bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental study of hot electrons in LECR2M plasma
Authors: Zhao H. Y. , Zhao H. W. , Ma X. W. , Wang H. , Zhang X. Z. , Sun L. T. , Ma B. H. , Li X. X. , Sha S. , Zhu Y. H. , Lu W. , Shang Y.
Published: February 2008

In order to investigate the hot electron component in electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasmas, the volume bremsstrahlung spectra in the x-ray photon energy range were measured with a high-purity germanium detector on Lanzhou ECR Ion Source No. 2 Modified (LECR2M). A collimation system similar to Bernhardi’s was used to focus at the central part of the plasma. The ion source was operated under various source conditions with argon; sometimes oxygen was added to enhance high charge state ion beam intensities. The spectral temperature of hot electrons Tspe was derived from the measured bremsstrahlung spectra. The evolution of the deduced temperature of hot electrons Tspe with the ion source parameters, such as the rf frequency, power, and the magnetic confinement configuration, was investigated.
Study on an azimuthal line cusp ion source for the KSTAR neutral beam injector
Authors: Jeong Seung Ho , Chang Doo-Hee , In Sang Ryul , Lee Kwang Won , Oh Byung-Hoon , Yoon Byung-Joo , Song Woo Sob , Kim Jinchoon , Kim Tae Seong
Published: February 2008

In this study it is found that the cusp magnetic field configuration of an anode bucket influences the primary electron behavior. An electron orbit code (ELEORBIT code) showed that an azimuthal line cusp (cusp lines run azimuthally with respect to the beam extraction direction) provides a longer primary electron confinement time than an axial line cusp configuration. Experimentally higher plasma densities were obtained under the same arc power when the azimuthal cusp chamber was used. The newly designed azimuthal cusp bucket has been investigated in an effort to increase the plasma density in its plasma generator per arc power.
Synthesis, microstructure, and hard magnetic properties of melt-spun Nd3Fe27.5Ti1.5 and its nitride
Authors: Chen Zhongmin , Teo Gilbert , Brown David , Miller David
Published: February 2008

Nd 3 Fe 27.5 Ti 1.5 alloy and its nitride were synthesized using melt-spinning, annealing, and nitriding route, and the effects of processing conditions on phase formation, microstructure, and magnetic properties were investigated. The following has been found: (1) Melt-spun Nd3Fe27.5Ti1.5 samples consist primarily of the 3:29 phase at low wheel speeds (5–10m∕s). The 1:7 phase was developed at higher wheel speed (20–25m∕s). Meanwhile, grain size is significantly reduced with increasing the wheel speed (from 33.5nm at 5m∕s down to 13.1nm at 25m∕s). As the wheel speed was increased to 40m∕s and above, the 1:7 phase disappears and an amorphous phase became dominant. (2) Annealing of the overquenched melt-spun samples transformed the amorphous phase into the 1:7 phase (when annealed at 600–700°C) or the 3:29 phase (when annealed at 800–900°C), and significant grain growth was observed when annealing temperature was at 800°C or above. (3) Nitriding at lower temperature (300–350°C) for longer time (24–45h) was preferred for introducing nitrogen atoms into the 1:7 or the 3:29 interstitial sites without destroying their crystalline structure. (4) The best magnetic properties obtained were Br=718mT, Hci=111kA∕m, and (BH)max=23kJ∕m3. This particular sample had the 1:7 phase with a grain size of ∼12nm and a nitrogen absorption of ∼4wt%.
Fabrication of ultrathin FePt(Cu) ordered alloy thin films directly on glass disks from Pt(Cu)∕Fe bilayers
Authors: Ikemoto Jun-ichi , Nakagawa Shigeki
Published: February 2008

Addition of Cu into Fe∕Pt bilayered structure causes high coercivity and large magnetic anisotropy in the perpendicular direction when the thickness of the bilayer is less than 6nm. In the thickness range less than 4nm, Pt∕Fe bilayered films with Cu added annealed at 600°C in hydrogen atmosphere exhibits larger coercivity than the bilayer without Cu added. Pure Pt∕Fe bilayered film exhibits relatively small coercivity, less than 4kOe, and no perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in this range. On the other hand, Pt(Cu)∕Fe bilayered film exhibits large coercivity of 5kOe and relatively higher perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in the thickness range more than 5nm. Pt(Cu)∕Fe bilayered film can be expected to be applied to thin magnetic recording layer below 4nm or less.
Stability of p-type conductivity in nitrogen-doped ZnO thin film
Authors: Xiao Z. Y. , Liu Y. C. , Mu R. , Zhao D. X. , Zhang J. Y.
Published: February 2008

The behavior of p-type conductivity in nitrogen-doped ZnO prepared by thermal oxidation of zinc oxynitride thin film was investigated. The sample exhibited a stable p-type characteristic in the darkness over a 1yr period after deposition. However, when the p-type sample was irradiated by 2.72eV photons, it underwent a classic-mixed conductivity transition from p type to n type. An anomalously thermal equilibrium process was observed. It took 24h for the persisted n type photoconductivity to fade away in the dark and transit back to original p type. A local potential fluctuation model was used to explain the transient electrical behavior.
Three-dimensional structure of vertebrate cardiac muscle myosin filaments
Authors: Zoghbi Maria E. , Woodhead John L. , Moss Richard L. , Craig Roger
Published: February 2008

Contraction of the heart results from interaction of the myosin and actin filaments. Cardiac myosin filaments consist of the molecular motor myosin II, the sarcomeric template protein, titin, and the cardiac modulatory protein, myosin binding protein C (MyBP-C). Inherited hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a disease caused mainly by mutations in these proteins. The structure of cardiac myosin filaments and the alterations caused by HCM mutations are unknown. We have used electron microscopy and image analysis to determine the three-dimensional structure of myosin filaments from wild-type mouse cardiac muscle and from a MyBP-C knockout model for HCM. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the wild-type filament reveals the conformation of the myosin heads and the organization of titin and MyBP-C at 4 nm resolution. Myosin heads appear to interact with each other intramolecularly, as in off-state smooth muscle myosin [Wendt T, Taylor D, Trybus KM, Taylor K (2001)
Proc Natl Acad Sci USA
98:4361–4366], suggesting that all relaxed muscle myosin IIs may adopt this conformation. Titin domains run in an elongated strand along the filament surface, where they appear to interact with part of MyBP-C and with the myosin backbone. In the knockout filament, some of the myosin head interactions are disrupted, suggesting that MyBP-C is important for normal relaxation of the filament. These observations provide key insights into the role of the myosin filament in cardiac contraction, assembly, and disease. The techniques we have developed should be useful in studying the structural basis of other myosin-related HCM diseases.
Niche adaptation and genome expansion in the chlorophyll
d
-producing cyanobacterium
Acaryochloris marina
Authors: Swingley Wesley D. , Chen Min , Cheung Patricia C. , Conrad Amber L. , Dejesa Liza C. , Hao Jicheng , Honchak Barbara M. , Karbach Lauren E. , Kurdoglu Ahmet , Lahiri Surobhi , Mastrian Stephen D. , Miyashita Hideaki , Page Lawrence , Ramakrishna Pushpa , Satoh Soichirou , Sattley W. Matthew , Shimada Yuichiro , Taylor Heather L. , Tomo Tatsuya , Tsuchiya Tohru , Wang Zi T. , Raymond Jason , Mimuro Mamoru , Blankenship Robert E. , Touchman Jeffrey W.
Published: February 2008

Acaryochloris marina
is a unique cyanobacterium that is able to produce chlorophyll
d
as its primary photosynthetic pigment and thus efficiently use far-red light for photosynthesis.
Acaryochloris
species have been isolated from marine environments in association with other oxygenic phototrophs, which may have driven the niche-filling introduction of chlorophyll
d
. To investigate these unique adaptations, we have sequenced the complete genome of
A. marina
. The DNA content of
A. marina
is composed of 8.3 million base pairs, which is among the largest bacterial genomes sequenced thus far. This large array of genomic data is distributed into nine single-copy plasmids that code for >25% of the putative ORFs. Heavy duplication of genes related to DNA repair and recombination (primarily
recA
) and transposable elements could account for genetic mobility and genome expansion. We discuss points of interest for the biosynthesis of the unusual pigments chlorophyll
d
and α-carotene and genes responsible for previously studied phycobilin aggregates. Our analysis also reveals that
A. marina
carries a unique complement of genes for these phycobiliproteins in relation to those coding for antenna proteins related to those in
Prochlorococcus
species. The global replacement of major photosynthetic pigments appears to have incurred only minimal specializations in reaction center proteins to accommodate these alternate pigments. These features clearly show that the genus
Acaryochloris
is a fitting candidate for understanding genome expansion, gene acquisition, ecological adaptation, and photosystem modification in the cyanobacteria.
Effect of Paper Color and Question Order on Exam Performance
Authors: Tal Ilanit R. , Akers Katherine G. , Hodge Gordon K.
Published: February 2008

To deter cheating, teachers commonly use exams printed on differently colored paper or with varied question orders. Previous studies, however, reported that paper color and question order affect exam performance and suggested that teachers should adjust students' scores accordingly and discontinue the use of alternate exam forms. We conducted 2 experiments testing the effects of paper color and question order on exam performance. Students performed worse on exams printed on primary blue paper, but pastel colors had no effect. We found no effect of exam question order (sequential vs. random). We conclude that colored paper or differently ordered questions do not affect exam performance.
Job Lists for Entry-Level Psychology Baccalaureates: Occupational Recommendations That Mismatch Qualifications
Authors: Rajecki D. W.
Published: February 2008

Print and online resources provide lists of job titles they purport as suitable entry-level occupations for psychology baccalaureates. However, when considering current Bureau of Labor Statistics information, many of the recommended job types (e.g., child care worker, residential advisor, statistical assistant) do not require a bachelor's degree, and census data show that most workers in such positions have either not attended or completed college. Still other listed occupations (e.g., human resources manager, rehabilitation counselor) require education and experience beyond the basic baccalaureate. Hence, certain sources may steer new psychology graduates toward occupational positions that mismatch their qualifications. I suggest ways to enhance the information value of job lists.
An Experiential Learning Activity Demonstrating Normal and Phobic Anxiety
Authors: Canu Will H.
Published: February 2008

This article describes an activity for an undergraduate abnormal psychology course that used student-generated data to illustrate normal versus clinically significant anxiety responses related to specific phobias. Students (N = 37) viewed 14 images of low- or high-anxiety valence and rated their subjective response to each. Discussion in a subsequent class focused on differentiating normal from pathological fear and the theory of predisposed, evolution-linked phobias. Students indicated the exercise was interesting and contributed to their understanding of specific and social phobias.
Psychology Students and Online Graduate Programs: A Need to Reexamine Undergraduate Advisement
Authors: Bendersky Karen , Isaac Walter L. , Stover Jason H. , Zook Joan M.
Published: February 2008

Few online psychology graduate programs are accredited and thus may not provide students with the same career opportunities as programs from traditional universities. We investigated whether psychology majors are more likely than other majors to consider applying to online graduate programs and whether students considering these programs have identifiable demographic characteristics. Forty-five percent of the surveyed psychology majors considered applying to online graduate programs. The students most interested in these programs were working and had lower GPAs. Results highlight the importance of identifying and then providing appropriate advisement to psychology undergraduates who might consider applying to online graduate programs.
LibSBML: an API Library for SBML
Authors: Bornstein Benjamin J. , Keating Sarah M. , Jouraku Akiya , Hucka Michael
Published: February 2008

Summary: LibSBML is an application programming interface library for reading, writing, manipulating and validating content expressed in the Systems Biology Markup Language (SBML) format. It is written in ISO C and C++, provides language bindings for Common Lisp, Java, Python, Perl, MATLAB and Octave, and includes many features that facilitate adoption and use of both SBML and the library. Developers can embed libSBML in their applications, saving themselves the work of implementing their own SBML parsing, manipulation and validation software.

Availability: LibSBML 3 was released in August 2007. Source code, binaries and documentation are freely available under LGPL open-source terms from http://sbml.org/software/libsbml.

Contact:  sbml-team@caltech.edu
Integrating cues of social interest and voice pitch in men's preferences for women's voices
Authors: Jones Benedict C , Feinberg David R , DeBruine Lisa M , Little Anthony C , Vukovic Jovana
Published: February 2008

Most previous studies of vocal attractiveness have focused on preferences for physical characteristics of voices such as pitch. Here we examine the content of vocalizations in interaction with such physical traits, finding that vocal cues of social interest modulate the strength of men's preferences for raised pitch in women's voices. Men showed stronger preferences for raised pitch when judging the voices of women who appeared interested in the listener than when judging the voices of women who appeared relatively disinterested in the listener. These findings show that voice preferences are not determined solely by physical properties of voices and that men integrate information about voice pitch and the degree of social interest expressed by women when forming voice preferences. Women's preferences for raised pitch in women's voices were not modulated by cues of social interest, suggesting that the integration of cues of social interest and voice pitch when men judge the attractiveness of women's voices may reflect adaptations that promote efficient allocation of men's mating effort.
Pool desiccation and developmental thresholds in the common frog,
Rana temporaria
Authors: Lind Martin I , Persbo Frida , Johansson Frank
Published: February 2008

The developmental threshold is the minimum size or condition that a developing organism must have reached in order for a life-history transition to occur. Although developmental thresholds have been observed for many organisms, inter-population variation among natural populations has not been examined. Since isolated populations can be subjected to strong divergent selection, population divergence in developmental thresholds can be predicted if environmental conditions favour fast or slow developmental time in different populations. Amphibian metamorphosis is a well-studied life-history transition, and using a common garden approach we compared the development time and the developmental threshold of metamorphosis in four island populations of the common frog
Rana temporaria
: two populations originating from islands with only temporary breeding pools and two from islands with permanent pools. As predicted, tadpoles from time-constrained temporary pools had a genetically shorter development time than those from permanent pools. Furthermore, the variation in development time among females from temporary pools was low, consistent with the action of selection on rapid development in this environment. However, there were no clear differences in the developmental thresholds between the populations, indicating that the main response to life in a temporary pool is to shorten the development time.
A comparison of flooded forest and floating meadow fish assemblages in an upper Amazon floodplain
Authors: Correa S. B. , Crampton W. G. R. , Chapman L. J. , Albert J. S.
Published: February 2008

Matched sets of gillnets of different mesh‐sizes were used to evaluate the degree to which contiguous and connected flooded forest and floating meadow habitats are characterized by distinct fish faunas during the flooding season in the Peruvian Amazon. For fishes between 38–740 mm standard length (LS) (the size range captured by the gear), an overriding pattern of faunal similarity emerged between these two habitats. The mean species richness, diversity, abundance, fish mass, mean and maximum LS, and maximum mass did not differ significantly between flooded forest and floating meadows. Species abundances followed a log‐normal distribution in which three species accounted for 60–70% of the total abundance in each habitat. Despite these similarities, multivariate analyses demonstrated subtle differences in species composition between flooded forest and adjacent floating macrophytes. In addition, the absolute number of species was higher in flooded forest, reflecting a higher percentage of rare species. The day–night species turnover was found to be greater in flooded forests than floating meadows. Further, nocturnal samples had higher abundances and greater species richness than diurnal samples in both habitats. Differences in habitat structural complexity between flooded forest and floating meadows may result in a higher abundance and species richness of day‐active species in floating meadows.
Lipedematous scalp: A rare entity
Authors: KAVAK Ayşe , YUCEER Deniz , YILDIRIM Ümran , BAYKAL Can , SARISOY Hasan Tahsin
Published: February 2008

Lipedematous scalp is characterized by increased subcutaneous thickness of the scalp without any hair change. A 50‐year‐old female presented with thickening of the scalp without alopecia. She had no disorder other than hypertension. Monthly sonographic measurements without any treatment showed a resolution tendency in some areas and an increased thickness in others. We discuss the characteristics of this rare and possibly underestimated entity, including differential diagnoses.
Anti‐OX40 monoclonal antibody therapy in combination with radiotherapy results in therapeutic antitumor immunity to murine lung cancer
Authors: Yokouchi Hiroshi , Yamazaki Koichi , Chamoto Kenji , Kikuchi Eiki , Shinagawa Naofumi , Oizumi Satoshi , Hommura Fumihiro , Nishimura Takashi , Nishimura Masaharu
Published: February 2008

The therapeutic effect of agonistic anti‐OX40 (CD134) monoclonal antibody (mAb) in combination with radiotherapy was evaluated in a murine lung cancer model. After intradermal transplantation of ovalbumin (OVA)‐transfected Lewis lung carcinoma, C57BL/6 mice were irradiated locally with a single dose of 20 Gy in combination with an intratumoral injection of anti‐OX40 mAb at 50 µg on day 4 after transplantation, which is when the major axis of the inoculated tumor reached a diameter of 7–9 mm. On days 8, 11, and 14, the tumor‐bearing mice were further treated with the same dose of anti‐OX40 mAb. Anti‐OX40 mAb in combination with radiotherapy prolonged survival and provided greater efficacy than either single treatment against well‐established tumors. An in vivo depletion study suggested that therapeutic immunity was mainly CD8+ T‐cell dependent. OX40+CD8+ T cells were augmented in draining lymph nodes obtained from irradiated mice compared with those from non‐irradiated mice. OVA‐major histocompatibility complex tetramer+ CD8+ T cells had been strongly recruited to the draining lymph nodes obtained from mice treated with anti‐OX40 mAb in combination with radiotherapy, and strong antigen‐specific cytotoxicity was confirmed by a 51Cr‐release assay. Moreover, a tumor‐rechallenge model indicated that this combination therapy induced durable tumor immunity. Thus, anti‐OX40 mAb in combination with radiotherapy may potentially help the management of patients with lung cancer. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 361–367)
Downregulation of miR‐138 is associated with overexpression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase protein in human anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Mitomo Shingo , Maesawa Chihaya , Ogasawara Satoshi , Iwaya Takeshi , Shibazaki Masahiko , Yashima‐Abo Akiko , Kotani Koji , Oikawa Hiroki , Sakurai Eiich , Izutsu Naoko , Kato Kuniyuki , Komatsu Hideaki , Ikeda Kenichro , Wakabayashi Go , Masuda Tomoyuki
Published: February 2008

Alterations of several microRNA (miRNA) have been linked to cancer development and its biology. To search for unique miRNA that might play a role in the development of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC), we examined the expression of multiple miRNA and their functional effects on target genes in human thyroid carcinoma cell lines. We quantitatively evaluated the expression of multiple miRNA in 10 ATC and five papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) cell lines, as well as primary tumors from 11 thyroid carcinoma patients (three ATC and eight PTC), using the stem‐loop‐mediated reverse transcription real‐time polymerase chain reaction method. We also examined the target gene specificity of unique miRNA that showed differences in expression between ATC and PTC cell lines. One miRNA, miR‐138, was significantly downregulated in ATC cell lines in comparison with PTC (P < 0.01). Eleven miRNA (including miR‐138) potentially targeting the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene were totally downregulated in both ATC and PTC cell lines in comparison with normal thyroid tissues. A tendency for an inverse correlation between miR‐138 and hTERT protein expression was observed in the thyroid cancer cell lines, although this failed to reach significance (r = –0.392, P = 0.148). We demonstrated that overexpression of miR‐138 induced a reduction in hTERT protein expression, and confirmed target specificity between miR‐138 and the hTERT 3′‐untranslated region by luciferase reporter assay. These results suggest that loss of miR‐138 expression may partially contribute to the gain of hTERT protein expression in ATC, and that further multiple miRNA targeting hTERT mRNA might be involved in the development of thyroid carcinoma. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 280–286)
Epstein‐Barr virus associated gastric carcinoma: Epidemiological and clinicopathological features
Authors: Akiba Suminori , Koriyama Chihaya , Herrera‐Goepfert Roberto , Eizuru Yoshito
Published: February 2008

In this paper, the roles of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) in gastric carcinogenesis are discussed, reviewing mainly epidemiological and clinicopathological studies. About 10% of gastric carcinomas harbor clonal EBV. LMP1, an important EBV oncoprotein, is only rarely expressed in EBV‐associated gastric carcinoma (EBV‐GC) while EBV‐encoded small RNA is expressed in almost every EBV‐GC cell, suggesting its importance for developing and maintaining this carcinoma. In addition, the hypermethylation‐driven suppressor gene downregulation, frequently observed in EBV‐GC, appears to give a selective advantage for carcinoma cells. EBV reactivation is suspected to precede EBV‐GC development since antibodies against EBV‐related antigens, including EBV capsid antigen (VCA), are elevated in prediagnostic sera. Interestingly, the average anti‐VCA immunoglobulin G antibody titer in EBV‐GC patients was significantly higher among men than among women, whereas EBV‐negative GC cases did not show such a sex difference. A higher frequency of human leucocyte antigen‐DR11 in EBV‐GCs suggests that major histocompatibility complex‐restricted EBV nuclear antigen 1 epitope recognition may enhance EBV reactivation. EBV infection of gastric cells by lymphocytes with reactivated EBV is suspected to be the first step of EBV‐GC development. Male predominance of EBV‐GC suggests the involvement of lifestyles and occupational factors common among men. The predominance of EBV with XhoI+ and BamHI type i polymorphisms in EBV‐GC in Latin America suggests a possibility of some EBV oncogene expressions being affected by EBV polymorphism. The lack of such predominance in Asian countries, however, indicates an interaction between EBV polymorphism and the host response. In conclusion, further studies are necessary to examine the interaction between EBV infection, its polymorphisms, environmental factors, and genetic backgrounds. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 195 –201)
UGT1A7haplotype is associated with an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis B carriers
Authors: Kong Sun‐Young , Ki Chang‐Seok , Yoo Byung Chul , Kim Jong‐Won
Published: February 2008

TheUGT1A7gene encodes UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase, a key enzyme catalyzing the glucuronidation of various carcinogens. In this study, we investigated the association between haplotypes of the wholeUGT1A7gene and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Sequence analysis of exon1 and the promoter region of theUGT1A7gene was carried out to determine haplotype profiles for 244 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, 223 hepatitis B carriers, and 314 healthy control subjects. Hepatitis B carriers with haplotypes other than haplotype 1 (Ht1; CTCTCGTG at –341, –57, 33, 387, 391, 392, 622, and 756) had a significantly greater risk of developing HCC with odds ratios (OR) of 1.67 (95% confidence interval [CI]; 1.11–2.52) for Ht1/others and 1.85 (95% CI; 1.09–3.14) for others/others. In multivariate logistic regression analysis including age and haplotypes from Ht1 to Ht4, the presence of Ht2 (CGAGAACG) or Ht4 (CTCGAATG) was associated with HCC risk (OR = 1.45 [95% CI; 1.03–2.03] and 4.95 [95% CI; 1.75–13.98], respectively). The results of this study show that theUGT1A7haplotype is a suitable susceptibility marker for the development of HCC in hepatitis B carriers. (Cancer Sci2008; 99: 340–344)
Restoration of fragile histidine triad expression restores Chk2 activity in response to ionizing radiation in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Yutori Hirokazu , Semba Shuho , Komori Takahide , Yokozaki Hiroshi
Published: February 2008

Early in tumorigenesis, a DNA damage‐response network is activated in preneoplastic cells that delays or prevents cancer. Activation of the Chk2 G2/M checkpoint kinase and loss of fragile histidine triad (Fhit) tumor suppressor expression increase cellular susceptibility to DNA‐damaging ‘oncogenic’ stressors, particularly in precursor or precancerous lesions. To understand the mechanism of oral carcinogenesis, we assessed the association between phosphorylated Chk2 (pChk2) and Fhit expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Loss of Fhit expression was an early event during oral carcinogenesis, whereas a decrease in the number of pChk2‐positive cells was associated with tumor progression. Although tyrosine 114 is known to be essential to Fhit's tumor‐suppressing activity, both wild‐type and tyrosine 114 mutant Fhit increased the population of subG1 DNA‐containing HSC‐3 OSCC cells with elevated pChk2 levels. In particular, when cells were exposed to ionizing radiation, pChk2 levels were upregulated dramatically, as were those of its downstream target Cdc25C. Knockdown of Fhit with FHIT small interfering RNA diminished the ionizing radiation‐induced Chk2 phosphorylation in HEK293 cells. Furthermore, Fhit‐deficient mice demonstrated a decrease in the number of pChk2‐positive cells not only in dysplastic lesions but also in N‐nitrosobenzylamine‐induced papilloma of the forestomach, suggesting that lack of Fhit expression and the resultant defects of the ataxia telangiectasia mutated–Chk2 pathway can cause a difference in the incidence of N‐nitrosobenzylamine‐induced forestomach lesions. These findings suggest that Fhit plays a key role in the regulation of the ataxia telangiectasia mutated–Chk2 DNA damage response during oral carcinogenesis. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 524–530)
Intranasal vaccination with poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) microparticles containing a peptide T of Ole e 1 prevents mice against sensitization
Authors: Marazuela E. G. , Prado N. , Moro E. , Fernández‐García H. , Villalba M. , Rodríguez R. , Batanero E.
Published: February 2008

Background
Biodegradable microparticles, in particular poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA), have been shown as potential delivery vehicles for intranasal (i.n.) vaccines in animal models.

Objectives
To evaluate whether i.n. administration of PLGA microparticles containing a peptide with the major T cell epitope of Ole e 1, the main allergen of olive pollen, prevented mice from allergic sensitization to the whole protein.

Methods
Peptide‐PLGA microparticles were prepared by a solvent evaporation double emulsion method. Microparticles in a size range of 0.8 μm were evaluated for peptide loading and in vitro antigen release. Stability and immunogenicity of the entrapped peptide were retained, as determined by dot blot and ELISA inhibition. BALB/c mice were intranasally treated with peptide‐PLGA microparticles for 3 consecutive days, 1 week before sensitization/challenge to Ole e 1. Blood, lungs and spleen were collected and analysed for immune response. Biodistribution of microparticles was investigated using confocal microscopy.

Results
I.n. pretreatment of BALB/c mice with peptide‐PLGA microparticles before sensitization to Ole e 1 led to a significant inhibition of serum allergen‐specific IgE and IgG1 antibody levels, but a marked increase of specific IgG2a antibodies as compared with sham‐pretreated mice. Moreover, IL‐5 and IL‐10 levels in spleen cell cultures were suppressed in peptide‐PLGA pretreated mice. The airway histopathologic parameters associated with inflammation were significantly suppressed by the pretreatment.

Conclusion: These results demonstrate that i.n. immunization with peptide T‐PLGA microparticles is effective in preventing subsequent allergic sensitization to Ole e 1. Our data indicate that peptide‐PLGA microparticles may be promising candidates for the design of nasal vaccines against allergic diseases in humans.
Rapid transcriptome characterization for a nonmodel organism using 454 pyrosequencing
Authors: VERA J. CRISTOBAL , WHEAT CHRISTOPHER W. , FESCEMYER HOWARD W. , FRILANDER MIKKO J. , CRAWFORD DOUGLAS L. , HANSKI ILKKA , MARDEN JAMES H.
Published: February 2008

We present ade novoassembly of a eukaryote transcriptome using 454 pyrosequencing data. The Glanville fritillary butterfly (Melitaea cinxia; Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) is a prominent species in population biology but had no previous genomic data. Sequencing runs using two normalized complementary DNA collections from a genetically diverse pool of larvae, pupae, and adults yielded 608 053 expressed sequence tags (mean length = 110 nucleotides), which assembled into 48 354 contigs (sets of overlapping DNA segments) and 59 943 singletons.blastcomparisons confirmed the accuracy of the sequencing and assembly, and indicated the presence ofc. 9000 unique genes, along with > 6000 additional microarray‐confirmed unannotated contigs. Average depth of coverage was 6.5‐fold for the longest 4800 contigs (348–2849 bp in length), sufficient for detecting large numbers of single nucleotide polymorphisms. Oligonucleotide microarray probes designed from the assembled sequences showed highly repeatable hybridization intensity and revealed biological differences among individuals. We conclude that 454 sequencing, when performed to provide sufficient coverage depth, allowsde novotranscriptome assembly and a fast, cost‐effective, and reliable method for development of functional genomic tools for nonmodel species. This development narrows the gap between approaches based on model organisms with rich genetic resources vs. species that are most tractable for ecological and evolutionary studies.
What is the optimal serum lithium level in the long‐term treatment of bipolar disorder – a review?
Authors: Severus WE , Kleindienst N , Seemüller F , Frangou S , Möller HJ , Greil W
Published: February 2008

Objectives:  There is substantial uncertainty about the most efficacious serum lithium level for the long‐term treatment of bipolar disorder (BD). This review focuses on the available evidence taking into consideration the effects of previous lithium history, changes in lithium level and polarity of relapse or recurrence.

Methods:  We conducted a MEDLINE search, using the MeSH Terms ‘bipolar disorder’ and ‘lithium’ together with ‘randomized controlled trial’ or ‘controlled clinical trial’ covering the time span from 1966 to March 2006. We only included studies reporting on the long‐term treatment of mood disorders where patients with BD were examined as a separate group and were assigned to precisely specified target ranges of lithium level.

Results:  The minimum efficacious serum lithium level in the long‐term treatment of bipolar disorder was 0.4 mmol/L with optimal response achieved at serum levels between 0.6–0.75 mmol/L. Lithium levels >0.75 mmol/L may not confer additional protection against overall morbidity but may further improve control of inter‐episode manic symptoms. Abrupt reduction of serum levels of more than 0.2 mmol/L was associated with increased risk of relapse.

Conclusions:  In the long‐term treatment of bipolar disorder clinicians should initially aim for serum lithium levels of 0.6–0.75 mmol/L, while higher levels may benefit patients with predominantly manic symptoms.
Behavioral Approach System and Behavioral Inhibition System sensitivities and bipolar spectrum disorders: prospective prediction of bipolar mood episodes
Authors: Alloy Lauren B , Abramson Lyn Y , Walshaw Patricia D , Cogswell Alex , Grandin Louisa D , Hughes Megan E , Iacoviello Brian M , Whitehouse Wayne G , Urosevic Snezana , Nusslock Robin , Hogan Michael E
Published: February 2008

Objectives: Research has found that bipolar spectrum disorders are associated with Behavioral Approach System (BAS) hypersensitivity and both unipolar and bipolar depression are associated with high Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) sensitivity, but prospective studies of these relationships are lacking. We tested whether BAS and BIS sensitivities prospectively predicted the time to new onsets of major depressive and hypomanic and manic episodes in bipolar spectrum individuals.

Methods: We followed 136 bipolar II or cyclothymic and 157 demographically matched normal control individuals prospectively for an average of 33 months. Participants completed the BIS/BAS scales and symptom measures at Time 1 and semi‐structured diagnostic interviews every four months of follow‐up.

Results: The bipolar spectrum group exhibited higher Time 1 BAS, but not BIS, scores than the normal controls, controlling for Time 1 symptoms. Among bipolar spectrum participants, high BAS sensitivity prospectively predicted a shorter time to onset of hypomanic and manic episodes, whereas high BIS sensitivity predicted less survival time to major depressive episodes, controlling for initial symptoms.

Conclusions: Consistent with the BAS hypersensitivity model of bipolar disorder, a highly responsive BAS provides vulnerability to onsets of (hypo)manic episodes. In addition, a highly sensitive BIS increases risk for major depressive episodes.
Corticosterone manipulation reveals differences in hierarchical organization of multidimensional reproductive trade‐offs in r‐strategist and K‐strategist females
Authors: LANCASTER L. T. , HAZARD L. C. , CLOBERT J. , SINERVO B. R.
Published: February 2008

Life history trade‐offs are often hierarchical with decisions at one level affecting lower level trade‐offs. We investigated trade‐off structure in female side‐blotched lizards (Uta stansburiana), which exhibit two evolved strategies: yellow‐throated females are K‐strategists and orange‐throated are r‐strategists. Corticosterone treatment was predicted to differentially organize these females’ reproductive decisions. Corticosterone‐treated yellow females suppressed reproduction but survived well, and augmented egg mass without decreasing clutch size. Conversely, corticosterone enhanced mortality and reproductive rates in orange females, and increased egg mass only after lengthy exposure. Corticosterone did not affect post‐laying condition, suggesting that corticosterone increased egg mass through enhanced energy acquisition (income breeding). Corticosterone enhanced survival of lightweight females, but decreased survival of heavy females, introducing a foraging vs. predation trade‐off. We conclude that rather than being a direct, functional relationship, observed trade‐offs between offspring size and number represent evolved differences in hierarchical organization of multidimensional trade‐offs, particularly in response to stress.
How do we close the hermeneutic circle? A Gadamerian approach to justification in interpretation in qualitative studies
Authors: Debesay Jonas , Nåden Dagfinn , Slettebø Åshild
Published: February 2008

In this article, an attempt is made to analyse important implications of the hermeneutic approach in qualitative studies. The article discusses the hermeneutic circle with regard to reasoning contexts, on which the researcher's interpretation is based. Problems in connection with achievement of ‘proper’ understanding in an interpretative process are discussed in light of Gadamer's hermeneutic philosophy. Some features of qualitative studies are addressed. This is concerned with arguments in the presentation of findings in qualitative studies using the hermeneutic approach. The essence of the article is there are grounds for reasonable understanding, even though it cannot be absolute in the hermeneutic.
A COMMON FORMAT APPROACH FOR THE DUCTILE FRACTURE METHOD USING A DISPLACEMENT‐BASED NORMALIZATION PARAMETER
Authors: Cruz J. R. B. , Landes J. D.
Published: February 2008

Abstract—The Ductile Fracture Method (DFM) proposed by Ernst and Landes and further developed by Landes and coworkers is examined in conjunction with the Common Format Equation (CFE) proposed by Donoso and Landes. The DFM can be used to predict the load versus displacement behavior for a structure from the load versus displacement record for a fracture toughness test specimen. This involves a calibration function transformation procedure which is often laborious. But, it will be shown here that using the CFE approach with an adequate normalizing parameter for the deformation function,H, the transformation procedure can be virtually eliminated. As a consequence, the predictions done by the DFM can be completed in a shorter time. The equations which originated the CFE approach are reviewed to show that the modification proposed in this paper is necessary forHto get closer to a unique representation, independent of the geometry. Some examples are presented to demonstrate the applicability of the approach.
EFFECT OF MIXED‐MODE OVERLOADS ON ENVIRONMENTAL‐HYDROGEN‐INDUCED FRACTURE
Authors: Gao H. , Yang X. , Cao W. , De los Rios E. R.
Published: February 2008

Abstract— The effect of short periods of mixed‐mode overloading on the environmental hydrogen induced fracture life of 0.42%C, 0.87%Cr, 0.21%Mo steel has been studied. Tests were performed in 0.5 mol/L H2SO4 solution under continuous hydrogen charging conditions using a weight loading system. Experimental results show that the application of mixed‐mode overloads can cause more severe crack growth retardation than those of mode I. Possible mechanisms responsible for the retardation of subsequent crack growth, such as crack deflection, plasticity‐induced residual compression stresses, dislocation shielding and overload damage, are examined.
A SINGULAR INTEGRAL EQUATION SOLUTION FOR THE LINEAR ELASTIC CRACK OPENING DISPLACEMENT OF AN ARBITRARILY SHAPED PLANE CRACK: PART II REGULAR INTEGRAL SOLUTIONS
Authors: Mayrhofer K. , Fischer F. D.
Published: February 2008

Abstract— The boundary value problem for an arbitrarily shaped plane crack embedded in a 3D linear elastic solid can be reduced to a governing hyper‐singular integral equation. A discretizing procedure based on a triangulation of the crack area has been offered in Part I of this work. The main goal of Part I is to introduce the analytical results for the 18 resulting finite‐part integrals defined over a triangular mesh area. The finite‐part integrals occur in those triangles where the source point coincides with one of the element nodes. Mostly the source point lies outside of the considered triangle. In these cases the occurring area integrals are regular.

The aim of Part II is, therefore, the derivation of the closed form expressions for the relevant 18 regular area integrals. The resulting relations are of algebraic form which can easily be coded in compact form. Their numerical proof by two different methods shows the highest accuracy and, therefore, the correctness of the final solutions. The relevant numerical results are offered in Appendix I.

With the formulae provided in Part I and Part II of the paper the determination of the coefficient matrix, necessary for the calculation of COD values from a linear equation system, is precise and needs only minimum computer time.
CRACK CLOSURE: A CONCEPT OF FATIGUE CRACK GROWTH UNDER EXAMINATION
Authors: Riemelmoser F. O. , Pippan R.
Published: February 2008

Abstract— In recent literature it is asserted that the concept of crack closure in fatigue fracture mechanics is not capable of explaining fatigue crack growth behaviour. The reasons given are that both asperity induced crack closure and plasticity induced crack closure should be either negligible or non‐existent. We have re‐considered these hypotheses since their correctness would completely change the established picture of fatigue crack growth. In order to get mathematically tractable systems the present studies are confined to long cracks loaded in mode I. The results suggest that in case of asperity induced crack closure the proposed hypothesis is only true in special cases and the demonstration of the non‐existence of plasticity induced crack closure is proved to be wrong.
HIGH TEMPERATURE SHORT FATIGUE CRACK BEHAVIOUR IN A STAINLESS STEEL
Authors: Raman S. Ganesh Sundara , Argence D. , Pineau A.
Published: February 2008

Abstract— Continuous low cycle fatigue (LCF) tests with‐and without‐hold time in push‐pull and torsion loading modes and sequential LCF tests in push‐pull mode were carried out at 650°C in air on thin tubular specimens of 316 stainless steel; the sequential tests involving pure fatigue (PF) and creep‐fatigue (CF) loadings. The growth of short fatigue cracks was studied by taking several replicas from the specimen surface which were subsequently observed under a scanning electron microscope. An analysis was done with respect to both crack density and the orientation of microcracks and macrocrack(s) which led to failure.

Crack density was higher on the surface of a CF tested specimen than that of a PF tested specimen. Mainly short cracks oriented at 45° to the specimen axis were observed on a torsion fatigue tested specimen surface. For push‐pull specimens the microcracks propagated perpendicular to the specimen axis to form macrocracks that propagated in the same direction. On the other hand, for torsion specimens the microcracks which initially propagated at 45° to the specimen axis linked to form macrocracks oriented parallel and perpendicular to the specimen axis. However, the macrocrack responsible for the final fracture was always oriented parallel to the specimen axis.

Cumulative damage was dependent on the type of loading (PF or CF) in the first part of sequential tests. In particular microcracks initiated during an initial damage phase observed under sequential LCF tests in PF were found to be healed by oxide formation during the hold times applied in the subsequent CF loading and this produced a total damage summation significantly larger than one.
Extending ODA or Creating a New Reporting Instrument for Security‐related Expenditures for Development?
Authors: Brzoska Michael
Published: February 2008

A debate has recently been initiated by a number of members of the OECD Development Assistance Committee to include security‐related items in the definition of Official Development Assistance (ODA). This article looks at the logic of these proposals by means of a brief review of the history of the ODA definition as well as recent debates on the relationship between security and development. It concludes by recommending the creation of a new reporting category, Official Security Assistance, for donor spending on security‐related activities which meets the basic ODA criteria.
ICT teacher training: Evidence for multilevel evaluation from a national initiative
Authors: Davis Niki , Preston Christina , Sahin Ismail
Published: February 2008

This paper is one of a pair that re‐examines the evidence from a national initiative to train all teachers in England to bring them up to the level of newly qualified teachers, who are required to know when to use and when not to use information and communication technologies (ICT) in their professional practice. Reanalysis of data gathered for the 2004 evaluation uncovers the complexity of such professional development. The effectiveness of contrasting approaches to ICT‐related teacher training was analysed using the national survey of 496 trainees and experts’ reports on 11 of the 47 training providers. multilevel evaluation of professional development was shown to be robust for ICT teacher training, including a significant correlation between the views of experts and those of teachers. The presence of the middle level of ‘organisational support and change’ emerged as a particularly discriminating factor, indicating that higher‐quality teacher training supports change in the classroom and in the school. Therefore, we recommend that all five of Guskey's levels be consistently adopted for the evaluation of ICT teacher training, and that research should also adopt a multilevel model. A second paper delves deeper to describe and contrast the highest and lowest‐rated approaches to ICT teacher training.
Leeway for the Loyal: A Model of Employee Discretion
Authors: Green Francis
Published: February 2008

This article examines the factors underlying task discretion from an economist's perspective. It argues that the key axis for understanding discretion is the trade‐off between the positive effects of discretion on potential output per employee and the negative effects of greater leeway on work effort. In empirical analysis using matched employer–employee data, it is shown that discretion is strongly affected by the level of employee commitment. In addition, discretion is generally greater in high‐skilled jobs, although not without exceptions, and lower where employees are under‐skilled. Homeworking and flexitime policies raise employee discretion. The impact of teamworking is mixed. In about half of cases team members do not jointly decide about work matters, and the net effect of teams on task discretion in these cases is negative. In other cases, where team members do decide matters jointly, the impact is found to be neutral according to employees' perceptions, or positive according to managers' perceptions. There are also significant and substantial unobserved establishment‐level factors which affect task discretion.
On the Determinants of Shift Work and Overtime Work: Evidence from German Establishment Data
Authors: Jirjahn Uwe
Published: February 2008

Using data from German manufacturing establishments, this article examines the empirical determinants of shift work and overtime. Technology and the organization of work, the managerial environment, the structure of the workforce and industrial relations are important determinants. Despite the similarities in the role of some determinants, a series of important differences exists between the estimations for overtime and shift work. Moreover, using an instrumental variables probit model, the estimates indicate a negative relationship between shift work and overtime.