bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online Electoral Competition in Different Settings
Authors: Strandberg Kim
Published: February 2008

This article takes a close look at two important theories concerning the effects that online party campaigning has on party competition. The equalization and normalization theories are tested for systematic logical dependence on conditions present in existing studies within the research field. The conditions are country-specific contextual settings and studyspecific methodology. The method of qualitative comparative analysis is used, such that variable based reasoning can be applied in the low n case study. The main result of the analysis is that findings of normalization are mostly dependent on offline conditions — electoral settings in particular — being favourable to major parties. Concerning findings of equalization, an online media environment favourable to minor parties, compared to the offline environment proved important. Through a meta-analytical approach, the article brings important information to light on how scholarly interpretations of the two theories have been constructed.
A Study of Heat Transfer in the Blown Film Process
Authors: Zhang Z. , Lafleur P.G.
Published: February 2008

The air ring design directly affects the aerodynamic phenomena in the film blowing process. In this study, the effects of impinging jets on heat transfer are explored taking into account the influence of cooling on the bubble shape, by comparing the characteristics and performance of flows produced by single and dual orifice air rings. The aerodynamic characteristics of air-cooling flow around the bubble surface are investigated utilizing a finite volume numerical method and renormalization group (RNG) theory based on the k—ε turbulence model coupled with enhanced wall treatment method of the FLUENT commercially available software. The numerical analysis provided a detailed description of fluid flow pattern as well as heat transfer coefficients for different air ring designs, and under different processing conditions. The results of calculation indicate that the heat transfer rate critically depends on the air ring design. A simple correlation for the heat transfer coefficient and the maximum air velocity function (i.e., h = aVb max proposed in the literature) was established. The boundary conditions dominated by airflow rates are equally important for cooling efficiency. The correlation between Reynolds number and the heat transfer in the numerical solution is also reported.
Barrier Properties of Flake-Filled Membranes: Review and Numerical Evaluation
Authors: Xiaoming Chen  , Papathanasiou T.D.
Published: February 2008

Flake-filled polymer membranes belong to an emerging class of composite materials that show promise as barrier materials in many industrial applications. Though the barrier property enhancement in flake-filled membranes is well known, its dependence on microstructural factors, such as flake spatial distribution, size dispersion, and orientation is not well understood. This study presents a micromechanics-based, direct numerical approach to predicting the barrier improvement factors of flake-filled membranes. Numerical calculations are conducted in two-dimensions for composite membranes containing aligned, impermeable flakes, using the fast multipole-accelerated boundary element method. Theoretical models which predict the barrier properties of flake-filled membranes are reviewed and their predictions compared with the boundary element calculations.
Thalidomide for treatment of multiple myeloma: 10 years later
Authors: Palumbo Antonio , Facon Thierry , Sonneveld Pieter , Bladè Joan , Offidani Massimo , Gay Francesca , Moreau Philippe , Waage Anders , Spencer Andrew , Ludwig Heinz , Boccadoro Mario , Harousseau Jean-Luc
Published: February 2008

Thalidomide, bortezomib, and lenalidomide have recently changed the treatment paradigm of myeloma. In young, newly diagnosed patients, the combination of thalidomide and dexamethasone has been widely used as induction treatment before autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). In 2 randomized studies, consolidation or maintenance with low-dose thalidomide has extended both progression-free and overall survival in patients who underwent ASCT at diagnosis. In elderly, newly diagnosed patients, 3 independent randomized studies have reported that the oral combination of melphalan and prednisone plus thalidomide (MPT) is better than the standard melphalan and prednisone (MP). These studies have shown better progression-free survival, and 2 have shown improved overall survival for patients assigned to MPT. In refractory-relapsed disease, combinations including thalidomide with dexamethasone, melphalan, doxorubicin, or cyclophosphamide have been extensively investigated. The risks of side effects are greater when thalidomide is used in combination with other drugs. Thromboembolism and peripheral neuropathy are the major concern. The introduction of anticoagulant prophylaxis has reduced the rate of thromboembolism to less than 10%. Immediate thalidomide dose reduction or discontinuation when paresthesia is complicated by pain or motor deficit has decreased the severity of neuropathy. Future studies will define the most effective or the best sequence of combinations which could improve life expectancy.
CYP4F2 genetic variant alters required warfarin dose
Authors: Caldwell Michael D. , Awad Tarif , Johnson Julie A. , Gage Brian F. , Falkowski Mat , Gardina Paul , Hubbard Jason , Turpaz Yaron , Langaee Taimour Y. , Eby Charles , King Cristi R. , Brower Amy , Schmelzer John R. , Glurich Ingrid , Vidaillet Humberto J. , Yale Steven H. , Qi Zhang Kai , Berg Richard L. , Burmester James K.
Published: February 2008

Warfarin is an effective, commonly prescribed anticoagulant used to treat and prevent thrombotic events. Because of historically high rates of drug-associated adverse events, warfarin remains underprescribed. Further, interindividual variability in therapeutic dose mandates frequent monitoring until target anticoagulation is achieved. Genetic polymorphisms involved in warfarin metabolism and sensitivity have been implicated in variability of dose. Here, we describe a novel variant that influences warfarin requirements. To identify additional genetic variants that contribute to warfarin requirements, screening of DNA variants in additional genes that code for drug-metabolizing enzymes and drug transport proteins was undertaken using the Affymetrix drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters panel. A DNA variant (rs2108622; V433M) in cytochrome P450 4F2 (CYP4F2) was associated with warfarin dose in 3 independent white cohorts of patients stabilized on warfarin representing diverse geographic regions in the United States and accounted for a difference in warfarin dose of approximately 1 mg/day between CC and TT subjects. Genetic variation of CYP4F2 was associated with a clinically relevant effect on warfarin requirement.
Time-modulated Release of Multiple Proteins from Enzyme-responsive Multilayered Capsules
Authors: Itoh Yuki , Matsusaki Michiya , Kida Toshiyuki , Akashi Mitsuru
Published: February 2008

The time-modulated release of two kinds of proteins in response to specific enzymes was achieved by using multilayered capsules incorporating these proteins in separate positions of the capsule, which were prepared via layer-by-layer assembly of chitosan, dextran sulfate, and poly(l-lysine).
Effect of pH on Hydrothermal Synthesis of γ-Al2O3 Nanoparticles at 673 K
Authors: Sato Toshiyuki , Sue Kiwamu , Akiyama Yuka , Shibata Kei , Kawasaki Shin-ichiro , Tanaka Satoshi , Saitoh Kazunori , Kawai-Nakamura Akiko , Aida Keiko , Hiaki Toshihiko
Published: February 2008

Hydrothemal synthesis of γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles obtained from aqueous Al(NO3)3 solutions was carried out at 673 K and under pressures ranging from 30 to 40 MPa for 2 s using a flow apparatus. Effect of pressure and molality of HNO3 and KOH on crystal phase was examined. All products were a mixture of γ-Al2O3 and AlOOH having crystallite sizes less than 18 nm. Weight ratio of γ-Al2O3 to AlOOH in the products evaluated from TG showed a good correlation with pH at 673 K and increased from 0.17 to 1.16 with decreasing pH.
A Novel Cis–Trans Isomerism Found in a Sulfur-bridged PdII2AuI2 Tetranuclear Complex with [Pd(amine)2(thiolato)2]-type Building Units
Authors: Taguchi Mai , Sameshima Yuko , Igashira-Kamiyama Asako , Akine Shigehisa , Nabeshima Tatsuya , Konno Takumi
Published: February 2008

Treatment of [Au(d-pen-S)2]3− (d-H2pen = d-penicillamine) with [PdCl4]2− in a 1:1 ratio gave a S-bridged PdII2AuI2 tetranuclear complex, in which two square-planar [Pd(d-pen-N,S)2]2− units are linked by two linear AuI ions. This tetranuclear complex was found to form two geometrical isomers that are discriminated by the cis–trans isomerism of [Pd(d-pen-N,S)2]2− units.
A Novel Visible-light-sensitive Efficient Photocatalyst, CrIII-grafted TiO2
Authors: Irie Hiroshi , Miura Shuhei , Nakamura Ryuhei , Hashimoto Kazuhito
Published: February 2008

TiO2 powder grafted with CrIII ions was demonstrated to become a novel type of hybrid photocatalyst. It could decompose 2-propanol into CO2 via acetone under visible-light (450–580 nm) irradiation. The reaction is explained by the photoinduced direct charge transfer from surface CrIII ion to the conduction band of TiO2, in which injected electron into the conduction band reduces oxygen and the CrIV oxidizes 2-propanol.
A Simple Modification Method of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube with Polyhydroxyamide
Authors: Zhou Chengjun , Zhuang Qixin , Qian Jun , Li Xinxin , Han Zhewen
Published: February 2008

A simple coprecipitation method has been performed to achieve a noncovalent modification of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) with polyhydroxyamide (PHA). The PHA-wrapped MWNTs (PHA-MWNT) prepared was verified by FT-IR and SEM. The weight content of nanotubes in PHA-MWNT is determined and analyzed by TGA. There are the strong interaction between PHA and MWNTs including hydrogen bonds besides π–π stacking and van der Waals interactions. Moreover, PHA-MWNT has a remarkable solubility in polar solvents and a good thermal stability.
Charge Delocalization over Stacked π-Electron Systems
Authors: Nakano Tamaki , Yade Tohru
Published: February 2008

Cation radicals of oligomers and polymers of dibenzofulvene having a π-stacked conformation showed broad absorption bands based on charge resonance in near IR region, which red-shifted with increasing degree of polymerization, indicating that charge delocalization takes place through multiple, stacked fluorene moieties.
Dye Redissolution after Precipitation with a Water-miscible Ionic Liquid
Authors: Ali Maroof , Baker Gary A , Pandey Siddharth
Published: February 2008

Redissolution of five popular cationic dyes with a water-miscible ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate after their near quantitative precipitation from aqueous solutions is observed. The behavior of the ionic liquid is similar to that of a salt at lower concentrations, while it acts like a cosolvent at higher concentrations.
An Efficient and Green Method for the Synthesis of Oxindole Derivatives in Water
Authors: Srihari G , Marthanda Murthy M
Published: February 2008

An environmentally benign method for the synthesis of 3,3-di(3-indolyl)- and 3,3-di(2-pyrrolyl)oxindoles by using various isatins, indoles, and pyrrole in water in excellent yields and high regioselectivity without using any catalyst.
Controlled Homeotropic and Homogeneous Orientations for Nanoscale Phase-separated Domain of Light-emitting Amphiphilic Block Copolymer Bearing a 2,5-Diarylthiazole Moiety
Authors: Mori Atsunori , Shikuma Junichi , Kinoshita Motoi , Ikeda Tomiki , Misaki Masahiro , Ueda Yasukiyo , Komura Motonori , Asaoka Sadayuki , Iyoda Tomokazu
Published: February 2008

An amphiphilic block copolymer composed of poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(methacrylate ester) bearing a donor–acceptor-type 2,5-diarylthiazole in the side chain is prepared by atom-transfer radical polymerization. The precursor 2,5-diarylthiazole monomer is prepared by transition-metal-catalyzed CH arylation reactions. A thin film of the block copolymer formed by spin coating exhibited nanoscale phase separation with homeotropically oriented domains, while a film formed by the friction transfer method showed domains with homogeneous orientation confirmed by AFM. Spectroscopic studies of the film, utilizing the luminescent characteristics of 2,5-diarylthiazole, showed polarized light emission as a result of the liquid crystalline ordering.
Natural Hydrates: 21 Questions for the 21st Century
Authors: Lerche Ian
Published: February 2008

Hydrates in nature have been known for a long time. In the last couple of decades the possibility of commercial utilization of natural hydrates has arisen as an alternative energy source. This paper asks 21 questions that, in the author's opinion, need to be addressed and answered correctly before one can be confident one understands the scope of the problem one is facing in attempting to address the role of natural hydrates, both commercially and geologically.
Decision-Making Process under Uncertainty in International Investments in Petroleum Exploration and Production: Multicriteria Approach
Authors: Carpio Lucio Guido Tapia , Margueron Marcus Vinicius
Published: February 2008

This paper intends to present a contribution to the development of techniques of decision-making in international projects of exploration and production of petroleum. A case study of the Multi-Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT) was developed and applied to define priorities among ten offshore exploration investment opportunities around the world offered to a Brazilian petroleum multinational company, according to decision-makers' preferences. The MAUT model proposed shows for the first time a combination of operational, political and technological risks, resulting in a quite complete formulation to describe quantitatively the decision-making process. It is important to emphasize that this paper presents an unpublished model to evaluate political risks whose detailed analysis is currently of extreme importance for international investments in petroleum projects.
An analysis of recollection in the measurement of long‐term change in attitudes
Authors: Miller Brian K. , Gallagher Daniel G.
Published: February 2008

In cross‐sectional research designs, the measurement of attitudinal and behavioural change has often relied upon respondents' reported recollection of the degree of change from one point in time to another. Alternatively, algebraic approaches for measuring change are often utilized in longitudinal designs with panel data. In a conceptual replication of prior work by Irving and Meyer (1995), this study undertook an examination of direct recall measures of change, as well as contemporaneous Time 1 (T1) and Time 2 (T2) measures of three attitudinal constructs (union commitment, union satisfaction, and union attitudes in general) over a 10‐year period. Based upon a sample of 195 union members, the investigation found that more proximal T2 measures of the constructs of interest were strongly related to single‐item measures of recollection of change and more distal T1 measures had no significant relationship with respondents' reported recollection of any of the attitudinal measures examined. In the interpretation of these findings, it is suggested that current attitudes provide cognitive prompts to survey‐based requests for recollection of past attitudes, which may in‐turn lead to serious reporting inaccuracies associated with many direct measures of recollection.
The effectiveness of single session therapy in child and adolescent mental health. Part 2: An 18‐month follow‐up study
Authors: Perkins Ruth , Scarlett Graeme
Published: February 2008

Objectives. This study examines whether the short‐term benefits of planned single session therapy (SST), previously demonstrated for child and adolescent clients with mental health problems, are maintained over an 18‐month period. It also investigates the impact of an initial 6‐week delay on therapy, and the impact of additional therapy during the 18‐month period.

Design. The study is an 18‐month follow‐up to a cross‐sectional clinical study involving treatment of outpatients at a public mental health clinic, over 14 months. All clients had been administered SST. Measures used were those used in the original study, which had a 1‐month post‐SST follow‐up.

Method. Each client was assessed using the DSMD, CSQ‐8 and the frequency and severity of the major presenting problem. Analysis was performed using repeated measures t tests and one‐way repeated measures ANOVA.

Results. The study found that the short‐term benefits of SST (measured 1‐month after therapy) were maintained 18 months after the initial consultation. Delay of treatment (by 6 weeks) did not appear to impact either the short‐term or longer‐term results. An additional finding was that about 60% of the group made significant clinical improvement after one session of therapy. In the other cases, one or more extra sessions were provided to consolidate change or maintain improvements.

Conclusions. The previously demonstrated short‐term benefits of SST, for children and adolescents with a range of mental health problems, were shown to be maintained over an 18‐month period. However, some clients may benefit from booster sessions. Overall, SST appears to be an empirically supported, cost effective, and beneficial form of therapy for children and adolescents with mental health problems.
Processing of Emotional Faces in Children and Adolescents With Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Benoit Kristy E. , McNally Richard J. , Rapee Ronald M. , Gamble Amanda L. , Wiseman Amy L.
Published: February 2008

The purpose of this study was to test whether children and adolescents with anxiety disorders exhibit selective processing of threatening facial expressions in a pictorial version of the emotional Stroop paradigm. Participants named the colours of filters covering images of adults and children displaying either a neutral facial expression or one displaying the emotions of anger, disgust, or happiness. A delay in naming the colour of a filter implies attentional capture by the facial expression. Anxious participants, relative to control participants, exhibited slower colour naming overall, implying greater proneness to distraction by social cues. Children exhibited longer colour-naming latencies as compared to adolescents, perhaps because young children have a limited ability to inhibit attention to distracting stimuli. Adult faces were associated with slower colour naming than were child faces, irrespective of facial expressions in both groups, possibly because adults provide especially salient cues for children and adolescents. Inconsistent with prediction, participants with anxiety disorders were not slower than healthy controls at naming the colours of filters covering threatening expressions (i.e., anger and disgust) relative to filters covering faces depicting happy or neutral expressions.
A Case Study of Trichotillomania With Social Phobia: Treatment and 4-Year Follow-up Using Cognitive–Behaviour Therapy
Authors: Javidi Zhila , Battersby Malcolm , Forbes Angus
Published: February 2008

This article describes a case study that demonstrates an innovative combination of predominantly behavioural techniques in the treatment of trichotillomania (TTM) preceded by social phobia. Outcomes are reported to 4-year follow-up. A master's qualified cognitive–behavioural nurse therapist administered the course of treatment over 1 year and followed the client for 4 years. A combination of exposure and response prevention, habit reversal and serial photography for TTM urges, exposure for social phobia, cognitive restructuring and problem solving were utilised. These treatments were provided sequentially and concurrently. Pre and posttreatment and repeated outcome measures were applied in three domains. The client received a total of 23 treatment sessions over 1 year and follow-up over 4 years. During treatment, discharge and follow-up improved outcomes in TTM and social phobia were achieved and maintained at 4 years. Benefits accrued beyond the presenting conditions to have a major positive impact on the client's life. Theoretical implications for the classification of TTM are discussed.
Postacute Programming for Community Integration: A Scoping Review
Authors: McColl Mary Ann
Published: February 2008

There has been a dramatic increase in recent years in the literature available on community integration among people with acquired brain injuries. At the same time, however, clinicians are calling for information that has utility in the complex environment of community practice. The study was a scoping review to address the question:What is known from the existing literature regarding the best ways to promote community integration in the postacute phase of brain injury recovery?From a preliminary pool of 925 studies identified by electronic searching of 5 databases in a 15-year time window, a final set of 30 was selected for further review, referring to 25 distinct programs. This scoping review has shown that there are 5 types of programs typically offered to survivors of brain injuries to assist with community integration: supported employment, traditional rehabilitation, environmental adaptation, support development and transitional living. These 5 approaches were primarily used to address 2 aspects of community integration: traditional rehabilitation was most commonly used to promote independent living, and supported employment was the most common approach used to promote productive occupation. Themes that emerged from the review were the need for highly individualised programming, in vivo approaches, tailored supports, early intervention and a focus on participation. Methodologically, the study represents an important acknowledgment of the valuable information that is available in the literature in descriptive and small sample research.
‘Look Mum, No Hands!’ Having Fun and Staying Safe Are Not Incompatible Outcomes of Exercising Choice
Authors: Evans Ian M. , Bingham Amie O.
Published: February 2008

This study was designed to investigate the effects of giving choices on the level of enjoyment experienced by children with severe disabilities in a recreational activity, without compromising safety. The children were attending a horse-riding program, designed to be both therapeutic and enjoyable. Initial observations, however, indicated that the lack of choices, and the high level of physical assistance provided to the children resulted in minimal benefit or pleasure for the children. In the role of consultants, we introduced a simple intervention in which two meaningful riding routines were taught and choices of game activities were offered during the riding itself. Affording choices (intervention condition) and program-as-usual (control condition) were randomly alternated within riding sessions. The children's indices of pleasure increased over sessions as they mastered basic riding routines. Seven of the 8 children showed differential increases in enjoyment during the choice condition, without an increase in unacceptably risky behaviour. The study demonstrated the value for leisure programs of emphasising choice and autonomy within safety margins, although there is likely to be an additional, and desirable, influence on the children's enjoyment by virtue of their selecting their preferred or more successful activities when offered choices.
The East Flanders Prospective Twin Study
Authors: Derom Robert
Published: February 2008

The East Flanders Prospective Twin Survey, started in 1964, realised for the first time a population-based register of all multiple births in the Belgian Province of East Flanders, characterized by the systematic examination of the placenta and the accurate determination of zygosity based on blood groups, DNA and structure of fetal membranes. For decades, it has been the only register to include chorionicity in same-sex pairs of twins, an irreplaceable tool allowing almost certain diagnosis of monozygosity and the timing of the division of the zygote.in monozygotic twins. We showed that twins and triplets are far from being an homogenised group and demonstrated differences between these groups important enough to introduce these variables in the standard methodology of twin research. Examples are: Weinberg rule, sex ratio and duration of gestation.
Heritability of Intelligence
Authors: Jacobs Nele , van Os Jim , Derom Catherine , Thiery Evert
Published: February 2008

This article discusses findings of two recent studies conducted in collaboration with the East Flanders Prospective Twin Survey in the field of cognitive ability. The first study examined the effect of chorion type on heritability estimates of intelligence in children. The second study investigated the causes of association between child psychopathology and lower cognitive ability. Findings of these studies are discussed in the light of the current view on cognitive ability (or ‘g’) and recommendations for future research are made.
Gestation and Birthweight in Dizygotic Twins: Girls Call the Tune
Authors: Loos Ruth J. F. , Derom Catherine , Eeckels Roger , Derom Robert , Vlietinck Robert
Published: February 2008

Unlike-sex twins provide a unique natural experiment to investigate the influence of sex on gestation. Our data showed that length of gestation of unlike-sex pairs is similar to that of female same-sex pairs, and significantly (0.4 wks,p= .02) longer than that of male same-sex pairs. Birthweight of female unlike-sex twins was similar to female same-sex twins, but male unlike-sex twins weighed 78 g more than male same-sex twins (p= .001). These data show that in unlikesex pairs it is the girl that prolongs gestation for her brother, resulting in a higher birthweight than that of same-sex boys.
An experimental study of the effects of moisture variations and gradients in the joint area in steel-timber dowel joints
Authors: Sjödin Johan , Serrano Erik
Published: February 2008

This experimental study examines the influence of moisture variations on the load-bearing capacity of steel-timber dowel joints. The glulam specimens used to manufacture the joints were first exposed to controlled climate changes. After being stored in the climate chambers, holes were drilled and dowels were inserted. Then, the joints were loaded to failure. The main aim of this study was to investigate how and to what extent moisture variations and gradients in the joint area affects the load-bearing capacity in tension parallel to the grain. The load-bearing capacity was found to be reduced under these conditions when compared to reference joints. Moreover, the brittleness of the joints increased with the time the joints had been exposed to drying. Moisture-induced stresses and cracks in the joint area were found to be a possible explanation of the results. A similar interpretation was given in other studies where other structural timber elements have been studied. This raises an important question of how such moisture effects should be considered in design codes. One possibility is to include the influence of moisture-induced stresses in the k
mod factor used in Eurocode 5. Another way could be to consider this type of moisture effect as an equivalent mechanical load case.
A multivariate approach to the acetylated poplar wood samples by near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Çelen İpek , Harper David , Labbé Nicole
Published: February 2008

Yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera L.) wood flour was chemically modified with acetic anhydride at varying times and initial moisture contents at a constant temperature. All samples exhibited increasing weight gains in the range of 5–16% with increasing reaction or treatment time. The acetylated poplar wood flour was characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Principal component analysis performed on the spectral data revealed clusters according to the esterification level. Partial least squares regression models developed from NIR data were able to predict the weight gain and the percentage of reacted OH groups. The correlations show that there is a direct and linear relationship between the spectra and the weight percentage gain and, therefore, the degree of acetylation.
Effect of thermo-mechanical refining pressure on the properties of wood fibers as measured by nanoindentation and atomic force microscopy
Authors: Xing Cheng , Wang Siqun , Pharr George M. , Groom Leslie H.
Published: February 2008

Refined wood fibers of a 54-year-old loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) mature wood were investigated by nanoindentation and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The effect of steam pressure, in the range of 2–18 bar, during thermo-mechanical refining was investigated and the nano-mechanical properties and nano- or micro-level damages of the cell wall were evaluated. The results indicate that refining pressure has important effects on the physical and mechanical properties of refined fibers. No obvious damage was observed in the cell walls at pressures between 2 and 4 bar. Nano-cracks (most less than 500 nm in width) were found in fibers at pressures in the range of 6–12 bar, and micro-cracks (more than 5 μm in width) were found in fibers subjected to pressures of 14 and 18 bar. The damages caused at higher pressures were more severe in layers close to the lumen than on the fiber surfaces. Under special circumstances, the S3 layer was heavily damaged. The natural shape of the cross sectional dimensions of the cell walls was not changed at lower pressures (2 and 4 bar), but, as pressure was increased, the fibers tended to collapse. At pressures around 18 bar, the lumina were augmented again. The nano-mechanical properties in terms of elastic modulus and hardness were obviously decreased, while nanoindentation creep increased with refining pressure.
France's "War on Sects": A Post-9/11 Update
Authors: Palmer Susan J.
Published: February 2008

This is a report on the latest developments in the "cult wars" in France. The anticult panic caused by the Solar Temple group suicides and murders has, after thirteen years, died down, and a more moderate government has replaced the Socialist Party. The old government-sponsored Ministry to Fight Sects (MILS) has been replaced by MIVILUDES (Mission interministrielle de vigilance et de lutte contre les drives sectaires), which adopts a more circumspect approach towards the secte problem. On the basis of my findings from field research conducted in the spring of 2006, I argue that the social control efforts that targeted NRMs in the 1990s have not abated, but merely shifted tactics. Interviews with distinguished French academics clearly illustrate that their expertise in the relevant fields of sociology and history of religions is deliberately ignored by officials, and they are even punished for voicing their scholarly opinions regarding public policies towards les sectes. The new, covert threat to religious freedom posed by the About-Picard Law (2001), which was designed to target secte leaders who brainwash, is analyzed after investigating its first application to a tiny group called Néo-Phare.
The Notion of Race in Theosophy
Authors: Santucci James A
Published: February 2008

Discussions of race in the Theosophy of Helena P. Blavatsky and her followers sometimes evinces suggestions of racism. Any consideration of the topic, however, must be prefaced by defining whose Theosophy is being examined. Theosophy, as it is generally discussed by Theosophists, actually was introduced to the public by A. P. Sinnett's Esoteric Buddhism (1883), which in turn was based upon the letters of the Mahatmas or Masters Koot Hoomi and Morya to Sinnett. The doctrine of the root races and their various subdivisions is part of Theosophical teachings, but the primary source is Blavatsky's The Secret Doctrine (1888). This article argues that race in Theosophy is understood as not being limited to physical characteristics; rather, the Theosophical discussion of race encompasses both physical and spiritual evolution. Race as interpreted in The Secret Doctrine is not racist in intent, and the races are seen as having one thing in common, the divine spark that ultimately makes all races the same in essence.
A Novel Screening Method for Cell Wall Mutants in Aspergillus niger Identifies UDP-Galactopyranose Mutase as an Important Protein in Fungal Cell Wall Biosynthesis
Authors: Damveld Robbert A , Franken Angelique , Arentshorst Mark , Punt Peter J , Klis Frans M , van den Hondel Cees A M J J , Ram Arthur F J
Published: February 2008

To identify cell wall biosynthetic genes in filamentous fungi and thus potential targets for the discovery of new antifungals, we developed a novel screening method for cell wall mutants. It is based on our earlier observation that the Aspergillus niger agsA gene, which encodes a putative α-glucan synthase, is strongly induced in response to cell wall stress. By placing the agsA promoter region in front of a selectable marker, the acetamidase (amdS) gene of A. nidulans, we reasoned that cell wall mutants with a constitutively active cell wall stress response pathway could be identified by selecting mutants for growth on acetamide as the sole nitrogen source. For the genetic screen, a strain was constructed that contained two reporter genes controlled by the same promoter: the metabolic reporter gene PagsA-amdS and PagsA-H2B-GFP, which encodes a GFP-tagged nuclear protein. The primary screen yielded 161 mutants that were subjected to various cell wall-related secondary screens. Four calcofluor white-hypersensitive, osmotic-remediable thermosensitive mutants were selected for complementation analysis. Three mutants were complemented by the same gene, which encoded a protein with high sequence identity with eukaryotic UDP-galactopyranose mutases (UgmA). Our results indicate that galactofuranose formation is important for fungal cell wall biosynthesis and represents an attractive target for the development of antifungals.
Statistical Power of Expression Quantitative Trait Loci for Mapping of Complex Trait Loci in Natural Populations
Authors: Schliekelman Paul
Published: February 2008

A number of recent genomewide surveys have found numerous QTL for gene expression, often with intermediate to high heritability values. As a result, there is currently a great deal of interest in genetical genomics—that is, the combination of genomewide expression data and molecular marker data to elucidate the genetics of complex traits. To date, most genetical genomics studies have focused on generating candidate genes for previously known trait loci or have otherwise leveraged existing knowledge about trait-related genes. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential for genetical genomics approaches in the context of genomewide scans for complex trait loci. I explore the expected strength of association between expression-level traits and a clinical trait, as a function of the underlying genetic model in natural populations. I give calculations of statistical power for detecting differential expression between affected and unaffected individuals. I model both reactive and causative expression-level traits with both additive and multiplicative multilocus models for the relationship between phenotype and genotype and explore a variety of assumptions about dominance, number of segregating loci, and other parameters. There are two key results. If a transcript is causative for the disease (in the sense that disease risk depends directly on transcript level), then the power to detect association between transcript and disease is quite good. Sample sizes on the order of 100 are sufficient for 80% power. On the other hand, if the transcript is reactive to a disease locus, then the correlation between expression-level traits and disease is low unless the expression-level trait shares several causative loci with the disease—that is, the expression-level trait itself is a complex trait. Thus, there is a trade-off between the power to show association between a reactive expression-level trait and the clinical trait of interest and the power to map expression-level QTL (eQTL) for that expression-level trait. Gene expression-level traits that are most strongly correlated with the clinical trait will themselves be complex traits and therefore often hard to map. Likewise, the expression-level traits that are easiest to map will tend to have a low correlation with the clinical trait. These results show some fundamental principles for understanding power in eQTL-based mapping studies.
Dietary Change and Adaptive Evolution of enamelin in Humans and Among Primates
Authors: Kelley Joanna L , Swanson Willie J
Published: February 2008

Scans of the human genome have identified many loci as potential targets of recent selection, but exploration of these candidates is required to verify the accuracy of genomewide scans and clarify the importance of adaptive evolution in recent human history. We present analyses of one such candidate, enamelin, whose protein product operates in tooth enamel formation in 100 individuals from 10 populations. Evidence of a recent selective sweep at this locus confirms the signal of selection found by genomewide scans. Patterns of polymorphism in enamelin correspond with population-level differences in tooth enamel thickness, and selection on enamel thickness may drive adaptive enamelin evolution in human populations. We characterize a high-frequency nonsynonymous derived allele in non-African populations. The polymorphism occurs in codon 648, resulting in a nonconservative change from threonine to isoleucine, suggesting that the allele may affect enamelin function. Sequences of exons from 12 primate species show evidence of positive selection on enamelin. In primates, it has been documented that enamel thickness correlates with diet. Our work shows that bursts of adaptive enamelin evolution occur on primate lineages with inferred dietary changes. We hypothesize that among primate species the evolved differences in tooth enamel thickness are correlated with the adaptive evolution of enamelin.
Microarray Analysis of Replicate Populations Selected Against a Wing-Shape Correlation inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Weber Kenneth E , Greenspan Ralph J , Chicoine David R , Fiorentino Katia , Thomas Mary H , Knight Theresa L
Published: February 2008

We selected bidirectionally to change the phenotypic correlation between two wing dimensions in Drosophila melanogaster and measured gene expression differences in late third instar wing disks, using microarrays. We tested an array of 12 selected lines, including 10 from a Massachusetts population (5 divergently selected pairs) and 2 from a California population (1 divergently selected pair). In the Massachusetts replicates, 29 loci showed consistent, significant expression differences in all 5 line-pair comparisons. However, the significant loci in the California lines were almost completely different from these. The disparity between responding genes in different gene pools confirms recent evidence that surprisingly large numbers of loci can affect wing shape. Our results also show that with well-replicated selection lines, of large effective size, the numbers of candidate genes in microarray-based searches can be reduced to realistic levels.
Identification of Novel Genes That Modify Phenotypes Induced by Alzheimer's β-Amyloid Overexpression in Drosophila
Authors: Cao Weihuan , Song Ho-Juhn , Gangi Tina , Kelkar Anju , Antani Isha , Garza Dan , Konsolaki Mary
Published: February 2008

Sustained increases in life expectancy have underscored the importance of managing diseases with a high incidence in late life, such as various neurodegenerative conditions. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common among these, and consequently significant research effort is spent on studying it. Although a lot is known about the pathology of AD and the role of β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides, the complete network of interactions regulating Aβ metabolism and toxicity still eludes us. To address this, we have conducted genetic interaction screens using transgenic Drosophila expressing Aβ and we have identified mutations that affect Aβ metabolism and toxicity. These analyses highlight the involvement of various biochemical processes such as secretion, cholesterol homeostasis, and regulation of chromatin structure and function, among others, in mediating toxic Aβ effects. Several of the mutations that we identified have not been linked to Aβ toxicity before and thus constitute novel potential targets for AD intervention. We additionally tested these mutations for interactions with tau and expanded-polyglutamine overexpression and found a few candidate mutations that may mediate common mechanisms of neurodegeneration. Our data offer insight into the toxicity of Aβ and open new areas for further study into AD pathogenesis
Rapid Evolution of Two Odorant-Binding Protein Genes, Obp57d and Obp57e, in the Drosophila melanogaster Species Group
Authors: Matsuo Takashi
Published: February 2008

Genes encoding odorant-binding protein (OBP) form a large family in an insect genome. Two OBP genes, Obp57d and Obp57e, were previously identified to be involved in host-plant recognition in Drosophila sechellia. Here, by comparing the genomic sequences at the Obp57d/e locus from 27 Drosophila species, we found large differences in gene number between species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Obp57d and Obp57e in the D. melanogaster species group arose by gene duplication of an ancestral OBP gene that remains single in the obscura species group. Further gain and loss of OBP genes were observed in several lineages in the melanogaster group. Site-specific analysis of evolutionary rate suggests that Obp57d and Obp57e have functionally diverged from each other. Thus, there are two classes of gene number differences in the Obp57d/e region: the difference of the genes that have functionally diverged from each other and the difference of the genes that appear to be functionally identical. Our analyses demonstrate that these two classes of differences can be distinguished by comparisons of many genomic sequences from closely related species.
The Saccharomyces cerevisiae Homolog of p24 Is Essential for Maintaining the Association of p150Glued With the Dynactin Complex
Authors: Amaro I Alexandra , Costanzo Michael , Boone Charles , Huffaker Tim C
Published: February 2008

Stu1 is the Saccharomyces cerevisiae member of the CLASP family of microtubule plus-end tracking proteins and is essential for spindle formation. A genomewide screen for gene deletions that are lethal in combination with the temperature-sensitive stu1-5 allele identified ldb18Δ. ldb18Δ cells exhibit defects in spindle orientation similar to those caused by a block in the dynein pathway. Consistent with this observation, ldb18Δ is synthetic lethal with mutations affecting the Kar9 spindle orientation pathway, but not with those affecting the dynein pathway. We show that Ldb18 is a component of dynactin, a complex required for dynein activity in yeast and mammalian cells. Ldb18 shares modest sequence and structural homology with the mammalian dynactin component p24. It interacts with dynactin proteins in two-hybrid and co-immunoprecipitation assays, and comigrates with them as a 20 S complex during sucrose gradient sedimentation. In ldb18Δ cells, the interaction between Nip100 (p150Glued) and Jnm1 (dynamitin) is disrupted, while the interaction between Jnm1 and Arp1 is not affected. These results indicate that p24 is required for attachment of the p150Glued arm to dynamitin and the remainder of the dynactin complex. The genetic interaction of ldb18Δ with stu1-5 also supports the notion that dynein/dynactin helps to generate a spindle pole separating force.
Gene Network Inference via Structural Equation Modeling in Genetical Genomics Experiments
Authors: Liu Bing , de la Fuente Alberto , Hoeschele Ina
Published: February 2008

Our goal is gene network inference in genetical genomics or systems genetics experiments. For species where sequence information is available, we first perform expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) mapping by jointly utilizing cis-, cis–trans-, and trans-regulation. After using local structural models to identify regulator–target pairs for each eQTL, we construct an encompassing directed network (EDN) by assembling all retained regulator–target relationships. The EDN has nodes corresponding to expressed genes and eQTL and directed edges from eQTL to cis-regulated target genes, from cis-regulated genes to cis–trans-regulated target genes, from trans-regulator genes to target genes, and from trans-eQTL to target genes. For network inference within the strongly constrained search space defined by the EDN, we propose structural equation modeling (SEM), because it can model cyclic networks and the EDN indeed contains feedback relationships. On the basis of a factorization of the likelihood and the constrained search space, our SEM algorithm infers networks involving several hundred genes and eQTL. Structure inference is based on a penalized likelihood ratio and an adaptation of Occam's window model selection. The SEM algorithm was evaluated using data simulated with nonlinear ordinary differential equations and known cyclic network topologies and was applied to a real yeast data set.
Adaptive Functional Divergence Among Triplicated α-Globin Genes in Rodents
Authors: Storz Jay F , Hoffmann Federico G , Opazo Juan C , Moriyama Hideaki
Published: February 2008

The functional divergence of duplicated genes is thought to play an important role in the evolution of new developmental and physiological pathways, but the role of positive selection in driving this process remains controversial. The objective of this study was to test whether amino acid differences among triplicated α-globin paralogs of the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) and the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) are attributable to a relaxation of purifying selection or to a history of positive selection that has adapted the gene products to new or modified physiological tasks. In each rodent species, the two paralogs at the 5′-end of the α-globin gene cluster (HBA-T1 and HBA-T2) are evolving in concert and are therefore identical or nearly identical in sequence. However, in each case, the HBA-T1 and HBA-T2 paralogs are distinguished from the third paralog at the 3′-end of the gene cluster (HBA-T3) by multiple amino acid substitutions. An analysis of genomic sequence data from several rodent species revealed that the HBA-T3 genes of Rattus and Peromyscus originated via independent, lineage-specific duplication events. In the independently derived HBA-T3 genes of both species, a likelihood analysis based on a codon-substitution model revealed that accelerated rates of amino acid substitution are attributable to positive directional selection, not to a relaxation of purifying selection. As a result of functional divergence among the triplicated α-globin genes in Rattus and Peromyscus, the red blood cells of both rodent species contain a mixture of functionally distinct α-chain hemoglobin isoforms that are predicted to have different oxygen-binding affinities. In P. maniculatus, a species that is able to sustain physiological function under conditions of chronic hypoxia at high altitude, the coexpression of distinct hemoglobin isoforms with graded oxygen affinities is expected to broaden the permissible range of arterial oxygen tensions for pulmonary/tissue oxygen transport.