composition differed with time‐since‐grazing removal and indicator species analysis detected several native species (including tall native geophytes and herbs) associated with long‐ungrazed sites that were absent or in low abundance in the more recently grazed sites. Seven of the eight species significantly associated with continuously grazed sites were exotic. Removal of sheep grazing in red gum woodlands can have positive benefits for understorey diversity but it is likely that recovery of key indicators such as native species will be slow.
The impacts of rising CO2 concentrations on Australian terrestrial species and ecosystems
Authors: HOVENDEN MARK J. , WILLIAMS AMITY L.
Published: November 2009

The increasing atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide ([CO2]) contributes to global warming and the accompanying shifts in climate. However, [CO2] itself has the potential to impact on Australia's terrestrial biodiversity, due to its importance in the photosynthetic process, which underlies all terrestrial food webs. Here, we review our knowledge regarding the impacts of elevated [CO2] on native terrestrial species and ecosystems, and suggest key areas in which we have little information on this topic. Experimental information exists for 70 (or less than 0.05%) of Australia's native terrestrial plant and animal species. Of these, 68 are vascular plants. The growth of Australian woody species is more reliably increased by elevated [CO2] than it is in grasses. At the species level, the most overwhelming responses to increased [CO2] are a reduction in plant nitrogen concentration and an increase in the production of secondary metabolites. This is of particular concern for Australia's unique herbivorous and granivorous marsupials, for which no information is available. While many plant species also displayed increased growth rates at higher [CO2], this was far from universal, indicating that changes in community structure and function are likely, leading to alterations of habitat quality. Future research should be directed to key knowledge gaps including the relationship between [CO2], fire frequency and fire tolerance and the impacts of increasing [CO2] for Australia's iconic browsing mammals. We also know virtually nothing of the impacts of the increasing [CO2] on Australia's unique shrublands and semi‐arid/arid rangelands. In conclusion, there is sufficient information available to be certain that the increasing [CO2] will affect Australia's native biodiversity. However, the information required to formulate predictions concerning the long‐term future of almost all organisms is far in excess of that currently available.
Analysing Texts in Context: Current Practices and New Protocols for Critical Discourse Analysis in Organization Studies
Authors: Leitch Shirley , Palmer Ian
Published: November 2009

abstract

Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) in organization studies would be strengthened by an increased focus on a central CDA tenet that texts should be analysed in context. Context has, for the most part, been afforded a taken‐for‐granted status that is misplaced because of the diverse ways in which it may be defined and applied. These generally unacknowledged differences relate to whether context is treated as space, time, practice, change, or frame. The result is a confusing array of studies claiming some degree of CDA status without core agreement – or acknowledgement of disagreements – about what is meant by context or how it should be linked to texts. To remedy this situation we identify in this Point article nine methodological protocols related to conceptual definitions, data selection, and data analysis which we argue benefit the consistency and rigour with which CDA in organization studies is applied. Use of these protocols may also serve as criteria against which the rigour of CDA research papers may be assessed.
Defensin promoters as potential tools for engineering disease resistance in cereal grains
Authors: Kovalchuk Nataliya , Li Ming , Wittek Finni , Reid Nicolas , Singh Rohan , Shirley Neil , Ismagul Ainur , Eliby Serik , Johnson Alex , Milligan Andrew S. , Hrmova Maria , Langridge Peter , Lopato Sergiy
Published: November 2009

Engineering of plant protection in cereals requires well characterized tissue‐specific and wounding/pathogen‐inducible promoters for targeted expression of pathogen responsive and resistance genes. We describe the isolation of seven wheat and rice defensin genes expressed in early developing grain and during grain germination, two developmental stages that are particularly vulnerable to pathogens and insects. Comparison of three‐dimensional (3D) models of these rice and wheat PRPI defensins indicated variations in spatial architectures that could reflect their functional diversities. Wheat and rice were stably transformed with promoter–GUS fusion constructs and the spatial and temporal activities of four promoters were studied using whole‐mount and histological assays. PRPI promoters were active before and at anthesis in both transgenic wheat and rice with activity mainly in the ovary. In rice, GUS activity was also observed in vascular tissue of the lemma, palea and anthers. After fertilization, GUS was strongly expressed in the outer cell layers of the pericarp and in the main vascular bundle of the grain. During, and a short time after, seed germination, wheat promoters were active in transgenic rice embryos, roots and/or coleoptiles. All wheat and rice promoters were strongly induced by wounding in leaf, stem and grain of transgenic rice plants. These results suggest that PRPI promoters will be useful for specific targeting and accumulation of proteins conferring resistance to pathogens in vulnerable tissues of developing and germinating grain.
UNDIGNIFIED BIOETHICS
Authors: COCHRANE ALASDAIR
Published: November 2009

The concept of dignity is pervasive in bioethics. However, some bioethicists have argued that it is useless on three grounds: that it is indeterminate; that it is reactionary; and that it is redundant. In response, a number of defences of dignity have recently emerged. All of these defences claim that when dignity is suitably clarified, it can be of great use in helping us tackle bioethical controversies. This paper rejects such defences of dignity. It outlines the four most plausible conceptions of dignity: dignity as virtuous behaviour; dignity as inherent moral worth; Kantian dignity; and dignity as species integrity. It argues that while each conception is coherent, each is also fundamentally flawed. As such, the paper argues for a bioethics without dignity: an ‘undignified bioethics.’
A Thin Spot1
Authors: SANDELANDS LLOYD E.
Published: November 2009

A “thin spot” in thinking about business endangers our human being. This article traces a change in business thinking over the last generations to note how, under the spell of the scientific method and the thrall to utilitarian values, our understanding of our self has grown harder, more determined, and less sympathetic. Bringing together ideas about the meaning of self from the study of semiotics and from the author's own religious faith, this article describes how we can reclaim our human being by grounding thinking about business in faith that reaches to God.
Using Exemplary Business Practices to Identify Buddhist and Confucian Ethical Value Systems1
Authors: WEBER JAMES
Published: November 2009

Initially, a brief history of Buddhism and Confucianism describes for the reader a framework developed to determine right versus wrong action and to guide followers of these religions to do the right thing in social or business practice. In addition, this article uncovers exemplary business practices grounded in Buddhist and Confucian ethical values system and practiced in the global business arena and uses these discoveries to describe an application of Buddhist and Confucian ethical values systems. The result is the recognition that these ethical values systems have an honorable and moral place in global business practice.
International Business, Human Rights, and Moral Complicity: A Call for a Declaration on the Universal Rights and Duties of Business
Authors: HOFFMAN W. MICHAEL , MCNULTY ROBERT E.
Published: November 2009

The purpose of this article is to call for the formulation and adoption of a declaration on the universal rights and duties of business. We do not attempt to define the specific contents of such a declaration, but rather attempt to explain why such a declaration is needed and what would be some of its general characteristics. The catalyst for this call was the recognition that even under optimal conditions, good companies sometimes are susceptible to moral lapses, and when companies undertake ventures in authoritarian countries with poor human rights records, even those with the best intentions may find themselves drawn into complicity in human rights abuses. There, market exigencies may persuade them to leave their codes of ethics and commitments to human rights at home. Pragmatism, it would seem, requires thatthey accept the ethical inconsistencies that follow from a “When in Rome, do as they Romans do” outlook. When facing the moral dilemma about whether or not to invest in human rights abusing countries, companies are offered two alternatives: they can operate in those countries and accept potential complicity or they can stay away. We suggest, however, that a preferable option is to address the underlying problem, and to this end we advocate the promulgation of a declaration for business that is comparable to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Our proposed name for this is the “Declaration on the Universal Rights and Duties of Business.” To be effective, such a declaration would require enforcement mechanisms. To illustrate this issue, we focus on China, not because China is unique in its human rights abuses, but because China occupies such a central place in the globalization efforts of the major companies from around the world. A robust international declaration is needed to provide a common framework for the practice of consistent and fair business competition everywhere.