bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activation of mouse protease‐activated receptor‐2 induces lymphocyte adhesion and generation of reactive oxygen species
Authors: Lim S Y , Tennant G M , Kennedy S , Wainwright C L , Kane K A
Published: September 2006

Background and Purpose:

Protease‐activated receptor‐2 (PAR‐2) is expressed on lymphocytes and endothelial cells, and plays a significant role in inflammatory reactions. Since leukocyte‐endothelial cell interaction and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation are hallmarks of the development of inflammation, the effects of PAR‐2 activation by trypsin on lymphocyte adhesion and ROS generation was examined utilising PAR‐2 wild type and knockout (PAR‐2−/−) mice.

Experimental Approach:

Lymphocyte adhesion to the luminal surface of mouse isolated aortae was measured using51Cr‐labelled leukocytes and ROS generation from isolated lymphocytes was quantified using chemiluminescence.

Key results:

Trypsin induced adhesion of lymphocytes when added exogenously to the endothelial surface of the aorta for 30 min. Similarly, increased lymphocyte adhesion was also observed when mice were injected with trypsin intravenously 24 h prior to the adhesion assay, an effect which was partly ICAM‐1 mediated. Trypsin also increased ROS generation from isolated mouse lymphocytes in a dose‐dependent manner. The increase in lymphocyte adhesion and ROS production in response to trypsin were abolished in PAR‐2−/− mice indicating a PAR‐2 dependent mechanism. Superoxide dismutase had a greater inhibitory effect in PAR‐2−/− mice compared to wild type mice when lymphocytes were stimulated with PMA but not trypsin.

Conclusions and Implications:

The present study indicates that activation of PAR‐2 may be an important factor in modulating lymphocyte adhesion and ROS generation. The results have implications for developing anti‐inflammatory strategies.

British Journal of Pharmacology(2006)149, 591–599. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706905
Novel method for unambiguous ion identification in mixed ion beams extracted from an electron beam ion trap
Authors: Meissl W. , Simon M. C. , Crespo López-Urrutia J. R. , Tawara H. , Ullrich J. , Winter HP. , Aumayr F.
Published: September 2006

A novel technique to identify small fluxes of mixed highly charged ion beams extracted from an electron beam ion trap is presented and practically demonstrated. The method exploits projectile charge state dependent potential emission of electrons as induced by ion impact on a metal surface to separate ions with identical or very similar mass-to-charge ratio.
2-pyridone: The role of out-of-plane vibrations on the S1↔S spectra and S1 state reactivity
Authors: Frey Jann A. , Leist Roman , Tanner Christian , Frey Hans-Martin , Leutwyler Samuel
Published: September 2006

The S1↔S0 vibronic spectra of supersonic jet-cooled 2-pyridone [pyridin-2-one (2PY)] and its N–H deuterated isotopomer (d-2PY) have been recorded by two-color resonant two-photon ionization, laser-induced fluorescence and emission, and fluorescence depletion spectroscopies. By combining these methods, the B origin of 2PY at 000+98cm−1 and the bands at +218 and +252cm−1 are identified as overtones of the S1 state out-of-plane vibrations ν1′ and ν2′, as are the analogous bands of d-2PY. Anharmonic double-minimum potentials are derived for the respective out-of-plane coordinates that predict further ν1′ and ν2′ overtones and combinations, reproducing ∼80% of the vibronic bands up to 600cm−1 above the 000 band. The fluorescence spectra excited at the electronic origins and the ν1′ and ν2′ out-of-plane overtone levels confirm these assignments. The S1 nonplanar minima and S1←S0 out-of-plane progressions are in agreement with the determination of nonplanar vibrationally averaged geometries for the 000 and 000+98cm−1 upper states by Held et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 95, 8732 (1991)]. The fluorescence lifetimes of the S1 state vibrations show strong mode dependence: Those of the out-of-plane levels decrease rapidly above 200cm−1 excess vibrational energy, while the in-plane vibrations ν5′, ν8′, and ν9′ have longer lifetimes, although they are above or interspersed with the “dark” out-of-plane states. This is interpreted in terms of an S1′ state reaction with a low barrier towards a conical intersection with a prefulvenic geometry. Out-of-plane vibrational states can directly surmount this barrier, whereas in-plane vibrations are much less efficient in this respect. Analysis of the fluorescence spectra allows to identify nine in-plane S0′ state fundamentals, overtones of the S0 state ν1″ and ν2″ out-of-plane vibrations, and >30 other overtones and combination bands. The B3LYP∕6-311++G(d,p) calculated anharmonic wave numbers are in very good agreement with the observed fundamentals, overtones, and combinations, with a deviation Δrms=1.3%.
Control of quantum dot excitons by lateral electric fields
Authors: Stavarache V. , Reuter D. , Wieck A. D. , Schwab M. , Yakovlev D. R. , Oulton R. , Bayer M.
Published: September 2006

The control of exciton wave functions in (In,Ga)As∕GaAs quantum dots through lateral electric fields has been studied by photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. p-i-n and n-i-n lateral gate structures were fabricated by ion implantation and subsequent thermal annealing. While single dot spectroscopy shows only small exciton energy shifts when external bias is varied, time-resolved PL reveals strong changes of the exciton lifetime and therefore of the underlying electron-hole overlap, as a consequence of significant lateral carrier displacements within the dots.
Continuous-wave diode-pumped Yb:glass laser with near 90% slope efficiency
Authors: Jaque D. , Lagomacini J. C. , Jacinto C. , Catunda T.
Published: September 2006

Room temperature highly efficient laser action from an ytterbium-doped phosphate glass is demonstrated when end pumped by a 975nm fiber-coupled laser diode. Laser slope efficiencies as high as 88% have been obtained, leading to pump-to-laser conversion efficiencies greater than 50%. From the analysis of pumping threshold and laser slope efficiencies the authors have determined both the optical losses and emission cross section at laser wavelength (1028nm).
Quantum-dot thermometry of electron heating by surface acoustic waves
Authors: Schneble R. J. , Kataoka M. , Ford C. J. B. , Barnes C. H. W. , Anderson D. , Jones G. A. C. , Farrer I. , Ritchie D. A. , Pepper M.
Published: September 2006

We investigate the effect of applied microwave signals on the electron temperature in a surface-acoustic-wave (SAW) device, using a quantum dot as a thermometer. We find that with the continuous application of the radio-frequency signal at ∼3GHz, the electron temperature rises from a base temperature of 0.5K to over 1.3K, even with a power two orders of magnitude smaller than normally used for acoustic charge transport. As a solution to this problem, we show that this heating can be considerably reduced by pulse modulating the SAW. The methods we have developed to allow this type of electron thermometry also allow them to measure the SAW amplitude from the splitting of conductance peaks.
Thermoreversible permanent magnets in the quasibinary GdCo5−xCux system
Authors: Grechishkin R. M. , Kustov M. S. , Cugat O. , Delamare J. , Poulin G. , Mavrudieva D. , Dempsey N. M.
Published: September 2006

Ferrimagnetic GdCo5−xCux alloys exhibiting the effect of Gd- and 3d-sublattice magnetization compensations at defined temperatures were studied with respect to their use as thermoreversible permanent magnets (PMs). Coercive fields μ0Hc in the range of 0.3–1.6T were measured for annealed single crystals with x=1–2.2 having compensation points in the vicinity of room temperature. Two applications of such a thermoreversible PM, namely, a thermally controlled actuator and a contactless temperature sensor, are demonstrated.
Photodetachment and photofragmentation pathways in the [(CO2)2(H2O)m]− cluster anions
Authors: Velarde Luis , Habteyes Terefe , Sanov Andrei
Published: September 2006

The mass-selected [(CO2)2(H2O)m]− cluster anions are studied using a combination of photoelectron imaging and photofragment mass spectroscopy at 355nm. Photoelectron imaging studies are carried out on the mass-selected parent cluster anions in the m=2–6 size range; photofragmentation results are presented for m=3–11. While the photoelectron images suggest possible coexistence of the CO2−(H2O)mCO2 and (O2CCO2)−(H2O)m parent cluster structures, particularly for m=2 and 3, only the CO2− based clusters are both required and sufficient to explain all fragmentation pathways for m⩾3. Three types of anionic photofragments are observed: CO2−(H2O)k, O−(H2O)k, and CO3−(H2O)k, k⩽m, with their yields varying depending on the parent cluster size. Of these, only CO2−(H2O)k can potentially result from (O2CCO2)−(H2O)m parent structures, although an alternative mechanism, involving the dissociation and recombination of the CO2− cluster core, is possible as well. The O−(H2O)k and CO3−(H2O)k channels are believed to be triggered by the dissociation of the CO2− cluster core. In the CO3−(H2O)k channel, seen only in the range of m=3–6, the CO2− core dissociation is followed by an intracluster association of nascent O− with the solvent CO2. This channel’s absence in larger clusters (m>6) is attributed to hindrance from the H2O molecules.
Diameter-dependent spin polarization of injected carriers in carbon-doped zigzag boron nitride nanotubes
Authors: Guo C. S. , Fan W. J. , Zhang R. Q.
Published: September 2006

The diameter-dependent spin polarization of zigzag (n, 0) boron nitride nanotubes (5⩽n⩽10) with two carbon atoms substituting one boron atom and one nitrogen atom was investigated using first principles calculations. The spin polarization of the injected carriers is found in the tubes with larger diameters (n⩾7) and in a hexagonal boron nitride layer, but not in those with smaller diameters, attributable to the destruction of the π electronic structure rigidity.
Near-resonant vibration-to-vibration energy transfer in the NO+–N2 collisions
Authors: Sharma Ramesh D.
Published: September 2006

First principles model calculations of the vibration-to-vibration (VV) energy transfer (ET) processes NO+(ν=1)+N2(ν=n−1)→NO+(ν=0)+N2(ν=n)+(28.64n−14.67)cm−1 and NO+(ν=n)+N2(ν=0)→NO+(ν=n−1)+N2(ν=1)+(32.52(n−1)+13.97)cm−1 for n=1–3 in the 300–1000K temperature range are performed. The VV ET probability is computed for three mechanisms: (1) The charge on NO+ acting on the average polarizability of N2 induces a dipole moment in N2 which then interacts with the permanent dipole moment of NO+ to mediate the energy transfer. (2) The charge on NO+ acting on the anisotropic polarizability of N2 induces a dipole moment in N2 which then interacts with the permanent dipole moment of NO+ to mediate the energy transfer. (3) The dipole moment of NO+ interacts with the quadrupole moment of N2 to mediate the energy transfer. Because the probability amplitudes of the second and third mechanisms add coherently the ET probability for these two mechanisms is given as a single number. The probability of energy transfer per collision is in the 5×10−3 range. The results of this calculation are compared with the available experimental data. This calculation should help quantify the role of NO+ in the energy budget of the upper atmosphere.
Observation of the quantum-confinement effect in individual β-FeSi2 nanoislands epitaxially grown on Si (111) surfaces using scanning tunneling spectroscopy
Authors: Nakamura Yoshiaki , Suzuki Ryota , Umeno Masafumi , Cho Sung-Pyo , Tanaka Nobuo , Ichikawa Masakazu
Published: September 2006

The quantum-confinement effect in two-dimensional β-FeSi2 nanoislands epitaxially grown on Si (111) by codeposition of Fe and Si was observed using scanning tunneling spectroscopy at room temperature. The energy band gaps of the H-terminated β-FeSi2 nanoislands increased by approximately 0.4eV when island height decreased from 5to2nm. This size dependence was explained by the quantum-confinement effect in β-FeSi2 nanoislands.
Direct experimental evidence of metastable epitaxial zinc-blende MgS
Authors: Sanchez A. M. , Olvera J. , Ben T. , Morrod J. K. , Prior K. A. , Molina S. I.
Published: September 2006

High resolution transmission electron microscopy has provided direct experimental evidence of monocrystalline, single-phase zinc-blende MgS. The authors report the first high resolution images of a metastable β-MgS epilayer. This material naturally has rocksalt crystalline structure, but β-MgS was grown in this work by molecular beam epitaxy on a ZnSe∕MgS multilayer buffered GaAs (001) substrate using Mg and ZnS sources, following a simple procedure. A metastable β-MgS layer of up to 125nm thick has been examined using this technique. Embedded stacking faults are observed in the β-MgS thick epilayer.
Magnetic memory and current amplification devices using moving domain walls
Authors: Barnes S. E. , Ieda J. , Maekawa S.
Published: September 2006

A moving magnetic domain wall produces an electromotive force (emf). It is therefore possible to read the state of a magnetic memory device via the emf it produces when subjected to an interrogation pulse. It is also possible to amplify currents in pulse circuits, opening up the possibility of all magnetic logic circuits.
Einstein–de Haas effect in a NiFe film deposited on a microcantilever
Authors: Wallis T. M. , Moreland J. , Kabos P.
Published: September 2006

A method is presented for determining the magnetomechanical ratio g′ in a thin ferromagnetic film deposited on a microcantilever via measurement of the Einstein–de Haas effect. An alternating magnetic field applied in the plane of the cantilever and perpendicular to its length induces bending oscillations of the cantilever that are measured with a fiber optic interferometer. Measurement of g′ provides complementary information about the g factor in ferromagnetic films that is not directly available from other characterization techniques. For a 50nm Ni80Fe20 film deposited on a silicon nitride cantilever, g′ is measured to be 1.83±0.10.
Large magnetic entropy changes in NdFe12B6 compound
Authors: Zhang C. L. , Wang D. H. , Han Z. D. , Tang S. L. , Gu B. X. , Du Y. W.
Published: September 2006

Magnetic entropy changes of the NdFe12B6 compound, which was crystallized from amorphous as-quenched ribbons, were investigated. Differential thermal analysis shows that it is stable below 940K. An abrupt change of magnetization was observed around its Curie temperature of 218K. The maximum values of magnetic entropy change of this compound are 8.4 and 5.4J∕kgK for the applied fields of 10 and 7kOe, respectively. These results suggest that this ternary compound can be considered as a good candidate for magnetic refrigeration.
Extrinsic origin of ferromagnetism in ZnO and Zn0.9Co0.1O magnetic semiconductor films prepared by sol-gel technique
Authors: Belghazi Y. , Schmerber G. , Colis S. , Rehspringer J. L. , Dinia A. , Berrada A.
Published: September 2006

We report on the origin of ferromagnetism in ZnO and Co-doped ZnO magnetic semiconductor films prepared by sol-gel technique on Si(100) and SiO2 substrates. X-ray diffraction measurements have shown that ZnO and Co-doped ZnO have the expected wurtzite structure and a preferential orientation along the c axis. Optical transmittance measurements revealed that Co is incorporated into the lattice, as Co2+ substituting Zn2+ ions. Magnetization measurements have shown room-temperature ferromagnetism for both ZnO and ZnO:Co films. After annealing, the magnetization curves recorded on free substrates show the same ferromagnetic behavior as the ZnO:Co film indicating that the ferromagnetism is extrinsic and due to external pollution.
UV photoimprinting of channel waveguides on active SiO2–GeO2 sputtered thin films
Authors: Nunzi Conti G. , Berneschi S. , Brenci M. , Pelli S. , Sebastiani S. , Righini G. C. , Tosello C. , Chiasera A. , Ferrari M.
Published: September 2006

We report on direct UV photoimprinting of channel waveguides on sputtered 75SiO2–25GeO2 (mol %) thin films doped with erbium and ytterbium. The films, after annealing, constitute good-quality slab waveguides, single mode at 1550nm. UV exposure through an amplitude mask defines channel waveguides. We show that the index change distribution in the channel can be simply related to the UV induced densification profile. Propagation losses are less than 0.3dB∕cm at 1300nm for both planar and channel waveguides. The fabrication procedure is simpler and cheaper than conventional technologies, so it represents a convenient way for the fabrication of low loss active optical integrated circuits.
Direct experimental evidence for anisotropy compensation between Dy3+ and Pr3+ ions
Authors: Ren W. J. , Liu J. J. , Li D. , Liu W. , Zhao X. G. , Zhang Z. D.
Published: September 2006

Experimental evidence for the anisotropy compensation between Dy3+ and Pr3+ ions has been observed directly by performing x-ray diffraction on magnetic-field aligned powders and by evaluating the spin-reorientation temperature and the magnetostriction of Tb0.2Dy0.8−xPrx(Fe0.9B0.1)1.93 alloys. The spin-reorientation temperature decreases with increasing the Pr content. The easy magnetization direction (EMD) at room temperature of the alloys rotates continuously in the (11¯0) plane from ⟨001⟩ for x=0.18 to ⟨111⟩ for x=0.40, subjected to the anisotropy compensation between Dy3+ and Pr3+ ions. It is observed that the EMD of some of the alloys lies along nonmajor axes at room temperature. A maximum value of magnetostriction is achieved at x=0.22, which is also attributed to the anisotropy compensation.
A rationally designed agonist antibody fragment that functionally mimics thrombopoietin
Authors: Frederickson Shana , Renshaw Mark W. , Lin Bing , Smith Lynette M. , Calveley Peter , Springhorn Jeremy P. , Johnson Krista , Wang Yi , Su Xiao , Shen Yamin , Bowdish Katherine S.
Published: September 2006

By using rational design, antibody fragments (Fabs) that mimic thrombopoietin (TPO) were created. A peptide with cMpl receptor-binding capability was grafted into different complementarity-determining regions of a fully human Fab scaffold. Functional presentation of the peptide was optimized by using phage display and cell-based panning. Select antibodies and fragments containing two grafted peptides were assayed for their ability to stimulate the cMpl receptor
in vitro
. Several candidates demonstrated agonist activity in an
in vitro
cMpl receptor signaling reporter assay, including Fab59, which was estimated to be equipotent to TPO. Fab59 additionally was able to effectively stimulate platelet production in normal mice. These rationally designed mimetic Fabs may provide a therapeutic intervention for thrombocytopenia while avoiding the potential generation of neutralizing antibodies to endogenous TPO. Furthermore, this study demonstrates a method by which short-lived linear peptides with binding activity may be converted to more stable and potent agonists capable of activating cell surface receptors.
Prevalence, severity and determinants of asthma in Danish five‐year‐olds
Authors: HErmann Christian , Olivarius Niels De Fine , Høst Arne , Begtrup Kamilla , Hollnagel Hanne
Published: September 2006

Background: The prevalence of asthma and wheeze is increasing. Aim: To study the annual and cumulative prevalence of asthma and wheeze in 5‐y‐old Danish children. Methods: We obtained data on 3052 (82.0% of eligible) Danish children by a postal parental questionnaire including ISAAC questions regarding respiratory symptoms and our own questions on sociodemography and tobacco exposure. Results: “Wheeze ever” was reported in 38.3%, “doctor‐diagnosed asthma ever” in 10.5%, “childhood bronchitis ever” in 30.0%, “current wheeze” (<12 mo) in 19.7%, and being “severe” (>3 episodes) in 3.9% of the children. Current wheeze was associated with male gender (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.35–1.96), low parental post‐primary education (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.02–1.63 for <3 y vs ≥3 y) and current maternal smoking (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.39–2.04). “Severe current wheeze” was recognized as asthma in six and childhood bronchitis in three of 10 cases. Nearly all diagnosed asthmatics had suffered wheeze, two‐thirds recently.

Conclusion. We found a high prevalence of asthma and wheeze in Danish late‐preschool children, associated with male gender, current maternal tobacco smoking and low parental post‐primary education. The majority of children with current wheeze had an early onset, and severe early symptoms tended to persist. Used with consideration, the label “childhood bronchitis” seems purposeful.
Cord blood lipoprotein profile after magnesium sulphate treatment in pre‐eclamptic patients
Authors: Yavuz Taner , Yavuz Özlem , Ozdemir Ismail , Afşar Yilmaz
Published: September 2006

Aim: To determine lipoprotein metabolism alterations in magnesium‐exposed neonates of women with pre‐eclampsia. Methods: The study group comprised seven singleton neonates of women with pre‐eclampsia at term and treated with magnesium sulphate. Controls were 26 neonates of uncomplicated pregnancies of term delivery. Total serum magnesium concentrations were analysed by the photometric colour method. Total serum cholesterol, triglycerides and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels were determined by enzymatic colour methods, while apoprotein (apo) A‐I and apo B values were measured by immunoturbidimetry. Low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels were calculated by Friedewald's formula. Very‐low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, total cholesterol/ HDL‐C, apo B/apo A‐I, LDL‐C/apo B, LDL‐C/HDL‐C, and HDL‐C/apo A‐I ratios were determined by calculation. Results: Magnesium levels of magnesium‐exposed neonates were found to be 1.6 times higher than those of controls. Magnesium‐exposed neonates had lower serum apo A‐I levels, and they had higher apo B/apo A‐I and HDL‐C/apo A‐I ratios when compared to controls.

Conclusion: The lipoprotein profile became more atherogenic in magnesium‐exposed neonates as it may be a potential risk factor of cardiovascular heart disease.
Asthma and overweight are associated with symptoms of gastro‐oesophageal reflux
Authors: Størdal Ketil , Johannesdottir Groa B. , Bentsen Beint S. , Carlsen Karin C. L. , Sandvik Leiv
Published: September 2006

Aim: To explore the prevalence of symptoms suggestive of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in asthmatics and controls, and to control for the possible effect of overweight. Methods: The prevalence of GERD symptoms was assessed using a questionnaire about reflux symptoms in children with asthma (n=872, mean age 10.4 y, 65% males) compared to non‐asthmatic controls (n=264, mean age 10.8 y, 48% males), and a symptom score was calculated. The association between GERD symptoms and overweight (age‐adjusted BMI>25) was assessed independently. Results: A positive reflux symptom score was found in 19.7% of the asthmatics compared to 8.5% of the non‐asthmatic control group (odds ratio (OR) 2.6, 95% CI 1.7–4.2). Overweight children reported GERD symptoms more frequently than children with normal weight (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2–2.6). Asthma and obesity remained significant predictors when analysed simultaneously by logistic regression analysis. One hundred and fifty‐two children with asthma consented to an oesophageal pH study, and an abnormal pH study result (reflux index > 5.0) correlated positively with overweight (OR 4.9, 95% CI 2.2–11.0).

Conclusion: The prevalence of symptoms associated with gastro‐oesophageal reflux was increased in children with asthma and in overweight children. Overweight and asthma were independently associated with GERD symptoms, and overweight did not explain the higher frequency of GERD in asthma patients.
Early detection of infant hearing loss: Current experiences of health professionals in a developing country
Authors: Olusanya Bolajoko O. , Eletu Olaseinde B. , Odusote Olatunde , Somefun Abayomi O. , Olude Olufemi
Published: September 2006

Aim and methods: To investigate the experiences of doctors and nurses in infant hearing loss through an open‐ended questionnaire in Lagos, Nigeria. Results: Few respondents detected children with hearing loss within the first 6 mo of life. Parental concern was the most significant lead for doctors. Children suspected of hearing loss were often referred to ENT surgeons before objective hearing evaluation was conducted.

Conclusion: Doctors and nurses should routinely seek objective infant hearing assessment for timely detection of permanent hearing loss.
Painful rash and swelling of the limbs after recurrent infections in a teenager: Polyarteritis nodosa
Authors: Klusmann Anne , Megahed Mosaad , Kruse Roland , Schneider Matthias , Schmidt Klaus G. , Niehues Tim
Published: September 2006

Polyarteritis nodosa is a rare disease in childhood and adolescence that is difficult to diagnose clinically. We report on a 17‐y‐old girl presenting with a history of recurrent infections of the upper respiratory tract and conjunctivitis followed by a painful rash on the upper and lower extremities resembling erythema nodosum. The diagnosis of polyarteritis nodosa was proven by skin biopsy. Therapy with intravenous immunoglobulins failed, but with systemic steroids she responded promptly.

Conclusion: Polyarteritis nodosa is a differential diagnosis in adolescents presenting with fever and an erythema nodosum‐like rash.
The impact of authentic learning on students' engagement with physics
Authors: Murphy Patricia , Lunn Stephen , Jones Helen
Published: September 2006

The changes in the statutory science curriculum specification for all students aged 14–15 in England and Wales in 2006 herald a shift in how curriculum content is organized, and the purposes for science learning. In a curriculum for scientific literacy the selection of social situations and scientific controversies determines the knowledge that is required. The goal for students' learning is to enable them to participate competently in a world permeated by science and technology. Such changes involve recognition of the situated nature of science and the situated nature of learning; hence authenticity is at the core of students' curriculum experiences. To support students as they learn about the nature of science and the communities and situations where science is created and used requires a wide range of primary and secondary sources. Energy Foresight1 is a set of multimedia resources to support the teaching and learning of ‘Radioactive materials’ in the new curriculum. The article describes and discusses the main evaluation findings of the impact of the Energy Foresight resources on students' engagement and learning, noting in particular the impact of the approach to authenticity in the resources. 279 students were involved in various aspects of the national implementation of the resources. The findings showed that students enjoyed the opportunities to engage with physics in the context of relevant social and personal issues and professional practices. The impact on girls' views of the relevance and interest of physics was dramatic, as was the increase in their learning. The impact on boys, though positive, was much smaller in effect. The findings also revealed some unintended effects, particularly for some boys and for students new to the approach, as they moved from certainty about what they believed they understood about science, to more reflective awareness of the complexity of using scientific evidence to make judgements about risks and benefits.
The emergence of the controversy around the theory of evolution and creationism in UK newspaper reports
Authors: Allgaier Joachim , Holliman Richard
Published: September 2006

The question of whether religious explanations about the origin of life should be taught alongside scientific accounts in compulsory science education has sparked controversy in several countries for decades. An important site for these controversies is media reporting. This article presents the results of a quantitative and qualitative analysis of UK national and regional newspaper coverage from 2002. The sampled articles reported the controversy about teaching creationism in science classes alongside the theory of evolution at Emmanuel College, Gateshead, UK. The results describe how the national curriculum for science was represented in these articles and, in particular, how scientific controversies were initially described and revised as the public debate developed. Furthermore, the article documents the mobilization of a range of actors who used media reporting as an important channel to argue their case about this issue. It is suggested here that media reporting of creationism/evolution was an important factor in framing public debate about these issues, influencing, in part, the debate over which controversial science‐based topics should be taught as part of the national curriculum for science.
Girls and physics: continuing barriers to ‘belonging’
Authors: Murphy Patricia , Whitelegg Elizabeth
Published: September 2006

The article1 discusses selected findings of a narrative review, funded by the Institute of Physics,2 in response to the continuing decline in the number of girls studying physics post‐16 in England; 177 selected sources, of national and international research literature about girls' participation in physics, were reviewed. In the article, we argue that gender and science are mutually constitutive and girls' participation in physics education, historically and currently, needs to be understood in relation to this. Prior achievement and perceptions of the difficulty of physics are determinants of students' decisions about whether to continue to study physics. These influences may be heightened for girls by gendered associations about who is, and is not, competent in mathematics and physics. Interest and enjoyment in physics also influence students' course choices, particularly those of girls, and these decline relative to other sciences through schooling, more so for girls than boys. This decline is not disrupted by school organization. Single‐sex organization is associated with high teacher expectations in science and a greater sense of ‘belonging’ for girls, but not for all girls. The contents, contexts and ways of approaching problems and investigations in physics more closely reflect what boys, more than girls, engage with outside school, and those activities associated with what culture defines as masculine rather than feminine attributes. These exert a negative influence on girls' engagement with physics, their sense of self‐efficacy in relation to it, and their perception of its personal relevance. Girls, relative to boys, continue not to see a future self engaged in physics and physics‐related careers. This can be disrupted by changes in the curriculum and in pedagogy. Context‐based courses alter how physics content is organized, and impact positively on overall performance, and on girls' performance relative to that of boys. They also raise fundamental challenges to physics education and its perceived educational purpose. Developments in science education in England, we suggest, do not challenge the gender–science relationship and their impact on girls' participation may be limited as a consequence. The article highlights the paucity of UK‐based research generally into girls' participation in physics, and particularly into pedagogy that enhances participation for girls from a variety of different ethnic and socio‐economic backgrounds.
Intellectual disability in the New South Wales inmate population
Authors: Cashin Andrew , Butler Tony , Levy Michael , Potter Emily
Published: September 2006

Between July and November 2001, a health survey of New South Wales (NSW) inmates was conducted by NSW Justice Health. A cross‐sectional random sample of inmates stratified by age, gender and Aboriginality (Aboriginal people are over‐represented in the NSW inmate population) that included approximately 10% of the male and 34% of the female inmate population participated in the study (n = 914). Of those invited to participate, 83% of males and 84% of females consented. One element of the study was the use of the Hayes Ability Screening Index. Inmates identified to be at risk for intellectual disability on the screening tool were referred to a psychologist who administered the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Revised (n = 167). This paper discusses the implications of the results in terms of full scale IQ, in which 3% of men and 12.5% of women of those identified as being at risk on the screening index were identified as having an intellectual disability, and the overall
cognitive profile of those tested. The implications for health education and therapy in prisons are considered.
Symmetrization of the Hurwitz zeta function and Dirichlet
L
functions
Authors: McPhedran Ross C , Botten Lindsay C , Nicorovici Nicolae-Alexandru P , John Zucker I
Published: September 2006

We consider the Hurwitz zeta function
ζ
(
s
,
a
), and form two parts
ζ
+
and
ζ
−
by symmetric and antisymmetric combinations of
ζ
(
s
,
a
) and
ζ
(
s
,1−
a
). We consider the properties of
ζ
+
and
ζ
−
, and then show that each may be decomposed into parts denoted by

and

, each of which obeys a functional equation of the Dirichlet
L
type, with a multiplicative factor of −1 for the functions

. We show the results of this procedure for rational
a
=
p
/
q
, with
q
=1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, and demonstrate that the functions

and

have some of the key properties of Dirichlet
L
functions.
Dislocation lines in the swallowtail diffraction catastrophe
Authors: Nye J.F
Published: September 2006

The three-dimensional distribution of amplitude and phase represented by the swallowtail catastrophe diffraction integral is based on a network of null lines for amplitude (wave dislocations or optical vortices), where the phase is singular. In the tail region there is four-wave interference, which results in an approximately repeating pattern of amplitude based on the monoclinic space group
C
2/
m
and also an approximately repeating pattern of wave dislocations based on the black–white monoclinic space group
C
2/
m
′. Helical dislocations spring from the plane of symmetry and gradually straighten out to be parallel to the two riblines of the caustic; eventually they become the straight dislocations of the Pearcey pattern for the cusp catastrophe. In the front region, where there are zero or two points of stationary phase, each dark Airy fringe surface associated with the fold surface condenses into a single dislocation in the plane of symmetry.
A novel histone deacetylase pathway regulates mitosis by modulating Aurora B kinase activity
Authors: Li Yun , Kao Gary D. , Garcia Benjamin A. , Shabanowitz Jeffrey , Hunt Donald F. , Qin Jun , Phelan Caroline , Lazar Mitchell A.
Published: September 2006

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors perturb the cell cycle and have great potential as anti-cancer agents, but their mechanism of action is not well established. HDACs classically function as repressors of gene expression, tethered to sequence-specific transcription factors. Here we report that HDAC3 is a critical, transcription-independent regulator of mitosis. HDAC3 forms a complex with A-Kinase-Anchoring Proteins AKAP95 and HA95, which are targeted to mitotic chromosomes. Deacetylation of H3 in mitosis requires AKAP95/HA95 and HDAC3 and provides a hypoacetylated H3 tail that is the preferred substrate for Aurora B kinase. Phosphorylation of H3S10 by Aurora B leads to dissociation of HP1 proteins from methylated H3K9 residues on mitotic heterochromatin. This transcription-independent pathway, involving interdependent changes in histone modification and protein association, is required for normal progression through mitosis and is an unexpected target of HDAC inhibitors, a class of drugs currently in clinical trials for treating cancer.
Phosphorylation of histone H4 Ser1 regulates sporulation in yeast and is conserved in fly and mouse spermatogenesis
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Thanuja , Chen Xin , Govin Jerome , Cheung Wang L. , Dorsey Jean , Schindler Karen , Winter Edward , Allis C. David , Guacci Vincent , Khochbin Saadi , Fuller Margaret T. , Berger Shelley L.
Published: September 2006

Sporulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a highly regulated process wherein a diploid cell gives rise to four haploid gametes. In this study we show that histone H4 Ser1 is phosphorylated (H4 S1ph) during sporulation, starting from mid-sporulation and persisting to germination, and is temporally distinct from earlier meiosis-linked H3 S10ph involved in chromosome condensation. A histone H4 S1A substitution mutant forms aberrant spores and has reduced sporulation efficiency. Deletion of sporulation-specific yeast Sps1, a member of the Ste20 family of kinases, nearly abolishes the sporulation-associated H4 S1ph modification. H4 S1ph may promote chromatin compaction, since deletion of SPS1 increases accessibility to antibody immunoprecipitation; furthermore, either deletion of Sps1 or an H4 S1A substitution results in increased DNA volume in nuclei within spores. We find H4 S1ph present during Drosophila melanogaster and mouse spermatogenesis, and similar to yeast, this modification extends late into sperm differentiation relative to H3 S10ph. Thus, H4 S1ph may be an evolutionarily ancient histone modification to mark the genome for gamete-associated packaging.
Effects of Sex and Race of Perpetrator and Method of Killing on Outcome Judgments in a Mock Filicide Case
Authors: Dunn Kerri F. , Cowan Gloria , Downs Daniel
Published: September 2006

The present study examined college student mock jurors' judgments of legal insanity, outcome severity, and death‐penalty decisions in a filicide case. The sex and race of perpetrator (Black or White) and method of killing (shooting or smothering) were varied in a between‐subjects design. A 3‐way interaction was found for outcome severity, supporting Jones & Davis' (1965) attributional principle of stronger dispositional attributions for unexpected behaviors. As predicted, White women were judged more severely when they used a gun compared to when they smothered, whereas White men were judged more severely when they smothered compared to when they used a gun. The most severe judgments were made for Black male perpetrators who used a gun. Results are discussed in terms of sex and racial stereotypes.
Structure and composition of Acacia xanthophloea woodland in Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya
Authors: Dharani N. , Kinyamario J. I. , Onyari J. M.
Published: September 2006

The woody vegetation of Lake Nakuru National Park occurs along rivers, lakeshores and flood plains. Four different sites within the Acacia xanthophloea woodlands were selected for the study. Vegetation structure was not significantly different in the four woodlands used for the study, but these sites differed in the relative density of Acacia trees. Regeneration of A. xanthophloea differed in each site, with the highest regeneration rates found in the nonfenced plots where browsing took place.
Association of corticotropin‐releasing hormone gene variation with performance and meat quality traits in commercial pig lines
Authors: Muráni E. , Ponsuksili S. , Schellander K. , Wimmers K.
Published: September 2006

The porcine corticotropin‐releasing hormone(CRH) gene is a functional–positional candidate for quantitative tract loci on porcine chromosome 4 with major effects on growth and carcass composition. In addition, the central role of CRH in the neuroendocrine response to stress implicates the CRH gene as a functional candidate for meat quality. Association of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the promoter region of the porcine CRH gene (g.233C>T) with several growth, carcass and meat quality traits was examined using more than 2000 individuals from four commercial lines: German Landrace (LR), Pietrain (Pi), German Large White × German Landrace (F1) and the German commercial fattening pig cross of Pietrain × F1 (PiF1). Significant association of the CRH SNP was found with feed conversion ratio in the PiF1 line, with carcass length in the LR line and with lean content in the F1, LR and Pi lines. Moreover, significant association with meat colour was found in the Pi and LR lines; however, the effects were in opposite directions. The presented results indicate that sequence variation in the porcine CRH gene has no major effect on growth and carcass composition in commercial pig lines, although it may significantly contribute to variation in meat quality. The g.233C>T SNP may be in incomplete linkage disequilibrium with causal mutations and/or exhibit effects in the context of DNA variation at other interacting loci.
Marker‐assisted conservation of European cattle breeds: an evaluation
Authors:   European Cattle Genetic Diversity Consortium
Published: September 2006

Two methods have been developed for the assessment of conservation priorities on the basis of molecular markers. According to the Weitzman approach, contributions to genetic diversity are derived from genetic distances between populations. Alternatively, diversity within and across populations is optimized by minimizing marker‐estimated kinships. We have applied, for the first time, both methods to a comprehensive data set of 69 European cattle breeds, including all cosmopolitan breeds and several local breeds, for which genotypes of 30 microsatellite markers in 25–50 animals per breed have been obtained. Both methods were used to calculate the gain in diversity if a breed was added to a set of nine non‐endangered breeds. Weitzman‐derived diversities were confounded by genetic drift in isolated populations, which dominates the genetic distances but does not necessarily increase the conservation value of a breed. Marker‐estimated kinships across populations were less disturbed by genetic drift than the Weitzman diversities and assigned high conservation values to Mediterranean breeds, which indeed have genetic histories that differ from the non‐endangered breeds. Prospects and limitations of marker‐assisted decisions on conservation priorities are discussed.
Multiple disturbances and the global degradation of coral reefs: are reef fishes at risk or resilient?
Authors: WILSON SHAUN K. , GRAHAM NICHOLAS A. J. , PRATCHETT MORGAN S. , JONES GEOFFREY P. , POLUNIN NICHOLAS V. C.
Published: September 2006

Increased frequency of disturbances and anthropogenic activities are predicted to have a devastating impact on coral reefs that will ultimately change the composition of reef associated fish communities. We reviewed and analysed studies that document the effects of disturbance‐mediated coral loss on coral reef fishes. Meta‐analysis of 17 independent studies revealed that 62% of fish species declined in abundance within 3 years of disturbances that resulted in >10% decline in coral cover. Abundances of species reliant on live coral for food and shelter consistently declined during this time frame, while abundance of some species that feed on invertebrates, algae and/or detritus increased. The response of species, particularly those expected to benefit from the immediate loss of coral, is, however, variable and is attributed to erratic replenishment of stocks, ecological versatility of species and sublethal responses, such as changes in growth, body condition and feeding rates. The diversity of fish communities was found to be negatively and linearly correlated to disturbance‐mediated coral loss. Coral loss >20% typically resulted in a decline in species richness of fish communities, although diversity may initially increase following small declines in coral cover from high coverage. Disturbances that result in an immediate loss of habitat complexity (e.g. severe tropical storms), have a greater impact on fishes from all trophic levels, compared with disturbances that kill corals, but leave the reef framework intact (e.g. coral bleaching and outbreaks of Acanthaster planci). This is most evident among small bodied species and suggests the long‐term consequences of coral loss through coral bleaching and crown‐of‐thorn starfish outbreaks may be much more substantial than the short‐term effects currently documented.
Pharmacokinetic studies: international guidelines for the conduct and interpretation of such studies
Authors: MORFINI M.
Published: September 2006

Summary.  Pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis of factor VIII (FVIII)/factor IX (FIX) concentrates became very popular in the last 20 years, due to progress in the manufacturing of new plasma‐ and rDNA‐derived products. Both compartmental and model independent methods have been applied to the definition of in vivo behaviour of concentrates in haemophiliacs, to evaluate the bioequivalence of new with the old products, to predict and individualize the dosage for intermittent as well as for continuous infusion. PK analysis by the model independent method, simple and robust, has been recommended by the EMEA as a surrogate of efficacy. Compartmental methods, requiring several concentration/time points to achieve a good fit, are suitable also for minimizing the individual deviation of PK parameters from mean population values. Bayesian compromise is very popular among experts of PK. The gap between values may be sometimes so large that we prefer, in the treatment of bleeds in haemophiliacs, to stay very adherent to the temporary individual clearance of the drug. The Scientific and Standardization Subcommittee (SSC) for FVIII/IX of the International Society for Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) issued the guidelines for PK studies in order to reduce the large variability of outcomes. The guidelines have been considered very demanding as far as the number of concentration/time points is concerned, first of all when the PK must be conducted in children. We tried to evaluate the effect of point reduction on the accuracy of PK parameters, using the model independent method. It is well known, that the trapezoidal rule overestimates the area under the curve (AUC). This effect on AUC and clearance is higher the more biphasic the decay curve. The reduction of points particularly affects the MRT and terminal half‐life. When the decay is monophasic, the reduction of points has a limited effect. Unfortunately, the high‐purity plasma‐ and rDNA‐derived concentrates have a definitively biphasic decay. In these cases, it is highly recommended to collect a sample between the 9th and 12th post‐infusion hours in order to pick up the ‘knee’ of the decay curve: in this way, the deviation of AUC and clearance can be restricted to +13% and ‐12% respectively even with only 3 concentration/time points.
Receptor‐mediated clearance of factor VIII: implications for pharmacokinetic studies in individuals with haemophilia
Authors: SAENKO E. L. , ANANYEVA N. M.
Published: September 2006

Summary  The present review discusses the current concept of receptor‐mediated clearance of coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) from the circulation in vivo, which is one of the mechanisms regulating FVIII level in plasma. Several lines of experimental evidence suggest that two receptors from the low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor family, low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein (LRP) and LDL receptor (LDLR), cooperate in this process. Administration of receptor‐associated protein, a classical antagonist of these receptors, leads to prolongation of FVIII half‐life in mice. The elevation of FVIII level and prolongation of its mean residence time, recorded in genetically LRP‐deficient mice, directly confirm the physiological role of LRP in mediating clearance of FVIII. Mice with combined LRP and LDLR deficiency show a further increase of FVIII levels and more impressive, approximately fivefold, prolongation of FVIII residence time in the circulation. Receptor‐mediated clearance of FVIII is facilitated by heparan sulfate proteoglycans of extracellular matrix, which provide the initial binding of FVIII to the cell surface. We discuss the mapping of the major high‐affinity LRP‐binding sites to the regions 484–509 and 1811–1818 of A2 and A3 domains of FVIII respectively; LDLR‐binding sites are yet to be identified. Mutagenesis of these sites may result in disruption/reduction of FVIII/receptor interaction and consequently lead to clinically significant prolongation of FVIII lifetime in the circulation. We demonstrate the feasibility of this approach by the results of Ala‐scanning mutagenesis of the A2 LRP‐binding site. Generation of a novel recombinant FVIII with prolonged lifetime would meet the demands, improve the efficacy and reduce the cost of FVIII replacement therapy of haemophilia A.