bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical deposition of FeGa∕NiFe magnetic multilayered films and nanowire arrays
Authors: Lupu N. , Chiriac H. , Pascariu P.
Published: February 2008

Results concerning the preparation and characterization of electrochemically deposited (Fe1−xGax∕Fe1−yNiy)n (x=0.1–0.3at.%; y=0.4–0.8at.%) multilayered films and nanowires arrays are reported for the first time. The layers have been deposited successively by changing the electrodeposition potential. The combination of Fe1−xGax magnetostrictive material and Fe1−yNiy soft magnetic material shows good magnetic softness (Hc does not exceed 60Gs) and gives novel magnetostrictive behavior caused by the formation of twisted spin structures.
Half-metallic L21 structures with (001) planar insertions
Authors: Culbert C. A. , Williams M. , Chshiev M. , Butler W. H.
Published: February 2008

A number of L21 phase alloys (composition X2YZ) are half-metallic. Although this structure is typically described in terms of a fcc Bravais lattice with a four atom basis, it can be viewed more simply as a variant of bcc or B2 in which planes of X2 alternate with planes of YZ along the 001 direction. Using ab initio electronic structure calculations, we have investigated planar insertions along 001 into the L21 structure. For most scenarios, insertion of single or double atomic layers of Cr into Co2MnGe or Co2MnSi did not destroy the half-metallic property. One insertion of a Cr layer into Co2MnGe was observed to increase the gap. In fact, we observed that for a large number of insertions using various transition metals or combinations of transition metals and nontransition metals, the band gap in the minority channel at the Fermi energy remains. An ad hoc rule that seems to partially capture the tendency to form half-metals can be formulated as: “001 planar insertions that can plausibly yield eight down spin electrons on the X2 layer and four down spin electrons on the YZ layer yield half-metals.”
A triple resonance hyperfine sublevel correlation experiment for assignment of electron-nuclear double resonance lines
Authors: Potapov Alexey , Epel Boris , Goldfarb Daniella
Published: February 2008

A new, triple resonance, pulse electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) sequence is described. It provides spin links between forbidden electron spin transitions (ΔMS=±1, ΔMI≠0) and allowed nuclear spin transitions (ΔMI=±1), thus, facilitating the assignment of nuclear frequencies to their respective electron spin manifolds and paramagnetic centers. It also yields the relative signs of the hyperfine couplings of the different nuclei. The technique is based on the combination of electron-nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) and electron-electron double resonance (ELDOR)–detected NMR experiments in a way similar to the TRIPLE experiment. The feasibility and the information content of the method are demonstrated first on a single crystal of Cu-doped L-histidine and then on a frozen solution of a Cu-histidine complex.
Advances in mechanical detection of magnetic resonance
Authors: Kuehn Seppe , Hickman Steven A. , Marohn John A.
Published: February 2008

The invention and initial demonstration of magnetic resonance force microscopy (MRFM) in the early 1990s launched a renaissance of mechanical approaches to detecting magnetic resonance. This article reviews progress made in MRFM in the last decade, including the demonstration of scanned probe detection of magnetic resonance (electron spin resonance, ferromagnetic resonance, and nuclear magnetic resonance) and the mechanical detection of electron spin resonance from a single spin. Force and force-gradient approaches to mechanical detection are reviewed and recent related work using attonewton sensitivity cantilevers to probe minute fluctuating electric fields near surfaces is discussed. Given recent progress, pushing MRFM to single proton sensitivity remains an exciting possibility. We will survey some practical and fundamental issues that must be resolved to meet this challenge.
Relaxor in KF-doped BaTi2O5 ceramics by spark plasma sintering
Authors: Xu Jun , Akishige Yukikuni
Published: February 2008

Dense BaTi2O5 ceramics with KF doping up to 5at.% were synthesized by spark plasma sintering (SPS). The SPS method enabled us to overcome the densifying difficulty in conventional sintering which is caused by the limit of the decomposing temperature of this metastable phase. We observed drastic KF-doping effect on the ferroelectric (FE) properties of BaTi2O5. Although there is only very small change in lattice parameters upon KF doping, the peak temperature in dielectric constant strongly decreases in an exponential way. The diffuseness of phase transition increases and FE relaxor state sets in for KF content as low as 1at.%. Possible structural reasons for the effect and the implication for the nature of FE phase transition in BaTi2O5 are discussed.
The Intrinsic Constraint Model for Stereo-Motion Integration
Authors: Tassinari Hadley , Domini Fulvio , Caudek Corrado
Published: February 2008

How the visual system integrates the information provided by several depth cues is central for vision research. Here, we present a model for how the human visual system combines disparity and velocity information. The model provides a depth interpretation to a subspace defined by the covariation of the two signals. We show that human performance is consistent with the predictions of the model, and compare them with those of another theoretical approach, the modified weak-fusion model. We discuss the validity of each approach as a model for human perception of 3-D shape from multiple cues to depth.
The Effect of Temporal and Spatial Frequency on Phantom-Contour Detection
Authors: Taubert Jessica , Chekaluk Eugene
Published: February 2008

Phantom contours are a visual illusion that can define regions with distinctive boundaries when no real surrounding edges exist. Spatial-frequency sensitivity is known to vary reliably across the visual-processing pathways, as does temporal-frequency sensitivity. Given that the effect of temporal frequency on phantom-contour detection has been previously established, and that the relationship between spatial frequency and temporal frequency is known, two experiments were designed to measure the highest level of spatial frequency that would still allow reliable pattern detection at different temporal frequencies by using the phantom-contour paradigm. The results revealed that phantom-contour detection is impaired when the stimulus has a high spatial-frequency content and that phantom-contour perception is supported by low spatial frequencies.
Evaluating the Electronic Textbook: Is it Time to Dispense with the Paper Text?
Authors: Shepperd James A. , Grace Jodi L. , Koch Erika J.
Published: February 2008

We examined the perceptions and performance of students who used an electronic versus a traditional paper textbook. Introductory psychology students (N = 392) who chose between the 2 formats did not differ in course grades. However, students using the electronic text reported spending less time reading for class compared to students using the paper text and generally evaluated the electronic text unfavorably. No student who purchased an electronic text in a prior class chose to purchase it for introductory psychology. These findings suggest that it may be premature to abandon the paper text in favor of the electronic text.
Temporal patterns in the acoustic signals of beaked whales at Cross Seamount
Authors: Johnston D.W , McDonald M , Polovina J , Domokos R , Wiggins S , Hildebrand J
Published: February 2008

Seamounts may influence the distribution of marine mammals through a combination of increased ocean mixing, enhanced local productivity and greater prey availability. To study the effects of seamounts on the presence and acoustic behaviour of cetaceans, we deployed a high-frequency acoustic recording package on the summit of Cross Seamount during April through October 2005. The most frequently detected cetacean vocalizations were echolocation sounds similar to those produced by ziphiid and mesoplodont beaked whales together with buzz-type signals consistent with prey-capture attempts. Beaked whale signals occurred almost entirely at night throughout the six-month deployment. Measurements of prey presence with a Simrad EK-60 fisheries acoustics echo sounder indicate that Cross Seamount may enhance local productivity in near-surface waters. Concentrations of micronekton were aggregated over the seamount in near-surface waters at night, and dense concentrations of nekton were detected across the surface of the summit. Our results suggest that seamounts may provide enhanced foraging opportunities for beaked whales during the night through a combination of increased productivity, vertical migrations by micronekton and local retention of prey. Furthermore, the summit of the seamount may act as a barrier against which whales concentrate prey.
A two‐dimension otolith growth inverse model
Authors: ÁLvarez A. , Morales‐Nin B. , Palmer M. , Tomás J. , Sastre J.
Published: February 2008

An inverse growth model was developed to describe fish otolith ontogenetic growth to find the most parsimonious growth field that drives the actual shape of an internal incremental structure to the actual external shape of the otolith. This approach is based in a pure physic model, and the single implicit assumption was that the otolith accretion occurred perpendicular to its external surface. The model could be used to define a general hypothesis situation, in the sense that it predicts the most plausible shape of the otolith at any time, assuming that no additional external forces have acted. Therefore, severe departures between the observed growth structure and the closest prediction to it could be used to identify anatomical constraints and physiological factors that modulate the pure physical expectations.
Cortisol responses of pallid sturgeon and yellow perch following challenge with lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Haukenes A. H. , Barton B. A. , Bollig H.
Published: February 2008

Plasma cortisol responses of pallid sturgeon Scaphirhynchus albus and yellow perch Perca flavescens following injection with equal doses of lipopolysaccharide were compared. Concentrations of cortisol in plasma from pallid sturgeon did not change following injection (6·0–11·0 v. 6·4 ng l−1 pre‐stress) while in yellow perch plasma they were shown to increase up to 6 h (117·0 v. 9·8 ng l−1 pre‐stress) after the injection. These results are consistent with other reports for pallid sturgeon that illustrate a reduced cortisol response following other applied stressors relative to teleosts and suggest differences in the expression and regulation of their inflammatory responses.
The spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias L. maintains osmolyte balance during long‐term starvation
Authors: Kajimura M. , Walsh P. J. , Wood C. M.
Published: February 2008

Over 56 days of starvation, spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias lost c. 0·3% body mass per day and condition factor and hepato‐somatic index declined, but plasma osmolality levels remained higher than seawater levels for the entire period; major osmolytes in the plasma, such as urea, trimethylamine oxide and inorganic ions did not change appreciably. Urea was always the dominant nitrogen waste and was excreted at a constant rate over the 56 day starvation period, suggesting that a minimum rate of urea loss to the environment is unavoidable. Significant amounts of unknown‐nitrogen compounds were also excreted at rates higher than that of ammonia. The dogfish can maintain its osmolytes constant despite losing large amounts of nitrogen‐rich urea, and therefore maintains plasma hyperosmotic regulation over long‐term starvation.
Comparisons of swimming performance in rainbow trout using constant acceleration and critical swimming speed tests
Authors: Farrell A. P.
Published: February 2008

Maximum swimming performance of seasonally acclimated rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss was compared among short‐duration constant acceleration tests (Umax) and with the well established, but longer duration critical swimming speed (Ucrit) test. The present results show that Umax was insensitive to a range of acceleration rates that differed by more than three‐fold. Thus, test duration could be reduced from 58 to 18 min without affecting the estimate of Umax. The value of Umax, however, was up to 57% higher than Ucrit. Only the slowest acceleration rate tested (an increase of 1 cm s−1 every min) had a significantly lower Umax, and this was up to 19% higher than Ucrit. Even so, the potential saving in the test duration was small (70 v. 90 min) when compared with a ramp‐Ucrit test (a standard Ucrit test but with the water velocity initially ramped to c. 50% of the estimated Ucrit). Therefore, swim tests that are appreciably shorter in duration than a ramp‐Ucrit test result in Umax being appreciably greater than Ucrit. An additional discovery was that the ramp‐Ucrit performance of cold‐acclimated rainbow trout was independent of the recovery period between tests. These results may prove useful in making comparisons among different swim test protocols and in designing swim tests that assess fish health and toxicological impacts.
Successful use of heparin and warfarin in the treatment of cholesterol crystal embolization
Authors: WAKABAYASHI Toshiteru , YOSHIZAWA Yuusuke , KAWANA Seiji
Published: February 2008

We report an 81‐year‐old male with cholesterol crystal embolization (CCE). He had been treated with warfarin for atrial fibrillation and an old cerebral infarction but had recurrence of cerebral infarction after warfarin was discontinued as treatment of CCE. Anticoagulation therapy by heparin in addition to warfarin was restarted, with the result that symptoms of cerebral ischemic damage did not recur and skin manifestations of CCE rapidly improved. These results suggest the possibility that heparin may be effective in the treatment of CCE, because CCE is not the result of pure embolization by cholesterol crystals but is a result of a combination with simultaneous thrombi.
DNA repair dysfunction in gastrointestinal tract cancers
Authors: Maehara Yoshihiko , Egashira Akinori , Oki Eiji , Kakeji Yoshihiro , Tsuzuki Teruhisa
Published: February 2008

The DNA repair system surveys the genome, which is always suffering from exposure to both exogenous as well as endogenous mutagens, to maintain the genetic information. The fact that the basis of this DNA repair system is highly conserved, from prokaryote to mammalian cells, suggests the importance of precise genome maintenance mechanisms for organisms. In the past 15 years, considerable progress has been made in understanding how repair processes interact and how disruptions of these mechanisms lead to the accumulation of mutations and carcinogenesis. In 1993, two groups reported that DNA mismatch repair could be associated with hereditary non‐polyposis colorectal cancer, indicating a connection between faulty DNA repair function and cancer. More recently, an inherited disorder of DNA glycosylase, which removes mutagenic oxidized base from DNA, has been reported in individuals with a predisposition to multiple colorectal adenomas and carcinomas. This is the first report that directly indicates the role of the repair of oxidative DNA in human inherited cancer. Studies from gene knockout mice have elucidated the principal role of these repair systems in the process of carcinogenesis. Moreover, clinical samples derived from cancer patients have shown the direct involvement. This review focuses on the function of DNA mismatch repair and oxidative DNA/nucleotide repair among various DNA repair systems in cells, both of which are essentially involved in the carcinogenesis of gastrointestinal tract cancer. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 451–458)
Expression of CCL17 and CCL22 by latent membrane protein 1‐positive tumor cells in age‐related Epstein–Barr virus‐associated B‐cell lymphoproliferative disorder
Authors: Takegawa Sumio , Jin Zhe , Nakayama Takashi , Oyama Takashi , Hieshima Kunio , Nagakubo Daisuke , Shirakawa Aiko‐Konno , Tsuzuki Toyonori , Nakamura Shigeo , Yoshie Osamu
Published: February 2008

Age‐related Epstein–Barr virus‐positive (EBV+) B‐cell lymphoproliferative disorder (ALPD) is a disease entity identified from a large‐scale re‐survey of cases diagnosed as diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. ALPD is a group of EBV+ polymorphic B‐cell lymphoma typically seen in elderly patients. An age‐associated decline in host immunity against EBV might be partly responsible for the pathogenesis of ALPD. Histologically, ALPD is often characterized by a minor proportion of EBV‐encoded RNA‐positive tumor cells in a background of extensive cellular infiltration, similar to that of classical Hodgkin's lymphoma. In contrast to Hodgkin and Reed–Sternberg cells, ALPD tumor cells are clearly positive for B cell markers CD20 and/or CD79a. Hodgkin and Reed–Sternberg cells produce various chemokines, including CCL17 and CCL22, that attract chemokine receptor CCR4‐expressing Th2 cells and regulatory T cells. Previously, we have shown that EBV‐immortalized B cells also produce CCL17 and CCL22 through latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1)‐mediated activation of nuclear factor κB. Here we examined expression of CCL17 and CCL22 in ALPD. ALPD tumor cells were often heterogeneous in size in accordance with the differential expression of EBV latent genes at the single cell level. LMP1‐expressing tumor cells were typically large in size and selectively positive for CCL17 and CCL22. CCR4+ cells and forkhead box protein 3+ regulatory T cells were abundantly present, and the majority of forkhead box protein 3+ cells were CCR4+. Collectively, our data show production of CCL17 and CCL22 by LMP1+ large‐sized tumor cells and accumulation of CCR4‐expressing cells including regulatory T cells in ALPD. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 296–302)
Chemokine receptor CXCR4 expression and prognosis in patients with metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Akashi Takuya , Koizumi Keiichi , Tsuneyama Koichi , Saiki Ikuo , Takano Yasuo , Fuse Hideki
Published: February 2008

The chemokine receptor CXCR4 has been reported to be aberrantly expressed in human cancers and has also been shown to participate in the development of cancer metastasis. The present study was carried out to assess immunohistochemically the pattern of CXCR4 expression in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. We analyzed whether there may be an association between CXCR4 expression and prognosis. Fifty‐two patients who received hormonal therapy were enrolled. Specimens were obtained from transperineal needle biopsy before treatment, and were stained with antihuman CXCR4 antibody. We also evaluated the pathological grade, extent of bony metastasis, clinical response to hormonal therapy, and patient prognosis. CXCR4 was detected in 94.2% patients. Its expression showed no association with pathological grade, extent of bony metastasis, or clinical response to hormonal therapy. Patients with a high expression of CXCR4 in tumors had poorer cancer‐specific survival than those with low expression of CXCR4. CXCR4 expression is a useful prognostic factor for patients with metastatic prostate cancer treated with androgen‐withdrawal therapy. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 539–542)
Potential biomarkers involving IKK/RelA signal in early stage non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Jin Xianqing , Wang Ziming , Qiu Lin , Zhang Dianliang , Guo Zhenhua , Gao Zongwei , Deng Chun , Wang Fuling , Wang Shan , Guo Chunbao
Published: February 2008

The clinical relevance of nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) and its regulatory molecules on prognosis of patient with early stages of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted biomarker analyses with survival in patients with stages I and II NSCLC. Tumor samples were collected from 88 patients with early‐stage NSCLC (stages I, II). A minimum follow‐up period of 5 years was required. RelA, phosphorylated IκB (pIκBα), pIKKα/β were detected by immunostaining. NF‐κB DNA binding activity was assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Association of clinical and pathologic variables (e.g. sex, age, pathologic stage) with relevant molecules was determined by Pearson's χ2 test or Fisher's exact test. Survival analysis based on single expression of RelA, pIκBα, pIKKα/β as well as composite expressions were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression models, and log rank test followed Kaplan‐Meier estimates. RelA, pIκBα, pIKKα/β were observed as increased expression in NSCLC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues and normal lung tissues. These molecules were associated with tumor‐node‐metastasis stages, T stages and histological status, respectively. Among the molecules analyzed, RelA and pIκBα‐positive were statistically significant predictors of patient death in the entire patient population adjusted by age, gender and smoking status; furthermore both RelA and pIκBα‐positive was the strongest prognostic indicators of poor prognosis by univariate and multivariate analyses. Borderline positive correlations were observed between RelA and pIκBα or pIKKα/β expression. In this cohort of early‐stage NSCLC patients, molecular markers, especially composite application of multiple biomarkers (both nuclear RelA and cytoplasmic pIκB‐α expression) that independently predict overall survival have been identified. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 582–589)
Induction of ErbB2 by ultraviolet A irradiation: Potential role in malignant transformation of keratinocytes
Authors: Han Chang Yeob , Lim Sung Chul , Choi Hong Seok , Kang Keon Wook
Published: February 2008

Ultraviolet (UV) A (320–400 nm), which constitutes more than 90% of UV radiation in the sunlight that reaches the earth's surface, is considered a major cause of human skin photo‐aging and skin cancer. Exposure of keratinocytes to UVA has previously been reported to lead to the activation of a variety of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR), including ErbB2, and ErbB2 activation is involved in skin tumor development. Here, we demonstrate that ErbB2 expression is enhanced by low‐energy UVA (300–3000 mJ/cm2) irradiation in the skin tissues of both hairless mice and HaCaT keratinocytes. Luciferase reporter‐gene activity using the 756‐bp flanking region of the human erbB2 gene was increased by UVA irradiation. UVA irradiation also selectively increased the levels of activator protein (AP)‐2α, but not AP‐2β and AP‐2γ. The increase in the reporter gene activity of HaCaT cells exposed to UVA was abolished by mutation of the two AP‐2 binding sites in the promoter region of the erbB2 gene. Inhibition of cAMP‐dependent protein kinase caused complete blockage of ErbB2 induction and AP‐2α activation by UVA irradiation. Finally, we reveal that pre‐exposure of HaCaT cells to UVA potentiates EGF‐inducible anchorage‐independent growth of the keratinocytes, which is significantly suppressed by ErbB2 inhibition. These results support the hypothesis that UVA enhances the expression of ErbB2 via cAMP‐ and protein kinase‐dependent AP‐2α activation in keratinocytes, which may serve as a key mechanistic basis for the malignant transformation of keratinocytes exposed to UVA irradiation. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 502–509)
Systematic review and meta‐analyses of strategies targeting alcohol problems in emergency departments: interventions reduce alcohol‐related injuries
Authors: Havard Alys , Shakeshaft Anthony , Sanson‐Fisher Rob
Published: February 2008

Aims  To critique the methodological adequacy of evaluations of emergency department (ED)‐based interventions for alcohol problems and to conduct a meta‐analysis to examine the extent to which interventions in this setting are effective in reducing alcohol consumption and related harm.

Methods  An electronic search of 11 databases and a manual search of reference lists were conducted to identify studies published in peer‐review journals between January 1996 and July 2007 (inclusive). Studies evaluating the outcome of an intervention designed to reduce alcohol problems in patients presenting to the ED were eligible for inclusion. Methodological data were extracted using review criteria adapted from the both the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Guide to Community Preventive Services Data Collection Instrument and the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care Review Group Data Collection Checklist. Continuous outcomes were pooled using a fixed effect inverse variance approach while binary outcomes were pooled in a generic inverse variance meta‐analysis.

Results  Thirteen studies were identified for inclusion in the review. Methodological quality was found to be reasonable, with the exception of poor reporting of effect‐size information and inconsistent selection of outcome measures. Meta‐analyses revealed that interventions did not significantly reduce subsequent alcohol consumption, but were associated with approximately half the odds of experiencing an alcohol‐related injury (odds ratio = 0.59, 95% confidence interval 0.42–0.84).

Conclusions  There are few evaluations of emergency department‐based interventions for alcohol problems. Future evaluations should use consistent outcome measures and report effect sizes. The existing evidence suggests that interventions are effective in reducing subsequent alcohol‐related injuries.
Assessing the validity of potential alcohol‐related non‐fatal injury indicators
Authors: Langley John , Kypri Kypros , Cryer Colin , Davie Gabrielle
Published: February 2008

Aim  To assess critically the face validity of the World Health Organization's (WHO's) International Guide for Monitoring Alcohol Consumption and Related Harm (MACRH) for deriving indicators, for the purposes of developing non‐fatal alcohol‐related injury indicators in New Zealand.

Design  MACRH's five solutions for deriving indicators are: (i) use only alcohol‐specific cases; (ii) identify subsets of events known to be highly alcohol‐related; (iii) utilize control indicators that are rarely alcohol‐related; (iv) estimate alcohol attributable fractions (AAFs) and adjust indicators accordingly; and (v) develop composite indicators. These were assessed in terms of their face validity with particular reference to New Zealand.

Findings  There are significant face validity issues with each of the five options. Solution 4 offers the greatest promise, provided that: (i) valid AAFs can be derived and they are updated regularly; and (ii) appropriate adjustment is made for extraneous influences on the estimates of alcohol‐related harm. To date, the latter has not been carried out.

Conclusions  Most potential sources of data on alcohol‐related harm are subject to extraneous influences, which vary over time and space. While the attempt by WHO to offer solutions to this problem is laudable, the solutions do not address the problem adequately. MACRH guidelines need to be revised to include criteria for a valid outcome indicator.
Happy Ending: a randomized controlled trial of a digital multi‐media smoking cessation intervention
Authors: Brendryen Håvar , Kraft Pål
Published: February 2008

Aims  To assess the long‐term efficacy of a fully automated digital multi‐media smoking cessation intervention.

Design  Two‐arm randomized control trial (RCT).

Setting  World Wide Web (WWW) study based in Norway.

Participants  Subjects (n = 396) were recruited via internet advertisements and assigned randomly to conditions. Inclusion criteria were willingness to quit smoking and being aged 18 years or older.

Intervention  The treatment group received the internet‐ and cell‐phone‐based Happy Ending intervention. The intervention programme lasted 54 weeks and consisted of more than 400 contacts by e‐mail, web‐pages, interactive voice response (IVR) and short message service (SMS) technology. The control group received a self‐help booklet. Additionally, both groups were offered free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).

Measurements  Abstinence was defined as ‘not even a puff of smoke, for the last 7 days’, and assessed by means of internet surveys or telephone interviews. The main outcome was repeated point abstinence at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months following cessation.

Findings  Participants in the treatment group reported clinically and statistically significantly higher repeated point abstinence rates than control participants [22.3% versus 13.1%; odds ratio (OR) = 1.91, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12–3.26, P = 0.02; intent‐to‐treat). Improved adherence to NRT and a higher level of post‐cessation self‐efficacy were observed in the treatment group compared with the control group.

Conclusions  As the first RCT documenting the long‐term treatment effects of such an intervention, this study adds to the promise of digital media in supporting behaviour change.
The genetic structure of the mountain forest butterfly Erebia euryale unravels the late Pleistocene and postglacial history of the mountain coniferous forest biome in Europe
Authors: SCHMITT THOMAS , HAUBRICH KAROLA
Published: February 2008

The distribution of the mountain coniferous forest biome in Europe throughout time is not sufficiently understood. One character species of this habitat type is the large ringlet, Erebia euryale well reflecting the extension of this biome today, and the genetic differentiation of this species among and within mountain systems may unravel the late Pleistocene history of this habitat type. We therefore analysed the allozyme pattern of 381 E. euryale individuals from 11 populations in four different European mountain systems (Pyrenees, Alps, Carpathians, Rila). All loci analysed were polymorphic. The mean FST over all samples was high (20%). Furthermore, the mean genetic distance among samples was quite high (0.049). We found four different groups well supported by cluster analyses, bootstraps and hierarchical variance analyses: Pyrenees, western Alps, eastern Alps and southeastern Europe (Carpathians and Rila). The genetic diversity of the populations was highest in the southeastern European group and stepwise decreased westwards. Interestingly, the populations from Bulgaria and Romania were almost identical; therefore, we assume that they were not separated by the Danube Valley, at least during the last ice age. On the contrary, the differentiation among the three western Alps populations was considerable. For all these reasons, we assume that (i) the most important refugial area for the coniferous mountain forest biome in Europe has been located in southeastern Europe including at least parts of the Carpathians and the Bulgarian mountains; (ii) important refugial areas for this biome existed at the southeastern edge of the Alps; (iii) fragments of this habitat types survived along the southwestern Alps, but in a more scattered distribution; and (iv) relatively small relicts have persisted somewhere at the foothills of the Pyrenees.
Binary coalescence from case A evolution: mergers and blue stragglers
Authors: Chen Xuefei , Han Zhanwen
Published: February 2008

We have constructed some main-sequence mergers from case A binary evolution and we have studied their characteristics using the stellar evolution code written by Eggleton. The values of both total mass and orbital angular momentum are conservative in our binary evolutions. Assuming that the matter from the secondary homogeneously mixes with the envelope of the primary and that no mass is lost from the system during the merger process, we found that some mergers might be on the left of the zero-age main sequence as defined by normal surface composition (i.e. helium content Y= 0.28 with metallicity Z= 0.02 for Population I) on a colour–magnitude diagram because of enhanced surface helium content. The study also shows that the central hydrogen content of the mergers is independent of mass. Our simple models can possibly explain a few blue stragglers observed on the left of zero-age main sequence in some clusters. However, the concentration towards the blue side of the main sequence with decreasing mass, as predicted by Sandquist et al., will not appear in our models. The products with little central hydrogen in our models are probably subgiants when they are formed, as the primaries in the progenitors also have little central hydrogen and will likely leave the main sequence during the merger process. As a consequence, we fit the formula of magnitude Mv and B–V of the mergers when they return to thermal equilibrium with maximum errors 0.29 and 0.037, respectively.

Taking the above into account, we performed Monte Carlo simulations to examine our models in an old open cluster NGC 2682 and an intermediate-age cluster NGC 2660. The angular momentum loss (AML) of low-mass binaries is very important in NGC 2682, and its effect can be estimated in a simple way. In NGC 2682, binary mergers from our models cover the region with high luminosity and those from the AML are located in the region with low luminosity, which has a certain width. The blue stragglers from the AML are much more numerous than those from our models, indicating that the AML of low-mass binaries makes a major contribution to blue stragglers in this old cluster. Our models can account for several blue stragglers in NGC 2660. For the most likely region on the colour–magnitude diagram, however, no blue stragglers have yet been observed. Our results are well matched with the observations if there is ∼0.5 M⊙ of mass loss in the merger process; however, it is difficult to find a physical mechanism for this much mass loss.
Effects of trauma on bipolar disorder: the mediational role of interpersonal difficulties and alcohol dependence
Authors: Maguire Chrissie , McCusker Christopher G , Meenagh Ciaran , Mulholland Ciaran , Shannon Ciaran
Published: February 2008

Objectives:  This study examined: (i) the prevalence of trauma in a bipolar disorder (BD) sample, and (ii) how trauma histories mediated by interpersonal difficulties and alcohol dependence impact on the severity of BD. The prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its relationship to outcomes in BD were also examined.

Methods:  Sixty participants were recruited from a geographically well‐defined mental health service in Northern Ireland. Self‐reported trauma histories, PTSD, interpersonal difficulties and alcohol dependence and were examined in relation to illness severity.

Results:  A high prevalence of trauma was found. Trauma predicted the frequency of hospital admissions (R2 = 0.08), quality of life (R2 = 0.23) and inter‐episode depressive symptoms (R2 = 0.13). Interpersonal difficulties, but not alcohol dependence, appeared to play an important role in mediating these adverse effects. While only 8% of the sample met criteria for active PTSD, this comorbid disorder was associated with BD severity.

Conclusions:  This study indicates that awareness of trauma is important in understanding individual differences in bipolar presentations. The theoretical and clinical implications of evidence that trauma is related to more adverse outcomes in BD are discussed. The finding that interpersonal difficulties mediate the relationship between trauma and BD severity is novel. The need for adjunctive evidence‐based treatments targeting interpersonal difficulties is considered.
One big, and many small reasons that direct selection on offspring number is still open for discussion
Authors: SIMONS A. M.
Published: February 2008

In a recent paper, I proposed that natural selection should act to increase offspring number when diversification bet hedging is favoured. The simple underlying reasoning is that a target diversification strategy is more reliably generated with increasing sample size. The intention of opening a discussion has been realized; recent criticisms of the idea argue that selection does not act to increase offspring number when population size is large or infinite. Here I agree that criticisms have merit; indeed they are largely confined to the caveats discussed in my original paper. The critique, however, implies a verdict of outright rejection of the idea of selection on offspring number, which would be erroneous. Contrary to the assertions of the criticism, then, the importance of selection acting directly on offspring number remains an open question.
Slow molecular evolution in 18S rDNA, rbcL and nad5 genes of mosses compared with higher plants
Authors: STENØIEN H. K.
Published: February 2008

The evolutionary potential of bryophytes (mosses, liverworts and hornworts) has been debated for decades. Fossil record and biogeographical distribution patterns suggest very slow morphological evolution and the retainment of several ancient traits since the split with vascular plants some 450 million years ago. Many have argued that bryophytes may evolve as rapidly as higher plants on the molecular level, but this hypothesis has not been tested so far. Here, it is shown that mosses have experienced significantly lower rates of molecular evolution than higher plants within 18S rDNA (nuclear), rbcL (chloroplast) and nad5 (mitochondrial) genes. Mosses are on an average evolving 2–3 times slower than ferns, gymnosperms and angiosperms; and also green algae seem to be evolving faster than nonvascular plants. These results support the observation of a general correlation between morphological and molecular evolutionary rates in plants and also show that mosses are ‘evolutionary sphinxes’ regarding both morphological and molecular evolutionary potential.
A test of fitness consequences of hybridization in sibling species of Lake Victoria cichlid fish
Authors: VAN DER SLUIJS I. , VAN DOOREN T. J. M. , SEEHAUSEN O. , VAN ALPHEN J. J. M.
Published: February 2008

Several hundred species of haplochromine cichlid fish have evolved rapidly in Lake Victoria. Divergent sexual and ecological selection probably played an important role in this radiation, generating divergent mating preferences and preference–trait covariance. However, the segregation of hybrid inviability or infertility genes could also potentially generate preference–trait covariance, and the mechanisms that cause the evolution of divergent mating preferences have not been investigated in detail in any cichlid species pair. We investigated intrinsic fitness of hybrids between two sister species in the genus Pundamilia, one of the most species‐rich genera of Lake Victoria cichlids. Fitness‐related traits were measured in nonhybrid offspring of both species, and in the first and second hybrid generations. There were no differences in fecundity, fertility, sex ratio or growth rates either between the sister species or between these and their hybrids. By contrast, there was a difference in offspring survival between the two sister species. Offspring survival was dependent only on the species of the mother, regardless of whether the cross was conspecific or heterospecific. Further, eggs tended to be larger in the hybrids than in one of the parental species. Hence, hybrids suffered no intrinsic fitness reduction relative to nonhybrids. Our data suggest that intrinsic hybrid incompatibilities are unlikely to have caused speciation in Pundamilia, nor to maintain species boundaries in this system.
DISLOCATION STRUCTURE AND NON‐PROPORTIONAL HARDENING OF TYPE 304 STAINLESS STEEL
Authors: Kida S. , Itoh T. , Sakane M. , Ohnami M. , Socie D. F.
Published: February 2008

Abstract— This paper describes the microstructure of Type 304 stainless steel after cyclic loading at room temperature under tension‐torsion non‐proportional strain paths. The degree of cyclic non‐proportional hardening is correlated with changes in the dislocation substructure. Dislocation cells, dislocation bundles, twins and stacking faults are all observed. The type of microstructure formed and resultant stress response is dependent on the degree of non‐proportional loading and strain range. Cyclic stress range was uniquely correlated with mean cell size.
THE WARM PRESTRESSING EFFECT IN STEELS UNDERGOING INTERGRANULAR FRACTURE
Authors: Cheng J. , Noble F. W.
Published: February 2008

Abstract— The warm prestressing (WPS) effect has been studied in three different steels. One of these, a Cr‐Ni steel (EN36), was heat treated to cause fracture to occur either intergranularly, by cleavage, or by a mixture of cleavage and intergranular fracture. A plain carbon steel (EN3) was also used for experiments involving cleavage fracture and thermally aged A533B was used for additional experiments involving intergranular fracture. A significant WPS effect was found for each fracture mode. There were slight differences in the magnitude of the effect for different groups of specimens but, except in certain special cases, these were not considered significant. Experiments involving stress relieving treatments following warm prestressing were also carried out. They indicated that the WPS effect was not completely eliminated by stress relieving. Crack blunting during warm prestressing has been proposed to account for this and for certain other aspects of the results.
THREE‐DIMENSIONAL CRACK‐SHAPE EFFECTS DURING THE GROWTH OF SMALL SURFACE FATIGUE CRACKS IN A TITANIUM‐BASE ALLOY
Authors: Ravichandran K. S.
Published: February 2008

Abstract— A basic study was performed on the evolution of three‐dimensional shapes of small surface fatigue cracks during fatigue, and the effect of this evolution on small‐crack growth behavior of a titanium‐base alloy. Specifically, the nature and the magnitude of variations in crack aspect ratio, a/c (a is the crack depth and c is the half‐surface crack length), during cyclic crack growth and its impact on growth rates have been studied. Experiments were performed on naturally initiated micro‐cracks in a microstructure consisting of equiaxed primary‐α2 phase in a Widmanstätten (transformed β) matrix. Several cracks under stress ratio (R) levels of 0.1 and −1, were studied. A specialized experimental system, consisting of a laser interferometer (to measure precisely the small‐crack surface displacements), and a photo microscope (to automatically and continuously photograph the fatigue micro‐cracks) was employed in the study. Apparent aspect ratios of surface cracks were calculated from the compliance response and the surface crack length data as a function of fatigue cycles. These data enabled accurate calculations of growth rates at the surface crack tip as well as the tip at depth in the bulk over the entire crack growth period, thus giving an insight into the crack growth process. Measurements of closure levels of small cracks were also performed and were used to partly account for the differences in growth rates. In the comparisons of small‐crack growth data with the large‐crack data, surface growth rates correlated relatively well with the large‐crack data. Growth rates at depth exhibited large variations due to the irregularity of crack fronts at this location, and these rates deviated significantly from the large‐crack behavior. Additionally, these growth rates varied between different cracks. An attempt was made to rationalize these observations in terms of the effects of inhomogeneities present in the microstructure.
FATIGUE CRACK GROWTH BEHAVIOUR OF FIBRE‐METAL LAMINATE GLARE‐1 AND METAL LAMINATE 7475 WITH DIFFERENT BLUNT NOTCHES
Authors: Papakyriacou M. , Schijve J. , Stanzl‐Tschegg S. E.
Published: February 2008

Abstract— The fatigue crack growth behaviour of the fibre metal laminate “GLARE‐1” has been investigated for different blunt notches in Constant Amplitude (CA) tests. In order to investigate the influence of the fibres, the same laminate material but containing no fibres (Laminate 7475) was also tested. The fatigue crack growth properties of GLARE‐1 are superior to those of Laminate 7475. GLARE‐1 shows lower crack growth velocities at the same Knom values and in addition the crack growth rates decrease with increasing crack length. The Laminate 7475 shows typical metal behaviour for single crack propagation and accelerating crack growth with increasing crack length. In GLARE‐1, multiple crack propagation takes place. The cracks propagate independent of each other and have similar crack growth rates, in part due to closure effects caused by the unbroken fibre layers.

The crack growth rates of specimens having a small root radius are higher in both materials than in specimens with a large notch radius. In GLARE‐1, the superiority of a larger notch radius is more pronounced than in the Laminate 7475 and is attributed to a stronger crack closure effect owing to fibre bridging. The reason for the higher bridging capability in specimens containing larger notches is that less fibres are broken or damaged in the notch vicinity.
The splendid isolation of biological nomenclature
Authors: Laurin Michel
Published: February 2008

Recent arguments against phylogenetic nomenclature (PN) rest on the assumption that, generally, consensus about the meaning of taxon names arises spontaneously. A brief historical review shows that this is not the case. Comparisons with other fields as diverse as physics, geology and geopolitics show that precision in the meaning of terms is essential to produce consensus, which is precisely the opposite as the avowed aims of rank‐based nomenclature (RN). The difficulty in reaching consensus increases with the weight of tradition and decreases with the number of objective tests to falsify competing theories. In both respects, biological nomenclature is handicapped because the weight of tradition is extreme and rules of nomenclature cannot be discovered in nature. These facts may explain the difficulty in reaching consensus on the most appropriate system of nomenclature for the 21st century. Therefore, comparisons between RN and PN should focus on minimal taxonomic stability, rather than realized or maximal stability. A four‐taxon example shows that in this respect, PN vastly outperforms RN. Opponents of PN often predict that implementation of PN will cause considerable confusion. A comparison with computer science shows that confusion is often associated with progress, and may be unavoidable for nomenclature to prosper in the new millennium.
Cryoablative response of prostate cancer cells is influenced by androgen receptor expression
Authors: Klossner Daniel P. , Baust John M. , VanBuskirk Robert G. , Gage Andrew A. , Baust John G.
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE

To investigate in prostate cancer cells the consequences of androgen‐insensitivity (AI) development on the cellular and molecular responses to freezing, as a challenge in prostate cancer treatment occurs when the androgen‐sensitive (AS) phenotype switches to an AI phenotype, the latter of which is often refractory to many therapies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PC‐3 (AI) and LNCaP (AS) were each genetically altered to express the opposite phenotype and subjected to an in vitro freezing model. Viability, caspase inhibitor and Western blot studies were used to determine the basis of the differential responses of AI and AS cells.

RESULTS

LNCaP high‐passage cells, formed by repeated passage of LNCaP (AS) cells, were AI and showed a phenotypic shift to freeze resistance matching the freeze response of PC‐3 cells (AI). While stably transfected androgen receptor (AR)‐transfected cells (PC‐3 AR) had a freezing sensitivity similar to that of the LNCaP (AS) cell line. Importantly, AI cell lines survived and recovered from freezing exposure to temperatures as low as −40 °C whereas AS cell lines did not. Caspase inhibition studies and related fluorescent probes showed an elevated level of apoptotic involvement in both AS cell lines after freezing compared with their AI counterparts. Western blot analysis showed that AR expression was modified after exposure to freezing.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that AS cancers may be far more sensitive to a freezing insult and this might be linked to elevated apoptosis and caspase activity. As such, cryoablation may prove most effective in cancer cells that have not yet progressed to a more resistant AI phenotype, but both generic variants can be fully ablated at sufficiently low temperatures.