bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ISS – ein Instrument zur Erfassung elterlicher Steuerungsstrategien in der Essenssituation
Authors: Kröller Katja , Warschburger Petra
Published: July 2009

Zusammenfassung. Vorgestellt wird ein Instrument zur Erhebung mütterlicher Steuerungsstrategien in der Essenssituation (ISS), für deren Erfassung bislang kein deutschsprachiges, überprüftes Instrument vorliegt. Dazu wurde an 163 Müttern mit Vorschulkindern ein auf Grundlage bereits existierender englischsprachiger Instrumente (CFQ, CFSQ) sowie Fokusinterviews mit Experten und Müttern entstandener Itempool überprüft. Die Studie berichtet über die faktoren- und itemanalytischen Ergebnisse, nach denen sich 21 Items als trennscharf und verständlich erwiesen. Eine explorative Faktorenanalyse ergab sechs Faktoren, die zusammen 68% der Varianz aufklärten. Sie umfassen aktive Strategien, wie Restriktion, Drängen und Belohnung, aber auch passive Steuerung durch Vorbild, Monitoring und die Stärkung der Eigenverantwortung des Kindes. Analysen zu Unterschieden im Steuerungsverhalten der Mutter bestätigten die Fähigkeit des Instrumentes zur Differenzierung zwischen Müttern mit verschiedenem sozioökonomischen Status und Kindern unterschiedlichen Gewichts.
Experimental investigations of the wettability of clays and shales
Authors: Borysenko Artem , Clennell Ben , Sedev Rossen , Burgar Iko , Ralston John , Raven Mark , Dewhurst David , Liu Keyu
Published: July 2009

Wettability in argillaceous materials is poorly understood, yet it is critical to hydrocarbon recovery in clay‐rich reservoirs and capillary seal capacity in both caprocks and fault gouges. The hydrophobic or hydrophilic nature of clay‐bearing soils and sediments also controls to a large degree the movement of spilled nonaqueous phase liquids in the subsurface and the options available for remediation of these pollutants. In this paper the wettability of hydrocarbons contacting shales in their natural state and the tendencies for wettability alteration were examined. Water‐wet, oil‐wet, and mixed‐wet shales from wells in Australia were investigated and were compared with simplified model shales (single and mixed minerals) artificially treated in crude oil. The intact natural shale samples (preserved with their original water content) were characterized petrophysically by dielectric spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance, plus scanning electron, optical and fluorescence microscopy. Wettability alteration was studied using spontaneous imbibition, pigment extraction, and the sessile drop method for contact angle measurement. The mineralogy and chemical compositions of the shales were determined by standard methods. By studying pure minerals and natural shales in parallel, a correlation between the petrophysical properties, and wetting behavior was observed. These correlations may potentially be used to assess wettability in downhole measurements.
Estimate of Sahelian dust emissions in the intertropical discontinuity region of the West African Monsoon
Authors: Bou Karam Diana , Flamant Cyrille , Tulet Pierre , Chaboureau Jean‐Pierre , Dabas Alain , Todd Martin C.
Published: July 2009

A three‐dimensional mesoscale numerical simulation has been performed to investigate the dust emissions over the Sahel associated with strong near‐surface winds in the region of the West African Inter Tropical Discontinuity (ITD) during the summer, when the ITD is located over Niger and Mali around 18°N. The study focuses on the period from 2 to 12 July 2006, in the framework of the African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis (AMMA) Special Observing Period 2a1. The comparison with observations suggests that the model can be used reliably to analyze and quantify the dust emissions associated with the strong near‐surface winds blowing over the Sahelian dust sources during the period of interest. The daily mean values of dust load related to the strong winds on both side of the ITD, as estimated from the simulation within the model domain (2°W–16°E, 12–28°N), are in excess of 2 Tg on some of the days of the 2–12 July 2006 period. In the present case, the dust load associated with the strong winds south of the ITD accounts for between one third and two thirds of the total load mobilized in the ITD region over the entire domain on a given day. It is simulated to range between 0.5 and 0.8 Tg on average. This study suggests that emissions driven by strong surface winds occurring on both sides of the ITD while lying across the Sahel may contribute significantly to the total dust load over West and North Africa observed annually.
A Doppler shift estimator in radio propagations
Authors: Hua Jingyu , Meng Limin , Zhao Xiaomin , Li Gang , Wang Dongming , You Xiaohu
Published: July 2009

Because of the development of wireless communications, mobile propagation has played an important role in the research of radio science. Therefore, we propose a precise scheme to estimate one of the most important parameters in wireless propagations: Doppler shift. The scheme utilizes an iterative processing to eliminate both the approximation error and the effects of additive noise. Moreover, both theory and simulation show a precise performance in a wide range of velocities and signal‐to‐noise ratios.
The SPX domain of the yeast low‐affinity phosphate transporter Pho90 regulates transport activity
Authors: Hürlimann Hans Caspar , Pinson Benoît , Stadler‐Waibel Martha , Zeeman Samuel C , Freimoser Florian M
Published: July 2009

Yeast has two phosphate‐uptake systems that complement each other: the high‐affinity transporters (Pho84 and Pho89) are active under phosphate starvation, whereas Pho87 and Pho90 are low‐affinity transporters that function when phosphate is abundant. Here, we report new regulatory functions of the amino‐terminal SPX domain of Pho87 and Pho90. By studying truncated versions of Pho87 and Pho90, we show that the SPX domain limits the phosphate‐uptake velocity, suppresses phosphate efflux and affects the regulation of the phosphate signal transduction pathway. Furthermore, split‐ubiquitin assays and co‐immunoprecipitation suggest that the SPX domain of both Pho90 and Pho87 interacts physically with the regulatory protein Spl2. This work suggests that the SPX domain inhibits low‐affinity phosphate transport through a physical interaction with Spl2.
Role of the electronic structure on the relationship between the crystallinity of CoFe and its tunneling magnetoresistance
Authors: Gao Li , Jiang Xin , Nicholson D. M. C. , Topuria Teya , Parkin Stuart S. P.
Published: July 2009

The influence of the crystallinity of CoFe on tunneling magnetoresistance is investigated in magnetic tunnel junctions with an amorphous Al2O3 tunnel barrier. An enhancement in the tunneling magnetoresistance is found when the CoFe is made amorphous compared to when it is crystalline. Ab initio electronic structure calculations show substantial differences in the band structures of crystalline and amorphous forms of bulk CoFe alloys but a decreased spin polarization at the Fermi energy in the amorphous phase. We speculate that the increased tunneling magnetoresistance is rather due to changes in bonding at the interface between Al2O3 and CoFe.
Multiplexing of discrete chaotic signals in presence of noise
Authors: Nagaraj Nithin , Vaidya Prabhakar G.
Published: July 2009

Multiplexing of discrete chaotic signals in presence of noise is investigated. The existing methods are based on chaotic synchronization, which is susceptible to noise, precision limitations, and requires more iterates. Furthermore, most of these methods fail for multiplexing more than two discrete chaotic signals. We propose novel methods to multiplex multiple discrete chaotic signals based on the principle of symbolic sequence invariance in presence of noise and finite precision implementation of finding the initial condition of an arbitrarily long symbolic sequence of a chaotic map. Our methods work for single precision and as less as 35 iterates. For two signals, our method is robust up to 50% noise level.
Light-emitting liquid-crystal cells with polarization switching function: Electrochemiluminescent method
Authors: Honma Michinori , Horiuchi Takao , Nose Toshiaki
Published: July 2009

A unique light-emitting liquid-crystal (LC) cell that emits polarized light is developed by an electrochemiluminescent (ECL) method; sandwich-type LC cells filled with a nematic LC doped with an organic fluorescent dye are constructed. Luminance and current density characteristics as a function of an applied voltage are investigated under different sample preparation conditions such as mixing temperature and time. It is shown that luminance strongly depends on the abovementioned conditions. From the results of ECL and photoluminescent measurements, we conclude that a significant increase in luminance by heating is attributed to an increase in the molecularly dissolved rubrene concentration. Furthermore, attempts were made to develop a dynamic polarization switch by introducing a pair of crossed interdigitated electrodes. As a result, although a not so high polarization ratio smaller than 2 was obtained, the polarization direction of the emitted light was switched by changing the direction of the in-plane electric field.
Characteristics of NOx removal combining dielectric barrier discharge plasma with selective catalytic reduction by C2H5OH
Authors: Wang Xing-Quan , Chen Wei , Guo Qi-Pei , Li Yi , Lv Guo-Hua , Sun Xiu-Ping , Zhang Xian-Hui , Feng Ke-Cheng , Yang Si-Ze
Published: July 2009

With the assistance of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma, selective catalytic reduction of NOx by ethanol over Ag/Al2O3 catalysts was studied. Experimental results show that NOx conversion was greatly enhanced due to the presence of DBD plasma at lower temperature. By varying the DBD voltages or power in 13 kHz frequency at different temperatures, NOx conversion was increased to 40.7% from 6.4% at 176 °C, even to 66.8% from 17.3% at 200 °C. NOx conversion could even be improved to 90% at temperature above 255 °C. It was proposed that nonthermal plasma generated by dielectric barrier discharge reactor was very effective for oxidizing NO to NO2 under excess O2 conditions, which possesses high reactivity with C2H5OH to yield CxHyNzO compound. By reacting with CxHyNzO compound and oxygen, NOx is converted to N2 at low temperatures.
Microscale plasma actuators for improved thrust density
Authors: Wang Chin-Cheng , Roy Subrata
Published: July 2009

We present a study of the dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuators for microscale applications. Traditional macroscale DBD actuators suffer from relatively small actuation effect as characterized by small induced force density and resulting flow velocity. As a remedy we propose microscale plasma actuators that may induce orders of magnitude higher force density. We study the physics of such actuation using a multiscale ionized gas flow code based on the high-fidelity finite-element procedure. First, a two-dimensional volume discharge with nitrogen as a working gas is investigated using a first-principles approach solving coupled system of hydrodynamic plasma equations and Poisson equation for ion density, electron density, and electric field distribution. The quasi-neutral plasma and the sheath regions are identified. As the gap between electrodes is reduced, the sheath structure dominates the plasma region. Second, we simulate a first generation plasma micropump. We solve multiscale plasma-gas interaction inside a two-dimensional cross section of the microscale pump geometry. The result shows that a reasonable mass flow rate can be pumped using a set of small active electrodes.
High-resolution reflecting time-of-flight momentum and energy mapping system
Authors: Wang Chao , Kang Yifan , Weaver Larry , Chang Zenghu
Published: July 2009

A new system to map electron momentum and energy is proposed. A reflecting electrode is introduced into a time-of-flight (TOF) system whose decelerating electric field sends all the electrons back to a position-sensitive detector close to but behind the source of the electrons. The longer flying distance that results makes it possible to significantly improve the energy-resolved performance, especially in the higher energy region. The dependence of the new TOF system on its characteristic parameters is analyzed, along with its application to attosecond streak cameras. Experimental results verified a relative energy resolution better than 0.2 eV for 22 eV electrons and also revealed the availability of the improved relative energy resolution smaller than 1.0% for electron energy ranging from 30 to 40 eV.

At the request of the authors and editor, this article is being retracted effective 4 September 2009.
Experimental demonstration of reflection minimization at two-dimensional photonic crystal interfaces via antireflection structures
Authors: Kim Teun-Teun , Lee Sun-Goo , Kim Myeong-Woo , Park Hae Yong , Kim Jae-Eun
Published: July 2009

We experimentally confirm that the antireflection structures effectively minimize unnecessary reflections of self-collimated microwave beams at the interfaces of a two-dimensional photonic crystal, which is composed of cylindrical alumina rods. Optimized design parameters for the antireflection structures are obtained from the one-dimensional antireflection coating theory and the finite-difference time-domain simulations. Measured transmittance through the photonic crystal samples with and without the antireflection structures agree well with the simulation results. The measured results show that the photonic crystal with an antireflection structure yields about 90% transmission of incident power on the average in the frequency range of 12.0 to 13.0 GHz.
Dimensional crossover and weak localization in a 90 nm n-GaAs thin film
Authors: Gilbertson A. M. , Newaz A. K. M. , Chang Woo-Jin , Bashir R. , Solin S. A. , Cohen L. F.
Published: July 2009

We report on the magnetotransport in a 90 nm thick n-type GaAs epitaxial thin film in the weak localization (WL) regime. Low temperature (T≤50 K) magnetotransport data are fit with WL theory, from which the phase coherence time, τϕ∝T−p (p=1.22±0.01), are extracted. We conclude that the dominant dephasing mechanism at these temperatures is electron-electron (e-e) scattering in the Nyquist limit. Evidence of a crossover from two-dimensional to three-dimensional behavior with respect to both coherent transport (WL) and e-e interactions is observed in the temperature dependence of the zero-field conductivity and τϕ, respectively.
The 3-dimensional structure of a hepatitis C virus p7 ion channel by electron microscopy
Authors: Luik Philipp , Chew Chee , Aittoniemi Jussi , Chang Jason , Wentworth Paul , Dwek Raymond A. , Biggin Philip C. , Vénien-Bryan Catherine , Zitzmann Nicole
Published: July 2009

Infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) has a huge impact on global health putting more than 170 million people at risk of developing severe liver disease. The HCV encoded p7 ion channel is essential for the production of infectious viruses. Despite a growing body of functional data, little is known about the 3-dimensional (3D) structure of the channel. Here, we present the 3D structure of a full-length viroporin, the detergent-solubilized hexameric 42 kDa form of the HCV p7 ion channel, as determined by single-particle electron microscopy using the random conical tilting approach. The reconstruction of such a small protein complex was made possible by a combination of high-contrast staining, the symmetry, and the distinct structural features of the channel. The orientation of the p7 monomers within the density was established using immunolabeling with N and C termini specific F
ab
fragments. The density map at a resolution of ≈16 Å reveals a flower-shaped protein architecture with protruding petals oriented toward the ER lumen. This broadest part of the channel presents a comparatively large surface area providing potential interaction sites for cellular and virally encoded ER resident proteins.
ORF3 protein of hepatitis E virus is essential for virion release from infected cells
Authors: Yamada Kentaro , Takahashi Masaharu , Hoshino Yu , Takahashi Hideyuki , Ichiyama Koji , Nagashima Shigeo , Tanaka Toshinori , Okamoto Hiroaki
Published: July 2009

The function of the hepatitis E virus (HEV) open reading frame 3 (ORF3) protein remains unclear. To elucidate the role of the ORF3 protein in the virus life cycle, an infectious cDNA clone (pJE03-1760F/wt) that can replicate efficiently in PLC/PRF/5 and A549 cells and release progeny into the culture medium was used to generate a derivative ORF3-deficient (ΔORF3) mutant whose third in-frame AUG codon of ORF3 was mutated to GCA. The ΔORF3 mutant in the culture medium of mutant RNA-transfected PLC/PRF/5 cells was able to infect and replicate within PLC/PRF/5 and A549 cells as efficiently as the wild-type pJE03-1760F/wt virus. However, less than 1/100 of the number of progeny was detectable in the culture medium of ΔORF3 mutant-infected PLC/PRF/5 cells compared with wild-type-infected PLC/PRF/5 cells, and the HEV RNA level in the culture medium of ΔORF3 mutant-infected A549 cells was below or near the limit of detection. An immunocapture PCR assay revealed that the ORF3 protein is present on the surface of cell-culture-generated wild-type HEV but not on the ΔORF3 mutant. Wild-type HEV in the culture supernatant peaked at a sucrose density of 1.15–1.16 g ml−1, in contrast with the ΔORF3 mutant in culture supernatant, which banded at 1.27–1.28 g ml−1, similar to HEV in cell lysate and faecal HEV. These results suggest that the ORF3 protein is responsible for virion egress from infected cells and is present on the surface of released HEV particles, which may be associated with lipids.
Capripoxvirus G-protein-coupled chemokine receptor: a host-range gene suitable for virus animal origin discrimination
Authors: Le Goff Christian , Lamien Charles Euloge , Fakhfakh Emna , Chadeyras Amélie , Aba-Adulugba Elexpeter , Libeau Geneviève , Tuppurainen Eeva , Wallace David B. , Adam Tajelser , Silber Roland , Gulyaz Velý , Madani Hafsa , Caufour Philippe , Hammami Salah , Diallo Adama , Albina Emmanuel
Published: July 2009

The genus Capripoxvirus within the family Poxviridae comprises three closely related viruses, namely goat pox, sheep pox and lumpy skin disease viruses. This nomenclature is based on the animal species from which the virus was first isolated, respectively, goat, sheep and cattle. Since capripoxviruses are serologically identical, their specific identification relies exclusively on the use of molecular tools. We describe here the suitability of the G-protein-coupled chemokine receptor (GPCR) gene for use in host-range grouping of capripoxviruses. The analysis of 58 capripoxviruses showed three tight genetic clusters consisting of goat pox, sheep pox and lumpy skin disease viruses. However, a few discrepancies exist with the classical virus–host origin nomenclature: a virus isolated from sheep is grouped in the goat poxvirus clade and vice versa. Intra-group diversity was further observed for the goat pox and lumpy skin disease virus isolates. Despite the presence of nine vaccine strains, no genetic determinants of virulence were identified on the GPCR gene. For sheep poxviruses, the addition or deletion of 21 nucleic acids (7 aa) was consistently observed in the 5′ terminal part of the gene. Specific signatures for each cluster were also identified. Prediction of the capripoxvirus GPCR topology, and its comparison with other known mammalian GPCRs and viral homologues, revealed not only a classical GPCR profile in the last three-quarters of the protein but also unique features such as a longer N-terminal end with a proximal hydrophobic α-helix and a shorter serine-rich C-tail.
Glycoprotein N subtypes of human cytomegalovirus induce a strain-specific antibody response during natural infection
Authors: Burkhardt Christiane , Himmelein Susanne , Britt William , Winkler Thomas , Mach Michael
Published: July 2009

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) encodes several highly polymorphic envelope glycoproteins; however, the biological relevance of this polymorphism is unclear. Glycoprotein N (gN) is one member of this polymorphic protein family. Four major gN genotypes (gN1–4) have been identified. We have tested the hypothesis that the gN polymorphism represents a mechanism to evade a neutralizing antiviral antibody response. Four recombinant viruses that differed only in the expression of the gN genotype were constructed on the genetic background of HCMV strain AD169. Exchange of gN genotypes had a minor detectable influence on virus replication, gN expression and gN–gM complex formation. Randomly selected human sera were analysed for neutralizing activity against the recombinant viruses. Of these, 70 % showed no difference in neutralizing titre between the viruses, whereas 30 % showed strain-specific neutralization. Differences in 50 % neutralization titre reached >8-fold. Viruses expressing the gN4 genotype were neutralized significantly better than those expressing the other gN genotypes. Strain specificity, or lack thereof, could not be attributed to the presence or absence of anti-gN antibodies, as all sera contained antibodies reacting with gN (as determined by ELISA). Thus, polymorphism of gN could contribute to evasion of an efficient neutralizing-antibody response and facilitate reinfection in previously seropositive individuals.
Synthesis, crystal structure and spectroscopic properties of a novel carbacylamidophosphate: N-(3-nitrobenzoyl)-N′,N′′-bis(tert-butyl)phosphoric triamide
Authors: Gholivand Khodayar , Mostaanzadeh Hossein , Koval Tomas , Dusek Michal , Erben Mauricio F. , Della Védova Carlos O.
Published: July 2009

The new compound N-(3-nitrobenzoyl)-N′,N′′-bis(tert-butyl)phosphoric triamide was synthesized by reacting 3-nitrobenzoyl phosphoramidic dichloride and tert-butyl amine, and characterized by multinuclear (1H, 13C and 31P) NMR and FTIR spectroscopy techniques. Structural and conformational properties were analyzed using single-crystal X-ray diffraction, vibrational spectra and theoretical calculations. The crystal structure contains three symmetry-independent disordered molecules, connected via intermolecular N—H...O=P and N—H...O=C hydrogen bonds to form a centrosymmetric hexameric chain extended along the [2,1,\bar 1] direction. The disorder is mainly caused by rotation of the tert-butyl groups around the C—N bonds.
The incommensurately modulated crystal structure of β-Pb2BiVO6: interpretation of the phase transition α → β → δ and conduction properties of related materials
Authors: Roussel Pascal , Labidi Olfa , Huve Marielle , Drache Michel , Wignacourt Jean-Pierre , Petricek Vaclav
Published: July 2009

A new polymorph of Pb2BiVO6 was prepared under ambient conditions and its crystal structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The phase transitions α → β and β → δ were identified in the mother phase; the high-temperature form δ-Pb2BiVO6 eventually decomposes at 753 K to a mixture of Pb4BiVO8 and the high-temperature form of PbBiVO5 before showing recombination at 923 K. β-Pb2BiVO6 has an incommensurate monoclinic modulated structure. This crystal structure is twinned and complementary structural investigations of a powder sample of β-Pb2BiVO6 by TEM diffraction studies confirmed the lattice and incommensurate modulation character. Log σ = f(T
−1) dependences for Pb2BiVO6-related materials (6% M-for-V-substituted compositions; M = Cr, Mn, P) are reported, which allow the characterization (E
a and isothermal σ values) of the β- as well as the δ- and α-Pb2BiVO6 varieties.
Inverse bilayer structure of mononuclear CoII and NiII complexes of the type M(H2O)3(SO4)(4-CNpy)2
Authors: Das Birinchi K. , Bora Sanchay J. , Bhattacharyya Manjit K. , Barman Rama K.
Published: July 2009

Two new metal compounds of the formula [M(H2O)3(SO4)(4-CNpy)2]·H2O [M = Ni (1) and Co (2), 4-CNpy = 4-cyanopyridine] have been prepared and studied by X-ray diffraction. In both of these compounds the 4-CNpy ligands are coordinated via pyridyl-N atoms to the metal ions in a cis fashion. The neutral complexes along with the uncoordinated H2O molecules are glued together preferentially into inverse bilayers by non-covalent interactions, including unique interlayer π–π interactions between antiparallel nitrile groups. Hartree–Fock and density-functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that the π–π interactions are energetically significant. The unit-cell similarity index (Π) of 0.0046 for the compounds suggests their isostructurality, which is also supported by their X-ray powder diffraction patterns that can be almost superimposed.
Atomic displacements at and order of all phase transitions in multiferroic YMnO3 and BaTiO3
Authors: Abrahams S. C.
Published: July 2009

Coordinate analysis of the multiple phase transitions in hexagonal YMnO3 leads to the prediction of a previously unknown aristotype phase, with the resulting phase-transition sequence: P63′cm′(e.g.) ↔ P63
cm ↔ P63/mcm ↔ P63/mmc ↔ P6/mmm. Below the Néel temperature T
N ≃ 75 K, the structure is antiferromagnetic with the magnetic symmetry not yet determined. Above T
N the P63
cm phase is ferroelectric with Curie temperature T
C ≃ 1105 K. The nonpolar paramagnetic phase stable between T
C and ∼ 1360 K transforms to a second nonpolar paramagnetic phase stable to ∼ 1600 K, with unit-cell volume one-third that below 1360 K. The predicted aristotype phase at the highest temperature is nonpolar and paramagnetic, with unit-cell volume reduced by a further factor of 2. Coordinate analysis of the three well known phase transitions undergone by tetragonal BaTiO3, with space-group sequence R3m ↔ Amm2 ↔ P4mm ↔ Pm\overline 3m, provides a basis for deriving the aristotype phase in YMnO3. Landau theory allows the I ↔ II, III ↔ IV and IV ↔ V phase transitions in YMnO3, and also the I ↔ II phase transition in BaTiO3, to be continuous; all four, however, unambiguously exhibit first-order characteristics. The origin of phase transitions, permitted by theory to be second order, that are first order instead have not yet been thoroughly investigated; several possibilities are briefly considered.
Crystallization of Helix pomatia agglutinin (HPA), a protein from the edible snail. Erratum
Authors: Lisgarten John N. , Chattopadhyay Tapan K. , Pitts James E. , Palmer Rex A. , Reynolds Colin D. , Dao-Thi Minh Hoa , Van Driessche Edilbert , Beeckmans Sonia
Published: July 2009

One of the authors was omitted in the published version of the paper by Lisgarten et al. (1999) Acta Cryst. D55, 1903–1905. The full author list is given above.
BRCA2 interacts with the cytoskeletal linker protein plectin to form a complex controlling centrosome localization
Authors: Niwa Takayoshi , Saito Hiroko , Imajoh‐ohmi Shinobu , Kaminishi Michio , Seto Yasuyuki , Miki Yoshio , Nakanishi Akira
Published: July 2009

The breast cancer susceptibility gene (BRCA2) is localized mainly in the nucleus where it plays an important role in DNA damage repair. Some BRCA2 protein is also present in the centrosome. Here, we demonstrate that BRCA2 interacts with plectin, a cytoskeletal cross‐linker protein, and that this interaction controls the position of the centrosome. Phosphorylation of plectin by cyclin‐dependent kinase 1/cyclin B (CDK1/CycB) kinase has been reported to abolish its cross‐linking function during mitosis. Here, we induced phosphorylation of plectin in prepared fractions of HeLa cells by adding activated CDK1/CycB kinase. Consequently, there was significant dissociation of the centrosome from the nuclear membrane. Plectin has six homologous ankyrin‐like repeat domains (termed PLEC M1‐M6). Using a pull‐down assay, we found that GST–PLEC M1 and a GST‐C‐terminal region fusion protein (which comprised PLEC M6, along with an adjacent vimentin site) interacted with BRCA2. Since each PLEC module exhibits high homology to the others, the possibility of all six domains participating in this interaction was indicated. Moreover, when PLEC M1 was overexpressed in HeLa cells, it competed with endogenous plectin and inhibited the BRCA2–plectin interaction. This inhibitory effect resulted in dissociation of the centrosomes from the nucleus and increased the rate of micronuclei formation which may lead to carcinogenesis. In addition, when either BRCA2 or plectin was suppressed by the appropriate siRNA, a similar change in centrosomal positioning was observed. We suggest that the BRCA2–plectin interaction plays an important role in the regulation of centrosome localization and also that displacement of the centrosome may result in genomic instability and cancer development. (Cancer Sci 2009; 00: 000–000)
Age, differential growth and mortality rates in unexploited populations of Florida gar, an apex predator in the Florida Everglades
Authors: MURIE D. J. , PARKYN D. C. , NICO L. G. , HEROD J. J. , LOFTUS W. F.
Published: July 2009

Abstract  Florida gar, Lepisosteus platyrhincus DeKay, were sampled in two canal systems in south Florida during 2000–2001 to estimate age, growth and mortality as part of the Everglades ecosystem‐restoration effort. Tamiami (C‐4) and L‐31W canal systems had direct connections to natural wetlands of the Everglades and harboured large Florida gar populations. Of 476 fish aged, maximum ages were 19 and 10 years for females and males, respectively. Maximum sizes were also larger for females compared with males (817 vs 602 mm total length). Overall, female Florida gar from both Tamiami and L‐31W were larger at age than males from L‐31W that, in turn, were larger at any given age than males from Tamiami. Females also had lower rates of annual mortality (Z = 0.21) than males from L‐31W (Z = 0.31) or males from Tamiami (Z = 0.54). As a large and long‐lived apex predator in the Everglades, Florida gar may structure lower trophic levels. Regional‐ and sex‐specific population parameters for Florida gar will contribute to the simulation models designed to evaluate Everglades restoration alternatives.
Bryozoan populations reflect nutrient enrichment and productivity gradients in rivers
Authors: HARTIKAINEN HANNA , JOHNES PENNY , MONCRIEFF CLIVE , OKAMURA BETH
Published: July 2009

1. The hypothesis that nutrient enrichment will affect bryozoan abundance was tested using two complementary investigations; a field‐based method determining bryozoan abundance in 20 rivers of different nutrient concentrations by deploying statoblast (dormant propagule) traps and an experimental laboratory microcosm study measuring bryozoan growth and mortality. These two methods confirmed independently that increased nutrient concentrations in water promote increases in the biomass of freshwater bryozoans.

2. Statoblasts of the genus Plumatella were recorded in all rivers, regardless of nutrient concentrations, demonstrating that freshwater bryozoans are widespread. Concentrations of Plumatella statoblasts were high in rivers with high nutrient concentrations relative to those with low to moderate nutrient concentrations. Regression analyses indicated that phosphorus concentrations, in particular, significantly influenced statoblast concentrations.

3. Concentrations of Lophopus crystallinus statoblasts were also higher in sites characterised by high nutrient concentrations. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of L. crystallinus statoblasts was significantly associated with decreasing altitude and increasing phosphorus concentrations. This apparently rare species was found in nine rivers (out of 20), seven of which were new sites for L. crystallinus.

4. Growth rates of Fredericella sultana in laboratory microcosms increased with increasing nutrient concentration and high mortality rates were associated with low nutrient concentrations.

5. Our results indicate that bryozoans respond to increasing nutrient concentrations by increased growth, resulting in higher biomasses in enriched waters. We also found that an important component of bryozoan diets can derive from food items lacking chlorophyll a. Finally, bryozoans may be used as independent proxies for inferring trophic conditions, a feature that may be especially valuable in reconstructing historical environments by assessing the abundance of statoblasts in sediment cores.
Observed relationships between El Niño‐Southern Oscillation, rainfall variability and vegetation and fire history on Halmahera, Maluku, Indonesia
Authors: VAN DER KAARS SANDER , TAPPER NIGEL , COOK ELLYN J.
Published: July 2009

A temporally high‐resolution palynological study of the uppermost section of core MD98‐2180 from Kau Bay, Halmahera, Indonesia, provides a vegetation and fire record covering the last 250 years. The record is compared with the Maluku Rainfall Index, Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) and southern hemisphere winter sea surface temperatures (SST) for the central Pacific Ocean based on instrumental data, as well as reconstructions of the SOI and the central Pacific SST and historically recorded El Niño events. The results show that significant El Niño events are generally associated with increased representation of Dipterocarpaceae pollen, probably reflecting the mass‐flowering of this taxon during El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) droughts, and elevated charcoal levels, reflecting a greater incidence of fires during these extremely dry periods, while humid phases show increased fern numbers. Our findings demonstrate that pollen records ‘ecological’ in scale can provide useful additional proxy records of ENSO events.
Immunophenotypic features of MELF pattern invasion in endometrial adenocarcinoma: evidence for epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Stewart Colin J R , Little Leonie
Published: July 2009

Aims:  Endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinomas (EEC) may show a distinctive morphological alteration characterized by the presence of microcystic, elongated and fragmented (‘MELF’) glands. These changes share features of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in carcinomas arising at other sites. The aim was to compare the immunophenotypic profile of MELF‐type epithelium with conventional glandular areas of EEC.

Methods and results:  Twenty‐one EEC were stained immunohistochemically for cytokeratin (CK) AE1/AE3, CK7, vimentin, oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and E‐cadherin. Conventional tumour glands usually showed preserved membranous E‐cadherin immunoreactivity with peripheral accentuation of vimentin and hormone receptor expression. MELF‐type invasion was characterized by strong CK7 expression, sometimes in contrast to adjacent unstained tumour glands. MELF areas were usually negative for hormone receptors and showed reduced E‐cadherin expression.

Conclusions:  The expression of hormone receptors and intermediate filaments shows specific distribution patterns within EEC. MELF pattern invasion shows an altered immunophenotype compared with conventional glandular tumour areas. These findings suggest that MELF‐type invasion represents a specific tumour alteration, and the reduction in hormone receptor and E‐cadherin expression would be consistent with EMT. Immunohistochemical studies of EEC should consider micro anatomical variations in immunoreactivity, since these may be relevant to tumour invasion and progression.
Osmotic dehydration of guava: influence of replacing sodium metabisulphite with honey on quality
Authors: Duangmal Kiattisak , Khachonsakmetee Supaluck
Published: July 2009

Guava slices were subjected to pre‐treatment by soaking in a solution containing 0.25% (w/v) sodium metabisulphite, 0.5% (w/v) ascorbic acid, 1% (w/v) citric acid, 1% (w/v) calcium chloride and either 0%, 1% or 3% (v/v) honey. A higher concentration of metabisulphite [0.5% (w/v)], but no honey, was also prepared as a reference. After osmotic dehydration, the guava slices were dried at 60 °C. During 24 weeks of storage, the measured texture values of products indicated that an addition of honey significantly delayed the increase in hardness and cutting work in guava slices compared to other treatments (P ≤ 0.05). Pre‐treatment with 0.5% (w/v) metabisulphite without honey or 0.25% (w/v) metabisulphite with 1% (v/v) honey maintained colour during storage better than with 0 or 3% (v/v) honey. The result showed good agreement with colour score evaluation. Overall results suggested that 1% (v/v) honey was the best pre‐treatment condition.
Behaviour guidance in dental treatment of patients with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: LOO CHEEN Y. , GRAHAM RICHARD M. , HUGHES CHRISTOPHER V.
Published: July 2009

Background.  Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder categorized into autism, pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified (PDD‐NOS) and Asperger syndrome.

Aims.  To identify factors associated with the behaviour of patients with ASD in a dental setting, use of general anaesthesia (GA), and protective stabilization.

Design.  The dental charts of 395 patients with ASD patients and 386 unaffected patients were reviewed. The following data were analysed: ASD diagnosis, age, gender, residence, seizure disorder, additional diagnosis (mental retardation, cerebral palsy, self‐injurious behaviour or pica), medications, caries prevalence and severity, dental treatment history, behaviour, and behaviour guidance technique(s) used.

Results.  Within both groups, younger patients were more uncooperative. ASD patients with autism were more uncooperative than patients with PDD‐NOS; patients with an additional diagnosis were also more uncooperative. ASD patients with higher caries severity, who were uncooperative or female, were more likely to require GA. Use of protective stabilization was associated with lower caries severity, presence of seizure disorder, uncooperative behaviour, male gender, or residency in a group home/institution.

Conclusions.  Autism spectrum disorder patients with autism, younger age and an additional diagnosis were more uncooperative. Factors associated with the use of GA and protective stabilization in patients with ASD were also identified.
Factors affecting nursing staff in practising spiritual care
Authors: Chan Moon Fai
Published: July 2009

Aim.  To examine nurses’ attitudes to practising spiritual care and determine factors associated with nurses’ attitudes to practising spiritual care.

Background.  Today, health is no longer viewed as a passive state of being, but as a dynamic process of achieving higher levels of wellness. In practices, nurse has increasingly focused on treating the whole person, including the four domains: physical, mental, social and spiritual. Of these four domains, the spiritual domain is the most neglected in daily nursing practice.

Design.  This is retrospective study.

Methods.  A convenience sampling was used and 110 nurses completed a structured questionnaire at a public hospital in September 2006.

Outcome measures.  Nurses’ demographic data and perceptions and practices scores on spiritual care.

Results.  The results showed that nurses who more likely had religious beliefs (p = 0·028), were more likely to be married (p = 0·01), had past hospitalisation experiences (p = 0·009), worked in the obstetrics and gynaecology department (p < 0·001) and had higher perception levels towards spiritual care (p < 0·001) were significantly more likely to be practising spiritual care.

Conclusion.  As nurses are with patients all day, they are in a position to safeguard the wholeness and integrity of the patient. As mentioned in the results, there is a positive correlation between spiritual care perceptions and spiritual care practice among nurses, which means that the greater the nurse’s spiritual care perceptions, the more frequently spiritual care is included in that nurse’s practice. This correlation is vital and meaningful; it can drive hospitals to promote nurses’ awareness of spiritual care to improve the quality of their spiritual care practice.

Relevant to clinical practices.  To facilitate collaboration between nurses and clergy, it might be beneficial for nurses to communicate more with the clergy, include clergy in patient profile discussions and treat clergy as members of the health care team. Given the influence of the spiritual dimension on the physical realm, it would be more economically viable in the long term to ensure that adequate staffing levels are maintained so that staff has enough time to spend with patients to attend to their spiritual needs.
Nurses’ perception of disaster: implications for disaster nursing curriculum
Authors: Olivia Fung WM , Claudia Lai KY , Yuen Loke Alice
Published: July 2009

Aims and objectives.  The aims of the study were to identify nurses’ perception of disaster, whether they considered some of the events that have occurred in Hong Kong to be disasters and the types of disastrous events that they considered likely in Hong Kong.

Background.  The frequent occurrence of disasters has caused concern internationally. When disaster strikes, the demands on nursing staff are much higher than those on other healthcare professionals. There is little understanding of the concept of disaster among nurses in Hong Kong.

Design.  This was a descriptive study. A questionnaire was used to explore nurses’ perception of disaster.

Method.  The questionnaire was distributed to all registered nurses studying in a master’s degree programme in a university in Hong Kong.

Findings.  Only 123 out of the 164 respondents (75%) gave a description of disaster in the open‐ended question. Sixty‐one per cent of them described unfortunate events with large numbers of victims as disasters. The ‘Lan Kwai Fong tragedy – stampede caused by over‐crowdedness’ (90·9%) and the severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak (89·6%) were commonly referred to as disasters in Hong Kong. Fires in tall buildings (61·6%), infectious disease outbreaks (61%) and stampedes caused by overcrowding (48·8%) were rated as the events most likely to happen in Hong Kong.

Conclusion.  Understanding how nurses perceive disaster and the likelihood of disastrous events is the initial step for disaster planning and the development of a disaster nursing curriculum in Hong Kong.

Relevance to clinical practice.  All nurses around the world should be equipped with knowledge and skills for disaster care. This study provides information and implications for related research and the development of a disaster nursing curriculum to meet the global demand for disaster preparedness.
Professional aphasia care trusting the patient’s competence while facing existential issues
Authors: Nyström Maria
Published: July 2009

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this study was to complement ‘expert’ knowledge about speech‐language therapy by studying the phenomenon of professional aphasia care from the patient’s perspective.

Background.  The methods for assisting patients with aphasia have mainly been based on speech language therapy with methods for training language. However, the effectiveness of mereley training has not been conclusively proven. In this study, it was assumed that patients with impaired use of language require professional caring interventions as a base for training.

Design.  A phenomenological approach was used to gain understanding of patients’ lived experiences of professional aphasia care.

Method.  Data consisted of eight in‐depth interviews, four follow‐up interviews, two notes from diaries and two biographies. Data were analysed according to a descriptive phenomenological method.

Results.  The essential meaning of the phenomenon was: trusting the patient’s competence while facing existential issues. To enhance understanding, the essential meaning was specified in terms of the following constituents: preventing isolation, straightforwardness, provision of security, recognition of caring needs, encouraging efforts to practise language, equality and supporting maintenance of identity.

Conclusions.  This study adds to the knowledge about speech‐language therapy that professional aphasia care presupposes a secure base and a carer who recognises and trusts the patient’s ability to think and communicate.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Implications for clinical practice are outlined under the following main headings, a secure caring base, encourage a fighting spirit and expressions of feelings, facilitate communication, try to understand the patient’s existential situation and enable patients to recognise that their self‐image derives from the painful experience of losing the world of symbols. Inside is the same person and carers should make it clear that they are aware of that.
Psychometric testing of the Chinese version of the Dimensions of Tobacco Dependence Scale
Authors: Lu Chia‐Chen , Lin Hsi‐Hui , Chen Chia‐Jung , Huang Chih‐Ling
Published: July 2009

Aims.  This paper reports on a study to establish the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the dimensions of Tobacco Dependence Scale as these apply in Taiwan.

Background.  The instruments for measuring cigarette dependence among adolescent smokers are not available in Taiwan. Therefore, it has not so far been possible to assess such dependence.

Design.  Survey.

Method.  A sample comprising 293 adolescent smokers was recruited. They were drawn from nine senior high schools in middle and southern Taiwan. The Dimensions of Tobacco Dependence Scale and the Fagerstrom Test of nicotine dependence were administered, with saliva being subjected to salivary cotinine analysis using competitive enzyme immunoassay kits.

Results.  The internal structure of the Dimensions of Tobacco Dependence Scale (DTDS) was first examined using exploratory factor analysis with promax rotation. By applying the parallel test as the means of selection, four criteria emerged from the factor analysis that accounted for 47·7% of the variance. Concerning criterion validity, the DTDS was found to have a positive and significant association with the Fagerstrom test of nicotine dependence scores (r = 0·58; p < 0·01) and with saliva cotinine levels (r = 0·30; p < 0·01). Cronbach’s α values for the DTDS were 0·94.

Conclusions.  The study confirmed that the Chinese version of the DTDS is similar to the English version in that it is multidimensional and has consistent factor structures. And, as a result of the study, it was established that the Chinese version of the Dimensions of Tobacco Dependence Scale is a reliable and valid measure of tobacco dependence among adolescents in Taiwan.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The DTDS can provide health professionals with a reference measure for assessing adolescents’ tobacco dependence when applied in the context of a smoking cessation programme.