bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE FIRST ARCHAEOMETRIC CHARACTERIZATION OF ROMAN MILLSTONES FOUND IN THE AQUILEIA ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE (UDINE, ITALY)*
Authors: ANTONELLI F. , LAZZARINI L.
Published: July 2011

An archaeometric study of all the Roman millstones preserved today in the National Archaeological Museum of Aquileia, the ancient capital of the X Regio Augustea –‘Venetia et Histria’ located on the Friuli plain (northeastern Italy), has been recently envisaged to define their geological–geographical provenance. We present here the results of the first step of the research, which is aimed at characterizing all of the definitely allochthonous lithologies. In order to carry out petrography on thin‐section and geochemical analyses, 10 small samples were picked out directly from Pompeian‐style millstones (catilli and/or metae) and rotary querns. Five different lithologies originating in various Italian regions were recognized: eight samples consist of pale‐ and dark‐grey lavas from the Venetian Volcanic Province, Vulsini Volcanic District (Latium), Etna Volcano and Pantelleria island (Sicily), whereas two samples were shown to be made of green garnet‐bearing schists (pietra ollare) from the Western Italian Alps. The presence of Alpine pietra ollare in northeastern Italy, used to produce pots and food containers, was established for numerous classical findings at Roman and Middle Age sites, but the analysed items represent the first evidence for the utilization of this kind of stone to produce mills during the Roman epoch.
Political discourse networks and the conflict over software patents in Europe
Authors: LEIFELD PHILIP , HAUNSS SEBASTIAN
Published: July 2011

In 2005, the European Parliament rejected the directive ‘on the patentability of computer‐implemented inventions’, which had been drafted and supported by the European Commission, the Council and well‐organised industrial interests, with an overwhelming majority. In this unusual case, a coalition of opponents of software patents prevailed over a strong industry‐led coalition. In this article, an explanation is developed based on political discourse showing that two stable and distinct discourse coalitions can be identified and measured over time. The apparently weak coalition of software patent opponents shows typical properties of a hegemonic discourse coalition. It presents itself as being more coherent, employs a better‐integrated set of frames and dominates key economic arguments, while the proponents of software patents are not as well‐organised. This configuration of the discourse gave leeway for an alternative course of political action by the European Parliament. The notion of discourse coalitions and related structural features of the discourse are operationalised by drawing on social network analysis. More specifically, discourse network analysis is introduced as a new methodology for the study of policy debates. The approach is capable of measuring empirical discourses both statically and in a longitudinal way, and is compatible with the policy network approach.
Routine housework and tripartite marital commitment
Authors: TANG CHIUNG‐YA
Published: July 2011

This study assumes that performing household labor is a method of maintaining the marital relationship and investigates whether higher marital commitment (personal, moral, and structural) is associated with more time spent on housework. Data taken from the second wave of the National Survey of Families and Households on 3,428 paired spouses in the United States were used to test research hypotheses. Results indicate that (a) husbands with higher moral commitment, or those married to a wife with lower moral commitment, do more routine housework, and (b) husbands with stronger personal commitment do less routine housework and their wives do more. The interplay of gender ideology and marital commitment as they pertain to housework performance for each gender is discussed.
Lipocalin‐2 deficiency prevents endothelial dysfunction associated with dietary obesity: role of cytochrome P450 2C inhibition
Authors: Liu Jacky TC , Song Erfei , Xu Aimin , Berger Thorsten , Mak Tak W , Tse Hung‐Fat , Law Ivy KM , Huang Bosheng , Liang Yan , Vanhoutte Paul M , Wang Yu
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Lipocalin‐2 is a pro‐inflammatory adipokine up‐regulated in obese human subjects and animal models. Its circulating levels are positively correlated with the unfavourable lipid profiles, elevated blood pressure and insulin resistance index. Augmented lipocalin‐2 has been found in patients with cardiovascular abnormalities.The present study was designed to investigate the role of lipocalin‐2 in regulating endothelial function and vascular reactivity.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Wild‐type and lipocalin‐2 knockout (Lcn2‐KO) mice were fed with either a standard chow or a high‐fat diet. Blood pressures and endothelium‐dependent relaxations/contractions were monitored at 2 week intervals.

RESULTS Systolic blood pressure was elevated by high‐fat diet in wild‐type mice but not in Lcn2‐KO mice. Endothelial dysfunction, reflected by the impaired endothelium‐dependent relaxations to insulin and augmented endothelium‐dependent contractions to ACh, was induced by high‐fat diet in wild‐type mice. In contrast, Lcn2‐KO mice were largely protected from the deterioration of endothelial function caused by dietary challenges. The eNOS dimer/monomer ratio, NO bioavailability, basal and insulin‐stimulated PKB/eNOS phosphorylation responses were higher in aortae of Lcn2‐KO mice. Administration of lipocalin‐2 attenuated endothelium‐dependent relaxations to insulin and promoted endothelium‐dependent contractions to ACh. It induced eNOS uncoupling and elevated COX expression in the arteries. Treatment with sulphaphenazole, a selective inhibitor of cytochrome P450 2C9, improved endothelial function in wild‐type mice and blocked the effects of lipocalin‐2 on both endothelium‐dependent relaxations to insulin and endothelium‐dependent contractions to ACh, as well as eNOS uncoupling.

CONCLUSIONS Lipocalin‐2, by modulating cytochrome P450 2C9 activity, is critically involved in diet‐induced endothelial dysfunction.
Focal cortical dysplasia type IIb: Completeness of cortical, not subcortical, resection is necessary for seizure freedom
Authors: Wagner Jan , Urbach Horst , Niehusmann Pitt , von Lehe Marec , Elger Christian E. , Wellmer Jörg
Published: July 2011

Purpose:  Focal cortical dysplasia type IIb (FCD IIb) lesions are highly epileptogenic and frequently cause pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Complete surgical resection leads to seizure freedom in most cases. However, the term “complete” resection is controversial with regard to the necessity of performing resections of the subcortical zone, which is frequently seen in these lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods:  We retrospectively analyzed 50 epilepsy patients with histologically proven FCD IIb. The extent of surgical resection was determined by SPM5‐based coregistration of the preoperative and postoperative MRI scans. Postoperative outcome was analyzed with regard to (1) the completeness of the resection of the cortical abnormality and (2) the completeness of the resection of the subcortical abnormality.

Key Findings:  Complete resection of the cortical abnormality led to postoperative seizure freedom (Engel class Ia) in 34 of 37 patients (92%), whereas incomplete cortical resection achieved this in only one of 13 patients (8%, p < 0.001). Among the patients with complete cortical resection, 36 had FCDs with a subcortical hyperintensity according to MRI. In this group, complete resection of the subcortical abnormality did not result in a better postoperative outcome than incomplete resection (90% vs. 93% for Engel class Ia, n.s.).

Significance:  Complete resection of the MRI‐documented cortical abnormality in FCD IIb is crucial for a favorable postoperative outcome. However, resection of the subcortical hyperintense zone is not essential for seizure freedom. Therefore, sparing of the subcortical white matter may reduce the surgical risk of encroaching on relevant fiber tracts. In addition, these findings give an interesting insight into the epileptogenic propensity of different parts of these lesions.
Modifiable Lifestyle and Environmental Risk Factors Affecting the Retinal Microcirculation
Authors: SERRE KEVIN , SASONGKO MUHAMMAD BAYU
Published: July 2011

Please cite this paper as: Serre and Sasongko (2012). Modifiable Lifestyle and Environmental Risk Factors Affecting the Retinal Microcirculation. Microcirculation 19(1), 29–36.

Structural changes within the human retinal vasculature may reflect systemic vascular changes associated with various cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Recent data suggest that systemic exposure from a range of modifiable lifestyle and environmental risk factors (e.g., diet, physical activity, and smoking) may affect the morphology of the retinal vasculature. Being easily accessible and non‐invasively visualized, the retinal microvasculature therefore can be a clinically useful biomarker of reversible sub‐clinical physiologic deviation of the systemic circulation as results of such unfavorable exposures. Importantly, quantitative analysis of the retinal microvasculature may be utilized as a prognostic tool, allowing for targeted vascular therapies before the onset of overt cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. This review summarizes the modifiable lifestyle and environmental risk factors that affect retinal microvascular structure and the possible clinical implications of such relationships.
Lucifer yellow – an angel rather than the devil
Authors: Hanani Menachem
Published: July 2011

Introduction

A very brief history of intracellular labelling techniques

Methods for loading cells with LY

Electrophysiological studies using LY‐filled electrodes

Studying cell morphology with LY

Using LY to study intercellular communication

Retrograde labelling with LY

Photoconversion of LY

Combination of LY labelling with other methods

Antibodies against LY

Using LY for selective ablation of cells

Conclusion

The fluorescent dye Lucifer yellow (LY) was introduced in 1978, and has been extremely useful in studying cell structure and communications. This dye has been used mostly for labelling cells by intracellular injection from microelectrodes. This review describes the numerous applications of LY, with emphasis on the enteric nervous system and interstitial cells of Cajal. Of particular importance is the dye coupling method, which enables the detection of cell coupling by gap junctions.
Interleukin‐2, interleukin‐6 and T regulatory cells in peripheral blood of patients with Behçet’s disease and recurrent aphthous ulcerations
Authors: Pekiner Filiz Namdar , Aytugar Emre , Demirel Gulderen Yanikkaya , Borahan Mehmet Oguz
Published: July 2011

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 73–79

Background:  One of the factors involved in the pathogenesis of Behçet disease (BD) and recurrent aphthous ulcerations (RAU) is a cell‐mediated immune response in which several cytokines (interleukin‐2, interleukin‐6) and T regulatory cell (T reg cell) population seem to play a major role. The aim of this study was to measured the interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) levels and analysis of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp‐3+ Treg cells in peripheral blood from patients with BD and RAU. In addition; we also analysed peripheral blood from healthy subjects for comparison.

Methods:  Thirty patients (15 men and 15 women) with BD, 30 patients (12 men and 18 women) with RAU and 15 healthy control subjects (nine men and six women) participated in the study. Analysis of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp‐3+ Treg cells, IL‐2 and IL‐6 levels have been measured in flow cytometry.

Results:  No statistical differences were observed in the serum levels of IL‐2 and IL‐6 between BD and RAU patients, and healthy subjects. Although there were no statistical differences in the number of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp‐3+ cells between groups, there were statistically significant differences in the number of CD4+ CD25bright Treg cells. CD4+ CD25bright Treg cells were significantly increased in BD and RAU patients compared to healthy subjects. Statistical analysis revealed no difference according to the number of CD4+ CD25bright cells between BD and RAU patients.

Conclusions:  These results indicate that CD4+ CD25bright T regulatory cells may be contributing factor in the pathogenesis of BD and RAU.
Myosin Va Acts in Concert with Rab27a and MyRIP to Regulate Acute Von‐Willebrand Factor Release from Endothelial Cells
Authors: Rojo Pulido Inés , Nightingale Thomas D. , Darchen François , Seabra Miguel C. , Cutler Daniel F. , Gerke Volker
Published: July 2011

Von‐Willebrand factor (vWF) is a highly multimerized hemostatic glycoprotein that is stored in endothelial Weibel–Palade bodies (WPB) and secreted upon cell stimulation to act in recruiting platelets to sites of vessel injury. Only fully matured multimeric vWF represents an efficient anchor for platelets, and endothelial cells have developed mechanisms to prevent release of immature vWF. Full maturation of vWF occurs within WPB following their translocation from a perinuclear site of emergence at the trans‐Golgi network (TGN) to the cell periphery. The WPB‐associated small GTPase Rab27a is involved in restricting immature WPB exocytosis and we searched for links between Rab27a and the actin cytoskeleton that could anchor WPB inside endothelial cells until they are fully matured. We here identify myosin Va as such link. Myosin Va forms a tripartite complex with Rab27a and its effector MyRIP and depletion of or dominant‐negative interference with myosin Va leads to an increase in the ratio of perinuclear to more peripheral WPB. Concomitantly, myosin Va depletion results in an elevated secretion of less‐oligomeric vWF from histamine‐stimulated endothelial cells. These results indicate that a Rab27a/MyRIP/myosin Va complex is involved in linking WPB to the peripheral actin cytoskeleton of endothelial cells to allow full maturation and prevent premature secretion of vWF.
Mother's perceptions and experiences of infant feeding within a community‐based peer counselling intervention in South Africa
Authors: Nor Barni , Ahlberg Beth Maina , Doherty Tanya , Zembe Yanga , Jackson Debra , Ekström Eva‐Charlotte ,   for the PROMISE‐EBF Study Group
Published: July 2011

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) has the potential to significantly reduce infant mortality, but is frequently not practiced in low‐income settings where infants are vulnerable to malnutrition and infections including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This study explores mothers' experiences of infant feeding after receiving peer counselling promoting exclusive breast or formula feeding. This qualitative study was embedded in a cluster randomized peer counselling intervention trial in South Africa that aimed to evaluate the effect of peer counselling on EBF. Participants were selected from the three districts that were part of the trial reflecting different socio‐economic conditions, rural–urban locations and HIV prevalence rates. Seventeen HIV‐positive and ‐negative mothers allocated to intervention clusters were recruited. Despite perceived health and economic benefits of breastfeeding, several barriers to EBF remained, which contributed to a preference for mixed feeding. The understanding of the promotional message of ‘exclusive’ feeding was limited to ‘not mixing two milks’: breast or formula and did not address early introduction of foods and other liquids. Further, a crying infant or an infant who did not sleep at night were given as strong reasons for introducing semi‐solid foods as early as 1 month. In addition, the need to adhere to the cultural practice of ‘cleansing’ and the knowledge that this practice is not compatible with EBF appeared to promote the decision to formula feed in HIV‐positive mothers. Efforts to reduce barriers to EBF need to be intensified and further take into account the strong cultural beliefs that promote mixed feeding.
Gγ recruitment system incorporating a novel signal amplification circuit to screen transient protein‐protein interactions
Authors: Fukuda Nobuo , Ishii Jun , Kondo Akihiko
Published: July 2011

Weak and transient protein–protein interactions are associated with biological processes, but many are still undefined because of the difficulties in their identification. Here, we describe a redesigned method to screen transient protein–protein interactions by using a novel signal amplification circuit, which is incorporated into yeast to artificially magnify the signal responding to the interactions. This refined method is based on the previously established Gγ recruitment system, which utilizes yeast G‐protein signaling and mating growth selection to screen interacting protein pairs. In the current study, to test the capability of our method, we chose mutants of the Z‐domain derived from Staphylococcus aureus protein A as candidate proteins, and the Fc region of human IgG as the counterpart. By introduction of an artificial signal amplifier into the previous Gγ recruitment system, the signal transduction responding to transient interactions between Z‐domain mutants and the Fc region with significantly low affinity (8.0 × 103 m−1) was successfully amplified in recombinant haploid yeast cells. As a result of zygosis with the opposite mating type of wild‐type haploid cells, diploid colonies were vigorously and selectively generated on the screening plates, whereas our previous system rarely produced positive colonies. This new approach will be useful for exploring the numerous transient interactions that remain undefined because of the lack of powerful screening tools for their identification.
Cyclic ADP‐ribose requires CD38 to regulate the release of ATP in visceral smooth muscle
Authors: Durnin Leonie , Mutafova‐Yambolieva Violeta N.
Published: July 2011

It is well established that the intracellular second messenger cADP‐ribose (cADPR) activates Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum through ryanodine receptors. CD38 is a multifunctional enzyme involved in the formation of cADPR in mammals. CD38 has also been reported to transport cADPR in several cell lines. Here, we demonstrate a role for extracellular cADPR and CD38 in modulating the spontaneous, but not the electrical field stimulation‐evoked, release of ATP in visceral smooth muscle. Using a small‐volume superfusion assay and an HPLC technique with fluorescence detection, we measured the spontaneous and evoked release of ATP in bladder detrusor smooth muscles isolated from CD38+/+ and CD38−/− mice. cADPR (1 nm) enhanced the spontaneous overflow of ATP in bladders isolated from CD38+/+ mice. This effect was abolished by the inhibitor of cADPR receptors on sarcoplasmic reticulum 8‐bromo‐cADPR (80 μm) and by ryanodine (50 μm), but not by the nonselective P2 purinergic receptor antagonist pyridoxal phosphate 6‐azophenyl‐2′,4′‐disulfonate (30 μm). cADPR failed to facilitate the spontaneous ATP overflow in bladders isolated from CD38−/− mice, indicating that CD38 is crucial for the enhancing effects of extracellular cADPR on spontaneous ATP release. Contractile responses to ATP were potentiated by cADPR, suggesting that the two adenine nucleotides may work in synergy to maintain the resting tone of the bladder. In conclusion, extracellular cADPR enhances the spontaneous release of ATP in the bladder by influx via CD38 and subsequent activation of intracellular cADPR receptors, probably causing an increase in intracellular Ca2+ in neuronal cells.
Immune Modulation of Resistance Artery Remodelling
Authors: Schiffrin Ernesto L.
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  Low‐grade inflammation plays a role in cardiovascular disease. The innate and the adaptive immune responses participate in mechanisms that contribute to inflammatory responses. It has been increasingly appreciated that different subsets of lymphocytes and the cytokines they produce modulate the vascular remodelling that occurs in cardiovascular disease. Effector T cells such as T‐helper (Th) 1 (interferon‐γ‐producing) and Th2 lymphocytes (that produce interleukin‐4), as well as Th17 (that produce interleukin‐17), and T suppressor lymphocytes including regulatory T cells (Treg), which express the transcription factor forkhead box P3 (Foxp3), are involved in the remodelling of small arteries that occurs under the action of angiotensin II, deoxycorticosterone‐salt and aldosterone‐salt, as well as in models of hypertension such as the Dahl‐salt‐sensitive rat. The mechanism whereby the immune system is activated is unclear, but it has been suggested that neo‐antigens may be generated by the elevation of blood pressure or other stimuli, leading to the activation of the immune response. Activated Th1 may contribute to vascular remodelling directly on blood vessels via effects of the cytokines produced or indirectly by actions on the kidney. The protective effect of Treg may be mediated similarly directly or via renal effects. These data offer promise for the discovery of new therapeutic targets to ameliorate vascular remodelling, which could lead to improved outcome in cardiovascular disease in humans.
The Knowledge Argument and the Implications of Phenomenal Knowledge
Authors: Howell Robert J.
Published: July 2011

This article presents the knowledge argument against physicalism and objections to it. The focus is on the ways responses to that argument have tried to account for phenomenal knowledge within a physicalist picture. Various ‘phenomenal concepts’ strategies are considered, along with recent arguments against them. Also considered are attempts to explain phenomenal knowledge in terms of indexical knowledge and in terms of acquaintance.
Hypothetico‐Deductive Confirmation
Authors: Sprenger Jan
Published: July 2011

Hypothetico‐deductive (H‐D) confirmation builds on the idea that confirming evidence consists of successful predictions that deductively follow from the hypothesis under test. This article reviews scope, history and recent development of the venerable H‐D account: First, we motivate the approach and clarify its relationship to Bayesian confirmation theory. Second, we explain and discuss the tacking paradoxes which exploit the fact that H‐D confirmation gives no account of evidential relevance. Third, we review several recent proposals that aim at a sound and more comprehensive formulation of H‐D confirmation. Finally, we conclude that the reputation of H‐D confirmation as outdated and hopeless is undeserved: not only can the technical problems be addressed satisfactorily, the H‐D method is also highly relevant for scientific practice.
Arterial stiffness and renal impairment in non‐proteinuric type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Nakao Keiko , Uzu Takashi , Araki Shin‐ichi , Kume Shinji , Deji Naoko , Chin‐Kanasaki Masami , Araki Hisazumi , Isshiki Keiji , Sugimoto Toshiro , Kawai Hiromichi , Nishio Yoshihiko , Kashiwagi Atsunori , Maegawa Hiroshi
Published: July 2011

Aims/Introduction:  Although increases in urinary protein excretion generally precede a decline in the glomerular filtration rate, non‐proteinuric renal impairment is common in patients with diabetes. In the present study, we examined the relationship between indices of arterial stiffness and renal function in type 2 diabetic patients without proteinuria.

Methods:  Blood sampling, 24‐h urine collection, brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity, and 24‐h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring were performed in type 2 diabetic patients without overt proteinuria. The ambulatory arterial stiffness index was calculated as (1 – the regression slope of diastolic/systolic ambulatory blood pressure). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)was calculated using the simplified prediction equation proposed by the Japanese Society of Nephrology.

Results:  Of 213 non‐proteinuric patients with type 2 diabetes, 60 (28.2%) had a reduced eGFR (<60 mL/min per 1.73 m2). Although the urinary albumin excretion rate was significantly correlated with the eGFR, 34 of 152 patients with normoalbuminuria (22.4%) had a reduced eGFR. The eGFR was significantly and negatively correlated with the ambulatory arterial stiffness index and brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity, but not with 24‐h pulse pressure. Multivariate analysis revealed that increased age and increased urinary albumin excretion were independently associated with decreased eGFR. In addition, the ambulatory arterial stiffness index, but not brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity, were found to be independently and significantly associated with eGFR.

Conclusions:  Ambulatory arterial stiffness index is a marker for increased risk of renal failure in non‐proteinuric patients with type 2 diabetes. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2011.00146.x, 2012)
Pressure Testing Feedwater Heaters and Power Plant Auxiliary Heat Exchangers
Authors: Yokell Stanley
Published: July 2011

This paper discusses factory and field pressure testing of tubular heat transfer equipment such as closed feedwater heaters, steam surface condensers, and power plant auxiliary heat exchangers built in accordance with Section VIII, Division 1 of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (the ASME Code) and repaired or altered in accordance with the National Board Inspection Code (NBIC) (The ASME issues the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code at three-year intervals and issues Addenda annually; The National Board Inspection Code (NBIC), 2007 edition (three volumes), ANSI/NBBPVI NB23-2007, The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors, Cleveland, OH). It discusses the ASME Code’s and the NBIC’s requirements for hydrostatically testing unfired pressure vessels, which include tubular heat transfer equipment. It shows by analysis that using pressure gauge indications of pressure loss to determine if there is a leak from the tube side to the shell side when the back face of the tubesheet is not visible does not reveal very small leaks or weeping. For the purposes of this paper, we define weeping, Vleak, as a leak of 20 drops/h or approximately 1 cm3/h(0.061 in.3/h). During typical half-hour hydrostatic test pressure-holding periods, such weeping would amount to 10 drops of water on the tubesheet face or 0.5 cm3(0.0305 in.3). Weeping through tube-to-tubesheet joints of high pressure feedwater heaters can lead to wire drawing (wormholing), which can materially reduce the heater life. Leaks from the channel to the shell side of steam surface condensers and auxiliary condensers can introduce brackish water into the condensate. Depending upon the fluid flowing in the tubes, contaminants can enter the shell side of other auxiliary equipment when the channel pressure is higher than that of the shell. This paper concludes that users must advise designers and manufacturers of the hazards of small leaks through the tube-to-tubesheet joints. It recommends that these three entities must agree on suitable leak tests.
Use of Optimal Homotopy Asymptotic Method and Galerkin’s Finite Element Formulation in the Study of Heat Transfer Flow of a Third Grade Fluid Between Parallel Plates
Authors: Iqbal S. , Ansari A. R. , Siddiqui A. M. , Javed A.
Published: July 2011

We investigate the effectiveness of the optimal homotopy asymptotic method (OHAM) in solving nonlinear systems of differential equations. In particular we consider the heat transfer flow of a third grade fluid between two heated parallel plates separated by a finite distance. The method is successfully applied to study the constant viscosity models, namely plane Couette flow, plane Poiseuille flow, and plane Couette–Poiseuille flow for velocity fields and the temperature distributions. Numerical solutions of the systems are also obtained using a finite element method (FEM). A comparative analysis between the semianalytical solutions of OHAM and numerical solutions by FEM are presented. The semianalytical results are found to be in good agreement with numerical solutions. The results reveal that the OHAM is precise, effective, and easy to use for such systems of nonlinear differential equations.
A Generalized Complementary Intersection Method (GCIM) for System Reliability Analysis
Authors: Wang Pingfeng , Hu Chao , Youn Byeng D.
Published: July 2011

This paper presents a Generalized Complementary Intersection Method (GCIM) that can predict system reliability for series, parallel, and mixed systems. The GCIM is an extension of the original study, referred to as the Complementary Intersection Method (CIM). The CIM was developed to assess system reliability for series systems. The contribution of this paper is to generalize the original CIM so that it can be used for system reliability analysis regardless of system structures (series, parallel, and mixed system). First, we derive a closed-form system reliability formula for a parallel system through its transformation into a series system using De Morgan’s law. Second, a unified system reliability analysis framework is proposed for mixed systems by defining a new System Structure matrix (SS-matrix) and employing the Binary Decision Diagram (BDD) technique. The SS-matrix is used to present any system structure in a comprehensive matrix form. Then the BDD technique together with the SS-matrix automates the process to identify system’s mutually exclusive path sets, of which each path set is a series system. As a result, system reliability with any system structure can be decomposed into the probabilities of the mutually exclusive path sets. Five engineering examples are used to demonstrate that the proposed GCIM can assess system reliability regardless of the system structures.
An Approach Toward Integrating Top-Down and Bottom-Up Product Concept and Design Selection
Authors: Takai Shun , Jikar Vivek K. , Ragsdell Kenneth M.
Published: July 2011

This paper proposes an approach to integrate top-down and bottom-up procedures for product concept and design selection. The top-down procedure identifies relationships between product requirements and design parameters and specifies an acceptable range of design parameters (called a design range) from product specifications and tolerances. Then, within the design range, the bottom-up procedure optimizes design specifications and tolerances in order to minimize a product cost. A product cost is defined as a sum of component costs, each of which is a function of design specifications and tolerances. A concept, with design specifications and tolerances, that minimizes product cost is an optimum concept. The proposed approach is demonstrated using an illustrative example. Sensitivity analysis with respect to the parameters of the product cost illustrates that the shape of design range defines how responsive a product is to uncertainty in cost function parameters relevant to design tolerances.
Comparing spatial tuning curves, spectral ripple resolution, and speech perception in cochlear implant users
Authors: Anderson Elizabeth S. , Nelson David A. , Kreft Heather , Nelson Peggy B. , Oxenham Andrew J.
Published: July 2011

Spectral ripple discrimination thresholds were measured in 15 cochlear-implant users with broadband (350–5600 Hz) and octave-band noise stimuli. The results were compared with spatial tuning curve (STC) bandwidths previously obtained from the same subjects. Spatial tuning curve bandwidths did not correlate significantly with broadband spectral ripple discrimination thresholds but did correlate significantly with ripple discrimination thresholds when the rippled noise was confined to an octave-wide passband, centered on the STC’s probe electrode frequency allocation. Ripple discrimination thresholds were also measured for octave-band stimuli in four contiguous octaves, with center frequencies from 500 Hz to 4000 Hz. Substantial variations in thresholds with center frequency were found in individuals, but no general trends of increasing or decreasing resolution from apex to base were observed in the pooled data. Neither ripple nor STC measures correlated consistently with speech measures in noise and quiet in the sample of subjects in this study. Overall, the results suggest that spectral ripple discrimination measures provide a reasonable measure of spectral resolution that correlates well with more direct, but more time-consuming, measures of spectral resolution, but that such measures do not always provide a clear and robust predictor of performance in speech perception tasks.
A comparison of stochastic and effective medium approaches to the backscattered signal from a porous layer in a solid matrix
Authors: Pinfield Valerie J. , Challis Richard E. , Smith Robert A.
Published: July 2011

This paper reports a study of the backscattering behavior of a solid layer containing randomly spaced spherical cavities in the long wavelength limit. The motivation for the work arises from a need to model the responses of porous composite materials in ultrasonic NDE procedures. A comparison is made between models based on a summation over discrete scatterers, which show interesting emergent properties, and an integral formulation based on an ensemble average, and with a simple slab effective medium approximation. The similarities and differences between these three models are demonstrated. A simple quantitative criterion is established which sets the maximum frequency at which ensemble average or equivalent homogeneous medium models can represent echo signal generation in a porous layer for given interpore spacing, or equivalently, given pore size and concentration.
Schema-Dependent Gene Activation and Memory Encoding in Neocortex
Authors: Tse Dorothy , Takeuchi Tomonori , Kakeyama Masaki , Kajii Yasushi , Okuno Hiroyuki , Tohyama Chiharu , Bito Haruhiko , Morris Richard G. M.
Published: July 2011

New hippocampal-dependent learning is in parallel consolidated with existing memories in the neocortex.
High Value and Long Life—Double Jeopardy for Tunas and Billfishes
Authors: Collette B. B. , Carpenter K. E. , Polidoro B. A. , Juan-Jordá M. J. , Boustany A. , Die D. J. , Elfes C. , Fox W. , Graves J. , Harrison L. R. , McManus R. , Minte-Vera C. V. , Nelson R. , Restrepo V. , Schratwieser J. , Sun C.-L. , Amorim A. , Brick Peres M. , Canales C. , Cardenas G. , Chang S.-K. , Chiang W.-C. , de Oliveira Leite N. , Harwell H. , Lessa R. , Fredou F. L. , Oxenford H. A. , Serra R. , Shao K.-T. , Sumaila R. , Wang S.-P. , Watson R. , Yáñez E.
Published: July 2011

The first standardized, global assessment of these fishes, using Red List criteria, reveals threatened species needing protection.
Sequence, Structure, and Network Evolution of Protein PhosphorylationMeeting information: Keystone Symposium: The Evolution of Protein Phosphorylation, 23 to 27 January 2011, Keystone, CO, USA
Authors: Tan Chris Soon Heng
Published: July 2011

Analysis of phosphorylation-based signaling systems provides insight into the evolution of these regulatory molecules.
Recurrent
GNAS
Mutations Define an Unexpected Pathway for Pancreatic Cyst Development
Authors: Wu Jian , Matthaei Hanno , Maitra Anirban , Dal Molin Marco , Wood Laura D. , Eshleman James R. , Goggins Michael , Canto Marcia I. , Schulick Richard D. , Edil Barish H. , Wolfgang Christopher L. , Klein Alison P. , Diaz Luis A. , Allen Peter J. , Schmidt C. Max , Kinzler Kenneth W. , Papadopoulos Nickolas , Hruban Ralph H. , Vogelstein Bert
Published: July 2011

A mutation in the gene
GNAS
serves as a marker for pancreatic cysts that can progress to become invasive adenocarcinomas, guiding therapy.
The Body Fat Paradox
Authors: Damani Samir
Published: July 2011

A genome-wide association study meta-analysis on body fat percentage reveals associations with the genes
FTO
,
IRS1
, and
SPRY2
, plus an interesting paradox.
Setting Sights on a Silent Killer
Authors: Skelly Christopher L.
Published: July 2011

Improved optical imaging technology moves 3D histology and electron microscopy in vivo.
Asc Modulates the Function of NLRC4 in Response to Infection of Macrophages by Legionella pneumophila
Authors: Case Christopher L. , Roy Craig R.
Published: July 2011

Nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat containing proteins (NLRs) activate caspase-1 in response to a variety of bacterium-derived signals in macrophages. NLR-mediated activation of caspase-1 by
Legionella pneumophila
occurs through both an NLRC4/NAIP5-dependent pathway and a pathway requiring the adapter protein Asc. Both pathways are needed for maximal activation of caspase-1 and for the release of the cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18. Asc is not required for caspase-1-dependent pore formation and cell death induced upon infection of macrophages by
L. pneumophila
. Here, temporal and spatial localization of caspase-1-dependent processes was examined to better define the roles of Asc and NLRC4 during infection. Imaging studies revealed that caspase-1 localized to a single punctate structure in infected cells containing Asc but not in cells lacking this adapter. Both endogenous Asc and ectopically produced NLRC4 tagged with green fluorescent protein (GFP) were found to localize to caspase-1 puncta following
L. pneumophila
infection, suggesting that NLRC4 and Asc coordinate signaling through this complex during caspase-1 activation. Formation of caspase-1-containing puncta correlated with caspase-1 processing, suggesting a role for the Asc/NLRC4/caspase-1 complex in caspase-1 cleavage. In cells deficient for Asc, NLRC4 did not assemble into discrete puncta, and pyroptosis occurred at an accelerated rate. These data indicate that Asc mediates integration of NLR components into caspase-1 processing platforms and that recruitment of NLR components into an Asc complex can dampen pyroptotic responses. Thus, a negative feedback role of complexes containing Asc may be important for regulating caspase-1-mediated responses during microbial infection.

IMPORTANCE
Caspase-1 is a protease activated during infection that is central to the regulation of several innate immune pathways. Studies examining the macromolecular complexes containing this protein, known as inflammasomes, have provided insight into the regulation of this protease. This work demonstrates that the intracellular bacterium
Legionella pneumophila
induces formation of complexes containing caspase-1 by multiple mechanisms and illustrates that an adapter molecule called Asc integrates signals from multiple independent upstream caspase-1 activators in order to assemble a spatially distinct complex in the macrophage. There were caspase-1-associated activities such as cytokine processing and secretion that were controlled by Asc. Importantly, this work uncovered a new role for Asc in dampening a caspase-1-dependent cell death pathway called pyroptosis. These findings suggest that Asc plays a central role in controlling a distinct subset of caspase-1-dependent activities by both assembling complexes that are important for cytokine processing and suppressing processes that mediate pyroptosis.
Maintaining confidentiality in prospective studies: anonymous repeated measurements via email (ARME) procedure
Authors: Carli Vladimir , Hadlaczky Gergö , Wasserman Camilla , Stingelin-Giles Nicola , Reiter-Theil Stella , Wasserman Danuta
Published: July 2011

Respecting and protecting the confidentiality of data and the privacy of individuals regarding the information that they have given as participants in a research project is a cornerstone of complying with accepted research standards. However, in longitudinal studies, establishing and maintaining privacy is often challenging because of the necessity of repeated contact with participants. A novel internet-based solution is introduced here, which maintains privacy while at the same time ensures linkage of data to individual participants in a repeated measures design. With the use of the anonymous repeated measurements via email (ARME) procedure, two separate one-way communication systems are established through ad hoc email accounts and a secure study website. Strengths and limitations of the approach are discussed.
Geological significance of high-resolution magnetic data in the Quesnel terrane, Central British Columbia1This article is one of a series of papers published in this Special Issue on the theme of New insights in Cordilleran Intermontane geoscience: reducing exploration risk in the mountain pine beetle-affected area, British Columbia.2Geological Survey of Canada Contribution No. 20100225.
Authors: Thomas M.D. , Pilkington M. , Anderson R.G.
Published: July 2011

The ability of airborne sensors to image the magnetic signatures of prospective Quesnel terrane rocks through ubiquitous Quaternary glacial sedimentary cover in central British Columbia helps target new areas for mineral exploration. Newly acquired high-resolution data provide new perspectives on the nature and probable areal distribution of many geological units, revealing detail and information unattainable by conventional geological mapping. In combination with gravity data, these magnetic data indicate the presence of a granitic intrusion and a development of Nicola Group volcanic rocks, both potential hosts for porphyry- and (or) vein-type mineralization, under younger Tertiary volcanic cover. At a finer scale, magnetic patterns and fabrics permit discrimination between volcanic rocks of the Tertiary Chilcotin and Kamloops groups, and detection of subtle compositional and (or) structural variations within the groups. Contacts between volcanic cover and basement rocks and between basement units are more accurately defined, significantly reducing locally the areal extent of volcanic cover and opening up more ground for exploration. The high resolution of features in images of magnetic vertical derivatives reveals the Naver pluton to be more complex than currently mapped, comprising several integral elements, one of which may be a large roof pendant. Internal subdivisions of the Thuya batholith are defined, and annular marginal phases are proposed within two large granodioritic intrusions. Several new intrusions are proposed within the extensive, mainly sedimentary Devonian–Triassic terrain northeast of Kamloops, internal composition variation is suggested for some larger mapped intrusions, and areas underlain by some intrusions are enlarged.
Crustal velocity structure of the southern Nechako basin, British Columbia, from wide-angle seismic traveltime inversion1This article is one of a series of papers published in this Special Issue on the theme of New insights in Cordilleran Intermontane geoscience: reducing exploration risk in the mountain pine beetle-affected area, British Columbia.
Authors: Stephenson A.L. , Spence G.D. , Wang K. , Hole J.A. , Miller K.C. , Clowes R.M. , Harder S.H. , Kaip G.M.
Published: July 2011

In the BATHOLITHSonland seismic project, a refraction – wide-angle reflection survey was shot in 2009 across the Coast Mountains and Interior Plateau of central British Columbia. Part of the seismic profile crossed the Nechako Basin, a Jurassic–Cretaceous basin with potential for hydrocarbons within sedimentary strata that underlies widespread volcanic rocks. Along this 205 km-long line segment, eight large explosive shots were fired into 980 seismometers. Forward and inverse modelling of the traveltime data were conducted with two independent methods: ray-tracing based modelling of first and secondary arrivals, and a higher resolution wavefront-based first-arrival seismic tomography. Material with velocities less than 5.0 km/s is interpreted as sedimentary rocks of the Nechako Basin, while velocities from 5.0–6.0 km/s may correspond to interlayered sedimentary and volcanic rocks. The greatest thickness of sedimentary rocks in the basin is found in the central 110 km of the profile. Two sub-basins were identified in this region, with widths of 20–50 km and maximum sedimentary depths of 2.5 and 3.3 km. Such features are well-defined in the velocity model, since resolution tests indicate that features with widths greater than ∼13 km are reliable. Beneath the sedimentary rocks, seismic velocities increase more slowly with depth — from 6.0 km/s just below the basin to 6.3 km/s at ∼17 km in depth, and then to 6.8–7.0 km/s at the base of the crust. The Moho is found at a depth of 33.5–35 km beneath the profile, and mantle velocities are high at 8.05–8.10 km/s.
Imaging the Nechako Basin, British Columbia, using ambient seismic noise1This article is one of a series of papers published in this Special Issue on the theme of New insights in Cordilleran Intermontane geoscience: reducing exploration risk in the mountain pine beetle-affected area, British Columbia.
Authors: Idowu O.A. , Frederiksen A.W. , Cassidy J.F.
Published: July 2011

The Nechako Basin in British Columbia, Canada is suspected to have hydrocarbon potential. However, it has been a difficult basin to explore because of the presence of Tertiary volcanic outcrop. The volcanic outcrop makes the use of conventional seismic exploration methods difficult owing to a strong velocity inversion at its base. An alternative is the passive source method known as ambient noise surface wave tomography. The method, which examines the high-frequency surface wave field that is obtained from noise analysis, is sensitive to large-scale crustal structure and has been successfully applied to measuring the depths of sedimentary basins. Station-to-station Green’s functions within the basin were estimated by cross-correlating the vertical components of the seismic noise data recorded by 12 POLARIS (Portable Observatories for Lithosphere Analysis and Research Investigating Seismicity) and CNSN (Canadian National Seismgraph Network) seismic stations between September 2006 and November 2007. The resulting Green’s functions were dominated by Rayleigh waves. The dispersion characteristics of the Rayleigh waveforms were measured within the microseismic band. Inversion of the dispersion curves produced 1-D and 2-D thickness models and 2-D group velocity models for the Nechako Basin and its surrounding region. The velocity models indicate two low group velocity structures within the basin that might represent sedimentary packages, and some pockets of high-velocity zones that show the presence of volcanic rocks within and on the basin. The thickness models indicated the presence of about six different velocity layers, in which the average thickness of the basin and the crust are ∼4.8 and 30–34 km, respectively.
Paleoenvironmental and chronological constraints on the Mount Tatlow succession, British Columbia: first recognition of radiolarian and foraminiferal faunas in the Intermontane Cretaceous back-arc basins of western Canada1This article is one of a series of papers published in this Special Issue on the theme of New insights in Cordilleran Intermontane geoscience: reducing exploration risk in the mountain pine beetle-affected area, British Columbia.2Geological Survey of Canada Contribution 20100279.
Authors: Haggart James W. , Mahoney J. Brian , Forgette Michelle , Carter Elizabeth S. , Schröder-Adams Claudia J. , MacLaurin Catherine I. , Sweet Arthur R.
Published: July 2011

The Cretaceous succession at Mount Tatlow, British Columbia, is a cornerstone of Cordilleran stratigraphy, preserving a mostly continuous record of upper Lower Cretaceous to lower Upper Cretaceous sedimentary strata. The succession is capped by volcanic strata of the Powell Creek formation. Lithofacies assemblages within the Mount Tatlow succession reflect sedimentation in a deep-water submarine fan system at the base of the section, to overlying submarine-fan and to pro-deltaic deposition, and, finally, to delta-plain sedimentation at the top of the succession. Radiolarian and foraminifer fossils from the lower part of the Mount Tatlow section are the first recovered from the Intermontane basins of British Columbia and indicate a middle Albian to Cenomanian age, most likely Cenomanian. The presence of these fossils indicates that open-marine conditions existed locally in the basin at this time, but the strongly altered and pyritized nature of the fauna suggests that a reducing environment fostered early diagenetic pyritization processes in the subsurface sediments. Detrital zircon populations collected from the succession are in agreement with the paleontological ages.