bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enrofloxacin‐imprinted monolithic columns synthesized using reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization
Authors: Liu Huina , Zhuang Xiaolei , Turson Mamat , Zhang Min , Dong Xiangchao
Published: May 2008

Molecularly imprinted monolithic columns for selective separation of enrofloxacin were prepared by Reversible Addition‐Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT)‐mediated radical polymerization. Different ratios of initiation system were used in the synthesis. The structures of the monoliths were characterized to study the relationship between the synthetic conditions and morphology of the monolithic material. The separation performance of the monoliths was evaluated by liquid chromatography. Under optimized synthetic conditions, a monolithic molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) with high selectivity and improved column efficiency was obtained. The research has shown that RAFT polymerization provides more adjustable conditions for making monolithic materials with different morphologies. The results also demonstrated that homogeneous macro‐pore size distribution and large specific surface area are the key factors providing good separation ability and column efficiency for MIP monolithic structures.
Fast‐GC/HRMS to quantify the EU priority PAH
Authors: Ziegenhals Katja , Hübschmann Hans‐Joachim , Speer Karl , Jira Wolfgang
Published: May 2008

For the analysis of the 15 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) classified as priority from the Scientific Committee on Food (SCF) and benzo[c]fluorene (BcL) assessed to be relevant by the Joint FAO/WHO Experts Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) in food, a sensitive analytical method is necessary. In the past, many methods were established for only the analysis of the 16 priority PAH recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency (16 EPA‐PAH) but not for the 15 SCF‐PAH and BcL. Therefore, at the Max‐Rubner‐Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food in Kulmbach, Germany, an analytical method with a runtime of 72 min was developed. To shorten this runtime without a loss of separation, a Fast‐GC/high resolution MS (HRMS) method with a runtime of only 25 min using a TR‐50ms column (10 m×0.1 mm×0.1 μm) was created. The repeatability (n = 3) of spiked PAH concentrations in test‐matrix tea ranged from 0.1 to 11%. The analytical parameters LOD (0.01–0.02 μg/kg) and LOQ (0.03–0.06 μg/kg) also in the test‐matrix tea were determined. A good linearity for all PAH (R2 >0.99) and averaged recoveries from 75 to 117% in the concentration range of 1–20 μg/kg were achieved.
Analysis of corporate social responsibility in the service sector: does exist a strategic path?
Authors: Calabrese Armando , Lancioni Flavia
Published: May 2008

This paper proposes a strategic path managers might follow in order to optimise the outcome of the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. As a starting point, we analysed the practice of CSR and its impact within a service industry, namely the Italian banking sector. Our aim was to understand the impact of CSR on the service company both externally and within the company itself and consequently our research was conducted on two different levels. The corporate level considers CSR as it is perceived by top management, and the operational level takes into account the perspectives of the front line employees and customers. Analysis at the corporate level was carried out by means of a thorough examination of the social reports and Internet sites of the service companies concerned, whereas the front line was studied by administrating a structured questionnaire, issued both to employees and to customers in a sample of bank branches.

The research demonstrates that service companies are in fact implementing CSR initiatives and that stakeholders have a considerable interest in such initiatives. However, should the CSR initiatives be used as a tool solely to improve the brand equity rather than to improve relationships with their main stakeholders (employees and customers), then a boomerang effect is produced whereby the stakeholders pinpoint the CSR initiatives as one of the main reasons for their discontent with the service company. Although top managers invest in CSR initiatives in order to increase the satisfaction of the stakeholders, should the main stakeholders be unsatisfied with the management of the service company core business, the CSR initiatives might be rendered rather ineffective. As a result, the CSR initiatives may be a sign of underlying rift between top managers and the front line employees within the company, which in turn might also damage the relationship between bank and its customers. The implications of the findings in this paper provide a managerial tool for use in the implementation of CSR. This tool dictates a specific path to be followed which also requires precise timing for its success. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel progranulin mutation: Screening for PGRN mutations in a Portuguese series of FTD/CBS cases
Authors: Guerreiro Rita Joao , Santana Isabel , Bras Jose Miguel , Revesz Tamas , Rebelo Olinda , Ribeiro Maria Helena , Santiago Beatriz , Oliveira Catarina Resende , Singleton Andrew , Hardy John
Published: May 2008

Mutations in the progranulin (PGRN) gene were recently described as the cause of ubiquitin positive frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in many families. Different frequencies of these genetic changes have been reported in diverse populations leading us to determine if these mutations were a major cause of FTD in the Portuguese population. The entire coding sequence plus exon 0 of PGRN were sequenced in a consecutive series of 46 FTD/CBS Portuguese patients. Two mutations were found: a novel pathogenic insertion (p.Gln300GlnfsX61) and a previously described point variant (p.T182M) of unclear pathogenicity. Pathogenic mutations in the PGRN gene were found in one of the 36 probands studied (3% of the probands in our series) who had a corticobasal syndrome presentation, indicating that in the Portuguese population, mutations in this gene are not a major cause of FTD. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Polypropylene fibers containing dispersed clays having improved fire performance. Part II: characterization of fibers and fabrics from PP–nanoclay blends
Authors: Smart Gillian , Kandola Baljinder K. , Horrocks A. Richard , Nazaré Shonali , Marney Donavan
Published: May 2008

In this second part of a series of studies on polypropylene (PP) fibers having improved fire performance and containing nanodispersed clays we build on the observations of the first part of this work (published in Journal of Applied Polymer Science), where the need to improve dispersion of nanoclays is the key to achieve significant improvement. This paper attempts to address this issue by reporting studies of the use of several different functionalized clays in the presence and absence of compatibilizing PP copolymers and also to which the flame retardant (FR), ammonium polyphosphate (APP) has been introduced. Compounded polymer samples have been characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), optical, and scanning electron microscopes, and their melt flow indices (MFI). These compounded polymers have been successfully extruded into filaments using a single screw extruder and then knitted into fabric samples. Filament physical properties are reported together with burning behaviors of fabric samples using limiting oxygen index (LOI) and flame spread tests. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microwave‐enhanced rapid synthesis of organosoluble polyamides based on 5‐(3‐acetoxynaphthoylamino)‐isophthalic acid
Authors: Mallakpour Shadpour , Rafiee Zahra
Published: May 2008

A series of photoactive polyamides (PAs) containing acetoxynaphthalamide side chain with inherent viscosities of 0.27–0.56 dl g−1 were prepared by the direct polycondensation reaction of the 5‐(3‐acetoxynaphthoylamino)isophthalic acid with various commercially available diamines by means of triphenyl phosphite (TPP) and pyridine (Py) in the presence of calcium chloride and N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP) under microwave irradiation and conventional heating conditions. Most of the resulting PAs are soluble in strong polar solvents such as N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF), N,N‐dimethylacetamide, and NMP. Thermo‐gravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that polymers are thermally stable, 10% weight loss temperatures in excess of 320 and 378°C, and char yields at 600°C in nitrogen higher than 60%. These macromolecules exhibited maximum UV‐Vis absorption at 265 and 300 nm in a DMF solution. Their photoluminescence in the DMF solution demonstrated fluorescence emission maxima around 361 and 427 nm for all of the PAs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The relationship of parental overprotection, perceived vulnerability, and parenting stress to behavioral, emotional, and social adjustment in children with cancer
Authors: Colletti Christina J.M. , Wolfe‐Christensen Cortney , Carpentier Melissa Y. , Page Melanie C. , McNall‐Knapp René Y. , Meyer William H. , Chaney John M. , Mullins Larry L.
Published: May 2008

Background

To examine the relationship of self‐reported parental overprotection, perceived child vulnerability, and parenting stress to parent‐reported behavioral, emotional, and social adjustment of children currently on treatment for cancer.

Procedure

Parents of 62 children (34 boys, 28 girls) currently on treatment for cancer were recruited from an outpatient pediatric cancer clinic. Children ranged in age from 2 to 12 years; age at diagnosis ranged from 1.33 to 11.83 years.

Results

Higher levels of parenting stress, but not parental overprotection or perceived child vulnerability, were associated with poorer behavioral and social adjustment. Higher levels of perceived child vulnerability and parenting stress, but not parental overprotection, were independently associated with poorer emotional adjustment.

Conclusions

Specific parenting variables appear to be related to specific adjustment outcomes in children with cancer. Longitudinal follow‐up of these children is necessary to determine the developmental trajectory of parent variables and long‐term child outcomes. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:269–274. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Imaging guidelines for children with Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma: A report from the Children's Oncology Group Bone Tumor Committee
Authors: Meyer James S. , Nadel Helen R. , Marina Neyssa , Womer Richard B. , Brown Kenneth L. B. , Eary J.F. , Gorlick Richard , Grier Holcombe E. , Randall R. Lor , Lawlor Elizabeth R. , Lessnick Stephen L. , Schomberg Paula J. , Kailo Mark D.
Published: May 2008

The Children's Oncology Group (COG) is a multi‐institutional cooperative group dedicated to childhood cancer research that has helped to increase the survival of children with cancer through clinical trials. These clinical trials include a standardized regimen of imaging examinations performed prior to, during, and following therapy. This article presents imaging guidelines developed by a multidisciplinary group from the COG Bone Tumor Committee. These guidelines provide both required and recommended studies. Recommended examinations may become required in the future. These guidelines should be considered a work in progress that will evolve with advances in imaging and childhood cancer research. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:163–170. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
‘I have a dream’: A process for visioning in practice development
Authors: Boomer Christine , Collin Ita , McCormack Brendan
Published: May 2008

The literature on practice development (PD) stresses the importance of having a ‘vision’, but provides little assistance on methodologies to develop one. This article describes in detail the process used to develop a shared vision in the context of a PD programme for clinical leaders in two Health and Social Services and Public Safety Trusts in Northern Ireland. Having a shared vision is seen as an essential foundation stone in the development of practice and in transformational cultures. The process used took the form of four distinct stages: preparation of participants for the visioning workshop; the first visioning workshop; visioning led by/facilitated by the programme participants; and the second visioning workshop. This work provided the foundation for development work in the subsequent cycles of the PD programme. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Comparative study of electrostatic binding vs. complexation of Cu2+ ions with water‐soluble polymers containing styrene sulphonic acid and/or maleic acid units or their sodium salt forms
Authors: Oikonomou Eudokia K. , Bokias Georgios , Kallitsis Joannis K.
Published: May 2008

The interaction of Cu2+ ions with the homopolymer poly(styrene sulfonic acid) (PSSH), as well as with the copolymers of maleic acid (MAc) with styrene sulfonic acid (SSH) or vinyl acetate (VAc), was investigated in dilute aqueous solution through turbidimetry, potentiometry, viscometry, and spectrophotometry in the visible region. Cu2+ ions were introduced either through neutralization with Cu(OH)2 of the acid form of the (co)polymers (PSSH, P(SSH‐co‐MAc) and P(VAc‐co‐MAc)) or through mixing of the sodium salt form of the (co)polymers (PSSNa, P(SSNa‐co‐MANa) and P(VAc‐co‐MANa)) with CuSO4. Turbidimetry, potentiometry, and spectrophotometry revealed that the first carboxylic group of MAc or both carboxylate groups of MANa are involved in the complexation with Cu2+ ions when neutralization with Cu(OH)2 or mixing with CuSO4 are applied, respectively. The increased values of the reduced viscosity observed mainly at the first stages of neutralization of P(VAc‐co‐MAc) with Cu(OH)2 indicate that interchain polymer‐Cu2+ complexation takes possibly place. Finally, the spectrophotometric behavior observed upon neutralization of P(SSH‐co‐MAc) with Cu(OH)2 or mixing of P(SSNa‐co‐MANa) with CuSO4 revealed that the strength of counterion binding by the sulfonate groups is, in fact, comparable with the complexation of Cu2+ ions with the carboxylate groups of MAc. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 1149–1158, 2008
Charge transport studies in electroluminescent biphenylyl substituted PPV derivatives using time‐of‐flight photoconductivity method
Authors: Vijila Chellappan , Ging Meng Ng , Zhi Kuan Chen , Furong Zhu , Soo Jin Chua
Published: May 2008

The charge transport properties in a series of electroluminescent biphenylyl substituted PPV derivatives, poly[(2‐(3′‐(p‐2″‐ethylhexyloxyphenyl)phenyl)‐1,4‐phenylenevinylene) (MP‐PPV), poly[2‐(2′‐phenyl‐4′,5′‐bis(3″‐methylbutoxy))phenyl‐1,4‐phenylene vinylene] (BP‐PPV) and poly{[2‐(4′,5′‐bis(3″‐methylbutoxy)‐2′‐phenyl)phenyl‐1,4‐phenylene‐vinylene]‐co‐(9,9‐dioctyl‐2,7‐fluorenylene‐vinylene)} (BPPPV‐PF), have been studied using a time of flight (TOF) photoconductivity technique. The TOF transients for holes in these polymers were weakly dispersive in nature with a mobility of the order of ∼10−5cm2/V s at room temperature. The temperature and field dependence of charge mobility has been studied and analyzed using the disorder formalisms (Bässler's Gaussian disorder model (GDM) and correlated disorder model (CDM)). The charge transport parameters, such as mobility prefactor, energetic disorder, positional disorder, and the average intersite distance, were estimated from the fit and correlated to the molecular structure of the polymer. The microscopic charge transport parameters derived for these polymers indicate that these biphenylyl substituted PPV derivatives have very good chemical purity and structural regularity, which is similar to the reported values for structurally related fully conjugated polymers with high chemical purity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 1159–1166, 2008
Gene expression changes in a transgenic mouse model overexpressing human wildtype and mutant torsinA
Authors: Grundmann Kathrin , Hübener Jeannette , Häbig Karina , Reischmann Bettina , Poths Sven , Hauser Till‐Karsten , Magg Janine , Riess Olaf , Bonin Michael , Nguyen Huu Phuc
Published: May 2008

Primary torsion dystonia is an autosomal‐dominantly inherited, neurodevelopmental movement disorder caused by a GAG deletion (ΔGAG) in the DYT1 gene, encoding torsinA. This mutation is responsible for approximately 70% of cases of early‐onset primary torsion dystonia. The function of wildtype torsinA is still unknown, and it is unsolved how the deletion in the DYT1 gene contributes to the development of the disease. To better understand the molecular processes involved in torsinA pathology, we used genome‐wide oligonucleotide microarrays to characterize gene expression patterns in the striatum of mouse models overexpressing the human wildtype and mutant torsinA. By this approach we were able to detect gene expression changes that seem to be specific for torsinA pathology. We found an impact of torsinA, independent from genotype, on vesicle trafficking, exocytosis, and neurotransmitter release in our mouse model. In addition, we were able to identify several new pathways and processes involved in the development of the nervous system that are affected by wildtype and mutant torsinA. Furthermore, we have striking evidence from our gene expression data that glutamate receptor mediated synaptic plasticity in the striatum is the affected underlying cellular process for impaired motor learning in human ΔGAG torsinA transgenic mice.
Heat‐shock protein‐27, ‐70 and peroxiredoxin–II show molecular chaperone function in sickle red cells: Evidence from transgenic sickle cell mouse model
Authors: Biondani Andrea , Turrini Franco , Carta Franco , Matté Alessandro , Filippini Alida , Siciliano Angela , Beuzard Yves , De Franceschi Lucia
Published: May 2008

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal recessive genetic red cell disorder characterized by the production of a defective form of hemoglobin, hemoglobin‐S, that is worldwide‐distributed. The acute clinical manifestations of SCD are related to hemoglobin cyclic‐polymerization and to the generation of rigid, dense red blood cells (RBCs). We studied RBCs membrane proteome from human sickle RBCs, fractioned according to density compared to normal RBCs. 2‐DE followed by MS analysis was carried out. We identified 65 proteins differently expressed, divided into five major clusters according to their functions: (i) membrane‐cytoskeleton proteins; (ii) metabolic enzymes; (iii) ubiquitin‐proteasome‐system; (iv) flotillins; (v) chaperones. HSP27, HSP70 and peroxiredoxin‐II (Prx‐II) showed the most relevant changes. They were differently recruited to sickle RBCs membrane in response to in vitro hypoxia. Potential markers were then validated in a transgenic‐mouse model for SCD, the SAD mice, exposed to hypoxia mimicking acute SCD vaso‐occlusive‐crisis (VOCs); we found that HSP70 and HSP27 bound to RBCs membrane respectively after 12 h and 48 h of hypoxia, while Prx‐II membrane binding was modulated during hypoxia. Our data indicate that HSP27 and HSP70 play a novel role as RBCs membrane protein protectors and as possibly new markers of severity of RBCs membrane damage during acute VOCs.
Identification of proteins in human substantia nigra
Authors: Kitsou Efstathia , Pan Sheng , Zhang JianPeng , Shi Min , Zabeti Aram , Dickson Dennis W. , Albin Roger , Gearing Marla , Kashima Daniel T. , Wang Yan , Beyer Richard P. , Zhou Yong , Pan Catherine , Caudle W. Michael , Zhang Jing
Published: May 2008

Characterization of the human brain proteome is a critical area of research. While examination of the human cortex has provided some insight, very little is known about the proteome of the human midbrain, which demonstrates substantial loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) in Parkinson's disease (PD). Therefore, characterization of this region is essential to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of PD. This dataset paper reports two separate studies, where human SNpc was collected from PD and control subjects and 1263 proteins were identified using MALDI‐TOF/TOF as well as linear ion trap MS platforms. With gene ontology analysis, the proteins were categorized according to their biological processes, as well as cellular components. These data were also compared with previous proteomic characterization of the human frontal and temporal cortex, and cerebrospinal fluid to establish shared proteins of relevance. The present dataset is the most extensive survey of the human SNpc proteome, to date. Further characterization of the SNpc proteome will significantly facilitate our understanding of the function and expression of proteins involved in PD, as well as provide potential proteins that may be utilized as biomarkers.
Modeling of the Inhibition of the Intermediate‐Conductance Ca2+‐Activated K+ Channel (IKCa1) by Some Triarylmethanes Using Quantum Chemical Properties Derived From Ab Initio Calculations
Authors: Fernández Michael , Caballero Julio
Published: May 2008

Inhibition of the Intermediate‐Conductance Ca2+‐Activated K+ Channel (IKCa1) by some Triarylmethane (TRAM) derivatives has been successfully modeled by using quantum chemical properties derived from Ab Initio calculations and Weighted Holistic Invariant Molecular (WHIM) descriptors. The predictive model was conducted by Partial Least Squares (PLS) method in combination with Genetic Algorithm (GA). Models with good predictivity were obtained both in cross‐validation procedures and external test set predictions. Our results show that Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital (HOMO) energy, some electronic properties, and topological distributions are important parameters influencing the binding of TRAMs with IKCa1. In addition, our model identified some relevant patterns that can be useful for understanding the IKCa1 inhibitory process and the design of new blockers.
Accurate Prediction of Aquatic Toxicity of Aromatic Compounds Based on Genetic Algorithm and Least Squares Support Vector Machines
Authors: Lei Beilei , Li Jiazhong , Liu Huanxiang , Yao Xiaojun
Published: May 2008

Quantitative Structure–Toxicity Relationship (QSTR) plays an important role in ecotoxicology for its fast and practical ability to assess the potential negative effects of chemicals. The aim of this investigation was to develop accurate QSTR models for the aquatic toxicity of a large set of aromatic compounds through the combination of Least Squares Support Vector Machines (LS‐SVMs) and a Genetic Algorithm (GA). Molecular descriptors calculated by DRAGON package and log P were used to describe the molecular structures. The most relevant descriptors used to build QSTR models were selected by a GA‐Variable Subset Selection procedure. Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) and nonlinear LS‐SVMs methods were employed to build QSTR models. The predictive ability of the derived models was validated using both the test set, selected from the whole data set by the Kennard–Stone Algorithm, and an external prediction set. The model applicability domain was checked by the leverage approach and the external prediction set was used to verify the predictive reliability of the models. The results indicated that the proposed QSTR models are robust and satisfactory, and can provide a feasible and promising tool for the rapid assessment of the toxicity of chemicals.
Linear quadratic optimal sliding mode flow control for connection‐oriented communication networks
Authors: Ignaciuk Przemysław , Bartoszewicz Andrzej
Published: May 2008

In this paper, a new sliding mode flow controller for multi‐source connection‐oriented communication networks is proposed. The networks are modelled as discrete time,nth‐order systems. On the basis of the system state space description, novel sliding mode controllers with linear quadratic (LQ) optimal and sub‐optimal switching planes are designed. The control law derivation focuses on the minimization of the LQ cost functional and solving the resultant matrix Riccati equation. Closed‐loop system stability is demonstrated, and conditions for no data loss and full bottleneck link bandwidth utilization in the network are presented and strictly proved. To the best of our knowledge, this paper presents the first attempt to design a discrete time sliding mode flow control algorithm for connection‐oriented communication networks. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Appropriate Surgical Treatment of Lithium‐Associated Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Carchman Evie , Ogilvie Jennifer , Holst Jennifer , Yim John , Carty Sally
Published: May 2008

Background

Lithium is frequently used in the treatment of bipolar disease. Although lithium‐associated hyperparathyroidism (LAH) is well documented, reports concerning its pathologic findings are sparse. Because of a high‐reported incidence of multiglandular disease, focused exploration for LAH is controversial.

Methods

From 1995 to 2007, data from 1207 consecutive patients who underwent concise parathyroid exploration for sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) directed by quick intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring (QPTH) were reviewed to identify patients with LAH. Anatomic findings were determined. All patients had >5 months of follow‐up.

Results

The incidence of LAH was 16/1207 (1.3%). The rate of multiglandular disease was not higher in LAH: present in 25% (4/16) patients with LAH and 12.3% (146/1191) patients without LAH (p = 0.13 Fisher two‐tailed test). Among 16 patients with LAH, 12 (75%) had a single adenoma. The use of QPTH allowed unilateral exploration in 8 of 12 patients with single adenoma. Parathyroid exploration resulted in durable biochemical cure for all 16 patients with LAH.

Conclusion

Multiglandular disease seems to be no more frequent in patients with LAH than in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) without LAH. Patients with LAH can be safely and effectively managed with selective unilateral exploration directed by intraoperative PTH monitoring.
Predation on two vole species by a shared predator: antipredatory response and prey preference
Authors: Sundell Janne , Trebatická Lenka , Oksanen Tarja , Ovaskainen Otso , Haapakoski Marko , Ylönen Hannu
Published: May 2008

In prey communities with shared predators, variation in prey vulnerability is a key factor in shaping community dynamics. Conversely, the hunting efficiency of a predator depends on the prey community structure, preferences of the predator and antipredatory behavioural traits of the prey. We studied experimentally, under seminatural field conditions, the preferences of a predator and the antipredatory responses of prey in a system consisting of two Myodes species of voles, the grey‐sided vole (M. rufocanus Sund.) and the bank vole (M. glareolus Schreb.), and their specialist predator, the least weasel (Mustela nivalis nivalis L.). To quantify the preference of the weasels, we developed a new modelling framework that can be used for unbalanced data. The two vole species were hypothesised to have different habitat‐dependent vulnerabilities. We created two habitats, open and forest, to provide different escape possibilities for the voles. We found a weak general preference of the weasels for the grey‐sided voles over the bank voles, and a somewhat stronger preference specifically in open habitats. The weasels clearly preferred male grey‐sided voles over females, whereas in bank voles, there was no difference. The activity of voles changed over time, so that voles increased their movements immediately after weasel introduction, but later adjusted their movements to times of lowered predation risk. Females that were more active had an elevated mortality risk, whereas in the case of males, the result was the opposite. We conclude that, in vulnerability to predation, the species‐ or habitat‐specific characteristics of these prey species are playing a minor role compared to sex‐specific characteristics.
Inter‐species variation of photosynthetic and xylem hydraulic traits in the deciduous and evergreen Euphorbiaceae tree species from a seasonally tropical forest in south‐western China
Authors: Chen Jun‐Wen , Zhang Qiang , Cao Kun‐Fang
Published: May 2008

The objective of the present study was to examine the functional coordination among hydraulic traits, xylem characteristics and gas exchange rates across three deciduous Euphorbiaceae tree species (Hevea brasiliensis, Macaranga denticulata and Bischofia javanica) and three evergreen Euphorbiaceae tree species (Drypetes indica, Aleurites moluccana and Codiaeum variegatum) from a seasonally tropical forest in south‐western China. The deciduous tree species were more vulnerable to water stress‐induced embolism than the evergreen tree species. However, the deciduous tree species generally had higher maximal rates of sapwood and leaf‐specific hydraulic conductivity (KS and KL), respectively. Compared with the evergreen tree species, the deciduous tree species, however, possessed a lower density of sapwood and a wider diameter of xylem vessels. Regardless of leaf phenology, the hydraulic vulnerability and conductivity were significantly correlated with sapwood density and mean vessel diameter. Furthermore, the hydraulic vulnerability was positively correlated with water transport efficiency. In addition, the deciduous tree species exhibited higher maximal photosynthetic rates (Amax) and stomatal conductance (gmax), but lower water use efficiency (WUE). Interestingly, the Amax, gmax and WUE were strongly correlated with KS and KL across the deciduous and evergreen tree species. These results suggest that xylem structure, rather than leaf phenology, accounts for the difference in hydraulic traits between the deciduous tree species and the evergreen tree species. Meanwhile, our results show that there is a significant trade‐off between hydraulic efficiency and safety, and a strong functional correlation between the hydraulic capacity and gas exchange rates across the deciduous and evergreen tree species.
Endogenous reductions in N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor activity inhibit nitric oxide production in the anoxic freshwater turtle cortex
Authors: Pamenter Matthew Edward , Hogg David William , Buck Leslie Thomas
Published: May 2008

Increased nitric oxide (NO) production from hypoxic mammalian neurons increases cerebral blood flow (CBF) but also glutamatergic excitotoxicity and DNA fragmentation. Anoxia‐tolerant freshwater turtles have evolved NO‐independent mechanisms to increase CBF; however, the mechanism(s) of NO regulation are not understood. In turtle cortex, anoxia or NMDAR blockade depressed NO production by 27 ± 3% and 41 ± 5%, respectively. NMDAR antagonists also reduced the subsequent anoxic decrease in NO by 74 ± 6%, suggesting the majority of the anoxic decrease is due to endogenous suppression of NMDAR activity. Prevention of NO‐mediated damage during the transition to and from anoxia may be incidental to natural reductions of NMDAR activity in the anoxic turtle cortex.
The hydrophobic segment of Arabidopsis thaliana cluster I diacylglycerol kinases is sufficient to target the proteins to cell membranes
Authors: Vaultier Marie-Noëlle , Cantrel Catherine , Guerbette Françoise , Boutté Yohann , Vergnolle Chantal , Çiçek Dominique , Bolte Susanne , Zachowski Alain , Ruelland Eric
Published: May 2008

Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) catalyze the phosphorylation of diacylglycerol into phosphatidic acid. To fulfill their role in many signalling processes, DGKs must be located at, or in, membranes. Most mammalian DGKs are cytosolic and are recruited to membranes upon stimulation, except for ε type DGKs that are permanently membrane‐associated through a hydrophobic segment. Nothing is known about the mechanism(s) involved in the membrane localization of plant DGKs. By fusion to fluorescent proteins, we show that two DGKs from cluster I in Arabidopsis thaliana possess amino‐terminal hydrophobic segments that are sufficient to address them to endoplasmic reticulum membranes.
New themes and approaches in second language motivation research
Authors: Dörnyei Zoltán
Published: May 2008

The study of L2 motivation has reached an exciting turning point in the 1990s, with a variety of new models and approaches proposed in the literature, resulting in what Gardner and Tremblay (1994) have called a ‘motivational renaissance.’ In this chapter I provide an overview of some of the current themes and research directions that I find particularly novel or forward-looking. The summary is divided into three sections: theoretical advances, new approaches in research methodology, and emerging new motivational themes. I argue that the initial research inspiration and standard-setting empirical work on L2 motivation originating from Canada has borne fruit by ‘educating’ a new generation of international scholars who, together with the pioneers of the field, have applied their expertise in diverse contexts and in creative ways, thereby creating a colorful mixture of approaches comparable to the multi-faceted arena of mainstream motivational psychology.
Metalinguistic aspects of bilingual processing
Authors: Bialystok Ellen
Published: May 2008

This chapter examines differences in metalinguistic development between monolingual and bilingual children in terms of three subcategories: word awareness, syntactic awareness, and phonological awareness. In each case, some studies have reported advantages for bilingual children, but equally, other studies have found either no difference between the groups, or, in some cases, monolingual advantages. In the discussion of each of these areas, the kinds of tasks for which bilingual and monolingual children perform differently are identified. In none of these three subcategories of metalinguistic awareness do bilingual children exhibit a uniform and consistent advantage over monolinguals. An alternate conception of metalinguistic ability is proposed in which two cognitive processes, analysis and control, are directly responsible for task performance. These processes are involved in all metalinguistic tasks but to different degrees. Re-examining the results in this way reveals that bilingual advantages occur reliably on tasks that make high demands on control but are not evident in tasks that make high demands on analysis. The implications of this pattern for metalinguistic ability are considered.
Innovations in second language research methods
Authors: Gass Susan M.
Published: May 2008

Acceptance of the claims made by researchers in any field depends in large part on the appropriateness of the methods used to gather data. In this chapter I focus on two approaches to research in second language acquisition: (a) various types of acceptability judgments or probes aimed at assessing acquisition of syntactic structure; and (b) various types of stimulated recall designed to gather learners' accounts of their own thought processes. Both methods attempt to overcome a principal problem in psycholinguistics: the desire to describe a learner's knowledge about a language based on the incomplete evidence stemming from learner production. Refinements in acceptability judgments have come from some newer multiple-choice or truth-value story tasks that allow researchers to determine the level of learner knowledge about particular syntactic structures (in the examples here, reflexives). Stimulated recall offers some additional perspectives, but its usefulness can be greatly affected by the temporal proximity of the recall to the original task; the amount of support provided to prompt the recall; and the nature and amount of training given to both interviewer and interviewee. While these newer research methods can improve the accuracy and variety of data available to SLA investigators, research methods drawn from L1 acquisition or L1 research cannot necessarily be assumed to be equally valid when used to examine L2 acquisition.
Rethinking protocol analysis from a cultural perspective
Authors: Smagorinsky Peter
Published: May 2008

Some form of verbal report — that is, a research participant's concurrent or retrospective verbal account of thought processes during problem-solving activities — has been used throughout this century as the data base from which psychologists have developed theories of human mentation. Newell and Simon (1972) and Ericsson and Simon (1980, 1993) have provided extensive justification for use of one such method, protocol analysis, to investigate cognition from an information processing (IP) perspective. They have characterized protocol analysis as a methodology capable of providing evidence of the cognitive processes used when people attend to information stored in short term memory (STM) in order to solve problems. Cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT), with its concern for the mediation of human development by culturally- and historically-grounded signs and tools based on the work of Vygotsky (1987), Leont'ev (1981), and others, suggests a different view of protocol analysis. In this chapter I outline a CHAT perspective that accounts for protocol analysis along three key dimensions: (a) the relationship between thinking and speech from a representational standpoint; (b) the social role of speech in research methodology; and (c) the influence of speech on thinking during data collection. The purpose of this discussion is to illustrate how use of verbal reports can be viewed through a CHAT lens and to identify alternative assumptions necessary to use it from a CHAT perspective.
Editor's Introduction
Authors: McGroarty Mary
Published: May 2008

As a phenomenon, discourse does not belong only to applied linguistics, although applied linguistics figures among the disciplines in which discourse is a central focus. For approximately the last three decades, applied linguists and scholars in allied disciplines have developed more detailed theoretical foundations, more sophisticated research techniques, and a wider range of applications for discourse analysis. Heterogeneity of theoretical perspectives, contexts of application, and research methods has been a hallmark of contemporary discourse research, as many of the volumes in the influential series Advances in Discourse Processes attest (see, for example, Tannen, 1988). Papers in the 1990 volume of the Annual Review of Applied Linguistics (Grabe, 1990) similarly testify to the already well-established variety of discourse analytic approaches and applications. The classroom has never been the only setting with which discourse analysts and applied linguists have concerned themselves, although educational applications of discourse analytic techniques have been common in North American scholarship ever since The Language of the Classroom (Bellack, Kliebard, Hyman, & Smith, 1966), Functions of Language in the Classroom (Cazden, John, & Hymes, 1972), and Towards an Analysis of Discourse (Sinclair & Coulthard, 1975). It remains a context of major consequence for many applied linguists because of their connection to the world of teaching practice and assessment. The theme of this year's volume, Discourse and Dialogue, revisits some of the topics discussed in these earlier volumes, adds some new areas of consideration, and captures some of the richness of recent discourse-related work.
Preface: Peregrinations down memory lane
Authors: Rivers Wilga M.
Published: May 2008

In 1960 I was looking for an interesting thesis topic. My advisor, Professor Harold Hand of the University of Illinois, suggested that I combine my two interests of language teaching and psychology and gave me a month to research the possibilities in this area. After a concentrated period of reading and searching, I gathered together my 3 by 5 cards and went to see Professor Hand. I reported to him that, from my reading, it was clear that, in the present state of the field, it would be impossible to apply the psychologists' theories to the processes of language learning and teaching. To this he replied “Then you go and do it.”
MORPHOLOGICAL AND SYNTACTIC TRANSFER IN CHILD L2 ACQUISITION OF THE ENGLISH DATIVE ALTERNATION
Authors: Whong-Barr Melinda , Schwartz Bonnie D.
Published: May 2008

This experimental study compares the acquisition of the English to- and for-dative alternation by L1 English, L1 Japanese, and L1 Korean children. It is well known that there are restrictions on the verbs that can enter into the dative alternation—for example, you can show the results to someone and show someone the results; and you can demonstrate the results to someone but you cannot *demonstrate someone the results. L1 children sometimes overextend the double-object variant to verbs that disallow it. One question we investigate is whether L2 children, like L1 children, overextend the double-object variant. A second question we probe is whether L2 children, like L2 adults, transfer properties of the L1 grammar. Japanese disallows all double-accusative constructions. Korean disallows them with analogues of to-dative verbs; but with analogues of for-dative verbs, Korean productively allows them—more broadly, in fact, than English—if the benefactive verbal morpheme cwu- is added. Results from an oral grammaticality judgment task show (a) that all groups allow illicit to-dative double-object forms and (b) that the Japanese—but not the Koreans—allow illicit for-dative double-object forms. This bifurcation, we argue, stems from the fact that Korean (but not Japanese) has an overt morphological licensor for double objects. We thus find evidence of both (a) overgeneralization, like in L1 acquisition, and (b) L1 influence, like in adult L2 acquisition, in this case from the (syntactic) argument-changing properties of overt morphology.
TENSE AND ASPECT IN SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION: FORM, MEANING, AND USE.Kathleen Bardovi-Harlig. Oxford: Blackwell, 2000. Pp. xvi + 492. $34.95 paper.
Authors: Housen Alex
Published: May 2008

Following previous work in L1 acquisition, SLA has witnessed a veritable explosion of research activity in the domain of temporality since the mid 1980s. In the hefty book under review here, Kathleen Bardovi-Harlig, for several years one of the most active protagonists in the field, sets out to organize the dislocated array of findings, methods, and approaches to date.
FOREIGN VOCABULARY IN SIGN LANGUAGES: A CROSS-LINGUISTIC INVESTIGATION OF WORD FORMATION.Diane Brentari (Ed.). Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum, 2001. Pp. xx + 186. $49.95 cloth.
Authors: Peterson Rico
Published: May 2008

Lexical borrowing among languages is a commonplace in the study of linguistics. Still, the recognition of the bona fides of the various sign languages of the world is relatively recent. In this volume, Brentari offers a fascinating series of case studies of borrowing in five different sign languages.
LANGUAGE TESTING.Tim McNamara. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000. Pp. xvi + 140. £7.40 paper.
Authors: Reed Daniel J.
Published: May 2008

McNamara's book on language testing is part of a series that introduces various areas of language study to readers with little or no formal training in linguistics. Like the other books in the series, it provides a broad overview of trends and issues in the field rather than going into technical depth in any one narrow area. The intent of this approach is to make the material accessible to a wide audience and to provide a “bigger picture” perspective that would render deeper consideration of particular language testing issues more meaningful. McNamara succeeds in making his contribution to the series comprehensible, while at the same time making it challenging and provocative on both intellectual and social levels.
ALPHA BETA: HOW 26 LETTERS SHAPED THE WESTERN WORLD.John Man. New York: Wiley and Sons, 2001. Pp. 312. $24.95 cloth.
Authors: Vassen Robert D.
Published: May 2008

This volume is a fascinating, erudite, gripping, and well-researched work on a subject that many of us would expect to find dry, dull, and for academics only. John Man has succeeded, however, in taking and transforming the topic into a highly readable and very accessible book that reads like a whodunit from beginning to end. He traces the origins of the alphabet, from 4,000 years ago to modern times, taking us on captivating and exotic excursions along the way: how the Exodus might have come about; who the Phoenicians were and how they got their name; how Cyrillic came into being; how Times Roman has come to be one of the most popular and recognizable typefaces today.
THE POWER OF TESTS: A CRITICAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE USES OF LANGUAGE TESTS.Elana Shohamy. London: Longman, 2001. Pp. xxvi + 182. £18.99 paper.
Authors: Ginther April
Published: May 2008

In the introduction to The power of tests: A critical perspective on the uses of language tests, Elana Shohamy raises the following questions: What is the meaning of a test for test takers, parents, teachers, and school administrators? What are the short- and long-term consequences of tests on the lives of individuals? What are the motivating factors behind the administration of language tests? What are the politics of the tests? These kinds of questions logically arise when the examination of testing includes a concern with the use of tests by educational institutions, policy makers, and society at large. Focusing primarily on the misuse of tests, this volume chronicles both intended and unintended test consequences.
TRUNCATION AND MISSING INFLECTION IN INITIAL CHILD L2 GERMAN
Authors: Prévost Philippe
Published: May 2008

This paper examines the nature of finite and nonfinite main declarative sentences produced by L2 child learners. It claims that two of the main proposals on the root infinitive (RI) phenomenon, the Truncation Hypothesis (TH) and the Missing Surface Inflection Hypothesis (MSIH), are not mutually exclusive in child SLA because they are hypotheses on completely different issues. According to the TH, different roots are involved: RIs are VPs underlyingly, whereas finite clauses are IPs or CPs. The MSIH claims that L2 learners have difficulties using the exact inflectional morphology, which leads them to produce verbs with an infinitival marker or no inflection at all. These so-called default forms are finite. In principle, then, an L2 learner could project truncated structure and produce default finite forms at the same time. This possibility is investigated in longitudinal data from an English-speaking child learning German. Two complementary sets of data can be accounted for by the hypotheses. Verbs bearing a nonfinite marker are restricted to nonfinite positions, which is consistent with the TH. Bare (uninflected) forms occur in the same (finite) positions as verbs inflected for person and number, which suggests that they are finite. This finding is consistent with the MSIH.
CONSTRAINTS ON “NOTICING THE GAP”
Authors: Philp Jenefer
Published: May 2008

Interaction has been argued to promote noticing of L2 form in a context crucial to learning—when there is a mismatch between the input and the learner's interlanguage (IL) grammar (Gass & Varonis, 1994; Long, 1996; Pica, 1994). This paper investigates the extent to which learners may notice native speakers' reformulations of their IL grammar in the context of dyadic interaction. Thirty-three adult ESL learners worked on oral communication tasks in NS-NNS pairs. During each of the five sessions of dyadic task-based interaction, learners received recasts of their nontargetlike question forms. Accurate immediate recall of recasts was taken as evidence of noticing of recasts by learners. Results indicate that learners noticed over 60–70% of recasts. However, accurate recall was constrained by the level of the learner and by the length and number of changes in the recast. The effect of these variables on noticing is discussed in terms of processing biases. It is suggested that attentional resources and processing biases of the learner may modulate the extent to which learners “notice the gap” between their nontargetlike utterances and recasts.