bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exceptional boards: Environmental experience and positive deviance from institutional norms
Authors: Walls Judith L. , Hoffman Andrew J.
Published: June 2012

This paper explores the phenomenon of positive organizational deviance from institutional norms by establishing practices that protect or enhance the natural environment. Seeking to explain why some organizations practice positive environmental deviance while others do not, we locate our inquiry on the board of directors—the organizational body that interprets external issues and guides organizational response. We find a strong correlation between positive deviance and the past environmental experience of board directors and the centrality of the organization within field‐level networks. Organizations located on the periphery of the network or whose boards possess a high level of environmental experience are more likely to deviate in positive ways. Our conclusions contribute to multiple literatures in behavioral and environmental governance, the role of filtering and enaction in the process of institutional conformity and change, and the mechanisms behind proactive environmental protection strategies within business. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of blended vegetable‐based cutting fluids with extreme pressure on tool wear and force components in turning of Al 7075‐T6
Authors: Kuram Emel , Ozcelik Babur , Huseyin Cetin M. , Demirbas Erhan , Askin Sule
Published: June 2012

In this study, performances of four different types of vegetable‐based cutting fluids (VBCFs) over a commercial mineral cutting fluid were evaluated for machinability of Al 7075‐T6. Lubrication properties of VBCFs were improved with additive of extreme pressure. Cutting force and tool wear data were obtained for performance analyses of cutting fluids during longitudinal turning of Al 7075‐T6. Cutting, feed and radial forces indicated 1.70–38.25% improvements for VBCFs over the commercial mineral cutting fluid. The lowest average values of flank and nose wears obtained with blended cutting fluid containing 12% of extreme pressure were 0.09 and 0.10 mm, respectively, whereas these values for the commercial mineral cutting fluid were 0.18 and 0.15 mm. The scanning electron microscope results showed adherence of workpiece material occurred on rake and flank faces, and flank and nose wears were the dominant wear modes. It was found that performances of VBCFs during turning of Al 7075‐T6 were better than that of the commercial mineral cutting fluid. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antimicrobial Hydantoin‐Containing Polyesters
Authors: Tan Licheng , Maji Samarendra , Mattheis Claudia , Zheng Mengyao , Chen Yiwang , Caballero‐Díaz E. , Gil Pilar Rivera , Parak Wolfgang J. , Greiner Andreas , Agarwal Seema
Published: June 2012

A new N‐hydantoin‐containing biocompatible and enzymatically degradable polyester with antibacterial properties is presented. Different polyesters of dimethyl succinate, 1,4‐butanediol, and 3‐[N,N‐di(β‐hydroxyethyl)aminoethyl]‐5,5‐dimethylhydantoin in varying molar ratios are prepared via two‐step melt polycondensation. The antibacterially active N‐halamine form is obtained by subsequent chlorination of the polyesters with sodium hypochlorite. Chemical structures, thermal properties, and spherulitic morphologies of the copolymers are studied adopting FT‐IR, NMR, TGA, DSC, WAXD, and POM. The polyesters exhibit antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli. The adopted synthetic approach can be transferred to other polyesters in a straightforward manner.

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Polyampholyte Nanoparticles Prepared by Self‐Complexation of Cationized Poly(γ‐glutamic acid) for Protein Carriers
Authors: Shen Heyun , Akagi Takami , Akashi Mitsuru
Published: June 2012

A novel amphoteric poly(amino acid) is synthesized by grafting a cationic amino acid (L‐Arg) to γ‐PGA to prepare charged NPs. γ‐PGA‐Arg NPs can be prepared by the self‐complexation of a single polymer by intra‐/inter‐molecular electrostatic interactions when the polymer is dispersed in water. The size and surface charge of the NPs can be regulated by the grafting degree of Arg (41, 56, and 83%). The smallest NPs are obtained at 56% grafting degree of the γ‐PGA‐Arg copolymer. The 56 and 83% grafting degree NPs are stable for at least 1 week. Depending on their surface charge, these NPs can selectively adsorb anionically or cationically charged proteins.

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Poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) by Combined Ring‐Opening Polymerization and Polycondensation
Authors: Kricheldorf Hans R. , Weidner Steffen M. , Scheliga Felix , Lahcini Mohammed
Published: June 2012

Numerous water‐initiated polymerizations of ϵCL are conducted in bulk with variation of catalyst, reaction time, and temperature. The conversions are determined by 1H NMR and the molar masses by SEC measurements. For polymerizations at 100 °C, Bi triflate and Hf triflate are used as catalysts, whereas at 140 °C, Al triflate, Sn(II) triflate, SnCl2, HfCl4, BiCl3, and LaCl3 are used. In addition to a closed reaction vessel, experiments are also performed with stirring in a vacuum. Under these conditions, the best catalyst (SnCl2) yields 2–3 times higher molar masses and mass spectra indicate a significant higher fraction of cyclic polymers. The results prove that a modification of the procedure may stimulate a polycondesation process without change of catalyst, time, and temperature.
Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination‐Revised for mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease
Authors: McColgan Peter , Evans Jonathan R. , Breen David P. , Mason Sarah L. , Barker Roger A. , Williams‐Gray Caroline H.
Published: June 2012

Introduction:

Cognitive impairment is common in Parkinson's disease (PD), even in the early stages, and appropriate screening tools are needed.

Methods:

We investigated the utility of the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination‐Revised for detecting mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in PD in an incident population‐representative cohort (n = 132) and investigated the relationship between performance on this instrument and behavior and quality of life (n = 219).

Results:

Twenty‐two percent met criteria for MCI. Receiver operating curve analysis revealed an area under the curve of 0.81. A cutoff <89 gave a sensitivity of 69% and specificity of 84%. Scores on this instrument were highly correlated with the Parkinson's Disease Cognitive Rating Scale, and there were significant correlations with the Cambridge Behavioral Inventory‐Revised and Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire 39.

Conclusion:

This instrument is a useful screening tool for PD‐MCI, and poor performance is significantly related to impaired behavior and quality of life. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Combined vascularized iliac and greater trochanter graftings for reconstruction of the osteonecrosis femoral head with collapse: Reports of three cases with 20 years follow‐up
Authors: Zhao Dewei , Cui Daping , Lu Faqiang , Wang Benjie , Wang Wei , Tian Fengde , Guo Lin
Published: June 2012

In this report, we present the long‐term results of using combined vascularized iliac and greater trochanter graftings for reconstruction of the osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) with collapse in three patients. Necrosis over two‐thirds of the femoral head and collapse were observed in these patients, with Harris hip scores (HHS) of 46, 38, and 49 points, respectively. When the patients underwent the femoral head reconstruction procedures, the ages of the patients ranged from 20 to 28 years old. The patients were followed‐up for 20–24 years. X‐ray examinations showed no progress of necrosis or deformity in the femoral head of patients after surgery, with the exception of bone absorption in one patient with persistence of mild pain. The HHS in the three patients were 84, 65, and 86 points at the end of follow‐up, respectively. These results show that the vascularized iliac and greater trochanter graftings may be a valuable option for reconstruction of the ONFH with collapse in younger patients. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.
Para‐hydrogen induced polarization of Si‐29 NMR resonances as a potentially useful tool for analytical applications
Authors: Ellena Silvano , Viale Alessandra , Gobetto Roberto , Aime Silvio
Published: June 2012

Para‐hydrogen–induced polarization effects have been observed in the 29Si NMR spectra of trimethylsilyl para‐hydrogenated molecules. The high signal enhancements and the long T1 values observed for the 29Si hyperpolarized resonances point toward the possibility of using 29Si for hyperpolarization applications. A method for the discrimination of multiple compounds and/or complex mixtures of hydroxylic compounds (such as steroids), consisting of the silylization of alcoholic functionalities with an unsaturated silylalkyl moiety and subsequent reaction with para‐H2, is proposed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal path finding in direction, location, and time dependent environments
Authors: Dolinskaya Irina S.
Published: June 2012

This article examines optimal path finding problems where cost function and constraints are direction, location, and time dependent. Recent advancements in sensor and data‐processing technology facilitate the collection of detailed real‐time information about the environment surrounding a ground vehicle, an airplane, or a naval vessel. We present a navigation model that makes use of such information. We relax a number of assumptions from existing literature on path‐finding problems and create an accurate, yet tractable, model suitable for implementation for a large class of problems. We present a dynamic programming model which integrates our earlier results for direction‐dependent, time and space homogeneous environment, and consequently, improves its accuracy, efficiency, and run‐time. The proposed path finding model also addresses limited information about the surrounding environment, control‐feasibility of the considered paths, such as sharpest feasible turns a vehicle can make, and computational demands of a time‐dependent environment. To demonstrate the applicability and performance of our path‐finding algorithm, computational experiments for a short‐range ship routing in dynamic wave‐field problem are presented. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2012
MRI assessment of the intra‐carotid route for macrophage delivery after transient cerebral ischemia
Authors: Riou Adrien , Chauveau Fabien , Cho Tae‐Hee , Marinescu Marilena , Nataf Serge , Nighoghossian Norbert , Berthezène Yves , Wiart Marlène
Published: June 2012

The broad aim underlying the present research was to investigate the distribution and homing of bone marrow‐derived macrophages in a rodent model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion using MRI and ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) to magnetically label bone marrow‐derived macrophages. The specific aim was to assess the intra‐carotid infusion route for bone marrow‐derived macrophage delivery at reperfusion. Fifteen Sprague–Dawley rats sustained 1 h of middle cerebral artery occlusion. USPIO‐labeled bone marrow‐derived macrophages were slowly injected for 5 min immediately after reperfusion in ischemic animals (n = 7), 1 h after the end of surgery in sham animals (n = 5) and very shortly after anesthesia in healthy animals (n = 3). Multiparametric MRI was performed at day 0, just after cell administration, and repeated at day 1. Immunohistological analysis included Prussian blue for iron detection and rat endothelial cell antigen‐1 for endothelium visualization. Intra‐carotid cell delivery brought a large number of cells to the ipsilateral hemisphere of the brain, as seen on both MRI and immunohistology. However, it was associated with high mortality (50%). The study of sham animals demonstrated that intra‐carotid cell delivery could induce ischemic lesions and may thus favor additional brain damage. The present study highlights severe drawbacks to the intra‐carotid delivery of macrophages at the time of reperfusion in this rodent model of transient cerebral ischemia. Multiparametric MRI appears to be a method of choice to monitor longitudinally the effects of cell infusion, allowing the assessment of both cell fate with the help of magnetic labeling and of potential tissue damage. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐α promotes lymphatic metastases in papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Zhang Jingdong , Wang Peng , Dykstra Mark , Gelebart Pascale , Williams David , Ingham Robert , Adewuyi Esther Ekpe , Lai Raymond , McMullen Todd
Published: June 2012

Lymph node metastases are common in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and can be resistant to surgical extirpation or radioiodine ablation. We examined the role of platelet‐derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) in mediating lymph node metastases in PTC. Clinical specimens of PTC (n = 137) were surveyed in a tissue array and by western blots to examine the relationship between expression of the α and β subunits of PDGFR and lymph node metastases. PDGFR‐α was found at high levels in primary tumours with known lymphatic metastases but not in those tumours lacking nodal involvement (p < 0.0001). However, PDGFR‐β expression was not linked to metastatic disease (p = 0.78) as it was found in virtually all PTC specimens. A matching analysis in fresh PTC specimens (n = 13) confirmed that PDGFR‐α expression was strongly linked to metastatic spread (p = 0.0047). PDGFR‐α and ‐β were not found in normal thyroid tissue (p < 0.0001). PTC cell lines selectively expressing PDGFR‐α or ‐β were assessed for invasive potential and activation of downstream signal transduction pathways. PTC cell lines expressing PDGFR‐α responded to PDGF‐BB stimulation with increased invasive potential and this process can be blocked by the tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitor sunitinib (p < 0.009). Cell lines with only PDGFR‐β, or no PDGFR, did not show significant changes in invasive potential. Activation of PDGFR‐α led to downstream up‐regulation of both the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways and disruption of either pathway is sufficient to block PDGFR‐mediated increases in invasive potential. Thus, PDGFR‐α is associated with lymph node metastases in papillary thyroid carcinoma and PDGFR‐α promotes increased invasive potential in PTC cell lines. PDGFR‐α is a strong candidate for a diagnostic biomarker to identify patients at risk of nodal metastases. Our results also strengthen the rationale for selection of tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitors that target PDGFR in the treatment of progressive, metastatic PTC. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polycyanurate networks from anethole dimers: Synthesis and characterization
Authors: Davis Matthew C. , Guenthner Andrew J. , Groshens Thomas J. , Reams Josiah T. , Mabry Joseph M.
Published: June 2012

Novel biorenewable bisphenols are obtained through simple and rapid chemical transformation of the natural producttrans‐anethole. The corresponding dicyanate esters are thermally cured to give polycyanurate networks. The thermal properties from differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric, and dynamic thermomechanical analyses of the new dicyanate esters compare favorably with similar commercial products. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.†J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
A systematic review of psychosocial interventions to improve cancer caregiver quality of life
Authors: Waldron Elizabeth A. , Janke E. Amy , Bechtel Colleen F. , Ramirez Michelle , Cohen Abigail
Published: June 2012

Objective

To evaluate and estimate the effect of psychosocial interventions on improving the quality of life (QoL) of adult cancer caregivers.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials among adult cancer caregivers published from 1947 to 2011. Rigorous inclusion criteria included randomization of caregivers, use of control groups, and at least one active psychosocial intervention where caregiver QoL was measured. A pair of raters independently reviewed all abstracts, and studies were assessed for quality using an 11‐item PEDro coding scale. Data were extracted, examined, and synthesized using a narrative approach.

Results

Six randomized controlled trials met inclusion criteria out of 1066 identified abstracts. Studies were rejected because of methodological flaws and failure to report a measure of caregiver QoL. A total of 1115 caregivers were included at baseline measurements. Estimated effect sizes for included studies were nil to small ranging from 0.048 to 0.271. Studies with larger effect sizes targeted caregivers’ problem‐solving and communication skills.

Conclusions

Interventions targeting problem‐solving and communication skills may ease the burdens related to patient care and role changes associated with care while improving caregiver's overall QoL. Further research is needed to establish efficacy of interventions across all stages of the 2cancer caregiving experience, especially focusing on issues of caregiver retention, caregiver relationships to the cancer patient, and individual differences in caregiver experiences with different types of cancer. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthetic peptide TPLVTLFK (octarphin) reduces the corticosterone production by rat adrenal cortex through nonopioid β‐endorphin receptor
Authors: Nekrasova Yuliia N. , Zolotarev Yury A. , Navolotskaya Elena V.
Published: June 2012

The synthetic peptide octarphin (TPLVTLFK) corresponding to the sequence 12–19 of β‐endorphin, a selective agonist of nonopioid β‐endorphin receptor, was labeled with tritium to a specific activity of 29 Ci/mmol. [3H]Octarphin was found to bind to high‐affinity naloxone‐insensitive binding sites on membranes isolated from rat adrenal cortex (Kd = 35.7 ± 2.3 nM, Bmax = 41.0 ± 3.6 pmol/mg protein). The binding specificity study revealed that these binding sites were insensitive not only to naloxone but to α‐endorphin, γ‐endorphin, [Met5]enkephalin, and [Leu5]enkephalin as well. At the same time, the [3H]octarphin‐specific binding with adrenal cortex membranes was inhibited by unlabeled β‐endorphin (Ki = 32.9 ± 3.8 nM). Octarphin at concentrations of 10−9–10−6 M was found to inhibit the adenylate cyclase activity in adrenocortical membranes, whereas intranasal injection of octarphin at doses of 5 and 20 µg/rat was found to reduce the secretion of corticosterone from the adrenals to the bloodstream. Thus, octarphin decreases the adrenal cortex functional activity through the high affinity binding to nonopioid receptor of β‐endorphin. Copyright © 2012 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Site‐specific fabrication of graphitic microporous carbon terminated with ordered multilayer graphene walls
Authors: Banerjee Arghya Narayan , Joo Sang Woo , Min Bong‐Ki , Sharma Ashutosh
Published: June 2012

The site‐specific fabrication of metal‐incorporated graphitic microporous carbon terminated by highly ordered multilayer graphene walls via an ambient‐temperature vacuum‐based process is presented for the first time. Sputtering of Cr nano‐particles on the ultrathin amorphous carbon film manifests a dual effect of activation via dry‐etching by the sputtering plasma and of ‘knock‐on' inelastic collision between nanoparticles and C atoms for structural ordering. This novel and simple method is very useful for fabricating high surface area carbon nanostructures for hydrogen storage and clean energy applications. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Protocol Derivation System for the Needham–Schroeder family
Authors: Zhang Junwei , Ma Jianfeng , Yang Chao
Published: June 2012

A framework consisting of the Protocol Derivation System (PDS) and the Protocol Composition Logic (PCL) has been recently proposed by Datta et al. for the design and analysis of a secure composition of cryptographic protocols. However, the PDS in this proposed framework can only be used for the protocols of the Station‐to‐Station family, which are signature‐based authenticated Diffie–Hellman key exchange protocols. In this paper, the PDS is extended to support key exchange protocols using a trusted third party and an encryption‐based authentication such as those in the Needham–Schroeder family. This is achieved by means of adding new components, refinements, and transformations to the PDS. In addition, the PCL is applied to prove the correctness of the derived protocols. Then, the derivation graph of the Needham−Schroeder family is developed by using the extended PDS. Finally, the derivations and proofs of the protocols in the Needham–Schroeder family are shown in this paper. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient Bayesian joint models for group randomized trials with multiple observation times and multiple outcomes
Authors: Xu Xinyi , Pennell Michael L. , Lu Bo , Murray David M.
Published: June 2012

In this paper, we propose a Bayesian method for group randomized trials with multiple observation times and multiple outcomes of different types. We jointly model these outcomes using latent multivariate normal linear regression, which allows treatment effects to change with time and accounts for (i) intraclass correlation within groups; (ii) the correlation between different outcomes measured on the same subject; and (iii) the over‐time correlation of each outcome. Moreover, we develop a set of innovative priors for the variance components, which yield direct inference on the correlations, avoid undesirable constraints, and allow utilization of information from previous studies. We illustrate through simulations that our model can improve estimation efficiency (lower posterior standard deviations) of intraclass correlations and treatment effects relative to single outcome models and models with diffuse priors on the variance components. We also demonstrate the methodology using body composition data collected in the Trial of Activity in Adolescent Girls. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance of bias‐correction methods for exposure measurement error using repeated measurements with and without missing data
Authors: Batistatou Evridiki , McNamee Roseanne
Published: June 2012

It is known that measurement error leads to bias in assessing exposure effects, which can however, be corrected if independent replicates are available. For expensive replicates, two‐stage (2S) studies that produce data ‘missing by design’, may be preferred over a single‐stage (1S) study, because in the second stage, measurement of replicates is restricted to a sample of first‐stage subjects. Motivated by an occupational study on the acute effect of carbon black exposure on respiratory morbidity, we compare the performance of several bias‐correction methods for both designs in a simulation study: an instrumental variable method (EVROS IV) based on grouping strategies, which had been recommended especially when measurement error is large, the regression calibration and the simulation extrapolation methods. For the 2S design, either the problem of ‘missing’ data was ignored or the ‘missing’ data were imputed using multiple imputations. Both in 1S and 2S designs, in the case of small or moderate measurement error, regression calibration was shown to be the preferred approach in terms of root mean square error. For 2S designs, regression calibration as implemented by Stata software is not recommended in contrast to our implementation of this method; the ‘problematic’ implementation of regression calibration although substantially improved with use of multiple imputations. The EVROS IV method, under a good/fairly good grouping, outperforms the regression calibration approach in both design scenarios when exposure mismeasurement is severe. Both in 1S and 2S designs with moderate or large measurement error, simulation extrapolation severely failed to correct for bias. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proliferation State and Polo-Like Kinase1 Dependence of Tumorigenic Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Francescangeli Federica , Patrizii Michele , Signore Michele , Federici Giulia , Di Franco Simone , Pagliuca Alfredo , Baiocchi Marta , Biffoni Mauro , Ricci Vitiani Lucia , Todaro Matilde , De Maria Ruggero , Zeuner Ann
Published: June 2012

Tumor-initiating cells are responsible for tumor maintenance and relapse in solid and hematologic cancers. Although tumor-initiating cells were initially believed to be mainly quiescent, rapidly proliferating tumorigenic cells were found in breast cancer. In colon cancer, the proliferative activity of the tumorigenic population has not been defined, although it represents an essential parameter for the development of more effective therapeutic strategies. Here, we show that tumorigenic colon cancer cells can be found in a rapidly proliferating state in vitro and in vivo, both in human tumors and mouse xenografts. Inhibitors of polo-like kinase1 (Plk1), a mitotic kinase essential for cell proliferation, demonstrated maximal efficiency over other targeted compounds and chemotherapeutic agents in inducing death of colon cancer-initiating cells in vitro. In vivo, Plk1 inhibitors killed CD133+ colon cancer cells leading to complete growth arrest of colon cancer stem cell-derived xenografts, whereas chemotherapeutic agents only slowed tumor progression. While chemotherapy treatment increased CD133+ cell proliferation, treatment with Plk1 inhibitors eliminated all proliferating tumor-initiating cells. Quiescent CD133+ cells that survived the treatment with Plk1 inhibitors could be killed by subsequent Plk1 inhibition when they exited from quiescence. Altogether, these results provide a new insight into the proliferative status of colon tumor-initiating cells both in basal conditions and in response to therapy and indicate Plk1 inhibitors as potentially useful in the treatment of colorectal cancer.
Design optimization of truss structures using cuckoo search algorithm
Authors: Gandomi Amir Hossein , Talatahari Siamak , Yang Xin‐She , Deb Suash
Published: June 2012

A new metaheuristic optimization algorithm is developed to solve truss optimization problems. The new algorithm, called cuckoo search (CS), is examined by solving five truss design optimization problems with increasing numbers of design variables and complexity in constraints. The performance of the CS algorithm is further compared with various classical and advanced algorithms, selected from a wide range of the state‐of‐the‐art algorithms in the area. The results identify that the final solutions obtained by the CS are superior compared with the best solutions obtained by the other algorithms. Finally, the unique search features used in the CS and the implications for future researches are discussed in detail. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
So you want to know if your message has an IRES?
Authors: Thompson Sunnie R.
Published: June 2012

Transcriptional regulation of gene expression has been widely studied. More recently, there has been increasing appreciation of the role that translational regulation plays in gene expression, resulting in a number of new fields engaging in translational studies. Regulation of protein synthesis is critical for cell growth, development, and survival, and is primarily controlled at the initiation step. Eukaryotic cells utilize multiple mechanisms to initiate translation, depending on cell stress, growth conditions, viral infection, or the sequences present in the mRNA. While the vast majority of mRNAs are translated in a cap‐dependent manner, an important subset of mRNAs uses an alternative mechanism, whereby ribosomes are recruited internally to the message to initiate cap‐independent translation. Some of these mRNAs contain an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) located in the 5′ untranslated region (UTR). However, establishing that an RNA element is a functional IRES requires a number of carefully executed experiments with specific controls. This review will clearly explain the required experiments, and the pros and cons of various assays, used to determine whether (or not) an RNA element functions as an IRES to promote initiation of translation. We hope that demystifying the accepted methods for assaying IRES activity will open the study of this important mechanism to the broader community. WIREs RNA 2012 doi: 10.1002/wrna.1129

This article is categorized under:

Translation > Translation Mechanisms
Functional analysis of an indole‐diterpene gene cluster for lolitrem B biosynthesis in the grass endosymbiont Epichloë festucae
Authors: Saikia Sanjay , Takemoto Daigo , Tapper Brian A. , Lane Geoff A. , Fraser Karl , Scott Barry
Published: June 2012

Epichloë festucae Fl1 in association with Lolium perenne synthesizes a diverse range of indole‐diterpene bioprotective metabolites, including lolitrem B, a potent tremorgen. The ltm genes responsible for the synthesis of these metabolites are organized in three clusters at a single sub‐telomeric locus in the genome of E. festucae. Here we resolve the genetic basis for the remarkable indole‐diterpene diversity observed in planta by analyzing products that accumulate in associations containing ltm deletion mutants of E. festucae and in cells of Penicillium paxilli containing copies of these genes under the control of a P. paxilli biosynthetic gene promoter. We propose a biosynthetic scheme to account for this metabolic diversity.
Computational Analysis of Position-Dependent Disorder Content in DisProt Database
Authors: Kovačević Jovana J.
Published: June 2012

A bioinformatics analysis of disorder content of proteins from the DisProt database has been performed with respect to position of disordered residues. Each protein chain was divided into three parts: N- and C- terminal parts with each containing 30 amino acid (AA) residues and the middle region containing the remaining AA residues. The results show that in terminal parts, the percentage of disordered AA residues is higher than that of all AA residues (17% of disordered AA residues and 11% of all). We analyzed the percentage of disorder for each of 20 AA residues in the three parts of proteins with respect to their hydropathy and molecular weight. For each AA, the percentage of disorder in the middle part is lower than that in terminal parts which is comparable at the two termini. A new scale of AAs has been introduced according to their disorder content in the middle part of proteins: CIFWMLYHRNVTAGQDSKEP. All big hydrophobic AAs are less frequently disordered, while almost all small hydrophilic AAs are more frequently disordered. The results obtained may be useful for construction and improving predictors for protein disorder.
The Cambridge Introduction to British Romantic Poetry
Authors: Ferber Michael
Published: June 2012

The best way to learn about Romantic poetry is to plunge in and read a few Romantic poems. This book guides the new reader through this experience, focusing on canonical authors - Wordsworth, Coleridge, Byron, Keats, Blake and Shelley - whilst also including less familiar figures as well. Each chapter explains the history and development of a genre or sets out an important context for the poetry, with a wealth of practical examples. Michael Ferber emphasizes connections between poets as they responded to each other and to great literary, social and historical changes around them. A unique appendix resolves most difficulties new readers of works from this period might face: unfamiliar words, unusual word order, the subjunctive mood and meter. This enjoyable and stimulating book is an ideal introduction to some of the most powerful and pleasing poems in the English language, written in one of the greatest periods in English poetry.
Cultural Foundations of Learning
Authors: Li Jin
Published: June 2012

Western and East Asian people hold fundamentally different beliefs about learning that influence how they approach child rearing and education. Reviewing decades of research, Dr Jin Li presents an important conceptual distinction between the Western mind model and the East Asian virtue model of learning. The former aims to cultivate the mind to understand the world, whereas the latter prioritizes the self to be perfected morally and socially. Tracing the cultural origins of the two large intellectual traditions, Li details how each model manifests itself in the psychology of the learning process, learning affect, regard of one's learning peers, expression of what one knows and parents' guiding efforts. Despite today's accelerated cultural exchange, these learning models do not diminish but endure.
Advanced Solid State Physics
Authors: Phillips Philip
Published: June 2012

Providing an up-to-date and lucid presentation of phenomena across modern advanced-level solid state physics, this new edition builds on an elementary understanding to introduce students to the key research topics with the minimum of mathematics. It covers cutting-edge topics, including electron transport and magnetism in solids. It is the first book to explain topological insulators and strongly correlated electrons. Explaining solid state physics in a clear and detailed way, it also has over 50 exercises for students to test their knowledge. In addition to the extensive discussion of magnetic impurity problems, bosonization, quantum phase transitions, and disordered systems from the first edition, the new edition includes such topics as topological insulators, high-temperature superconductivity and Mott insulators, renormalization group for Fermi liquids, spontaneous symmetry breaking, zero and finite-temperature Green functions, and the Kubo formalism. Figures from the book and solutions to student exercises are available online at www.cambridge.org/solidstate.
Computational Continuum Mechanics
Authors: Shabana Ahmed A.
Published: June 2012

This second edition presents the theory of continuum mechanics using computational methods. The text covers a broad range of topics including general problems of large rotation and large deformations and the development and limitations of finite element formulations in solving such problems. Dr Shabana introduces theories on motion kinematics, strain, forces and stresses and goes on to discuss linear and nonlinear constitutive equations, including viscoelastic and plastic constitutive models. General nonlinear continuum mechanics theory is used to develop small and large finite element formulations which correctly describe rigid body motion for use in engineering applications. This second edition features a new chapter that focuses on computational geometry and finite element analysis. This book is ideal for graduate and undergraduate students, professionals and researchers who are interested in continuum mechanics.
The Political Construction of Business Interests
Authors: Martin Cathie Jo , Swank Duane
Published: June 2012

Many societies use labor market coordination to maximize economic growth and equality, yet employers' willing cooperation with government and labor is something of a mystery. The Political Construction of Business Interests recounts employers' struggles to define their collective social identities at turning points in capitalist development. Employers are most likely to support social investments in countries with strong peak business associations, that help members form collective preferences and realize policy goals in labor market negotiations. Politicians, with incentives shaped by governmental structures, took the initiative in association-building and those that created the strongest associations were motivated to evade labor radicalism and to preempt parliamentary democratization. Sweeping in its historical and cross-national reach, the book builds on original archival data, interviews and cross-national quantitative analyses. The research has important implications for the construction of business as a social class and powerful ramifications for equality, welfare state restructuring and social solidarity.
Basic Proof Theory
Authors: Troelstra A. S. , Schwichtenberg H.
Published: June 2012

This introduction to the basic ideas of structural proof theory contains a thorough discussion and comparison of various types of formalization of first-order logic. Examples are given of several areas of application, namely: the metamathematics of pure first-order logic (intuitionistic as well as classical); the theory of logic programming; category theory; modal logic; linear logic; first-order arithmetic and second-order logic. In each case the aim is to illustrate the methods in relatively simple situations and then apply them elsewhere in much more complex settings. There are numerous exercises throughout the text. In general, the only prerequisite is a standard course in first-order logic, making the book ideal for graduate students and beginning researchers in mathematical logic, theoretical computer science and artificial intelligence. For the new edition, many sections have been rewritten to improve clarity, new sections have been added on cut elimination, and solutions to selected exercises have been included.
An Introduction to Composite Materials
Authors: Hull D. , Clyne T. W.
Published: June 2012

This edition has been greatly enlarged and updated to provide both scientists and engineers with a clear and comprehensive understanding of composite materials. In describing both theoretical and practical aspects of their production, properties and usage, the book crosses the borders of many disciplines. Topics covered include: fibres, matrices, laminates and interfaces; elastic deformation, stress and strain, strength, fatigue crack propagation and creep resistance; toughness and thermal properties; fatigue and deterioration under environmental conditions; fabrication and applications. Coverage has been increased to include polymeric, metallic and ceramic matrices and reinforcement in the form of long fibres, short fibres and particles. Designed primarily as a teaching text for final-year undergraduates in materials science and engineering, this book will also interest undergraduates and postgraduates in chemistry, physics, and mechanical engineering. In addition, it will be an excellent source book for academic and technological researchers on materials.
Circuits for Electronic Instrumentation
Authors: O'Dell Thomas Henry
Published: June 2012

This book is an up-to-date text on electronic circuit design. The subject is dealt with from an experimental point of view, but this has not restricted the author to well-known or simple circuits. Indeed, some very recent and quite advanced circuit ideas are put forward for experimental work. Each chapter takes up a particular type of circuit, and then leads the reader on to gain an understanding of how these circuits work by proposing experimental circuits for the reader to build and make measurements on. This is the first book to take such a practical approach to this level. The book will be useful to final year undergraduates and postgraduates in electronics, practising engineers, and workers in all fields where electronic instrumentation is used and there is a need to understand electronics and the interface between the instrument and the user's own experimental system. The book's references will also be a very helpful guide to the literature.
Footloose Labour
Authors: Breman Jan
Published: June 2012

In a penetrating anthropological study of the working poor in India, Jan Breman examines the lives of those who, pushed out of the agrarian labour market, depend on casual work. Beginning his local-level research in two villages in south Gujarat, the author discusses the mobilisation of casual labour, which is hired and fired according to the need of the moment, and transferred for the duration of the job to destinations far away from the home area. His case-study reveals that the circulation of labour is indicative of an employment pattern which dominates both the rural and urban economy of large parts of South Asia. Elaborating on the social profile of the work migrants, the author argues that their identity is shaped by both class and caste relations and, despite action by state agencies, nothing of significance has been achieved to improve their quality of life.
Environmental and Engineering Geophysics
Authors: Sharma Prem V.
Published: June 2012

Geophysical imaging methods provide solutions to a wide range of environmental and engineering problems: protection of soil and groundwater from contamination; disposal of chemical and nuclear waste; geotechnical site testing; landslide and ground subsidence hazard detection; location of archaeological artefacts. This book comprehensively describes the theory, data acquisition and interpretation of all of the principal techniques of geophysical surveying: gravity, magnetic, seismic, self-potential, resistivity, induced polarization, electromagnetic, ground-probing radar, radioactivity, geothermal, and geophysical borehole logging. A final chapter is devoted to inversion theory and tomography. Each chapter is supported by a large number of richly illustrated case histories. This book will prove to be a valuable course-book for advanced undergraduates and postgraduates in environmental and applied geophysics, a supplementary course-book for students of geology, engineering geophysics, civil and mining engineering, and a reference work for professional earth scientists, engineers and town planners.
An Introduction to Catastrophe Theory
Authors: Saunders Peter Timothy
Published: June 2012

Almost every scientist has heard of catastrophe theory and knows that there has been a considerable amount of controversy surrounding it. Yet comparatively few know anything more about it than they may have read in an article written for the general public. The aim of this book is to make it possible for anyone with a comparatively modest background in mathematics - no more than is usually included in a first year university course for students not specialising in the subject - to understand the theory well enough to follow the arguments in papers in which it is used and, if the occasion arises, to use it. Over half the book is devoted to applications, partly because it is not possible yet for the mathematician applying catastrophe theory to separate the analysis from the original problem. Most of these examples are drawn from the biological sciences, partly because they are more easily understandable and partly because they give a better illustration of the distinctive nature of catastrophe theory. This controversial and intriguing book will find applications as a text and guide to theoretical biologists, and scientists generally who wish to learn more of a novel theory.
Kant's Theory of Freedom
Authors: Allison Henry E.
Published: June 2012

In his new book the eminent Kant scholar Henry Allison provides an innovative and comprehensive interpretation of Kant's concept of freedom. The author analyzes the concept and discusses the role it plays in Kant's moral philosophy and psychology. He also considers in full detail the critical literature on the subject from Kant's own time to the present day. In the first part Professor Allison argues that at the centre of the Critique of Pure Reason there is the foundation for a coherent general theory of rational agency. The second part employs this account of rational agency as a key to understanding Kant's concept of moral agency and associated moral psychology. The third part focuses on Kant's attempt to ground both moral law and freedom in the Groundwork and the Critique of Practical Reason. This is a major contribution to the interpretation of Kant which will be of special interest to scholars and graduate students of Kant's moral theory.
Documentary Film Classics
Authors: Rothman William
Published: June 2012

Documentary Film Classics offers close readings on a number of major films, such as Nanook of the North, Land Without Bread, Night and Fog, Chronicle of a Summer and Don't Look Back. Spanning the history of the documentary film tradition, William Rothman analyses the philosophical and historical issues and themes implicit in these works. Designed to guide film students through the 'texts' of a wide range of documentaries, his readings also focus on the achievements of these works as films per se.
Introductory Lectures on Rings and Modules
Authors: Beachy John A.
Published: June 2012

The focus of this book is the study of the noncommutative aspects of rings and modules, and the style will make it accessible to anyone with a background in basic abstract algebra. Features of interest include an early introduction of projective and injective modules; a module theoretic approach to the Jacobson radical and the Artin-Wedderburn theorem; the use of Baer's criterion for injectivity to prove the structure theorem for finitely generated modules over a principal ideal domain; and applications of the general theory to the representation theory of finite groups. Optional material includes a section on modules over the Weyl algebras and a section on Goldie's theorem. When compared to other more encyclopedic texts, the sharp focus of this book accommodates students meeting this material for the first time. It can be used as a first-year graduate text or as a reference for advanced undergraduates.
Understanding American Economic Decline
Authors: Heilbroner Robert
Published: June 2012

The public has long been painfully aware of the economy's stagnation. The contemporary recession has brought to the foreground problems which have been germinating for decades. Falling real wages, slow productivity growth, and the loss of international competitiveness in major industries all are outgrowths of long-term developments that predate this crisis. As the United States moves from a position of global economic leadership to one of economic interdependence, we need alternative approaches to explain the dramatic changes in the US economy. This collection of essays, written by leading scholars, presents a systematic analysis of the nation's economic woes. The authors furnish more than hard-hitting criticisms of the US economy. They provide hope as they offer solutions to America's most pressing economic problems.
On the Self-Regulation of Behavior
Authors: Carver Charles S. , Scheier Michael F.
Published: June 2012

This book presents a thorough overview of a model of human functioning based on the idea that behavior is goal-directed and regulated by feedback control processes. It describes feedback processes and their application to behavior, considers goals and the idea that goals are organized hierarchically, examines affect as deriving from a different kind of feedback process, and analyzes how success expectancies influence whether people keep trying to attain goals or disengage. Later sections consider a series of emerging themes, including dynamic systems as a model for shifting among goals, catastrophe theory as a model for persistence, and the question of whether behavior is controlled or instead 'emerges'. Three chapters consider the implications of these various ideas for understanding maladaptive behavior, and the closing chapter asks whether goals are a necessity of life. Throughout, theory is presented in the context of diverse issues that link the theory to other literatures.
Global Challenges
Authors: Sandler Todd
Published: June 2012

Using simple economic reasoning, this book analyses a broad range of global challenges including global warming, ozone shield depletion, acid rain, nuclear waste disposal, revolution dispersion, international terrorism, disease eradication, population growth, tropical deforestation, and peacemaking. These challenges are put into perspective in terms of scientific, economic, and political considerations. Many of these contingencies are shown to be solvable without much explicit coordination among nations. Although there is no panacea to these challenges, much can be done to tailor solutions. This book is intended for a wide audience drawn from the social sciences, including economics, environmental studies, political science, sociology, and public policy. It should also interest the general reader who wants to learn about global challenges.