bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Catchment Hydrogeochemistry
Authors: Church M. Robbins , Hornberger George M. , Sorooshian Soroosh 
Published: February 2008

From September 18 to 21, 1989, the American Geophysical Union (AGU) sponsored a Chapman Conference on Hydrogeochemical Responses of Forested Catchments. Approximately 130 hydrologists, geochemists, soil scientists, ecologists, and other scientists involved in research on forested catchments presented results of their investigations and discussed the state of knowledge regarding hydrological and geochemical processes that control catchment response.Within the field of catchment hydrogeochemistry, the focus of geochemists has been to attain an understanding of the basic processes which govern the interactions between water and rocks, whereas the focus of hydrologists has been to determine rates of flow along different flow paths through a catchment. Of course, geochemists are well aware that the explanation of temporal variation of the chemical composition of surface and ground waters requires knowledge of flow paths and residence times of water as well as of chemical processes per se, and hydrologists know that flow generation mechanisms can be identified most efficiently in the field by using information about the geochemical history of waters. Nevertheless, cross‐discipline communication has not been as pervasive as desirable for rapid advancement of the science. The Chapman Conference, organized by two of us (M. Robbins Church and George M. Hornberger), brought hydrologists and geochemists together to discuss recent significant contributions with the hope that progress in the future would be speeded up by the interdisciplinary information exchange.
Establishment of biological and pharmacokinetic assays of telomerase‐specific replication‐selective adenovirus
Authors: Hashimoto Yuuri , Watanabe Yuichi , Shirakiya Yoshiko , Uno Futoshi , Kagawa Shunsuke , Kawamura Hitoshi , Nagai Katsuyuki , Tanaka Noriaki , Kumon Horomi , Urata Yasuo , Fujiwara Toshiyoshi 
Published: February 2008

The use of replication‐selective tumor‐specific viruses represents a novel approach for the treatment of neoplastic disease. We constructed an attenuated adenovirus, telomerase‐specific replication‐selective adenovirus (TRAD), in which the human telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter element drives the expression of the E1A and E1B genes linked with an internal ribosome entry site (IRES). Forty‐eight hours after TRAD infection at a multiplicity of infection of 1.0, the cell viability of H1299 human lung cancer cells was consistently less than 50% and therefore this procedure could be used as a potency assay to assess the biological activity of TRAD. We also established a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis with consensus primers for either the adenovirus E1A or IRES sequence. The linear ranges of quantitation with E1A and IRES primers were 103–108 and 102–108 plaque‐forming units/mL in the plasma, respectively. The PCR analysis demonstrated that the levels of E1A in normal tissues were more than 103 lower than in the tumors of A549 human lung tumor xenografts in nu/nµ mice at 28 days after intratumoral injection. Our results suggest that the cell‐killing assay against H1299 cells and real‐time PCR can be used to assess the biological activity and biodistribution of TRAD in clinical trials. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 385–390)
Association of a missense single nucleotide polymorphism, Cys1367Arg of the WRN gene, with the risk of bone and soft tissue sarcomas in Japan
Authors: Nakayama Robert , Sato Yasunori , Masutani Mitsuko , Ogino Hideki , Nakatani Fumihiko , Chuman Hirokazu , Beppu Yasuo , Morioka Hideo , Yabe Hiroo , Hirose Hiroshi , Sugimura Haruhiko , Sakamoto Hiromi , Ohta Tsutomu , Toyama Yoshiaki , Yoshida Teruhiko , Kawai Akira 
Published: February 2008

Bone and soft tissue sarcomas (BSTSs) are rare malignant tumors of mesenchymal origin. Although BSTSs frequently occur in some hereditary cancer syndromes with germline mutations of DNA repair genes, genetic factors responsible for sporadic cases have not been determined. In the present study we undertook a case‐control study and analyzed possible associations between the susceptibility to BSTS and the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DNA repair genes. Genomic DNAs extracted from case and control peripheral blood leukocytes were genotyped by pyrosequencing. For candidate polymorphisms, we chose 50 non‐synonymous missense SNPs, which we have previously been identified by resequencing 36 DNA repair genes among the Japanese population. In the first screening, we analyzed 240 cases and 685 controls and selected six SNPs at the significance level of P < 0.1 (Fisher's exact test). The six SNPs were further analyzed in the second genotyping on an additional set of 304 cases and 834 controls. In the joint analysis (the first and second genotyping combined) of 544 cases and 1378 controls, Cys1367Arg of the WRN gene was found to be a protective factor of BSTS (odds ratio = 0.66, 95% confidence interval = 0.49–0.88, P = 0.005). An exploratory subgroup analysis without multiple comparison adjustment suggested that the WRN‐Cys1367Arg SNP is associated with soft tissue sarcomas, sarcomas with reciprocal chromosomal translocations and malignant fibrous histiocytoma. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 333–339)
Motif‐programmed artificial protein induces apoptosis in several cancer cells by disrupting mitochondria
Authors: Saito Hirohide , Minamisawa Tamiko , Yamori Takao , Shiba Kiyotaka 
Published: February 2008

By combinatorially assembling two natural motifs, respectively, associated with protein transduction (PTD) and induction of apoptosis (BH3), we previously synthesized an artificial protein (#284) that is taken up into cells, where it induces apoptosis. Here we used cluster analysis of GI50 (average concentration required for 50% growth inhibition), as well as immunohistochemical and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end labeling analyses to further characterize the capacity of #284 to induce apoptosis in a panel of 39 cancer cell lines. Our results showed that #284 preferentially inhibited the growth of several cancer cells with a GI50 of approximately 5 µM, which is in the range of conventional anticancer drugs such as cisplatin and etoposide. In breast cancer HBC‐4 cells, #284 caused mitochondrial aggregation and induced apoptosis in a BH3 motif‐dependent manner. Moreover, transfection of the artificial gene that encodes #284 led to effective expression of the artificial protein within cells, which in turn caused apoptosis at a level similar to that seen in naturally occurring apoptosis inducers, Noxa/Bax transfectants. These findings suggest that synthetic proteins created by reprogramming peptide motifs have the potential to serve as novel agents useful in the treatment of cancer. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 398–406)
Socio‐economic variations in tobacco consumption, intention to quit and self‐efficacy to quit among male smokers in Thailand and Malaysia: results from the International Tobacco Control–South‐East Asia (ITC–SEA) survey
Authors: Siahpush Mohammad , Borland Ron , Yong Hua‐Hie , Kin Foong , Sirirassamee Buppha 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTAim  To examine the association of socio‐economic position (education, income and employment status) with cigarette consumption, intention to quit and self‐efficacy to quit among male smokers in Thailand and Malaysia.Design and setting  The data were based on a survey of adult smokers conducted in early 2005 in Thailand and Malaysia as part of the International Tobacco Control–South‐East Asia (ITC–SEA) project.Participants  A total of 1846 men in Thailand and 1906 men in Malaysia.Measurement  Participants were asked questions on daily cigarette consumption, intention to quit and self‐efficacy to quit in face‐to‐face interviews.Findings  Analyses were based on multivariate regression models that adjusted for all three socio‐economic indicators. In Thailand, higher level of education was associated strongly with not having self‐efficacy, associated weakly with having an intention to quit and was not associated with cigarette consumption. Higher income was associated strongly with having self‐efficacy, associated weakly with high cigarette consumption and was not associated with having an intention to quit. Being employed was associated strongly with having an intention to quit and was not associated with cigarette consumption or self‐efficacy. In Malaysia, higher level of education was not associated with any of the outcomes. Higher income was associated strongly with having self‐efficacy, and was not associated with the other outcomes. Being employed was associated moderately with higher cigarette consumption and was not associated with the other outcomes.Conclusion  Socio‐economic and cultural conditions, as well as tobacco control policies and tobacco industry activities, shape the determinants of smoking behaviour and beliefs. Existing knowledge from high‐income countries about disparities in smoking should not be generalized readily to other countries.
Determination of how many immunoglobulin variable region heavy chain mutations are allowable in unmutated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia – long‐term follow up of patients with different percentages of mutations
Authors: Hamblin Terry J. , Davis Zadie A. , Oscier David G. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryThe choice of 98% sequence homology for immunoglobulin heavy chains to distinguish between mutated and unmutated versions of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) was arbitrary and was chosen to account for supposed polymorphisms. Some authors chose 97% or even 95%. This study examined survival curves for cohorts of patients with varying degrees of sequence homology. All patients with <97% homology behaved as if mutated. Those with 97–98% homology were more aggressive than the mutated cases, but less aggressive than those with >98% homology.
Should prophylactic granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor be used in multiple myeloma patients developing neutropenia under lenalidomide‐based therapy?
Authors: Mateos María‐Victoria , García‐Sanz Ramón , Colado Enrique , Olazábal Juan , San‐Miguel Jesús 
Published: February 2008

SummaryLenalidomide combined with dexamethasone has significant clinical activity in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). In previous clinical trials lenalidomide‐induced neutropenia was a frequent side‐effect, often leading to treatment delays and dose reductions. We describe three MM patients treated with lenalidomide plus dexamethasone, which developed grade 3/4 neutropenia during the initial cycles, but without serious infection. Administration of granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) for 3 d prevented further neutropenia, treatment delays, dose reductions, or infectious complications during the following cycles. Consequently, G‐CSF could be effective in preventing further neutropenia‐related complications without compromising treatment efficacy in MM patients with lenalidomide‐induced neutropenia.
Mechanisms and mediators of nasal symptoms in non‐allergic rhinitis
Authors: Salib R. J. , Harries P. G. , Nair S. B. , Howarth P. H. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryNon‐allergic rhinitis may be a contributing factor in up to 60% of rhinitis patients and a sole contributor in a quarter. It is a highly heterogeneous condition with poorly understood pathophysiological mechanisms. Compelling evidence is emerging of a localized nasal mucosal allergic response in some non‐allergic rhinitic subjects in the absence of systemic atopy. While the inflammatory disease pathway in non‐allergic rhinitis may share some of the features of its allergic counterpart, overall the mechanisms remain unclear, and there are likely to be differences. In particular, symptoms of nasal congestion and rhinorrhoea tend to be more prominent and persistent in non‐allergic rhinitic patients compared with allergic rhinitis. Our aim is to review the literature relating to mechanisms and mediators of nasal symptoms in non‐allergic rhinitis. Better understanding of the underlying pathophysiological basis should enable the development of more accurate testing, and better targeted therapeutic options in the future.
Adaptive radiation in Lesser Antillean lizards: molecular phylogenetics and species recognition in the Lesser Antillean dwarf gecko complex, Sphaerodactylus fantasticus
Authors: THORPE R. S. , JONES A. G. , MALHOTRA A. , SURGET‐GROBA Y. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe time associated with speciation varies dramatically among lower vertebrates. The nature and timing of divergence is investigated in the fantastic dwarf gecko Sphaerodactylus fantasticus complex, a nominal species that occurs on the central Lesser Antillean island of Guadeloupe and adjacent islands and islets. This is compared to the divergence in the sympatric anole clade from the Anolis bimaculatus group. A molecular phylogenetic analysis of numerous gecko populations from across these islands, based on three mitochondrial DNA genes, reveals several monophyletic groups occupying distinct geographical areas, these being Les Saintes, western Basse Terre plus Dominica, eastern Basse Terre, Grand Terre, and the northern and eastern islands (Montserrat, Marie Galante, Petite Terre, Desirade). Although part of the same nominal species, the molecular divergence within this species complex is extraordinarily high (27% patristic distance between the most divergent lineages) and is compatible with this group occupying the region long before the origin of the younger island arc. Tests show that several quantitative morphological traits are correlated with the phylogeny, but in general the lineages are not uniquely defined by these traits. The dwarf geckos show notably less nominal species‐level adaptive radiation than that found in the sympatric southern clade of Anolis bimculatus, although both appear to have occupied the region for a broadly similar period of time. Nevertheless, the dwarf gecko populations on Les Saintes islets are the most morphologically distinct and are recognized as a full species (Sphaerodactylus phyzacinus), as are anoles on Les Saintes (Anolis terraealtae).
Stellar contents and star formation in the young open cluster Stock 8
Authors: Jose Jessy , Pandey A. K. , Ojha D. K. , Ogura K. , Chen W. P. , Bhatt B. C. , Ghosh S. K. , Mito H. , Maheswar G. , Sharma Saurabh 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
We present UBVIc CCD photometry of the young open cluster Stock 8 with the aim of studying its basic properties such as the amount of interstellar extinction, distance, age, stellar contents and initial mass function (IMF). We also studied the star formation scenario in this region. From optical data, the radius of the cluster is found to be ∼6 arcmin (∼3.6 pc) and the reddening within the cluster region varies from E(B−V) = 0.40 to 0.60 mag. The cluster is located at a distance of 2.05 ± 0.10 kpc. Using Hα slitless spectroscopy and Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS) near-infrared (NIR) data we identified Hα emission and NIR-excess young stellar objects (YSOs), respectively. From their locations in the colour–magnitude diagrams, majority of them seem to have ages between 1 and 5 Myr. The spread in their ages indicate a possible non-coeval star formation in the cluster. Massive stars in the cluster region reveal an average age of ≤2 Myr. In the cluster region (r≤ 6 arcmin) the slope of the mass function (MF), Γ, in the mass range ∼1.0 ≤M/M⊙ &lt; 13.4 can be represented by a power law having a slope of −1.38 ± 0.12, which agrees well with Salpeter value (−1.35). In the mass range 0.3 ≤M/M⊙ &lt; 1.0, the MF is also found to follow a power law with a shallower slope of Γ=−0.58 ± 0.23 indicating a break in the slope of the IMF at ∼1 M⊙. The slope of the K-band luminosity function for the cluster (r≤ 6 arcmin) is found to be 0.31 ± 0.02, which is smaller than the average value (∼0.4) obtained for embedded star clusters.
A significant number of YSOs are distributed along a Nebulous Stream towards the east side of the cluster. A small cluster is embedded in the Nebulous Stream. The YSOs lying in the Nebulous Stream and in the embedded cluster are found to be younger than the stars in the cluster Stock 8. The radio continuum, MSX, IRAS mid- and far-infrared maps and the ratio of [S ii]/Hα intensities indicate that the eastern region of Stock 8 is ionization bounded whereas the western region is density bounded. The morphology seems to indicate that the ionization/shock front caused by the ionizing sources located in the Stock 8 region and westwards of Stock 8 has not reached the Nebulous Stream. It appears that star formation activity in the Nebulous Stream and embedded cluster may be independent from that of Stock 8.
Distinguishing four fundamental approaches to the evolution of helping
Authors: BSHARY R. , BERGMÜLLER R. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe evolution and stability of helping behaviour has attracted great research efforts across disciplines. However, the field is also characterized by a great confusion over terminology and a number of disagreements, often between disciplines but also along taxonomic boundaries. In an attempt to clarify several issues, we identify four distinct research fields concerning the evolution of helping: (1) basic social evolution theory that studies helping within the framework of Hamilton’s inclusive fitness concept, i.e. direct and indirect benefits, (2) an ecological approach that identifies settings that promote life histories or interaction patterns that favour unconditional cooperative and altruistic behaviour, e.g. conditions that lead to interdependency or interactions among kin, (3) the game theoretic approach that identifies strategies that provide feedback and control mechanisms (protecting from cheaters) favouring cooperative behaviour (e.g. pseudo‐reciprocity, reciprocity), and (4) the social scientists’ approach that particularly emphasizes the special cognitive requirements necessary for human cooperative strategies. The four fields differ with respect to the ‘mechanisms’ and the ‘conditions’ favouring helping they investigate. Other major differences concern a focus on either the life‐time fitness consequences or the immediate payoff consequences of behaviour, and whether the behaviour of an individual or a whole interaction is considered. We suggest that distinguishing between these four separate fields and their complementary approaches will reduce misunderstandings, facilitating further integration of concepts within and across disciplines.
Go east: phylogeographies of Mauremys caspica and M. rivulata– discordance of morphology, mitochondrial and nuclear genomic markers and rare hybridization
Authors: FRITZ U. , AYAZ D. , BUSCHBOM J. , KAMI H. G. , MAZANAEVA L. F. , ALOUFI A. A. , AUER M. , RIFAI L. , ŠILIĆ T. , HUNDSDÖRFER A. K. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIn recent years many cases of hybridization and introgression became known for chelonians, requiring a better understanding of their speciation mechanisms. Phylogeographic investigations offer basic data for this challenge. We use the sister species Mauremys caspica and M. rivulata, the most abundant terrapins in the Near and Middle East and South‐east Europe, as model. Their phylogeographies provide evidence that speciation of chelonians fits the allopatric speciation model, with both species being in the parapatric phase of speciation, and that intrinsic isolation mechanisms are developed during speciation. Hybridization between M. caspica and M. rivulata is very rare, suggesting that the increasing numbers of hybrids in other species are caused by human impact on environment (breakdown of ecological isolation). Genetic differentiation within M. caspica and M. rivulata resembles the paradigm of southern genetic richness and northern purity of European biota. However, in west Asia this pattern is likely to reflect dispersal and vicariance events older than the Holocene. For M. caspica three distinct Pleistocene refuges are postulated (Central Anatolia, south coast of Caspian Sea, Gulf of Persia). Morphologically defined subspecies within M. caspica are not supported by genetic data. This is one of the few studies available about the phylogeography of west and central Asian species.
A FRACTURE MECHANICS APPROACH FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF REFRACTORY MATERIALS WITH REDUCED BRITTLENESS
Authors: Harmuth H. , Tschegg E. K. 
Published: February 2008

Abstract— Ordinary ceramic refractories are used as lining material for industrial pyro‐processes. A high resistance to mechanical failure from an imposed strain or thermal shock is usually termed “flexibility”. A scientific approach to enhance this property is hindered by the fact that there is a lack of understanding, definition and measurement of this parameter in relation to its physical basis.Wedge splitting tests were performed on a variety of typically shaped refractories together with standard procedures. This type of test enables stable crack propagation even for relatively large specimen dimensions that are necessary due to the size effect. High “flexibility” proved to be achievable in low brittleness materials and can be characterised by a brittleness number, the characteristic length or the thermal shock fracture resistance parameter according to Hasselman. A sufficient decrease of brittleness can be successfully achieved by the formation of precracks during the burning process which enhance the development of a fracture process zone. For a magnesia refractory (with additions of magnesia‐alumina spinel) a friction bridging mechanism plays an important role in reducing brittleness.
‘Intentional repetition’ and learning style: Increasing efficient and cohesive interaction in asynchronous online discussions
Authors: Topçu Abdullah 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThis study verified the efficacy of the intentional repetition technique in improving interaction in asynchronous online discussions by taking into account the learning styles of the participants. A conceptual framework served for the development of the technique, which conceptualises efficient and cohesive interaction on a continuum of process that move from social presence to production of an artefact. Sixty‐one university students participated in the study. A quasi‐experimental research design was used. The subjects, who were assigned randomly into two groups, were tested using Kolb's learning style inventory. The results showed that the experimental group exposed to the intentional repetition technique produced significantly better interaction than the control group, regardless of their learning styles, which had no significant effect on the interaction. Moreover, there was no interaction effect between the learning styles and the treatment. The implications arising from these results identify various suggestions for increasing the coherence and depth of the interaction amongst students in asynchronous online discussions.
The Evolution of Enterprise Unionism in Japan: A Socio‐Political Perspective
Authors: Jeong Dae Yong , Aguilera Ruth V. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThis article proposes an alternative framework for understanding enterprise unionism by emphasizing political dynamics and the role of the state in labour relations. Our framework delineates the strategic behaviour patterns of each of the tripartite IR actors under collective bargaining. It maintains that the initial period of the collective bargaining era constituted a critical juncture for state labour policy that occurred in distinctive ways in different countries and that these differences played a central role in shaping the different union structures in the following decades. Our historical analysis shows that unlike its Western counterparts, the Japanese state was able to eradicate the horizontal union movement at the onset of the collective bargaining era because of its advantages as a late developer and Cold War politics, which resulted in enterprise unionism in Japan.