bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Actuation of fluidic flexible matrix composites in structural media
Authors: Zhu Bin , Rahn Christopher D , Bakis Charles E
Published: November 2011

Fluidic flexible matrix composite (F2MC) tubes have been shown to provide actuation and stiffness change in applications that require isolated tubes or multiple tubes embedded in a soft matrix. Structural applications often require stiff and strong composites, however, so this article addresses the actuation performance of F2MC tubes embedded in structural media. Two analytical models are developed based on Lekhnitskii’s solutions for a homogeneous orthotropic cylinder with axial force and pressure loading. These unit cell models are cylindrical and bilayer with the inner layer being a thick-walled F2MC tube and the outer layer representing the surrounding rigid composite and are composed of either homogeneous epoxy or a second FMC layer made with stiffer matrix material. The models are validated using ABAQUS. Free strain and blocked force are calculated for a variety of unit cell designs. The analytical results show that actuation performance is generally reduced compared to that of an isolated F2MC tube due to the radial and longitudinal constraints imposed by the surrounding structural medium. The free strain is generally two orders of magnitude smaller for an F2MC tube in structural media, requiring higher actuation pressures for bilayer F2MC structures. The blocking force of F2MC in either epoxy or composite is roughly an order of magnitude smaller than that of an isolated F2MC tube. The analysis shows a great degree of tailorability in actuation properties, so that the F2MC tube can be designed to minimize these differences. Higher actuation performance is achieved, for example, with a thick-walled F2MC tube, as opposed to the thin wall that maximizes performance in an isolated F2MC tube.
The effect of compatibility of suspension particles with the oil medium on electrorheological efficiency
Authors: Stenicka Martin , Pavlinek Vladimir , Saha Petr , Blinova Natalia V , Stejskal Jaroslav , Quadrat Otakar
Published: November 2011

The compatibility of solid phase–liquid medium appears to be an important factor for controlling the electrorheological (ER) efficiency of ER fluids. Controlled protonation of polyaniline particles with perfluorooctanesulfonic, tartaric, or sulphamic acid provides particles in a broad range of hydrophobicity as a suitable model to study this phenomenon. The relation between organization of such particles in silicone oil suspensions in on/off electric field at rest and during flow at various volume concentrations was demonstrated.
Social Contexts of Risk Behaviors for HIV Among Male, Unskilled, Unregistered Laborers in Urban Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Van Huy , Dunne Michael P. , Debattista Joseph , Nguyen Tran Hien , Dao Thi Minh An
Published: November 2011

In Vietnam there has been relatively little success in controlling the HIV epidemic, in part because the subpopulations most exposed to the virus are often difficult to engage in prevention research and programs. In this qualitative study we explored social contexts shaping HIV risk behaviors among Vietnamese men involved in unskilled, unregistered, and low-income labor in urban settings. Based on self-disclosed behaviors, it is clear that these men were at high risk of sexually transmitted infection (STI). Evidence emerged from the interview data highlighting equivalent influences of individual psychological factors, social integration, social barriers, and accessibility regarding drug use and sexual risk behavior. Psychological influences such as tedium, distress, fatalism and revenge, and the strong effects of collective decision making and fear of social isolation appeared important for these men living on the economic and social margins of this rapidly urbanizing society. The study findings suggest directions for research and culturally appropriate HIV preventive education and services for these men.
An Interview With Drs. Russ Haber and Karen Cooper-Haber
Authors: Sturm Debbie C. , Lewis Jennifer
Published: November 2011

In this interview, Drs. Russell Haber and Karen Cooper-Haber talk about their 30-year relationship with the field of marriage and family therapy, their significant moments and relationships in the profession, their hopes for future counselors, and their own evolution. Karen is a dynamic force filled with seemingly endless energy, creative ideas, and an immeasurable faith and love in those with whom she interacts. Although Russell seems more reserved, a look past the surface reveals an equally powerful and passionate force, committed to the profession, to creative and intentional use of theory, and to challenging students, professionals, families, and self. Together they are a perfectly balanced pair who have invested decades together into strengthening the field of marriage and family therapy in South Carolina and have shared their friendship with leaders such as Virginia Satir, Carl Whitaker, Salvador Minuchin, and so many others in order to strengthen the community of therapists in the southeast.
The Incidence of the Mortgage Interest Deduction: Evidence from the Market for Home Purchase Loans
Authors: Hanson Andrew
Published: November 2011

This article examines the incidence of the largest housing-related subsidy in the federal budget, the home mortgage interest deduction (MID). The author uses the difference in interest rates for loans made around the MID limit to identify the incidence of the subsidy. Using data on individual mortgages originated in 2004, the author estimates that for every $1,000 borrowed without the MID, the interest rate on the entire loan decreases by between 3.3 and 4.4 percent. Results suggest that lenders capture between 9 and 17 percent of the subsidy created by the home MID through higher mortgage interest rates.
Tax Incentives for Homeownership and the Provision of Local Public Services
Authors: Edmiston Kelly D. , Spong Kenneth
Published: November 2011

There is a substantial literature that assesses the distributional impact of the mortgage interest and state and local property tax deductions and the disparate incentives for buying a home across income groups, but virtually no work exists that evaluates the secondary effect on the provision of local public services. In this paper we evaluate the impact that disparate homeowner tax subsidies have on the provision of local public services, specifically, schools. Performing a path analysis, we find that a 100 percent increase in the average homeowner tax subsidy yields a ten percent increase in local public school spending per student.
Lost in translation? The role of language in migrants’ biographies: What can micro-sociologists learn from Eva Hoffman?
Authors: Lutz Helma
Published: November 2011

In her famous memoir Lost in Translation (1989), the journalist and psychoanalyst Eva Hoffman describes her childhood metamorphosis from a Polish into a North American girl by reconstructing her experience with learning a new language. She equates this with loss and acquisition of identities. This article focuses on Hoffman’s interest in language as an identity issue since this is a highly relevant theme for migration researchers, particularly for those working with narrative material. The article explores the role of language in biographical interviews with migrants and discusses language use as an instrument for data collection. It argues that we need to ensure a sensitive and vigilant handling of language in the interview setting, which takes into consideration context, coding, articulation and hybridity. The final part raises questions about the ways in which gender comes into play in migrants’ narratives.
Libido sciendi translated into libido amorandi in gyneconomies
Authors: Milutinović Bojanić Sanja
Published: November 2011

The text aims to explore one peculiar practice of translation manifested in the transformation of passion for knowledge into passion for life. More precisely, the issue at stake is the modification of libido sciendi (known also as Faust’s quest), which occurred during the 20th century, notably in writings inspired by ‘DS’, the shorthand Hélène Cixous uses to refer to ‘sexual difference/différence sexuelle’. The Latin words in the title serve as markers in interpreting politics/poetics of writing, which actively include forms of expression that belong to different disciplines such as philosophy, psychoanalysis and above all, literature. Special attention is paid to Cixous’s early text, Révolutions pour plus d’un Faust, written in 1975, and its attempt to transform/translate energies of destruction into life-respecting creativity.
Who are you, who are we in A Room of One’s Own? The difference that sexual difference makes in Borges’ and Rivera-Garretas’s translations of Virginia Woolf’s essay
Authors: Bengoechea Mercedes
Published: November 2011

In this article, the author compares two Spanish translations of Virginia Woolf’s A Room of One’s Own. Taking into account that Spanish is a language in which words referring to human beings have a feminine and a masculine form, and grammatical gender corresponds to sex, all translators must interrogate the sex of the referent in order to translate gendered words. They are thus compelled to assign sex to genderless forms in the source text. Patriarchal translation has a long tradition of devaluing and excluding the feminine in this process, as the author demonstrates here by revealing how Jorge Luis Borges translated the pronouns you and we in Woolf’s essay. In contrast, in her feminist translation of the essay, María Milagros Rivera-Garretas not only chooses the gender which most accurately represents the likely intended meaning of the source text, but recovers its message and legacy.
Subjects through translation
Authors: Tatman Lucy
Published: November 2011

A phenomenological account of an extended encounter with feminist theory in translation, the entirety of ‘Subjects through translation’ is best condensed in these three lines from the poet Adrienne Rich: it will be short, it will not be simple // You are coming into us who cannot withstand you // you are taking parts of us into places never planned. What is it like to read text after text in translation? How do familiar words become so strange? How to express the dizziness, the blurring, the sharp and sometimes painful dislocations of meaning, sense? Thoughts dislodged from their usual paths begin to wander, to wonder anew. Subjects are changed.
Towards a Babel ontology
Authors: Bal Mieke , Gamaker Michelle Williams
Published: November 2011

This article presents a few issues in the making of our film A Long History of Madness that pertain to the ‘Babylonic’. Spoken in 12 languages, ranging across six centuries, and shot in five countries, the film possesses an inherent Babylonism. It makes a case for a multilingual mode of communicating. Yet, beyond the obvious need for verbal communication, for which subtitles are necessary but insufficient, the film presents other reasons for extending the concept of translation. The knot of potential confusion and the need for ‘translation’ are the ontological uncertainties surrounding ‘madness’ itself. The key questions are: are people mad? Do they perform madness, or do others perceive them as mad because they are too dissimilar from them to be accepted as ‘normal’? This fundamental uncertainty affects all forms of alterity. Translation becomes, then, a tool to negotiate alterity under the terms of the acceptance of this ontological uncertainty.
Early emergence of syntactic awareness and cross-linguistic influence in bilingual children’s judgments
Authors: Foursha-Stevenson Cassandra , Nicoladis Elena
Published: November 2011

Bilingual children sometimes perform better than same-aged monolingual children on metalinguistic awareness tasks, such as a grammaticality judgment. Some of these differences can be attributed to bilinguals having to learn to control attention to language choice. This study tested the hypothesis that bilingual children, as young as preschool age, would score overall higher than monolingual children on a grammaticality judgment test. French–English bilingual preschoolers judged the acceptability of three constructions in French and English (i.e. adjective–noun ordering, obligatoriness of a determiner, and object pronoun placement). Their performance was compared with that of a group of age-matched English monolinguals. The results showed that the bilingual children scored higher than the monolingual children. These results demonstrate that syntactic awareness develops quite early for bilinguals. Additionally, the bilingual children demonstrated cross-linguistic influence of core syntactic structure in French, as their judgments were affected by English acceptability.
Pathways into adult homelessness
Authors: Chamberlain Chris , Johnson Guy
Published: November 2011

This article uses information from a large administrative database ( N = 3941) to outline five ideal typical pathways into adult homelessness. The pathways are called ‘housing crisis’, ‘family breakdown’, ‘substance abuse’, ‘mental health’ and ‘youth to adult’. Then we explain why people on some pathways remain homeless for longer than others. People on a housing crisis or family breakdown pathway do not form strong friendships in the homeless subculture or accept homelessness as a way of life. Their homelessness is shorter. In contrast, people on the substance abuse and youth to adult pathways often become involved in the homeless subculture and engage in social practices that make it difficult to exit from homelessness. Their homelessness is longer. People on the mental health pathway also experience long-term homelessness, but they do not endorse homelessness as a way of life. They remain homeless because they have few exit options.
Online time-sequence incremental and decremental least squares support vector machines for engine air-ratio prediction
Authors: Wong P-K , Wong H-C , Vong C-M
Published: November 2011

Fuel efficiency and pollution reduction relate closely to air-ratio (i.e. lambda) control among all the engine control variables. Lambda indicates the amount that the actual available air-fuel ratio mixture differs from the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio of the fuel being used. Accurate lambda prediction is essential for effective lambda control. This paper employs an emerging online time-sequence incremental algorithm and proposes one novel online time-sequence decremental algorithm based on least squares support vector machines (LS-SVMs) to continually update the built LS-SVM lambda function whenever a sample is added to, or removed from, the training dataset. Moreover, the online time-sequence algorithm can also significantly shorten the function updating time as compared with function retraining from scratch. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of this pair of online time-sequence algorithms, three lambda time series obtained from experiments under different operating conditions are employed. The prediction results of the online time-sequence algorithms over unseen cases are compared with those under classical LS-SVMs, typical decremental LS-SVMs, and neural networks. Experimental results show that the online time-sequence incremental and decremental LS-SVMs are superior to the other three typical methods.
Social-ecological resilience: Insights and issues for planning theory
Authors: Wilkinson Cathy
Published: November 2011

With its origins in systems ecology and emerging interest in the inter-disciplinary examination of the governance of linked social-ecological systems, social-ecological resilience offers a field of scholarship of particular relevance for planning at a time when global ecological challenges require urgent attention. This article explores what new conceptual ground social-ecological resilience offers planning theory. I argue that at a time when planning theorists are calling for more attention to matters of substance alongside matters of process, social-ecological resilience provides a timely contribution, particularly given the minimal attention in planning theory scholarship to environmental and ecological considerations as a driving concern.
Translating Evidence-Based Interventions Into Practice
Authors: Viswanathan Meera , Lux Linda , Lohr Kathleen N. , Evans Tammeka Swinson , Rojas Smith Lucia , Woodell Carol , Mansfield Carol , Darcy Niamh , Ohadike Yvonne U. , Lesch Julie Kennedy , Malveaux Floyd J.
Published: November 2011

Pediatric asthma is a multifactorial disease, requiring complex, interrelated interventions addressing children, families, schools, and communities. The Merck Childhood Asthma Network, Inc. (MCAN) is a nonprofit organization that provides support to translate evidence-based interventions from research to practice. MCAN developed the rationale and vision for the program through a phased approach, including an extensive literature review, stakeholder engagement, and evaluation of funding gaps. The analysis pointed to the need to identify pediatric asthma interventions implemented in urban U.S. settings that have demonstrated efficacy and materials for replication and to translate the interventions into wider practice. In addition to this overall MCAN objective, specific goals included service and system integration through linkages among health care providers, schools, community-based organizations, patients, parents, and other caregivers. MCAN selected sites based on demonstrated ability to implement effective interventions and to address multiple contexts of pediatric asthma prevention and management. Selected MCAN program sites were mature institutions or organizations with significant infrastructure, existing funding, and the ability to provide services without requiring a lengthy planning period. Program sites were located in communities with high asthma morbidity and intended to integrate new elements into existing programs to create comprehensive care approaches.
Cross-Site Evaluation of a Comprehensive Pediatric Asthma Project
Authors: Viswanathan Meera , Mansfield Carol , Rojas Smith Lucia , Woodell Carol , Darcy Niamh , Ohadike Yvonne U. , Lesch Julie Kennedy , Malveaux Floyd J.
Published: November 2011

The Merck Childhood Asthma Network, Inc. (MCAN) initiative selected five sites that had high asthma burden and established asthma programs but were ready for greater program integration across schools, health care systems, and communities. MCAN supported a community-based approach that was tailored to the needs of each program site. As a result, each site was unique in its combination of interventions, but all sites served common goals of integration of care, incorporation of evidence-based programs, and improvement in knowledge, self-management, health, and quality of life. This case study of the MCAN cross-site evaluation discusses the challenges associated with evaluating interventions involving multiple stakeholders that have been adjusted to fit the unique needs of specific communities. The evaluation triangulates data from site-specific monitoring and evaluation data; site documents, site visits, and cross-site meetings; qualitative assessments of families, organizational partners, and other stakeholders; and quantitative data from a common instrument on health indicators before and after the intervention. The evaluation employs the RE-AIM framework—reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance—to assess the barriers and facilitators of translation from theory into practice. Our experience suggests trade-offs between rigor of evaluation and burden of assessment that have applicability for other community-based translational efforts.
The Role of Partnerships in Addressing Childhood Asthma
Authors: Rojas Smith Lucia , Nerz Patrick , Bryant-Stephens Tyra , Damitz Maureen , Lara Marielena , Peretz Patricia , Ramos Valencia Gilberto , Uyeda Kimberly , Darcy Niamh , Viswanathan Meera , Lesch Julie Kennedy , Malveaux Floyd J.
Published: November 2011

Partnerships have taken on added importance in recent years because of their critical role in addressing complex public health problems and translating evidence-based practices to real-world settings. The Merck Childhood Asthma Network, Inc. initiative recognized the importance of partnerships in achieving the program’s goals. In this article, case studies of the five Merck Childhood Asthma Network program sites describe the role of partnerships in the development and evolution of the program and its interventions. Three key factors contributed to the success of the partnerships: having common organizational goals, considering context in the selection and engagement of partners, and ensuring that each partnership benefited from the alliance. Over the 4-year program period, all five partnerships evolved, matured, and had an established goal to maintain collaboration.
Social Adversity, Genetic Variation, Street Code, and Aggression
Authors: Simons Ronald L. , Lei Man Kit , Stewart Eric A. , Beach Steven R. H. , Brody Gene H. , Philibert Robert A. , Gibbons Frederick X.
Published: November 2011

Although the diathesis-stress model guides most genetically informed behavior science, the present study investigates the hypotheses derived from the differential susceptibility perspective. This model posits that those persons most vulnerable to adverse social environments are the same ones who reap the most benefit from environmental support. Using longitudinal data from a sample of several hundred African American males, we examined the manner in which variants in 3 genes—5-serotonin transporter gene ( 5-HTT), dopamine receptor gene ( DRD4), and monoamine oxidase gene ( MAOA)—modulate the effect of community and family adversity on adoption of the street code and aggression. We found strong support for the differential susceptibility perspective.
Exclusionary School Punishment
Authors: Welch Kelly , Payne Allison Ann
Published: November 2011

Schools today frequently resort to punishments that exclude students from the classroom, such as expulsion, suspension, and in-school suspension, much like the criminal justice system excludes criminals from greater society. Although prior research testing the racial threat hypothesis has found that racial composition is associated with the use of more punitive criminal punishment and harsher student discipline, no threat research to date has assessed the possibility that school-level racial composition affects the likelihood that specific exclusionary student punishments will be implemented. Using a national random sample of schools, this study is the first to test and support the racial threat perspective in relation to the use of expulsion and suspension, finding that zero tolerance policies often contribute to this effect.
Single-Port Gynecologic Surgery With a Novel Surgical Platform
Authors: Knight Jason , Tunitsky-Britton Elena , Muffly Tyler , Michener Chad M. , Escobar Pedro F.
Published: November 2011

Background. Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) allows better cosmesis and decreased pain when compared with traditional laparoscopy (TL). Instrument crowding and diminished triangulation are limitations. This study evaluates a novel single-port surgical platform (NSP) designed to facilitate the transition from TL to LESS (TransEnterix SPIDER, Durham, NC). Methods. NSP and TL were compared using standardized dry lab tasks. Feasibility of NSP in gynecology was assessed using the porcine model. Results. Completion times with NSP were longer for ring transfer ( P = .025) and trended longer for disc cutting ( P = .074). Disc cutting accuracy was lower with NSP versus TL ( P = .008). NSP operative times for hysterectomy, pelvic and para-aortic node dissection were 22.3, 13.3, and 26 minutes, respectively, without complications. Fatigue and lack of integrated bipolar cautery were limitations of NSP. Conclusion. While application of NSP to gynecology appears feasible, lower performance when compared with TL underscores the need for caution when applying NSP to humans.
Transanal Single Port Surgery
Authors: Barendse Renée M. , Verlaan Tessa , Bemelman Willem A. , Fockens Paul , Dekker Evelien , Nonner Joost , de Graaf Eelco J. R.
Published: November 2011

Single port surgery of rectal tumors may be associated with a shorter learning curve and fewer costs than transanal endoscopic microsurgery. The authors aimed to select the most optimal single access port for transanal employment. Four single access ports (GelPOINT, TriPort, SSL Access System, and SILS) were tested in 2 pigs. Insertion feasibility and intraoperative features of each port were assessed. A rectal excision was attempted using the most suitable port. Insertion of GelPOINT was impossible. SILS and TriPort were easily inserted; however, insufficient stability demanded manual fixation. CO2 leaked through the TriPort trocar ports. Insertion of the 2-cm SSL Access System retractor was difficult, but pneumorectum and surgical circumstances were favorable. Single port transanal surgery may be a promising alternative for transanal endoscopic microsurgery. The SSL Access System was found the most suitable for this indication in a porcine model.
Use of a Mixed Methods Approach to Investigate the Support Needs of Older Caregivers to Family Members Affected by HIV and AIDS in South Africa
Authors: Petros Sabela George
Published: November 2011

A mixed methods approach was used to investigate the support needs of older persons in South Africa who care for children and grandchildren infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS. A total of 305 caregivers in rural and urban areas were surveyed, and 10 case studies were constructed from follow-up interview data. Nine key informants in government and nongovernmental organizations were interviewed. Results of the analyses of the three data sets were triangulated. The outcomes indicated the impact of caregiving on the caregivers’ health and well-being, and areas in which they need support and policy intervention. The utilization of a mixed methods research design demonstrated two benefits: It increased comprehensiveness of the results and it enhanced understanding of HIV/AIDS-related caregiving.
Pollicisation of the index finger without interosseous muscle or extensor tendon repositioning in isolated thumb hypoplasia/aplasia
Authors: Al-Qattan M. M.
Published: November 2011

As a part of the pollicisation procedure, previous authors describe interosseous muscle and/or extensor tendon repositioning. The benefit of these tendon transfers has never been investigated despite the fact that other authors have used different techniques or do not perform some of these transfers routinely. In this paper, 16 children (17 hands) with isolated aplasia/hypoplasia of the thumb underwent the pollicisation procedure without any intrinsic tendon transfers. Surgery was performed at a mean age of 22 months and the mean follow-up time was 5 years. No early operative complications were seen. At final follow-up, the overall function and appearance of the hand was satisfactory in all patients. The results of our retrospective study warrant further investigation of these tendon transfers in a prospective comparative long-term study.
Accuracy of the skyline view for detecting dorsal cortical penetration during volar distal radius fixation
Authors: Riddick A.P. , Hickey B. , White S.P.
Published: November 2011

Fractures of the distal radius are commonly treated using volar locking plates. Several complications have been associated with this procedure, including extensor tendon irritation and rupture. It has been suggested that prominence of screws past the dorsal cortex may contribute to this complication. This study aimed to determine the ability of the skyline view to demonstrate screws penetrating the dorsal cortex. A volar locking plate was applied to a synthetic forearm model. Lateral, oblique, and skyline views were obtained, with the distal screws both beneath and 1 mm beyond the dorsal cortex. The images were shown to orthopaedic trainees who were asked to decide if screws penetrated the dorsal cortex. Subjects were correct in 83% of cases using the skyline view compared with 77% ( p = 0.05, lateral) and 50% ( p < 0.01, oblique). This study demonstrates the skyline view of the distal radius could be a useful and accurate addition to routine intraoperative fluoroscopy views.
Intraarticular Hyaluronic Acid Injection after Microfracture Technique for the Management of Full-Thickness Cartilage Defects Does Not Improve the Quality of Repair Tissue
Authors: Gunes Taner , Bostan Bora , Erdem Mehmet , Koseoglu Resid Dogan , Asci Murat , Sen Cengiz
Published: November 2011

Objective:

Tissue repair that occurs after microfracture does not include hyaline-like cartilage. Therefore, other treatment modalities must be combined with microfracture to improve repair tissue quality. In this study, we combined exogenous hyaluronic acid with microfracture.

Design:

Thirty mature New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups as control, microfracture (MF), and microfracture and hyaluronic acid (MFHA). Four-millimetre full-thickness cartilage defects were created in the medial femoral condyle of each rabbit. Microfracture was performed on defects in the MF and MFHA groups. At 1 week following surgery, 1 mL of saline was injected into the knees of the control and MF groups, whereas 1 mL (15 mg/mL) hyaluronic acid was injected into the knees of the MFHA group 3 times weekly. At 6 months postsurgery, defects were evaluated according to the ICRS (International Cartilage Repair Society) and Wakitani scales.

Results:

According to the ICRS and Wakitani scales, the quality of repair tissue was improved in MF and MFHA groups as compared the control group ( P = 0.001 and 0.001, respectively). No significant difference was observed between the MF and MFHA groups ( P = 0.342).

Conclusions:

According to the model in this study, no beneficial effect was obtained when HA injection was combined with microfracture in the treatment of full-thickness cartilage defects.
Immunoglobulin D amyloidosis: a distinct entity
Authors: Gertz Morie A. , Buadi Francis K. , Hayman Suzanne R. , Dingli David , Dispenzieri Angela , Greipp Philip R. , Kumar Shaji K. , Lacy Martha Q. , Lust John A. , Leung Nelson , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Russell Stephen J. , Zeldenrust Steven R. , Mikhael Joseph R. , Roy Vivek , Kyle Robert A.
Published: November 2011

IgD monoclonal gammopathies are uncommon. They are seen rarely as a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and are present in 1%-2% of patients with multiple myeloma. In light-chain amyloidosis, IgD monoclonal proteins are found in ap-proximately 1% of patients. When an IgD monoclonal protein is found, amyloidosis is often omitted from the differential diagnosis. In the present study, we reviewed the natural history of IgD-associated amyloidosis among 53 patients seen over 41 years. The distribution of clinical syndromes suggests that these patients have a lower frequency of renal and cardiac involvement. The overall survival of these patients does not appear to be different from that of patients who have light-chain amyloidosis associated with another monoclonal protein.
Tcl1 interacts with Atm and enhances NF-κB activation in hematologic malignancies
Authors: Gaudio Eugenio , Spizzo Riccardo , Paduano Francesco , Luo Zhenghua , Efanov Alexey , Palamarchuk Alexey , Leber Amanda S. , Kaou Mohamed , Zanesi Nicola , Bottoni Arianna , Costinean Stefan , Rassenti Laura Z. , Nakamura Tatsuya , Kipps Thomas J. , Aqeilan Rami I. , Pekarsky Yuri , Trapasso Francesco , Croce Carlo M.
Published: November 2011

The T-cell leukemia/lymphoma 1 (TCL1) oncogene is a target of chromosomal translocations and inversions at 14q31.2, and its rearrangement in T cells causes T-cell prolymphocytic leukemias. TCL1 dysregulation in B cells is responsible for the development of an aggressive form of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the most common human leukemia. We have investigated the mechanisms underlying the oncogenic functions of Tcl1 protein using a mass spectrometry approach and have identified Atm (ataxia-telangiectasia mutated) as a candidate Tcl1-interacting protein. The Tcl1-Atm complex formation was validated by coimmunoprecipitation experiments. Importantly, we show that the association of Atm with Tcl1 leads to enhanced IκBα phosphorylation and ubiquitination and subsequent activation of the NF-κB pathway. Our findings reveal functional cross-talk between Atm and Tcl1 and provide evidence for a novel pathway that could be targeted in leukemias and lymphomas.
Aluminum alters NMDA receptor 1A and 2A/B expression on neonatal hippocampal neurons in rats
Authors: Yuan Chia-Yi , Hsu Guoo-Shyng Wang , Lee Yih-Jing
Published: November 2011

Background

High aluminum (Al) content in certain infant formula raises the concern of possible Al toxicity on brain development of neonates during their vulnerable period of growing. Results of in vivo study showed that Al content of brain tissues reached to 74 μM when oral intake up to 1110 μM, 10 times of that in the hi-Al infant formula.

Methods

Utilizing a cultured neuron cells in vitro model, we have assessed Al influence on neuronal specific gene expression alteration by immunoblot and immunohistochemistry and neural proliferation rate changes by MTT assay.

Results

Microscopic images showed that the neurite outgrowth of hippocampal neurons increased along with the Al dosages (37, 74 μM Al (AlCl3)). MTT results also indicated that Al increased neural cell viability. On the other hand, the immunocytochemistry staining suggested that the protein expressions of NMDAR 1A and NMDAR 2A/B decreased with the Al dosages (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Treated hippocampal neurons with 37 and 74 μM of Al for 14 days increased neural cell viability, but hampered NMDAR 1A and NMDAR 2A/B expressions. It was suggested that Al exposure might alter the development of hippocampal neurons in neonatal rats.
Progesterone-induced changes in the phosphoryl potential during the meiotic divisions in amphibian oocytes: Role of Na/K-ATPase
Authors: Morrill Gene A , Dowd Terry L , Kostellow Adele B , Gupta Raj K
Published: November 2011

Background

Progesterone triggers resumption of the first meiotic division in the Rana pipiens oocyte by binding to the N-terminal external loop of the catalytic subunit of Na/K-ATPase, releasing a cascade of lipid second messengers. This is followed by internalization of specific membrane proteins, plasma membrane depolarization and nuclear membrane breakdown, culminating in arrest at second metaphase.

Results

Progesterone initiates an increase in phosphoryl potential during the first meiotic division, resulting in the accumulation of high energy protein phosphate by second metaphase arrest. 31P-NMR, with saturation transfer, demonstrates that the phosphocreatine level rises ~2 fold and that the "pseudo" first order rate constant for the creatine kinase reaction falls to ~20% of the control by the onset of nuclear membrane breakdown. 32PO4 pulse-labeling reveals a net increase in phosphorylation of yolk protein phosvitin during this period. The increased yolk protein phosphorylation coincides with internalization of membrane Na/K-ATPase and membrane depolarizatio

Conclusions

These results indicate that progesterone binding to the catalytic subunit of the Na-pump diverts ATP from cation regulation at the plasma membrane to storage of high energy phosphate in yolk protein. Phosvitin serves as a major energy source during fertilization and early cleavage stages and is also a storage site for cations (e.g. Na+, K+, Ca2+, Fe2+/3+) essential for embryonic development.
Localization of QTLs for in vitroplant regeneration in tomato
Authors: Trujillo-Moya Carlos , Gisbert Carmina , Vilanova Santiago , Nuez Fernando
Published: November 2011

Background

Low regeneration ability limits biotechnological breeding approaches. The influence of genotype in the regeneration response is high in both tomato and other important crops. Despite the various studies that have been carried out on regeneration genetics, little is known about the key genes involved in this process. The aim of this study was to localize the genetic factors affecting regeneration in tomato.

Results

We developed two mapping populations (F2 and BC1) derived from a previously selected tomato cultivar (cv. Anl27) with low regeneration ability and a high regeneration accession of the wild species Solanum pennellii (PE-47). The phenotypic assay indicated dominance for bud induction and additive effects for both the percentage of explants with shoots and the number of regenerated shoots per explant. Two linkage maps were developed and six QTLs were identified on five chromosomes (1, 3, 4, 7 and 8) in the BC1 population by means of the Interval Mapping and restricted Multiple QTL Mapping methods. These QTLs came from S. pennellii, with the exception of the minor QTL located on chromosome 8, which was provided by cv. Anl27. The main QTLs correspond to those detected on chromosomes 1 and 7. In the F2 population, a QTL on chromosome 7 was identified on a similar region as that detected in the BC1 population. Marker segregation distortion was observed in this population in those areas where the QTLs of BC1 were detected. Furthermore, we located two tomato candidate genes using a marker linked to the high regeneration gene: Rg-2 (a putative allele of Rg-1) and LESK1, which encodes a serine/threonine kinase and was proposed as a marker for regeneration competence. As a result, we located a putative allele of Rg-2 in the QTL detected on chromosome 3 that we named Rg-3. LESK1, which is also situated on chromosome 3, is outside Rg-3. In a preliminary exploration of the detected QTL peaks, we found several genes that may be related to regeneration.

Conclusions

In this study we have identified new QTLs related to the complex process of regeneration from tissue culture. We have also located two candidate genes, discovering a putative allele of the high regeneration gene Rg-1 in the QTL on chromosome 3. The identified QTLs could represent a significant step toward the understanding of this process and the identification of other related candidate genes. It will also most likely facilitate the development of molecular markers for use in gene isolation.
Genetic variation of γ-tocopherol methyltransferase gene contributes to elevated α-tocopherol content in soybean seeds
Authors: Dwiyanti Maria S , Yamada Tetsuya , Sato Masako , Abe Jun , Kitamura Keisuke
Published: November 2011

Background

Improvement of α-tocopherol content is an important breeding aim to increase the nutritional value of crops. Several efforts have been conducted to improve the α-tocopherol content in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] through transgenic technology by overexpressing genes related to α-tocopherol biosynthesis or through changes to crop management practices. Varieties with high α-tocopherol content have been identified in soybean germplasms. The heritability of this trait has been characterized in a cross between high α-tocopherol variety Keszthelyi Aproszemu Sarga (KAS) and low α-tocopherol variety Ichihime. In this study, the genetic mechanism of the high α-tocopherol content trait of KAS was elucidated.

Results

Through QTL analysis and fine mapping in populations from a cross between KAS and a Japanese variety Ichihime, we identified γ-TMT3, which encodes γ-tocopherol methyltransferase, as a candidate gene responsible for high α-tocopherol concentration in KAS. Several nucleotide polymorphisms including two nonsynonymous mutations were found in the coding region of γ-TMT3 between Ichihime and KAS, but none of which was responsible for the difference in α-tocopherol concentration. Therefore, we focused on transcriptional regulation of γ-TMT3 in developing seeds and leaves. An F5 line that was heterozygous for the region containing γ-TMT3 was self-pollinated. From among the progeny, plants that were homozygous at the γ-TMT3 locus were chosen for further evaluation. The expression level of γ-TMT3 was higher both in developing seeds and leaves of plants homozygous for the γ-TMT3 allele from KAS. The higher expression level was closely correlated with high α-tocopherol content in developing seeds. We generated transgenic Arabidopsis plants harboring GUS gene under the control of γ-TMT3 promoter from KAS or Ichihime. The GUS activity assay showed that the activity of γ-TMT3 promoter from KAS was higher than that of Ichihime.

Conclusions

The genetic variation in γ-TMT3, which plays a major role in determining α-tocopherol concentration, provides significant information about the regulation of tocopherol biosynthesis in soybean seeds. This knowledge will help breeding programs to develop new soybean varieties with high α-tocopherol content.
Chemical and transcriptional responses of Norway spruce genotypes with different susceptibility to Heterobasidion spp. infection
Authors: Danielsson Marie , Lundén Karl , Elfstrand Malin , Hu Jiang , Zhao Tao , Arnerup Jenny , Ihrmark Katarina , Swedjemark Gunilla , Borg-Karlson Anna-Karin , Stenlid Jan
Published: November 2011

Background

Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] is one of the most important conifer species in Europe. The wood is economically important and infections by wood-rotting fungi cause substantial losses to the industry.

The first line of defence in a Norway spruce tree is the bark. It is a very efficient barrier against infection based on its mechanical and chemical properties. Once an injury or an infection is recognized by the tree, induced defences are activated. In this study we examined transcriptional response, using 454-sequencing, and chemical profiles in bark of Norway spruce trees with different susceptibility to Heterobasidion annosum s.l. infection. The aim was to find associations between the transcriptome and chemical profiles to the level of susceptibility to Heterobasidion spp. in Norway spruce genotypes.

Results

Both terpene and phenol compositions were analysed and at 28 days post inoculation (dpi) high levels of 3-carene was produced in response to H. annosum. However, significant patterns relating to inoculation or to genotypes with higher or lower susceptibility could only be found in the phenol fraction. The levels of the flavonoid catechin, which is polymerized into proanthocyanidins (PA), showed a temporal variation; it accumulated between 5 and 15 dpi in response to H. annosum infection in the less susceptible genotypes. The transcriptome data suggested that the accumulation of free catechin was preceded by an induction of genes in the flavonoid and PA biosynthesis pathway such as leucoanthocyanidin reductase. Quantitative PCR analyses verified the induction of genes in the phenylpropanoid and flavonoid pathway. The qPCR data also highlighted genotype-dependent differences in the transcriptional regulation of these pathways.

Conclusions

The varying dynamics in transcriptional and chemical patterns displayed by the less susceptible genotypes suggest that there is a genotypic variation in successful spruce defence strategies against Heterobasidion. However, both high levels of piceasides and flavonoids in the less susceptible genotypes suggested the importance of the phenolic compounds in the defence. Clearly an extended comparison of the transcriptional responses in the interaction with Heterobasidion between several independent genotypes exhibiting reduced susceptibility is needed to catalogue mechanisms of successful host defence strategies.
Computational analysis of a novel mutation in ETFDH gene highlights its long-range effects on the FAD-binding motif
Authors: Er Tze-Kiong , Chen Chih-Chieh , Liu Yen-Yi , Chang Hui-Chiu , Chien Yin-Hsiu , Chang Jan-Gowth , Hwang Jenn-Kang , Jong Yuh-Jyh
Published: November 2011

Background

Multiple acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by the defects in the mitochondrial electron transfer system and the metabolism of fatty acids. Recently, mutations in electron transfer flavoprotein dehydrogenase (ETFDH) gene, encoding electron transfer flavoprotein:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (ETF:QO) have been reported to be the major causes of riboflavin-responsive MADD. To date, no studies have been performed to explore the functional impact of these mutations or their mechanism of disrupting enzyme activity.

Results

High resolution melting (HRM) analysis and sequencing of the entire ETFDH gene revealed a novel mutation (p.Phe128Ser) and the hotspot mutation (p.Ala84Thr) from a patient with MADD. According to the predicted 3D structure of ETF:QO, the two mutations are located within the flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) binding domain; however, the two residues do not have direct interactions with the FAD ligand. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and normal mode analysis (NMA), we found that the p.Ala84Thr and p.Phe128Ser mutations are most likely to alter the protein structure near the FAD binding site as well as disrupt the stability of the FAD binding required for the activation of ETF:QO. Intriguingly, NMA revealed that several reported disease-causing mutations in the ETF:QO protein show highly correlated motions with the FAD-binding site.

Conclusions

Based on the present findings, we conclude that the changes made to the amino acids in ETF:QO are likely to influence the FAD-binding stability.
Ex vivo susceptibility of Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Dakar, Senegal, to seven standard anti-malarial drugs
Authors: Fall Bécaye , Diawara Silmane , Sow Kowry , Baret Eric , Diatta Bakary , Fall Khadidiatou B , Mbaye Pape S , Fall Fatou , Diémé Yaya , Rogier Christophe , Wade Boubacar , Bercion Raymond , Pradines Bruno
Published: November 2011

Background

As a result of widespread chloroquine and sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine resistance, artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) (which includes artemether-lumefantrine and artesunate-amodiaquine) has been recommended as a first-line anti-malarial regimen in Senegal since 2006. Since then, there have been very few reports on the ex vivo susceptibility of Plasmodium falciparum to anti-malarial drugs. To examine whether parasite susceptibility has been affected by the widespread use of ACT, the ex vivo susceptibility of local isolates was assessed at the military hospital of Dakar.

Methods

The ex vivo susceptibility of 93 P. falciparum isolates from Dakar was successfully determined using the Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) ELISA for the following drugs: chloroquine (CQ), quinine (QN), mefloquine (MQ), monodesethylamodiaquine (MDAQ), lumefantrine (LMF), dihydroartemisinin (DHA) and doxycycline (DOX).

Results

After transformation of the isolate IC50 in ratio of IC50 according to the susceptibility of the 3D7 reference strain (isolate IC50/3D7 IC50), the prevalence of the in vitro resistant isolates with reduced susceptibility was 50% for MQ, 22% for CQ, 12% for DOX, 6% for both QN and MDAQ and 1% for the drugs LMF and DHA. The highest significant positive correlations were shown between responses to CQ and MDAQ (r = 0.569; P < 0.0001), LMF and QN (r = 0.511; P < 0.0001), LMF and DHA (r = 0.428; P = 0.0001), LMF and MQ (r = 0.413; P = 0.0002), QN and DHA (r = 0.402; P = 0.0003) and QN and MQ (r = 0.421; P = 0.0001).

Conclusions

The introduction of ACT in 2002 has not induced a decrease in P. falciparum susceptibility to the drugs DHA, MDAQ and LMF, which are common ACT components. However, the prevalence of P. falciparum isolates with reduced susceptibility has increased for both MQ and DOX. Taken together, these data suggest that intensive surveillance of the P. falciparum in vitro susceptibility to anti-malarial drugs in Senegal is required.
The modified general iterative methods for nonexpansive semigroups in banach spaces†
Authors: Wangkeeree Rabian , Preechasilp Pakkapon
Published: November 2011

In this paper, we introduce the modified general iterative approximation methods for finding a common fixed point of nonexpansive semigroups which is a unique solution of some variational inequalities. The strong convergence theorems are established in the framework of a reflexive Banach space which admits a weakly continuous duality mapping. The main result extends various results existing in the current literature.

Mathematics Subject Classification (2000) 47H05, 47H09, 47J25, 65J15