bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydrostatic pressure, electric and magnetic field effects on shallow donor impurity states and photoionization cross section in cylindrical GaAs–Ga1–xAlx As quantum dots
Authors: Barseghyan M. G. , Kirakosyan A. A. , Duque C. A. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractUsing the variational method and the effective mass approximation, we have calculated the influence of applied electric and magnetic fields, both in the axial direction, and hydrostatic pressure on the binding energy and photoionization cross section for on center shallow‐donor impurities in cylindrical shaped GaAs–Ga1–x Alx As quantum dots. For the hydrostatic pressure effects the Γ–X crossover has been taken into account. Different values for the structure dimensions, applied electric and magnetic fields, hydrostatic pressure, and energy of the incident photon have been considered. Because the parallel polarization of the incident radiation has been considered, the main effects on the photoionization cross section are associated with the applied electric field. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of pressure on electrical properties of short period InAs/GaSb superlattice
Authors: Konczewicz Leszek , Contreras Sylvie , Aït‐Kaci Hocine , Cuminal Yvan , Rodriguez Jean‐Baptiste , Christol Philippe 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIn this paper, we present resistivity and Hall measurements on InAs/GaSb Superlattice (SL) grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) on GaAs semi‐insulating substrate. Measurements have been carried out under hydrostatic pressure up to 1300 MPa in the temperature range 80–300 K. We observe that the sample exhibits a reproducible change in conductivity type. The SL is n‐type at high temperatures range whereas it is p‐type at low temperature. The characteristic temperature Tch at which the switch of conductivity type occurs increases with pressure from Tch = 190 K to 280 K at highest pressure. The room temperature results are characterized by a strong increase of resistivity with pressure. The room‐temperature Hall mobility varies from 1350 cm2/V s for ambient pressure to 345 cm2/V s for P = 1210 MPa. This strong effect of pressure on electrical transport properties of material suggests that at room temperature at least two types of electrons respectively with high and low mobility take part in the conduction process. The low mobility carriers could be related to the L mini band. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Knowledge is Power: Averting Safety‐Compromising Events in the OR
Authors: Catalano Kathleen 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTSURGICAL PROCEDURES can be unpredictable, and safety‐compromising events can jeopardize patient safety.PERIOPERATIVE NURSES should be watchful for factors that can contribute to safety‐compromising events, as well as the errors that can follow, and know how to avert them if possible.KNOWLEDGE IS POWER and increased awareness of patient safety issues and the resources that are available to both health care practitioners and consumers can help perioperative nurses ward off patient safety problems before they occur. AORN J 88 (December 2008) 987–995. © AORN, Inc, 2008.
Results of the 2008 AORN Salary Survey
Authors: Bacon Donald 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTAORN CONDUCTED ITS SIXTH ANNUAL compensation survey for perioperative nurses in August of 2008.A MULTIPLE REGRESSION MODEL was used to examine how a variety of variables including job title, education level, certification, experience, and geographic region affect nursing compensation.COMPARISONS BETWEEN THE 2008 and previous years' data are presented.THE EFFECTS OF OTHER FORMS of compensation, such as on‐call compensation, overtime, bonuses, and shift differentials on average base compensation rates also are examined. AORN J 88 (December 2008) 901–915. © AORN, Inc, 2008.
Effect of estradiol on oocyte development
Authors: Bianco Katherine , Mahutte Neal G. , Arici Aydin , Sakkas Denny , Taylor Hugh S. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether elevated serum estradiol (E2) concentrations in oocyte donors affect assisted reproduction outcome.MethodIn a retrospective cohort study of 58 consecutive oocyte donation cycles, donors were stratified into 2 groups according to E2 concentration, group 1 (n = 32; E2 ≤ 2000 pg/mL [range 456–2000 pg/mL]) and group 2 (n = 27; E2 > 2000 pg/mL [range, 2062–6957 pg/mL]). Data were analyzed using the t test and χ2 test.ResultsDonors in group 1 produced significantly less oocytes than donors in group 2 (19.3 ± 1.7 vs 12.0 ± 1.4; P < 0.001), and recipients of oocytes from group 1 had significantly fewer numbers of embryos available for transfer (10.4 ± 1.1 vs 6.4 ± 0.8; P = 0.003). However, the mean number (3.3) of embryos transferred and the pregnancy rate were the same in both groups.ConclusionElevated estradiol concentration in oocyte donors did not affect pregnancy outcome, suggesting that estradiol levels in donors do not affect oocyte development.
Integrated River Basin Management Through Decentralization
Authors: Davis Matthew D. 
Published: December 2008

In international circles, advocacy of integrated water resource management is often based on the Dublin Principles of the 1992 International Conference on Water and the Environment. Those principles include (1) the understanding that freshwater is a finite and vulnerable resource, (2) a participatory approach to water management, (3) an emphasis on the role of women in water management, and (4) the recognition of water as an economic good. In 2000, the Global Water Partnership (GWP) developed an interpretative understanding of the Dublin Principles. The GWP described the participatory approach as (1) real participation, (2) participation as more than consultation, (3) achieving consensus, (4) creating participatory mechanisms and capacity, and (5) involvement and decisions at the lowest appropriate level. Advocacy of increased participation and local decision making stems from observance of a history of centralized decision making and inadequate attention to local needs and resources, which have resulted in ineffective water management and water use.The practice of advocating the development of integrated and local participation at the river basin level has progressed without a determination of whether this model is working. The World Bank, in conjunction with partners, set out to chronicle the decentralization and local participation model. Integrated River Basin Management Through Decentralization documents the research and findings—the most comprehensive examination of this topic to date. The study, moreover, contributes to understanding three critical development and poverty reduction issues: (1) water management, (2) the links between sustainable natural resources management and infrastructure, and (3) participatory decision making. The first three chapters in this 12‐chapter book provide an overview, a summary of the comparative analysis of eight case studies, and a summary of determinants of decentralized water management. The next eight chapters address the eight case studies. Each of the case study chapters is presented in the same format, facilitating readability and comparisons across river basins. The concluding chapter sums up major findings and identifies further areas of research. The book is edited and in part written by three recognized experts in institutional development and water management. They are joined by local experts who possess good working knowledge and experience in the basins that form the case studies.
The human orthologue of CdGAP is a phosphoprotein and a GTPase‐activating protein for Cdc42 and Rac1 but not RhoA
Authors: Tcherkezian Joseph , Triki Ibtissem , Stenne Raphaelle , Danek Eric I. , Lamarche‐Vane Nathalie 
Published: December 2008

Background information. Rho GTPases regulate a wide range of cellular functions affecting both cell proliferation and cytoskeletal dynamics. They cycle between inactive GDP‐ and active GTP‐bound states. This cycle is tightly regulated by GEFs (guanine nucleotide‐exchange factors) and GAPs (GTPase‐activating proteins). Mouse CdGAP (mCdc42 GTPase‐activating protein) has been previously identified and characterized as a specific GAP for Rac1 and Cdc42, but not for RhoA. It consists of an N‐terminal RhoGAP domain and a C‐terminal proline‐rich region. In addition, CdGAP‐related genes are present in both vertebrates and invertebrates. We have recently reported that two predominant isoforms of CdGAP (250 and 90 kDa) exist in specific mouse tissues.Results. In the present study, we have identified and characterized human CdGAP (KIAA1204) which shares 76% sequence identity to the long isoform of mCdGAP (mCdGAP‐l). Similar to mCdGAP, it is active in vitro and in vivo on both Cdc42 and Rac1, but not RhoA, and is phosphorylated in vivo on serine and threonine residues. In contrast with mCdGAP‐l, human CdGAP interacts with ERK1/2 (extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase 1/2) through a region that does not involve a DEF (docking site for ERK Phe‐Xaa‐Phe‐Pro) domain. Also, the tissue distribution of CdGAP proteins appears to be different between human and mouse species. Interestingly, we found that CdGAP proteins cause membrane blebbing in COS‐7 cells.Conclusions. Our results suggest that CdGAP properties are well conserved between human and mouse species, and that CdGAP may play an unexpected role in apoptosis.
Retention and mobility of the mammalian lamin B receptor in the plant nuclear envelope
Authors: Graumann Katja , Irons Sarah L. , Runions John , Evans David E. 
Published: December 2008

Background information. In a previous study, we showed that GFP (green fluorescent protein) fused to the N‐terminal 238 amino acids of the mammalian LBR (lamin B receptor) localized to the NE (nuclear envelope) when expressed in the plant Nicotiana tabacum. The protein was located in the NE during interphase and migrated with nuclear membranes during cell division. Targeting and retention of inner NE proteins requires several mechanisms: signals that direct movement through the nuclear pore complex, presence of a transmembrane domain or domains and retention by interaction with nuclear or nuclear‐membrane constituents.Results. Binding mutants of LBR—GFP were produced to investigate the mechanisms for the retention of LBR in the NE. FRAP (fluorescence recovery after photobleaching) analysis of mutant and wild‐type constructs was employed to examine the retention of LBR—GFP in the plant NE. wtLBR—GFP (wild‐type LBR—GFP) was shown to have significantly lower mobility in the NE than the lamin‐binding domain deletion mutant, which showed increased mobility in the NE and was also localized to the endoplasmic reticulum and punctate structures in some cells. Modification of the chromatin‐binding domain resulted in the localization of the protein in nuclear inclusions, in which it was immobile.Conclusions. As expression of truncated LBR—GFP in plant cells results in altered targeting and retention compared with wtLBR—GFP, we conclude that plant cells can recognize the INE (inner NE)‐targeting motif of LBR. The altered mobility of the truncated protein suggests that not only do plant cells recognize this signal, but also have nuclear proteins that interact weakly with LBR.
Effect of barium sulfate contrast medium on rheology and sensory texture attributes in a model food
Authors: Ekberg O. , Bülow M. , Ekman S. , Hall G. , Stading M. , Wendin K. 
Published: December 2008

Background: The swallowing process can be visualized using videoradiography, by mixing food with contrast medium, e.g., barium sulfate (BaSO4), making it radiopaque. The sensory properties of foods may be affected by adding this medium. Purpose: To evaluate if and to what extent sensory and rheological characteristics of mango purée were altered by adding barium sulfate to the food. Material and Methods: This study evaluated four food samples based on mango purée, with no or added barium sulfate contrast medium (0%, 12.5%, 25.0%, and 37.5%), by a radiographic method, and measured sensory texture properties and rheological characteristics. The sensory evaluation was performed by an external trained panel using quantitative descriptive analysis. The ease of swallowing the foods was also evaluated. Results: The sensory texture properties of mango purée were significantly affected by the added barium in all evaluated attributes, as was the perception of particles. Moreover, ease of swallowing was significantly higher in the sample without added contrast medium. All samples decreased in extensional viscosity with increasing extension rate, i.e., all samples were tension thinning. Shear viscosity was not as dependent on the concentration of BaSO4 as extensional viscosity. Conclusion: Addition of barium sulfate to a model food of mango purée has a major impact on perceived sensory texture attributes as well as on rheological parameters.
Venous saturation slab causes overestimation of stenosis length in two-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography
Authors: Wikström J. , Bjornerud A. , McGill S. , Johansson L. 
Published: December 2008

Background: The use of downstream saturation slabs in two-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (2D TOF MRA) of the arterial system eliminates signal from regions with countercurrent flow, as seen in veins, but possibly also beyond arterial stenoses because of flow turbulence. Purpose: To investigate the contribution of a downstream saturation slab to signal intensity (SI) loss beyond stenoses at 2D TOF MRA. Material and Methods: 2D TOF MRA was performed on a bifurcation phantom with a tight stenosis at 1.5T during pulsatile flow. Qualitative and quantitative evaluations of stenosis delineation were performed with different echo times (TE) (3.7 or 7.0 ms), spatial resolution (1x1x1 or 1x1x5 mm3), and with or without a downstream saturation slab. For reference, a high-resolution contrast-enhanced sequence without flow was obtained. Results: The downstream saturation slab caused severe signal loss immediately distal to the stenosis, causing overestimation of stenosis length. This region corresponded with a region of poststenotic flow jet, where turbulence is expected. With increase in TE, there was some increased SI loss at the level of maximum stenosis. A lower spatial resolution resulted in overall poorer delineation of the stenosis. Conclusion: Using clinically relevant sequence parameters, the use of a downstream saturation slab at 2D TOF MRA was found to be a major contributor to signal loss in stenotic regions, which can result in an overestimation of stenosis length.
First Report of Botrytis Blight Caused by Botrytis cinerea on Gaura lindheimeri in Italy
Authors: Garibaldi A. , Bertetti D. , Pensa P. , Gullino M. L. 
Published: December 2008

Gaura lindheimeri (wand flower) is a perennial plant belonging to the Onagraceae family that is used for perennial borders in xeric and mesic landscapes. It produces flowers floating above the plant like small, dancing butterflies. This plant is becoming popular in the Albenga Region (northern Italy) where white and rose varieties are grown as potted plants. In January of 2008, 5-month-old ‘Whirling Butterflies’ plants grown in plastic pots (14 cm in diameter) in the open field started showing symptoms of a previously unknown blight. When the disease developed, temperatures ranged between 3 and 17°C (average 9°C) and average relative humidity was 64%. Small, brown spots appeared on the basal portion of leaves first, eventually spreading to cover entire leaves. Subsequently, the pathogen developed abundant, soft gray mycelium on affected leaf tissue. Severely infected leaves eventually became completely rotten and desiccated. Sixty percent of plants were affected by the disease. Tissues were excised from diseased leaves, immersed in a solution containing 1% sodium hypochlorite for 10 s, and then cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium. The fungus produced abundant mycelium on PDA medium when incubated under constant fluorescent light at 22 ± 1°C. The conidia were smooth, hyaline, globoid, measuring 11.8 to 9.4 × 8.3 to 6.6 (average 10.7 × 7.4) μm, and are similar to those described for Botrytis cinerea. The identity of the pathogen was also confirmed by the production of numerous sclerotia on PDA plates incubated for 20 days at 8 ± 1°C. Sclerotia were dark, irregular, and measured 3 to 4 × 2 to 3 mm. The fungus was identified as B. cinerea on the basis of these characters (1). Pathogenicity tests were performed by spraying leaves of healthy, potted 8-month-old G. lindheimeri ‘Whirling Butterflies’ plants with a 105 conidia/ml suspension. Plants sprayed with water only served as controls. Five plants per treatment were used. Plants were covered with plastic bags for 6 days after inoculation and maintained in a growth chamber at 20 ± 1°C. The first foliar lesions developed on leaves 5 days after inoculation, whereas control plants remained healthy. B. cinerea was consistently reisolated from these lesions. The pathogenicity test was completed twice. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the presence of B. cinerea on G. lindheimeri in Italy. The economic importance of this disease will increase with the increased cultivation of this species. Reference: (1) H. L. Barnett and B. B. Hunter. Illustrated Genera of Imperfect Fungi. Burgess Publishing Company, Minneapolis, MN, 1972.
Compartmentalization regulates the interaction between the platelet integrin αIIbβ3 and ICln
Authors: Larkin Deirdre , Treumann Achim , Murphy Derek , DeChaumont Ciaran , Kiernan Aoife , Moran Niamh 
Published: December 2008

SummaryThe volume‐regulating protein, ICln, interacts with the conserved KxGFFKR α‐integrin signature motif. ICln is an abundant protein (4455 ± 650 molecules/platelet) found exclusively in the soluble cytosolic fraction of unactivated platelets. In contrast, its binding partner, the platelet integrin αIIbβ3, is present in detergent‐insoluble fractions associated with membrane and cytoskeleton subcellular localizations. This study investigated factors that regulate the interaction of ICln with αIIbβ3 during platelet activation. His‐tagged recombinant ICln bound equally to purified αIIbβ3 and to integrin from resting or activated platelets. Binding was not affected by direct integrin activation with Mn++ or by inhibitors of integrin occupancy (abciximab, RGD). However, the capacity for interaction between integrin and recombinant ICln was slowly downregulated following prolonged platelet activation for >300 s. In parallel, ICln redistributed to membrane and cytoskeletal platelet subcellular fractions. The time‐course of this redistribution preceded the downregulation of integrin binding capacity and suggests that only a short window of opportunity exists for ICln interaction with αIIbβ3 to occur. Thus, although ICln has the inherent capacity to bind to αIIbβ3 regardless of its activation state, it can only do so following platelet activation. Activation‐dependent subcellular redistribution of ICln represents a novel, temporally‐regulated mechanism for control of integrin function in platelets.
Complex time‐dependent alterations in the brain expression of different drug efflux transporter genes after status epilepticus
Authors: Kuteykin‐Teplyakov Konstantin , Brandt Claudia , Hoffmann Katrin , Löscher Wolfgang 
Published: December 2008

SummaryPurpose:  Frequent epileptic seizures or prolonged seizure activity (status epilepticus, SE) is known to increase the brain expression of drug efflux transporter genes and proteins, such as P‐glycoprotein (Pgp) and members of the multidrug resistance protein (MRP) family, which might reduce brain levels of antiepileptic drugs and, therefore, be involved in drug resistance. However, the time course of alterations in Pgp or MRPs after seizures or SE is only incompletely known.Methods:  This prompted us to study the time course of alterations in the expression of different efflux transporter genes (Mdr1a, Mdr1b, MRP1, MRP2, MRP5) at various times after a pilocarpine‐induced SE in limbic brain regions, using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) (qPCR).Results:  Unexpectedly, between 6 and 24 h after onset of SE, genes encoding Pgp (Mdr1a, Mdr1b), Mrp1, and Mrp5 were downregulated in hippocampus, amygdala, or piriform cortex. This initial decrease in expression was followed by normalization and then increased expression, which became maximal 2 days after SE. One explanation for the initial decrease in transporter expression could be SE‐induced acute inflammatory processes, because proinflammatory cytokines are known to suppress the expression of Pgp and other efflux transporters. To directly address this possibility, we quantified the hippocampal mRNA expression of interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α, showing a marked SE‐induced increase in these cytokines, which paralleled the decreased expression of efflux transporters.Discussion:  Taken together, these findings indicate that alterations in expression of drug efflux transporters after prolonged seizure activity are more complex than previously thought.
Mary and the Vocation of Philosophers
Authors: Allen Prudence 
Published: December 2008

AbstractPope John Paul II, in Fides et ratio#108, states that there is a deep harmony between the vocation of true philosophy and the Blessed Virgin Mary. This intriguing claim, so different from the usual link of Mary with faith, is developed in this article. Drawing analogical implications from selected events in Mary's life, two questions will be asked: How do philosophers “philosophize in Mary?;” and how could this way of philosophizing help us today to renew the vocation to be a philosopher? The following authors are considered: Thomas Aquinas, Edith Stein, Jacques and Raïssa Maritain, Bernard Lonergan, Josef Ratzinger, Mary Daly, Robert Sokolowski, Norris Clarke, Søren Kierkegaard, Karol Wojtyla, John Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Judy Chicago, and John Henry Newman.
Neo‐Pragmatist (Practice‐Based) Theories of Meaning
Authors: Loeffler Ronald 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIn recent years, several systematic theories of linguistic meaning have been offered that give pride of place to linguistic practice, or the process of linguistic communication. Often these theories are referred to as neo‐pragmatist or new pragmatist; I call them ‘practice‐based’. According to practice‐based theories of meaning, the process of linguistic communication is somehow constitutive of, or otherwise essential for the existence of, propositional linguistic meaning. Moreover, these theories disavow, or downplay, the semantic importance of inflationary notions of representation. I introduce the basic ideas and motives behind some practice‐based theories of meaning, and offer some reasons why an eliminativist, non‐quietist, epistemic practice‐based approach to meaning that 1) disavows any explanatory role for the linguistic community as such, 2) prioritizes sentence meaning over word meaning, and 3) may, in the end, be naturalistic, should be favored over its practice‐based competitors.
Back to Basics in Bioethics: Reconciling Patient Autonomy with Physician Responsibility
Authors: Da Rocha Antonio Casado 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAlthough bioethics is a lively and expanding interdisciplinary field, there is not enough research about the patient‐doctor relationship, a central issue in philosophy of medicine. This article surveys the state of the field, paying attention to recent work by Alfred Tauber, and supplementing it with insights from Hans Jonas's philosophy of technology in order to propose a principle of responsible autonomy for health care. Based on a comparative look across different sub‐fields in bioethics, the resulting model claims that physician responsibility is essential to professional integrity, providing an alternative to other active trends emphasizing patient autonomy, such as Robert Veatch's contractual model.