bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caspase-9 Activation Revealed by Semaphorin 7A Cleavage Is Independent of Apoptosis in the Aged Olfactory Bulb
Authors: Ohsawa Shizue , Hamada Shun , Asou Hiroaki , Kuida Keiuke , Uchiyama Yasuo , Yoshida Hiroki , Miura Masayuki
Published: September 2009

Caspases are essential in multicellular organisms for inducing cell death during normal development and in the immune system. However, caspases can also trigger the degenerative process under certain conditions such as pathophysiological conditions and aging. Here, we identified Semaphorin 7A (Sema7A) as a novel substrate for caspase-9 that can be used to monitor caspase-9 activity in mice, and found nonapoptotic caspase-9 activation in the aged olfactory bulb (OB). Immunostaining of the OB for the caspase-9-cleaved form of Sema7A revealed abundant caspase-9-activated cells in 2-year-old (aged) but not in 2-month-old (young) mice. In fact, various regions of the aged brain, including the OB, exhibited an increased level of caspase-9 activity. However, the number of dying cells in the aged OB was, intriguingly, much lower (<20%) than in the OB of young mice. Furthermore, we found that the lower number dying cells in the aged OB was accompanied by a decreased expression of procaspase-3. These results suggest a survival strategy for aged OB neurons, which can no longer regenerate, in which the central apoptotic machinery downstream of caspase-9 is inactivated.
Identification of aCis-Acting Regulatory Polymorphism in a EucalyptCOBRA-Like Gene Affecting Cellulose Content
Authors: Thumma Bala R , Matheson Bronwyn A , Zhang Deqiang , Meeske Christian , Meder Roger , Downes Geoff M , Southerton Simon G
Published: September 2009

Populations with low linkage disequilibrium (LD) offer unique opportunities to study functional variants influencing quantitative traits. We exploited the low LD in forest trees to identify functional polymorphisms in a Eucalyptus nitens COBRA-like gene (EniCOBL4A), whose Arabidopsis homolog has been implicated in cellulose deposition. Linkage analysis in a full-sib family revealed that EniCOBL4A is the most strongly associated marker in a quantitative trait locus (QTL) region for cellulose content. Analysis of LD by genotyping 11 common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and a simple sequence repeat (SSR) in an association population revealed that LD declines within the length of the gene. Using association studies we fine mapped the effect of the gene to SNP7, a synonymous SNP in exon 5, which occurs between two small haplotype blocks. We observed patterns of allelic expression imbalance (AEI) and differential binding of nuclear proteins to the SNP7 region that indicate that SNP7 is a cis-acting regulatory polymorphism affecting allelic expression. We also observed AEI in SNP7 heterozygotes in a full-sib family that is linked to heritable allele-specific methylation near SNP7. This study demonstrates the potential to reveal functional polymorphisms underlying quantitative traits in low LD populations.
The Population Genetics of Adaptation: Multiple Substitutions on a Smooth Fitness Landscape
Authors: Unckless Robert L , Orr H Allen
Published: September 2009

Much recent work in the theoretical study of adaptation has focused on the so-called strong selection–weak mutation (SSWM) limit, wherein adaptation is due to new mutations of definite selective advantage. This work, in turn, has focused on the first step (substitution) during adaptive evolution. Here we extend this theory to allow multiple steps during adaptation. We find analytic solutions to the probability that adaptation follows a certain path during evolution as well as the probability that adaptation arrives at a given genotype regardless of the path taken. We also consider the probability of parallel adaptation and the proportion of the total increase in fitness caused by the first substitution. Our key assumption is that there is no epistasis among beneficial mutations.
The Small, Secreted Immunoglobulin Protein ZIG-3 Maintains Axon Position in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Bénard Claire , Tjoe Nartono , Boulin Thomas , Recio Janine , Hobert Oliver
Published: September 2009

Vertebrate and invertebrate genomes contain scores of small secreted or transmembrane proteins with two immunoglobulin (Ig) domains. Many of them are expressed in the nervous system, yet their function is not well understood. We analyze here knockout alleles of all eight members of a family of small secreted or transmembrane Ig domain proteins, encoded by the Caenorhabditis elegans zig (“zwei Ig Domänen”) genes. Most of these family members display the unusual feature of being coexpressed in a single neuron, PVT, whose axon is located along the ventral midline of C. elegans. One of these genes, zig-4, has previously been found to be required for maintaining axon position postembryonically in the ventral nerve cord of C. elegans. We show here that loss of zig-3 function results in similar postdevelopmental axon maintenance defects. The maintenance function of both zig-3 and zig-4 serves to counteract mechanical forces that push axons around, as well as various intrinsic attractive forces between axons that cause axon displacement if zig genes like zig-3 or zig-4 are deleted. Even though zig-3 is expressed only in a limited number of neurons, including PVT, transgenic rescue experiments show that zig-3 can function irrespective of which cell or tissue type it is expressed in. Double mutant analysis shows that zig-3 and zig-4 act together to affect axon maintenance, yet they are not functionally interchangeable. Both genes also act together with other, previously described axon maintenance factors, such as the Ig domain proteins DIG-1 and SAX-7, the C. elegans ortholog of the human L1 protein. Our studies shed further light on the use of dedicated factors to maintain nervous system architecture and corroborate the complexity of the mechanisms involved.
Population Differentiation as an Indicator of Recent Positive Selection in Humans: An Empirical Evaluation
Authors: Xue Yali , Zhang Xuelong , Huang Ni , Daly Allan , Gillson Christopher J , MacArthur Daniel G , Yngvadottir Bryndis , Nica Alexandra C , Woodwark Cara , Chen Yuan , Conrad Donald F , Ayub Qasim , Mehdi S Qasim , Li Pu , Tyler-Smith Chris
Published: September 2009

We have evaluated the extent to which SNPs identified by genomewide surveys as showing unusually high levels of population differentiation in humans have experienced recent positive selection, starting from a set of 32 nonsynonymous SNPs in 27 genes highlighted by the HapMap1 project. These SNPs were genotyped again in the HapMap samples and in the Human Genome Diversity Project–Centre d'Etude du Polymorphisme Humain (HGDP–CEPH) panel of 52 populations representing worldwide diversity; extended haplotype homozygosity was investigated around all of them, and full resequence data were examined for 9 genes (5 from public sources and 4 from new data sets). For 7 of the genes, genotyping errors were responsible for an artifactual signal of high population differentiation and for 2, the population differentiation did not exceed our significance threshold. For the 18 genes with confirmed high population differentiation, 3 showed evidence of positive selection as measured by unusually extended haplotypes within a population, and 7 more did in between-population analyses. The 9 genes with resequence data included 7 with high population differentiation, and 5 showed evidence of positive selection on the haplotype carrying the nonsynonymous SNP from skewed allele frequency spectra; in addition, 2 showed evidence of positive selection on unrelated haplotypes. Thus, in humans, high population differentiation is (apart from technical artifacts) an effective way of enriching for recently selected genes, but is not an infallible pointer to recent positive selection supported by other lines of evidence.
Epithelial Polarity: Interactions Between Junctions and Apical–Basal Machinery
Authors: Kaplan Nicole A , Liu Xiaoping , Tolwinski Nicholas S
Published: September 2009

Epithelial polarity is established and maintained by competition between determinants that define the apical and basolateral domains. Cell–cell adhesion complexes, or adherens junctions, form at the interface of these regions. Mutations in adhesion components as well as apical determinants normally lead to an expansion of the basolateral domain. Here we investigate the genetic relationship between the polarity determinants and adhesion and show that the levels of the adhesion protein Armadillo affect competition. We find that in arm mutants, even a modest reduction in the basolateral component lgl leads to a full apical domain expansion or lgl phenotype. By using an allelic series of Armadillo mutations, we show that there is a threshold at which basolateral expansion can be reversed. Further, in embryos lacking the Wingless signaling component zw3, the same full apical expansion occurs again with only a reduction in lgl. We propose a model where zw3 regulates protein levels of apical and adhesion components and suggest that a reciprocal interaction between junctions and polarity modules functions to maintain stable apical and basolateral domains.
Rabies Exposure—Implications for Wilderness Travelers
Authors: Miller Evan T. , Marsh Regan H. , Stuart Harris N.
Published: September 2009

Rabies is a preventable, fatal infectious disease. Successful vaccination programs for domestic animals in developed countries have drastically decreased the risk of exposure to rabies. Yet awareness of rabies needs to remain high as important reservoirs still exist in our backyards, the wilderness, and abroad. Recognizing the risk before and after a potential exposure, so that appropriate medical care can be sought, is critical to preventing a fatal complication. This case report involves an exposure of a medical student to an ill-appearing and likely rabid gray fox in the Gila Wilderness Area of New Mexico. The student was a member of a 28-day wilderness medicine course taught by the National Outdoor Leadership School/Wilderness Medicine Institute in collaboration with the Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency. On the first night in the field, the student awoke to a gray fox biting his foot through his sleeping bag in the early morning hours. Subsequently the student was evacuated for medical evaluation. Further care consisted of rabies postexposure prophylaxis, including thorough wound cleansing, injection of human rabies immunoglobulin, and initiation of a rabies vaccination schedule. Immediate wound care with soap and water and a viricidal agent is of utmost importance for any animal bite, but especially so in the prevention of rabies. Indications for rabies prophylaxis are complex and require prompt evaluation by a medical professional and consultation with local epidemiology to guide treatment.
Morphological Evolution in the Mulberry Family (Moraceae)
Authors: Clement Wendy L. , Weiblen George D.
Published: September 2009

The mulberry family Moraceae comprises 37 genera and approximately 1,100 species distributed throughout tropical and temperate regions worldwide. Moraceae exhibit a complex array of inflorescence architectures, breeding systems, and pollination syndromes, which forms the basis of traditional
taxonomic classification. However, morphologically based classification conflicts with evolutionary relationships proposed by molecular phylogenetics. In this study we assembled a morphological character matrix for analysis separately and in combination with existing molecular data. We evaluated
81 vegetative, reproductive, and wood anatomical characters for 94 species representing nearly all Moraceae genera. Using parsimony and Bayesian methods, these characters were evaluated with respect to ndhF chloroplast and 26S nuclear DNA sequences. Topological comparisons tested whether
opposing classification schemes are more or less supported by the data. Results did not support any classification of Moraceae based on morphology. We present a revised tribal classification and describe a new tribe, Maclureae, revise the membership of tribe Castilleae and describe
two subtribes, Castillineae and Antiaropsineae, and reinstate the genera Malaisia (including Malaisia scandens) and Sloetia (including Sloetia elongata). Lastly we discuss the evolution of inflorescence architecture in relation to other floral features.
Is Morphology Really at Odds with Molecules in Estimating Fern Phylogeny?
Authors: Schneider Harald , Smith Alan R. , Pryer Kathleen M.
Published: September 2009

Using a morphological dataset of 136 vegetative and reproductive characters, we infer the tracheophyte phylogeny with an emphasis on early divergences of ferns (monilophytes). The dataset comprises morphological, anatomical, biochemical, and some DNA structural characters for a taxon
sample of 35 species, including representatives of all major lineages of vascular plants, especially ferns. Phylogenetic relationships among vascular plants are reconstructed using maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference. Both approaches yield similar relationships and provide evidence for
three major lineages of extant vascular plants: lycophytes, ferns, and seed plants. Lycophytes are sister to the euphyllophyte clade, which comprises the fern and seed plant lineages. The fern lineage consists of five clades: horsetails, whisk ferns, ophioglossoids, marattioids, and leptosporangiate
ferns. This lineage is supported by characters of the spore wall and has a parsimony bootstrap value of 76%, although the Bayesian posterior probability is only 0.53. Each of the five fern clades is well supported, but the relationships among them lack statistical support. Our independent
phylogenetic analyses of morphological evidence recover the same deep phylogenetic relationships among tracheophytes as found in previous studies utilizing DNA sequence data, but differ in some ways within seed plants and within ferns. We discuss the extensive independent evolution of the
five extant fern clades and the evidence for the placement of whisk ferns and horsetails in our morphological analyses.
Generic Delimitations and Relationships of the Cape Genera Capnophyllum, Dasispermum, and Sonderina, the North African Genera Krubera and Stoibrax, and a New Monotypic Genus of the Subfamily Apioideae (Apiaceae)
Authors: Magee Anthony R. , van Wyk Ben-Erik , Tilney Patricia M. , Downie Stephen R.
Published: September 2009

Generic circumscriptions and phylogenetic relationships of the Cape genera Capnophyllum, Dasispermum, and Sonderina are explored through parsimony and Bayesian inference analyses of nrDNA ITS and cpDNA rps16 intron sequences, morphology, and combined molecular
and morphological data. The relationship of these genera with the North African genera Krubera and Stoibrax is also assessed. Analyses of both molecular data sets place Capnophyllum, Dasispermum, Sonderina, and the only southern African species of Stoibrax
(S. capense) within the newly recognized Lefebvrea clade of tribe Tordylieae. Capnophyllum is strongly supported as monophyletic and is distantly related to Krubera. The monotypic genus Dasispermum and Stoibrax capense are embedded within a paraphyletic
Sonderina. This complex is distantly related to the North African species of Stoibrax in tribe Apieae, in which the type species, Stoibrax dichotomum, occurs. Consequently, Dasispermum is expanded to include both Sonderina and Stoibrax capense. New
combinations are formalized for Dasispermum capense, D. hispidum, D. humile, and D. tenue. An undescribed species from the Tanqua Karoo in South Africa is also closely related to Capnophyllum and the Dasispermum–Sonderina
complex. The genus Scaraboides is described herein to accommodate the new species, S. manningii. This monotypic genus shares the dorsally compressed fruit and involute marginal wings with Capnophyllum, but is easily distinguished by its erect branching habit, green leaves,
scabrous umbels, and fruit with indistinct median and lateral ribs, additional solitary vittae in each marginal wing, and parallel, closely spaced commissural vittae. Despite the marked fruit similarities with Capnophyllum, analyses of DNA sequence data place Scaraboides closer
to the Dasispermum–Sonderina complex, with which it shares the erect habit, green (nonglaucous) leaves, and scabrous umbels.
Patterns of Morphological and Plastid DNA Variation in the Corallorhiza striata Species Complex (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Barrett Craig F. , Freudenstein John V.
Published: September 2009

Corallorhiza striata is a wide-ranging, morphologically variable, mycoheterotrophic species complex distributed across North America. Objectives of this study were to assess relationships and test validity of previously delimited varieties of C. striata, including the
recently described C. bentleyi. Two plastid DNA regions were sequenced for individuals from several populations across North America, identifying four major clades. The large-flowered C. striata var. striata (northern U.S.A., southern Canada) was sister to the smaller-flowered
var. vreelandii (southwestern U.S.A., Mexico), and these were sister to a Californian clade with relatively intermediate-sized flowers. C. striata var. involuta (Mexico) and the endangered C. bentleyi (eastern U.S.A.) shared a close relationship, sister to the remaining
C. striata. Principal Components Analysis and Nonparametric Multivariate Analysis of Variance on nine quantitative morphological characters, using plastid DNA clades as independent variables, demonstrated strong correlations between molecular and morphological groupings. Morphological
analyses supported differentiation of both C. striata var. involuta and C. bentleyi relative to all other accessions of C. striata, suggesting their recognition as separate species; these findings will have future implications for conservation. The biogeographic
scenario was more complex than previously thought, with members of two major plastid DNA lineages (C. bentleyi/var. involuta and the remaining C. striata) existing in Mexico and U.S.A./Canada. These findings contribute to a burgeoning body of data on poorly studied North
American plant distributions extending into southern Mexico.
Taxonomic Implications of Morphological Variation in Cercis canadensis (Fabaceae) from Mexico and Adjacent Parts of Texas
Authors: Fritsch Peter W. , Schiller Anja M. , Larson Keith W.
Published: September 2009

Taxonomic treatments recognize three varieties of Cercis canadensis: with variety canadensis, widespread throughout the eastern United States, and varieties texensis and mexicana, found east and west of the Pecos River in Texas, respectively. The distribution
of Cercis continues southward into northeastern Mexico, but complex variation in leaf shape has confounded straightforward application of varietal names to the Mexican plants. To clarify the taxonomy of Cercis in Mexico, we conducted a morphometric analysis with 281 herbarium
specimens, including a representative set of samples from Texas. Correlation and principal component analysis of 12 characters recovered two groups that correspond to the presence versus absence of branchlet pubescence. These groups are geographically distinct at the northern and southern
extremes of the focus area but exhibit a large central region of overlap. No other discontinuities in character states were discovered to corroborate this division. Leaf shape varies continuously from ovate-acuminate at the northern and southern extremes to subreniform in the central region,
suggesting clinal adaptation to the mesic versus xeric environments in which the plants occur. Based on our data, we apply the varietal epithets mexicana and, provisionally, texensis to Mexican C. canadensis with pubescent and glabrous branchlets, respectively, the latter
based on geographic proximity to plants in Texas in the absence of definitive evidence on the phenotypic distinction between varieties canadensis and texensis.
Phylogenetic Relationships of Pinus Subsection Ponderosae Inferred from Rapidly Evolving cpDNA Regions
Authors: Gernandt David S. , Hernández-León Sergio , Salgado-Hernández Esmeralda , Pérez de La Rosa Jorge A.
Published: September 2009

Pinus subsection Ponderosae includes approximately 17 tree species distributed from western Canada to Nicaragua. We inferred phylogenetic relationships of multiple accessions for all widely recognized species from 3.7 kb of cpDNA sequence (matK, trnD-trnY-trnE
spacer, chlN-ycf1 spacer, and ycf1). The sister relationship between subsections Ponderosae and Australes was corroborated with high branch support, and several clades, most with lower branch support, were identified within subsection Ponderosae. Pinus
jeffreyi was sister to P. coulteri, P. sabiniana, and P. torreyana. Californian accessions of P. ponderosa and P. washoensis occurred in a clade separate from P. arizonica and P. scopulorum from the southwestern United States. Western Mexican
species P. cooperi and P. durangensis had cpDNA sequences identical to one or more accessions of P. arizonica and P. scopulorum, and together these taxa were closely related to clades of P. engelmannii-P. devoniana (Mexico) and P. douglasiana-P.
yecorensis-P. maximinoi (western Mexico to Guatemala). A well supported clade of taxa from Mexico and Central America included P. pseudostrobus, P. montezumae, P. hartwegii, P. maximinoi (one of three accessions), P. nubicola, and P. donnell-smithii.
Chloroplast DNA sequences were nonmonophyletic for most species, although the degree of support varied.
Cyathea atrocastanea a New Tree Fern from the Atlantic Rain Forest of Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Labiak Paulo H. , Matos Fernando B.
Published: September 2009

Cyathea atrocastanea, a new species of tree fern is described, illustrated, and compared with similar species. This new species should be classified as vulnerable (VU) according to the IUCN criteria. This species is distinct by its atrocastaneous and scurfy petiole, and
rachis, and by the broad ovate and yellowish, nonbullate scales on the costulae and midveins. A key to the exindusiate species from southeastern Brazil with nondenticulate petiole scales is also presented.
The Chronology of Distress, Anxiety, and Depression in Older Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Nelson Christian J. , Weinberger Mark I. , Balk Eliana , Holland Jimmie , Breitbart William , Roth Andrew J.
Published: September 2009

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Explain why older cancer patients have better coping skills than younger cancer patients.Analyze the relationship between aging, and anxiety, depression and quality of life in prostate cancer patients.Explain the dynamics between anxiety and depression in older prostate cancer patients.

This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
Reproductive disturbances in multiple neuroendocrine tumor syndromes
Authors: Lytras Aristides , Tolis George
Published: September 2009

In the context of multiple neuroendocrine tumor syndromes, reproductive abnormalities may occur via a number of different mechanisms, such as hyperprolactinemia, increased GH/IGF-1 levels, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, hypercortisolism, hyperandrogenism, hyperthyroidism, gonadotropin hypersecretion, as well as, tumorigenesis or functional disturbances in gonads or other reproductive organs. Precocious puberty and/or male feminization is a feature of McCune–Albright syndrome (MAS), neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), Carney complex (CNC), and Peutz–Jeghers syndrome (PJS), while sperm maturation and ovulation defects have been described in MAS and CNC. Although tumorigenesis of reproductive organs due to a multiple neuroendocrine tumor syndrome is very rare, certain lesions are characteristic and very unusual in the general population. Awareness leading to their recognition is important especially when other endocrine abnormalities coexist, as occasionally they may even be the first manifestation of a syndrome. Lesions such as certain types of ovarian cysts (MAS, CNC), pseudogynecomastia due to neurofibromas of the nipple–areola area (NF1), breast disease (CNC and Cowden disease (CD)), cysts and ‘hypernephroid’ tumors of the epididymis or bilateral papillary cystadenomas (mesosalpinx cysts) and endometrioid cystadenomas of the broad ligament (von Hippel–Lindau disease), testicular Sertoli calcifying tumors (CNC, PJS) monolateral or bilateral macroochidism and microlithiasis (MAS) may offer diagnostic clues. In addition, multiple neuroendocrine tumor syndromes may be complicated by reproductive malignancies including ovarian cancer in CNC, breast and endometrial cancer in CD, breast malignancies in NF1, and malignant sex-cord stromal tumors in PJS.
Comparative Study of Refraction Microtremor (ReMi) and Active Source Methods for Developing Low-Frequency Surface Wave Dispersion Curves
Authors: Rosenblad Brent L. , Li Jianhua
Published: September 2009

Obtaining high-quality dispersion curves is a critical step in the development of reliable shear wave velocity profiles from surface wave measurements. Because of its limited equipment and space requirements, the refraction microtremor (ReMi) method has become a popular approach for determining surface wave dispersion curves, and is increasingly being used for estimating low-frequency (long wavelength) surface wave velocities that are beyond the range of most active sources. The recent development of a low-frequency field vibrator as part of the Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES) program has made it possible to actively generate surface wave energy down to frequencies of less than 1 Hz. This paper presents a comparative study of the ReMi method and the active-source frequency-wavenumber [Formula: see text] method (using the NEES vibrator) for developing low-frequency dispersion curves. Linear arrays of 1-Hz seismometers were deployed at eight deep soil sites in the Mississippi Embayment. Using both ambient and active energy, surface wave dispersion curves were determined to wavelengths of 600 m. The dispersion data from the two methods were in good agreement (within about ±5%) to wavelengths of 100 to 150 m (3 to 4 Hz) at most sites. However, at longer wavelengths the dispersion estimates from the ReMi approach deviated significantly from the active source measurements. The validity of the [Formula: see text] dispersion curve was supported by dispersion data obtained using the SASW method, as well as ambient vibration measurements performed using a circular array at four of the sites. Analyses of ambient vibrations recorded using circular arrays show that the poor performance of the ReMi method at long wavelengths is not because of a lack of ambient surface wave energy at low frequencies, but can be attributed to invalid assumptions about the nature of the ambient wavefield.
1. Introduction
Authors: Yang Bicheng
Published: September 2009

In this chapter, we introduce some evolvements for the theory and methods of Hilbert-type inequalities,
including Hilbert’s inequality. We must emphasize some excellent works on Hilbert-type inequalities and Hilberttype
operators with multi-parameters in recent years, which have made more developments in this Context. This
chapter will enhance the understanding of the readers of the content of the following several chapters.
Investigating Underlying Components of the ICT Indicators Measurement Scale: The Extended Version
Authors: Akbulut Yavuz
Published: September 2009

This study aimed to investigate the underlying components constituting the extended version of the ICT Indicators Measurement Scale (ICTIMS), which was developed in 2007, and extended in the current study through the addition of 34 items. New items addressing successful ICT integration at education faculties were identified through the examination of the recent literature and expert panels. The tool was administered to 2,515 senior students in six education faculties in Turkey, which were randomly selected from hierarchically ordered clusters. The exploratory factor analysis eliminated 14 of 75 questions in the scale and identified 11 factors accounting for 64.02% of the total variance. The internal consistency coefficient was also high (α = .956). Factors extracted were e-learning, infrastructure, teaching-learning methods, policy, special education, health, learning communities, ease of use, e-interaction, technical assistance, and access. Interrelationships among factors were provided along with implications and suggestions for further research.
Effects of Student-Written Wiki-Based Textbooks on Pre-Service Teachers' Epistemological Beliefs
Authors: Ren Zhongtang , Baker Peter , Zhang Shaoan
Published: September 2009

Use of web technology in student construction of knowledge through writing their own textbooks via the Wikibooks platform may affect their epistemological beliefs. By using Epistemological Beliefs Inventory, this article investigates whether two groups ( n = 229) of pre-service teachers' epistemological beliefs change in different learning environments—a traditional course and a Wiki-centered course. The results of quantitative data analysis indicated differences between the epistemological beliefs of the two groups in one dimension—Certain Knowledge—with no significant differences in the other four dimensions—Simple Knowledge, Innate Ability, Omniscient Authority, and Quick Learning. Finally, this article discusses these differences and similarities and their theoretical and practical implications to teacher education programs.
Consumer Rationing and the Cournot Outcome
Authors: Lepore Jason J
Published: September 2009

For a symmetric two-stage game, where firms first choose capacities, then compete in prices, Kreps and Scheinkman (Bell Journal of Economics, 1983, 14(2), pp. 326-337) prove that under efficient rationing the Nash equilibrium coincides with the Cournot equilibrium. We extend the model to include asymmetric costs and provide new results showing that the capacity choice game is dominance-solvable, just like the Cournot game. Further, we provide a simple sufficient condition, under which the dominance-solvable result extends to proportional rationing. The results provide new insights into the robustness of Cournot coincidence under alternate demand rationing schemes.
Suturing the Open Veins of Ecuador: Debt, Default and Democracy
Authors: Mansell Wade , Openshaw Karen
Published: September 2009

In 2008 the Ecuadorian government received a report on the legitimacy of the country's sovereign debt from an international audit commission appointed by Ecuador's current president, Rafael Correa. This concluded that much of the debt was tainted by illegality and illegitimacy and consequently did not merit repayment. Citing the report's findings as justification, the government stopped making interest payments on certain of the country's bonds, but, rather than repudiating them altogether, engineered a successful buyback at a large discount. Having thus reduced Ecuador's external commercial debt burden by about a third, the government is now planning to address multilateral and bilateral loans also adjudged unlawful by the commission.This article examines the robust approach adopted by the Correa administration to tackling Ecuador's public debts, placing it in the context of the country's troubled economic history and contrasting it with previous defaults and debt workouts which largely worked to Ecuador's disadvantage. In doing so, it considers the use which the government has made of the increasingly prominent concepts of odious and illegitimate debt as a means of combating the indebtedness of the South. The conclusion reached is that, regardless of the final position suggested by international law, the realities of international relations are likely to limit the practicality of legal remedies. Nevertheless, the case of Ecuador provides a new chapter in the continuing academic debate regarding unlawful debt.These, of course, are the legal aspects of Ecuador's endeavours to curtail expenditure desperately needed for other purposes. Underlying the legal implications is the reality of an impoverished nation called upon to continue to service or redeem 'debt' that brought no obvious benefit to the overwhelming majority of its people. Debt repayment has promoted impoverishment and also, if indirectly, facilitated devastating environmental degradation.
Effect of caffeine on metabolic and cardiovascular responses to submaximal exercise in lean and obese men
Authors: Damirchi Arsalan , Rahmani-Nia Farhad , Mirzaie Bahman , Hasan-Nia Sadegh , Ebrahimi Mohsen
Published: September 2009

Effect of caffeine on metabolic and cardiovascular responses to submaximal exercise in lean and obese men

Study aim: To compare the effects of caffeine on metabolic and cardiovascular responses to exercise in lean and obese subjects.

Material and methods: In a double blind random design, 6 lean (BMI<20) and 6 obese (BMI>28) sedentary young men performed treadmill running for 30 min at similar exercise intensities (60% VO2max) one hour after caffeine (5 mg/kg body mass) or placebo ingestion. Gas exchange was measured by indirect calorimetry/open-circuit spirometry. Heart rate (HR) was measured throughout the exercise. Blood pressure (BP) measurements were taken at baseline, 1 h after caffeine/placebo ingestion and immediately after exercise. Repeated measures ANOVA was used in data analysis.

Results: Caffeine significantly (p<0.05 - 0.01) increased the exercise-induced oxygen uptake, energy expenditure, systolic blood pressure and heart rate in both groups, the respiratory exchange ratio remaining unchanged. The effects of caffeine were in both groups alike.

Conclusions: Caffeine activates metabolism without inducing major changes in fat/carbohydrate oxidation. The differences in body fat content seem not to affect the caffeine-induced effects in a submaximal exercise.
Development and Validation of a Method to Evaluate Unpaved Road Condition with Objective Distress Measures
Authors: Chamorro Alondra , de Solminihac Hernán , Salgado Mauricio , Barrera Ernesto
Published: September 2009

The condition of unpaved roads is commonly assessed by using qualitative distress measures. Some methods do not consistently consider the relative effect of multiple defects on road condition, or their application is limited to the conditions under which they were developed. In 2007, the Ministerio de Obras Públicas of Chile and a private consultant developed the Modelos de Deterioro de Caminos No Pavimentados study. The scope of the study was to gain experience with and understanding of unpaved road behavior. The main goal of the study was to develop and validate a method for evaluating unpaved road condition by using objective measures of distress, drainage, and profile characteristics. The scope was to design a versatile tool that was applicable to any location, followed a simple procedure, and used cost-effective survey techniques. The proposed approach is to define condition models from a questionnaire administered to a professional panel by applying the Delphi method. As a result of the study, equations representing the unpaved condition index (UPCI) and condition limits were developed for unbound gravel, stabilized gravel, and earth roads subject to three climates: dry, Mediterranean, and humid. UPCI equations and condition limits were validated successfully; the method to assess unpaved road conditions was reliable and versatile.
Three-Point Imaging Test for AASHTO Soil Classification
Authors: Hryciw Roman D. , Jung Yongsub
Published: September 2009

A rapid, digital image–based test has been developed for the classification of highway subgrade materials according to the AASHTO system. The test involves segregating particles in a sedimentation column, then determining the elevations at which 2.0-, 0.425-, and 0.075-mm grains (No. 10, No. 40, and No. 200 sieves, respectively) are found. If it is assumed that porosity variations throughout the column are insignificant, as established in previous studies, then the distances between these elevations translate to the percentages that pass through the various sieves. The method uses a previously developed calibration between an image wavelet decomposition index and the pixels per particle diameter. At a camera magnification of 32.5 pixels/mm, the entire grain size range from 2.0 to 0.075 mm is resolved. Thus, only a single fixed magnification lens is needed for the system. The accuracy of the new test is demonstrated by comparing the digital image–based results and conventional sieving for three soil specimens: well-graded sand, uniformly fine sand, and sandy silt. The advantages of the three-point imaging test for AASHTO soil classification over conventional sieving and hydrometer tests include reduced testing time, low noise, possibly lower equipment costs, and the elimination of airborne particles in the lab.
Use of Structural Asset Management to Evaluate Road Substructure Drainage Systems
Authors: Berthelot Curtis , Taylor Brian , Stuber Erin , Prang Colin , Marjerison Brent , Campbell Marty
Published: September 2009

Over the past three decades, many areas in western Canada have experienced increasing volumes of heavy commercial vehicles, primarily related to resource-based economic development. Combinations of changing moisture conditions, marginal granular materials, and heavy loadings often lead to premature road structure distress, failure, or both. In particular, slow-moving and turning truck traffic can significantly increase the applied stress states and moisture-pumping effects within the road structure, both at the surface and deep within the road structure. Strengthening a road structure to sustain severe heavy truck loadings often requires installing substructure drainage systems before placing the structural strengthening system. However, explicitly measuring the initial design requirements and the life-cycle performance of substructure drainage systems, as well as the impact of drainage systems on structural integrity, is difficult with traditional empirical model–based road structural evaluation and design methods. The use of a mechanistic model–based structural asset management approach to evaluate the performance of existing substructure drainage systems and to engineer the requirements of new drainage systems across three case studies is summarized. The findings of these case studies indicate that falling weight deflectometer and ground-penetrating radar are effective mechanistic model–based methods of structural assessment. They accurately quantify the spatial limits, the end-product structural asset value, and the performance of in-service drainage systems.
Influence of Soil Suction on Small-Strain Stiffness of Compacted Residual Subgrade Soil
Authors: Yang Shu-Rong , Lin Horn-Da
Published: September 2009

The small-strain stiffness of compacted residual lateritic subgrade soil was determined. A bender element apparatus and the filter paper method were integrated to develop a systematic testing procedure to investigate the influence of matric suction on small-strain stiffness, including small-strain shear wave velocity and small-strain shear modulus, with different wetting paths. Soil specimens were compacted at three moisture contents (optimum moisture content, dry of optimum, and wet of optimum), then wetted to various moisture contents by using an environmental simulation apparatus developed to simulate in-service moisture conditions. Test findings indicate that specimen moisture contents increase gradually and finally attain equilibrium in the wetting process. Suction decreases with increasing moisture content and degree of saturation; consequently, small-strain shear wave velocity and small-strain shear modulus decrease. The specimens compacted at dry of optimum have a much lower small-strain shear wave velocity and small-strain shear modulus than specimens compacted at wet of optimum. Nevertheless, the small-strain shear modulus exhibits higher linearity with matric suction than with moisture content. Results indicate that matric suction is a key parameter for evaluating the dynamic properties of compacted soil.
Effect of Suction on Resilient Modulus of Compacted Fine-Grained Subgrade Soils
Authors: Sawangsuriya Auckpath , Edil Tuncer B. , Benson Craig H.
Published: September 2009

Resilient modulus of compacted subgrade soils is the primary mechanical property required in the mechanistic–empirical design of pavement structures. In most cases, the resilient modulus is determined of a specimen prepared at a single compaction condition (i.e., near optimum water content and at a specified percentage of maximum dry unit weight). However, in the field, the resilient modulus changes in response to changes in moisture content and corresponding changes in matric suction. The relationship between resilient modulus and suction is described for four fine-grained compacted subgrade soils. Resilient modulus tests were conducted in accordance with NCHRP 1-28A on test specimens prepared from each soil and conditioned to different matric suctions. The summary resilient modulus increases with increasing matric suction. This relationship is quantified empirically by using a modulus ratio, defined as the ratio of the summary resilient modulus at a particular suction to a reference summary resilient modulus. Two reference summary moduli were considered: at optimum compaction conditions and at saturation. The modulus ratio is linearly related to the logarithm of matric suction for all soils.
Functional Characteristics of Double Draining Layer Flexible Pavements
Authors: Pisciotta Massimo
Published: September 2009

The main characteristic of double draining layer flexible pavements is the use of different gradations of aggregates for the different layers, according to the specific task that each layer has to perform. Strong basaltic aggregates that can resist the stresses produced by traffic are used for the top layer, whereas calcareous aggregates that are ideal for open mixtures with good draining characteristics are used for the bottom layer. The function of the top layer, which has a higher density, is to filter surface dust and impurities and thereby protect the bottom layer, which truly performs the draining action. The results of an experimental study of such a mixture are presented. In particular, analysis results of permeability testing indicate that a double layer system provides excellent permeability coefficients and performances that are similar to those of a traditional single draining layer mixture. In addition, the results of mechanical characteristic tests performed show excellent resistance values for both bottom and top layers.
Assessment of Psychiatric Disorders in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients
Authors: Alim MA , Hussain AM , Haque MA , Ahad MA , Islam QT , Ekram ARMS
Published: September 2009

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder commonly associated with psychosomatic illness Eighty six patients of IBS who met the clinical Rome-II criteria were enrolled in this prospective study. Necessary laboratory investigations were done to exclude organic diseases. All patients were subjected to psychiatric assessment by clinical psychiatrist using DSM-IV criteria. 96.5% of the studied patients actually had different psychiatric illness. Among them generalized anxiety disorder (24.4%), depressive illness (27.8%), somatoform disorder (12.7%) and hypochondriasis (10.4%) were the predominant abnormalities. New onset of IBS patients exhibited higher prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder (42.8%) in comparison to longer duration of illness. Depressive illness (44.4%) was substantially higher in constipation-predominant IBS than other forms.   doi: 10.3329/taj.v18i1.3296 TAJ 2005; 18(1): 10-13
Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis Analysis of 84 Cases
Authors: Jafor Md A , Rahman Md Latifur , Choudhury KM , Hossain Md A
Published: September 2009

This is a descriptive study carried out in the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital and in the private clinics of Rajshahi, during the period of November 2000 to October 2004. Total 84 patients were treated by Ramstedt's pyloromyotomy after proper resuscitation. The male to female ratio was 5:1. Most of the patients presented to us within 40 days of age (90%). In 90% cases diagnosis were done on clinical basis. The diagnosis is confirmed by barium meal x-ray in 60 cases and sonogram in 71 cases. Serum electrolytes were estimated in all patients. There was metabolic derangement in more than 80% cases. There was no postoperative mortality. Oral feeding started after 6 hours postoperatively in 81 cases. Inadvertent mucosal perforation occurred in 3 cases and that was recognized and repaired successfully without any ill effect. Superficial wound infection encountered in 8.33% cases. doi: 10.3329/taj.v18i1.3297 TAJ 2005; 18(1): 14-16
Correlation of the Laboratory Findings with a Etiology of Patients Presenting with Fever followed by Altered Consciousness in a Teaching Hospital
Authors: Shaha Amaresh Chandra , Nag Manabendra Nath , Deb Arpita , Nath NC
Published: September 2009

Consecutive fifty subjects having fever with altered consciousness admitted into medical wards in Rangpur Medical College Hospital, Rangpur were selected to find out the aetiology and its correlation with laboratory findings of the subjects. Subjects having prolonged fever, (more than 21 days) pregnancy, trauma, drug intoxication, cerebrovascular disease and metabolic causes including liver diseases were excluded from the study. Study revealed that majority of the study subjects were below 39 years (76%) of age and most of them were male (80%). Predominant cases were found to be pyogenic meningitis (44%), followed by encephalitis (32%), cerebral malaria (20%) and tubercular meningitis (4%). Neutrophilic leucocytosis, high cerebrospinal fluid protein, very high cell count and low sugar were a common observation in pyogenic meningitis while very high erythrocytic sedimentation rate was the main findings in tubercular meningitis and high lymphocytic count was observed in encephalitis as compared to other. So it is concluded that subjects suffering from fever with altered consciousness are 1. Predominantly male of young age group. 2. pyogenic meningitis is a predominant cause. 3. Cerebrospinal fluid findings were observed to have usual findings in disease of pyogenic meningitis, encephalitis and tubercular meningitis.   doi: 10.3329/taj.v18i1.3300 TAJ 2005; 18(1): 25-29