bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vivo 3 T MR diffusion tensor imaging for detection of the fibre architecture of the human uterus: a feasibility and quantitative study
Authors: Fiocchi F , Nocetti L , Siopis E , Currà S , Costi T , Ligabue G , Torricelli P
Published: June 2012

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of depicting fibre architecture of human uteri in vivo using 3 T MR diffusion tensor imaging (MR-DTI) with a three-dimensional (3D) tractography approach. Quantitative results were provided.

Methods

In vivo 3 T MR-DTI was performed on 30 volunteers (9 Caesarean delivery). Main diffusion directions reflecting the fibre orientation were determined using sensitivity-encoding single-shot echo planar imaging with diffusion-sensitised gradients (b=600 mm2 s−1) along 32 directions. A deterministic fibre-tracking algorithm was used to show in vivo fibre architecture, compared with ex vivo histological slides of cadaveric uteri. The number of fibres, the fibre density, the fractional anisotropy (FA) and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were measured in 13 volunteers.

Results

Anisotropy was found in most regions of normal uteri and the preferential order of uterine fibres depicted, consisting of two representative fibre directions: circular and longitudinal, as in ex vivo studies. Two-thirds of uteri with a Caesarean scar did not have the same orientation of fibres in the anterior isthmus when compared with non-scarred myometrium. Quantitative data were obtained from 13 volunteers: Caesarean-scarred uteri (n=5) showed lower fibre number and density in the scarred anterior isthmus than the nulliparous uteri (n=8). No significant differences were found in FA (0.42±0.02, 0.41±0.02; p=0.25) and ADC (1.82±0.18×10−3 mm2 s−1, 1.93±0.25×10−3 mm2 s−1; p=0.20).

Conclusion

Fibre architecture of the human uterus can be depicted in vivo using 3 T MR-DTI.

Advances in knowledge

3 T MR-DTI can help to provide an in vivo insight of uterine anatomy non-invasively, especially in females with previous Caesarean surgery, in order to provide better management of subsequent deliveries.
Drosophila mutants show NMD pathway activity is reduced, but not eliminated, in the absence of Smg6
Authors: Frizzell Kimberly A. , Rynearson Shawn G. , Metzstein Mark M.
Published: June 2012

The nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) pathway is best known for targeting mutant mRNAs containing premature termination codons for rapid degradation, but it is also required for regulation of many endogenous transcripts. Components of the NMD pathway were originally identified by forward genetic screens in yeast and Caenorhabditis elegans. In other organisms, the NMD pathway has been investigated by studying the homologs of these genes. We present here the first unbiased genetic screen in Drosophila designed specifically to identify genes involved in NMD. By using a highly efficient genetic mosaic approach, we have screened ∼40% of the Drosophila genome and isolated more than 40 alleles of genes required for NMD. We focus on alleles we have obtained in two known NMD components: Upf2 and Smg6. Our analysis of multiple alleles of the core NMD component Upf2 reveals that the Upf2 requirement in NMD may be separate from its requirement for viability, indicating additional critical cellular roles for this protein. Our alleles of Smg6 are the first point mutations obtained in Drosophila, and we find that Smg6 has both endonucleolytic and nonendonucleolytic roles in NMD. Thus, our genetic screens have revealed that Drosophila NMD factors play distinct roles in target regulation, similar to what is found in mammals, but distinct from the relatively similar requirements for NMD genes observed in C. elegans and yeast.
Understanding the Value of On-Premise Signs as Marketing Devices for Legal and Public Policy Purposes
Authors: Taylor Charles R. , Sarkees Matthew E. , Bang Hae-Kyong
Published: June 2012

Although on-premise signs have received scant attention in the academic literature, they serve important functions as marketing and promotional devices. This article provides a conceptual framework that outlines the marketing functions of on-premise signs. It provides support for the framework by surveying small and medium-sized business owners. The authors argue that because of the importance of on-premise signs and the lack of guidance in the literature and in practice, a marketing perspective on the value of signs in needed in legal cases. This perspective should also be considered in the processes local communities use to make decisions about sign codes. To address this missing perspective, the authors propose a new valuation method for estimating the value of signage to the business enterprise. This method is centered on valuing the cost of replacing the customer exposures to the sign, which offers a conservative but just measure of compensation for business owners.
Uninephrectomy reduces 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 and type 2 concomitantly with an increase in blood pressure in rats
Authors: Lauterburg M , Escher G , Dick B , Ackermann D , Frey F J
Published: June 2012

Renal allograft donors are at risk of developing hypertension. Here, we hypothesized that this risk is at least in part explained by an enhanced intracellular availability of 11β-hydroxyglucocorticoids due to an increased 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 enzyme (11β-HSD1), an intracellular prereceptor activator of biologically inactive 11-ketocorticosteroids in the liver, and/or a diminished 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2), an inactivator of 11β-hydroxyglucocorticoids in the kidney. To test this hypothesis, uninephrectomized (UNX) (n=9) and sham-operated (n=10) adult Sprague–Dawley rats were investigated. Mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate were measured continuously by telemetry for 6 days in week 5 after UNX. The mRNA of11β-Hsd1and11β-Hsd2in liver and kidney tissues were assessed by RT-PCR and the 11β-HSD activities were directly quantified in their corresponding tissues by determining the ratios of (tetrahydrocorticosterone+5α-tetrahydrocorticosterone)/tetrahydrodehydrocorticosterone ((THB+5α-THB)/THA) and of corticosterone/dehydrocorticosterone (B/A) by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The apparent total body activities of 11β-HSD1 and 11β-HSD2 were estimated using the urinary and plasma ratios of (THB+5α-THB)/THA and B/A. Mean arterial blood pressure was increased after UNX when compared with sham operation. Hepatic mRNA content of11β-Hsd1and hepatic, plasma, and urinary ratios of (THB+5α-THB)/THA were decreased after UNX, indicating diminished access of glucocorticoids to its receptors. In renal tissue,11β-Hsd2mRNA was reduced and B/A ratios measured in kidney, plasma, and urine were increased, indicating reduced 11β-HSD2 activity and enhanced access of glucocorticoids to mineralocorticoid receptors. Both 11β-HSD1 and 11β-HSD2 are downregulated after UNX in rats, a constellation considered to induce hypertension.
Association of Insurance Status and Age With Cervical Cancer Stage at Diagnosis: National Cancer Database, 2000–2007
Authors: Fedewa Stacey A. , Cokkinides Vilma , Virgo Katherine S. , Bandi Priti , Saslow Debbie , Ward Elizabeth M.
Published: June 2012

Objectives. We examined the relationship of age at diagnosis and insurance status with stage among cervical cancer patients aged 21 to 85 years.

Methods. We selected data on women (n = 69 739) diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer between 2000 and 2007 from the National Cancer Database. We evaluated the association between late stage (stage III/IV) and both insurance and age, with adjustment for race/ethnicity and other sociodemographic and clinical factors. We used multivariable log binomial models to estimate risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results. The proportion of late-stage disease increased with age: from 16.53% (21–34 years) to 42.44% (≥ 70 years). The adjusted relative risk of advanced-stage disease among women aged 50 years and older was 2.2 to 2.5 times that of patients aged 21 to 34 years. Uninsured (RR = 1.44; 95% CI = 1.40, 1.49), Medicaid (RR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.34, 1.41), younger Medicare (RR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.06, 1.19), and older Medicare (RR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.15, 1.26) patients had a higher risk of late-stage disease than did privately insured patients.

Conclusions. Screening should be encouraged for women at high risk for advanced-stage disease.
Cigarette Price Minimization Strategies Used by Adults
Authors: Pesko Michael F. , Kruger Judy , Hyland Andrew
Published: June 2012

We used multivariate logistic regressions to analyze data from the 2006 to 2007 Tobacco Use Supplement of the Current Population Survey, a nationally representative sample of adults. We explored use of cigarette price minimization strategies, such as purchasing cartons of cigarettes, purchasing in states with lower after-tax cigarette prices, and purchasing on the Internet. Racial/ethnic minorities and persons with low socioeconomic status used these strategies less frequently at last purchase than did White and high–socioeconomic-status respondents.
Nonoccupational and Occupational Injuries to US Workers With Disabilities
Authors: Price James , Shi Junxin , Lu Bo , Smith Gary A. , Stallones Lorann , Wheeler Krista K. , Xiang Huiyun
Published: June 2012

Objectives. We examined medically treated injuries among US workers with disability.

Methods. Using 2006–2010 National Health Interview Survey data, we compared 3-month rates of nonoccupational and occupational injuries to workers with disability (n = 7729) and without disability (n = 175 947). We fitted multivariable logistic regression models to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of injuries by disability status, controlling for sociodemographic variables. We also compared leading causes of injuries by disability status.

Results. In the 3-month period prior to the survey, workers with disability were more likely than other workers to have nonoccupational injuries (odds ratio [OR] = 2.35; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.04, 2.71) and occupational injuries (OR = 2.39; 95% CI = 1.89, 3.01). For both groups, the leading cause was falls.

Conclusions. Disability status was strongly associated with risk of nonoccupational and occupational injuries among US workers. The safety issues facing US workers with disability in the workplace warrant future research. Federal agencies with an interest in the employment of workers with disability and their safety in the workplace should take a lead in further assessing injury risk and in promoting a safe working environment for workers with disability.
Development of tools for ecological quality assessment in the Polish marine areas according to the Water Framework Directive. Part IV — preliminary assessment
Authors: Osowiecki Andrzej , Łysiak-Pastuszak Elżbieta , Kruk-Dowgiałło Lidia , Błeńska Magdalena , Brzeska Paulina , Kraśniewski Wojciech , Lewandowski Łukasz , Krzymiński Włodzimierz
Published: June 2012

A set of classification methods was developed for the Polish coastal and transitional waters regarding the biological quality elements — phytoplankton, macrophytes and macroinvertebrates as required by the EU Water Framework Directive. Mean summer chlorophyll-a and total summer biomass of phytoplankton were proposed as indicators in the phytoplankton assessment. Macrophytes were assessed by the Macrophyte Quality Assessment Index, including biomass and percent bottom coverage of the selected taxa. Macroinvertebrate assessment was based on a biotic index comprising abundance, dominance structure, taxonomical richness and species sensitivity/tolerance to eutrophication. A preliminary assessment of the ecological status revealed that the coastal and transitional waters failed to reach a ‘good’ ecological status.
Polyphasic characterization of the genus Anabaena from the Gulf of Gdańsk (Southern Baltic Sea). Application of DGGE in taxonomic studies on environmental samples
Authors: Siedlewicz Grzegorz , Forycka Karolina , Surosz Waldemar
Published: June 2012

The aim of this paper was a taxonomic verification of cyanobacteria of the genus Anabaena that occur in the Gulf of Gdańsk. Classical taxonomic methods were combined with modern molecular taxonomic methods (polyphasic approach). Analysis of the species diversity of cyanobacteria from the genus Anabaena was based on the microscopic analysis and on the analysis of 16S rRNA and ITS region. Comparison of the obtained results with sequences in GenBank showed 97.8–100% similarity for 16S rRNA and 98.8-100% similarity in the case of the ITS fragment. Similarity of the 16S rRNA and ITS sequence of 98.5% seems to be sufficient to determine the species.
Adsorption of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate on Ge Substrate: The Effect of a Low-Polarity Solvent
Authors: Viana Rommel B. , Da Silva Albérico B. F. , Pimentel André S.
Published: June 2012

This paper describes the adsorption of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) molecules in a low polar solvent on Ge substrate by using Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The maximum SDS amount adsorbed is (5.0 ± 0.3) × 1014 molecules cm−2 in CHCl3, while with the use of CCl4 as subphase the ability of SDS adsorbed is 48% lower. AFM images show that depositions are highly disordered over the interface, and it was possible to establish that the size of the SDS deposition is around 30–40 nm over the Ge surface. A complete description of the infrared spectroscopic bands for the head and tail groups in the SDS molecule is also provided.
Nitrate, Ascorbic Acid, Mineral and Antioxidant Activities of Cosmos caudatus in Response to Organic and Mineral-Based Fertilizer Rates
Authors: Hassan Siti Aishah , Mijin Salumiah , Yusoff Umi Kalsom , Ding Phebe , Wahab Puteri Edaroyati Megat
Published: June 2012

The source and quantity of nutrients available to plants can affect the quality of leafy herbs. A study was conducted to compare quality of Cosmos caudatus in response to rates of organic and mineral-based fertilizers. Organic based fertilizer GOBI (8% N:8% P2O5:8% K2O) and inorganic fertilizer (15% N, 15% P2O5, 15% K2O) were evaluated based on N element rates at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120 kg h−1. Application of organic based fertilizer reduced nitrate, improved vitamin C, antioxidant activity as well as nitrogen and calcium nutrients content. Antioxidant activity and chlorophyll content were significantly higher with increased fertilizer application. Fertilization appeared to enhance vitamin C content, however for the maximum ascorbic acid content, regardless of fertilizer sources, plants did not require high amounts of fertilizer.
Biochemical Characterization of an In-House Coccidioides Antigen: Perspectives for the Immunodiagnosis of Coccidioidomycosis
Authors: Filho Renato Evando Moreira , Bandeira Silviane Praciano , Brillhante Raimunda Sâmia Nogueira , Rocha Marcos Fábio Gadelha , Vasconcelos Ilka Maria , Pereira Mirella Leite , Castelo-Branco Débora de Souza Collares Maia , Rocha Francisco Airton Castro , Camargo Zoilo Pires de , Ramos Marcio Viana , Cordeiro Rossana de Aguiar , Sidrim José Júlio Costa
Published: June 2012

The objective of this study was to evaluate the reactivity of an in-house antigen, extracted from a strain of C. posadasii isolated in northeastern Brazil, by radial immunodiffusion and Western blotting, as well as to establish its biochemical characterization. The protein antigen was initially extracted with the use of solid ammonium sulfate and characterized by 1-D electrophoresis. Subsequently, it was tested by means of double radial immunodiffusion and Western blotting. A positive reaction was observed against the antigen by both immunodiagnostic techniques tested on sera from patients suffering from coccidioidomycosis. Besides this, two immunoreactive protein bands were observed and were revealed to be a β-glucosidase and a glutamine synthetase after sequencing of the respective N-terminal regions. Our in-house Coccidioides antigen can be promising as a quick and low-cost diagnostic tool without the risk of direct manipulation of the microorganism.
Twentieth-Century Jewish Émigrés and Medieval European Economic History
Authors: Mell Julie
Published: June 2012

This essay discusses the intellectual contributions of five Jewish émigrés to the study of European economic history. In the midst of the war years, these intellectuals reconceptualized premodern European economic history and established the predominant postwar paradigms. The émigrés form three distinct groups defined by Jewish identity and by professional identity. The first two (Guido Kisch and Toni Oelsner) identified as Jews and worked as Jewish historians. The second two (Michal Postan and Robert Lopez) identified as Jews, but worked as European historians. The last (Karl Polanyi) was Jewish only by origin, identified as a Christian socialist, and worked first as an economic journalist, then in worker's education and late in life as a professor of economics. All five dealt with the origin of European capitalism, but in different veins: Kisch celebrated and Oelsner contested a hegemonic academic discourse that linked the birth of capitalism to Jews. Postan and Lopez contested the flip-side of this discourse, the presumption that medieval Europe was pre-capitalist par excellence. In doing so, they helped construct the current paradigm of a high medieval commercial revolution. Polanyi contested historical narratives that described the Free Market as the natural growth of economic life. This essay explores the grounding of these paradigms in the shared crucible of war and exile as Jewish émigrés. This shared context helps illuminate the significance of their intellectual contributions by uncovering the webs of meaning in which their work was suspended.
Method for Vibration Response Simulation and Sensor Placement Optimization of a Machine Tool Spindle System with a Bearing Defect
Authors: Cao Hongrui , Niu Linkai , He Zhengjia
Published: June 2012

Bearing defects are one of the most important mechanical sources for vibration and noise generation in machine tool spindles. In this study, an integrated finite element (FE) model is proposed to predict the vibration responses of a spindle bearing system with localized bearing defects and then the sensor placement for better detection of bearing faults is optimized. A nonlinear bearing model is developed based on Jones’ bearing theory, while the drawbar, shaft and housing are modeled as Timoshenko’s beam. The bearing model is then integrated into the FE model of drawbar/shaft/housing by assembling equations of motion. The Newmark time integration method is used to solve the vibration responses numerically. The FE model of the spindle-bearing system was verified by conducting dynamic tests. Then, the localized bearing defects were modeled and vibration responses generated by the outer ring defect were simulated as an illustration. The optimization scheme of the sensor placement was carried out on the test spindle. The results proved that, the optimal sensor placement depends on the vibration modes under different boundary conditions and the transfer path between the excitation and the response.
Using a Genetic Algorithm as an Optimal Band Selector in the Mid and Thermal Infrared (2.5–14 µm) to Discriminate Vegetation Species
Authors: Ullah Saleem , Groen Thomas A. , Schlerf Martin , Skidmore Andrew K. , Nieuwenhuis Willem , Vaiphasa Chaichoke
Published: June 2012

Genetic variation between various plant species determines differences in their physio-chemical makeup and ultimately in their hyperspectral emissivity signatures. The hyperspectral emissivity signatures, on the one hand, account for the subtle physio-chemical changes in the vegetation, but on the other hand, highlight the problem of high dimensionality. The aim of this paper is to investigate the performance of genetic algorithms coupled with the spectral angle mapper (SAM) to identify a meaningful subset of wavebands sensitive enough to discriminate thirteen broadleaved vegetation species from the laboratory measured hyperspectral emissivities. The performance was evaluated using an overall classification accuracy and Jeffries Matusita distance. For the multiple plant species, the targeted bands based on genetic algorithms resulted in a high overall classification accuracy (90%). Concentrating on the pairwise comparison results, the selected wavebands based on genetic algorithms resulted in higher Jeffries Matusita (J-M) distances than randomly selected wavebands did. This study concludes that targeted wavebands from leaf emissivity spectra are able to discriminate vegetation species.
An Adaptive OFDMA-Based MAC Protocol for Underwater Acoustic Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Khalil Issa M. , Gadallah Yasser , Hayajneh Mohammad , Khreishah Abdallah
Published: June 2012

Underwater acoustic wireless sensor networks (UAWSNs) have many applications across various civilian and military domains. However, they suffer from the limited available bandwidth of acoustic signals and harsh underwater conditions. In this work, we present an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA)-based Media Access Control (MAC) protocol that is configurable to suit the operating requirements of the underwater sensor network. The protocol has three modes of operation, namely random, equal opportunity and energy-conscious modes of operation. Our MAC design approach exploits the multi-path characteristics of a fading acoustic channel to convert it into parallel independent acoustic sub-channels that undergo flat fading. Communication between node pairs within the network is done using subsets of these sub-channels, depending on the configurations of the active mode of operation. Thus, the available limited bandwidth gets fully utilized while completely avoiding interference. We derive the mathematical model for optimal power loading and subcarrier selection, which is used as basis for all modes of operation of the protocol. We also conduct many simulation experiments to evaluate and compare our protocol with other Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)-based MAC protocols.
Biomarkers for Use in Monitoring Responses of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells to Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Gao Wei , Li John Zenghong , Ho Wai Kuen , Chan Jimmy Yuwai , Wong Thian Sze
Published: June 2012

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common head and neck cancer. The incidence rate is higher in southern China and Southeast Asia in comparison with the Western countries. Radiotherapy is the standard treatment of NPC as the cancer cells are sensitive to ionizing radiation. Radiation treatment has good local control to patients with early NPC. It is essential to monitor the response of the NPC cells to radiation treatment in advance in order to select suitable treatment choice for the patients. This review aims to discuss the potential use of biomarkers in monitoring the responsiveness of NPC cells to radiation treatment.
Maximum Likelihood-Based Iterated Divided Difference Filter for Nonlinear Systems from Discrete Noisy Measurements
Authors: Wang Changyuan , Zhang Jing , Mu Jing
Published: June 2012

A new filter named the maximum likelihood-based iterated divided difference filter (MLIDDF) is developed to improve the low state estimation accuracy of nonlinear state estimation due to large initial estimation errors and nonlinearity of measurement equations. The MLIDDF algorithm is derivative-free and implemented only by calculating the functional evaluations. The MLIDDF algorithm involves the use of the iteration measurement update and the current measurement, and the iteration termination criterion based on maximum likelihood is introduced in the measurement update step, so the MLIDDF is guaranteed to produce a sequence estimate that moves up the maximum likelihood surface. In a simulation, its performance is compared against that of the unscented Kalman filter (UKF), divided difference filter (DDF), iterated unscented Kalman filter (IUKF) and iterated divided difference filter (IDDF) both using a traditional iteration strategy. Simulation results demonstrate that the accumulated mean-square root error for the MLIDDF algorithm in position is reduced by 63% compared to that of UKF and DDF algorithms, and by 7% compared to that of IUKF and IDDF algorithms. The new algorithm thus has better state estimation accuracy and a fast convergence rate.
Enabling Flexible and Continuous Capability Invocation in Mobile Prosumer Environments
Authors: Alcarria Ramon , Robles Tomas , Morales Augusto , López-de-Ipiña Diego , Aguilera Unai
Published: June 2012

Mobile prosumer environments require the communication with heterogeneous devices during the execution of mobile services. These environments integrate sensors, actuators and smart devices, whose availability continuously changes. The aim of this paper is to design a reference architecture for implementing a model for continuous service execution and access to capabilities, i.e., the functionalities provided by these devices. The defined architecture follows a set of software engineering patterns and includes some communication paradigms to cope with the heterogeneity of sensors, actuators, controllers and other devices in the environment. In addition, we stress the importance of the flexibility in capability invocation by allowing the communication middleware to select the access technology and change the communication paradigm when dealing with smart devices, and by describing and evaluating two algorithms for resource access management.
Immune Evasion Strategies of Ranaviruses and Innate Immune Responses to These Emerging Pathogens
Authors: Grayfer Leon , Andino Francisco De Jesús , Chen Guangchun , Chinchar Gregory V. , Robert Jacques
Published: June 2012

Ranaviruses (RV, Iridoviridae) are large double-stranded DNA viruses that infect fish, amphibians and reptiles. For ecological and commercial reasons, considerable attention has been drawn to the increasing prevalence of ranaviral infections of wild populations and in aquacultural settings. Importantly, RVs appear to be capable of crossing species barriers of numerous poikilotherms, suggesting that these pathogens possess a broad host range and potent immune evasion mechanisms. Indeed, while some of the 95–100 predicted ranavirus genes encode putative evasion proteins (e.g., vIFα, vCARD), roughly two-thirds of them do not share significant sequence identity with known viral or eukaryotic genes. Accordingly, the investigation of ranaviral virulence and immune evasion strategies is promising for elucidating potential antiviral targets. In this regard, recombination-based technologies are being employed to knock out gene candidates in the best-characterized RV member, Frog Virus (FV3). Concurrently, by using animal infection models with extensively characterized immune systems, such as the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, it is becoming evident that components of innate immunity are at the forefront of virus-host interactions. For example, cells of the macrophage lineage represent important combatants of RV infections while themselves serving as targets for viral infection, maintenance and possibly dissemination. This review focuses on the recent advances in the understanding of the RV immune evasion strategies with emphasis on the roles of the innate immune system in ranaviral infections.
Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for Actaea racemosa (black cohosh, Ranunculaceae)
Authors: Pate Sarah J. , Clement Jason A. , McCoy Joe‐Ann H. , Lance Stacey L. , Mathews Katherine G.
Published: June 2012

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed in Actaea racemosa to analyze population genetic structure, compare genetic diversity across the species’ range, and provide a genetic context for studies of phytochemical variation.

• Methods and Results: A total of seven polymorphic loci were screened in 60 individuals from 12 localities. The number of alleles per locus ranged from three to six, and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.133 to 0.900. Most of the loci tested cross‐amplified in A. pachypoda, A. podocarpa, and A. rubra, indicating the utility of these markers for the genus.

• Conclusions: These new loci will provide tools for population genetics studies, including the characterization of genetic variation in A. racemosa and other eastern North American species of Actaea.
Genomic and EST‐derived microsatellite markers for Iris laevigata (Iridaceae) and other congeneric species
Authors: Sun Ming‐Zhou , Li Ming‐Rui , Shi Feng‐Xue , Li Lin , Liu Ying , Li Lin‐Feng , Xiao Hong‐Xing
Published: June 2012

• Premise of the study: The aims of this study are to develop and characterize genomic and expressed sequence tag (EST)–derived microsatellites from Iris laevigata and test their transferability in I. ensata, I. setosa, I. halophila, I. scariosa, I. potaninii, I. tenuifolia, I. bloudowii, and I. sanguinea.

• Methods and Results: Ten genomic and six EST‐derived microsatellites were characterized in I. laevigata. These microsatellite primers amplified one to five alleles in I. laevigata and some of these primers were also successfully amplified in congeneric species.

• Conclusions: These microsatellite primers provide us an initial set of molecular markers to explore the spatial population genetic structure of I. laevigata. In addition, these markers may also be useful in population and conservation genetic studies of closely related species.
Microsatellite loci in Ipomopsis aggregata (Polemoniaceae) and cross‐species applicability for ecological genetics studies
Authors: Wu Carrie A. , Smith Clifford J. , Massaro Andrew J.
Published: June 2012

• Premise of the study: Novel microsatellite primers were developed for the native wildflower Ipomopsis aggregata to facilitate ongoing studies of the genetics of local adaptation and patterns of hybridization with closely related species within the genus.

• Methods and Results: Thirteen primer sets were successfully developed and tested using populations from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, USA. The primers amplified di‐, tri‐, and tetranucleotide repeats with 1–15 alleles per locus. All primers also amplified fragments with varying success in closely related Ipomopsis species and more distant members of the Polemoniaceae.

• Conclusions: The polymorphism levels observed across all loci suggest that these microsatellites may be useful for population genetic studies in Ipomopsis, as well as in studies of other related taxa in the Polemoniaceae.
Macromolecular shape and interactions in layer-by-layer assemblies within cylindrical nanopores
Authors: Lazzara Thomas D , Lau K H Aaron , Knoll Wolfgang , Janshoff Andreas , Steinem Claudia
Published: June 2012

Layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition of polyelectrolytes and proteins within the cylindrical nanopores of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes was studied by optical waveguide spectroscopy (OWS). AAO has aligned cylindrical, nonintersecting pores with a defined pore diameter d0 and functions as a planar optical waveguide so as to monitor, in situ, the LbL process by OWS. The LbL deposition of globular proteins, i.e., avidin and biotinylated bovine serum albumin was compared with that of linear polyelectrolytes (linear-PEs), both species being of similar molecular weight. LbL deposition within the cylindrical AAO geometry for different pore diameters (d0 = 25–80 nm) for the various macromolecular species, showed that the multilayer film growth was inhibited at different maximum numbers of LbL steps (nmax). The value of nmax was greatest for linear-PEs, while proteins had a lower value. The cylindrical pore geometry imposes a physical limit to LbL growth such that nmax is strongly dependent on the overall internal structure of the LbL film. For all macromolecular species, deposition was inhibited in native AAO, having pores of d0 = 25–30 nm. Both, OWS and scanning electron microscopy showed that LbL growth in larger AAO pores (d0 > 25–30 nm) became inhibited when approaching a pore diameter of deff,n_max = 25–35 nm, a similar size to that of native AAO pores, with d0 = 25–30 nm. For a reasonable estimation of deff,n_max, the actual volume occupied by a macromolecular assembly must be taken into consideration. The results clearly show that electrostatic LbL allowed for compact macromolecular layers, whereas proteins formed loosely packed multilayers.
GLOWING EVIDENCE: PHOTOGRAMS – THE DARK SIDE OF PHOTOGRAPHY / SPINDINTIS AKIVAIZDUMAS: FOTOGRAMOS – TAMSIOJI FOTOGRAFIJOS PUSĖ
Authors: Ramsenthaler Susanne
Published: June 2012

Our ability to instantly read photographs is based on our sense of vision operating at a distance. Within the field of photographic processes however, co exists a very different representation: that of imprint and touch – namely the photogram. The decipherability of photographs to us is almost immediate but photograms work on a different level. They encapsulate the meeting of material and light-sensitive surface and incorporate the mark of authenticity, while producing an image which may not be immediately “read”. This paper constitutes a metaphysical inquiry into the perception and ontology of the photogram, which operates in a space which is visual and haptic at the same time – without physical contact in the act of creation, there would be no image. On the border between touch and vision, it makes the contact visible. Through this tactile connection, imaging processes such as the photogram and X-ray challenge the Cartesian hierarchy of the senses while invoking aspects of Gilles Deleuze's “fossil” and Walter Benjamin's “fetish” in their power to incite memory. This paper contains images from author's recent body of work Transitaria part of which consists of photograms of jellyfish, highlighting both the transformational character of the creatures and of the photogram process itself. Santrauka Mūsų gebėjimas akimirksniu suprasti fotografijas yra pagrįstas pojūčiu matyti iš toli. Tačiau fotografinių procesų srityje koegzistuoja labai skirtingos reprezentacijos: šiuo atveju fotograma – tai atspaudas ir prisilietimas. Fotografijos iššifruojamos kone tiesiogiai, tačiau fotogramos yra visai kas kita. Jos leidžia susiliesti materialiam ir šviesai jautriam paviršiui, o atvaizdas negali būti tiesiog „perskaitomas“. Šiame straipsnyje pateikiamas fotogramos suvokimo ir ontologijos metafizinis įvadas; fotograma veikia vizualiame kūrimo veiksme be jokio fizinio kontakto – čia negali būti jokio atvaizdo. Kontaktas tampa įmanomas ties riba, skiriančia prisilietimą ir regėjimą. Per šį taktilinį santykį vaizduotės procesai, tokie kaip fotograma ir rentgeno spinduliai, meta iššūkį karteziškajai pojūčių hierarchijai, remiantis Gillesio Deleuze'o „iškasenos“ ir Walterio Benjamino „fetišo“ galiomis stiprinti atmintį. Šiame straipsnyje pateikiama atvaizdų iš autorės darbų serijos „Tranzitarija“ dalies, sudarytos iš medūzos fotogramų, atskleidžiančų tiek kūrinių, tiek pačios fotogramos kaip proceso transformacinį pobūdį.
Una revisión de las conexiones entre inconmensurabilidad y otredad
Authors: Bernstein Richard J.
Published: June 2012

El presente artículo, en realidad una conferencia dirigida a filósofos del Este y occidentales, persigue un acercamiento tentativo de los conceptos de inconmensurabilidad y otredad a través de su reconstrucción histórica. Las conclusiones que extrae de la reconstrucción de cada uno de estos conceptos, muy mediadas por los usos postanalíticos del actual pensamiento norteamericano y del postmodemísmo francés, recogen una crítica del concepto ílustrado de razón que, sorteando el relativismo y el perspectivísmo, apunta hacía formas nuevas de racionalidad más respetuosas con la pluralidad.
Los dilemas morales en la filosofía analítica
Authors: Peña Lorenzo
Published: June 2012

La filosofía analítica ha contribuido a esclarecer la cuestión de los dilemas morales, sobre todo gracias a la utilización de la lógica deóntica. Vienen aquí examinados los debates recientes en el seno de dicha corriente filosófica sobre los conflictos de obligaciones.. Se pone de manifiesto cuán difícil es admitir conflictos- morales sin pagar el precio de aceptar contradicciones verdaderas. Pero, a la inversa de lo habitual en quienes sostienen esa tesis, el artículo, en vez de pronunciarse en contra de que haya conflictos morales, trata de mostrar que sí los hay y, a tenor de ello, aboga por el reconocimiento de contradicciones verdaderas en la vida moral. Tales contradicciones pueden entenderse en el marco de una metafísica a la vez gradualista y aspectualista.
J.L. Aranguren: reformador moral en época de crisis
Authors: Cerezo Pedro
Published: June 2012

En el doble tono del pensamiento de Aranguren -el del filósofo moral y el de moralista- es el segundo el que lleva el cantus firmus y constituye el estilo del pensador. En este sentido, la obra de J.L. Aranguren continúa creadoramente la gran tradición moralista del pensamiento hispánico. Remedando la expresión orteguiana, podría definirse como «experimentos morales de nueva España», poniéndola en forma moral. A la vez, pervive en ella el aliento unamuniano de una profunda reforma del ethos del catolicismo español. Pero J.L. Aranguren ha realizado su vocación de reformador moral en un ejercicio de transmutación íntima, de autodesprendimiento irónico y transcendimiento utópico del propio si mismo. En otros términos: ha llevado a cabo su tarea de reformador en la tensión entre el desbloqueo crítico de la experiencia moral y su apertura hacia un nuevo horizonte. En un primer momento, el ámbito de experimentación estuvo demarcado por el «buen talante» católico y una metafísica intelectualista zubiriana, que fraguaron en una ética normativa, abierta a las diferentes esferas de la cultura y de profunda inspiración religiosa. Posteriormente, la exploración de la crisis nihilista de Occidente produjo una profunda inflexión en su planteamiento. La crisis determinó un «repliegue ético» decisivo, es decir, una mayor vecindad al planteamiento kantiano, poniendo ahora el acento en la actitud o existencia ética en sí misma, por encima de los contenidos. En sustitución del estilo fundamentalista de la metafísica, el factum moral y el mundo de la vida son ahora los dos focos de constitución de la experiencia moral. Paralelamente, la tarea del reformador moral se centra en el sondeo de la desmoralización utópica de la existencia. La crítica se ejerce fragmentariamente, a piezas sueltas, en torno a los problemas más acuciantes de la experiencia moral: violencia, consumismo, marginación social, tecnificación burocrática de la moral, establecimiento democrático, etc. Acorde con este reforzamiento de la actitud ética se agudiza la tensión entre ética y política hasta límites trágicos, a la par que se replantea sobre nuevas bases la relación entre una moral utópica, de tensión y aspiración, y una religión abierta.
Benjamin o el primado de la política sobre la historia
Authors: Mate M. Reyes
Published: June 2012

Tres cuestiones se investigan en el presente trabajo. En primer lugar, lo que tiene que ver el concepto benjamíníano de historia con el de filosofía de la historia, dominante en Europa. Si este último puede ser caracterizado como una ontología del presente, Benjamin subraya que sólo cabe un futuro nuevo si se quiebra el presente. En segundo lugar, el concepto de pasado capaz de romper el presente e inaugurar un futuro real. El pasado en cuestión, inédito y salvador, es el de los vencidos. Finalmente, qué política es esa que Benjamin coloca por encima de la historia. Extrapolando a Benjamin cabria enfrentar una universalidad negativa a la universalidad positiva. La segunda es siempre particular, la primera conlleva un orden mundial basado en la intersubjetividad asimétrica.
Experiencia de la historia y experiencia histórica (Sobre el concepto de consciencia histórico-efectual en Gadamer)
Authors: Rühle Volker
Published: June 2012

El concepto gadameriano de «consciencia histórico-efectual» (wirkungsgeschichtlichen Bewußtseíns) extrae las consecuencias de la aporética del historicismo, incapaz de conciliar la atención reflexiva a la dependencia histórica del conocimiento científico con el propio punto de vista de la reflexión, en el que la historia se mostraba como objeto de dicho conocimiento. Al tematizar la preestructura de toda comprensión, el concepto hermenéutico de «historia efectual » sobrepasa el horizonte del conocimiento objetual metódicamente conducido. La condición de posibilidad de la comprensión se funda por consiguiente en el previo descubrimiento de un nexo de sentido al que se denomina «mundo», el cual se configura en la interpenetración de las tradiciones recibidas y su aplicación al respectivo presente. Al igual que toda comprensión se halla incardinada en el acontecer de tradición heredado constituyente de sentido, la «historia», por su parte, será siempre algo comprendido y representado. Los problemas de la hermenéutica de Gadamer estriban en que dicho horizonte «histórico-efectual» formado a partir de la vinculación de la tradición y sus respectivas representaciones se presupone en forma inmediata, sin preguntarse por la posibilidad de su exposición en la posible realización determinada de la comprensión subjetiva. Lo que hace Gadamer no es sino congelar la historia efectual en la propia presuposición ahistórica de la comprensión, perdiendo así de vista el elemento de la subjetividad que constituye la historia. La pregunta por la exponibilidad de la historia en el acto históricamente constitutivo de la comprensión singular abre, en cambio, el panorama a un concepto ampliado de la experimentabilidad de la realidad histórica en el que, posibilitándose recíprocamente, el padecer y el «hacer» de la historia se penetran de manera inseparable.
Revisión de la heteronomía en diálogo con P. Ricoeur
Authors: Masiá Clavel Juan
Published: June 2012

En su obra El Si-mismo como otro P. Ricoeur se centra en la pregunta «¿quién?»: ¿quién habla>, ¿quién actúa?, ¿quién es el sujeto de la narración?, ¿quién es el sujeto de la imputación? Tratando de evitar tanto la exaltación cartesiana como la humillación nietzscheana del sujeto, da Ricoeur el rodeo hermenéutico de pasar por las teorías del lenguaje, de la acción, de la narratividad y de la ética. El «Sí-mismo », más que un punto de partida, resulta ser un punto de llegada tras el rodeo de sus expresiones. Este esfuerzo de recuperación del sujeto y su autonomía pasando por el otro puede concebirse como una revisión de la heteronomía. Hay una estructura dual de la conciencia --voz que llama y voz que responde---- desplegada en forma de estructura dialogal de la vida humana. Hay una alteridad constitutiva del «Sí-mismo » (al que no se llama «yo» porque decir «Soi» es más que decir «je»). En relación dialéctica con esa alteridad se constituye la ipseidad. El Sí-mismo y el otro se implican mutuamente. Cada uno de ellos son un yo, un tú y un él -ella, vinculados correlativamente para ser autónomos. Tal concepción de sí mismo a la luz del otro supone una revisión de la heteronomía, así como de la misma autonomía.
Integridad y desprecio. Motivos básicos de una concepción de la moral desde la teoría del reconocimiento
Authors: Hünneth Axel
Published: June 2012

Si se admite con Emst Bloch que la completa integridad del hombre, su dignidad, sólo se alcanza estableciendo una adecuada protección ante los distintos modos de ofensa y de desprecio personal, entonces eso significa a la inversa que la integridad de la persona humana depende constitutivamente de la experiencia de reconocimiento intersubjetivo. El presente texto quiere aclarar esa conexión premisa propia de una teoría normativa del reconocimiento recíproco, entre desprecio e integridad humana que Bloch sugirió pero no desarrolló, para así poder introducir una tesis fuerte de sociología moral: la experiencia del desprecio personal representa un impulso moral en el proceso de desarrollo de la sociedad, pues el progreso moral es el resultado de la lucha por el reconocimiento.
El moralista frente al político
Authors: Sotelo Ignacio
Published: June 2012

Partiendo de la figura del intelectual, tal corno la define José Luis L. Aranguren, como moralista heterodoxo que, portavoz de los sin voz, cumple una doble función critica y utópica, se estudia la relación que pueda tener con la política en la doble acepción de convivencia libre y de poder. El artículo concluye esbozando una crítica que incluye la de sus supuestos filosóficos, a la idea de Aranguren de que el intelectual, a diferencia del ideólogo, ha de mantenerse al margen de la política partidaria o institucional.
... y fraternidad
Authors: Domenech Toni
Published: June 2012

La fraternidad es el pariente pobre de la tríada democrático-republicana moderna. No sólo políticamente. También filosóficamente: mientras que los conceptos de «igualdad" y "libertad" han sido concienzudamente explorados, "fraternidad», sigue pareciendo una noción amorfa. Este artículo presenta una reivindicación política, a la altura de finales del siglo XX, de la fraternidad, e intenta dibujar filosóficamente, tras un preámbulo histórico, un concepto algo preciso y proteico de ella.
La pragmática de la razón comunicativa
Authors: McCarthy Thomas
Published: June 2012

El autor conocido representante de la Teoría Critica en EE.UU. y divulgador de la obra de Habermas, intenta hacerse cargo de las criticas postmodernas al carácter abstracto de la concepción de la razón comunicativa de este último. Para ello realiza un acercamiento a las lecciones que acerca de la interacción comunicativa nos ofrece, extramuros la filosofía, la etnometodología. La idea que intenta defender McCarthy es que la trascendencia e idealización centrales para la concepción de la razón comunicativa de Habermas pueden combinarse de formaa fructífera con la indexicalidad y practicidad subrayadas en los estudios de Garfinkel.
Lo sagrado en las sociedades secularizadas
Authors: González Noriega Santiago
Published: June 2012

La potencia tutelar burocrática asume la custodia de una masa amorfa. Frente a ella ha de afirmarse una sociedad civil a partir de núcleos de ciudadanos activos. El motor de esta ciudadanía es la formación de un núcleo básico de creencias -«lo sagrados-e- que desempeña un papel comparable, en cuanto a capacidad de movilización, al de las viejas religiones. Lo sagrado «laico» o «filosófico» apunta a aquello que el hombre puede considerar perdurable y conferir sentido a su existencia.
De la sobriedad ética a la esperanza religiosa
Authors: Fraijó Manuel
Published: June 2012

La ética y la religión han vivido una relación tensa. Hasta el siglo XVIII, la ética vivió a la sombra de la religión; a partir de esa fecha la ética se independizó de la religión y amenazó con sofocarla. Este estudio se decanta por una relación menos conflictiva, en la que ética y religión aúnen sus esfuerzos a favor de la solidaridad, más allá incluso de las fronteras de la muerte.
¿Tienen historia los objetos? El encuentro de Pasteur y de Whitehead en un baño de ácido láctico
Authors: Latour Bruno
Published: June 2012

Pretendo investigar de qué manera la metafísica de Whitehead puede arrojar alguna luz sobre un problema difícil de la historia social de las ciencias, la historicidad de las cosas, que hasta ahora no ha tenido solución satisfactoria. Como buen filósofo empírico, partiré de un ejemplo, el del descubrimiento-invención-construcción por Pasteur del fermento del ácido láctico en 1857. En este artículo examinaré dos cosas: ¿cómo podemos replantearnos una gran cuestión de filosofía de la historia a partir de Whitehead? ¿Cómo se comporta su filosofía cuando hay que afrontar los detalles concretos de una situación experimental?
La política de la diferencia: estatalidad y tolerancia en un mundo multicultural
Authors: Walzer Michael
Published: June 2012

En este trabajo se analiza el problema de la tolerancia desde el punto de vista internacional. Este cambio de enfoque respecto del que es tradicional permite descubrir algunos elementos interesantes. Por ejemplo, que los imperios resultan más tolerantes con la diferencia que los Estados- nación, que el consociacionalismo, siendo el arreglo institucional acaso más equitativo para comunidades diferentes es, por ello mismo, el más improbable, etc. El multiculturalismo, el respeto a la diferencia, la individualidad posmoderna y otros temas centrales a la teoría política contemporánea se relacionan aquí también con la tolerancia y sus paradojas.
Los años de California
Authors: Rodríguez Ibáñez José Enrique
Published: June 2012

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