bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Student understanding of quantum mechanics at the beginning of graduate instruction
Authors: Singh Chandralekha
Published: February 2008

A survey was developed to probe student understanding of quantum mechanics at the beginning of graduate instruction. The survey was administered to 202 physics graduate students enrolled in first-year quantum mechanics courses from seven universities at the beginning of the first semester. We also conducted one-on-one interviews with fifteen graduate or advanced undergraduate students who had just completed a course in which all the content on the survey was covered. Although students from some universities performed better on average than others, we found that students share universal difficulties understanding the concepts of quantum mechanics. The difficulties were often due to overgeneralizations of concepts learned in one context to other contexts where they are not directly applicable. Difficulties in distinguishing between closely related concepts and making sense of the formalism of quantum mechanics were common. The results of this study can sensitize instructors of first-year graduate quantum physics to some of the difficulties students are likely to face.
A chaotic lock-in amplifier
Authors: Spears Brian K. , Tufillaro Nicholas B.
Published: February 2008

We describe a method for lock-in amplification that uses a chaotic reference signal and a synchronized receiver. This technique is compared with conventional lock-in methods using a periodic reference signal. The apparatus can be constructed in an undergraduate electronics lab using a light emitting diode for the transmitter and a photodiode for the receiver, and allows students to explore a novel measurement technique based on chaotic dynamics.
Variscan evolution of the Tanneron massif, SE France, examined through U–Pb monazite ages
Authors: DEMOUX ANTOINE , SCHäRER URS , CORSINI MICHEL
Published: February 2008

The Tanneron massif belongs to the southernmost segment of the Variscan belt in France and is composed of migmatitic orthogneisses and paragneisses cross-cut by a main tonalite–granite complex. Late Carboniferous detrital basins are bounded by north–south-trending ductile to brittle normal faults and delineate three distinct zones. Our new isotope dilution U–Pb monazite dating indicates a pre-Variscan history in the central part of the massif recorded by monazites from an orthogneiss yielding ages from 440 to 410 Ma, whereas monazites from a migmatitic paragneiss record a late Carboniferous high-
T
event at 317 ± 1 Ma. In the eastern part, a migmatization event is recorded by monazites from a synkinematic leucogranitic layer and a mylonitic orthogneiss yielding ages of 309 ± 5 and 310 ± 2 Ma, respectively. Later post-collisional magmatism related to lithospheric thinning is recorded by the intrusion of undeformed granitic bodies at 302 ± 4 and 297 ± 5 Ma, and marks the final stage of the Variscan evolution. The data indicate the presence of two crustal blocks, displaying different levels of exposure of the Variscan crust. The overall tectonomagmatic evolution of this massif suggests a strong affinity with the internal part of the Variscan belt.
Geochronology of very low-grade Mesozoic Andean metabasites; an approach through the K–Ar,
40
Ar/
39
Ar and U–Pb LA-MC-ICP-MS methods
Authors: OLIVEROS VERóNICA , AGUIRRE LUIS , MORATA DIEGO , SIMONETTI ANTONIO , VERGARA MARIO , BELMAR MAURICIO , CALDERóN SERGIO
Published: February 2008

Multiple geochronological methods using different metamorphic minerals were combined to date the regional, very low-grade metamorphism affecting Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous volcano-sedimentary successions in the Andes of central Chile. Early Late Cretaceous metamorphic ages (between 82 and 108 Ma) were obtained by the K–Ar and U–Pb methods for celadonite and titanite. A much younger thermal event is responsible for actinolite formation at 8 Ma, most probably related to the intrusion of proximal Miocene granitoids. Previous models for the metamorphism should be reinterpreted taking into account the absence of a greenschist-facies event. The combination of different metamorphic minerals and chronometers is regarded as a powerful analytical tool to date the very low-grade metamorphism associated with the Mesozoic extensional regime developed within the Andes.
Advances in Biological Structure, Function, and Physiology Using Synchrotron X-Ray Imaging
Authors: Westneat Mark W. , Socha John J. , Lee Wah-Keat
Published: February 2008

Studies of the physiology and biomechanics of small (∼1 cm) organisms are often limited by the inability to see inside the animal during a behavior or process of interest and by a lack of three-dimensional morphology at the submillimeter scale. These constraints can be overcome by an imaging probe that has sensitivity to soft tissue, the ability to penetrate opaque surfaces, and high spatial and temporal resolution. Synchrotron X-ray imaging has been successfully used to visualize millimeter-centimeter-sized organisms with micrometer-range spatial resolutions in fixed and living specimens. Synchrotron imaging of small organisms has been the key to recent novel insights into structure and function, particularly in the area of respiratory physiology and function of insects. X-ray imaging has been effectively used to examine the morphology of tracheal systems, the mechanisms of tracheal and air sac compression in insects, and the function of both chewing and sucking mouthparts in insects. Synchrotron X-ray imaging provides an exciting new window into the internal workings of small animals, with future promise to contribute to a range of physiological and biomechanical questions in comparative biology.
Prototypical anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 prevents loss of IGF-I-induced myogenin protein expression caused by IL-1β
Authors: Strle Klemen , McCusker Robert H. , Johnson Rodney W. , Zunich Samantha M. , Dantzer Robert , Kelley Keith W.
Published: February 2008

Prolonged and excessive inflammation is implicated in resistance to the biological actions of IGF-I and contributes to the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative, metabolic, and muscle-wasting disorders. IL-10 is a critical anti-inflammatory cytokine that restrains inflammatory responses in macrophages and T cells by inhibiting cytokine and chemokine synthesis and reducing expression of their receptors. Here we demonstrate that IL-10 plays a protective role in nonhematopoietic cells by suppressing the ability of exogenous IL-1β to inhibit IGF-I-induced myogenin and myosin heavy chain expression in myoblasts. This action of IL-10 is not caused by impairment of IL-1β-induced synthesis of IL-6 or the ability of IL-1β to activate two members of the MAPK family, ERK1/2 and p38. Instead, this newly defined protective role of IL-10 occurs by specific reversal of IL-1β activation of the JNK kinase pathway. IL-10 blocks IL-1β-induced phosphorylation of JNK, but not ERK1/2 or p38, indicating that only the JNK component of the IL-1β-induced MAPK signaling pathway is targeted by IL-10. This conclusion is supported by the finding that a specific JNK inhibitor acts similarly to IL-10 to restore IGF-I-induced myogenin expression, which is suppressed by IL-1β. Collectively, these data demonstrate that IL-10 acts in a novel, nonclassical, protective manner in nonhematopoietic cells to inhibit the IL-1β receptor-induced JNK kinase pathway, resulting in prevention of IGF-I resistance.
Baseline Prostate-Specific Antigen Level and Risk of Prostate Cancer and Prostate-Specific Mortality: Diagnosis Is Dependent on the Intensity of Investigation
Authors: Connolly David , Black Amanda , Gavin Anna , Keane Patrick F. , Murray Liam J.
Published: February 2008

Background: When considering prostate biopsy, men and their physicians must balance the potential benefits of early diagnosis of localized cancer with the implications of overdiagnosis of clinically insignificant cancers. We investigated the risk of prostate cancer and prostate cancer–specific and all-cause mortality by baseline prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level in a population-based cohort study in Northern Ireland, where PSA screening is not recommended and where low to moderately raised (<10.0 ng/mL) PSA levels were not routinely investigated.

Methods: From a regional electronic database of PSA results, men who had their initial PSA between January 1, 1994 and December 31, 1998 were identified and followed for diagnosis of prostate cancer and prostate cancer–specific and all-cause mortality until December 31, 2003.

Results: 68,354 men (mean age, 65.2 years) were included, with 50,676 (74.1%) having a baseline PSA of <4.0 ng/mL; 402 (0.8%) of these were subsequently diagnosed with prostate cancer. PSA level was positively associated with risk of prostate cancer and prostate-specific mortality. In men with baseline PSA <4.0 ng/mL, the rate of prostate cancer and high-grade cancer diagnosis was <2 and <1 cases per 1,000 person-years, respectively, whereas prostate-specific mortality was very low (0.18 cases per 1,000 person-years) compared with overall mortality (28.71 cases per 1,000 person-years).

Conclusion: Following a PSA result, men need to be aware not only of the risk of prostate cancer but also of having cancer that may cause them harm during their lifetime or, more importantly, kill them. These data should inform and reassure men of their risk of clinically significant prostate cancer. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008;17(2):271–8)
Abdominal Obesity and the Risk of Esophageal and Gastric Cardia Carcinomas
Authors: Corley Douglas A. , Kubo Ai , Zhao Wei
Published: February 2008

Background: Esophageal adenocarcinoma is rapidly increasing in incidence. Body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor, but its distribution does not reflect the demographic distribution of the cancer (which is highest among White men). Abdominal obesity patterns may explain this discordance, but no studies exist to date.

Methods: Nested case-control study within 206,974 members of the Kaiser Permanente multiphasic health checkup cohort; subjects received detailed questionnaires, a standardized examination including BMI and anthropometric measurements, and follow-up of esophageal and cardia cancers using registry data.

Results: 101 incident esophageal adenocarcinomas, 105 cardia adenocarcinomas, and 144 esophageal squamous cell carcinomas were detected (BMI data available for all cases; abdominal measurements for a subset). Increasing abdominal diameter was strongly associated with an increased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma [odds ratio (OR), 3.47; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.29-9.33; abdominal diameter, ≥25 versus <20 cm]. Adjustment for BMI did not diminish this association (BMI-adjusted OR, 4.78; 95% CI, 1.14-20.11). The association was also not diminished by adjustment for gastroesophageal reflux-type symptoms, although reflux-type symptoms were separately associated with both abdominal diameter and cancer risk. Abdominal diameter was not associated with the risk of cardia adenocarcinomas (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.38-4.25; diameter, ≥25 versus <20 cm) or esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.32-1.92).

Conclusions: Increasing abdominal diameter was associated with an increased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma, independent of BMI. Cancer risk was not substantially mediated through gastroesophageal reflux-type symptoms, although symptoms may imperfectly measure reflux severity. Given abdominal obesity is more common among males, these findings suggest that increases in obesity may disproportionately increase the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma in males. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008;17(2):352–8)
Toll-Like Receptor Stimulation Induces Higher TNF-α Secretion in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Patients with Hyper IgE Syndrome
Authors: Yeganeh Mehdi , Henneke Philipp , Rezaei Nima , Ehl Stephan , Thiel Doerte , Matamoros Nuria , Pietrogrande Cristina , Espanol Teresa , Litzman Jiri , Franco Jose L. , Sanal Ozden , Kilic Sara S. , Breborowicz Anna , Plebani Alessandro , Renner Ellen , Rothenfusser Simon , Hawn Thomas R. , Woellner Cristina , Grimbacher Bodo
Published: February 2008

Hyper IgE syndromes (HIES) are primary immunodeficiency disorders of unknown pathogenesis. Patients are typically affected with ‘cold’ abscesses of the skin, recurrent cyst-forming pneumonia, chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis and other less frequent features such as progressive skeletal abnormalities. Defective signaling in the Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways has been suggested as a responsible pathologic mechanism, however, in previous reports, 10 patients revealed no defect in inflammatory cytokine responses to different TLR ligands. Here, we report the increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-8, following TLR2 and TLR4 stimulation in a larger cohort of 25 additional patients with HIES, and provide a meta-analysis of the TLR data in HIES.
Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis with a Combination of Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy and a Histamine-Immunoglobulin Complex
Authors: Nahm Dong-Ho , Lee Eun So , Park Han-Jung , Kim Hyoun-Ah , Choi Gil-Soon , Jeon Sook-Yeong
Published: February 2008

Background: Allergic responses to common environmental agents are believed to be involved in the development of atopic dermatitis, but clinical usefulness of allergen-specific immunotherapy in the treatment of atopic dermatitis is controversial. We performed a pilot study to evaluate the clinical usefulness of combined treatment with allergen-specific immunotherapy and a histamine-immunoglobulin complex in patients with atopic dermatitis. Methods: Twenty patients with atopic dermatitis and hypersensitivity to house dust mites whose clinical conditions had not been effectively controlled by current standard medical therapies were treated with a combination of allergen-specific immunotherapy using house dust mite extract and a histamine-immunoglobulin complex for 12 months. The primary efficacy outcome was the change in the standardized clinical severity scoring system for atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) values at 6 and 12 months in comparison with the values at baseline. Results: In 18 patients who completed all 12 months of treatment, the SCORAD values significantly decreased from 43.6 ± 15.9 at baseline to 27.8 ± 18.3 at 6 months and 18.3 ± 14.9 at 12 months (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p < 0.001), and no significant systemic side effects were observed. Conclusions: In this uncontrolled pilot study, combined treatment with allergen-specific immunotherapy and a histamine-immunoglobulin complex resulted in significant clinical improvements in patients with atopic dermatitis. However, double-blind placebo-controlled studies are necessary to test the clinical usefulness of this modified allergen-specific immunotherapy for atopic dermatitis.
The Vietnam War and China's Third-Line Defense Planning before the Cultural Revolution, 1964–1966
Authors: Lüthi Lorenz
Published: February 2008

This article traces the origins, development, and demise of the Third-Line Defense project in the People's Republic of China (PRC) from 1964 to 1966. Responding to the U.S. escalation of the Vietnam War, Chinese leaders decided to transfer strategic military and civilian assets from the vulnerable coastal and border provinces to the country's interior. Following the dispatch of U.S. Marines to Vietnam in March 1965, the PRC proceeded with the construction of provincial Third-Line Defense projects. In the end, the Third-Line Defense project fell victim to Mao Zedong's ideological radicalization in the lead-up to the Cultural Revolution. The article uses documentary evidence from Chinese provincial archives as well as published collections of Chinese documents.
Electrical Breakdown Gas Detector Featuring Carbon Nanotube Array Electrodes
Authors: Kim Seongyul , Pal Sunil , Ajayan Pulickel M. , Borca-Tasciuc Theodorian , Koratkar Nikhil
Published: February 2008

We demonstrate here detection of dichloro-difluoro-methane and oxygen in mixtures with helium using a carbon nanotube electrical breakdown sensor device. The sensor is comprised of an aligned array of multiwalled carbon nanotubes deposited on a nickel based super-alloy (Inconel 600)
as the anode; the counter electrode is a planar nickel sheet. By monitoring the electrical breakdown characteristics of oxygen and dichloro-difluoro-methane in a background of helium, we find that the detection limit for dichloro-difluoro-methane is ∼0.1% and the corresponding limit for
oxygen is ∼1%. A phenomenologigal model is proposed to describe the trends observed in detection of the two mixtures. These results indicate that carbon nanotube based electrical breakdown sensors show potential as end detectors in gas-chromatography devices.
Quantitative Fitting of Nonlinear Current–Voltage Curves and Parameter Retrieval of Semiconducting Nanowire, Nanotube and Nanoribbon Devices
Authors: Liu Y. , Zhang Z. Y. , Hu Y. F. , Jin C. H. , Peng L.-M.
Published: February 2008

A quantitative metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) model and a Matlab based program have been developed and used to obtain parameters that are important for characterizing semiconductor nanowires (NWs), nanotubes (NTs) or nanoribbons (NRs). The use of the MSM model for quantitative analysis
of nonlinear current–voltage curves of one-dimensional semiconducting nanostructures is illustrated by working through two examples, i.e., an amorphous carbon NT and a ZnO NW, and the obtained parameters include the carrier density, mobility, resistance of the NT(NW), and the heights
of the two Schottky barriers formed at the interfaces between metal electrodes and semiconducting NT(NW).
Rare Earth Doped Zinc Oxide Nanowires
Authors: Geburt S. , Stichtenoth D. , Müller S. , Dewald W. , Ronning C. , Wang J. , Jiao Y. , Rao Y. Y. , Hark S. K. , Li Quan
Published: February 2008

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires were grown via thermal transport and subsequently doped with different concentrations of Tm, Yb, and Eu using ion implantation and post annealing. High ion fluences lead to morphology changes due to sputtering; however, freestanding nanowires become less damaged
compared to those attached to substrates. No other phases like rare earth (RE) oxides were detected, no amorphization occurs in any sample, and homogeneous doping with the desired concentrations was achieved. Photoluminescence measurements demonstrate the optical activation of trivalent RE-elements
and the emission of the characteristic intra-4f-luminescence of the respective RE atoms, which could be assigned according to the Dieke-diagram. An increasing RE concentration results into decreasing luminescence intensity caused by energy transfer mechanisms to non-radiative remaining implantation
defect sites. Furthermore, low thermal quenching was observed due to the considerable wide band gap of ZnO.
Carbon Nanotube T Junctions: Formation and Properties
Authors: Chiu Po-Wen
Published: February 2008

The formation of carbon nanotube T junctions (CNTJs) and their transport properties are reviewed. The CNTJs were formed by coupling chemically functionalized nanotubes with linker molecules. Both end-to-side and end-to-end intermolecular junctions can be assembled by reacting chloride
terminated nanotubes with aliphatic diamines. The functionalized nanotube mats were characterized by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The incorporation of functional groups into nanotubes is indicated by the pronounced shift of tangential vibration modes in Raman spectra
and of carbon 1s binding energy in X-ray photoelectron spectra. For transport measurements the functionalized nanotubes were adsorbed on Si substrates, and subsequent electrodes were painted on top of the selected T junctions by lithography and lift-off techniques. The bar of the "T" is used
as the transistor channel and the stem of the "T" is used as the gate. In this configuration, the active area is confined to a few nanometers in all three dimensions.
Subtropical Forcing of Tropical Pacific Climate and Decadal ENSO Modulation
Authors: Matei Daniela , Keenlyside Noel , Latif Mojib , Jungclaus Johann
Published: February 2008

The relative impact of the subtropical North and South Pacific Oceans on the tropical Pacific climate mean state and variability is estimated using an ocean–atmosphere–sea ice coupled general circulation model. Tailored experiments are performed in which the model is forced by idealized sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) in the subtropics of both hemispheres. The main results of this study suggest that subtropical South Pacific climate variations play a dominant role in tropical Pacific decadal variability and in the decadal modulation of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO).

In response to a 2°C warming in the subtropical South Pacific, the equatorial Pacific SST increases by about 0.6°C, approximately 65% larger than the change in the North Pacific experiment. The subtropics affect equatorial SST mainly through atmosphere–mixed layer interactions in the South Pacific experiments; the response is mostly accomplished within a decade. The “oceanic tunnel” dominates in the North Pacific experiments; the response takes at least 100 yr to be accomplished. Similar sensitivity experiments conducted with the stand-alone atmosphere model showed that both air–sea interactions and ocean dynamics are crucial in shaping the tropical climate response.

The statistics of ENSO exhibit significant changes in amplitude and frequency in response to a warming/cooling of the subtropical South Pacific: a 2°C warming (cooling) of subtropical South Pacific SST reduces (increases) the interannual standard deviation by about 30% (20%) and shortens (lengthens) the ENSO period. The simulated changes in the equatorial zonal SST gradient are the main contributor to the modulation of ENSO variability. The simulated intensification (weakening) of the annual cycle in response to an enhanced warming (cooling) in subtropical South Pacific partly explains the shifts in frequency, but may also lead to a weaker (stronger) ENSO. The subtropical North Pacific thermal forcing did not change the statistical properties of ENSO as strongly.
Simulation of an Orographic Precipitation Event during IMPROVE-2. Part I: Evaluation of the Control Run Using a Triple-Moment Bulk Microphysics Scheme
Authors: Milbrandt J. A. , Yau M. K. , Mailhot J. , Bélair S.
Published: February 2008

This paper reports the first evaluation of the Milbrandt–Yau multimoment bulk microphysics scheme against in situ microphysical measurements. The full triple-moment version of the scheme was used to simulate a case of orographically enhanced precipitation with a 3D mesoscale model at high resolution (4- and 1-km grid spacings). The simulations described in this paper also serve as the control runs for the sensitivity experiments that will be examined in Part II of this series. The 13–14 December 2001 case of heavy orographically enhanced precipitation, which occurred over the Oregon Cascades, was selected since it was well observed during the second Improvement of Microphysical Parameterization through Observational Verification Experiment (IMPROVE-2) observational campaign. The simulated fields were compared with observed radar reflectivity, vertical velocity, precipitation quantities from rain gauges, and microphysical quantities measured in situ by two instrumented aircraft. The simulated reflectivity structure and values compared favorably to radar observations during the various precipitation stages of the event. The vertical motion field in the simulations corresponded reasonably well to the mountain-wave pattern obtained from in situ and dual-Doppler radar inferred measurements, indicating that biases in the simulations can be attributed in part to the microphysics scheme. The patterns of 18-h accumulated precipitation showed that the model correctly simulated the bulk of the precipitation to accumulate along the coastal mountains and along the windward slope of the Cascades, with reduced precipitation on the lee side of the crest. However, both the 4- and 1-km simulations exhibited a general overprediction of precipitation quantities. The model also exhibited a distinct bias toward overprediction of the snow mass concentration aloft and underprediction of the mass and vertical extent of the pockets of cloud liquid water on the windward side of the Cascades. Nevertheless, the overall spatial distribution of the hydrometeor fields was simulated realistically, including the mean-mass particle diameters for each category and the observed trend of larger snow sizes to be located at lower altitudes.
Visibility during Blowing Snow Events over Arctic Sea Ice
Authors: Huang Qiang , Hanesiak John , Savelyev Sergiy , Papakyriakou Tim , Taylor Peter A.
Published: February 2008

A field study on visibility during Arctic blowing snow events over sea ice in Franklin Bay, Northwest Territories, Canada, was carried out from mid-January to early April 2004 during the Canadian Arctic Shelf Exchange Study (CASES) 2003–04 expedition. Visibilities at two heights, wind and temperature profiles, plus blowing and drifting snow particle flux at several heights were monitored continually during the study period. Good relations between visibility and wind speed were found in individual events of ground blowing snow with coefficients of determination >0.9. Regression equations relating 1.5-m height visibility to 10-m wind speed can be used for predicting visibility with a mean relative error in the range of 19%–32%. Similar regression functions obtained from the data for observed visibility of less than 1 km could predict visibilities more accurately for more extreme visibility reductions and wind speeds (>9.5 m s−1) with mean relative error ranging from 15% to 26%. For the event of ground blowing snow, a simple power law relationship between wind speed and visibility is sufficient for operational purposes. A poorer relationship was observed in the event of blowing snow with concurrent precipitating snow. A theoretical visibility model developed by Pomeroy and Male fit well with observed visibilities if using a mean radius of 50 μm and an alpha value of 10. The predicted visibility had a mean relative error of 30.5% and root-mean-square error of 1.3 km. The observed visibility at 1.5 m had a strong relation with particle counter readings, with an R2 of 0.92, and was consistent among all events.
`The Unshapeable Shock Night': Spiritual Suffering and Gerard Manley Hopkins
Authors: Lynch Fiona
Published: February 2008

This essay discusses some poems by Hopkins in relation to certain themes in spiritual theology. It examines the expression of spiritual suffering in `The Wreck of the Deutschland' and the `desolation' sonnets and moves from readings of these poems to the difficult general considerations raised by them. How are such experiences of darkness and dread within the spiritual life to be interpreted? What is the effect of their transmutation into art? Can the communication of private spiritual experience be countenanced?
Walter Kasper's Religious Quest for Jesus Christ
Authors: Morrison Glenn
Published: February 2008

Walter Kasper brings to light the religious quest for Jesus Christ in a secular, historical world. Taking up the turn towards anthropology and demythologization, he sets out to articulate rationally the logic of faith in which Jesus is recognized as the Christ. Pursuing this quest, he develops a theological discourse on freedom, redemption and self-transcendence.
Review Article: Jesus Alone or Jesus among the Gods? Alberto Cozzi's Gesù Cristo tra le Religioni
Authors: McDermott John M.
Published: February 2008

Alberto Cozzi's excellent book criticizes recent theologies relativizing the incarnate Christ, salvation's sole mediator, on the basis of an abstract universal salvific will. God's will cannot be known apart from Christ dead and risen. Only thus can the meaning of history and freedom be preserved. Interreligious dialogue should seek God's creative intention, which is renewed and realized in Christ.
Family Responsibilities Discrimination in Queensland Workplaces: Where Business and Caring Collide
Authors: McDonald Paula
Published: February 2008

Although a large body of literature has addressed many of the issues relating to flexible working from both a supply and demand perspective, less attention has focused on situations where these two positions conflict. This research explores a secondary, qualitative data set consisting of over 200 cases of alleged family responsibilities discrimination reported to a community advocacy organization in Brisbane, Australia. Findings indicate that discord in the work environment occurs in relation to (1) requests for part-time work; (2) altered duties during or after maternity leave; (3) requests for changes to rostered work hours; (4) having to take leave to care for sick children; and (5) opportunities for recruitment or promotion. Direct family responsibilities discrimination was evident in only six cases, while the remainder were indirect. A small number of cases were formally lodged for redress although financial compensation was limited. Economic factors such as a shrinking labour force highlight the importance of finding solutions to situations where business imperatives and the well-being of families collide.
Extending Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Late-Life Anxiety to Home Care
Authors: Diefenbach Gretchen J. , Tolin David F. , Gilliam Christina M. , Meunier Suzanne A.
Published: February 2008

Data suggesting that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is efficacious for late-life anxiety are accumulating; however, effectiveness has not been well established. Incorporating CBT for anxiety into home care is needed to facilitate access to evidenced-based treatment for a growing population of community-dwelling, functionally impaired elderly people. In this article, the authors describe the development of a home-based CBT program for late-life anxiety, outlining their experience partnering with a community care management organization. They also describe the CBT protocol and present data form two participants who completed the treatment. The two case examples illustrate multiple barriers to achieving successful treatment outcomes with this population. Future research needs to determine the extent to which adaptations are necessary to optimize the success of CBT for anxiety in a home care setting.
Implementation Intentions and Shielding Goal Striving From Unwanted Thoughts and Feelings
Authors: Achtziger Anja , Gollwitzer Peter M. , Sheeran Paschal
Published: February 2008

Forming an implementation intention or “if-then plan” promotes the attainment of different types of goals (Gollwitzer, 1999; Gollwitzer & Sheeran, 2006). So far, research on implementation intentions has focused on the initiation of goal striving, whereas the issue of shielding of ongoing goal striving has been largely neglected. In two field experiments concerned with dieting (Study 1) and athletic goals (Study 2), goal shielding was supported by implementation intentions geared at controlling potentially interfering inner states (i.e., cravings for junk food in Study 1, and disruptive thoughts, feelings, and physiological states in Study 2). In both experiments, forming if-then plans enhanced the rate of goal attainment. Thus, implementation intention formation can be used to promote the realization of desired outcomes not only by facilitating getting started with goal striving but also by preventing goal striving from straying off course.
The Experience of Community-Living Women Managing Fecal Incontinence
Authors: Peden-McAlpine Cynthia , Bliss Donna , Hill Jamia
Published: February 2008

Although many women suffer from fecal incontinence (FI), little is known about their day-to-day experiences. The aims of this phenomenological study were to understand the experience of women living with FI from their perspective and to elicit women's self-care and management strategies for FI. Ten women participated in audiotaped, unstructured interviews that were transcribed into a written text. The text was analyzed using Van Manen's approach for deriving themes. The findings display the women's experience of lived time, lived space, lived relationships, and lived body and the essential theme of “controlling the body out of control.” The findings demonstrate that FI is a problem that affects women in all dimensions of their lifeworld experience and describes the continual attention and self-management FI requires.
Ethical Preparedness and Performance of Gene Therapy Study Co-Ordinators
Authors: Anderson Gwen
Published: February 2008

Little is known about study co-ordinators of gene therapy clinical trials. The purposes of this study were to: (1) describe characteristics of co-ordinators of gene therapy (transfer) clinical trials; (2) assess differences between nurse and non-nurse study co-ordinators; and (3) identify factors indicative of study co-ordinators' role preparation that could affect their role performance. This exploratory correlational study employed a convenience sample of 118 co-ordinators in the USA (55 participants; 47% response rate). The researcher created the Study Coordinator Role Preparedness and Performance Survey to assess factors or correlates of study co-ordinator performance. Analysis of variance was used to compare nurses and non-nurses, and men versus women on their perceived preparedness, perceived quality of orientation, and satisfaction with educational opportunities. The findings contribute to knowledge by identifying present inadequacies in the training of study co-ordinators and in recognizing the need for more effective provision of orientation and continuing education with respect to ethical issues, knowledge of genetic science, and potential research integrity challenges.
ICTs, domestication and language-games: a Wittgensteinian approach to media uses
Authors: Helle-Valle Jo , Slettemeås Dag
Published: February 2008

This article acknowledges the vital role that the Domestication Research-perspective has in media research, but criticizes it for being analytically ambiguous in its use of the central term `domestication'. By way of a contrastive set of data from an ongoing research project, we argue for a dislocation of `domestication' from the domestic and the private. Instead, we wish to retain the meaning and use of the term to acts of domesticating, i.e. processes of `taming the wild'. By connecting our arguments to Wittgenstein's concept of the `language-game', we emphasize the practical aspect of language and meaning, and how ICTs become meaningful only as parts of practical-communicative contexts. We argue that this steering towards `domestication' as contextualization highlights the universal and fundamental process of enculturation. Such a turn frees the perspective from historical and cultural specificities and thereby accentuates its analytical potential in a post-national, globalized world.
Product, Competence, Project and Practice
Authors: Watson Matthew , Shove Elizabeth
Published: February 2008

Studies of ordinary (as distinct from spectacular) forms of consumption have generated new questions and new ways of thinking about mechanisms and processes of change and about the conceptual status of consumer goods. No longer exclusively framed as semiotic resources deployed in the expression and reproduction of identities and social relations, products are increasingly viewed as essential ingredients in the effective accomplishment of everyday life.

In this article, we examine the recursive relation between products, projects and practices with reference to do-it-yourself (DIY) and home improvement — an important area of craft consumption and a field in which consumers are actively and creatively engaged in integrating and transforming complex arrays of material goods. Interviews with DIY practitioners and retailers point to a circuit of interdependent relations between the hardware of consumption (tools, materials, etc.); distributions of competence (between humans and non-humans); the emergence of consumer projects and, with them, new patterns of demand. In elaborating on these practical and theoretical linkages we develop an analysis of the material dynamics of craft consumption that bridges approaches rooted in science studies, material culture and consumption.
Dating of zircon and monazite from diamondiferous quartzofeldspathic rocks of the Saxonian Erzgebirge – hints at burial and exhumation velocities
Authors: Massonne H.-J. , Kennedy A. , Nasdala L. , Theye T.
Published: February 2008

In order to better understand the formation and evolution processes of ultrahigh pressure (UHP) felsic rocks, we determined the ages of various domains of zircon and monazite crystals from the diamondiferous quartzofeldspathic rocks of the Saxonian Erzgebirge. According to cathodoluminescence imagery and Th/U ratios, three zircon zones were distinguished. Each was dated using several spot analyses from a sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe analysing Pb, U and Th isotopes. The results were: (1) core zone – 21 analyses: Th/U ≤ 40.023 and 337.0±2.7 Ma (2σ, combined 206Pb/238U-207Pb/235U age); (2) diamond-bearing intermediate zone – 23 analyses: Th/U ≥ 50.037 and 336.8±2.8 Ma; and (3) rim zone – 12 analyses: Th/U = 0.015–0.038 (plus one analysis of 0.164) and 330.2±5.8 Ma. The U-Pb obtained ages are virtually concordant. Furthermore, two oscillatory zoned zircon cores (Th/U ≥ 50.8) yielded (~concordant) ages of ~400 Ma. Six SHRIMP analyses of monazites gave an age of 332.4±2.1 Ma. In addition, Pb, Th and U contents in monazite were analysed with an electron microprobe (EMP). A mean age of 324.7±8.0 (2σ) Ma was acquired from 113 analyses.

By combining the defined ages with previously published P-T conditions, minimum velocities for burial and exhumation were estimated. In addition, we present a likely geodynamic scenario involving age data from the literature as well as this study: beginning 340 million years ago, gneisses at the base of a thickened continentalcrust (~1.8 GPa, 650ºC) were transported to depths of at least 130 km, possibly as deep as 250 km. Here they were heated (>1050ºC) and partially melted and as a result began to rise rapidly. The burial and subsequent ascent back to a depth of 50 km, where zircon rims and monazite formed, took only a few million years and perhaps significantly less.
Small interfering RNA targeting CDC25B inhibits liver tumor growth in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Yan Xinrui , Chua Mei-Sze , He Jing , So Samuel K
Published: February 2008

Background

Using gene expression profiling, we previously identified CDC25B to be significantly highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared to non-tumor liver. CDC25B is a cell cycle-activating phosphatase that positively regulates the activity of cyclin-dependent kinases, and is over-expressed in a variety of human malignancies. In this study, we validated the over-expression of CDC25B in HCC, and further investigated its potential as a therapeutic target for the management of HCC.

Results

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining of patient samples confirmed the significant over-expression of CDC25B in HCC compared to non-tumor liver samples (P < 0.001). Thus, intefering with the expression and activity of CDC25B may be a potential way to intervene with HCC progression. We used RNA interference to study the biological effects of silencing CDC25B expression in HCC cell lines (Hep3B and Hep40), in order to validate its potential as a therapeutic target. Using small oligo siRNAs targeting the coding region of CDC25B, we effectively suppressed CDC25B expression by up to 90%. This was associatetd with significant reductions in cell growth rate, cell migration and invasion through the matrigel membrane, and caused significant cell cycle delay at the G2 phase. Finally, suppression of CDC25B significantly slowed the growth of Hep40 xenografts in nude mice.

Conclusion

Our data provide evidence that the inhibition of CDC25B expression and activity lead to suppression of tumor cell growth and motility, and may therefore be a feasible approach in the clinical management of HCC.
Forcing neural progenitor cells to cycle is insufficient to alter cell-fate decision and timing of neuronal differentiation in the spinal cord
Authors: Lobjois Valérie , Bel-Vialar Sophie , Trousse Françoise , Pituello Fabienne
Published: February 2008

Background

During the development of the nervous system, neural progenitor cells can either stay in the pool of proliferating undifferentiated cells or exit the cell cycle and differentiate. Two main factors will determine the fate of a neural progenitor cell: its position within the neuroepithelium and the time at which the cell initiates differentiation. In this paper we investigated the importance of the timing of cell cycle exit on cell-fate decision by forcing neural progenitors to cycle and studying the consequences on specification and differentiation programs.

Results

As a model, we chose the spinal progenitors of motor neurons (pMNs), which switch cell-fate from motor neurons to oligodendrocytes with time. To keep pMNs in the cell cycle, we forced the expression of G1-phase regulators, the D-type cyclins. We observed that keeping neural progenitor cells cycling is not sufficient to retain them in the progenitor domain (ventricular zone); transgenic cells instead migrate to the differentiating field (mantle zone) regardless of cell cycle exit. Cycling cells located in the mantle zone do not retain markers of neural progenitor cells such as Sox2 or Olig2 but upregulate transcription factors involved in motor neuron specification, including MNR2 and Islet1/2. These cycling cells also progress through neuronal differentiation to axonal extension. We also observed mitotic cells displaying all the features of differentiating motor neurons, including axonal projection via the ventral root. However, the rapid decrease observed in the proliferation rate of the transgenic motor neuron population suggests that they undergo only a limited number of divisions. Finally, quantification of the incidence of the phenotype in young and more mature neuroepithelium has allowed us to propose that once the transcriptional program assigning neural progenitor cells to a subtype of neurons is set up, transgenic cells progress in their program of differentiation regardless of cell cycle exit.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that maintaining neural progenitor cells in proliferation is insufficient to prevent differentiation or alter cell-fate choice. Furthermore, our results indicate that the programs of neuronal specification and differentiation are controlled independently of cell cycle exit.
Differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells by continuous antigen stimulation
Authors: Mahic Milada , Yaqub Sheraz , Bryn Tone , Henjum Karen , Eide Dag M , Torgersen Knut M , Aandahl Einar M , Taskén Kjetil
Published: February 2008

Human CD4+CD25+ regulatory T (TR) cells express the transcription factor forkhead box p3 (FOXP3) and have potent immunosuppressive properties. While naturally occurring TR cells develop in the thymus, adaptive TR cells develop in the periphery from naive CD4+ T cells. Adaptive TR cells may express cyclooxygenase type 2 (COX-2) and suppress effector T cells by a PGE2-dependent mechanism, which is reversible with COX inhibitors. In this study we have characterized the differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into adaptive TR cells in detail during 7 days of continuous antigen stimulation. After 2 days of stimulation of CD4+CD25– T cells, the cells expressed FOXP3 and COX-2 and displayed potent immunosuppressive properties. The suppressive phenotype was present at all observed time-points from Day 2, although suppression was merely present at Day 7. The adaptive TR cells expressed cell surface markers consistent with an activated phenotype and secreted high levels of TGF-β, IL-10, and PGE2. However, the suppressive phenotype was found exclusively in cells that proliferated upon activation. These data support the notion that activation of naive CD4+ T cells leads to concomitant acquisition of effector and suppressive properties.
A Prospective Study of Gastric Carcinoids and Enterochromaffin-Like Cell Changes in Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: Identification of Risk Factors
Authors: Berna Marc J. , Annibale Bruno , Marignani Massimo , Luong Tu Vinh , Corleto Vito , Pace Andrea , Ito Tetsuhide , Liewehr David , Venzon David J. , Delle Fave Gianfranco , Bordi Cesare , Jensen Robert T.
Published: February 2008

Context: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) patients frequently develop Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES). These patients can develop proliferative changes of gastric enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells and gastric carcinoids (ECL-cell tumors). ECL-cell changes have been extensively studied in sporadic ZES patients and can be precursor lesions of gastric carcinoids, but little is known about factors influencing their severity or development of carcinoids in MEN1/ZES patients.

Objectives: Our objective was to prospectively analyze ECL-cell changes and gastric carcinoids (ECL-cell tumors) in a large series of MEN1/ZES patients to detect risk factors and deduct clinical guidelines.

Setting and Patients: Fifty-seven consecutive MEN1/ZES patients participated in this prospective study at two tertiary-care research centers.

Interventions and Outcome Measures: Assessment of MEN1, gastric hypersecretion, and gastroscopy with multiple biopsies was done according to a fixed protocol and tumor status. ECL-cell changes and α-human chorionic gonadotropin staining were assessed in each biopsy and correlated with clinical, laboratory, and MEN1 features.

Results: ECL-cell proliferative changes were universally present, advanced changes in 53% and carcinoids in 23%. Gastric nodules are common and are frequently associated with carcinoids. Patients with high fasting serum gastrin levels, long disease duration, or a strong α-human chorionic gonadotropin staining in a biopsy are at higher risk for an advanced ECL-cell lesion and/or gastric carcinoid.

Conclusions: Gastric carcinoids and/or advanced ECL-cell changes are frequent in MEN1/ZES patients, and therefore, regular surveillance gastroscopy with multiple routine biopsies and biopsies of all mucosal lesions are essential. Clinical/laboratory data and biopsy results can be used to identify a subgroup of MEN1/ZES patients with a significantly increased risk for developing gastric carcinoids, allowing development of better surveillance strategies.
Pharmacokinetics of the sequential metabolites of loteprednol etabonate in rats
Authors: Wu Whei-Mei , Huang Fenglei , Lee Yangsuk , Buchwald Peter , Bodor Nicholas
Published: February 2008

Pharmacokinetics, metabolism and excretion of two sequential inactive metabolites of the soft corticosteroid loteprednol etabonate (LE), Δ1-cortienic acid etabonate (AE) and Δ1-cortienic acid (A), have been investigated in rats. Pharmacokinetic studies (two-compartment model, 10 mg kg−1 intravenous bolus of AE or A) found the elimination of both AE (t1/2(β), 12.46 ± 1.18 min; CLtotal, 101.94 ± 5.80 mL min−1 kg−1; and Kel, 0.24 ± 0.02 min−1) and A (t1/2(β), 14.62 ± 0.46 min; CLtotal, 53.80 ± 1.40 mL min−1 kg−1; and Kel, 0.18 ± 0.02 min−1) to be significantly faster than that previously determined for the parent LE (t1/2(β), 43.41 ± 7.58 min; CLtotal, 67.40 ± 11.60 mL min−1 kg−1; and Kel, 0.071 ± 0.024 min−1). For metabolism and excretion evaluations, 1 and 10 mg kg−1 of either AE or A were intravenously administered, and the urine and bile were collected. AE and A rapidly reached their peak concentrations in the bile and urine, and most of them were eliminated within one hour. Total cumulative excretions at 4 h after 1 and 10 mg kg−1 injections were 85.51 ± 3.38% and 67.50 ± 2.67% for AE, and 71.90 ± 3.72% and 37.73 ± 2.69% for A in bile; and 4.84 ± 1.87% and 13.85 ± 3.27% for AE, and 24.28 ± 8.44% and 22.35 ± 1.12% for A in urine, respectively. After AE administration, the excretion of AE was > 90%, and A was < 10% in all cases, indicating that the elimination of AE was much faster than its metabolism (to A). In a manner similar to that seen for LE, dose-dependent elimination was observed both in AE and A. These results suggested that both AE and A were ideal leads for the design of soft steroids based on the inactive metabolite approach.