bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction constraints for geomorphic‐unit rehabilitation on regulated gravel‐bed rivers
Authors: Sawyer April M. , Pasternack Gregory B. , Merz Joseph E. , Escobar Marisa , Senter Anne E.
Published: June 2008

The emergent practice of applied river restoration uses best available equipment and contouring methods to construct detailed designs with some features at scales as small as 0.5‐m relief. As part of adaptive management, it is necessary to determine the practicability of design features and construction methods before widespread adoption. In this study, we compared design versus as‐built topography for five salmonid spawning habitat rehabilitation projects at riffle‐pool geomorphic units on the lower Mokelumne River, California, USA. These were built instream using rubber tire front loaders. Digital elevation models (DEMs) of each site were produced for pre‐project, design and as‐built conditions. DEM differencing was used to compare the as‐built surface against corresponding design surfaces at each site to identify deviations. Causes of each identified deviation were assessed based on subjective observations by a team during construction. Across the projects, 70% of as‐built topography was within ±0.15 m of design specifications. Of the 30% deviating from the design, 41% was overfilled and 59% underfilled. The 30% of rehabilitated channel area that deviated from designs did not affect predicted areas of high‐quality spawning habitat. On‐site factors that hindered accurate construction of designs included front loader fording depth, poor operator elevation estimation, operator spatial disorientation and wood obstructions. In addition, funding and project management uncertainties caused gravel supply deficits and gravel bulk density estimation errors. It is concluded that constructing broad (>0.5‐m relief) features of process‐based salmonid spawning habitat rehabilitation projects by gravel augmentation is practicable. However, uncertainties attributed to human error and available methods inhibit detailed (<0.5‐m relief) rehabilitation. Despite uncertainties, limitations and errors, following the recommendations reported in this study would improve the as‐built adherence to design specifications of future projects. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The importance of learning to make assumptions
Authors: Fortus David
Published: June 2008

Making assumptions is an important step in solving many real‐world problems. This study investigated whether participants who could solve well‐defined physics problems could also solve a real‐world physics problem that involved the need to make assumptions. The participants, who all had at least a BA in physics, were videotaped “thinking aloud” while solving three well‐defined and one real‐world problem and then interviewed about the problem‐solving process. All the problems dealt with the same scientific content. The recordings were analyzed to identify similarities and differences in the ways the problems were solved and to see which steps in the solution of the problems posed the greatest cognitive difficulty for each participant. Results indicate that (a) the process of making the constraining assumptions needed to convert the real‐world problem into a well‐defined one was the most difficult step for all, and (b) only the participants who had prior experience making constraining assumptions were able to make the needed assumptions and solve the real‐world problem. These findings suggest a need to support physics students develop this important skill. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 93:86–108, 2009
Reproductive parameters in captive hand‐reared black‐bellied sandgrouse
Authors: Aourir M. , Znari M. , El Abbassi A. , Radi M. , Melin J‐M.
Published: June 2008

Flock breeders of black‐bellied sandgrouse originated from wild‐laid eggs collected in west central Morocco in 2003 and 2004, were hatched, and hand‐reared in captivity in the framework of a reinforcement population program. Three to five pairs of different ages were housed in an aviary. Egg‐pulling procedure was used and eggs incubated artificially. Breeding parameters, hatchability, and posthatching mortality were recorded. The black‐bellied sandgrouse showed a seasonal breeding pattern with a laying period extending from 7 to12 weeks. The clutch frequency varied from 3 to 7 clutches per female per season. The mean clutch size was 2.66±0.47 eggs, and the mean interclutch interval was 10±2.7 days. The average total egg production was 12±5.83 eggs per female varying with age from 8 to18 eggs per female. Egg hatchability of incubated eggs increased with age and varied from 37.5 to 72.2%. Chick mortality occurred only in the first week after hatching, averaging 60.5%. The obtained results showed that black‐bellied sandgrouse can be successfully bred in captivity and opened the possibility of controlling, managing, and maximizing their production for the reinforcement of the local declining wild populations. Zoo Biol 27:269–281, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Converting Layered Zinc Acetate Nanobelts to One-dimensional Structured ZnO Nanoparticle Aggregates and their Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Zhang Ye , Zhu Feng , Zhang Junxi , Xia Lingli
Published: June 2008

We were successful in synthesizing periodic layered zinc acetate nanobelts through a hydrothermal solution process. One-dimensional structured ZnO nanoparticle aggregate was obtained by simple thermal annealing of the above-mentioned layered ZnO acetate nanobelts at 300 °C. The morphology, microstructure, and composition of the synthesized ZnO and its precursors were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and infrared spectroscopy, respectively. Low angle X-ray diffraction spectra reveal that as-synthesized zinc acetate has a layered structure with two interlayer d-spacings (one is 1.32 nm and the other is 1.91 nm). SEM and TEM indicate that nanobelt precursors were 100–200 nm in width and possesses length up to 30 μm. Calcination of precursor in air results in the formation of one-dimensional structured ZnO nanoparticle aggregates. In addition, the as-prepared ZnO nanoparticle aggregates exhibit high photocatalytic activity for the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO).
Identification of Tumor-Associated Proteins in Well Differentiated Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Proteomics
Authors: Zhou Jian-rong , Fu Zhong-xue , Li Jie , Wei Lian-zhi , Li Jun-cai
Published: June 2008

Introduction

This study established two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) profiles for human well-differentiated laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma tissue and paired normal mucosa epithelia tissue and identified proteins with different expressions. Well-resolved and reproducible 2-DE patterns of well-differentiated laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and adjacent normal mucosa were obtained.

Results

Thirteen proteins were preliminarily identified, among which ten proteins including cofilin-1, nuclear body protein SP140, GRP94, HSP 90, GSTP1-1, superoxide dismutase [Mn], cyclophilin A, proteasome activator complex subunit 2, apolipoprotein A-I precursor, and CaM-like protein were upregulated and three proteins including fatty acid-binding protein (E-FABP), calgranulin A, and calgranulin B were downregulated in laryngeal cancer tissue. The different expressions of cyclophilin A and MRP8 were confirmed by Western blotting.

Discussion

We first identified 13 proteins that might be associated with the tumorigenesis of the laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Some proteins were the products of oncogenes and apoptosis and others were related to signal transduction and immune defense. These extensive protein variations indicated that multiple protein molecules were simultaneously involved in the oncogenesis of laryngeal cancer, which in turn is a basis for the rational designs of diagnostic and therapeutic methods.
Effect of repeated intracoronary injection of bone marrow cells in patients with ischaemic heart failure☆ The Danish Stem Cell study—Congestive Heart Failure trial (DanCell‐CHF)
Authors: Diederichsen Axel C.P. , Møller Jacob E. , Thayssen Per , Junker Anders B. , Videbæk Lars , Sækmose Susanne G. , Barington Torben , Kristiansen Malthe , Kassem Moustapha
Published: June 2008

Background:

It has been suggested that myocardial regeneration may be achieved by a single intracoronary bone marrow derived stem cell infusion in selected patients with ischaemic heart disease. The effect is uncertain in patients with chronic ischaemic heart failure and it is not known whether repeated infusions would have additional positive effects.

Aims:

To assess whether two treatments of intracoronary infusion of bone marrow stem cells, administered 4 months apart, could improve left ventricular (LV) systolic function in patients with chronic ischaemic heart failure.

Methods:

The study was prospective and non‐randomised, comprising an observational baseline period of 4 months followed by an interventional period of 12 months. Intracoronary bone marrow cell infusion was performed at the end of the baseline period and repeated 4 months later.

Results:

32 patients were included. LV ejection fraction remained unchanged (33±9% vs. 34±10% after 8 months, p=0.30). Likewise, there was no significant change in LV end‐systolic volume, wall motion score index (WMSI) or contractile reserve. At 12 months, a decrease in target vessel WMSI was seen (2.17±0.34 vs. 2.06±0.46, p=0.02). Furthermore, NYHA class improved (p<0.0001). No deaths were observed.

Conclusion:

In this non‐randomised study, no change in LV ejection fraction could be demonstrated after repeated intracoronary bone marrow stem cell treatment in patients with chronic ischaemic heart failure.
A Synechocystis LexA‐orthologue binds direct repeats in target genes
Authors: Patterson-Fortin Laura M. , Owttrim George W.
Published: June 2008

Although evidence for LexA‐orthologues, which do not regulate DNA damage repair, is accumulating, identification of binding sites and regulon members remains poorly characterized. In the cyanobacterium, Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803, we have recently identified a LexA‐related protein that regulates expression of the crhR RNA helicase gene. Here we show that the Synechocystis LexA‐orthologue binds as a dimer to 12 bp direct repeats containing a CTA‐N9‐CTA sequence conserved in two target genes, lexA and crhR. Characterization of this site provides the basis for identification of additional LexA targets and further evidence for LexA's divergence during evolution.
RanBPM is expressed in synaptic layers of the mammalian retina and binds to metabotropic glutamate receptors
Authors: Seebahn Angela , Rose Melanie , Enz Ralf
Published: June 2008

In the central nervous system, synaptic signal transduction depends on the regulation of neurotransmitter receptors by interacting proteins. Here, we searched for proteins interacting with two metabotropic glutamate receptor type 8 isoforms (mGlu8a and mGlu8b) and identified RanBPM. RanBPM is expressed in several brain regions, including the retina. There, RanBPM is restricted to the inner plexiform layer where it co‐localizes with the mGlu8b isoform and processes of cholinergic amacrine cells expressing mGlu2 receptors. RanBPM interacts with mGlu2 and other group II and group III receptors, except mGlu6. Our data suggest that RanBPM might be associated with mGlu receptors at synaptic sites.
A Brief Review of Bone Adaptation to Unloading
Authors: Zhang Ping , Hamamura Kazunori , Yokota Hiroki
Published: June 2008

Weight-bearing bone is constantly adapting its structure and function to mechanical environments. Loading through routine exercises stimulates bone formation and prevents bone loss, but unloading through bed rest and cast immobilization as well as exposure to weightlessness during spaceflight reduces its mass and strength. In order to elucidate the mechanism underlying unloading-driven bone adaptation, ground-based in vitro and in vivo analyses have been conducted using rotating cell culturing and hindlimb suspension. Focusing on gene expression studies in osteoblasts and hindlimb suspension studies, this minireview introduces our recent understanding on bone homeostasis under weightlessness in space. Most of the existing data indicate that unloading has the opposite effects to loading through common signaling pathways. However, a question remains as to whether any pathway unique to unloading (and not to loading) may exist.
Gene Expression Profiling of Human Epidermal Keratinocytes in Simulated Microgravity and Recovery Cultures
Authors: Clement Jade Q. , Lacy Shareen M. , Wilson Bobby L.
Published: June 2008

Simulated microgravity (SMG) bioreactors and DNA microarray technology are powerful tools to identify “space genes” that play key roles in cellular response to microgravity. We applied these biotechnology tools to investigate SMG and post-SMG recovery effects on human epidermal keratinocytes by exposing cells to SMG for 3, 4, 9, and 10 d using the high aspect ratio vessel bioreactor followed by recovery culturing for 15, 50, and 60 d in normal gravity. As a result, we identified 162 differentially expressed genes, 32 of which were “center genes” that were most consistently affected in the time course experiments. Eleven of the center genes were from the integrated stress response pathways and were coordinately down-regulated. Another seven of the center genes, which are all metallothionein MT-I and MT-II isoforms, were coordinately up-regulated. In addition, HLA-G, a key gene in cellular immune response suppression, was found to be significantly up-regulated during the recovery phase. Overall, more than 80% of the differentially expressed genes from the shorter exposures (≤4 d) recovered in 15 d; for longer (≥9 d) exposures, more than 50 d were needed to recover to the impact level of shorter exposures. The data indicated that shorter SMG exposure duration would lead to quicker and more complete recovery from the microgravity effect.
Transcriptional Analysis of Normal Human Fibroblast Responses to Microgravity Stress
Authors: Liu Yongqing , Wang Eugenia
Published: June 2008

To understand the molecular mechanism(s) of how spaceflight affects cellular signaling pathways, quiescent normal human WI-38 fibroblasts were flown on the STS-93 space shuttle mission. Subsequently, RNA samples from the space-flown and ground-control cells were used to construct two cDNA libraries, which were then processed for suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) to identify spaceflight-specific gene expression. The SSH data show that key genes related to oxidative stress, DNA repair, and fatty acid oxidation are activated by spaceflight, suggesting the induction of cellular oxidative stress. This is further substantiated by the up-regulation of neuregulin 1 and the calcium-binding protein calmodulin 2. Another obvious stress sign is that spaceflight evokes the Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase signaling pathways, along with up-regulating several G1-phase cell cycle traverse genes. Other genes showing up-regulation of expression are involved in protein synthesis and pro-apoptosis, as well as pro-survival. Interactome analysis of functionally related genes shows that c-Myc is the “hub” for those genes showing significant changes. Hence, our results suggest that microgravity travel may impact changes in gene expression mostly associated with cellular stress signaling, directing cells to either apoptotic death or premature senescence.
Increased Filamentous Growth of Candida Albicans in Simulated Microgravity
Authors: Altenburg Sara D. , Nielsen-Preiss Sheila M. , Hyman Linda E.
Published: June 2008

Knowledge of simulated microgravity (SMG)-induced changes in the pathogenicity of microorganisms is important for success of long-term spaceflight. In a previous study using the high aspect ratio vessel bioreactor, we showed that the yeast species Saccharomyces cerevisiae underwent a significant phenotypic response when grown in modeled microgravity, which was reflected in the analysis of gene expression profiles. In this study, we establish that Candida albicans responds to SMG in a similar fashion, demonstrating that there is a conserved response among yeast to this environmental stress. We also report that the growth of C. albicans in SMG results in a morphogenic switch that is consistent with enhanced pathogenicity. Specifically, we observed an increase in filamentous forms of the organism and accompanying changes in the expression of two genes associated with the yeast-hyphal transition. The morphological response may have significant implications for astronauts’ safety, as the fungal pathogen may become more virulent during spaceflight.
Diversity and Stability Study on Rice Mutants Induced in Space Environment
Authors: Lu Wei-Hong , Wang Xin-Zhu , Zheng Qi , Guan Shuang-Hong , Xin Ping , Sun Ye-Qing
Published: June 2008

To further study the characteristics of changes on the molecular level of rice mutants induced in space environment, we analyzed proteins in leaves and seeds of four rice mutants (two high-tillering and two low-tillering) in the 8th and 9th generations after a 15-day spaceflight, and compared with their ground controls by two-dimentional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and reverse phase liquid chromatography (RPLC). In addition, the albumin, globulin, prolamine, glutelin, and amylose of the mutant seeds were analyzed by RPLC and ultra-violet spectrometry. The results showed that the low-abundance proteins of leaves in the peak tillering stage are more likely to be induced compared with their corresponding controls. The albumin, globulin, and prolamine of the mutant seeds revealed changes when compared with their controls, and the characteristics of changes in different mutants were stably inherited in the 8th and 9th generations, suggesting that they can be used as biomarkers to identity the mutants induced by spaceflight. Moreover, two proteins (SSP9111 and SSP6302) were found to be expressed with high intensity (two-fold change) in different mutants, which were both correlated with photosystem according to mass spectrometry and database searching.
Molecular phylogeny of Pemphiginae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) inferred from nuclear gene EF-1α sequences
Authors: Zhang H.C. , Qiao G.X.
Published: June 2008

Three traditional tribes of Fordini, Pemphigini and Eriosomatini comprise Pemphiginae, and there are two subtribes in Fordini and Pemphigini, respectively. Most of the species in this subfamily live heteroecious holocyclic lives with distinct primary host specificity. The three tribes of Pemphigini (except Prociphilina), Eriosomatini and Fordini use three families of plants, Salicaceae (Populus), Ulmaceae (Ulums) and Anacardiaceae (PistaciaandRhus), as primary hosts, respectively, and form galls on them. Therefore, the Pemphigids are well known as gall makers, and their galls can be divided into true galls and pseudo-galls in type. We performed the first molecular phylogenetic study of Pemphiginae based on molecular data (EF-1α sequences). Results show that Pemphiginae is probably not a monophylum, but the monophyly of Fordini is supported robustly. The monophyly of Pemphigini is not supported, and two subtribes in it, Pemphigina and Prociphilina, are suggested to be raised to tribal level, equal with Fordini and Eriosomatini. The molecular phylogenetic analysis does not show definite relationships among the four tribes of Pemphiginae, as in the previous phylogenetic study based on morphology. It seems that the four tribes radiated at nearly the same time and then evolved independently. Based on this, we can speculate that galls originated independently four times in the four tribes, and there is no evidence to support that true galls are preceded by pseudo-galls, as in the case of thrips and willow sawflies.
Reproductive Interference between the Common Ground-hopper Tetrix undulata and the Slender Ground-hopper Tetrix subulata (Orthoptera, Tetrigidae)
Authors: Hochkirch A. , Bücker A. , Gröning J.
Published: June 2008

The coexistence of closely related species is often hampered by resource competition or reproductive interference (interspecific sexual interactions). Species utilising similar signal channels might face substantial problems when they co-occur. It has, therefore, been suggested that reinforcement might drive signal evolution in narrow suture zones of secondary contact. However, species with large overlapping ranges are usually not believed to interact sexually. The Slender Ground-hopper, Tetrix subulata, and the Common Ground-hopper, Tetrix undulata (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) are sister species, which occur sympatrically in large parts of western and Central Europe, but rarely share the same habitat. It has been hypothesized that reproductive interference might account for their missing coexistence. Here, we test experimentally whether these two species interact sexually. Our results suggest an incomplete premating isolation of these ground-hoppers, as we recorded heterospecific courtship, mating attempts and mating. The number of conspecific copulations and mating attempts of T. subulata decreased substantially in the presence of T. undulata, whereas the latter species was not negatively affected. Males of both species preferred to approach females of T. undulata, whereas females of both species did not discriminate against heterospecific males. Further studies on the reproductive success are needed to clarify whether reproductive interference might influence habitat partitioning between these species.
40Ar–39Ar biotite and hornblende geochronology from the Oskarshamn area, SE Sweden: discerning multiple Proterozoic tectonothermal events
Authors: SÖDERLUND PIA , PAGE LAURENCE M. , SÖDERLUND ULF
Published: June 2008

Twelve40Ar–39Ar biotite and four hornblende age determinations have been carried out to constrain the cooling history of the Proterozoic bedrock near Oskarshamn, SE Sweden, an area identified as a possible site for long-term nuclear waste storage. The bedrock hostsc.1.80 Ga granites and diorites of the Transscandinavian Igneous Belt and two 1.45–1.44 Ga granite intrusions, the Götemar and Uthammar plutons. Biotite was selected from three surface samples, representing both the older rocks and the younger granites, and from three cored boreholes at nine different depth levels. Hornblende was extracted from samples at the top and bottom of one borehole and at two sub-surface levels of another borehole. Three age groups were distinguished: ≥1.62 Ga, 1.51–1.47 Ga and 1.43–1.42 Ga. In the first group, two hornblende analyses yielded ages of 1799±4 Ma and 1773±13 Ma, which indicate initial fast cooling after emplacement of 1.80 Ga rocks of the Transscandinavian Igneous Belt. Two biotite ages of 1618±7 Ma and 1621±3 Ma are interpreted to date final cooling, through 300 °C, after the youngest suite (1.68–1.67 Ga) of the Transscandinavian Igneous Belt in south-central Sweden. Seven biotite ages, in the range 1.51–1.47 Ga, are enigmatic to interpret but largely coincide in age with the end of widespread rapakivi magmatism in Fennoscandia and the initiation of the Danopolonian event. The 1.43–1.42 Ga biotite and hornblende ages reflect cooling after thermal heating from the 1.45–1.44 Ga Götemar and Uthammar plutons. Later events thermally affected the bedrock in the Oskarshamn area as indicated by a poorly defined biotite age of 928±6 Ma and other disturbed40Ar–39Ar ages of samples bordering a complex deformation zone.
The diagnostics of density distribution for inhomogeneous dense DT plasmas using fast protons
Authors: Li X.-M. , Shen B.-F. , Zhang X.-M. , Jin Z.-Y. , WANG F.-C.
Published: June 2008

The density distribution of inhomogeneous dense deuterium-tritium plasmas in laser fusion is revealed by the energy loss of fast protons going through the plasma. In our simulation of a plasma density diagnostics, the fast protons used for the diagnostics may be generated in the laser-plasma interaction. Dividing a two-dimensional area into grids and knowing the initial and final energies of the protons, we can obtain a large linear and ill-posed equation set for the densities of all grids, which is solved with the Tikhonov regularization method. We find that the accuracy of the set plan with four proton sources is better than those of the set plans with less than four proton sources. Also we have done the density reconstruction especially for four proton sources with and without assuming circularly symmetrical density distribution, and find that the accuracy is better for the reconstruction assuming circular symmetry. The error is about 9% when no noise is added to the final energy for the reconstruction of four proton sources assuming circular symmetry. The accuracies for different random noises to final proton energies with four proton sources are also calculated.
Quasi-monoenergetic electron beams generated from 7 TW laser pulses in N2 and He gas targets
Authors: Chen Z.L. , Unick C. , Vafaei-Najafabadi N. , Tsui Y.Y. , Fedosejevs R. , Naseri N. , Masson-Laborde P.-E. , Rozmus W.
Published: June 2008

Quasi-monoenergetic electron beams of energies 12 MeV to over 200 MeV are generated from both nitrogen and helium gas targets with 7TW laser pulses. Typically nitrogen gas interactions lead to electron bunches in the range of 12 to 50 MeV varying from shot to shot. Helium gas leads to higher energy electron bunches from 25 to 100 MeV. Occasionally exceptionally high energy bunches of electrons up to 200 MeV are observed from nitrogen and helium. Initial full two-dimensional simulations indicate the production of 20–30 MeV electron energy bunches for the typical interaction conditions as the electrons are injected from wave breaking in the plasma wake behind the laser pulse and injected into the strong electric field gradient propagating with the optical pulse. This is consistent with the experimental observations from the majority of shots. Pulse compression during propagation in the high density plasma does not allow the threshold conditions for the full bubble regime to be reached. However, the electric acceleration field in the wakefield cavity is still sufficient to lead to the formation of a bunch of electrons with an energy peak in the range of 20 to 30 MeV. In order to explain the occasional high energy shots most likely a lower density channel created by the laser prepulse may occasionally form a natural low density electron guide channel giving ideal conditions for acceleration over much longer lengths leading to the high energies observed.
Simulations of shock generation and propagation in laser-plasmas
Authors: Lebo I.G. , Lebo A.I. , Batani D. , Dezulian R. , Benocci R. , Jafer R. , Krousky E.
Published: June 2008

We analyze the results of a recent experiment performed at the PALS laboratory and concerning ablation pressure at 0.44 µm laser wavelength measured at irradiance up to 2 × 1014 W/cm2. Using the code “ATLANT,” we have performed two-dimensional (2D) hydrodynamics simulations. Results show that 2D effects did not affect the experiment and also give evidence of the phenomenon of delocalized absorption of laser light.
Electron acceleration in a rectangular waveguide filled with unmagnetized inhomogeneous cold plasma
Authors: Malik H.K. , Kumar S. , Singh K.P.
Published: June 2008

This paper deals with the study of propagation of electromagnetic wave in a rectangular waveguide filled with an inhomogeneous plasma in which electron density varies linearly in a transverse direction to the mode propagation. A transcendental equation in ω (microwave frequency) is obtained that governs the mode propagation. In addition, an attempt is made to examine the effect of density inhomogeneity on the energy gain acquired by the electron (electron bunch) when it is injected in the waveguide along the direction of the mode propagation. On the basis of angle of deflection of the electron motion we optimize the microwave parameters so that the electron does not strike with the waveguide walls. Conditions have been discussed for achieving larger energy gain. The plasma density inhomogeneity is found to play a crucial role on the cutoff frequency, fields and dispersion relation of the TE10 mode as well as on the acceleration gradient in the waveguide.
Low-energy nuclear transitions in subrelativistic laser-generated plasmas
Authors: Renner O. , Juha L. , Krasa J. , Krousky E. , Pfeifer M. , Velyhan A. , Granja C. , Jakubek J. , Linhart V. , Slavicek T. , Vykydal Z. , Pospisil S. , Kravarik J. , Ullschmied J. , Andreev A.A. , Kämpfer T. , Uschmann I. , Förster E.
Published: June 2008

The aim of the reported research is to contribute to investigation of new processes and methods interlinking nuclear and laser-plasma physics. With respect to requirements of nuclear experiments at medium-size high-power lasers, the selection of proper candidates for studying the excitation and decay of low-lying nuclear states is reviewed. An experimental approach to the identification of low-energy nuclear transitions is discussed, simple estimates of the 181Ta excitation yield in the laser-generated plasma provide a theoretical basis for planning future work. First tests and results of the experiments at the laser facility PALS are presented.
China's Foreign Policy in Sport: The Primacy of National Security and Territorial Integrity Concerning the Taiwan Question
Authors: Yu Junwei
Published: June 2008

Traditionally, research that examines foreign policy in sport often revolves around the prestige, status, welfare and protection of ethnic or human kin. However, this article argues that from the outset, China's foreign policy on sport vis-à-vis Taiwan has placed national security and territorial integrity as its number one priority. Chinese leaders have developed a carrot-and-stick policy. On the one hand, an “Olympic formula” has been devised enabling Taiwan to participate in non-governmental international organizations such as the Olympics. On the other hand, a “one China principle” has been imposed, to treat Taiwan as a local province that ceases to be a sovereign state. The 2008 Beijing Olympics is a perfect arena for China to use the two doctrines interchangeably.
Learning to Co-operate: China's Multilateral Approach to Asian Financial Co-operation
Authors: Sohn Injoo
Published: June 2008

This study explains the ideational sources of China's proactive multilateral diplomacy towards Asian financial co-operation by employing a learning thesis. Challenging prominent materialist explanations (power-transition thesis, realist balancing thesis and economic utility thesis), this study argues that the collective learning of Chinese policy elites through cognitive dissonance, feedback effects and transnational persuasion explains much of the change in China's relational identity and philosophical beliefs regarding regional co-operation. These prior ideational shifts helped to determine China's behaviour change from its muted opposition to Asian financial co-operation in the 1990s to its active support of regional financial co-operation in the early 2000s, as evidenced in the emergence of the Chiang Mai Initiative, Chinese–Japanese–South Korean trilateral financial co-operation and the Asian Bond Fund Initiative. Chinese learning also suggests that more fundamental changes in China's national preference may make its support for Asian financial co-operation more consistent and stable in the foreseeable future than sceptics might anticipate.
Feminization of Agriculture in China? Myths Surrounding Women's Participation in Farming
Authors: de Brauw Alan , Li Qiang , Liu Chengfang , Rozelle Scott , Zhang Linxiu
Published: June 2008

The goals of this article are to help build a clear picture of the role of women in China's agriculture, to assess whether or not agricultural feminization has been occurring, and if so, to measure its impact on labour use, productivity and welfare. The article uses two high quality data sets to explore who is working on China's farms and the effects of the labour allocation decisions of rural households on labour use, productivity and welfare. It makes three main contributions. First, we establish a conceptual framework within which to define the different dimensions of agricultural feminization and its expected consequences. Second, as a contribution to the China literature and contrary to popular perceptions, we believe we have mostly debunked the myth that China's agriculture is becoming feminized; it is not. We also find that even if women were taking over farms, the consequences in China would be mostly positive – from a labour supply, productivity and income point of view. Finally, there may be some lessons for the rest of the world on what policies and institutions help make women productive when they work on and manage a nation's agricultural sector. Policies that ensure equal access to land, regulations that dictate open access to credit, and economic development strategies that encourage competitive and efficient markets all contribute to an environment in which women farmers can succeed.
Message in a Bottle: Lyrical Laments and Emotional Expression in Mandopop
Authors: Moskowitz Marc L.
Published: June 2008

This article explores the ubiquitous themes of loneliness, isolation and anomie in Mandopop (Mandarin Chinese language pop music). This is not to imply that people in the PRC and Taiwan are lonelier than people from other countries but, rather, that being human they experience these emotions. What is distinctive here is that Mandopop becomes a primary conduit to express feelings that are sanctioned in daily speech. The article addresses these concerns and uses in-depth interviews in Shanghai and Taipei to find out why Mandopop's themes of loneliness and isolation are so resonant to its fans.
Japanese Occupation, Shanghai Exiles, and Postwar Hong Kong Cinema
Authors: Fu Poshek
Published: June 2008

This article explores a little-explored subject in a critical period of the history of Hong Kong and China. Shortly after the surrender of Japan in 1945, China was in the throes of civil war between the Nationalists and Communists while British colonial rule was restored in Hong Kong, The communist victory in 1949 deepened the Cold War in Asia. In this chaotic and highly volatile context, the flows and linkages between Shanghai and Hong Kong intensified as many Chinese sought refuge in the British colony. This Shanghai–Hong Kong nexus played a significant role in the rebuilding of the post-war Hong Kong film industry and paved the way for its transformation into the capital of a global pan-Chinese cinema in the 1960s and 1970s. Focusing on a study of the cultural, political and business history of post-war Hong Kong cinema, this article aims to open up new avenues to understand 20th-century Chinese history and culture through the translocal and regional perspective of the Shanghai–Hong Kong nexus.
Status and habitat changes in the endangered Spanish Imperial Eagle Aquila adalberti population during 1974–2004: implications for its recovery
Authors: Mariano González Luis , Oria Javier , Sánchez Roberto , Margalida Antoni , Aranda Antonio , Prada Luis , Caldera Javier , Ignacio Molina José
Published: June 2008

The distribution and abundance of Spanish Imperial Eagle Aquila adalberti populations between 1974 and 2004 were determined using information from national censuses. Its breeding area occupies the south-western quadrant of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) and is composed of 13 nuclei and 5 subpopulations. Since 1974, population levels in all nuclei, except the one in Doñana, have expanded. The non-breeding dispersion area, according to sightings of juvenile and immature individuals in quadrants of 10 x 10 km, coincided with that of the breeding area. Bibliographical information showed that halfway through the 19th century the Spanish Imperial Eagle was considered abundant, at least locally; and most cited breeding areas were in relatively human-occupied plains. Towards the end of the 19th century the population became scarce; remaining so for most of the 20th century, with remote mountain ranges being the most cited breeding habitats. The comparison between the data from the first census, in 1974, that located 38 territorial pairs, and the 2004 census that located 198 pairs, shows that: 1) percentages of pairs in plains have increased, while those in mountains have decreased; 2) the trophic quality of the habitat, based on rabbit abundance, has decreased, and 3) numbers of nests in both protected areas and on private ground have increased significantly. The type of land ownership did not seem to affect breeding performance. Populations have increased more outside protected areas than within, despite the availability of potential habitat. In the past century, legal protection and attitude changes towards this eagle seem to have been influential in preventing its extinction. At present, habitat management seems also to be an important factor in its continuing recovery.
Diet and Breeding Biology of Asian Golden Weaver (Ploceus hypoxanthus)
Authors: Sankamethawee Wangworn , Nimnuan Somchai , Sripanomyom Siriya , Pobprasert Korakoch , Pierce Andrew J. , Round Philip D. , Gale George A.
Published: June 2008

The Asian Golden Weaver (Ploceus hypoxanthus) occurs in Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia and inhabits marshes, grasslands, reeds and rice fields close to water in the lowlands (Robson 2000) and natural waterholes in lowland dry dipterocarp forest (Round 1998). It is globally ‘Near-threatened’ due to habitat loss through the conversion of wetlands to agricultural and settlement areas (BirdLife International 2007). In Thailand it is local and uncommon in the north, north-east and central regions (Lekagul and Round 1991, Robson 2000). However, no quantitative data are available regarding its ecological requirements. Our objectives were to collect basic ecological data on: i) population structure, ii) nesting habitat characteristics, iii) food selection and foraging behaviour, and iv) parental care at the nest.
Introduction to Special Issue: The Plus Ultra of Empirical Research
Authors: Hunter John
Published: June 2008

Recent advances in cognitive science and neuroscience (CSN) have allowed scientists to begin to address questions that were heretofore considered the province of the humanities. Growing out of a 2007 conference at Bucknell University, this volume explores recent research in many different areas that combines the methods and perspectives of both the humanities and CSN. This introduction argues that the barriers to such work (such as the opposition between objective scientific research and subjective humanistic research) are purely of our own making and in no way absolute; it further asserts that the articles herein demonstrate that the potential benefits of interdisciplinary study far outweigh the risks. There is no fixed method for interdisciplinarity. Its success depends on respect for the particulars of each research question and the imagination to see what combinations of different disciplines might work best.
Ecological Moral Realism: An Alternative Theoretical Framework for Studying Moral Psychology
Authors: Jayawickreme Eranda , Chemero Anthony
Published: June 2008

The authors propose that the empirical study of human moral behavior as undertaken by positive psychologists, psychologists interested in the study of values, and experimental ethicists can be normative at its core, yet also remain truly scientific. To do this, those interested in the empirical study of human moral behavior should consider the concept of affordances, which is central to the Gibsonian ecological psychology tradition, as an approach to studying virtues and strengths. From this perspective, virtues can be better defined as part of moral analogues of affordances (MAAs). Just as the affordance “being-climbable” is a relation between climbing ability and height, so one can similarly define a MAA as an opportunity for moral behavior. Virtues, on this account, would be defined as abilities to behave appropriately in morally relevant situations. If one studies virtues as components of MAAs, virtues are only comprehensible in terms of morally relevant situations. Similarly, morally relevant situations are comprehensible only in terms of abilities to behave appropriately in them, that is, in terms of virtues. We believe that such an approach holds many advantages.
The Diverging Force of Imitation: Integrating Cognitive Science and Hermeneutics
Authors: Keestra Machiel
Published: June 2008

Recent research on infant and animal imitation and on mirror neuron systems has brought imitation back in focus in psychology and cognitive science. This topic has always been important for philosophical hermeneutics as well, focusing on theory and method of understanding. Unfortunately, relations between the scientific and the hermeneutic approaches to imitation and understanding have scarcely been investigated, to the loss of both disciplines. In contrast to the cognitive scientific emphasis on sharing and convergence of representations, the hermeneutic analysis emphasizes the indeterminacy and openness of action understanding due to preunderstanding, action configuration, and the processual nature of understanding. This article discusses empirical evidence in support of these aspects and concludes that hermeneutics can contribute to the scientific investigation of imitation and understanding. Since, conversely, some grounding—and constraining—aspects of hermeneutics may be derived from cognitive science, both should be integrated in a multilevel explanation of imitation and understanding. This holds also for explanations that are largely based on mirror neuron systems, since these appear to be sensitive to developmental and experiential factors, too.
Understanding Understanding: An Evolutionary Autonomous Agent Approach
Authors: Borrett Donald S. , Kwan Hon C.
Published: June 2008

Two poles of understanding define the hermeneutic circle: gestalt understanding, in which the experience of a text or piece of music is apprehended as a unity, and conceptual understanding, in which the work is broken down into more determinate parts. In our sensory-motor interaction with the world, the environment is composed of discrete objects, but there is also an omnipresent gestalt background of nonrepresentational practices that confer meaning on these objects. It is argued that neuroscience can provide an explanation of how a physical system instantiates these types of understanding. A naturalized version of temporality, that extended temporal horizon that frames the flux of sensible experience and confers meaning on it, is equated with the dynamical system concept of temporal hierarchical organization. With this naturalized concept of temporality, it is demonstrated how the two poles of understanding that define the hermeneutic circle can emerge in an evolutionary autonomous agent as those dynamics best suited to maintain optimal grip in that particular agent.
Nativism and Neurobiology: Representations, Representing, and the Continuum of Cognition
Authors: Merritt Michele
Published: June 2008

Whether or not the mind contains innately specified representations is highly contestable, especially in light of neurobiological evidence for the plasticity of the brain. In what follows, I provide an overview of the debate as it now stands and a discussion of the possibility, proposed by Clark (1998) and others, that representations need not be localized and are better understood as distributed systems. I then seek to tie the debate into a similar controversy surrounding the architecture of the mind. While advocates of modularity find arguments for innately specified and domain-specific representations palatable, as the thesis of innateness only strengthens their claims, favorers of a more domain-general learning mechanism are not convinced by arguments for innate specificity and instead insist that representations emerge or are learned. Rather than come down on one side of these issues, I propose, in the spirit of Cundall (2006), that cognition is more aptly conceived of as a continuum: the domains by which certain “representers” are constrained turn out to be innate, while many of the complex representations, in particular, higher-level social–cognitive representations, come from more general learning and development. Thus, the problem of reconciling nativism and neurobiology turns out to be a matter not of choosing one of two extremes, but instead, adopting an intermediary view.
Arachidonic acid and ion channels: an update
Authors: Meves H
Published: June 2008

Arachidonic acid (AA), a polyunsaturated fatty acid with four double bonds, has multiple actions on living cells. Many of these effects are mediated by an action of AA or its metabolites on ion channels. During the last 10 years, new types of ion channels, transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, store‐operated calcium entry (SOCE) channels and non‐SOCE channels have been studied. This review summarizes our current knowledge about the effects of AA on TRP and non‐SOCE channels as well as classical ion channels. It aims to distinguish between effects of AA itself and effects of AA metabolites. Lipid mediators are of clinical interest because some of them (for example, leukotrienes) play a role in various diseases, others (such as prostaglandins) are targets for pharmacological therapeutic intervention.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 155, 4–16; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.216; published online 16 June 2008
Brivaracetam: a rational drug discovery success story
Authors: Rogawski M A
Published: June 2008

Levetiracetam, the α‐ethyl analogue of the nootropic piracetam, is a widely used antiepileptic drug (AED) that provides protection against partial seizures and is also effective in the treatment of primary generalized seizure syndromes including juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Levetiracetam was discovered in 1992 through screening in audiogenic seizure susceptible mice and, 3 years later, was reported to exhibit saturable, stereospecific binding in brain to a ∼90 kDa protein, later identified as the ubiquitous synaptic vesicle glycoprotein SV2A. A large‐scale screening effort to optimize binding affinity identified the 4‐n‐propyl analogue, brivaracetam, as having greater potency and a broadened spectrum of activity in animal seizure models. Recent phase II clinical trials demonstrating that brivaracetam is efficacious and well tolerated in the treatment of partial onset seizures have validated the strategy of the discovery programme. Brivaracetam is among the first clinically effective AEDs to be discovered by optimization of pharmacodynamic activity at a molecular target.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 154, 1555–1557; doi:fn1; published online 16 June 2008