bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fair Value Accounting for Liabilities and Own Credit Risk
Authors: Barth Mary E. , Hodder Leslie D. , Stubben Stephen R.
Published: May 2008

We find that equity returns associated with credit risk changes are attenuated by the debt value effect of the credit risk changes, as Merton (1974) predicts. We find that the relation between credit risk changes and equity returns is significantly less negative for firms with more debt—controlling for asset value changes, credit risk increases (decreases) are associated with equity value increases (decreases). This result obtains across credit risk levels. The relation is associated with changes in both expected cash flows and systematic risk, as reflected in analyst earnings forecasts and equity cost of capital. By inverting the Merton (1974) model, we provide descriptive evidence that if unrecognized debt value changes were recognized in income, but not unrecognized asset value changes, most credit upgrade (downgrade) firms would recognize lower (higher) income. These potentially counterintuitive income effects primarily are attributable to incomplete recognition of contemporaneous asset value changes. However, for a substantial majority of downgrade firms we find that recognized asset write-downs exceed unrecognized gains from debt value decreases. This mitigates concerns that income effects from recognizing changes in debt values would be anomalous for such firms.
Stock Options, R&D, and the R&D Tax Credit
Authors: Brown Jennifer L. , Krull Linda K.
Published: May 2008

Two separate streams of research find evidence that firms decrease R&D spending to meet earnings benchmarks and that the R&D tax credit increases R&D spending. However, these studies do not consider stock option exercises by R&D employees that likely influence R&D spending decisions because they increase R&D tax credits without reducing reported earnings. This study extends both areas of research by incorporating R&D tax credits from stock option exercises into the R&D spending decision. We find evidence that firms reduce R&D spending by 0.46 percent of total assets to avoid earnings decreases, but R&D tax credits generated by stock option exercises offset this decrease by 16 percent on average and up to 42 percent for a fully taxable firm. The results of this study suggest that the tax benefits of R&D-related stock option exercises are important considerations in studies that investigate myopic R&D investment and in studies that investigate the effect of the R&D tax credit on R&D spending.
On the Determinants of Measurement Error in Time-Driven Costing
Authors: Cardinaels Eddy , Labro Eva
Published: May 2008

Although employees' time estimates are used extensively for costing purposes, they are prone to measurement error. In an experimental setting, we research how measurement error in time estimates varies with: (1) the level of aggregation in the definition of costing system activities (aggregated or disaggregated); (2) task coherence (the extent to which the activities that require time estimates present themselves coherently or incoherently); and (3) when notice is given that time estimates will be required (in advance or after the fact), that is, whether participants know that time estimates will be required before they perform the activities. We also test on response mode (estimates in percentages or absolute time units). The results suggest an important trade-off between the level of aggregation and measurement error: increasing aggregation in the definition of activities leads to lower measurement error. Also, advance notification reduces measurement error, especially in settings with aggregated activities or incoherent tasks. Finally, we find a strong overestimation bias when participants provide time estimates in minutes, which may be problematic for Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing that advocates the use of estimates in minutes. These results are relevant to accountants and decision makers who want to assess and control the measurement error in their costing system and to professionals in related areas that make use of time estimates (e.g., billing, tendering).
The Human Lipodystrophy Gene BSCL2/Seipin May Be Essential for Normal Adipocyte Differentiation
Authors: Payne Victoria A. , Grimsey Neil , Tuthill Antoinette , Virtue Sam , Gray Sarah L. , Dalla Nora Edoardo , Semple Robert K. , O'Rahilly Stephen , Rochford Justin J.
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE—Berardinelli-Seip congenital lipodystrophy type 2 (BSCL2) is a recessive disorder featuring near complete absence of adipose tissue. Remarkably, although the causative gene, BSCL2, has been known for several years, its molecular function and its role in adipose tissue development have not been elucidated. Therefore, we examined whether BSCL2 is involved in the regulation of adipocyte differentiation and the mechanism whereby pathogenic mutations in BSCL2 cause lipodystrophy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Following the characterization of BSCL2 expression in developing adipocytes, C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal stem cells were generated in which BSCL2 expression was knocked down using short hairpin RNA (shRNA). These cells were used to investigate whether BSCL2 is required for adipogenesis. BSCL2 constructs harboring pathogenic mutations known to cause lipodystrophy were also generated and characterized.

RESULTS— BSCL2 expression was strongly induced during adipocyte differentiation, and the induction of BSCL2 expression was essential for adipogenesis to occur. The initial induction of key adipogenic transcription factors, including peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR)γ and CAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α, was preserved in cells lacking BSCL2. However, the expression of these critical factors was not sustained, suggesting that the activity of PPARγ was impaired. Moreover, expression of key genes mediating triglyceride synthesis, including AGPAT2, lipin 1, and DGAT2, was persistently reduced and lipid accumulation was inhibited. Analysis of pathogenic missense mutants of BSCL2 revealed that the amino acid substitution A212P causes aberrant targeting of BSCL2 within the cell, suggesting that subcellular localization of BSCL2 may be critical to its function.

CONCLUSIONS—This study demonstrates that BSCL2 is an essential, cell-autonomous regulator of adipogenesis.
Effects of age, period, and cohort on stroke mortality among the Lithuanian urban population during the 24-year follow-up period
Authors: Rėklaitienė Regina , Noreika Marius , Tamošiūnas Abdonas , Virvičiūtė Dalia , Šopagienė Diana
Published: May 2008

The main purpose of this paper was to assess the effects of age, period, and cohort on stroke mortality among the urban Lithuanian population. Routine stroke mortality data among the Lithuanian urban population aged 25–64 years (1041 men and 724 women) between 1980 and 2004 were obtained from the official Kaunas region mortality register and classified by codes 430–438 and 160–169 in the 9th and 10th revisions of the International Classifications of Diseases (ICD), respectively. Mortality rates per 100,000 persons for men and women were age-adjusted using the age distribution of the European Standard Population. Goodness of fit of the Poisson regression models was evaluated using the Pearson and Freeman-Tukey residuals. During the study period, mortality rates decreased from 46.8 to 33.0 per 100,000 for men, and from 20.2 to 18.1 per 100,000 for women (average annual decrease of −1.3%, p<0.1 for men, and −1.6%, p<0.03 for women). An age effect was present in both sexes. The definite upward period effect was observed from 1990 to 1994 both among men and women, and was followed by a sharp fall during 2000–2004. Cohort and period effects have contained relevant information that partially explained trends in stroke mortality among 25–64 year-olds in the Lithuanian urban population. The Poisson regression models could be applied for the examination and explanation of the different causes of the population mortality.
Registration of DGE‐1, Durum Wheat Alien Disomic Addition Line with Resistance to Fusarium Head Blight
Authors: Jauhar Prem P. , Peterson Terrance S.
Published: May 2008

The durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L.) alien disomic addition line, DGE‐1 (Reg No. GS‐156, PI 645483), was developed by the USDA‐ARS, Cereal Crops Research Unit, Northern Crop Science Laboratory, Fargo, ND and released in 2006. DGE‐1 (2n = 28 + 2) possesses an additional pair of chromosomes from diploid wheatgrass, Lophopyrum elongatum (Host) Á. Löve (2n = 2x = 14; EE genome) conferring resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by the fungus Fusarium graminearum Schwabe. The pedigree of DGE‐1 is [(Langdon/L. elongatum//Langdon)*1/Langdon]*8. The (Langdon × L. elongatum) F1 hybrid (2n = 2x = 21; ABE genomes) was backcrossed with the recurrent Langdon parent, then selfed for one generation, and backcrossed again before selfing for several cycles. The addition line with FHB resistance (less than 21% on the visual scale; mean = 6.5% in the generation before release) was obtained by selecting for resistance in each generation after the durum wheat chromosome complement was reconstituted with the added alien chromosome in one and later in double dose. The extra chromosome involved is 1E of L. elongatum
Registration of Arkot 9608ne Germplasm Line of Cotton
Authors: Bourland Fred M. , Jones Don C.
Published: May 2008

Arkot 9608ne (Reg. No. GP‐888, PI 651854) is a noncommercial breeding line of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) that was released by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station in August 2007. The line was selected from a 1996 cross of ‘MD51ne’ and Arkot 8712, and possesses the nectariless and smooth‐leaf morphological traits. Lint yields of Arkot 9608ne have approximated commercial check cultivars with highest relative yields achieved in north Mississippi River Delta locations. Arkot 9608ne is early maturing and possesses improved fiber length and strength. The combinations of nectariless, smooth leaf, longer fiber length, stronger fiber strength, and specific yield adaptation and host plant resistance traits make this line valuable to cotton breeding programs.
Registration of ‘CP 88‐1165’ Sugarcane
Authors: Juárez Jorge L. , Miller Jimmy D. , Orozco Héctor , Solares Edgar , Tai Peter Y. P. , Comstock Jack C. , Glaz Barry , Quemé de León José L. , Ovalle Werner , Edmé Serge J. , Glynn Neil C. , Deren Christopher W.
Published: May 2008

‘CP 88‐1165’ (Reg. No. CV‐131, PI 651884) sugarcane (a complex hybrid of Saccharum spp.) was developed through cooperative research conducted by the USDA–ARS, the Centro Guatemalteco de Investigación y Capacitación de la Caña de Azucar, and the University of Florida. It was released to growers in Guatemala in September 2004. CP 88‐1165 was selected from the cross ‘CL 61‐620’ × CP 81‐1302 made at Canal Point, FL, in January 1986. The female parent, CL 61‐620, formerly a major commercial cultivar in Florida, was developed by a private breeding program in Clewiston, FL, conducted by the United States Sugar Corp. The male parent, CP 81‐1302, was advanced to the final testing stage (Stage 4) of the Canal Point (CP) cultivar development program but was not released due to susceptibility to brown rust (caused by Puccinia melanocephala Syd. & P. Syd.). CP 88‐1165 was not released in Florida because of its susceptibility to brown rust and low yield of commercial recoverable sucrose. However, after testing in Guatemala, CP 88‐1165 was released there because of its high plant cane and ratoon per hectare yields of cane and sucrose and its acceptable resistance or tolerance to smut [caused by Ustilago scitaminea (Sydow & P. Sydow], brown rust, Sugarcane mosaic virus strain E (mosaic), Sugarcane yellow leaf virus, and red stripe (Acidovorax avenae subsp. avenae) in Guatemala.
Registration of TAM 01E‐22 Upland Cotton Germplasm Line with Improved Fiber Bundle Strength
Authors: Smith C. W. , Thaxton P. S. , Hague S. , Hequet E. , Jones D.
Published: May 2008

TAM 01E‐22 upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) germplasm line (Reg. No. GP‐889, PI 652865) was developed by the Cotton Improvement Laboratory, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences and released in 2007 by Texas AgriLife Research. TAM 01E‐22 exhibits high volume instrument (HVI) Upper Half Mean fiber length and HVI fiber bundle strength exceeding the best medium staple uplands commonly grown by Texas producers for these traits. All other HVI fiber properties are within acceptable ranges and lint yield potential is lower than current cultivars.
Thermal, mechanical, and dielectric properties of novel fluorinated copoly(imide siloxane)s
Authors: Ghosh Anindita , Banerjee Susanta
Published: May 2008

Eight new poly(imidesiloxane)s copolymers have been prepared by one‐pot solution imidization method. The polymers are made by the reaction of bisphenol‐A dianhydride (BPADA) with four different fluorinated diamines and amino‐propyl terminated polydimethylsiloxane (APPS). The polymers are named as 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d, respectively, with a siloxane loading of 40 wt %. The second series of polymers where siloxane loading is 20 wt % were named as 1e, 1f, 1g, and 1h. The resulting polymers have been well‐characterized by GPC, IR, and NMR techniques. The proton NMR indicates the siloxane loading is about 36–38% for the first series of polymers 1a–1d and a loading of 17–18% for the series of polymers 1e–1h. The films of these polymers showed low water absorption of 0.02% for the first series of polymers and 0.11% for the second series of polymers. Thermal, mechanical, and dielectric properties of these polymers have been evaluated and compared with their nonsiloxane analogues. Preliminary investigations of melt processability of these polymers were also investigated. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Effects of molding pressure on the warpage and the viscoelasticities of HVQFN packages
Authors: Gui D. Y. , Ernst L. J. , Jansen K. M. B. , Yang D. G. , Goumans L. , Bressers H. J. L. , Janssen J. H. J.
Published: May 2008

Molding temperature, molding pressure, and time are three major parameters affecting the curing quality of molding materials. In this article, the effect of molding pressure on warpage of HVQFN packages is studied. The typical map‐chips with 65% silica particle‐filled epoxy resin are manufactured under five molding pressure levels from 1.8 to 12.3 MPa. The curvature measurements are performed for the packages after demolding and postcuring, respectively. The viscoelastic tensile relaxation modulus of molding materials is obtained by using dynamic mechanical analysis. The characterization of evolution of equilibrium moduli is analyzed for future modification of the model. The experimental results show that the molding pressure has a significant effect on the warpage after molding as well as after postcuring of HVQFN packages. The curvatures of HVQFN packages at both lower (1.8 MPa) and higher molding pressures (12.27 MPa) are about 45% less than the average max curvature at 3.6–8.66 MPa. The molding pressure has obvious influences on the glassy Young's modulus but has little effects on the rubbery modulus and relaxation time of the package materials. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Crosslinking of mixtures of DGEBA with 1,6‐dioxaspiro[4,4]nonan‐2,7‐dione initiated by tertiary amines. I. Study of the reaction and kinetic analysis
Authors: Fernández‐Francos Xavier , Salla Josep M. , Mantecón Ana , Serra Àngels , Ramis Xavier
Published: May 2008

The anionic copolymerization of a Diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) epoxy resin and a bislactone has been studied with different initiators. The kinetics of the process has been dealt with in detail, and it has been detected the existence of different competing curing mechanisms: a quasi‐alternating copolymerization between the epoxy monomer and the bislactone, and homopolymerization of the epoxy resin. In presence of an excess of DGEBA, the copolymerization first takes place, and then the excess of epoxy monomer can homopolymerize. The bislactone induces an apparent accelerating effect because it reduces the extent of epoxy homopolymerization and therefore the termination reactions associated with it, thus allowing a complete cure with a reduced amount of initiator. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Are individuals with lower neutrophil oxidative burst activity more prone to Helicobacter pylori infection?
Authors: Matsuzaka Masashi , Fukuda Shinsaku , Yamai Kiyonori , Tsuya Ryousuke , Fukuoka Yu , Takahashi Ippei , Yaegaki Makoto , Shimoyama Tadashi , Sakamoto Juichi , Umeda Takashi , Nakaji Shigeyuki
Published: May 2008

Helicobacter pylori infection has been reported to cause enhanced reactive oxygen species in the gastric mucosa. We examined the relationship between H. pylori infection and neutrophil function of peripheral blood. The subjects were 904 volunteers who participated in the Iwaki Health Promotion Project in 2005. 158 subjects who were infected with H. pylori in 2005 also participated in this project in 2006 and were categorized into two groups: the eradication group, in which H. pylori was successfully eradicated during the 12 month period, and the non‐eradication group, in which eradication was unsuccessful or the subjects did not receive eradication therapy. The laboratory assays performed were: a titre of H. pylori antibody; neutrophil counts; and oxidative burst activity (OBA) of neutrophils. Logistic regression analysis was executed, with H. pylori infection as the dependent variable and other items as the independent variables. OBA showed an inverse association with H. pylori infection in 2005. Additionally, when comparing the eradication and non‐eradication groups, the change rates of OBA between 2005 and 2006 did not show any significant difference. It was concluded that H. pylori infection does not lower OBA, but those individuals in whom OBA was lower were more prone to H. pylori infection. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flow‐injection determination of cysteine in pharmaceuticals based on luminol–persulphate chemiluminescence detection
Authors: Waseem Amir , Yaqoob Mohammad , Nabi Abdul
Published: May 2008

A flow injection (FI) method is reported for the determination of l‐cysteine, based on its enhancement on chemiluminescence (CL) emission of luminol oxidized by sodium persulphate in alkaline solution. The calibration graph was linear over the range 1.0 × 10–9–5.0 × 10–7 mol/L (r2 = 0.9992), with relative standard deviations (RSDs) in the range 1.1–2.3% (n = 4). The limit of detection (3σ blank) was 5.0 × 10–10 mol/L with a sample throughput of 120/h. The method was applied to pharmaceuticals and the results obtained were in reasonable agreement with the amount labelled. The proposed method was also applied to cysteine in synthetic amino acid mixtures. Calibration graphs of N‐acetylcysteine and glutathione over the range 1.0–50 × 10–8 and 0.5–7.5 × 10–7 mol/L were also established (r2 = 0.998 and 0.9986) with RSDs in the range 1.0–2.0% (n = 4), and the limits of detection (3σ blank) were 5.0 × 10–9 and 1.0 × 10–8 mol/L, respectively. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spectroscopic studies on the interaction of lanthanum(III) 2‐oxo‐propionic acid salicyloyl hydrazone complex with bovine serum albumin
Authors: Zhang Ye‐Zhong , Chen Xiao‐Xia , Dai Jie , Zhang Xiao‐Ping , Liu Yan‐Xia , Liu Yi
Published: May 2008

The interaction of lanthanum(III) 2‐oxo‐propionic acid salicyloyl hydrazone complex (LaIIIL2) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was studied under physiological conditions. Fluorescence spectroscopy in combination with UV‐vis absorption and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy were used to investigate the binding mechanism, binding constants and conformational changes of BSA in the presence of LaIIIL2. It was found that the fluorescence quenching of BSA by LaIIIL2 resulted mainly from the formation of a LaIIIL2–BSA complex. The enthalpy change (δH) and entropy change (δS) were found to be –41.03 kJ/mol and –32.61 J/mol/K, respectively, which indicated that van der Waals' interactions and hydrogen bonds were the predominant intermolecular force in stabilizing the complex. The distance r between the donor (BSA) and acceptor (LaIIIL2) was found to be 4.35 nm, according to Förster theory of non‐radioactive energy transfer. Moreover, the conformational changes of BSA by LaIIIL2 were analysed by means of synchronous fluorescence spectra, CD and three‐dimensional fluorescence spectra. The experiment results confirmed some microenvironmental and conformational changes of BSA molecules in the presence of LaIIIL2. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring neutrophil functions might be a good predictive marker of overtraining in athletes
Authors: Yaegaki Makoto , Umeda Takashi , Takahashi Ippei , Yamamoto Yousuke , Kojima Arata , Tanabe Masaru , Yamai Kiyonori , Matsuzaka Masashi , Sugawara Norio , Nakaji Shigeyuki
Published: May 2008

In order to develop a predictive marker of overtraining in athletes, we examined the changes in neutrophil function [reactive oxygen species (ROS) production capability and phagocytic activity (PA)] for 10 male and 13 female judoists attending a training camp. Measurements were taken four times in total—immediately before and after a 2 h unified exercise loading (UEL) performed 1 day before (Pre‐Camp) and the day after the 7 day training camp (Post‐Camp). UEL‐mediated aspartate aminotransferase was higher at Post‐Camp than at Pre‐Camp in females but not in males. Post‐Camp leukocyte/neutrophil counts after the UEL significantly increased in females but not in males. The rate of change in C4 was significantly smaller in females than in males at Post‐Camp. Only ROS significantly decreased without any compensation (increase in PA) being made at Post‐Camp in females. In conclusion, this finding, namely that ROS significantly decreased only at Post‐Camp without any compensatory mechanism (increase in PA), would suggest that the training camp imposed greater loading on females than males. This consideration was supported by the atypical aspartate aminotransferase, leukocyte/neutrophil counts and C4 findings which were seen at Post‐Camp only in females. Therefore, regularly examining neutrophil functions such as ROS and PA might be a good preventative measure against overtraining in athletes participating in training camps. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A quantitative study of factors affecting in vivo bioluminescence imaging
Authors: Cui Kemi , Xu Xiaoyin , Zhao Hong , Wong Stephen T. C.
Published: May 2008

In vivo bioluminescence imaging (BLI) has the advantages of high sensitivity and low background. By counting the number of photons emitted from a specimen, BLI can quantify biological events such as tumour growth, gene expression and drug response. The intensities and kinetics of the BL signal are affected by many factors and may confound the quantitative results acquired from consecutive imaging sessions or different specimens. We used three different mouse models of tumours to examine whether anaesthetics, positioning and tumour growth may affect the consistency of the BL signal. The results showed that BLI signal could be affected by different anaesthetics and repetitive positioning. Using the same anaesthetics produced consistent peak times, while other factors were held constant. However, as the tumours grew the peak times shifted and the time course of BL signals had different shapes, depending on the positioning of the mice. The data indicate that a carefully designed BLI experiment is required to generate optimal and consistent results. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oscillating chemiluminescence with thiosemicarbazide in a batch reactor
Authors: Sorouraddin M. H. , Iranifam M.
Published: May 2008

Oscillating chemical reactions are complex systems involving a large number of chemical species. In oscillating chemical reactions, some species, usually reaction intermediates, exhibit fluctuations in their concentration. In this report, a novel slowly‐damped oscillating chemiluminescence produced by the addition of thiosemicarbazide (TSC) to the oscillating system H2O2–KSCN–CuSO4–NaOH was investigated. Narrow and slightly asymmetric light pulses of 1.5 s half‐width are emitted at 440 nm, with an oscillation period of 22–363 s, an induction period of 9–397 s and an emitted light time of 700–1500 s, depending on reagent concentrations. In this study the dependence of the induction period and the oscillation period on the reagent concentrations was investigated and both parameters were plotted with respect to reagent concentrations. Copper concentration showed a significant effect on the oscillation period. A possible mechanism for the oscillating chemiluminescence reaction is discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microvalve‐assisted patterning platform for measuring cellular dynamics based on 3D cell culture
Authors: Kim Minseok S. , Lee Wonhye , Kim Yu Chang , Park Je‐Kyun
Published: May 2008

A microfluidic platform to satisfy both 3D cell culture and cell‐based assay is required for credible assay results and improved assay concept in drug discovery. In this article, we demonstrate a microvalve‐assisted patterning (MAP) platform to provide a new method for investigating cellular dynamics by generating a linear concentration gradient of a drug as well as to realize 3D cell culture in a microenvironment. The MAP platform was fabricated by multilayer soft lithography and several microvalves made it possible to pattern a cell–matrix (scaffold) and to exchange media solutions without breaking cell–matrix structure in a microchannel. This approach provides not only exact fluids control, bubble removal, and stable solution exchange in a microchannel, but also reliable scaffold fabrication and 3D cell culture. In this study, hepatotoxicity tests with human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cells (HepG2) were also performed in real‐time monitoring where cell morphologies exposed to different drug concentrations were observed at a time. Compared to 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, the MAP platform could be used to reduce drug amount and assay time for cell‐based assays as much as 10 and 3 times, respectively. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;101: 1005–1013. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bullying behaviour in secondary schools: what roles do teachers play?
Authors: James Deborah J. , Lawlor Maria , Courtney Pat , Flynn Ann , Henry Bernie , Murphy Niamh
Published: May 2008

Teachers have an important role to play in the management and prevention of bullying. Although many anti‐bullying programmes advocate a ‘whole school approach’, they tend to focus on student‐student behaviours and rarely examine the nature of other relationships which exist in the school. This study examines bullying between students and teachers at two time points. Thirty per cent of students said they were bullied by teachers at both times. Numbers reporting they bullied teachers were 28 per cent and 16 per cent, respectively. The paper explores the important role that teachers play in dealing with bullying in a school setting by modelling appropriate behaviours and dealing with it effectively. If teachers are victimised by or engage in bullying students this has implications for the ethos within the school and may also impact on the success of anti‐bullying programmes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local circuitry in the anterior caudal lobe of the mormyrid cerebellum: Intracellular recording and labeling
Authors: Zhang Yueping , Han Phil F. , Han Victor Z.
Published: May 2008

Sagittal view of a Purkinje cell with symmetric dendritic tree from the anterior caudal lobe of the cerebellum of a mormyrid fish (Gnathonemus petersii). The cell was filled with neurobiotin in an in vitro slice preparation and tracer was revealed with red fluorescent dye. Nissl counterstaining is shown in green. The cell was photographed from a slice of 200 μm using a confocal laser scanning microscope. The cell body is located in the anterior border with the eminentia granularis anterior (upper right), and the axon was cut, probably projecting to the brainstem (for details see text). The dendritic tree is planar, extending for 500x700 μm in the sagittal plane, but only for 110 μm (optical thickness) medio‐laterally. Two smooth primary dendrites arise from the soma and give off secondary and tertiary branches irregularly in the molecular region. The dendrites become thinner and more spiny as they extend further from the cell body. J. Comp. Neurol. 509:1–22, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chemical Bonding of Fullerene and Fluorinated Fullerene on Bare and Hydrogenated Diamond
Authors: Ouyang Ti , Loh Kian Ping , Qi Dongchen , Wee Andrew Thye Shen , Nesladek Milos
Published: May 2008

We investigate the interface between a C60 fullerite film, C60F36, and diamond (100) by using core‐level photoemission spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and high‐resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS). We show that C60 can be covalently bonded to reconstructed C(100)‐2×1 and that the bonded interface is sufficiently robust to exhibit characteristic C60 redox peaks in solution. The bare diamond surface can be passivated against oxidation and hydrogenation by covalently bound C60. However, C60F36 is not as stable as C60 and desorbs below 300 °C (the latter species being stable up to 500 °C on the diamond surface). Neither C60 fullerite nor C60F36 form reactive interfaces on the hydrogenated surface—they both desorb below 300 °C. The surface transfer doping process of hydrogenated diamond by C60F36 is the most evident one among all the adsorbate systems studied (with a coverage‐dependent band bending induced by C60F36).
Hollow MgO Nanotube Arrays by Using ZnO Nanorods as Templates
Authors: Lu Hong‐Bing , Liao Lei , Li Hua , Wang Duo‐Fa , Tian Yu , Li Jin‐Chai , Fu Qiang , Zhu Ben‐Peng , Wu Yun
Published: May 2008

A newly developed solid–gas chemical reaction route has been demonstrated to fabricate MgO nanotube arrays by using prefabricated ZnO nanorods as templates. The formation process involves the Kirkendall effect, in which the out‐diffusion of the ZnO core material through the MgO shells is faster than the in‐diffusion of the vapor‐phase Mg atoms, resulting in the formation of Kirkendall voids, which eventually induces hollow MgO nanotubes. The dimensions and sizes of the obtained MgO nanotubes can be controlled by employing suitable ZnO templates. Other types of complex hollow MgO architectures with different aspect ratios can be further manipulated and fabricated by this method, depending on the morphologies of the starting ZnO nanostructures used as templates. These hollow MgO architectures with high surface‐to‐volume ratios may have promising applications in catalysis, drug delivery, nano‐optics, nanoreactors, and active material encapsulation.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Potentialities of quantile regression to predict ozone concentrations
Authors: Sousa S. I. V. , Pires J. C. M. , Martins F. G. , Pereira M. C. , Alvim‐Ferraz M. C. M.
Published: May 2008

This paper aims: (i) to analyse the influence of ozone precursors (both meteorological variables and pollutant concentrations) on ozone concentrations at different ozone levels; and (ii) to predict next day hourly ozone concentrations using a new approach based on quantile regression (QR). The performance of this model was compared with multiple linear regressions (MLR) for the three following periods: daylight, night time and all day.

QR as proven to be an useful mathematical tool to evidence the heterogeneity of ozone predictor influences at different ozone levels. Such heterogeneity is generally hidden when an ordinary least square regression model is applied. The influence of previous concentrations of ozone and nitrogen monoxide on next day ozone concentrations was higher for lower quantiles. When QR was applied, the wind direction (WD) was found to be significant in the medium quantiles and the relative humidity (RH) in the higher quantiles. On the contrary, using the MLR models, both variables were not statistically significant. Moreover, QR allowed more efficient previsions of extreme values which are very useful once the forecasting of higher concentrations is fundamental to develop strategies for protecting the public health. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Weight properties of network codes
Authors: Yang Shenghao , Yeung Raymond W. , Zhang Zhen
Published: May 2008

In this paper, we first study the error correction and detection capability of codesfor a general transmission system inspired by network error correction. For a given weight measure on the error vectors, we define a corresponding minimum weight decoder. Then we obtain a complete characterisation of the capability of a code for (1) error correction; (2) error detection and (3) joint error correctionand detection. Our results show that if the weight measure on the error vectors is the Hamming weight, the capability of a linear code is fully characterised by a single minimum distance. By contrast, for a nonlinear code, two different minimum distances are needed for characterising the capabilities of the code for error correction and for errordetection. This leads to the surprising discovery that for a nonlinear code, the numberof correctable errors can bemore than half of the number of detectable errors. We also present a framework that captures joint error correction and detection. We further define equivalence classes of weight measures with respect to a channel. Specifically, for any given code, the minimum weight decoders for two different weight measures are equivalent if the two weight measures belong to the same equivalence class. In the special case of linear network coding, we study three weight measures, and show that they are inthe same equivalence class of the Hamming weight and induce the same minimum distance as the Hamming weight. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The pattern of depressive symptoms and factor analysis of the Cornell Scale among patients in Norwegian nursing homes
Authors: Barca Maria Lage , Selbæk Geir , Laks Jerson , Engedal Knut
Published: May 2008

Background

Depression is more prevalent in subjects with dementia than in those without it. Due to both psychological and biological risk factors it is suggested that a bimodal distribution of depressive symptoms exists with higher prevalence rates being found among patients suffering both with mild and with severe dementia.

Aim

To confirm or reject the hypothesis of a bimodal distribution of depressive symptoms.

Methods

A sample of 1,159 randomly selected nursing home patients was assessed using the Cornell Scale, the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR) and Lawton's Scale of the activities of daily living. Additionally, information was collected from the patients' records. A factor analysis of the Cornell Scale was performed.

Results

The use of antidepressants and demographic characteristics, except for gender distribution, did not differ across CDR groups. Patients with dementia had more symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, agitation, retardation, loss of interest, lack of joy and delusion than those without dementia. No symptom was more frequent among non‐demented subjects. The factor analysis resulted in a five factors solution: ‘mood’, ‘cyclic’, ‘physical’, ‘retardation’ and ‘behavioural’ factor. The score on the mood subscale did not differ across CDR groups (p = 0.326), whereas the scores on the four other subscales increased with increasing CDR scores (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

We did not find a bimodal distribution of depressive symptoms. The explanation for the occurrence of the typical core symptoms of depression, the mood symptoms, is probably complex. The non‐mood symptoms are probably strongly influenced by biological factors. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Should the capability approach be applied in Health Economics?
Authors: Coast Joanna , Smith Richard , Lorgelly Paula
Published: May 2008

This editorial questions the implications of the capability approach for health economics. Two specific issues are considered: the evaluative space of capablities (as opposed to health or utility) and the decision‐making principle of maximisation. The paper argues that the capability approach can provide a richer evaluative space enabling improved evaluation of many interventions. It also argues that more thought is needed about the decision‐making principles both within the capability approach and within health economics more generally. Specifically, researchers should analyse equity‐oriented principles such as equalisation and a ‘decent minimum’ of capability, rather than presuming that the goal must be the maximisation of capability. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Therapy adapted to molecular response in patients with chronic myelogenous leukaemia in first chronic phase: results of the Duesseldorf study
Authors: Neumann Frank , Markett Judith , Fenk Roland , Pooten Monika , Koch Anne , Bruennert Daniela , Schimkus Nadine , Wulfert Michael , Royer‐Pokora Brigitte , Kronenwett Ralf , Haas Rainer , Gattermann Norbert
Published: May 2008

This study evaluates response‐adapted treatment of chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML) in chronic phase using molecular response criteria. bcr‐abl/G6PDH ratios were assessed by Light‐Cycler quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR( in 277 peripheral blood samples from 33 patients, before and every 3 months during therapy. Sixty‐six per cent (22/33) of the patients fulfiled our molecular response criterion of ≥1 log decrease in bcr‐abl transcript after 6 or ≥2 log decrease after 9 and every following 3 months. Dose escalation was necessary for 33% (11/33) of the patients. Of these, 54% (6/11) achieved a reduction of bcr‐abl mRNA by ≥2 log (n = 3) or ≥3 log (n = 3) with 800 mg Imatinib. Forty‐five per cent (5/11) showed insufficient molecular response with 800 mg Imatinib and received Nilotinib. In conclusion, the assessment of molecular response permits an individual patient‐tailored treatment of CML in first chronic phase, resulting in the majority of patients achieving a major molecular response after 2 years of therapy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of NORE1A as a putative tumor suppressor in human neuroblastoma
Authors: Geli Janos , Kogner Per , Lanner Fredrik , Natalishvili Natalia , Juhlin Christofer , Kiss Nimrod , Clark Geoffrey J. , Ekström Tomas J. , Farnebo Filip , Larsson Catharina
Published: May 2008

The putative tumor suppressor NORE1A (RASSF5) is a member of the Ras association domain family and is commonly inactivated in human cancer. The closely related gene family member and functional collaborator RASSF1A is a bona fide tumor suppressor and is frequently involved in neuroblastoma. In the present study, we sought to investigate the role of NORE1A in human neuroblastoma. A panel of tumors (36 neuroblastomas and 4 ganglioneuromas) and neuroblastoma cell lines was assessed for NORE1A gene expression by Taqman quantitative RT‐PCR. Promoter methylation was quantitatively determined by methylation sensitive pyrosequencing. The antitumourigenic role was functionally investigated in Nore1a transfected SK‐N‐BE (2) cells by fluorescent inhibition of caspase activity and BrdU incorporation assays. Neuroblastoma cells showed very low or absent NORE1A mRNA expression, which could not be reversed by trichostatin A or 5‐aza‐cytidine treatments. Neuroblastoma tumors showed suppressed NORE1A gene expression that was particularly pronounced in cases without MYCN amplification or 1p loss. Methylation of the NORE1A promoter was not observed in primary tumors and only one out of seven neuroblastoma cell lines displayed weak partial methylation. Transient expression of Nore1a resulted in enhanced apoptosis and delayed cell cycle progression. In conclusion NORE1A appears to be strongly suppressed in neuroblastic tumors and reconstitution of its expression diminishes the tumorigenic phenotype. Promotor methylation is not a common mechanism responsible for NORE1A transcriptional suppression in this tumor type. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
α1,3 fucosyltransferase‐VII up‐regulates the mRNA of α5 integrin and its biological function
Authors: Wang Qiu‐yan , Zhang Ying , Shen Zong‐hou , Chen Hui‐li
Published: May 2008

After transfection of α1,3fucosyltransferase (FucT)‐VII cDNA into H7721 human hepatocarcinoma cells, the expression of α5, but not β1 integrin was significantly up‐regulated. This was evidenced by the increase of α5 integrin on cell surface as well as the increase of α5 mRNA and protein in the cells. However, the expressions of sialyl Lewis X (SLex, the product of α1,3FucT‐VII) on both α5 and β1 integrin subunits were unchanged. Concomitantly, the tyrosine autophosphorylated FAK and dephosphorylated Src (FAK and Src involve in the signal transduction of integrin α5β1) were up‐regulated, while the Tyr‐527 phosphorylated Src was down‐regulated. The above‐mentioned alterations were correlated to the expressions of α1,3FucT‐VII in different α1,3FucT‐VII transfected H7721 cell lines. In addition, after α1,3FucT‐VII transfection, cell adhesion to fibronectin (Fn) and chemotaxic cell migration were obviously promoted. The cell adhesion could be blocked by α5 integrin antibody, and cell migration was obviously attenuated by the antibodies to both α5 integrin and SLex. These findings suggest that the increased surface α5 integrin caused by the up‐regulation of α5 mRNA promotes the cell adhesion to Fn, cell migratiom, and Fn‐induced signaling of α5β1 integrin. The up‐regulation of surface SLex originated from the over expression of α1,3FucT‐VII also led to the stimulation of cell migration. This is the first time to report that α1,3FucT‐VII can regulate the mRNA expression of integrin. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 2078–2090, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The adipokine SAA3 is induced by interleukin‐1β in mouse adipocytes
Authors: Sommer Grit , Weise Sebastian , Kralisch Susan , Scherer Philipp E. , Lössner Ulrike , Blüher Matthias , Stumvoll Michael , Fasshauer Mathias
Published: May 2008

Serum amyloid A (SAA) 3 has been characterized as an inflammatory adipocyte‐secreted acute‐phase reactant. In the current study, regulation of SAA3 by the proinflammatory and insulin resistance‐inducing cytokine interleukin (IL)‐1β was determined in 3T3‐L1 and brown adipocytes. Interestingly, SAA3 mRNA and protein synthesis were dramatically increased by IL‐1β in a time‐dependent fashion with maximal induction after 24 h. Furthermore, IL‐1β significantly induced SAA3 mRNA expression dose‐dependently with maximal 36.4‐fold upregulation seen at 2 ng/ml effector. Moreover, IL‐1β‐induced SAA3 expression was mediated by nuclear factor‐κB and janus kinase 2. Taken together, our data show a potent upregulation of SAA3 by IL‐1β. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 2241–2247, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Low over‐expression of TNFα in the mouse heart increases contractile performance via TNFR1
Authors: Pinz Ilka , Wax Stephen D. , Anderson Paul , Ingwall Joanne S.
Published: May 2008

TNFα is a cytokine wit pleiotropic functions in many organs. In the heart increased TNFα levels are not only associated with heart failure, but also, paradoxically, with protection from ischemic damage. To test whether the protective role of TNFα in the heart is concentration‐dependent, we studied two mouse heart models with low (two‐ to threefold) over‐expression of endogenous TNFα: mice deficient in a translational repressor of TNFα mRNA, TIA‐1−/−, and mice over‐expressing human TNFα. Hearts lacking TIA‐1 were characterized for their endogenous TNFα over‐expression during normal Langendorff perfusion. To define which TNFα receptor mediates cardiac protection, we also used mice lacking the TNFR1 receptor. Contractile function was assessed in isolated hearts perfused in the isovolumic Langendorff mode during and following global no‐flow ischemic stress and in response to varying extracellular [Ca2+] to determine their contractile response and Ca2+ sensitivity. All hearts with low over‐expression of TNFα, independent of human or murine origin, have improved contractile performance and increased Ca2+ sensitivity (by 0.2–0.26 pCa). Hearts lacking TNFR1 have contractile performance equal to wild type hearts. Recovery from ischemia was greater in TIA‐1−/− and was diminished in TNFR1−/−. Better contractile function in TNFα over‐expressing hearts is not due to improved cardiac energetics assessed as [ATP] and glucose uptake or to differences in expression of SERCA2a or calmodulin. We suggest that low levels of TNFα increase the Ca2+ sensitivity of the heart via a TNFR1‐mediated mechanism. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 99–107, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intracellular localization of the tumor suppressor HtrA1/Prss11 and its association with HPV16 E6 and E7 proteins
Authors: Clawson Gary A. , Bui Vuong , Xin Ping , Wang Ning , Pan Weihua
Published: May 2008

We have a long‐standing interest in a nuclear protease which appears to be involved in carcinogenesis. We recently identified the protease as high temperature requirement factor A 1 (HtrA1), also known as Prss11, which is member of an oxidative stress‐response family of proteases. HtrA1 has been classified as a secreted protease involved in TGFβ signaling, but recent work has shown HtrA1 to be a tumor suppressor. Here we show that processed forms of HtrA1 are found intracellularly and intranuclearly, and the active intranuclear form of HtrA1 shows an ∼Mr 29,000. Further, expression of HPV E6/E7 proteins is associated with a post‐transcriptional up‐regulation of HtrA1 (most notably the nuclear form), and HtrA1 is found associated with both HPV E6 and E7 proteins. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 81–88, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The dramatic effect of NH3 co‐ligation on the FE+‐assisted activation of carbon dioxide in the gas phase: From bare metal ions to complexes
Authors: Karipidis Paraskevas A. , Tsipis Constantinos A.
Published: May 2008

The catalytic efficiency of Fe+ ion over the CO2 decomposition in the gas phase has been extensively investigated with the help of electronic structure calculation methods. Potential‐energy profiles for the activation process Fe+ + CO2 → CO + FeO+ along two rival potential reaction paths, namely the insertion and addition pathways, originating from the end‐on κ1‐O and κ2‐O,O coordination modes of CO2 with the metal ion, respectively, have been explored by DFT calculations. For each pathway the potential energy surfaces of the high‐spin sextet (S = 5/2) and the intermediate‐spin quartet (S = 3/2) spin‐states have been explored. The complete energy reaction profile calculated by a combination of ab initio and density functional theory (DFT) computational techniques reveals a two‐state reactivity, involving two spin inversions, for the decomposition process and accounts well for the experimentally observed inertness of bare Fe+ ions towards CO2 activation. Furthermore, the coordination of up to three extra ancillary NH3 ligands with the Fe+ metal ion has been explored and the geometric and energetic reaction profiles of the CO2 activation processes Fe+ + n·NH3 + CO2 → [Fe(NH3)n(CO2)]+ → [Fe(NH3)n(O)(CO)]+ → CO + [Fe(O)(NH3)n]+ (n = 1, 2 or 3) have thoroughly been scrutinized for both the insertion and the addition mechanisms. Inter alia, the geometries and energies of the various states of the [Fe(NH3)n(CO2)]+ and [Fe(NH3)n(O)(CO)]+ complexes are explored and compared. Finally, a detailed analysis of the coordination modes of CO2 in the cationic [Fe(NH3)n(CO2)]+ (n = 0, 1, 2 and 3) complexes is presented. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2008