bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFECTS OF CONTRARIAN INVESTOR TYPE IN ASSET PRICE DYNAMICS
Authors: KIRBY NATASHA , FOSTER ANDREW
Published: November 2009

We develop an asset pricing model based on the interaction of heterogeneous trading groups. In addition to the two main trader groups, fundamentalists and trend-chasing chartists, we include a third significant group known as contrarian chartists. We model the case of opportunistic contrarian behavior, where the contrarian group disagrees with the trend-chasing chartists only when the return differential is high. We also consider absolute contrarian behavior, in which the contrarians consistently disagree with trend-chasers. The models are nonlinear planar maps, exhibiting period doubling, Neimark–Sacker and global bifurcations leading to local chaotic behavior. Absolute contrarian behavior is found to have a moderating effect on price change, while opportunistic contrarian behavior is found to further complicate the price cycles present in other models.
RECURRENCE QUANTIFICATION ANALYSIS OF TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATIONS IN A HORIZONTAL ROUND HEATED TURBULENT JET
Authors: KARAKASIDIS T. E. , LIAKOPOULOS A. , FRAGKOU A. , PAPANICOLAOU P.
Published: November 2009

We present an analysis of temperature fluctuations in a horizontal round heated turbulent jet. Instantaneous temperature time series were recorded at several points along a horizontal line in the plane of symmetry of the jet. The time series are analyzed using Recurrence Quantification Analysis (RQA). The variation of characteristic RQA measures is associated with and interpreted via the transitions of the physical state of the fluid from the fully-turbulent flow near the jet centerline to the transitional flow near the boundary of the jet.
PERIODIC SOLUTIONS AND BIFURCATIONS OF FIRST-ORDER PERIODIC IMPULSIVE DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Authors: HU ZHAOPING , HAN MAOAN
Published: November 2009

In this paper, we use the method of displacement functions to study the existence, stability and bifurcation of periodic solutions of scalar periodic impulsive differential equations. We obtain some new and interesting results on saddle-node bifurcation and double-period bifurcation of periodic solution.
JUMP RESONANCE IN DRIVEN CHUA'S CIRCUIT
Authors: BUSCARINO ARTURO , FORTUNA LUIGI , FRASCA MATTIA
Published: November 2009

In this brief letter new results regarding the discovery of jump resonance in driven Chua's circuit are given. Moreover, a parametric diagram characterizing this phenomenon is reported.
GLOBAL STABILIZATION AND SYNCHRONIZATION OF N-SCROLL CHAOTIC ATTRACTORS IN A MODIFIED CHUA'S CIRCUIT WITH HYPERBOLIC TANGENT FUNCTION
Authors: XU FEI , YU PEI
Published: November 2009

In this paper, we study global stabilization and synchronization of n-scroll chaotic attractors for a modified Chua's circuit with hyperbolic tangent function using feedback control strategy. In particular, for any given equilibrium point of the modified Chua's circuit, we design simple and explicit controllers to globally exponentially stabilize the system. Simple controllers are also designed to globally exponentially synchronize two modified Chua's circuits. In addition to the theoretical analysis, numerical simulations are presented to illustrate the theoretical results.
MODE LOCKING IN A SPATIALLY EXTENDED NEURON MODEL: ACTIVE SOMA AND COMPARTMENTAL TREE
Authors: SVENSSON C.-M. , COOMBES S.
Published: November 2009

Understanding the mode-locked response of excitable systems to periodic forcing has important applications in neuroscience. For example, it is known that spatially extended place cells in the hippocampus are driven by the theta rhythm to generate a code conveying information about spatial location. Thus, it is important to explore the role of neuronal dendrites in generating the response to periodic current injection. In this paper we pursue this using a compartmental model, with linear dynamics for each compartment, coupled to an active soma model that generates action potentials. By working with the piecewise linear McKean model for the soma we show how the response of the whole neuron model (soma and dendrites) can be written in closed form. We exploit this to construct a stroboscopic map describing the response of the spatially extended model to periodic forcing. A linear stability analysis of this map, together with a careful treatment of the nondifferentiability of the soma model, allows us to construct the Arnol'd tongue structure for 1:q states (one action potential for q cycles of forcing). Importantly we show how the presence of quasi-active membrane in the dendrites can influence the shape of tongues. Direct numerical simulations confirm our theory and further indicate that resonant dendritic membrane can enlarge the windows in parameter space for chaotic behavior. These simulations also show that the spatially extended neuron model responds differently to global as opposed to point forcing. In the former case spatio-temporal patterns of activity within an Arnol'd tongue are standing waves, whilst in the latter they are traveling waves.
A NEW CNN-BASED CHAOTIC CIRCUIT: EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS
Authors: BUSCARINO A. , FORTUNA L. , FRASCA M.
Published: November 2009

In this note the dissipative form of the nonlinear oscillator proposed in [Pokrovskii et al., 2007] is introduced. The behavior of such system is investigated through an experimental implementation of the circuit realized using electronic devices. The proposed implementation of the dissipative nonlinear oscillator, based on Cellular Nonlinear Networks, is fully described and the characterization of the rich dynamical behavior of the circuit performed, disclosing the wide range of dynamical behaviors assumed with respect to different values of the forcing frequency. Moreover, a master–slave scheme has been proposed to synchronize two dissipative oscillators in the chaotic regime. The onset of synchronization is proved both theoretically and experimentally.
NONVARIATIONAL ISING–BLOCH TRANSITION IN PARAMETRICALLY DRIVEN SYSTEMS
Authors: CLERC MARCEL G. , COULIBALY SALIYA , LAROZE DAVID
Published: November 2009

Transition from motionless to moving domain walls connecting two uniform oscillatory equivalent states in both a magnetic wire forced with a transversal oscillating magnetic field and a parametrically driven damped pendula chain are studied. These domain walls are not contained in the conventional approach to these systems — parametrically driven damped nonlinear Schrödinger equation. By adding in this model higher order terms, we are able to explain these solutions and the transition between resting and moving walls. Based on amended amplitude equation, we deduced a set of ordinary differential equations which describes the nonvariational Ising–Bloch transition in unified manner.
VARIATIONAL FORMULATION FOR THE KPZ AND RELATED KINETIC EQUATIONS
Authors: WIO HORACIO S.
Published: November 2009

We present a variational formulation for the Kardar–Parisi–Zhang (KPZ) equation that leads to a thermodynamic-like potential for the KPZ as well as for other related kinetic equations. For the KPZ case, with the knowledge of such a potential we prove some global shift invariance properties previously conjectured by other authors. We also show a few results about the form of the stationary probability distribution function for arbitrary dimensions. The procedure used for KPZ was extended in order to derive more general forms of such a functional leading to other nonlinear kinetic equations, as well as cases with density dependent surface tension.
Detection of Myocardial Damage in Patients With Sarcoidosis
Authors: Patel Manesh R. , Cawley Peter J. , Heitner John F. , Klem Igor , Parker Michele A. , Jaroudi Wael A. , Meine Trip J. , White James B. , Elliott Michael D. , Kim Han W. , Judd Robert M. , Kim Raymond J.
Published: November 2009

Background—

In patients with sarcoidosis, sudden death is a leading cause of mortality, which may represent unrecognized cardiac involvement. Delayed-enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance (DE-CMR) can detect minute amounts of myocardial damage. We sought to compare DE-CMR with standard clinical evaluation for the identification of cardiac involvement.

Methods and Results—

Eighty-one consecutive patients with biopsy-proven extracardiac sarcoidosis were prospectively recruited for a parallel and masked comparison of cardiac involvement between (1) DE-CMR and (2) standard clinical evaluation with the use of consensus criteria (modified Japanese Ministry of Health [JMH] guidelines). Standard evaluation included 12-lead ECG and at least 1 dedicated non-CMR cardiac study (echocardiography, radionuclide scintigraphy, or cardiac catheterization). Patients were followed for 21±8 months for major adverse events (death, defibrillator shock, or pacemaker requirement). Patients were predominantly middle-aged (46±11 years), female (62%), and black (73%) and had chronic sarcoidosis (median, 7 years) and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (median, 56%). DE-CMR identified cardiac involvement in 21 patients (26%) and JMH criteria in 10 (12%, 8 overlapping), a >2-fold higher rate for DE-CMR (
P
=0.005). All patients with myocardial damage on DE-CMR had coronary disease excluded by x-ray angiography. Pathology evaluation in 15 patients (19%) identified 4 with cardiac sarcoidosis; all 4 were positive by DE-CMR, whereas 2 were JMH positive. On follow-up, 8 had adverse events, including 5 cardiac deaths. Patients with myocardial damage on DE-CMR had a 9-fold higher rate of adverse events and an 11.5-fold higher rate of cardiac death than patients without damage.

Conclusions—

In patients with sarcoidosis, DE-CMR is more than twice as sensitive for cardiac involvement as current consensus criteria. Myocardial damage detected by DE-CMR appears to be associated with future adverse events including cardiac death, but events were few, and this needs confirmation in a larger cohort.
Trajectories of Entering the Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Franco Oscar H. , Massaro Joseph M. , Civil Jacky , Cobain Mark R. , O'Malley Brendan , D'Agostino Ralph B.
Published: November 2009

Background—

We evaluated the progression of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components, the trajectories followed by individuals entering MetS, and the manner in which different trajectories predict cardiovascular disease and mortality.

Methods and Results—

Using data from 3078 participants from the Framingham Offspring Study (a cohort study) who attended examinations 4 (1987), 5 (1991), and 6 (1995), we evaluated the progression of MetS and its components. MetS was defined according to the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Using logistic regression, we evaluated the predictive ability of the presence of each component of the MetS on the subsequent development of MetS. Additionally, we examined the probability of developing cardiovascular disease or mortality (until 2007) by having specific combinations of 3 that diagnose MetS. The prevalence of MetS almost doubled in 10 years of follow-up. Hyperglycemia and central obesity experienced the highest increase. High blood pressure was most frequently present when a diagnosis of MetS occurred (77.3%), and the presence of central obesity conferred the highest risk of developing MetS (odds ratio, 4.75; 95% confidence interval, 3.78 to 5.98). Participants who entered the MetS having a combination of central obesity, high blood pressure, and hyperglycemia had a 2.36-fold (hazard ratio, 2.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.54 to 3.61) increase of incident cardiovascular events and a 3-fold (hazard ratio, 3.09, 95% confidence interval, 1.93 to 4.94) increased risk of mortality.

Conclusions—

Particular trajectories and combinations of factors on entering the MetS confer higher risks of incident cardiovascular disease and mortality in the general population and among those with MetS. Intense efforts are required to identify populations with these particular combinations and to provide them with adequate treatment at early stages of disease.
Role of Angiotensin II Type 1A Receptors in Cardiovascular Reactivity and Neuronal Activation After Aversive Stress in Mice
Authors: Davern Pamela J. , Chen Daian , Head Geoffrey A. , Chavez Carolina A. , Walther Thomas , Mayorov Dmitry N.
Published: November 2009

We determined whether genetic deficiency of angiotensin II Type 1A (AT
1A
) receptors in mice results in altered neuronal responsiveness and reduced cardiovascular reactivity to stress. Telemetry devices were used to measure mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and activity. Before stress, lower resting mean arterial pressure was recorded in AT
1A
−/−
(85±2 mm Hg) than in AT
1A
+/+
(112±2 mm Hg) mice; heart rate was not different between groups. Cage-switch stress for 90 minutes elevated blood pressure by +24±2 mm Hg in AT
1A
+/+
and +17±2 mm Hg in AT
1A
−/−
mice (
P
<0.01), and heart rate increased by +203±9 bpm in AT
1A
+/+
and +121±9 bpm in AT
1A
−/−
mice (
P
<0.001). Locomotor activation was less in AT
1A
−/−
(3.0±0.4 U) than in AT
1A
+/+
animals (6.0±0.4 U), but differences in blood pressure and heart rate persisted during nonactive periods. In contrast to wild-type mice, spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity was not inhibited by stress in AT
1A
−/−
mice. After cage-switch stress, c-Fos immunoreactivity was less in the paraventricular (
P
<0.001) and dorsomedial (
P
=0.001) nuclei of the hypothalamus and rostral ventrolateral medulla (
P
<0.001) in AT
1A
−/−
compared with AT
1A
+/+
mice. Conversely, greater c-Fos immunoreactivity was observed in the medial nucleus of the amygdala, caudal ventrolateral medulla, and nucleus of the solitary tract (
P
<0.001) of AT
1A
−/−
compared with AT
1A
+/+
mice. Greater activation of the amygdala suggests that AT
1A
receptors normally inhibit the degree of stress-induced anxiety, whereas the lesser activation of the hypothalamus and rostral ventrolateral medulla suggests that AT
1A
receptors play a key role in autonomic cardiovascular reactions to acute aversive stress, as well as for stress-induced inhibition of the baroreflex.
Spironolactone Attenuates Experimental Uremic Cardiomyopathy by Antagonizing Marinobufagenin
Authors: Tian Jiang , Shidyak Amjad , Periyasamy Sankaridrug M. , Haller Steven , Taleb Mohamed , El-Okdi Nasser , Elkareh Jihad , Gupta Shalini , Gohara Sabry , Fedorova Olga V. , Cooper Christopher J. , Xie Zijian , Malhotra Deepak , Bagrov Alexei Y. , Shapiro Joseph I.
Published: November 2009

Spironolactone has been noted to attenuate cardiac fibrosis. We have observed that the cardiotonic steroid marinobufagenin plays an important role in the diastolic dysfunction and cardiac fibrosis seen with experimental renal failure. We performed the following studies to determine whether and how spironolactone might ameliorate these changes. First, we studied rats subjected to partial nephrectomy or administration of exogenous marinobufagenin. We found that spironolactone (20 mg/kg per day) attenuated the diastolic dysfunction as assessed by ventricular pressure-volume loops and essentially eliminated cardiac fibrosis as assessed by trichrome staining and Western blot. Next, we examined the effects of spironolactone and its major metabolite, canrenone (both 100 nM), on marinobufagenin stimulation of rat cardiac fibroblasts. Both spironolactone and canrenone prevented the stimulation of collagen production by 1 nM marinobufagenin but not 100 nM marinobufagenin, as assessed by proline incorporation and procollagen 1 expression, as well as signaling through the sodium-potassium-ATPase, as evidenced by protein kinase C isoform δ translocation and extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 activation. Both spironolactone and canrenone also altered ouabain binding to cultured porcine cells in a manner consistent with competitive inhibition. Our data suggest that some of the antifibrotic effects of spironolactone may be attributed to antagonism of marinobufagenin signaling through the sodium-potassium-ATPase.
A Resistive Network Model for Conductive Knitting Stitches
Authors: Li Li  , Wai Man Au  , Kam Man Wan  , Sai Ho Wan  , Wai Yee Chung  , Kwok Shing Wong
Published: November 2009

Wearable electronic knitwear has recently been gaining the attention of both researchers and industrial sectors. Combining knitting technology with electronics may become a dominant trend in the future. There is a need to develop an analytical equation to model the complex resistive network for a given set of conductive stitches in order to meet the high demand for rapid prototype designing of smart knitwear. Currently, a matrix equation with high dimensionality must be solved, which is impractical and requires high computational power, retarding the growing demand for smart knitwear design with resistive routing paths. The routing network embedded into smart knitwear with conductive knitting stitches is a critical element for connecting different electronic devices, such as textile electrodes, sensors, and heaters. The knitting stitch made with conductive yarn is one of the essential building blocks for textile-based circuitry and controls the power distribution in the wearable electronic knitwear. Knitwear exhibits high flexibility and comfort, making it a good candidate for applications in sports, medicine, and other areas that incorporate electronic devices. Textile-based electronic circuits have become a key element in recent developments in intelligent textiles. Different manufacturing processes for textile-based electronic circuits have been reported, such as embroidery, weaving, printing, and coating. However, few studies have given an analytical equation and a systematic approach to obtaining the equivalent resistance of the conductive knitting stitch network. This paper describes work done to derive analytical equations to model a given resistive network of conductive knitting stitches, built with conductive yarn, and based on the common intarsia knitting and jersey knitting techniques. The experimental results revealed that the derived equations could accurately model the equivalent electrical resistance of conductive stitches of knitwear and could greatly simplify existing models.
Information as a Development Intervention: reforming the culture of information systems in Guatemala
Authors: Pérez-Brito Carlos
Published: November 2009

In Guatemala, where statistics and information systems do not yet play a central role in planning and decision-making processes, a USAID-funded project was initiated in 2007 to systematically collect data and information for the education component of the social sector. The project utilizes up-to-date business intelligence tools and software for gathering, storing, analyzing, and providing access to data. The primary outcome of the intervention has been the development of the National Integrated Information System, an online accessible platform that includes all information from the social sector (i.e. education, health, finance and population). The paper will discuss four primary factors that are considered crucial in successfully carrying out the management of information as a development intervention.
Using Latent Class Models to Explore Cross-national Typologies of Public Engagement with Science and Technology in Europe
Authors: Stares Sally
Published: November 2009

Public engagement with science and technology is a central theme in the field of Public Understanding of Science (PUS), particularly in Europe. Alongside public consultation exercises and similar activities aimed at generating engagement, there is a need for good survey indicators of the general climate for engagement with science and technology among the public. With internationally focused PUS studies increasing in prominence, such survey indicators should ideally characterise engagement in approximately the same way across a range of countries, to facilitate sensible cross-national analyses involving this construct.

This article presents cross-national analyses of two sets of questions posed in the Eurobarometer survey on public perceptions of biotechnology, conducted in 2002 in fifteen European countries. The items analysed capture a range of elements of the concept of engagement, both with science and technology, in general, and with biotechnology, in particular. Latent class models are used to explore typologies of types of engagement: substantively, to understand their content, and methodologically, to identify items which do not work well in these classifications. The analyses are also used to assess the statistical cross-national comparability of such typologies, and consequently to describe variations in levels of engagement across countries.
Enhancing Reflection Skills Through Learning Portfolios: An Empirical Test
Authors: Scott Susanne G.
Published: November 2009

This article reports the findings of an empirical study of the effectiveness of portfolios as learning tools in a sample of MBAs. The results showed that portfolio use was positively related to reflection, defined here as the conscious awareness and questioning of personal experience, a search for alternative explanations and interpretations, and identification of areas for improvement. The positive relationship between portfolio use and improved reflection remained significant irrespective of students’ entering GMAT, gender, work status, and age. But the strength of the relationship between portfolio use and reflection score declined with increasing GPA. Age, gender, GPA, and work status did influence students’ willingness to voluntarily participate in the portfolio program. The study provides one of the first systematic tests of the usefulness of portfolios as learning tools. Given the effort and cost of their implementation, this is an important contribution. The implications of the study for schools considering portfolio use are discussed and recommendations are offered for implementation.
Testing the Association Between Patient Safety Indicators and Hospital Structural Characteristics in VA and Nonfederal Hospitals
Authors: Rivard Peter E. , Elixhauser Anne , Christiansen Cindy L. , Shibei Zhao  , Rosen Amy K.
Published: October 2009

This study tested the association between hospital structural characteristics—teaching status, bedsize, and nurse staffing—and potentially preventable adverse events. The authors calculated 14 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Patient Safety Indicators (PSIs) and a PSI composite, using discharge databases from VA and nonfederal hospitals. This study compared the likelihood of PSI events in hospitals, controlling for structural and other characteristics, including patients’ case-mix. Additional controls were employed to account for differences in VA versus nonfederal patients and data. The study found some associations, most notably a positive (unfavorable) association between status as a major teaching hospital and six PSIs. However, for most PSIs, the authors found no association between the structural characteristics tested and likelihood of PSI events. The study’s findings extend previous research showing a lack of consistent relationship between structural characteristics and patient safety. However, the results also suggest continued need for examination of the relationship between teaching status and potentially preventable adverse events.
Trans-representation
Authors: Kaufmann Jodi
Published: October 2009

The article discusses a specific incidence that occurred during a study undertaken by the author that analyzed transsexual representation: “I made one of my participants cry. Jessie, a self-identified male-to-female transsexual, was dismayed after reading a completed study in which I examined the narrative construction of her gender. Wiping tears from her eyes, she said, “You have taken away the identity I have worked all my life to build . . . Who am I if you take this away?” I was pained, for my desire was to deconstruct gender, not erase her identity. Yet, Jessie appeared diminished, slumped in her chair, shoulders crumpled, and tears on her cheeks. How did I make such a mess?” In this article the author discusses four modes of transsexual representation that have emerged since the first recorded sex reassignment surgery in the 1920s to the present—hermaphroditic, sex—gender misalignment, queer, and material embodiment. The author then rereads Jessie’s narrative through these forms of representation in order to explore how each might function in emancipating gender from heteronormativity and Jessie from analytic erasure. The author concludes by rethinking the tension between Jessie and her narrative using Deleuze and Guattari’s idea of content and expression.
High-Performance Quantum Simulation for Coupled Josephson Junctions on the Earth Simulator: a Challenge To the Schrödinger Equation On 2564 Grids
Authors: Imamura Toshiyuki , Kano Takuma , Yamada Susumu , Okumura Masahiko , Machida Masahiko
Published: November 2009

In order to explore quantum dynamics of coupled Josephson junctions, we develop a program solving directly the time-dependent Schrödinger equation by diagonalizing the Hamiltonian matrix and obtaining its ground and multiple low-lying excitation states. The Schrödinger equation is defined on mn grids, in which m is the number of grid points discretized on a characteristic phase space of each junction and n is the number of coupled junctions. In this paper, the calculated maximum system is that m = 256 and n = 4, i.e. the number of degrees of freedom reaches 2564 (=4,294,967,296). We examine possible effective numerical schemes and make a parallel tuning to optimize the communication on the Earth Simulator. We sustain floating-point operation performance exceeding 20% of the peak on 512 nodes (4,096 PEs). From systematic calculations, we find a new concept that “quantum-assisted synchronization” occurs with downsizing the junction plane. This is a discovery adding a quantum flavor to the classical concept “synchronization”.
An Essay on Two Conceptions of Social Order
Authors: Rawls Anne Warfield
Published: November 2009

I argue that there is a deep parallel between problems that John Rawls (1955) argued had developed in moral philosophy as a result of not recognizing the difference between two conceptions of rules, and problems that have developed in sociology as a result of not recognizing that there are two conceptions of social order. That most philosophers and sociologists have not appreciated this problem does not weaken the importance of the argument. In fact, I think that the misunderstandings which have resulted from lack of attention to constitutive practices, with research and policy implications effecting social, legal and justice issues in modern society, strengthen the original argument considerably.
Rule-Following, Rule-Governance and Rule-Accord
Authors: Coulter Jeff
Published: November 2009

In this discussion, I describe my introduction to Rawls’ famous paper on rules and situate this in a broader intellectual context. I then attempt to locate its significance within developments in linguistics (especially in speech-act analysis) and also in ethnomethodology. My main idea is that Rawls’ concept of a ‘constitutive rule’ is in deep harmony with many of Wittgenstein’s insights into the same thematic.
Two Concepts of Attachment to Rules
Authors: Greiffenhagen Christian , Sharrock Wes
Published: November 2009

In this paper, we discuss some implications of John Rawls’ paper ‘Two Concepts of Rules’ (1955) for social science. We argue that Rawls’ notion of ‘practice’ is not a straightforward contribution to sociological theory, but rather re-orients the idea of what understanding social actions might be. We explicate how Rawls’ distinction between ‘summary’ and ‘practice’ views of rules might play out in approaching mathematical practice and mathematical expressions. We argue that social constructivists like Bloor hold on to a ‘summary’ conception of rules while Wittgenstein adopts the more radical ‘practice’ conception.
Reflections on ‘Two Concepts of Rules’
Authors: Manning Peter K.
Published: November 2009

Biographical materials are used to describe the influences of John Rawls’ paper ‘Two Concepts of Rules’ (1955) on my sociological work. The topics of my concern — the phenomenology of the interview, language games and their organizational context; police practices and information technologies as well as qualitative methods — were directly and indirectly shaped by reading the paper early in my career. While my work remains organizational, the importance of context on meaning and the resultant practices are the background that drives my research.
Rules and Details
Authors: Ogien Albert
Published: November 2009

This paper first recalls the way the distinction John Rawls introduced between ‘summary’ and ‘practice’ conceptions of rules was presented and taken up in French thought in the 1990s. Then, expanding on Rawls’ characterization of Wittgenstein’s considerations on rule following and discussing several criticisms it aroused, it comes to the conclusion that ‘rule’ is a notion that is inadequate to explain either social action or the way people justify what they have done. It thus argues that to account for the emergence of the mutual intelligibility enabling action in common to emerge and develop, one should dispense with the notion of rule and substitute the notion of detail of ordinary action for it. To support this claim, the paper takes on a question: what does a detail do? The answer it offers suggests that each detail of an ongoing action — when empirically identified in actual circumstances of interaction — should be conceived of as a building block of practical reasoning allowing for a sociological inquiry of a phenomenon: coordination of action, that is, the sequential activity which makes an action the kind of action it is.
Co-existence of risk and protective haplotypes of Calpain 10 gene to type 2 diabetes in the eastern Indian population
Authors: Adak Sangeeta , Sengupta Sanghamitra , Chowdhury Subhankar , Bhattacharyya Maitree
Published: October 2009

Linkage and association studies have detected a role for Calpain-10 (CAPN10) polymorphisms in susceptibility to T2DM in many populations. This study aimed to evaluate possible associations between three SNPs in the CAPN10 (UCSNPs -43, -19 and -63) gene and T2DM in the east Indian population. The distribution of genotype frequency of UCSNP-63 varied significantly between T2DM patients and controls under a dominant model. The uncommon (T) allele (OR = 3.74, 95% CI: 1.44-9.7) of the UCSNP-63 and haplotype 112 (OR = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.17-9.9) were associated with increased risk of T2DM. On the contrary, the most common haplotype 121 (OR = 0.70 95% CI: 0.50-0.99) was associated with a reduced risk for T2DM. In our population a novel 111/112-haplotype combination created by the CAPN10 UCSNP-43, -19 and —63 was associated with risk of T2DM. Haplotypes 112 and 121 with opposite genetic influences also co-exist in our population.
Becoming Pan-European?
Authors: Brüggemann Michael , Schulz-Forberg Hagen
Published: November 2009

/ Research about the European public sphere has so far mainly focused on the analysis of national media, neglecting a dimension of transnational communication, namely transnational media. These media could serve as horizontal links between the still nationally segmented public spheres and they could be platforms of a transnational European discourse. Four ideal-types of transnational media can be distinguished: (1) national media with a transnational mission , (2) international media, (3) pan-regional media and (4) global media. Within this framework the article analyses transnational media in Europe, showing that a multitude of transnational media have developed in Europe. They have acquired a small but growing and influential audience. Whether transnational media fulfil the normative demands related to the concept of a transnational public sphere remains an open question as some of these media heavily depend on government subsidies and there is a clear lack of research on the European discourses represented in these media.
The traditional diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases: a description from Avicenna’s Canon of Medicine
Authors: Hashemi Seyyed Mehdi , Raza Mohsin
Published: October 2009

This article presents selected text on respiratory medicine from the famous book of medicine, Al-Qanun fi al-Tibb (the Canon of Medicine) by Avicenna (981—1037 AD), which was taught for 600 years as a standard text of medicine across medieval Europe. The authentic manuscript of the Canon of Medicine is located in the Central Library of the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, and the section on respiratory diseases was studied for the most relevant information — information that would be informative and interesting for present day physicians and pulmonologists. The results of the analysis are presented in the article. Respiratory diseases are discussed in depth in volume 3 of the Canon of Medicine. Avicenna discusses in detail the functional anatomy and physiopathology of the pulmonary diseases that were known in his time. He also describes the signs and symptoms of various respiratory diseases and conditions in the five chapters of volume 3 (breathing, voice, cough and hemoptysis, internal wounds and inflammations and principles of treatments) that are remarkably similar to those of modern pulmonary medicine. In addition, the herbal and nonherbal treatment of respiratory diseases and their signs and symptoms, mentioned in volume 2 of the Canon of Medicine, is also presented. In the time of Avicenna, the presentation of respiratory diseases, their treatment and their prognosis was much different than in modern times. There was more reliance on history, physical examination (which was mostly based on visual observation), individual variation, environmental factors, diet, and so on, for diagnosis and treatment. Nevertheless, going through a popular historic text such as the Canon of Medicine adds to our knowledge of the developments in the area of respiratory medicine at the time of Avicenna.
Special Segment: Soft Tissue Matrices—Apligraf Bilayered Skin Substitute to Augment Healing of Chronic Wounds in Diabetic Patients
Authors: DeCarbo William T.
Published: November 2009

Chronic wounds are wounds that fail to heal or fail to progress to healing within an appropriate time frame. Standard wound care consists of debridement of all nonviable tissue, off-loading, and maintaining a moist environment, typically with saline-moistened gauze. Infection control, blood flow, and nutrition also play pivotal roles in wound healing. Bioengineered tissue, Apligraf, has been shown to be both efficacious and safe when used in chronic wounds. Apligraf delivers growth factors and cytokines to the wound environment to help complete closure and decrease healing time.
Gene expression classifiers for relapse-free survival and minimal residual disease improve risk classification and outcome prediction in pediatric B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Kang Huining , Chen I.-Ming , Wilson Carla S. , Bedrick Edward J. , Harvey Richard C. , Atlas Susan R. , Devidas Meenakshi , Mullighan Charles G. , Wang Xuefei , Murphy Maurice , Ar Kerem , Wharton Walker , Borowitz Michael J. , Bowman W. Paul , Bhojwani Deepa , Carroll William L. , Camitta Bruce M. , Reaman Gregory H. , Smith Malcolm A. , Downing James R. , Hunger Stephen P. , Willman Cheryl L.
Published: October 2009

To determine whether gene expression profiling could improve outcome prediction in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at high risk for relapse, we profiled pretreatment leukemic cells in 207 uniformly treated children with high-risk B-precursor ALL. A 38-gene expression classifier predictive of relapse-free survival (RFS) could distinguish 2 groups with differing relapse risks: low (4-year RFS, 81%, n = 109) versus high (4-year RFS, 50%, n = 98; P < .001). In multivariate analysis, the gene expression classifier (P = .001) and flow cytometric measures of minimal residual disease (MRD; P = .001) each provided independent prognostic information. Together, they could be used to classify children with high-risk ALL into low- (87% RFS), intermediate- (62% RFS), or high- (29% RFS) risk groups (P < .001). A 21-gene expression classifier predictive of end-induction MRD effectively substituted for flow MRD, yielding a combined classifier that could distinguish these 3 risk groups at diagnosis (P < .001). These classifiers were further validated on an independent high-risk ALL cohort (P = .006) and retainedindependent prognostic significance (P < .001) in the presence of other recently described poor prognostic factors (IKAROS/IKZF1 deletions, JAK mutations, and kinase expression signatures). Thus, gene expression classifiers improve ALL risk classification and allow prospective identification of children who respond or fail current treatment regimens. These trials were registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov under NCT00005603.
Ubiquitination and degradation of the thrombopoietin receptor c-Mpl
Authors: Saur Sebastian J. , Sangkhae Veena , Geddis Amy E. , Kaushansky Kenneth , Hitchcock Ian S.
Published: October 2009

Regulation of growth factor and cytokine signaling is essential for maintaining physiologic numbers of circulating hematopoietic cells. Thrombopoietin (Tpo), acting through its receptor c-Mpl, is required for hematopoietic stem cell maintenance and megakaryopoiesis. Therefore, the negative regulation of Tpo signaling is critical in many aspects of hematopoiesis. In this study, we determine the mechanisms of c-Mpl degradation in the negative regulation of Tpo signaling. We found that, after Tpo stimulation, c-Mpl is degraded by both the lysosomal and proteasomal pathways and c-Mpl is rapidly ubiquitinated. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we were able to determine that c-Mpl is ubiquitinated on both of its intracellular lysine (K) residues (K553 and K573). By mutating these residues to arginine, ubiquitination and degradation were significantly reduced and caused hyperproliferation in cell lines expressing these mutated receptors. Using short interfering RNA and dominant negative overexpression, we also found that c-Cbl, which is activated by Tpo, acts as an E3 ubiquitin ligase in the ubiquitination of c-Mpl. Our findings identify a previously unknown negative regulatory pathway for Tpo signaling that may significantly impact our understanding of the mechanisms affecting the growth and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells and megakaryocytes.
A prototype nonpeptidyl, hydrazone class, thrombopoietin receptor agonist, SB-559457, is toxic to primary human myeloid leukemia cells
Authors: Kalota Anna , Gewirtz Alan M.
Published: October 2009

Biologic characterization of SB-559457 (SB), a nonpeptidyl hydrazone class of thrombopoietin receptor (Mpl) agonist, revealed toxicity toward human leukemia cells. Antiproliferative effects followed by significant, nonapoptotic, cell death within 72 hours occurred in 24 of 26 acute myeloid leukemia, 0 of 6 acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and 3 of 6 chronic myeloid leukemia patient samples exposed to SB, but not recombinant human thrombopoietin (rhTpo), in liquid suspension culture. Further investigation revealed increased phosphorylation of p70S6/S6 kinases in SB-, but not in rhTpo-, treated cells. Expression profiling of cells exposed to SB versus rhTpo revealed statistically significant, more than 2-fold changes in GAPDH and REDD1 gene expression, confirmed by quantitative reverse-transcribed polymerase chain reaction. These genes, induced in energy or hypoxia stressed cells, have been implicated in cell death pathways, and may provide important clues to the mechanism of SB-induced, leukemic cell death. These results suggest that nonpeptidyl, hydrazone class Mpl agonists may be clinically useful antileukemic agents by virtue of their combined thrombopoietic and antileukemic effects.
Bortezomib and high-dose melphalan as conditioning regimen before autologous stem cell transplantation in patients with de novo multiple myeloma: a phase 2 study of the Intergroupe Francophone du Myélome (IFM)
Authors: Roussel Murielle , Moreau Philippe , Huynh Anne , Mary Jean-Yves , Danho Clotaire , Caillot Denis , Hulin Cyrille , Fruchart Christophe , Marit Gérald , Pégourié Brigitte , Lenain Pascal , Araujo Carla , Kolb Brigitte , Randriamalala Edouard , Royer Bruno , Stoppa Anne-Marie , Dib Mammoun , Dorvaux Véronique , Garderet Laurent , Mathiot Claire , Avet-Loiseau Hervé , Harousseau Jean-Luc , Attal Michel ,   for the Intergroupe Francophone du Myélome (IFM)
Published: November 2009

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is recommended for younger patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Achieving complete response (CR) or at least very good partial response (VGPR) is a major prognostic factor for survival with 20% to 30% of patients achieving CR after ASCT. Bortezomib has shown synergistic effects with melphalan and no prolonged hematologic toxicity. In this Intergroupe Francophone du Myélome (IFM) phase 2 study, 54 untreated patients were enrolled between July and December 2007 to receive bortezomib (1 mg/m2 × 4) and melphalan (200 mg/m2) as conditioning regimen (Bor-HDM). Overall, 70% of patients achieved at least VGPR, including 17 patients with CR (32%) after ASCT. No toxic deaths were observed. Bortezomib did not increase hematologic toxicity. Only 1 grade 3 to 4 peripheral neuropathy was reported. A matched control analysis was conducted comparing our cohort with patients from the IFM 2005-01 trial (HDM alone). Patients were matched for response to induction therapy and type of induction: CR was higher in the Bor-HDM group (35% vs 11%; P = .001), regardless of induction therapy. These results suggest that Bor-HDM is a safe and promising conditioning regimen. Randomized studies are needed to assess whether this conditioning regimen is superior to HDM alone. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00642395.
Diagnosis and management of acute myeloid leukemia in adults: recommendations from an international expert panel, on behalf of the European LeukemiaNet
Authors: Döhner Hartmut , Estey Elihu H. , Amadori Sergio , Appelbaum Frederick R. , Büchner Thomas , Burnett Alan K. , Dombret Hervé , Fenaux Pierre , Grimwade David , Larson Richard A. , Lo-Coco Francesco , Naoe Tomoki , Niederwieser Dietger , Ossenkoppele Gert J. , Sanz Miguel A. , Sierra Jorge , Tallman Martin S. , Löwenberg Bob , Bloomfield Clara D.
Published: October 2009

In 2003, an international working group last reported on recommendations for diagnosis, response assessment, and treatment outcomes in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Since that time, considerable progress has been made in elucidating the molecular pathogenesis of the disease that has resulted in the identification of new diagnostic and prognostic markers. Furthermore, therapies are now being developed that target disease-associated molecular defects. Recent developments prompted an international expert panel to provide updated evidence- and expert opinion–based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of AML, that contain both minimal requirements for general practice as well as standards for clinical trials. A new standardized reporting system for correlation of cytogenetic and molecular genetic data with clinical data is proposed.
HER/ErbB receptor interactions and signaling patterns in human mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Zhang Yi , Opresko Lee , Shankaran Harish , Chrisler William B , Wiley H Steven , Resat Haluk
Published: October 2009

Background

Knowledge about signaling pathways is typically compiled based on data gathered using different cell lines. This approach implicitly assumes that the cell line dependence is not important. However, different cell lines do not always respond to a particular stimulus in the same way, and lack of coherent data collected from closely related cellular systems can be detrimental to the efforts to understand the regulation of biological processes. To address this issue, we created a clone library of human mammary epithelial (HME) cells that expresses different levels of HER2 and HER3 receptors in combination with endogenous EGFR/HER1. Using our clone library, we have quantified the receptor activation patterns and systematically tested the validity of the existing hypotheses about the interaction patterns between HER1-3 receptors.

Results

Our study identified HER2 as the dominant dimerization partner for both EGFR and HER3. Contrary to earlier suggestions, we find that lateral interactions with HER2 do not lead to strong transactivation between EGFR and HER3, i.e., EGFR activation and HER3 activation are only weakly linked in HME cells. We also find that observed weak transactivation is uni-directional where stimulation of EGFR leads to HER3 activation whereas HER3 stimulation does not activate the EGFR. Repeating our experiments at lower cell confluency established that cell confluency is not a major factor in the observed interaction patterns. We have also quantified the dependence of the kinetics of Erk and Akt activation on different HER receptors. We found that HER3 signaling makes the strongest contribution to Akt activation and that, stimulation of either EGFR or HER3 leads to significant Erk activation.

Conclusion

Our study shows that clone cell libraries can be a powerful resource in systems biology research by making it possible to differentiate between various hypotheses in a consistent cellular background. Using our constructed clone library we profiled the cell signaling patterns to establish the role of HER2 in the crosstalk between EGFR and HER3 receptors in HME cells. Our results for HME cells show that the weak linkage between EGFR and HER3 pathways can lead to distinct downstream cellular signaling patterns in response to the ligands of these two receptors.
Topological analysis of a haloacid permease of a Burkholderi a sp. bacterium with a PhoA-LacZ reporter
Authors: Tse Yuk Man , Yu Manda , Tsang Jimmy SH
Published: October 2009

Background

2-Haloacids can be found in the natural environment as degradative products of natural and synthetic halogenated compounds. They can also be generated by disinfection of water and have been shown to be mutagenic and to inhibit glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity. We have recently identified a novel haloacid permease Deh4p from a bromoacetate-degrading bacterium Burkholderia sp. MBA4. Comparative analyses suggested that Deh4p is a member of the Major Facilitator Superfamily (MFS), which includes thousands of membrane transporter proteins. Members of the MFS usually possess twelve putative transmembrane segments (TMS). Deh4p was predicted to have twelve TMS. In this study we characterized the topology of Deh4p with a PhoA-LacZ dual reporters system.

Results

Thirty-six Deh4p-reporter recombinants were constructed and expressed in E. coli. Both PhoA and LacZ activities were determined in these cells. Strength indices were calculated to determine the locations of the reporters. The results mainly agree with the predicted model. However, two of the TMS were not verified. This lack of confirmation of the TMS, using a reporter, has been reported previously. Further comparative analysis of Deh4p has assigned it to the Metabolite:H+ Symporter (MHS) 2.A.1.6 family with twelve TMS. Deh4p exhibits many common features of the MHS family proteins. Deh4p is apparently a member of the MFS but with some atypical features.

Conclusion

The PhoA-LacZ reporter system is convenient for analysis of the topology of membrane proteins. However, due to the limitation of the biological system, verification of some of the TMS of the protein was not successful. The present study also makes use of bioinformatic analysis to verify that the haloacid permease Deh4p of Burkholderia sp. MBA4 is a MFS protein but with atypical features.