bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Furry promotes acetylation of microtubules in the mitotic spindle by inhibition of SIRT2 tubulin deacetylase
Authors: Nagai Tomoaki , Ikeda Masanori , Chiba Shuhei , Kanno Shin-ichiro , Mizuno Kensaku
Published: July 2013

The structure and function of microtubules (MTs) are regulated by post-translational modifications of tubulin subunits, such as acetylation of the Lys40 residue of α-tubulin. Regulation of the organization and dynamics of MTs is essential for the precise formation of the mitotic spindle. Spindle MTs are highly acetylated, but the mechanism regulating this acetylation is largely unknown. Furry (Fry) is an evolutionarily conserved protein that binds to MTs and colocalizes with acetylated MTs in the mitotic spindle. In this study, we examined the role of Fry in the acetylation of MTs in the mitotic spindle. Depletion of Fry significantly reduced the level of MT acetylation in the mitotic spindle. Expression of the N-terminal fragment of Fry induced hyperacetylation of MTs in both mitotic and interphase cells. These results indicate that Fry promotes MT acetylation in the mitotic spindle. We also found that Fry binds to the tubulin deacetylase SIRT2, preferentially in mitotic cells. Cell-free experiments revealed that the N-terminal region of Fry is the domain responsible for binding to and inhibiting the tubulin-deacetylase activity of SIRT2. AGK2, a specific inhibitor of SIRT2, increased the level of MT acetylation in the mitotic spindle, indicating that SIRT2 is involved in the deacetylation of spindle MTs. Furthermore, AGK2 reversed the decrease in MT acetylation induced by Fry depletion. In summary, these results suggest that Fry plays a crucial role in promoting the level of MT acetylation in the mitotic spindle by inhibiting the tubulin-deacetylase activity of SIRT2.
Cell- and subunit-specific mechanisms of CNG channel ciliary trafficking and localization inC. elegans
Authors: Wojtyniak Martin , Brear Andrea G. , O'Halloran Damien M. , Sengupta Piali
Published: July 2013

Primary cilia are ubiquitous sensory organelles that concentrate transmembrane signaling proteins essential for sensing environmental cues. Mislocalization of crucial ciliary signaling proteins, such as the tetrameric cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels, can lead to cellular dysfunction and disease. Although several cis- and trans-acting factors required for ciliary protein trafficking and localization have been identified, whether these mechanisms act in a protein- and cell-specific manner is largely unknown. Here, we show that CNG channel subunits can be localized to discrete ciliary compartments in individual sensory neurons in C. elegans, suggesting that channel composition is heterogeneous across the cilium. We demonstrate that ciliary localization of CNG channel subunits is interdependent on different channel subunits in specific cells, and identify sequences required for efficient ciliary targeting and localization of the TAX-2 CNGB and TAX-4 CNGA subunits. Using a candidate gene approach, we show that Inversin, transition zone proteins, intraflagellar transport motors and a MYND-domain protein are required to traffic and/or localize CNG channel subunits in both a cell- and channel subunit-specific manner. We further find that TAX-2 and TAX-4 are relatively immobile in specific sensory cilia subcompartments, suggesting that these proteins undergo minimal turnover in these domains in mature cilia. Our results uncover unexpected diversity in the mechanisms that traffic and localize CNG channel subunits to cilia both within and across cell types, highlighting the essential contribution of this process to cellular functions.
Functional replacement of fission yeast γ-tubulin small complex proteins Alp4 and Alp6 by human GCP2 and GCP3
Authors: Riehlman Timothy D. , Olmsted Zachary T. , Branca Carmen N. , Winnie Adam M. , Seo Lan , Cruz Leilani O. , Paluh Janet L.
Published: July 2013

Microtubule-organizing centers such as the γ-tubulin ring complex (γ-TuRC) act as a template for polarized growth and regulation of microtubules that are essential for diverse cellular structures and processes in eukaryotes. New structural models of the budding yeast γ-tubulin small complex (γ-TuSC) of the γ-TuRC combined with functional studies done in multiple eukaryotes are revealing the first mechanistic clues into control of microtubule nucleation and organization. Cross-species studies of human and budding yeast γ-TuSC proteins in fission yeast revealed conserved and divergent structural and functional features of the γ-TuSC. We show genetically that GCP3/Spc98 function is fully conserved with Alp6 across species but that functional differences exist between GCP2/Spc97 and Alp4. By further analysis of human γ-TuSC proteins, we found that GCP3 assembles normally into the >2000 kDa fission yeast γ-TuRC and that the GCP3 gene replaces fission yeast alp6. Interestingly, human GCP2 replaces the essential alp4 gene but is unable to rescue a normally recessive G1 defect of the alp4-1891 allele that results in loss of γ-TuRC from poles in subsequent cell cycles. Biochemically, GCP2 incorporation into fission yeast γ-TuRC is limited in the presence of Alp4; instead, the bulk of GCP2 fractionates as smaller complexes. By generating a functional Alp4–GCP2 chimeric protein we determined that the GCP2 N-terminal domain limits its ability to fully displace or compete with Alp4 during γ-TuRC assembly. Our findings have broad importance for understanding the essential domains of γ-TuSC proteins in the γ-TuRC mechanism.
Myo10 is a key regulator of TNT formation in neuronal cells
Authors: Gousset Karine , Marzo Ludovica , Commere Pierre-Henri , Zurzolo Chiara
Published: July 2013

Cell-to-cell communication is essential in multicellular organisms. Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) have emerged as a new type of intercellular spreading mechanism allowing the transport of various signals, organelles and pathogens. Here, we study the role of the unconventional molecular motor myosin-X (Myo10) in the formation of functional TNTs within neuronal CAD cells. Myo10 protein expression increases the number of TNTs and the transfer of vesicles between co-cultured cells. We also show that TNT formation requires both the motor and tail domains of the protein, and identify the F2 lobe of the FERM domain within the Myo10 tail as necessary for TNT formation. Taken together, these results indicate that, in neuronal cells, TNTs can arise from a subset of Myo10-driven dorsal filopodia, independent of its binding to integrins and N-cadherins. In addition our data highlight the existence of different mechanisms for the establishment and regulation of TNTs in neuronal cells and other cell types.
Functional expression of the multimodal extracellular calcium-sensing receptor in pulmonary neuroendocrine cells
Authors: Lembrechts Robrecht , Brouns Inge , Schnorbusch Kathy , Pintelon Isabel , Kemp Paul J. , Timmermans Jean-Pierre , Riccardi Daniela , Adriaensen Dirk
Published: July 2013

The Ca2+-sensing receptor (CaSR) is the master regulator of whole-body extracellular free ionized [Ca2+]o. In addition to sensing [Ca2+]o, CaSR integrates inputs from a variety of different physiological stimuli. The CaSR is also expressed in many regions outside the [Ca2+]o homeostatic system, including the fetal lung where it plays a crucial role in lung development. Here, we show that neuroepithelial bodies (NEBs) of the postnatal mouse lung express a functional CaSR. NEBs are densely innervated groups of neuroendocrine epithelial cells in the lung representing complex sensory receptors in the airways and exhibiting stem cell characteristics. qRT-PCR performed on laser microdissected samples from GAD67–GFP mouse lung cryosections revealed exclusive expression of the CaSR in the NEB microenvironment. CaSR immunoreactivity was present at NEB cells from postnatal day 14 onwards. Confocal imaging of lung slices revealed that NEB cells responded to an increase of [Ca2+]o with a rise in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i); an effect mimicked by several membrane-impermeant CaSR agonists (e.g. the calcimimetic R-568) and that was blocked by the calcilytic Calhex-231. Block of TRPC channels attenuated the CaSR-dependent increases in [Ca2+]i, suggesting that Ca2+ influx through TRPC channels contributes to the total [Ca2+]i signal evoked by the CaSR in NEBs. CaSR also regulated baseline [Ca2+]i in NEBs and, through paracrine signaling from Clara-like cells, coordinated intercellular communication in the NEB microenvironment. These data suggest that the NEB CaSR integrates multiple signals converging on this complex chemosensory unit, and is a key regulator of this intrapulmonary airway stem cell niche.
Severe metabolic alkalosis in pregnancy
Authors: Frise Charlotte , Noori Muna , Williamson Catherine
Published: July 2013

Metabolic alkalosis is uncommon in pregnancy and is most often the result of severe vomiting. If this is present at the time of delivery, transient metabolic derangement in the fetus can occur, potentially requiring additional organ support. A 22-year-old woman is described, who presented at 37 weeks gestation with a severe metabolic alkalosis, vomiting and acute renal and hepatic impairment. The investigations, management options and maternal and fetal outcome are described.
Photodynamic therapy with new sublingual sensitiser Photosoft®E4 for cancer: a case series
Authors: Ried Karin , Sali Avni , Wang Michelle , Meade Brian , Murphy Donald
Published: July 2013

Background: An increasing number of patients seek complementary therapies for cancer treatment, the leading cause of death in the developed world. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), the combination of light and a photosensitiser agent, has provided some promising results in cancer therapy. New photosensitiser agents are continuously being developed to improve tolerability and effectiveness. There is a need to objectively evaluate clinical data from PDT patients.

Methods: Here we report a case series using the new sublingually administered, chlorophyll-based photosensitiser Photosoft®E4 and an external laser light in a group of ten adult cancer patients not undergoing other concurrent therapies. PDT was administered for three treatment cycles with an average of 14 light treatments per patient, consisting of agent administration and laser treatment on alternate days over 3 months. Safety, tolerability and effectiveness on tumour palliation were monitored.

Results: Patients in this study presented with a variety of cancer types and stages; half of the patients had breast cancer, and 40% had metastases. We found Photosoft®E4 to be safe and highly tolerable. However, overall disease status was not improved in our group of patients.

Conclusions: Future research is required to determine the bioavailability of Photosoft®E4 and its uptake in tumour tissue, pharmacokinetics and dosing regimen, as well as the best mode of light delivery for the in vivo sensitiser activation.
A Real Options Model for Generalized Meta-Staged Projects—Valuing the Migration to SOA
Authors: Ghosh Suvankar , Li Xiaolin
Published: July 2013

This paper develops an innovative real options (RO) model for valuing multistage information technology (IT) projects that can be viewed as comprising meta stages. In RO literature, multistage investment programs have been treated as either interproject or intraproject programs, with intraproject programs being evaluated using n-fold Geske compound options and interproject programs valued using the so-called “subsidy-to-exercise price” logic. Our innovative RO model integrates the Geske compound option model with the subsidy-to-exercise price approach to value sequential investment programs that are neither purely interproject nor purely intraproject in nature but are composed of meta-stages. A meta-stage as a whole can be considered an interproject stage resulting in cash flows, but internally it consists of several intraproject stages that do not result in cash flows. We show that a key problem in IT, which is migrating to a Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) for integrating a firm's many disparate applications, systems, data, and business processes, is best viewed as an investment program comprising meta-stages. Examining SOA migration from an RO lens is particularly apt at this time not only because of the importance of SOA but also because doubts have surfaced about the value of SOA. We illustrate our RO model by applying it to the simulated case of a firm migrating to SOA. We also develop a software tool based on the MathematicaTM computational platform so that practitioners can easily apply our innovative options pricing model to determine the true value of SOA in their business contexts.
Research Note—The Value of Third-Party Assurance Seals in Online Retailing: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Özpolat Koray , Gao Guodong (Gordon) , Jank Wolfgang , Viswanathan Siva
Published: July 2013

Third-party quality assurance seals have emerged as a prominent mechanism to reduce uncertainty and increase purchase conversion in online markets. However, systematic studies of the effectiveness of these seals are scarce. In this study, we exploit a unique data set of 9,098 shopping sessions at an online retailer's website to empirically measure the value and effectiveness of assurance seals on the likelihood of purchase by shoppers. The data set is collected from a randomized field experiment conducted by a large seal provider, which enables us to infer the causal impacts of the presence of an assurance seal. We find strong evidence that the presence of the assurance seal increases the likelihood of purchase conversion. We discuss the implications of our findings for online retailers, third-party certifiers, policymakers, and researchers.
Information Valuation and Confirmation Bias in Virtual Communities: Evidence from Stock Message Boards
Authors: Park JaeHong , Konana Prabhudev , Gu Bin , Kumar Alok , Raghunathan Rajagopal
Published: July 2013

Virtual communities continue to play a greater role in social, political, and economic interactions. However, how users value information from these communities and how that affects their behavior and future expectations is not fully understood. Stock message boards provide an excellent setting to analyze these issues given the large user base and market uncertainty. Using data from 502 investor responses from a field experiment on one of the largest message board operators in South Korea, our analyses revealed that investors exhibit confirmation bias, whereby they preferentially treat messages that support their prior beliefs. This behavior is more pronounced for investors with higher perceived knowledge about the market and higher strength of belief (i.e., sentiment) toward a particular stock. We also find a negative interaction effect between the perceived knowledge and the strength of prior belief on confirmation bias. Those exhibiting confirmation bias are also more overconfident; as a result, they trade more actively and expect higher market returns than is warranted. Collectively, these results suggest that participation in virtual communities may not necessarily lead to superior financial returns.
Comparison of Histological Techniques to Visualize Iron in Paraffin-embedded Brain Tissue of Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: van Duijn Sara , Nabuurs Rob J.A. , van Duinen Sjoerd G. , Natté Remco
Published: July 2013

Better knowledge of the distribution of iron in the brains of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients may facilitate the development of an in vivo magnetic resonance (MR) marker for AD and may cast light on the role of this potentially toxic molecule in the pathogenesis of AD. Several histological iron staining techniques have been used in the past but they have not been systematically tested for sensitivity and specificity. This article compares three histochemical techniques and ferritin immunohistochemistry to visualize iron in paraffin-embedded human AD brain tissue. The specificity of the histochemical techniques was tested by staining sections after iron extraction. Iron was demonstrated in the white matter, in layers IV/V of the frontal neocortex, in iron containing plaques, and in microglia. In our hands, these structures were best visualized using the Meguro iron stain, a method that has not been described for iron staining in human brain or AD in particular. Ferritin immunohistochemistry stained microglia and iron containing plaques similar to the Meguro method but was less intense in myelin-associated iron. The Meguro method is most suitable for identifying iron-positive structures in paraffin-embedded human AD brain tissue.
Methods for Measuring Serum Activity Levels of the 192 Q and R Isoenzymes of Paraoxonase 1 in QR Heterozygous Individuals
Authors: Teiber John F , Kramer Gerald L , Haley Robert W
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Paraoxonase 1 (PON1), an esterase that hydrolyzes toxic organophosphates and has antioxidative and antiatherogenic properties, contains a common polymorphism at position 192: glutamine (Q) or arginine (R). The Q and R isoenzymes exhibit different physical and protective properties. We describe 2 methods for quantifying their serum activity levels.

METHODS

We measured serum hydrolytic activity with paraoxon [paraoxonase (PXN) activity], phenylacetate [arylesterase (AE) activity], and diazoxon [diazoxonase (DZN) activity] with standard automated assays. We determined PON1 Q192R genotypes with PCR and Q192R phenotypes using the PXN/AE and PXN/DZN ratios. Interpolation equations were empirically derived to predict the percentage of total PON1 hydrolytic activity due to the Q isoenzyme (%Q) from the PXN/AE and PXN/DZN ratios; %R is 100 − %Q. We estimated Q and R isoenzyme activity levels in sera from 2095 veterans by multiplying AE activity, a measure of total PON1 hydrolytic activity, by %Q and %R.

RESULTS

In all 2095 samples, the PXN/AE and PXN/DZN ratios predicted Q192R phenotypes with nearly identical accuracy (κ = 0.997). In the 925 QR heterozygotes, the 2 interpolation methods predicted Q and R isoenzyme activity levels with excellent agreement (intraclass correlation 0.94). After excluding a few genotype/phenotype-discordant samples, the percentage of total PON1 activity due to the Q isoenzyme ranged from 22% to 70%.

CONCLUSIONS

These new interpolation methods allow accurate estimation of PON1 192 Q and R isoenzyme activity levels, increasing specificity and power for studying susceptibility to disease.
Combined Time and Frequency Domain Approach to the Interpretation of Bender-Element Tests on Sand
Authors: Styler Mark A. , Howie John A.
Published: July 2013

Shear wave velocities are obtained from bender-element tests on laboratory specimens by analyzing the trigger and response signals. The response signal is a highly distorted translation of the trigger signal, obscuring the identification of the shear wave arrival. This has led to the publication of many criteria to guide subjective decisions on the selection of trigger waveform and frequency and of applicable interpretation methods. Current methods of interpretation result in determination of either the group or phase velocity. As soil and bender-element responses are dispersive, and as the group velocity is only valid in non-dispersive systems, the phase velocity should be measured. A combined time and frequency domain method is presented to allow interpretation of the phase velocity, minimizing subjective input to the interpretation. The method is first demonstrated using simplified synthetic signals and is then applied to laboratory test data. The reproducibility of the results is demonstrated from measurements on ten triaxial specimens of saturated Fraser River sand. The group velocities are shown to be very sensitive to dispersion, not reproducible, and contingent on the selected frequency window, whereas the phase velocities are considerably more repeatable. The combined time and frequency domain method results in the interpretation of a phase velocity using only measured parameters.
Defining Y2 Yielding From Cyclic Triaxial Tests
Authors: Zapata-Medina David G. , Finno Richard J.
Published: July 2013

This paper presents the yielding characteristics of overconsolidated Bootlegger Cove Formation (BCF) clays extracted from the Port of Anchorage construction site. Additionally, it extends the critical shear strain concept to define the point at which irrecoverable deformations begin (Y2 yielding) to the case of fully reversed loadings during undrained cyclic triaxial (CyTX) tests. On-specimen linear variable differential transformers (LVDTs) and an internal load cell with high accuracy were employed to define stress–strain responses and yield points of the specimens. This paper also presents Y2 yield points obtained using standard procedures available in the technical literature based on monotonic triaxial testing to show that the size and location of the Y2 yield surface can be determined from undrained CyTX tests.
Inflection Point Method to Estimate ch From Radial Consolidation Tests with Peripheral Drain
Authors: Ganesalingam Dhanya , Sivakugan Nagaratnam , Read Wayne
Published: July 2013

Horizontal coefficient of consolidation chis a key parameter in the design of vertical drains and the following consolidation analysis of a soil layer. There are graphical and non-graphical methods available to estimate ch from laboratory radial consolidation tests with a central drain. Currently, the consolidation tests with peripheral drains have to be analysed through a curve fitting method for determining ch. In this technical note, a non-graphical inflection point method is proposed for determining ch for an oedometer test with peripheral drainage, based on the characteristic feature observed when the gradient of the theoretical Ur –log Trrelationship was plotted against Tr. The proposed method is validated through a series of consolidation tests on two reconstituted dredged clay specimens, tested in an oedometer subjected to radial drainage with peripheral drains. The consolidation settlements predicted from the proposed method, for the two different clays, were in excellent agreement with those measured in the oedometer. The proposed method will be a very valuable tool in the analysis of radial consolidation data when the drains are peripheral.
Microstructural and Mineralogical Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Mixing Treatments in Stabilized Clays
Authors: Bellato Diego , Simonini Paolo , Dalle Coste Alberto
Published: July 2013

This paper shows and discusses the results of a comprehensive mineralogical and microstructural investigation carried out on several samples collected from diaphragm walls obtained treating a deposit of overconsolidated clay with the cutter soil mixing (CSM) technology, one of the most recent methods for deep mixing. To this purpose, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction analysis, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and X-ray computed micro-tomography were extensively used to measure soil properties at the micro-scale. In addition, unconfined compression tests and permeability tests were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of CSM also at the macro-scale. The capability of CSM to treat cohesive soils seems to be confirmed by the experimental investigation carried out so far, considering, particularly, the degree of mixture homogeneity achieved at the end of the mixing procedure, together with the growth of several hydration products in the cemented matrix.
Load-Settlement Behavior of Drilled Shafts in Multilayered Deposits of Soils and Intermediate Geomaterials
Authors: Gupta Ramesh Chandra
Published: July 2013

Using a hyperbolic model and curve-fitting techniques, curves of the nonlinear side resistance (fs) versus the ratio of shaft displacement to shaft diameter (Δ/d), measured in top-down static load tests on instrumented drilled shafts in multilayered deposits of soil and intermediate geomaterials (IGMs), have been analyzed to determine the values of shear modulus (G) and ultimate side friction (fsu). Values of G and fsu for each layer of soil and IGM so determined from load tests matched well with those determined from correlations. An iterative procedure based on hyperbolic curves of fs versus Δ/d derived using values of G and fsu determined either from correlations or from load tests was used to compute or back-calculate top-down load-settlement curves. The load-settlement curves determined via this procedure matched well with those measured from the top-down load tests both when the tip bears above a cavity or very soft soils and when the tip is bearing in a firm and dense IGM. It was found that an accurate axial load distribution and settlement profile along the length of a shaft can be determined via this procedure.
Recent Changes in the Internet Landscape
Authors: Uhlig Steve , Cuadrado Latasa Felix
Published: July 2013

The Internet is in a state of constant flux. This property of the Internet, that stems from the pressure from its continuously reinvented usage, makes it a lively environment, which must be re-assessed fundamentally from time to time. In this article, we review recent trends that have radically changed our perception of what the Internet is. Popular applications such as Youtube and Facebook have demonstrated the massive scale at which services can be delivered across the Internet. This has been possible only thanks to the massive deployment in content delivery infrastructures, leading to the rise of the Cloud paradigm. Recent studies from the research community have observed the consequences of this growth in the Internet infrastructure, through structural changes in the Internet topology and traffic patterns. The increasingly dynamic nature of Internet traffic patterns asks for improved capabilities to engineer traffic, that require a completely different level of programmability from the network. Software-defined networking is expected to fill this gap. Overall, the picture of the Internet that we draw in this article is the one of a very dynamic, challenging, and exciting playground.
Crowdsourcing and its Impact on Future Internet Usage
Authors: Tran-Gia Phuoc , Hoßfeld Tobias , Hartmann Matthias , Hirth Matthias
Published: July 2013

Crowdsourcing is an emerging service platform and business model in the Internet. In contrast to outsourcing where a job is performed by a designated contractor, with Crowdsourcing, jobs are outsourced to a large, anonymous crowd of workers, the so-called human cloud. The rise of Crowdsourcing and its seamless integration in current workflows may have a huge impact on the Internet and on society, and will be a guiding paradigm that can form the evolution of work in the years to come. In this article, we discuss applications and use cases of Crowdsourcing to demonstrate the impact on Internet usage. Novel measurement approaches are presented and the impact of Crowdsourcing on Internet traffic is evaluated by measuring the activity of a particular Crowdsourcing platform. New technical solutions are necessary for the operation of efficient, distributed Crowdsourcing platforms. Special attention is drawn to the integration of machine clouds and human crowds, and appropriate inter-cloud solutions. Finally, we discuss current research challenges from a scientific and from the platform provider´s point of view.
A Federated CloudNet Architecture: The PIP and the VNP Role
Authors: Grassler Johannes , Schaffrath Gregor , Schmid Stefan
Published: July 2013

We present a generic and flexible architecture to realize CloudNets: virtual networks connecting geographically distributed cloud resources (such as storage or CPU) with resource guarantees. Our architecture is federated and supports different (and maybe even competing) economical roles, by providing explicit negotiation and provisioning interfaces. Contract-based interactions and a resource description language that allows for aggregation and abstraction, preserve the different roles´ autonomy without sacrificing flexibility. Moreover, since our CloudNet architecture is plugin based, essentially all cloud operating systems (e. g., OpenStack) or link technologies (e. g., VLANs, OpenFlow, VPLS) can be used within the framework. This paper describes two roles in more detail: The Physical Infrastructure Providers (PIP) which own the substrate network and resources, and the Virtual Network Providers (VNP) which can act as resource and CloudNet brokers and resellers. Both roles are fully implemented in our wide-area prototype that spans remote sites and resources.
Ontology-based Application Integration on the User Interface Level
Authors: Paulheim Heiko
Published: July 2013

Application integration can be performed on three levels: the data source level, the business logic level, and the user interface level. Approaches of the latter kind include, e. g., portal and mashup solutions. Deeper integration offering rich interaction possibilities usually leads to strong dependencies between applications, and requires deep knowledge of those applications. To reduce such dependencies, ontologies have been proposed as an inter-lingua mediating between the applications. While there have been approaches for using ontologies for integration on the data source and business logic level, this dissertation is the first approach for ontologybased application integration on the user interface level. It discusses the development of suitable formal ontologies, the use of reasoning and rule-based event processing, as well as aspects such as performance and seamless cross-technological interaction.
Der Mythos Gregor und die Grundlegung der musica sacra im heiligen Buch
Authors: Bruggisser-Lanker Therese
Published: July 2013

Divine inspiration through the Holy Ghost is topical in the portraits of Gregory the Great: A dove brings him the divine words, which he writes himself or dictates to his deacon Petrus. Thus the charismatic Father of the Church became, like the Evangelists, a divinely inspired medium who transmitted the mandate of spreading the gospel and guaranteed the heavenly origin of the texts that were recited and sung in the liturgy. The preface ‘Gregorius presul’, which is to be found in variant forms introducing antiphonaries and cantatories, states that Gregory, the “powerful teacher” of church chant, composed the songbooks (composuit hunc libellum musicae artis), thereby sanctifying them. Scholars see in this preface a Carolingian strategy of legitimation based on this dynasty’s theocratic concept of power. Gregorian chant, the quintessence of medieval monophonic tradition, has his origins in the Frankish church adopting the “authentic” Roman rite, which was declared canonical liturgy in all churches of the Frankish empire because of Gregory’s authorship. But the consolidation of Gregory’s myth unintentionally legitimated the process of composition, too, because the connection between the concepts of authorship and inspiration justified the composer’s claim to the ministry of spreading the gospel and of attaining the highest knowledge.
Unheilige Bücher. Zur Implosion mythischen Erzählens in der ,Prosa Edda‘
Authors: Glauser Jürg
Published: July 2013

The so called ‘Prose Edda’ or ‘Snorra Edda’, usually dated to the third decade of the 13th century, contains after a short prologue two substantial sections dealing mainly with mythography and poetics and a long concluding skaldic poem. In the extant medieval manuscripts from around 1300 and the beginning of the 14th century, additional material like genealogies, grammatical treatises, etc. is included. The present paper focuses on one of the earliest of these manuscripts, codex DG 11 4to, University Library Uppsala, and analyses some central features of the specific way in which it presents different narrative layers. For the first time, this analysis combines a study of textual and visual aspects of the manuscript, and special attention is given to two of the many illustrations in this codex. Together with later scribal notes, the drawings contribute heavily to the process of framing, which is one of the main features of the ‘Prose Edda’. This process of creating potentially endless narrative and visual frames is part of the text‘s ambition to establish a distance to the traditional pagan myths and to facilitate new fictional possibilities.
Eine Bau- und Bittinschrift am Tempel von Luxor
Authors: Jansen-Winkeln Karl
Published: July 2013

Republication of an inscription on the outer wall of the forecourt of Amenophis III in the temple of Luxor. The first part of the text is a report on the building of a “Gold House” in the temple of Luxor in year 1 of Alexander the Great. In year 3 of Philip Arrhidaeus, the author of the inscription was promoted chief architect and had to build another Gold House in the temple of Karnak. The exact measures and the time it took to erect both buildings are indicated.

In the second part the author prays to Amun to grant him and his eldest son many years, and the priests and scribes of the temple are requested to protect his son.

The family of the author’s wife, mentioned in the inscription and known from several other sources, is discussed in conclusion.
Von der Vielfalt der ägyptischen Sprache in der griechisch-römischen Zeit
Authors: Quack Joachim Friedrich
Published: July 2013

In this article the discussion is continued, in answer to a position of Dieter Kurth, if it is justified to speak of a specific ‘Ptolemaic’ phase of Egyptian language. Current models of the development of written and spoken Egyptian are discussed and shown to be insufficient in view of the complexity of the actual attestations. In particular, it is not possible to postulate a simple binary opposition with a situation of ‘diglossia’. Rather, the full spectrum of different stages of the Egyptian language can turn up in texts attested in the later periods. A number of cases is brought forth in order to demonstrate that the Egyptian did not consider ‘classical’ Egyptian to be obligatory for religious compositions. Given that Egyptian temple inscriptions of the Graeco-Roman period are linguistically not homogenous, it is not possible to define ‘Ptolemaic’ as a specific phase of the language.
Sur la place d’Horus dans l’ennéade héliopolitaine
Authors: Tillier Anaïs
Published: July 2013

In the study of W. Barta about the ennead of Heliopolis, we note that Horus is often mentioned with the nine gods. This article focuses on various examples of the ennead considering the place of Horus in the enumeration of gods and his specific form. We distinguish three cases: 1) Horus between Isis and Nephthys; 2) Horus between Osiris and Seth (or Isis); 3) Horus after Nephthys, at the end of the ennead. In the first one, Horus replaces Seth, generally during the late period when Seth is banished. In the second case, the order of enumeration follows the one of epagomenal days. In the last one, Horus completes the ennead (Htm psD.t) as [R8-V20] “the tenth god”. The noted Horus forms are essentially Harsiesis, Haroeris, Horus of the Great-House (m Hw.t-aA.t), Horus of Pe (m P) or simply Horus. They are all involved in the osirian myth.
Agreement Domains and Resumption in Earlier Egyptian
Authors: Uljas Sami
Published: July 2013

The rule conditioning the use of resumptive pronouns in Earlier Egyptian relative clauses is shown to apply also in cases deemed questionable by the scholar who originally formulated it. According to this rule, omission of resumptive pronouns follows from locality with the agreement-carrying expression. It is shown that the latter should be understood in an extended sense to refer to the prosodic unit containing the agreement morphology rather than the mere ‘carrier’ alone. It is suggested that it is more precisely locality with this wider ‘agreement domain’ that determines whether or not a resumptive pronoun appears in the relative clause.
The Virtual Ecomap: A Diagrammatic Tool for Assessing the Digital World of Clients
Authors: Gustavsson Nora S. , MacEachron Ann E.
Published: July 2013

Most Americans access the virtual world through the Internet and computer-mediated communication. However, the digital divide, or disparities in access, remains a concern, as does digital literacy, or having the skills necessary for effective use of digital technology. Limited access or skills put clients at a disadvantage, such as restricted life opportunities and increased vulnerabilities. We identify challenges of access, skill, and risk that clients face regarding the virtual world. A virtual ecomap summarizes these challenges and interactions with the virtual world much as the ecomap does for the real world. The task for the social worker is to identify and overcome barriers to this technology, and guide and educate clients about technology use to locate resources, expand opportunities, strengthen support systems, and enhance well-being.
Peninsula Link: Australia's first availability public–private partnership highway
Authors: Gilbert Alex
Published: July 2013

The 27 km Peninsula Link in Melbourne, Australia completed a missing section of the city's freeway network in January 2013. It has nine grade-separated interchanges connecting into 11 existing roads and includes three freeway-to-freeway connections. Construction involved 45 separate bridge structures, 3 million m3 of earthworks, 1·5 million trees and shrubs – plus numerous sculptures and artworks. In a national first, the A$759 million (£500 million) project was delivered as an ‘availability public–private partnership’, enabling it to be delivered toll-free while making use of private-sector innovation in financing, construction and maintenance. It set a new national benchmark for its delivery model, design considerations and construction methods.
The importance of understanding computer analyses in civil engineering
Authors: Borthwick Alistair , Carpenter John , Clarke Barry , Falconer Roger , Wicks Jon
Published: July 2013

Sophisticated computer modelling systems are widely used in civil engineering analysis. This paper takes examples from structural engineering, environmental engineering, flood management and geotechnical engineering to illustrate the need for civil engineers to be competent in the use of computer tools. An understanding of a model's scientific basis, appropriateness, numerical limitations, validation, verification and propagation of uncertainty is required before applying its results. A review of education and training is also suggested to ensure engineers are competent at using computer modelling systems, particularly in the context of risk management. 1. Introduction
London Olympic Park underpass leads to better understanding of cast iron
Authors: Kirk Martin
Published: July 2013

Successful construction of an Olympic Park access beneath an old sewer bridge in north London revealed that cast iron can be much stronger than assumed from design codes. Intensive monitoring and assessment of the 150-year-old sewer barrels demonstrated the conservatism in allowable stress limits that are generally used for cast iron. By making positive adjustments to the bridge and refining construction methodology, safe construction of the access underpass was ensured without impairing the bridge's stability and strength.
New model set to revolutionise the design and development of reinforced-concrete structures
Authors: Oehlers Deric
Published: July 2013

A new mechanics-based model developed in Australia looks set to have a major effect on reinforced-concrete design and development. Deric Oehlers and Phillip Visintin of University of Adelaide, who won this year's Telford Premium for their work, report.
The new infrastructure procurement routemap: a global guide to improving delivery capability
Authors: Bower Denise
Published: July 2013

The UK government's unique new ‘infrastructure procurement routemap’ sets out best practice for sponsors, clients and supply chains on major infrastructure projects. Denise Bower of the University of Leeds and Alan Couzens of Infrastructure UK say it has the potential for worldwide application.
Timber-lattice bridges on railways in the UK: 1840–1870
Authors: Bill Nicholas
Published: July 2013

Timber-lattice bridges have become a forgotten piece of the UK's railway history. Yet these bridges represent a crucial step in the development of iron-lattice and iron-truss bridges. Moreover, these timber bridges also provide further evidence of early interactions between British, Irish and American engineers. This paper looks at the development of timber-lattice bridges in the UK, documenting the designs of individual engineers, their influences and design methods. It will demonstrate that British bridges differed from those of North America. Constructed before engineers had the means of accurately calculating loads acting within structural elements, members were frequently undersized. Consequently, most bridges performed poorly, especially under dynamic loading, resulting in most being altered post-construction. Despite their shortcomings, most bridges did survive long enough to make them financially viable and typically longer than many simplistic forms of timber bridges.
Disaster and success: design lessons from history
Authors: O'Dwyer Dermot W.
Published: July 2013

This paper discusses the pedagogical advantages of the structured inclusion of engineering history in undergraduate engineering programmes. The author argues that studying multiple case histories involving failure allows students to progress from learning particular lessons from individual disasters to identifying features common to many failures. Architectural students take modules on the history of architecture and construction as part of the development of their creative skills. This paper promotes the use of a range of historic engineering examples of successful design to encourage engineering students to recognise creativity as a key feature of good engineering design. It uses a wide range of historic engineering failures and successful engineering designs to show how such examples can be used in a structured way to promote responsible and creative design. The examples of failure range from the Tay Bridge disaster to the brittle fracture of the Liberty ships: examples of success range from Brunelleschi's scheme to construct the Dome of the Santa Maria del Fiore to Peter Rice of Arup's development of spherical shell elements to realise Utzon's concept for the roof of Sydney's opera house.
Acidic-resistant slag cement
Authors: Živica Vladimir , Krizma Martin
Published: July 2013

The growing threat to concrete structures by acidic attack is a worrying topic of increasing significance all over the world. The sources of acidic media are mainly natural and industrial waters, acidic rains and silage effluents. The acidic vulnerability of the cement-based materials is their universal alkalinity, which makes them ever-willing partners for the interaction with an acidic medium. Therefore, no material based on the current mineral binder can be acid resistant. Therefore, ensuring the desirable life service of concrete structures in acidic media represents a worldwide crucial problem. The result of acidity is a gradual decomposition of hydration cement products followed by degradation of mechanical properties of concrete. The objective of this paper is to study the acid resistance of slag cement activated by silica fume alkali activator. Based on the observation of changes in chemical composition, pore structure and mechanical properties of the test specimens, a significantly higher acidic resistance was found when a silica fume activator was applied compared to the current sodium hydroxide activator.
Nitrogen allocation to offspring and milk production in a capital breeder
Authors: Taillon Joëlle , Barboza Perry S. , Côté Steeve D.
Published: July 2013

Nitrogen (N) is a limiting nutrient for many herbivores, especially when plant availability and N content are low during the period of maternal investment, which is common for arctic ungulates. We used natural abundance of N isotopes to quantify allocation of maternal nitrogen to neonatal calves and milk in wild migratory caribou (Rangifer tarandus). We contrasted female–calf pairs from two herds in northern Quebec/Labrador, Canada: Rivière‐George herd (RG; low population size with heavy calves) and the Rivière‐aux‐Feuilles herd (RAF; high population size and small calves). We assessed whether females of both herds relied on body protein or dietary N to produce the neonatal calf and milk at calving and weaning. Female caribou of both herds relied mostly on body N for fetal development. RAF females allocated less body N to calves than did RG females (92% vs. 95% of calf N), which was consistent with the production of calves that were 8% smaller in RAF than in RG. Allocation of body N to milk was also high for both herds, similar at calving for RAF and RG females (88% vs. 91% of milk N, respectively), but lower in RAF than RG females (95% vs. 99% of milk N) at weaning, which was consistent with a small but significantly greater reliance on dietary N supplies to support milk production at weaning. Female caribou used body protein stores to ensure a constant supply of N for fetal growth and milk production that minimized the effects of trophic mismatches on reproduction. The combination of migration and capital investment may therefore allow females to produce calves and attenuate the effects of both temporal and spatial mismatches between vegetation green‐up and calf growth, which ultimately would reduce trophic feedbacks on population growth. Our data suggest that small changes in maternal allocation of proteins over the long period of gestation produce significant changes in calf mass as females respond to changes in resources that accompany changes in the size and distribution of the population.
Population‐level scaling of avian migration speed with body size and migration distance for powered fliers
Authors: La Sorte Frank A. , Fink Daniel , Hochachka Wesley M. , DeLong John P. , Kelling Steve
Published: July 2013

Optimal migration theory suggests specific scaling relationships between body size and migration speed for individual birds based on the minimization of time, energy, and risk. Here we test if the quantitative predictions originating from this theory can be detected when migration decisions are integrated across individuals. We estimated population‐level migration trajectories and daily migration speeds for the combined period 2007–2011 using the eBird data set. We considered 102 North American bird species that use flapping or powered flight during migration. Many species, especially in eastern North America, had looped migration trajectories that traced a clockwise path with an eastward shift during autumn migration. Population‐level migration speeds decelerated rapidly going into the breeding season, and accelerated more slowly during the transition to autumn migration. In accordance with time minimization predictions, spring migration speeds were faster than autumn migration speeds. In agreement with optimality predictions, migration speeds of powered flyers scaled negatively with body mass similarly during spring and autumn migration. Powered fliers with longer migration journeys also had faster migration speeds, a relationship that was more pronounced during spring migration. Our findings indicate that powered fliers employed a migration strategy that, when examined at the population level, was in compliance with optimality predictions. These results suggest that the integration of migration decisions across individuals does result in population‐level patterns that agree with theoretical expectations developed at the individual level, indicating a role for optimal migration theory in describing the mechanisms underlying broadscale patterns of avian migration for species that use powered flight.