bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CD8+ T Cell Responses against TAP-Inhibited Cells Are Readily Detected in the Human Population
Authors: Lampen Margit H. , Verweij Marieke C. , Querido Bianca , van der Burg Sjoerd H. , Wiertz Emmanuel J. H. J. , van Hall Thorbald
Published: October 2010

Target cell recognition by CTLs depends on the presentation of peptides by HLA class I molecules. Tumors and herpes viruses have adopted strategies to greatly hamper this peptide presentation at the important bottleneck, the peptide transporter TAP. Previously, we described the existence of a CD8+ CTL subpopulation that selectively recognizes such TAP-deficient cells in mouse models. In this study, we show that the human counterpart of this CTL subset is readily detectable in healthy subjects. Autologous PBMC cultures were initiated with dendritic cells rendered TAP-impaired by gene transfer of the viral evasion molecule UL49.5. Strikingly, specific reactivity to B-LCLs expressing one of the other viral TAP-inhibitors (US6, ICP47, or BNLF2a) was already observed after three rounds of stimulation. These short-term T cell cultures and isolated CD8+ CTL clones derived thereof did not recognize the normal B-LCL, indicating that the cognate peptide-epitopes emerge at the cell surface upon an inhibition in the MHC class I processing pathway. A diverse set of TCRs was used by the clones, and the cellular reactivity was TCR-dependent and HLA class I-restricted, implying the involvement of a broad antigenic peptide repertoire. Our data indicate that the human CD8+ T cell pool comprises a diverse reactivity to target cells with impairments in the intracellular processing pathway, and these might be exploited for cancers that are associated with such defects and for infections with immune-evading herpes viruses.
Reduced Functional Avidity Promotes Central and Effector Memory CD4 T Cell Responses to Tumor-Associated Antigens
Authors: Caserta Stefano , Kleczkowska Joanna , Mondino Anna , Zamoyska Rose
Published: November 2010

The effect of TCR signals on the differentiation of memory T cells is poorly defined. Conventional wisdom suggests that high-avidity interactions are best for the selection of vaccine Ag candidates or T cell specificities for adoptive T cell therapy to stimulate robust responses. However, in conditions of Ag persistence, high-avidity clones might exhaust and fail to form long-lived protective memory. We have manipulated the functional avidity of CD4 T cells by reducing expression of Lck, a key kinase involved in TCR triggering. Using a mouse model, we followed tetramer-positive T cells responding to a tumor Ag expressed by an adenocarcinoma. We show that reducing the functional avidity increased effector–effector memory responses and improved the generation of self-renewing, recirculating, tumor Ag-specific memory phenotype CD4 T cells. Moreover, such cells together with wild type CD8 T cells were better able to control tumor growth. Mechanistically, reducing Lck prolonged IL-2 production and cell turnover in the central memory population while reducing expression of exhaustion markers in the face of chronic Ag. Our data indicate that, in situations of persistent Ag challenge, generating T cells with reduced functional avidity may elicit more effective immune responses.
Immobilization and Characterization of a Recombinant Thermostable Lipase (Pf2001) from Pyrococcus furiosus on Supports with Different Degrees of Hydrophobicity
Authors: Branco Roberta Vieira , Estrada Gutarra Melissa Limoeiro , Freire Denise Maria Guimarães , Almeida Rodrigo Volcan
Published: October 2010

We studied the immobilization of a recombinant thermostable lipase (Pf2001) from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus on supports with different degrees of hydrophobicity: butyl Sepabeads and octadecyl Sepabeads. The enzyme was strongly adsorbed in both supports. When it was adsorbed on these supports, the enzyme showed 140 and 237% hyperactivation, respectively. The assessment of storage stability showed that the octadecyl Sepabeads immobilized enzyme showed 100% of residual activity after 30 days of storage. However, the greatest stability at was obtained in butyl Sepabeads immobilized enzyme, which retained 77% activity after 1 hour incubation. The maximum activity of the immobilized preparations was obtained with the pH between 6 and 7, at . Thus, this study achieved a new extremophilic biocatalyst with greater stability, for use in several biotechnological processes.
Biliary Adenofibroma of the Liver: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Gurrera Alessandra , Alaggio Rita , Leone Giorgia , Aprile Giuseppe , Magro Gaetano
Published: October 2010

We herein report the clinicopathologic features of a rare case of biliary adenofibroma (BAF) of the liver in a 79-year-old man. Grossly, tumour presented as a well-circumscribed, 5.5-cm mass with a solid and microcystic appearance. Histological examination was typical of biliary adenofibroma, showing a proliferation of variable-sized tubulocystic structures embedded in a moderately cellular fibrous stroma. Immunohistochemistry, revealing immunoreactivity of the epithelial component to cytokeratins 7 and 19, was consistent with a bile duct origin. Notably, the stromal cells had a myofibroblastic profile, showing a diffuse and strong expression of vimentin and -smooth muscle actin. Differential diagnosis with Von Meyenburg complex, biliary adenoma, biliary cistadenoma, congenital biliary cystsy, and hepatic benign cystic mesothelioma is provided. The occasionally reported expression of p53 in biliary adenofibroma has suggested that this tumour could represent a premalignant lesion. The absence of both cytological atypia and p53 immunoreactivity in our case confirms that BAF is a benign tumour with an indolent clinical behaviour. However, a careful histological examination of BAF is mandatory because malignant transformation of the epithelial component has been documented in two cases.
Clinical Validation of Computer-Assisted Navigation in Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Beaumont Eric , Beaumont Pierre , Odermat Daniel , Fontaine Isabelle , Jansen Herbert , Prince François
Published: November 2010

A CT-based navigation system is helpful to evaluate the reamer shaft and the impactor position/orientation during unilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA). The main objective of this study is to determine the accuracy of the Navitrack system by measuring the implant's true anteversion and inclination, based on pre- and postoperative CT scans (n=9patients). The secondary objective is to evaluate the clinical validity of measurements based on postop anteroposterior (AP) radiographs for determining the cup orientation. Postop CT-scan reconstructions and postop planar radiographs showed no significant differences in orientation compared to peroperative angles, suggesting a clinical validity of the system. Postoperative AP radiographs normally used in clinic are acceptable to determine the cup orientation, and small angular errors may originate from the patient position on the table.
Exploring similarities between the German and the Dutch ‘ethical’ traditions: Possibilities of the history of religion for a theological approach to Old Testament studies in South Africa
Authors: Vorster Jan H.
Published: October 2010

This article shows how dialectic theology caused a loss of interest in the history of religion, which was seen as out of touch with the current world. The distinction between theology and the history of religion became increasingly vague. The article focuses on the contribution of Rainier Albertz in his two-volume Religionsgeschichte Israels in alttestamentlicher Zeit (History of Israelite religion in the Old Testament period), 1992. Albertz proposed that the history of religion should be restored to serve as the ‘more sensible discipline for abridging the Old Testament’. This article points out several advantages to this approach, namely a different kind of Old Testament theology, starting from current theological problems and searching through the thematic segments of Israel’s religious history and that of early Christianity for analogous insights relevant to the problems in question. This article develops the argument that Albertz’s suggestions open up possibilities for establishing a vibrant theological environment in South Africa, where theologians from a diverse society can start from different perspectives on current problems, consider the Bible as part of a uniquely defined set of relevant factors and present a kaleidoscope of cross-balancing ‘African’ theological perspectives. The aim of this approach is to enhance the possibilities of Albertz’s suggestions by relating them, in context, to insights from ethical theology in the hope of reviving the debate regarding repositioning the history of religion in a different kind of theological approach. This debate is long in coming: it may already have lost close to 20 years in deserved attention.
A gender perspective on career preferences and entrepreneurial self-efficacy
Authors: Urban Boris
Published: October 2010

Orientation: Gender perspectives on entrepreneurship illustrate that women are less likely than men to prefer those occupations which have been traditionally male-dominated, because of the tendency for women to have lower self-efficacy perceptions in relation to entrepreneurial career intentions.Research purpose: The objective of this study was to establish to what extent women perceive self-employment as a viable career choice and how strong their beliefs are that they are capable of successfully performing various entrepreneurial roles and tasks.Motivation for the study: The study is relevant because national studies indicate that the ratio of female to male participation in entrepreneurial activity varies considerably across countries.Research design, approach and method: A survey design was used, with responses being based on quantitative measures. Measures were tested for validity and reliability. Descriptive statistics were calculated and differential tests were conducted to test the relevant hypotheses.Main findings: The results of the study showed that women believe that they have the skills needed to be an entrepreneur and have placed their preference for entrepreneurship as a career choice high on the list of options.Practical/managerial implications: Human resources managers and educators must recognise that ‘a one-size-fits-all’ approach to training and development might not be appropriate and that gender-sensitive programming, especially in relation to different levels of entrepreneurial self-efficacy might be required.Contribution of study: The study contributes to the growing knowledge base on women entrepreneurship and increases our understanding of entrepreneurship as a viable career choice in terms of entrepreneurial self-efficacy.
Teleworking in South Africa: Employee benefits and challenges
Authors: Baard Nicholas , Thomas Adèle
Published: October 2010

Orientation: Virtual working arrangements present possible benefits to organisations and their employees. However, in South Africa, few organisations have implemented teleworking as a specific form of virtual work. The benefits and challenges to teleworkers are therefore largely unknown.Research purpose: The present study aimed to identify employee perceptions of personal benefits and challenges of teleworking.Motivation for the study: The study sought to contribute insights for South African business practice in this under-researched field.Research design, approach and method: This exploratory study collected primary data through the distribution of an electronic questionnaire to 94 employees at three South African organisations, with a 67% response rate. The survey included both closed and open-ended questions that were analysed using a combination of quantitative and qualitative techniques.Main findings: Most of the internationally identified benefits of teleworking were supported by participants, such as improved productivity, increased job satisfaction and organisational loyalty, decreased stress and improved work-life balance. Challenges identified included an increase in working hours and the lack of availability of training opportunities.Practical/managerial implications: The possible employee benefits and challenges of teleworking may assist organisations in devising teleworking practices and procedures that leverage benefits and address challenges inherent in this form of work practice.Contribution/value add: The study aims to supplement the dearth of knowledge about teleworking, specifically in the South African context, to assist organisations practically in their development of this form of virtual work arrangement for the benefit of organisations and their employees.
Los deportes y la estructura visual de El Debate (1910-1936). El cambio a la maqueta horizontal
Authors: Núñez-Romero Olmo Francisco , Pérez Cuadrado Pedro , González Diez Laura
Published: October 2010

Desde finales del siglo XIX, nuevos temas se abrieron paso en los diarios de información general españoles estimulados por las nuevas formas de hacer periodismo que posibilitaron las recientes tecnologías de la información aplicadas a la realización de periódicos. Uno de los temas que mejor acogida tuvo entre el público y que provocó nuevas formas de presentación en los periódicos fue el deporte, y uno de los primeros diarios de información general que le dedicó gran espacio y dedicación tipográfica y formal fue El Debate (Madrid, 1910-1936). Un análisis hemerográfico instrumental y estructural de todas las informaciones deportivas publicadas durante los 26 años de historia del diario desvela que El Debate fue agrupando las noticias sobre deportes en la misma página y que en 1922 comenzó a publicar una página semanal completa de información deportiva. Además, ya desde 1919 la utilización del titular de dos columnas de ancho para estas informaciones superó al de una columna. Tanto fue así, que las páginas deportivas de El Debate fueron pioneras en el periódico al provocar un abandono paulatino de la maqueta vertical para romper los corondeles con titulares y con imágenes, algo que fue una constante a partir de la década de 1920.
Knowledge and Attitudes of Women towards Multiple Embryo Transfer, Fetal Reduction and Multiple Pregnancy
Authors: Balasubramanyam Sathya
Published: October 2010

Background

Multiple pregnancy and preterm delivery are well-known complications of IVF/ICSI treatment. Fetal reduction is also performed in the cases of high order multiple pregnancy. There is increased impetus on transferring fewer embryos, preferably only one in younger women.

Materials and Methods

186 women, who conceived following IVF/ICSI treatment participated in a questionnaire study regarding their knowledge and attitudes towards multiple embryo transfer, fetal reduction and multiple pregnancy

Results

A majority of women said that they were aware of the complications of multiple pregnancy (90%) and preterm delivery (85%). Nevertheless, none of them opted for a single embryo transfer. A positive pregnancy test was more important to most women than the outcome of that pregnancy (74%). Fetal reduction did not pose any moral concerns to most women (67%). Anxiety about the safety of the remaining twins persisted throughout pregnancy (73%). Having twin babies did not affect the quality of life of most women (74%).

Conclusion

Indian women were similar with their western counterparts in desiring multiple embryo transfer in order to maximize their chance of getting a positive pregnancy result. The negative impact of twin or higher order pregnancy appears to be disregarded by the women prior to getting pregnant. The confidence of the treating physician to offer single embryo transfer also appears to affect the patients’ choices.
Heterotopic Pregnancy in a Natural Conception
Authors: Baheti Sumeet N , Jayakrishnan K
Published: October 2010

Heterotopic pregnancy is rare in natural conception and most often presents as life threatening emergency like acute abdomen and hemorrhagic shock. In early unruptured stages, it presents nonspecifically, mimicking normal or abnormal pregnancy manifestations. A high index of suspicion and a definitive search for it even after confirming normal intrauterine gestation is needed. This little effort ensures a timely diagnosis and management thus preventing catastrophe. We hereby report a primigravida with unruptured heterotopic pregnancy following a natural conception, who presented as nonspecific abdominal pain. Transvaginal ultrasound was inconclusive. Emergency laparoscopy clinched the diagnosis and allowed conservative salpingostomy and continuation of intrauterine pregnancy.
Corrosion Behavior of Amorphous Co69Fe4.5Cr1.5Si10B15 Alloy
Authors: Kim H.-G. , Jang H. J.
Published: October 2010

The corrosion behavior of amorphous Co69Fe4.5Cr1.5Si10B15 alloy ribbon was investigated using potentiodynamic polarization tests in 0.001 M sulfuric acid (H2SO4) solution, 0.01 M ∼ 0.09 M sodium chloride (NaCl) solution, and solutions at pH levels from 3 to 13 made by mixing hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The corrosion potential decreased and the corrosion rate increased with an increase in solution temperature. The influence of solution temperature was more significant in H2SO4 solution than in NaCl solution. The amorphous Co69Fe4.5Cr1.5Si10B15 alloy ribbon showed passivity in solution with a pH higher than 7, and the corrosion rate was minimized at a pH of 9.
Evaluation of TRMM Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) performance in the Central Andes region and its dependency on spatial and temporal resolution
Authors: Scheel M. L. M. , Rohrer M. , Huggel C. , Santos Villar D. , Silvestre E. , Huffman G. J.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. Climate time series are of major importance for base line studies for climate change impact and adaptation projects. However, in mountain regions and in developing countries there exist significant gaps in ground based climate records in space and time. Specifically, in the Peruvian Andes spatially and temporally coherent precipitation information is a prerequisite for ongoing climate change adaptation projects in the fields of water resources, disasters and food security. The present work aims at evaluating the ability of Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) to estimate precipitation rates at daily 0.25° × 0.25° scale in the Central Andes and the dependency of the estimate performance on changing spatial and temporal resolution. Comparison of the TMPA product with gauge measurements in the regions of Cuzco, Peru and La Paz, Bolivia were carried out and analysed statistically. Large biases are identified in both investigation areas in the estimation of daily precipitation amounts. The occurrence of strong precipitation events was well assessed, but their intensities were underestimated. TMPA estimates for La Paz show high false alarm ratio. The dependency of the TMPA estimate quality with changing resolution was analysed by comparisons of 1-, 7-, 15- and 30-day sums for Cuzco, Peru. The correlation of TMPA estimates with ground data increases strongly and almost linearly with temporal aggregation. The spatial aggregation to 0.5°, 0.75° and 1° grid box averaged precipitation and its comparison to gauge data of the same areas revealed no significant change in correlation coefficients and estimate performance. In order to profit from the TMPA combination product on a daily basis, a procedure to blend it with daily precipitation gauge measurements is proposed. Different sources of errors and uncertainties introduced by the sensors, sensor-specific algorithm aspects and the TMPA processing scheme are discussed. This study reveals the possibilities and restrictions of the use of TMPA estimates in the Central Andes and should assist other researchers in the choice of the best resolution-accuracy relationship according to requirements of their applications.
Hydrologic similarity among catchments under variable flow conditions
Authors: Patil S. , Stieglitz M.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. An assessment of regional similarity in catchment stream response is often needed for accurate predictions in ungauged catchments. However, it is not clear whether similarity among catchments is preserved at all flow conditions. We address this question through the analysis of flow duration curves for 25 gauged catchments located across four river basins in the northeast United States. The coefficient of variation of streamflow percentiles is used as a measure of variability among catchments across flow conditions. Results show that similarity in catchment stream response is dynamic and highly dependent on flow conditions. Specifically, within each of the four basins, the coefficient of variation is high at low flow percentiles and gradually reduces for higher flow percentiles. Analysis of the inter-annual variation in streamflow percentiles shows a similar reduction in variability from low flow to high flow percentiles. Greater similarity in streamflows is observed during the winter and spring (wet) seasons compared to the summer and fall (dry) seasons. Results suggest that the spatial variability in streamflow at low flows is primarily controlled by the dominance of high evaporative demand during the warm period. On the other hand, spatial variability at high flows during the cold period is controlled mostly by the increased dominance of precipitation input over evapotranspiration. By evaluating variability over the entire range of streamflow percentiles, this work explores the nature of hydrologic similarity from an inter-seasonal perspective.
A numerical scheme to calculate temperature and salinity dependent air-water transfer velocities for any gas
Authors: Johnson M. T.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. The ocean-atmosphere flux of a gas can be calculated from its measured or estimated concentration gradient across the air-sea interface and the transfer velocity (a term representing the conductivity of the layers either side of the interface with respect to the gas of interest). Traditionally the transfer velocity has been estimated from empirical relationships with wind speed, and then scaled by the Schmidt number of the gas being transferred. Complex, physically based models of transfer velocity (based on more physical forcings than wind speed alone), such as the NOAA COARE algorithm, have more recently been applied to well-studied gases such as carbon dioxide and DMS (although many studies still use the simpler approach for these gases), but there is a lack of validation of such schemes for other, more poorly studied gases. The aim of this paper is to provide a flexible numerical scheme which will allow the estimation of transfer velocity for any gas as a function of wind speed, temperature and salinity, given data on the solubility and liquid molar volume of the particular gas. New and existing parameterizations (including a novel empirical parameterization of the salinity-dependence of Henry's law solubility) are brought together into a scheme implemented as a modular, extensible program in the R computing environment which is available in the supplementary online material accompanying this paper; along with input files containing solubility and structural data for ~90 gases of general interest, enabling the calculation of their total transfer velocities and component parameters. Comparison of the scheme presented here with alternative schemes and methods for calculating air-sea flux parameters shows good agreement in general. It is intended that the various components of this numerical scheme should be applied only in the absence of experimental data providing robust values for parameters for a particular gas of interest.
Domestic Violence during Pregnancy and Mental Health: Exploratory Study in Primary Health Centers in Peñalolén
Authors: Crempien R. Carla , Rojas Graciela , Cumsille Patricio , Oda M. Camila
Published: October 2010

Objective. To determine the prevalence of domestic violence in a sample of pregnant women attending Primary Health Centers in Peñalolén (Peñalolén is a low income district in the Metropolitan Region in Santiago de Chile.), to explore risk facts for domestic violence during pregnancy, and to establish associations with their psychological health. Method and Materials. 256 pregnant women were assessed with a domestic violence screening and a questionnaire on mental symptoms. Frequency and correlations analysis were developed. Results. 5, 9% of the participants reported physical violence during current pregnancy. Emotional violence ascended to 30, 1% of the cases. Main risk facts found were as follows: having suffered violence along lifetime and physical violence during the last year. Anxiety and depressive symptoms positively correlated to domestic violence during pregnancy, but also to previous domestic violence experiences. Conclusions. Domestic violence during pregnancy is a prevalent problem and domestic violence history constitutes an alert to its occurrence. Positive and significant association to psychological disturbances suggests the need to detect it early during antenatal care.
Modulating Role of Vitamins C and E against Transport-Induced Stress in Pullets during the Hot-Dry Conditions
Authors: Minka N. S. , Ayo J. O.
Published: October 2010

The modulating effects of ascorbic acid (AA), vitamin E (E), and a combination of AA and E () against eight-hour road transportation stress were investigated in 120 pullets during the hot-dry season. The result obtained showed that handling, loading and transportation induced lymphopenia, neutrophilia, liveweight loss, and mortality, which was alleviated by oral administration of AA, E, and at doses of 60 mg, 30 mg, and  mg per kg bodyweight, respectively, 30 minutes before being loaded and transported. The meteorological conditions recorded during the study period were higher () than the thermoneutral values established for chickens in the zone. In conclusion, the administration of vitamins AA, E, and , especially AA, ameliorated the risk of adverse effects of handling, loading, transportation, and thermal stress in pullets during the hot-dry season.
MFI Zeolite Syntheses on Interior Walls of Chrome‐nickel Steel Tube Reactors
Authors: Brehm A. , Reschke V.
Published: November 2010

Es wurde eine Beschichtungsmethode entwickelt, die die trägergestützte Synthese von MFI‐Zeolithen auf der inneren Oberfläche von Stahlrohren ermöglicht. Neben der Variation des Synthesewegs, der Art und der Konzentration der Reaktanden wurde der Einfluss weiterer Parameter auf das Wachstum der ZSM‐5‐Krusten untersucht. Die Abscheidungscharakteristika zeolithischer Strukturen auf der Innenwand von Stahlrohren sind abhängig vom Syntheseweg und reagieren sensitiv auf die untersuchten Parameter. Dennoch konnten geeignete Möglichkeiten zur Steuerung der Schichtbildung erarbeitet werden.
5,11,17,23‐Tetrakis[(p‐carboxyphenyl)azo]‐25,26,27,28‐tetrahydroxy Calix[4]arene: Crystal Structure and pH Sensing Properties
Authors: Liu Leilei , Ren Zhigang , Li Hongxi , Shang Hai , Lang Jianping
Published: November 2010

Treatment of 5,11,17,23‐tetrakis[(p‐carboxyphenyl)azo]‐25,26,27,28‐tetrahydroxy calix[4]arene (2) with HCl in DMF or NaOH in MeOH produced 5,11,17,23‐tetrakis[(p‐carboxyphenyl)azo]‐25,26,27,28‐tetrahydroxycalix[4]‐arene·4DMF (2·4DMF) and 5,11,17,23‐tetrakis[(p‐carboxyphenylsodium)azo]‐25,26,27,28‐tetrahydroxycalix[4]‐ arene (3), respectively, which were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV‐vis, 1H NMR and 13C NMR. An X‐ray analysis of 2·4DMF revealed that its calix[4]arene core adopts a flattened cone conformation in which opposed phenyl groups take parallel or sharply inclined positions. The intra‐ and intermolecular hydrogen‐bonding interactions and the π···π interactions form a 2D hydrogen‐bonded wavelike network. Compound 2 had a unique reversible color change in a wide pH range from 1 to 13.5 and showed interesting pH sensing properties.
Quantitative Analysis of Chromium(VI) in Dilute Solution by Using Adsorption and Diffuse Reflectance Near‐infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Shao Xueguang , Chen Nan , Cai Wensheng
Published: November 2010

A method for quantitative determination of metal element in aqueous solution was developed by using adsorption and diffuse reflectance near‐infrared spectroscopy (DRNIRS). In this method, the analyte is firstly adsorbed onto the resin from the dilute solution, and then the adsorbed analyte is directly determined in the sorbent by using DRNIRS. Enrichment of the analyte is achieved by the adsorption from the dilute solution, and quantitative determination is accomplished by using multivariate calibration technique. Taking chromium(VI) in river water as the analytical target, adsorption conditions and the partial least squares (PLS) model was optimized. The results show that chromium(VI) can be immobilized onto the adsorbent and quantitatively measured by DRNIRS and multivariate calibration. With cross validation and external validation, the correlation coefficient between the reference and predicted concentration was found to be above 0.98 in the range of 0.75–29.90 mg·L−1 for the PLS model, and the interference of the coexisting matrix was eliminated with the aid of multivariate calibration.
Integrated impedance based hydro‐carbon gas sensors with Na‐zeolite/Cr2O3 thin‐film interfaces: From physical modeling to devices
Authors: Fischerauer Alice , Fischerauer Gerhard , Hagen Gunter , Moos Ralf
Published: November 2010

The impedance at temperatures of some hundred degree Celsius of sodium ion conducting zeolites applied on planar interdigital gold electrodes covered with a thin Cr2O3 film changes very sensitively and selectively when exposed to hydrocarbons. In contrast to comparable ammonia sensors, it was found that the sensing effect occurs at the electrodes, namely at the zeolite/Cr2O3 interface. To explain the sensor effect, impedance spectra are calculated with a model that considers the zeolite conductivity, the semiconducting properties of Cr2O3, and the zeolite/Cr2O3 interface characteristics. A differential equation to describe the time‐dependent current through zeolite and Cr2O3 is derived. The impedance spectra are then extracted from the complex amplitude of the first harmonic I1 in the Fourier series associated with this periodic current function. The hydrocarbon concentration influences the charge carrier density in the Cr2O3 film, thus leading to the observed impedance changes. The simulated impedance spectra reproduce the important features of the measured spectra quite well.To avoid photolithographic and thin‐film processes for manufacturing a prototype sensor, the technology was transferred to the established industrial thick‐film hybrid technology. Electrodes and zeolites were screen‐printed and the Cr2O3 film was electroplated. Prototype sensors show a good and long‐term stable sensitivity toward hydrocarbons. Interfering gases like NO, CO, or H2 do not affect the sensor signal very strongly, but an unexpected pronounced response toward ammonia was observed.
Fungus and chronic rhinosinusitis: Weighing the evidence
Authors: Orlandi Richard R. , Marple Bradley F.
Published: November 2010

The hypothesis that fungus causes most, if not all, cases of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has been debated for over a decade. Many opinions and interpretations have been rendered, but it is the objective data that speaks the loudest. The debate simply boils down to a core tenet of the scientific method: Can the data be independently replicated? If so, our patients benefit as new treatments are developed. If not, then the hypothesis must be discarded and new lines of research pursued.

Initial clinical trials supporting the fungal hypothesis have not been replicated in recent years by independent investigators. An attempt to independently replicate the basic science foundation of this hypothesis has also failed in a more heterogeneous group of CRS patients. The data can be dissected, reanalyzed, and reinterpreted and myriad arguments can be put forth. But an unbiased review of the data demonstrates that nearly every researcher outside of the original proponents of the fungal hypothesis has failed to replicate their work. The weight of the evidence is increasingly tipping the scales away from this theory.
Who is subsidising whom? Water supply cross-subsidisation policy, practice and lessons from Zambia
Authors: Chitonge Horman
Published: November 2010

This paper looks at the policy and practice of cross-subsidisation in the water sector, focusing on the Zambian experience. Setting a price for water services is a sensitive and controversial issue. Pricing water services below cost recovery can threaten the sustainability of the service and human welfare in the long term, while water pricing at full cost recovery often restricts access to water services for poor households, compromising their well-being. This paper looks at one of the approaches that policy makers use in an attempt to balance the trade-offs – cross-subsidisation. Lessons from the experience of implementing the cross-subsidy policy in Zambia are identified and discussed. This paper argues that while the objectives behind the cross-subsidisation policy are clear, the results from the implementation of this policy are, at best, unclear. The Zambian experience shows that for an indirect subsidy, such as cross-subsidisation (as opposed to a direct subsidy), to generate positive results, a careful consideration of the actual context in which the policy is to be implemented must be a precondition to its implementation.
Assessing decadal changes in the Deep Western Boundary Current absolute transport southeast of Cape Farewell, Greenland, from hydrography and altimetry
Authors: Sarafanov Artem , Falina Anastasia , Lherminier Pascale , Mercier Herlé , Sokov Alexey , Gourcuff Claire
Published: November 2010

In earlier studies, the decadal variability of the Deep Western Boundary Current (DWBC) transport in the vicinity of Cape Farewell, Greenland, has been assessed from changes in the baroclinic velocities computed from hydrographic data and referenced to 1000 m depth. The main limitation of using such an estimate as an index for the DWBC absolute transport variability comes from the unaccounted for decadal velocity changes at the reference level (1000 m). These changes may substantially contribute to the DWBC absolute transport variability by compensating for or adding to the baroclinic transport changes. To assess this contribution to variability, we quantify the decadal velocity changes which occurred at 1000 m depth southeast of Cape Farewell since the mid‐1990s. The analysis combines estimates of the baroclinic velocity changes in the water column derived from repeat hydrography at ∼59.5°N and the velocity changes at the sea surface derived from altimetry. An increase in the southward velocity at 1000 m above the DWBC between the periods of 1994–1997 and 2000–2007 is inferred. It indicates that the increase in the DWBC absolute transport was larger than the 2 Sv (1 Sv = 106 m3 s−1) increase in its baroclinic component referenced to 1000 m. This result and the observed coherence of the DWBC absolute and baroclinic transport changes between individual observations imply that the DWBC absolute transport variability in the region is underestimated but qualitatively well represented by its baroclinic component on decadal and shorter time scales.
Degradation of a silver point in association with endodontic infection
Authors: Chana  , Briggs  , Moss
Published: November 2010

This paper describes an unusual clinical report of degradation of an endodontic silver point within the root canal of a lower right first premolar. Its apical portion was found to be degrading and at one stage a small portion became separated from its main body and was displaced apically. The tooth, despite past apical surgery, displayed signs of endodontic failure. Conventional retreatment and removal of the silver point improved the endodontic problems associated with this tooth. The silver point was analysed using both scanning electron microscopy and x‐ray microanalyses. These tests revealed that the silver point had deteriorated significantly with a surface coating of a silver‐chloride salt. Microleakage with infection and galvanic reaction are possible hypotheses as to the reason for the degradation of the silver point. Although other reports have demonstrated corrosion of silver points, this method of presentation appears unique.
The relations of microalbuminuria to ambulatory blood pressure and myocardial wall thickness in a population
Authors: Nilsson T. , Svensson A. , Lapidus L. , Lindstedt G. , Nyström E. , Eggertsen R.
Published: November 2010

. Nilsson T, Svensson A, Lapidus L, Lindstedt G, Nyström E, Eggertsen R (Mölnlycke Primary Health Care and Research Centre; Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden). The relations of microalbuminuria to ambulatory blood pressure and myocardial wall thickness in a population. J Intern Med 1998; 244: 55–9.

Objectives

To examine the relationship between microalbuminuria (20–200 μg min−1) and 24 h ambulatory blood pressure and heart wall thickness, in a representative population sample of men and women aged 56–65 years.

Design

Every second individual aged 56–65 years (n= 488) in the district, was invited for a health examination, which included determination of urinary albumin and creatinine (overnight sample). The highest and lowest decentile of urinary albumin/creatinine ratio were compared.

Setting

The district of the Primary Health Care and Research Centre of Mölnlycke, Sweden.

Subjects

After excluding 2 individuals with a urinary albumin excretion exceeding 200 μg min−1, 26 subjects (group 1) could be compared with 27 subjects in the lowest decentile (group 2).

Main outcome measures

Comparison between the determinations of the ambulatory blood pressure and echocardiographic variables in the two groups.

Results

Group 1 had significantly higher 24 104 ambulatory blood pressure, and heart septum and posterior wall thickness as well as significantly higher fasting blood glucose and serum triglyceride concentrations. The differences in blood pressure (P < 0.05) but not heart wall thickness remained significant (P < 0.05) after excluding subjects with hypertension, angina pectoris, treated diabetes mellitus, and/or history of heart or cerebrovascular disease. When excluding individuals with both treated and untreated diabetes mellitus, fasting blood glucose concentration was higher in group 1. The waist‐hip ratio, weight and body mass index did not differ between the groups.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that microalbuminuria is related to signs of cardiovascular and metabolic influence and therefore could be a valuable tool for grading the risk of later cardiovascular morbidity.
Effects of irrigating forage turnips, Brassica rapa var. rapa, during different periods of vegetative growth. 1. Turnip yields, yield components and growth rates
Authors: Rowe B. A. , Neilsen J. E.
Published: November 2010

The effects of applying irrigation to spring sown forage turnips, Brassica rapa var. rapa cv. Barkant, during four stages of vegetative growth on yields, yield components and growth rates, were investigated in two field experiments in north-west Tasmania during the 1999–2000 and 2000–01 spring–summer seasons as a basis for developing irrigation strategies for turnip that could improve their efficiency of water use. Increases in dry matter yield in response to irrigating during the four consecutive periods of vegetative growth were additive for all treatment periods and harvest times: the yield increases to irrigation during any period were independent of prior or subsequent levels of irrigation. Consequently, yield increases that are foregone because of the onset of moisture deficits during an earlier period cannot be recovered in a later period: there is no compensatory growth. The results also show that moisture deficits that restrict yields in a previous treatment period do not restrict yield response to irrigation in later periods: the turnip crop appears to respond immediately to the removal of a water stress.
Facultative sex and reproductive strategies in response to male availability in the spiny stick insect, Extatosoma tiaratum
Authors: Schneider Angela , Elgar Mark A.
Published: November 2010

Facultative thelytoky, in which females can reproduce both sexually and asexually, offers a promising model system to understand the evolutionary significance of sex, by providing insights into whether the different reproductive modes reflect an adaptive life-history response to varying environmental conditions. Females of the spiny stick insect, Extatosoma tiaratum, can reproduce both sexually or asexually. We show that virgin females signal their reproductive state: males respond to signals produced by virgin females that have not commenced ovipositing, but fail to respond to ovipositing virgin females. Virgin females reared under different social environments varied their reproductive output: virgin females reared in the absence of males laid more eggs over a seven-day period than virgin females reared in the presence of males. The reproductive output of mated females over a seven-day period was higher than that of virgin females. These data suggest that female E. tiaratum adjust several life-history strategies in conjunction with facultative thelytoky.
First Report of the β-tubulin E198A Allele for Fungicide Resistance in Monilinia fructicola from South Carolina
Authors: Zhu F. X. , Bryson P. K. , Amiri A. , Schnabel G.
Published: November 2010

Resistance to methyl benzimidazole carbamates (MBCs) in Monilinia fructicola, the causal agent of brown rot of stone fruits, is known to be present in South Carolina peach orchards, but the molecular mechanism of resistance has not been investigated. Nine isolates were collected from peach in five counties in South Carolina and examined in petri dish assays on potato dextrose agar (PDA) for resistance to the MBC fungicide thiophanate-methyl (Topsin-M 70WP; Ceraxagri, King of Prussia, PA) at the discriminatory dose of 50 μg/ml. Isolates that grew on the fungicide-amended medium were considered highly resistant (HR). The β-tubulin gene from four sensitive (S) and five HR M. fructicola isolates was PCR-amplified with primer pair TubA and TubR1 as described previously (1). Sequence analysis revealed several silent mutations in introns and exons in S and HR isolates and the presence of the previously described E198A allele in HR but not S isolates (1). Nucleotide sequences of the β-tubulin gene from three S (BS, S2, MfEgpc1) and two HR isolates (MfPdt6 and BR2) were submitted to GenBank under accession numbers HM051379, HM051380, HM051381, HM051382, and HM051383, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the E198A in M. fructicola isolates from South Carolina and the East Coast. This allele is responsible for high levels of MBC resistance in M. fructicola (1). A previously reported PCR-based method using primers HRF+HRR designed to detect the E198A mutation in M. fructicola HR isolates (1) was improved by adding primer TR739 (5′-TCA CGA CGA ACA ACA TCA AGA-3′) to the PCR cocktail. This additional internal primer amplified a 222-bp fragment from all S and HR isolates and therefore provided a useful, additional control. The confirmation of the E198A allele in M. fructicola isolates provides another useful tool to detect MBC resistance in commercial peach orchards in South Carolina.

Reference: (1) Z. H. Ma et al. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 69:7145, 2003.
Can traits predict species' vulnerability? A test with farmland passerines in two continents
Authors: Pocock Michael J. O.
Published: November 2010

Species' traits have been used both to explain and, increasingly, to predict species' vulnerability. Trait-based comparative analyses allow mechanisms causing vulnerability to be inferred and, ideally, conservation effort to be focused efficiently and effectively. However, empirical evidence of the predictive ability of trait-based approaches is largely wanting. I tested the predictive power of trait-based analyses on geographically replicated datasets of farmland bird population trends. I related the traits of farmland passerines with their long-term trends in abundance (an assessment of their response to agricultural intensification) in eight regions in two continents. These analyses successfully identified explanatory relationships in the regions, specifically: species faring badly tended to be medium-sized, had relatively short incubation and fledging periods, were longer distant migrants, had small relative brain sizes and were farmland specialists. Despite this, the models had poor ability to predict species' vulnerability in one region from trait–population trend relationships from a different region. In many cases, the explained variation was low (median
R
2
= 8%). The low predictive ability of trait-based analyses must therefore be considered if such trait-based models are used to inform conservation priorities.
Division of Labour and Extended Parenting in a Desert Tenebrionid Beetle
Authors: Rasa O. Anne E.
Published: November 2010

Parastizopus armaticeps (Peringuey) is a nocturnal detritivorous desert tenebrionid beetle which can only reproduce after heavy rainfall. Both parents care for the young and excavate a breeding burrow together. They play similar roles in burrow excavation and protection until the eggs hatch, after which male and female roles diverge markedly Females collect detritus on the surface at night, depositing this at the burrow entrance, which they also clear of sand in the early evening. Males remain inside the burrow and dig to deepen and extend it, maintaining its moisture level as the sand desiccates They also pull the food dropped by the female down to the burrow base to form a food store for the offspring. Both sexes guard the burrow and attack same‐sex intruders, especially in the early phases of reproduction. The parents remain inside with the pupal cocoons until the teneral adults eclose. Males dig continually to maintain burrow humidity while females, which rarely forage during the pupal Period, recommence foraging for a further 16‐18d after pupal eclosure. They provide food for the newly eclosed beetles until the exoskeletons have hardened and melanization is almost complete, then the family disperses. Offspring over 10 d old pull down forage at the burrow entrance and later forage for food themselves and carry it to the burrow. This is the highest level of social and reproductive complexity described for beetles and the behavioural and ecological factors contributing to its evolution are discussed in the context of parental care known for other subsocial arthropods, especially coleopterans.
Basidiocarp formation by Inonotus obliquus on a living paper birch tree
Authors: Cha J. Y. , Lee S. Y. , Lee S. Y. , Chun K. W.
Published: November 2010

Basidiocarps of Inonotus obliquus at the margin of a sterile conk were observed on the stem of a living paper birch tree (Betula papyrifera) in North America. The basidiocarps were small in size and similar in shape to basidiocarps formed on potato‐dextrose agar medium. This is the first report of basidiocarp formation on the stem of a healthy looking birch.