bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Residual serum monoclonal protein predicts progression‐free survival in patients with previously untreated multiple myeloma
Authors: Schaefer Eric W. , Kumar Shaji , Dispenzieri Angela , Allred Jacob B. , Gertz Morie A. , Lacy Martha Q. , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Mandrekar Sumithra J.
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND:

Currently used treatment response criteria in multiple myeloma (MM) are based in part on serum monoclonal protein (M‐protein) measurements. A drawback of these criteria is that response is determined solely by the best level of M‐protein reduction, without considering the serial trend. The authors hypothesized that metrics incorporating the serial trend of M‐protein would be better predictors of progression‐free survival (PFS).

METHODS:

Fifty‐five patients with measurable disease at baseline (M‐protein ≥1 g/dL) who received ≥4 cycles of treatment from 2 clinical trials in previously untreated MM were included. Three metrics based on the percentage of M‐protein remaining relative to baseline (residual M‐protein) were considered: metrics based on the number of times residual M‐protein fell within prespecified thresholds, metrics based on area under the residual M‐protein curve, and metrics based on the average residual M‐protein reduction between Cycles 1 and 4. The predictive value of these metrics was assessed in Cox models using landmark analysis.

RESULTS:

The average residual M‐protein reduction was found to be significantly predictive of PFS (P = .02; hazard ratio, 0.37), in which a patient with a 10% lower average residual M‐protein reduction from Cycle 1 to 4 was estimated to be at least 2.7× more likely to develop disease progression or die early. None of the other metrics was predictive of PFS. The concordance index for the average residual M‐protein reduction was 0.63, compared with 0.56 for best response.

CONCLUSIONS:

The average residual M‐protein reduction metric is promising and needs further validation. This exploratory analysis is the first step in the search for treatment‐based trend metrics predictive of outcomes in MM. Cancer 2010. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
High Electrocatalytic Activity of Pt–Pd Binary Spherocrystals Chemically Assembled in Vertically Aligned TiO2 Nanotubes
Authors: Lei Yanzhu , Zhao Guohua , Tong Xili , Liu Meichuan , Li Dongming , Geng Rong
Published: November 2009

To obtain noble metal catalysts with high efficiency, long‐term stability, and poison resistance, Pt and Pd are assembled in highly ordered and vertically aligned TiO2 nanotubes (NTs) by means of the pulsed‐current deposition (PCD) method with assistance of ultrasonication (UC). Here, Pd serves as a dispersant which prevents agglomeration of Pt. Thus Pt–Pd binary catalysts are embed into TiO2 NTs array under UC in sunken patterns of composite spherocrystals (Sps). Owing to this synthesis method and restriction by the NTs, the these catalysts show improved dispersion, more catalytically active sites, and higher surface area. This nanotubular metallic support material with good physical and chemical stability prevents catalyst loss and poisoning. Compared with monometallic Pt and Pd, the sunken‐structured Pt–Pd spherocrystal catalyst exhibits better catalytic activity and poison resistance in electrocatalytic methanol oxidation because of its excellent dispersion. The catalytic current density is enhanced by about 15 and 310 times relative to monometallic Pt and Pd, respectively. The poison resistance of the Pt–Pd catalyst was 1.5 times higher than that of Pt and Pd, and they show high electrochemical stability with a stable current enduring for more than 2100 s. Thus, the TiO2 NTs on a Ti substrate serve as an excellent support material for the loading and dispersion of noble metal catalysts.
Balloons, cut‐edges, matchings, and total domination in regular graphs of odd degree
Authors: O Suil , West Douglas B.
Published: November 2009

Aballoonin a graphGis a maximal 2‐edge‐connected subgraph incident to exactly one cut‐edge ofG. Letb(G) be the number of balloons, letc(G) be the number of cut‐edges, and let α′(G) be the maximum size of a matching. Let\documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage[mathscr]{euscript}\footskip=0pc\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}${\mathcal{F}}_{{{n}},{{r}}}$\end{document}be the family of connected (2r+1)‐regular graphs withnvertices, and let\documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage[mathscr]{euscript}\footskip=0pc\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}${{b}}={{max}}\{{{b}}({{G}}): {{G}}\in {\mathcal{F}}_{{{n}},{{r}}}\}$\end{document}. For\documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage[mathscr]{euscript}\footskip=0pc\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}${{G}}\in{\mathcal{F}}_{{{n}},{{r}}}$\end{document}, we prove the sharp inequalitiesc(G)⩽[r(n−2)−2]/(2r2+2r−1)−1 and α′(G)⩾n/2−rb/(2r+1). Usingb⩽[(2r−1)n+2]/(4r2+4r−2), we obtain a simple proof of the boundproved by Henning and Yeo. For each of these bounds and eachr, the approach using balloons allows us to determine the infinite family where equality holds. For the total domination number γt(G) of a cubic graph, we prove γt(G)⩽n/2−b(G)/2 (except that γt(G) may ben/2−1 whenb(G)=3 and the balloons cover all but one vertex). With α′(G)⩾n/2−b(G)/3 for cubic graphs, this improves the known inequality γt(G)⩽α′(G). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 64: 116–131, 2010
Comparison of neem or oregano with thiram on organic matter decomposition of a sand loam soil amended with compost, and on soil biological activity
Authors: Gougoulias Nikolaos , Vagelas Ioannis , Vasilakoglou Ioannis , Gravanis Fotios , Louka Aida , Wogiatzi Eleni , Chouliaras Nikolaos
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND:Oregano essential oil and neem have been reported to be effective against soil‐borne pathogens and nematodes. The possibility of having an effect on soil properties was the aim of this investigation. Moreover, thiram, a common widely used chemical pesticide, was used for comparison.

RESULTS:The effects of all three above‐mentioned substances were investigated during an incubation experiment, for 15 weeks. Crushed neem pellets were added at 1.0, 2.0 or 3.0 g per 50 g of soil. Oregano dry matter was applied at 0.2, 0.4 or 0.6 g per 50 g of soil. Finally, thiram was applied at 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 g per 50 g of soil. The addition of neem resulted in a decrease in organic carbon mineralisation, higher than that of oregano, but not as prominently as thiram. The addition of neem resulted in an increase in the content of nitrate, organic P, bioavailable P, bioavailable K and bioavailable Mn. Oregano had a slight negative effect on organic matter biodegradation, but caused an increase of nutritional mineral elements. Microbe colonies in soil were increased by the addition of neem cake granules, whereas oregano and thiram treatments caused a decrease. The addition of thiram reduced nitrate and available Mn contents, but at the lowest dose increased organic P and available K. Thiram reduced prominently available Cu at the upper rates, but it increased these forms at the lowest rate, while available Zn content was increased in two lowest rates.

CONCLUSION:The results of this study indicated that neem or oregano could be applied to the soil without any extremely negative effect on the available forms of nutritional mineral elements, as thiram does. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Molecular semiconductor blends: Microstructure, charge carrier transport, and application in photovoltaic cells
Authors: Opitz Andreas , Wagner Julia , Brütting Wolfgang , Hinderhofer Alexander , Schreiber Frank
Published: November 2009

Ambipolar organic semiconductor blends, i.e. mixtures of electron and hole conducting materials, attain growing interest due to their utilization in quasi‐complementary organic field‐effect transistors and organic photovoltaic cells. Many investigations in the latter field have reported an increase of the solar cell efficiency by optimizing the balance between charge carrier transport in phase‐separated structures and exciton dissociation at the interface between these phases. Here we show the implications of blending molecular materials for structural, optical, and electrical properties in two model systems for organic photovoltaic cells. We have investigated blends and neat films of the hole transporting material Cu‐phthalocyanine (CuPc) together with fullerene C60 and Cu‐hexadecafluorophthalocyanine (F16CuPc) as electron transporting materials, respectively. On the one hand, the difference in molecular structure of the spherical C60 and the planar molecule CuPc leads to nanophase separation in a blend of both of them, causing charge carrier transport being limited by the successful formation of percolation paths. On the other hand, blends of the similar shaped CuPc and F16CuPc molecules entail mixed crystalline films, as can be clearly seen by X‐ray scattering measurements. We discuss differences of both systems with respect to their microstructure as well as their electrical transport properties in diodes and field‐effect transistors. Furthermore, we compare the photovoltaic properties of planar‐ and bulk‐heterojunction devices under white light illumination to relate the different morphologies of both material systems to their performance in solar cells.

magnified image

Sketches of different molecular arrangements in blended systems. The formation of phase‐separated (left) or molecularly mixed crystalline films (right) can occur, depending on the geometry of the involved molecules.
Electrospray ionization mass spectrometric analysis of complexes between peptide‐derived Amadori products and borate ions
Authors: Kijewska Monika , Kluczyk Alicja , Stefanowicz Piotr , Szewczuk Zbigniew
Published: November 2009

Hexose‐modified peptides, products of the enzymatic hydrolysis of glycated proteins, could be used as markers of diabetes mellitus, the aging process and other diseases. The main difficulty in this approach is the detection of glycated peptides in the complex mixtures of compounds. In this study we investigated the formation of borate complexes of the peptide‐derived Amadori products by high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) experiments. It was found that the formation of a complex with the borate ion stabilizes the sugar moiety, resulting in the simplification of the fragmentation patterns of peptide‐derived Amadori products. The level of dehydration, as well as the elimination of formaldehyde from the precursor ions of borate complexes, was lower as compared to the free peptide. On the other hand the intensity of the b‐ and y‐type ions for borate complexes is significantly higher in comparison to the free peptide‐derived Amadori product. Moreover, the elimination of a whole hexose moiety was not detected in the examined peptides. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase in the diagnosis of subclinical intramammary infections in dairy sheep and goats
Authors: Katsoulos Panagiotis D , Christodoulopoulos Georgios , Minas Anastasios , Karatzia Maria A , Pourliotis Konstantinos , Kritas Spyridon K
Published: November 2009

The objective was to investigate the changes occurring in the activities of the enzymes lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in sheep and goat milk as a result of subclinical intramammary infections (IMI) and to evaluate the use of these enzymes for the diagnosis of subclinical IMI in dairy sheep and goats. A total of 206 samples of sheep milk and 162 samples of goat milk, obtained from equal udder halves, were used in the study. For each species they were divided into two groups: a no-infection group and a subclinical infection group. Activities of LDH, ALP and AST were significantly higher in the subclinical infection group than in the no-infection group (P<0·05) in both sheep (LDH: 350·42±11·25 v. 120·91±4·41; ALP: 2773·43±105·18 v. 2189±94·24; AST: 29·57±0·74 v. 17·32±0·46) and goats (LDH: 354·07±13·33 v. 103·79±3·75; ALP: 311·13±25·74 v. 137·24±19·62; AST: 27·59±6·42 v. 15·87±0·45). The activity of LDH was identified as indicator for subclinical IMI in both sheep and goats. The optimum cut-off values for LDH activity, offering the highest diagnostic sensitivity (DSn) and diagnostic specificity (DSp), determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, were at 197 U/l, 185 U/l and 197 U/l for sheep, goats and both species, respectively. DSn for sheep, goats and both species at these cut-off values was 92·8%, 98·2% and 94·0%, whereas DSp was 95·4%, 96·3% and 96·3%, respectively. It was concluded that the determination of LDH activity in milk serum is a sensitive and reliable method for the detection of subclinical IMI in dairy sheep and goats.
Serological Studies on Hydatid
Authors: Hiles I.
Published: November 2009

The Bordet-Gengou test applied to the diagnosis of cases of suspected hydatid infection has been used by many workers since first introduced by Ghedini in 1906, using as antigen hydatid fluid from human cysts.
On a Lungworm, Crenosoma potos n. sp., from the Kinkajou, Potos flavus (Schreber).
Authors: Buckley J. J. C.
Published: November 2009

The lungworm genus Crenosoma, founded by Molin in 1861, was redescribed in 1928 by Skrjabin and Petrow. To the two existing species, C. striatum (Zeder, 1800) from the hedgehog (Erinaceus europæus L.) and C. vulpis (Dujardin, 1845) from the fox (Vulpes vulpes L.), these writers added a third species, C. taiga, from the lungs of Kolonocus sibiricus (Pall.) in Russia. A generic diagnosis based on a study of these three species was supplied, and the wolf (Canis lupus L.) was recorded as a new host for Crenosoma vulpis.
Leaf-blotch in Verbena venosa caused by Aphelenchus ritzemabosi
Authors: Goodey T.
Published: November 2009

Aphelenchus ritzemabosi is known as a serious parasite of greenhouse plants such as chrysanthemums and gloxinias but the number of records of its attacks on plants grown out of doors is increasing. Disease due to it has been observed in the open on chrysanthemums and dahlias in this country and in the present paper a new out-of-door host is added to the list of plants attacked by it.
Further Observations on Tylenchinema oscinellœ Goodey, 1930, a Nematode Parasite of the Frit-fly
Authors: Goodey T.
Published: November 2009

In the original paper dealing with this interesting nematode a fairly complete account was given of its discovery, its life-history in the free-living condition and within the host. In addition, its effect on the host, whereby flies of both sexes are sterilised owing to its presence, was also described. Its occurrence in both the stem and panicle generations of frit-flies attacking oats was recorded and figures were presented showing the incidence of infection in flies of these two generations. At the same time the inference was drawn that the parasite must also occur in the over-wintering generation of the frit-fly, larvæ of which attack wild grasses or winter cereals. Observations were therefore necessary on flies of this generation emerging during 1930 to prove conclusively the presence of the parasite. These observations are dealt with in the present paper and figures are given showing the degree of infestation in both male and female flies.
On the first outbreaks of Potato Eelworm (Heterodera schachtii, Schmidt) in Jersey
Authors: Small T.
Published: November 2009

In view of the spread of potato eelworm (Heterodera schachtii) in England and Scotland in recent years, it was decided in 1935 to examine farm soils in Jersey to ascertain if these were free from the pest. In three seasons, 1935 to 1937, 180 soils, the majority from fields which had grown potatoes for 10 or more consecutive years, were tested and all of them proved to be free from potato eelworm. These results, together with observations of numerous growing crops, indicated that the Island was substantially, if not entirely, free from the pest.
Some Experiments on the Extra-Corporeal Hatching of the Eggs of Ascaris suum
Authors: Fenwick D. W.
Published: November 2009

Numerous attempts have been made in the past to induce the eggs of Ascaris suum to hatch outside the body of the host. Extra-corporeal hatching has been observed under a variety of conditions by different workers. Kondo (1920, 1922), Asada (1921) and others record hatching in water, charcoal and sand cultures. Wharton (1915) states that hatching will occur in alkaline digestive juices, while Martin (1913) records a similar phenomenon in pancreatic fluid. Many different explanations have been offered to explain this hatching. Wharton suggested that the interaction of algae and sand might have some effect. Ohba (1923), who found that hatching would occur in 0·2% hydrochloric acid and 0·2% sodium carbonate believed that extra-corporeal hatching was limited to very old cultures of eggs. Many workers are of the opinion that some stimulus normally present in the digestive tract is necessary for hatching.
Observations on a giant race of the stem eelworm, Anguillulina dipsaci, attacking broad beans, Vicia Faba L.
Authors: Goodey T.
Published: November 2009

Debray and Maupas (1896) described a disease of broad beans, Vicia Faba L., occurring in and around Algiers, N. Africa, caused by the stem eelworm, Anguillulina dipsaci, the adults of which were considerably larger than from any other host plant attacked by this species; the females being 1·758 mm. to 2·216 mm., and the males 1·716 mm. to 2·016 mm. long. As far as the writer is aware, from the time their paper appeared to the present time no further record of such giant forms of A. dipsaci has been published. During the past few years the writer has encountered similar large forms in diseased broad bean stems, first in material originating in Portugal and on two later occasions in bean plants grown under ordinary field conditions in this country, and it seems desirable to put on record a short account of his observations.
Further observations on Anguillulina dipsaci infestation of the onion scape and inflorescence
Authors: Goodey T.
Published: November 2009

In a recent paper the writer (Goodey, 1943) has shown that the stem eelworm, Anguilulina dipsaci, occurred in considerable numbers in the scape, i.e. the flower stem, and the inflorescence of onions grown for seed in Sussex during 1943. The worms, mainly consisting of infective larvae, occurred in the dry papery tissues lining the hollow scape, in the pedicels of the flowers and in various of the floral organs, such as withered sepals and petals, in the receptacle and placenta and on the walls of the seed capsule. They were also attached to the outside of the ripened seed. In a second paper (Goodey, 1945) it is further shown that the parasite becomes firmly attached to the seed chiefly in the region of the hilum, whence it cannot be removed by the usual processes of winnowing and cleaning. The foregoing results were obtained from plant material in a dry condition and seed samples which had been threshed and cleaned. Study of this material had made it evident that the parasite must somehow gain access to the living tissues of the scape and inflorescence as these grow from the parent bulb, but it was not apparent how this came about; whether from lightly infected parent bulbs or direct from the soil. Circumstantial evidence had been adduced in the two papers, already mentioned, pointing to lightly infected parent bulbs being the probable source of infection, but the whole matter needed further investigation to elucidate this and other points. In the present communication the results of studies directed to the solution of these questions are given.
A note on the subfamily Turbatricinae and the genus Turbator Goodey, 1943
Authors: Goodey T.
Published: November 2009

In a recent paper the writer (Goodey, 1943) dealt with the systematic position of the vinegar eelworm and certain related species. A new subfamily, Turbatricinae, was erected and a new genus, Turbator, proposed for 7 species possessing morphological features differentiating them from the vinegar eelworm, Turbatrix aceti (Müller, 1873) v. aceti Peters, 1927. In regard to this paper, Dr. Gerald Thorne has sent a letter to the writer in which he has been kind enough to draw attention to two points which, in his view, call for emendation and correction, as follows.
Notes on some Avian Species of Ascaridia
Authors: Kung C. C.
Published: November 2009

A large collection of avian Ascaridia from a wide diversity of hosts and localities is reported upon. It comprised six species, A. galli, A. columbae, A. compar, A. cristata, A. hermaphrodita and A. numidae. Their morphology is examined critically with reference to previous descriptions, especially in the case of A. columbae, A. cristata, A. hermaphrodita and A. compar, and a new variety of A. columbae is described.

The taxonomic significance of spicule morphology and the tubercles on the ventral surface of the male tail in Ascaridia is discussed.
The Preparation of Helminth Antigen from Fresh Bunostomum trigonocephalum
Authors: Dunn A. M.
Published: November 2009

A satisfactory antigen for use in serological studies of nematodiasis in sheep has been prepared from Bunostomum trigonocephalum.

The investigations are outlined and a method for its routine preparation from field material is described.
On Two New Trematodes of the Genus Philophthalmus Looss, 1899, from the Eyes of Birds in Hyderabad, Deccan
Authors: Jaiswal G. P. , Singh S. N.
Published: November 2009

Looss created the genus Philophthalmus in 1899 for flukes infesting the eyes of birds. Twelve species of trematodes have been recorded from the eyes of avian hosts in different parts of the world, but hitherto none has been described from India. The following account deals with the description of two new species of Philophthalmus which were recovered from birds of prey in Hyderabad.
On Physaloptera lumsdeni n. sp. from a Bush-baby in Tanganyika, with a Note on Abbreviata caucasica
Authors: Liang-Sheng Yeh
Published: November 2009

A number of these specimens were available for study. They were collected from the stomach of Galago crassicaudatus agisymbanus (Coquerel) in Tanganyika Territory by Dr. W. H. R. Lumsden whom I wish to thank for the material.

These stout worms have a thick cuticle which is finely striated. The well-developed lateral lips are smooth, hemispherical, each possessing a large triangular external tooth and three smaller internal teeth. There are two prominent papillae towards the dorsal and ventral margins of each lip. The cervical cuticle forms a collar round the anterior end.
On Filaria martis Gmelin, 1790, Newly Recorded from the Leopard with the Description of a New Species of the Genus Filaria Mueller, 1787
Authors: Tadros G.
Published: November 2009

1. Four worms were recovered from the subcutaneous connective tissue of a leopard. Of these two males and one female were identified as Filaria martis Gmelin, 1790 with the measurements given and a female described as a new species under the name Filaria russelli.

2. This finding is the first record of the genus Filaria Mueller, 1787 in a leopard.
An Editor's Wish List
Authors: Shevtsova Maria
Published: November 2009

The co-editors of New Theatre Quarterly take time out here to reflect on the milestone of the journal reaching its hundredth consecutive issue, in succession to the forty of the original Theatre Quarterly. Simon Trussler was one of the founding editors of the ‘old’ Theatre Quarterly in 1971. He is the author of numerous books on drama and theatre, including New Theatre Voices of the Seventies (1981), Shakespearean Concepts (1989), the award-winning Cambridge Illustrated History of British Theatre (1993), The Faber Guide to Elizabethan and Jacobean Drama (2006), and Will's Will (2007). Formerly Reader in Drama in the University of London, he is now Professor and Senior Research Fellow at Rose Bruford College. Maria Shevtsova, who has been co-editor of New Theatre Quarterly since 2003, is Professor of Drama and Theatre Arts and Director of Graduate Studies at Goldsmiths, University of London. The author of more than one hundred articles and chapters in collected volumes, her books include Dodin and the Maly Drama Theatre: Process to Performance (2004), Fifty Key Theatre Directors (co-edited with Shomit Mitter, 2005), Robert Wilson (2007), Directors/Directing: Conversations on Theatre (with Christopher Innes, 2009), and Sociology of Theatre and Performance (2009).
The Theatre Critic as Thinker: a Round-Table Discussion
Authors: Bentley Eric , Brustein Robert , Kauffmann Stanley
Published: November 2009

In 1946, Eric Bentley published The Playwright as Thinker, a revolutionary study of modern drama that helped to create the intellectual climate in which serious American theatre would thrive in the second half of the twentieth century. In 1964 Robert Brustein published an equally influential study of modern drama entitled The Theatre of Revolt. And in 1966, Stanley Kauffmann began a brief, combative stint as first-string theatre critic for the New York Times. Kauffmann's short-lived tenure at the Times dramatized the enormous gap that had arisen between mainstream taste and the alternative vision of the theatre that he shared with Bentley and Brustein. Collectively, these three critics championed the European modern dramatists, like Pirandello, Brecht, Beckett, and Genet, whose plays were rarely if ever performed on Broadway. They also embraced the early work of performance groups such as Julian Beck and Judith Malina's Living Theater when they were either ignored or deplored by most mainstream reviewers. Above all, they challenged the time-honoured idea that the primary goal of the theatre is to provide the audience with an emotional catharsis achieved by realistically identifying with the dramatic protagonist. By contrast, Bentley, Brustein, and Kauffmann championed a theatre that emphasized poetic stylization, intellectual seriousness, and social engagement. The discussion which follows, held on 27 October 2007 at the Philoctetes Center, New York, examines the legacy of these leading American theatre critics of the past fifty years. Bert Cardullo, who transcribed and edited the discussion, was Stanley Kauffmann's student at the Yale School of Drama and is the author, editor, or translator of many books, among them Theater of the Avant-Garde, 1889–1950, What Is Dramaturgy?, and American Drama/Critics: Writings and Readings.
Electron transport in quantum antidots made of four-terminal graphene ribbons
Authors: Ritter C. , Pacheco M. , Orellana P. , Latgé A.
Published: November 2009

Electronic and transport properties of two- and four-terminal graphene nanoribbons are studied taking into account different configurations of quantum antidot potentials, designed at a central conductor. Local density of states maps the electronic distribution changes induced by the antidot potentials and highlights localization effects at the neighboring vacancy sites. Depending on the position, extension, and symmetry of such antidots, we found delocalization of electronic states leading to particular conduction paths along the central region. The origin of dips and maxima in the conductance, and full transport suppression was studied within a microscopic scenario using real-space Green function formalism. The combination of antidot potentials and extra terminals in the device model has shown to generate a variety of transport responses that may be experimentally tuned.
Deformations of 3-algebras
Authors: Figueroa-O’Farrill José Miguel
Published: November 2009

We phrase deformations of n-Leibniz algebras in terms of the cohomology theory of the associated Leibniz algebra. We do the same for n-Lie algebras and for the metric versions of n-Leibniz and n-Lie algebras. We place particular emphasis on the case of n=3 and explore the deformations of 3-algebras of relevance to three-dimensional superconformal Chern–Simons theories with matter.
Multiplet splittings and intensities of fine structure components of the Q1()H2+S()N2 transition in a solid parahydrogen matrix
Authors: Mishra Adya P. , Singh Param Jeet
Published: November 2009

A comprehensive analysis of theoretical multiplet splittings and intensities of the fine structure components of the Q1(0)H2+S0(0)N2 transition in a solid parahydrogen crystal is presented. The consideration of higher order anisotropic term responsible for splittings is essential to explain the observed splitting of the three components. The pair interaction parameters ΔB and ΔC have been determined by comparing the theoretical splittings with the experimental values. The information about the small splittings (∼0.1 cm−1) due to crystal-field interaction is completely obscured due to fast hopping of v′=1, J′=0 H2 vibron. Also, the theoretical expressions are derived for the intensities of the fine structure components of the QvH2(0)+SvN2(0) transition and the theoretical results are compared with the experimental findings.
Evaluation of strain balancing layer thickness for InAs/GaAs quantum dot arrays using high resolution x-ray diffraction and photoluminescence
Authors: Bailey Christopher G. , Hubbard Seth M. , Forbes David V. , Raffaelle Ryne P.
Published: November 2009

The impact of strain-balancing quantum dot superlattice arrays is critical to device performance. InAs/GaAs/GaP strain-balanced quantum dot arrays embedded in p-i-n diodes were investigated via high resolution x-ray diffraction (HRXRD) and photoluminescence (PL) as a function of the GaP thickness. A three-dimensional modification of the continuum elasticity theory was proposed and an optimal thickness was determined to be 3.8 ML. HRXRD-determined in-plane strain in superlattices with this range of GaP thickness gave an empirical value for the GaP thickness to be 4.5 ML. Optical characterization indicated the highest integrated PL intensity for the sample at the optimal strain balanced condition.
The RCCM 2009 Survey: Mapping Doctoral and Postdoctoral CAM Research in the United Kingdom
Authors: Robinson Nicola , Lewith George
Published: November 2009

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is widely available in the UK and used frequently by the public, but there is little high quality research to sustain its continued use and potential integration into the NHS. There is, therefore, a need to develop rigorous research in this area. One essential way forward is to train and develop more CAM researchers so that we can enhance academic capacity and provide the evidence upon which to base strategic healthcare decisions. This UK survey identified 80 research active postgraduates registered for MPhils/PhDs in 21 universities and were either current students or had completed their postgraduate degree during the recent UK Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2001–2008. The single largest postgraduate degree funder was the university where the students registered (26/80). Thirty‐two projects involved randomized controlled trials and 33 used qualitative research methods. The UK RAE also indicates a significant growth of postdoctoral and tenured research activity over this period (in 2001 there were three full time equivalents; in 2008 there were 15.5) with a considerable improvement in research quality. This mapping exercise suggests that considerable effort is currently being invested in developing UK CAM research capacity and thus inform decision making in this area. However, in comparative international terms UK funding is very limited. As in the USA and Australia, a centralized and strategic approach by the National Institute of Health Research to this currently uncoordinated and underfunded activity may benefit CAM research in the UK.
Cladoceran community responses to biomanipulation and re‐oligotrophication in Lake Vesijärvi, Finland, as inferred from remains in annually laminated sediment
Authors: NYKÄNEN MIRVA , MALINEN TOMMI , VAKKILAINEN KIRSI , LIUKKONEN MIKKO , KAIRESALO TIMO
Published: November 2009

1. We studied the role of zooplankton in biomanipulation and the subsequent recovery phase in the Enonselkä basin of Lake Vesijärvi, using subfossil cladocerans in annually laminated sediment. Measures to restore the Enonselkä basin included reduction in external nutrient loading and mass removal of plankti‐ and benthivorous fish. Water clarity increased and the lake changed from a eutrophic to a mesotrophic state. However, some signs of increased turbidity were observed after 5–10 years of successful recovery.

2. Annual laminae in a freeze core sample were identified and sliced, based on the seasonal succession of diatoms. Cladoceran remains and rotifer eggs were counted, and Daphnia ephippia and Eubosmina and Bosmina ephippia and carapaces were measured. Annual changes in pelagic species composition were studied with principal component analysis. Individual species abundance, size measurements and various cladoceran‐based indices or ratios (commonly used to reconstruct changes in trophic state and fish predation) were tested for change between four distinct periods: I (1985–1988) dense fish stocks, poor water quality; II (1989–1992) fish removal; III (1993–1997) low fish density, improved water quality; IV (1998–2002) slightly increased fish density and poorer water quality.

3. After the removal of fish, the mean size of Daphnia ephippia and Eubosmina crassicornis ephippia and carapaces increased significantly. In contrast, the percentage of Daphnia did not increase. When based on ephippia, the ratio Daphnia/(Daphnia + E. crassicornis) increased, but the interpretation was obscured by the tolerance of fish predation by small Daphnia and by the fact that bosminids were the preferred food of roach. Moreover, ephippial production by E. crassicornis decreased in recent years.

4. The abundance of Diaphanosoma brachyurum and Limnosida frontosa increased significantly after the fish population was reduced, while that of Ceriodaphnia and rotifers decreased.

5. The expanding littoral vegetation along with improved water clarity was clearly reflected in the concentration of littoral species in the deep sediment core. The species diversity index for the entire subfossil community also increased.

6. The period of faltering recovery was characterised by greater interannual variability and an increased percentage of rotifers. Nevertheless, the mean sizes of Daphnia ephippia and E. crassicornis ephippia and carapaces indicated a low density of fish. The deteriorating water quality was apparently related to multiple stressors in the catchment after rehabilitation, such as intensified lakeshore building, as well as to exceptional weather conditions, challenging the management methods in use.
A comprehensive model of the process of telephone nursing
Authors: Greenberg Mary Elizabeth
Published: November 2009

Title.  A comprehensive model of the process of telephone nursing.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to develop a theoretical model of the process nurses use to deliver care over the telephone.

Background.  Telephone nursing is practised internationally in diverse settings, and research has shown it to be an effective service. Although studies have identified important variables that influence the practice, the telephone nursing process in its entirety has not been described.

Method.  In this grounded theory study, data were collected from ten experienced telephone nurses from four different sites using semi‐structured interviews. Concurrent data collection and analysis took place in 2005. A cumulative process of theoretical sampling and constant comparison was used to identify initial concepts, and then expand, validate, and clarify them until the concepts and relationships were fully developed. The findings were validated through peer and participant review.

Findings.  Telephone nursing is a dynamic and goal‐oriented process consisting of three phases: gathering information, cognitive processing, and output. While generally sequential, the phases can be simultaneous or recurring in response to caller needs. Interpreting takes place throughout the call; that is, the nurse translates data from the caller into healthcare information and healthcare information into caller language. Factors shaping the process are call prioritization and level of complexity, resource availability, and the nurse’s need for validation.

Conclusion.  Telephone nursing training and practice should emphasize gathering information, using implicit and explicit information to identify client needs, and translating healthcare information back into language comprehensible to clients.
Establishment, characterization, virus susceptibility and transfection of cell lines from cobia, Rachycentron canadum (L.), brain and fin
Authors: Cheng T‐C , Lai Y‐S , Lin I‐Y , Wu C‐P , Chang S‐L , Chen T‐I , Su M‐S
Published: November 2009

Establishment and characterization of two cobia, Rachycentron canadum, cell lines derived from cobia brain (CB) and cobia fin (CF) are described. Caudal fin and brain from juvenile cobia were dissociated for 30 and 10 min, respectively, in phosphate‐buffered saline containing 0.25% trypsin at 25 °C. The optimal culture condition for both dissociated cells (primary cell culture) was at 28 °C in Leibovitz‐15 medium containing 10% foetal bovine serum. The cells have been sub‐cultured at a ratio of 1:2 for more than 160 passages over a period of 3 years. Origin of the cultured cells was verified by comparison of their sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I genes (cox I) with the cox 1 sequence from cobia muscle tissue. The cell lines showed polyploidy. No mycoplasma contamination was detected. Susceptibility to grouper iridovirus was observed for the CB cell line but not the CF cell line. Both cell lines expressed green fluorescent protein after being transfected with green fluorescent reporter gene driven by the cytomegalovirus promoter.
Is the tongue position influenced by the palatal vault dimensions?
Authors: BOURDIOL P. , MISHELLANY‐DUTOUR A. , ABOU‐EL‐KARAM S. , NICOLAS E. , WODA A.
Published: November 2009

Summary  The influence of the palatal vault dimensions on tongue position is here studied through evaluation of the in‐mouth air cavity (IMAC) volume when the mandible is in maximal intercuspal position. A sample of 35 women (mean age 21·2 ± 1·0) and 15 men (mean age 22·1 ± 0·9) was selected. The sagittal cross‐section area of the IMAC, which is modulated by the tongue position, was measured on lateral cephalograms. Dental casts were used to measure the palatal vault volume, which was defined by the occlusal plane, the hard palate and the posterior face of the second molars. Palatal vault volume allowed deduction of the IMAC volume through a rule of three procedure relating volume to area ratios. No IMAC could be calculated from cephalograms of 10 subjects who had the tongue stuck to the palate. For the 40 other subjects, the IMAC volume was 8·9 ± 4·8 mL. It was 2 mL larger in men (n = 14) than in women (n = 26) and was the largest in skeletal Class III and the smallest in skeletal Class II (P > 0·05). IMAC volume was strongly correlated with palatal vault height but neither with palatal width nor length. It was thus assumed that the height of the palatal vault could influence the most observed position of the tongue but this does not exclude a possible growth influence of the tongue on its surrounding skeletal structures.
Rapid cooling triggers forisome dispersion just before phloem transport stops
Authors: THORPE MICHAEL R. , FURCH ALEXANDRA C. U. , MINCHIN PETER E. H. , FÖLLER JENS , VAN BEL AART J. E. , HAFKE JENS B.
Published: November 2009

Phloem transport stops transiently within dicot stems that are cooled rapidly, but the cause remains unknown. Now it is known that (1) rapid cooling depolarizes cell membranes giving a transient increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+, and (2) a rise of free calcium triggers dispersion of forisomes, which then occlude sieve elements (SEs) of fabacean plants. Therefore, we compared the effects of rapid chilling on SE electrophysiology, phloem transport and forisomes in Vicia faba. Forisomes dispersed after rapid cooling with a delay that was longer for slower cooling rates. Phloem transport stopped about 20 s after forisome dispersion, and then transport resumed and forisomes re‐condensed within similar time frames. Transport interruption and forisome dispersion showed parallel behaviour – a cooling rate‐dependent response, transience and desensitization. Chilling induced both a fast and a slow depolarization of SE membranes, the electrical signature suggesting strongly that the cause of forisome dispersion was the transient promotion of SE free calcium. This apparent block of SEs by dispersed forisomes may be assisted by other Ca2+‐dependent sealing proteins that are present in all dicots.
Heterologous expression of Arabidopsis H+‐pyrophosphatase enhances salt tolerance in transgenic creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.)
Authors: LI ZHIGANG , BALDWIN CHRISTIAN M. , HU QIAN , LIU HAIBO , LUO HONG
Published: November 2009

The Arabidopsis vacuolar H+‐pyrophosphatase (AVP1), when over‐expressed in transgenic (TG) plants, regulates root and shoot development via facilitation of auxin flux, and enhances plant resistance to salt and drought stresses. Here, we report that TG perennial creeping bentgrass plants over‐expressing AVP1 exhibited improved resistance to salinity than wild‐type (WT) controls. Compared to WT plants, TGs grew well in the presence of 100 mm NaCl, and exhibited higher tolerance and faster recovery from damages from exposure to 200 and 300 mm NaCl. The improved performance of the TG plants was associated with higher relative water content (RWC), higher Na+ uptake and lower solute leakage in leaf tissues, and with higher concentrations of Na+, K+, Cl‐ and total phosphorus in root tissues. Under salt stress, proline content was increased in both WT and TG plants, but more significantly in TGs. Moreover, TG plants exhibited greater biomass production than WT controls under both normal and elevated salinity conditions. When subjected to salt stress, fresh (FW) and dry weights (DW) of both leaves and roots decreased more significantly in WT than in TG plants. Our results demonstrated the great potential of genetic manipulation of vacuolar H+‐pyrophosphatase expression in TG perennial species for improvement of plant abiotic stress resistance.
Lectin Histochemical Analysis of the Olfactory Bulbs in the Barfin Flounder (Verasper moseri)
Authors: Nakamuta N. , Yokoyama N. , Yamamoto Y. , Taniguchi K. , Taniguchi K.
Published: November 2009

Several lines of evidence have shown that the olfactory system of the fish contains the main and accessory olfactory systems. However, morphological data indicate that the accessory olfactory bulb, the primary centre for the accessory olfactory system, will not differentiate in the fish. Therefore, the fish olfactory bulb is supposed to engage in both main and accessory olfactory systems. To examine this possibility, we investigated the olfactory bulb of the barfin flounder (Verasper moseri) by histochemical examination using lectins. The olfactory bulb of the barfin flounder showed a laminar structure with four layers, and diffuse glomerular architecture was observed in the glomerular layer. Based on the expression patterns of sugar residues, the glomerular layer of the barfin olfactory bulb was largely divided into three portions. Heterogeneity in the lectin‐binding pattern among olfactory glomeruli was clearly demonstrated by the fluorescent double‐lectin staining. The results of this study suggest that the fish olfactory bulb contains both regions equivalent to the main and accessory olfactory bulbs, and they are subdivided into small subsets with different functions.
Private equity bids in Australia: an exploratory study
Authors: Chapple Larelle , Clarkson Peter M. , King Jesse J.
Published: November 2009

In this study, we provide an insight into how private equity players choose their targets and the bid arrangements they prefer. We test our expectations of the unique features of private equity targets using a sample of 23 listed private equity target firms during 2001–2007. We find, relative to a benchmark sample of 81 corporate targets matched by year and industry, the private equity target firms to be larger, more profitable, use their assets more efficiently, more highly levered and have greater cash flow. Multivariate testing indicates that private equity targets have relatively greater financial slack, greater financial stability, greater free cash flow and lower measurable growth prospects. All conclusions are found to be robust to a control sample of 502 takeover bids during 2001–2007.
Social cognition and Theory of Mind in patients with relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Banati M. , Sandor J. , Mike A. , Illes E. , Bors L. , Feldmann A. , Herold R. , Illes Z.
Published: November 2009

Background:  Theory of Mind (ToM) is an ability to understand and interpret another person’s beliefs, emotions, and intentions. ToM requires both cognitive and emotional perspective taking and is deficient in several neuropsychiatric disorders all connected with impaired social functioning. Cognitive and mood dysfunctions have been recognized as common symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods:  We investigated social cognition in 40 ambulatory patients with MS compared to 35 healthy controls by using verbal and non‐verbal ToM tests (Faux Pas, Baron‐Cohen’s Adult Eyes and Faces test) and Baron‐Cohen’s Empathy questionnaire. The effect of disability and disease duration on social cognition was also analyzed by multiple logistic regression analysis after adjusting for confounding factors of age, gender, intelligence, depression, and anxiety.

Results:  Even when adjusted, patients with MS made significantly more mistakes in non‐verbal test (adult Eyes Test), and more disabled patients performed worse in both verbal and non‐verbal ToM tests (Eyes Test and Faux Pas) compared to controls. Patients with a shorter disease course described themselves as more empathetic.

Discussion:  In the absence of marked cognitive decline and disability, patients with ambulatory MS had a deficit interpreting social situations and performing in interpersonal contexts.
Addition of cilostazol reduces biological aspirin resistance in aspirin users with ischaemic stroke: a double‐blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Lee J.‐H. , Cha J.‐K. , Lee S. J. , Ha S.‐W. , Kwon S. U.
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose:  Biological aspirin resistance (AR) has been recognized as an important cause of clinical AR. Recent studies have reported the beneficial effects of cilostazol for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. This study investigated whether addition of cilostazol to aspirin in ischaemic stroke patients can reduce AR.

Methods:  In this double‐blind multicenter trial, 244 aspirin users with ischaemic stroke were randomly assigned to receive cilostazol 100 mg twice daily or to placebo. Antiplatelet function was assessed using the VerifyNow™ Aspirin system. The primary end‐point was the incidence of AR, which was measured as aspirin resistance unit (ARU) ≥550 after 4‐week treatment.

Results:  The incidence of AR after treatment in cilostazol group was not significantly different from that in placebo (8.8% vs. 10.9%, P = 0.578). However, AR decreased from 12.8% to 8.8% in cilostazol group, whereas it was not changed in the placebo group. The mean ARU after treatment were also lower in the cilostazol group (456.9 ± 56.0 vs. 470.7 ± 67.2, P = 0.081). Cilostazol addition did not prolong bleeding time.

Conclusions:  Although this was a negative study, our findings disclosed a trend toward enhanced antiplatelet effects when cilostazol was added to aspirin in ischaemic stroke patients. Combination of aspirin and cilostazol might be a treatment option in the ischaemic stroke patients with AR.