bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Belastungsversuche als Voraussetzung für die Umnutzung von Industriegebäuden
Authors: Fiedler Lutz , Kapphahn Gerd , Hahn Gunter , Steffens Klaus
Published: October 2011

Anhand eines Beispiels wird gezeigt, wie eine experimentelle Tragsicherheitsbewertung die Umnutzung bestehender Bausubstanz ermöglichen kann. Es handelt sich um einen Industriegebäudekomplex, für den sich auf rechnerischem Wege nicht alle erforderlichen statischen Nachweise erbringen ließen. Jedoch gestatteten Probebelastungen der vorgefundenen verschiedenartigen Massivdeckensysteme den Nachweis ausreichender Tragsicherheit.

Load tests as a precondition for the restoration and conversion of industrial buildings. By means of an example, it is demonstrated that the restoration and conversion of existing buildings may require an experimental evaluation of the structural safety. For a complex of industrial buildings, sufficient load‐carrying capacity could not be verified by structural analyses. However, load tests of the existing differently constructed concrete ceilings allowed to prove structural safety.
Molecular mechanics of silk nanostructures under varied mechanical loading
Authors: Bratzel Graham , Buehler Markus J.
Published: October 2011

Spider dragline silk is a self‐assembling tunable protein composite fiber that rivals many engineering fibers in tensile strength, extensibility, and toughness, making it one of the most versatile biocompatible materials and most inviting for synthetic mimicry. While experimental studies have shown that the peptide sequence and molecular structure of silk have a direct influence on the stiffness, toughness, and failure strength of silk, few molecular‐level analyses of the nanostructure of silk assemblies, in particular, under variations of genetic sequences have been reported. In this study, atomistic‐level structures of wildtype as well as modified MaSp1 protein from the Nephila clavipes spider dragline silk sequences, obtained using an in silico approach based on replica exchange molecular dynamics and explicit water molecular dynamics, are subjected to simulated nanomechanical testing using different force‐control loading conditions including stretch, pull‐out, and peel. The authors have explored the effects of the poly‐alanine length of the N. clavipes MaSp1 peptide sequence and identify differences in nanomechanical loading conditions on the behavior of a unit cell of 15 strands with 840–990 total residues used to represent a cross‐linking β‐sheet crystal node in the network within a fibril of the dragline silk thread. The specific loading condition used, representing concepts derived from the protein network connectivity at larger scales, have a significant effect on the mechanical behavior. Our analysis incorporates stretching, pull‐out, and peel testing to connect biochemical features to mechanical behavior. The method used in this study could find broad applications in de novo design of silk‐like tunable materials for an array of applications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 97: 408–417, 2012.
A four trunked brachial plexus and a post fixed brachial plexus: A conjunction or a co‐incidence?: Report of three cases
Authors: Chaudhary Priti , Singla Rajan , Kalsey Gurdeep , Arora Kamal
Published: October 2011

The anatomical variations of the brachial plexus in humans have clinical significance for surgeons, radiologists, and anatomists. In a study of 60 brachial plexuses, four trunked brachial plexuses were encountered in three limbs (two female and one male), all of them being post fixed and on left side of cadavers. The third trunk in all these limbs gave rise to two anterior divisions (upper and lower) and one posterior division. In two limbs belonging to the female sex, the upper anterior division joined with the anterior division of the second trunk to form the lateral cord while its lower anterior division joined with the anterior division of the fourth trunk to form the medial cord. In the sole male limb, along with the third trunk, the fourth trunk also divided into upper and lower anterior divisions. Upper anterior divisions of the third and fourth trunks joined to form the medial root of the median nerve while lower anterior divisions joined to form the ulnar nerve. No medial cord was formed as such. Further, it is inferred that in postfixed brachial plexus, there is a tendency to failure on part of T1 and T2 to join C8 which continues as the third trunk while T1 and T2 continue as the fourth trunk. Since it was seen in all postfixed brachial plexuses of the present study, it is emphasized to be given a place in the textbooks of anatomy or to conduct a study on a larger database. Clin. Anat. 25:593–600, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Are Religious Minorities in Greece Better Accepted if they Assimilate? The Effects of Acculturation Strategy and Group Membership on Religious Minority Perceptions
Authors: Grigoropoulou Nikolitsa , Chryssochoou Xenia
Published: October 2011

This research aims to investigate the impact of minority members' decision about whether or not to adopt the majority's religion on how the majority perceives these minority members and on beliefs about religious and cultural diversity. It is hypothesized that the adoption of the majority's religion would be more positively evaluated, the minority person adopting the religion would be perceived to identify more with the national polity and less with the minority ingroup, the minority group as a whole would be more positively viewed, more tolerant religious beliefs would prevail and the majority would accept cultural maintenance by the minority. However it is also hypothesized that the positive effect of this strategy would be moderated by the origins of the minority person. Greek‐Orthodox students (n = 223) participated in a 2 (type of decision) x 5 (group membership) between‐subjects design conducted in Greece, a mono‐religious society which has become culturally diverse due to immigration. The target groups represent religious minorities with Greek citizenship (Jews and Muslims of Thrace), immigrant groups of different ethnic orientation and similar religious background (Albanian Muslims and Pakistanis) or groups sharing ethnicity but differing in religious beliefs (Albanian Muslims and Albanian atheists). The moderation hypothesis was confirmed for perceived identification with the minority ingroup, presenting Albanians in a worse position. However, group membership influenced mainly group perceptions and beliefs about diversity. The theoretical and political implications of the findings and their importance for the specific context are discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
‘I am a Believer but not a Conformist’: Negotiating Claims to being Religious among Syrian Christians and Muslims
Authors: Widdicombe Sue
Published: October 2011

Psychologists' attempts to define and measure religion reveal substantial variability, a lack of consensus, cultural variation and differences between religions. A discursive psychology approach can address variability in meanings and the inferential issues that may inform claims to be religious. This paper identifies strategies used by Syrian Muslims and Christians to affirm, reformulate or deny religiousness. The analysis is based on a corpus of data generated through semi‐structured interviews with 158 men and women. It shows how some speakers affirm that they are religious and treat this as a non‐accountable matter. When asked to describe the basis of being religious, they produced descriptions of their own practices or a set of general criteria. Other speakers denied or modified ‘being religious’, using an ‘x but not y’ formulation to reject one meaning (for example, conformist) in favour of another (for example, believer). Some speakers' self‐ascriptions were reinforced by characterizing their own views of religion as morals and good behaviour. Thus speakers deploy multiple meanings of religion for different purposes. Moreover their accounts address inferential and interpersonal problems that arise when claiming to be religious: specifically that others may infer extremism or conformity, or prejudice against members of other religions. The implications of these observations for social psychological studies of religion are discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Symbolic Boundaries and Ideology in the Norwegian Multicultural Society: A Longitudinal Study of Public Discourse
Authors: Phelps Joshua Marvle , Blakar Rolv Mikkel , Carlquist Erik , Nafstad Hilde Eileen , Rand‐Hendriksen Kim
Published: October 2011

Group boundaries between immigrant minority and majority members are currently undergoing considerable and complex changes in European multicultural societies due to migration. In this paper, we present a descriptive, longitudinal investigation of the usage of linguistic expressions in Norwegian media discourse that describe symbolic boundary developments between immigrant minority and majority members, and their multicultural context. Seventy‐two expressions are analyzed, and three temporal usage patterns are described (increasing, decreasing, and ‘mountain’) as central to understanding current symbolic boundaries and how they may both frame and be shaped by ideologies. Expressions describing immigrant minorities have increasingly focused on their establishment in the Norwegian multicultural society and have also shifted from general boundaries of outsiderness to increasingly specified boundaries of origins, visibility, and immigrant otherness. Norwegian majority expressions have mostly shifted toward a focus on origins. Our analysis suggests that symbolic boundaries in the Norwegian multicultural society have been changing rapidly. They seem to be shaped by complex ideological patterns constructing both similarities and differences, and which simultaneously seem to promote both inclusion and exclusion for certain immigrant minorities. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of Silica Nanoparticles by Ultrasound‐Assisted Sol‐Gel Method: Optimized by Taguchi Robust Design
Authors: Edrissi M. , Soleymani M. , Adinehnia M.
Published: October 2011

Silica nanoparticles were prepared by ultrasound‐assisted and conventional sol‐gel method. The synthesis procedures were designed and optimized by the Taguchi experimental design method. Molar concentrations of TEOS, H2O, NH4OH, and reaction temperature were chosen as main factors. The results showed that the molar concentration of ammonia is the main factor which affects the particle size of the silica nanoparticles. The chemical structure, size, and morphology of the product were investigated by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, laser light scattering, and scanning electron microscopy. By the optimum conditions of the ultrasound‐assisted sol‐gel method, silica nanoparticles with an average particle size of 13 nm were prepared.
ChemInform Abstract: An Efficient Copper(I) Iodide Catalyzed Synthesis of Diaryl Selenides Through CAr—Se Bond Formation Using Solvent Acetonitrile as Ligand.
Authors: Dandapat Arpan , Korupalli Chiranjeevi , Prasad D. J. C. , Singh Rahul , Sekar Govindasamy
Published: October 2011

The desired selenides can be prepared from aryl iodides or, with reduced yield, from aryl bromides.
Evaluation of response after stereotactic body radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Price Tracy R. , Perkins Susan M. , Sandrasegaran Kumar , Henderson Mark A. , Maluccio Mary A. , Zook Jennifer E. , Tector A. Joseph , Vianna Rodrigo M. , Johnstone Peter A.S. , Cardenes Higinia R.
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing in incidence due to hepatitis C. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is a noninvasive, effective therapy in the management of liver malignancies. The authors evaluated radiological response in 26 patients with HCC treated with SBRT at Indiana University.

METHODS:

Between March 2005 and June 2008, 26 patients with HCC who were not surgical candidates were enrolled in a phase 1 to 2 trial. Eligibility criteria included solitary tumors ≤ 6 cm or up to 3 lesions with sum diameters ≤ 6 cm, and well‐compensated cirrhosis. All patients had imaging before, at 1 to 3 months, and every 3 to 6 months after SBRT.

RESULTS:

Patients received 3 to 5 fractions of SBRT. Median SBRT dose was 42 Gray (Gy) (range: 24‐48 Gy). Median follow‐up was 13 months. Per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST), 4 patients had a complete response (CR), 15 had a partial response (PR), and 7 achieved stable disease (SD) at 12 months. One patient with SD experienced progression marginal to the treated area. The overall best response rate (CR + PR) was 73%. In comparison, by European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) criteria, 18 of 26 patients had ≥ 50% nonenhancement at 12 months. Thirteen of 18 demonstrated 100% nonenhancement, being > 50% in 5 patients. Kaplan‐Meier 1‐ and 2‐year survival estimates were 77% and 60%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

SBRT is effective therapy for patients with HCC with an overall best response rate (CR + PR) of 73%. Nonenhancement on imaging, a surrogate for ablation, may be a more useful indicator than size reduction in evaluating HCC response to SBRT in the first 6 to 12 months, supporting EASL criteria. Cancer 2012;118: 3191–98. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Costs of medical care after open or minimally invasive prostate cancer surgery
Authors: Lowrance William T. , Eastham James A. , Yee David S. , Laudone Vincent P. , Denton Brian , Scardino Peter T. , Elkin Elena B.
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND:

Evidence suggests that minimally invasive radical prostatectomy (MRP) and open radical prostatectomy (ORP) have similar short‐term clinical and functional outcomes. MRP with robotic assistance is generally more expensive than ORP, but it is not clear whether subsequent costs of care vary by approach.

METHODS:

In the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registry linked with Medicare claims, men aged 66 years or older who received MRP or ORP in 2003 through 2006 for prostate cancer were identified. Total cost of care was estimated as the sum of Medicare payments from all claims for hospital care, outpatient care, physician services, home health and hospice care, and durable medical equipment in the first year from the date of surgical admission. The impact of surgical approach on costs was estimated, controlling for patient and disease characteristics.

RESULTS:

Of 5445 surgically treated prostate cancer patients, 4454 (82%) had ORP and 991 (18%) had MRP. Mean total first‐year costs were more than $1200 greater for MRP compared with ORP ($16,919 vs $15,692; P = .08). Controlling for patient and disease characteristics, MRP was associated with 2% greater mean total payments, but this difference was not statistically significant. First‐year costs were greater for men who were older, black, lived in the Northeast, had lymph node involvement, more advanced tumor stage, or greater comorbidity.

CONCLUSIONS:

In this population‐based cohort of older men, MRP and ORP had similar economic outcomes. From a payer's perspective, any benefits associated with MRP may not translate to net savings compared with ORP in the first year after surgery. Cancer 2012;118: 3079–86. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Electronic Properties of Vanadium‐Doped TiO2
Authors: Islam Mazharul M. , Bredow Thomas , Gerson Andrea
Published: October 2011

The electronic properties of vanadium‐doped rutile TiO2 are investigated theoretically with a Hartree–Fock/DFT hybrid approach. The most common oxidation states (V2+, V3+, V4+, and V5+) in different spin states are investigated and their relative stability is calculated. The most stable spin states are quartet, quintet, doublet, and singlet for V2+, V3+, V4+, and V5+ doping, respectively. By comparing the formation energy with respect to the parent oxides and gas‐phase oxygen (ΔE), we conclude that V4+ (ΔE=145.3 kJ mol−1) is the most likely oxidation state for vanadium doping with the possibility of V5+ doping (ΔE=283.5 kJ mol−1). The energetic and electronic properties are converged with dopant concentrations in the range of 0.9 to 3.2 %, which is within the experimentally accessible range. The investigation of electronic properties shows that V4+ doping creates both occupied and unoccupied vanadium states in the band gap and V5+ doping creates unoccupied states at the bottom of the conduction band. In both cases there is a significant reduction of the band gap by 0.65 to 0.75 eV compared to that of undoped rutile TiO2.
Strong spatial genetic structure in five tropical Piper species: should the Baker–Fedorov hypothesis be revived for tropical shrubs?
Authors: Lasso E. , Dalling J. W. , Bermingham E.
Published: October 2011

Fifty years ago, Baker and Fedorov proposed that the high species diversity of tropical forests could arise from the combined effects of inbreeding and genetic drift leading to population differentiation and eventually to sympatric speciation. Decades of research, however have failed to support the Baker–Fedorov hypothesis (BFH), and it has now been discarded in favor of a paradigm where most trees are self‐incompatible or strongly outcrossing, and where long‐distance pollen dispersal prevents population drift. Here, we propose that several hyper‐diverse genera of tropical herbs and shrubs, including Piper (>1,000 species), may provide an exception. Species in this genus often have aggregated, high‐density populations with self‐compatible breeding systems; characteristics which the BFH would predict lead to high local genetic differentiation. We test this prediction for five Piper species on Barro Colorado Island, Panama, using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) markers. All species showed strong genetic structure at both fine‐ and large‐spatial scales. Over short distances (200–750 m) populations showed significant genetic differentiation (Fst 0.11–0.46, P < 0.05), with values of spatial genetic structure that exceed those reported for other tropical tree species (Sp = 0.03–0.136). This genetic structure probably results from the combined effects of limited seed and pollen dispersal, clonal spread, and selfing. These processes are likely to have facilitated the diversification of populations in response to local natural selection or genetic drift and may explain the remarkable diversity of this rich genus.
Total Synthesis of (+)‐Hyacinthacine A1, (+)‐7a‐epi‐Hyacinthacine A1, (6R)‐6‐Hydroxyhyacinthacine A1 and (6S)‐6‐Hydroxy‐7a‐epi‐hyacinthacine A1
Authors: D'Adamio Giampiero , Goti Andrea , Parmeggiani Camilla , Moreno‐Clavijo Elena , Robina Inmaculada , Cardona Francesca
Published: October 2011

The total synthesis of natural (+)‐hyacinthacine A1 (6), (+)‐7a‐epi‐hyacinthacine A1 (7) and their 6‐hydroxy analogues 21 and 16 was achieved using a nitrone cycloaddition strategy with D‐ribose‐derived cyclic nitrone 8 as the dipole and tert‐butyl acrylate as the dipolarophile. After separation of the adducts, reductive cleavage of the N–O bond followed by lactam reduction and deprotection afforded the two non‐natural hydroxy analogues in excellent yields. The synthesis of (+)‐hyacinthacine A1 (6) and of (+)‐7a‐epi‐hyacinthacine A1 (7), which required deoxygenation at C(6), was accomplished by DIBAL‐H reduction of mesylate derivatives of the pyrrolizidinols 20 and 15, respectively. Evaluation of the synthesized compounds against a panel of 12 commercially available glycosidases showed that hyacinthacine A1 (6) and its (6R)‐hydroxy analogue 21 are good inhibitors of amyloglucosidase; the non‐natural compound 21 is also a strong inhibitor of β‐glucosidase, while 6 showed only moderate inhibition. The non‐natural (+)‐7a‐epi‐hyacinthacine A1 (7) is a moderate inhibitor of amyloglucosidase and α‐L‐fucosidase; the presence of the (6S)‐hydroxy group in 16 led to diminished activity.
Metarelational models: Configurations of social relationships
Authors: Fiske Alan Page
Published: October 2011

Beyond cognizing persons and social relationships, people also think about combinations of relationships: metarelational models (MeRMs). If relationships are words, then MeRMs are syntax; if relationships are atoms, MeRMs are chemical compounds. MeRMs are the motivated, emotionally experienced, morally directive models for generating, understanding, coordinating, planning, evaluating, modulating, sanctioning, and redressing configurations of social relationships. Previous research and theory on triads and balance, networks, cross‐cutting ties, and kinship systems has explored the causal connections among social relationships, but MeRM theory posits something more: shared, culturally informed MeRMs that people use to jointly construct meaningful coordinated action. The social interactions of nonhuman animals and pre‐verbal infants indicate that they use MeRMs, supporting the contention that core innate cognition includes the basic structures of MeRMs. There are six elementary kinds of MeRMs, and recursive linking of relational models (RMs) generates indefinitely more. MeRMs shape individual psychology, relationships, groups, institutions, and cultures. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adjusted functional boxplots for spatio‐temporal data visualization and outlier detection
Authors: Sun Ying , Genton Marc G.
Published: October 2011

This article proposes a simulation‐based method to adjust functional boxplots for correlations when visualizing functional and spatio‐temporal data, as well as detecting outliers. We start by investigating the relationship between the spatio‐temporal dependence and the 1.5 times the 50% central region empirical outlier detection rule. Then, we propose to simulate observations without outliers on the basis of a robust estimator of the covariance function of the data. We select the constant factor in the functional boxplot to control the probability of correctly detecting no outliers. Finally, we apply the selected factor to the functional boxplot of the original data. As applications, the factor selection procedure and the adjusted functional boxplots are demonstrated on sea surface temperatures, spatio‐temporal precipitation and general circulation model (GCM) data. The outlier detection performance is also compared before and after the factor adjustment. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Finding fossils in new ways: An artificial neural network approach to predicting the location of productive fossil localities
Authors: Anemone Robert , Emerson Charles , Conroy Glenn
Published: October 2011

Chance and serendipity have long played a role in the location of productive fossil localities by vertebrate paleontologists and paleoanthropologists. We offer an alternative approach, informed by methods borrowed from the geographic information sciences and using recent advances in computer science, to more efficiently predict where fossil localities might be found. Our model uses an artificial neural network (ANN) that is trained to recognize the spectral characteristics of known productive localities and other land cover classes, such as forest, wetlands, and scrubland, within a study area based on the analysis of remotely sensed (RS) imagery. Using these spectral signatures, the model then classifies other pixels throughout the study area. The results of the neural network classification can be examined and further manipulated within a geographic information systems (GIS) software package. While we have developed and tested this model on fossil mammal localities in deposits of Paleocene and Eocene age in the Great Divide Basin of southwestern Wyoming, a similar analytical approach can be easily applied to fossil‐bearing sedimentary deposits of any age in any part of the world. We suggest that new analytical tools and methods of the geographic sciences, including remote sensing and geographic information systems, are poised to greatly enrich paleoanthropological investigations, and that these new methods should be embraced by field workers in the search for, and geospatial analysis of, fossil primates and hominins. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Copy number defects of G1‐Cell cycle genes in neuroblastoma are frequent and correlate with high expression of E2F target genes and a poor prognosis
Authors: Molenaar Jan J. , Koster Jan , Ebus Marli E. , van Sluis Peter , Westerhout Ellen M. , de Preter Katleen , Gisselsson David , Øra Ingrid , Speleman Frank , Caron Huib N. , Versteeg Rogier
Published: October 2011

The tightly controlled network of cell cycle genes consists of a core of cyclin dependent kinases (CDKs) that are activated by periodically expressed cyclins. The activity of the cyclin‐CDK complexes is regulated by cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKIs) and multiple signal transduction routes that converge on the cell cycle. Neuroblastoma are pediatric tumors that belong to the group of small round blue cell tumors, characterized by a fast proliferation. Here, we present high throughput analyses of cell cycle regulating genes in neuroblastoma. We analyzed a series of 82 neuroblastomas by comparative genomic hybridization arrays, single nucleotide polymorphism arrays, and Affymetrix expression arrays and analyzed the datasets in parallel with the R2 bioinformatic tool (http://r2.amc.nl). About 30% of the tumors had genomic amplifications, gains, or losses with shortest regions of overlap that suggested implication of a series of G1 cell cycle regulating genes. CCND1 (cyclin D1) and CDK4 were amplified or gained and the chromosomal regions containing the CDKN2 (INK4) group of CDKIs were frequently deleted. Cluster analysis showed that tumors with genomic aberrations in G1 regulating genes over‐expressed E2F target genes, which regulate S and G2/M phase progression. These tumors have a poor prognosis. Our findings suggest that pharmacological inhibition of cell cycle genes might bear therapeutic promises for patients with high risk neuroblastoma. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gap junctions mediate intercellular spread of sodium between hippocampal astrocytes in situ
Authors: Langer Julia , Stephan Jonathan , Theis Martin , Rose Christine R.
Published: October 2011

Activation of glutamatergic synapses results in long‐lasting sodium transients in astrocytes mediated mainly by sodium‐dependent glutamate uptake. Sodium elevations activate Na+/K+‐ATPase and glucose uptake by astrocytes, representing key signals for coupling glial metabolism to neuronal activity. Here, we analyzed the spread of sodium signals between astrocytes in hippocampal slice preparations. Stimulation of a single astrocyte resulted in an immediate sodium elevation that spread to neighboring astrocytes within a distance of ∼ 100 μm. Amplitude, slope, and propagation speed of sodium elevations in downstream cells decayed monotonically with increasing distance, indicative of a diffusion process. In contrast to sodium, calcium increases elicited by electrical stimulation were restricted to the stimulated cell and a few neighboring astrocytes. Pharmacological inhibition of mGluR1/5 slightly dampened the spread of sodium, whereas inhibition of glutamate uptake or purinergic receptors had no effect. Spread of sodium to neighboring cells was disturbed on pharmacological inhibition of gap junctions, reduced in animals at P4 and virtually omitted in Cx30/Cx43 double‐deficient mice. In contrast to results obtained earlier in cultured astrocytes, our data thus indicate that calcium signaling and metabotropic glutamate receptors are supportive of, but not prerequisites for, the spread of sodium between hippocampal astrocytes in situ, whereas expression of Cx30 and Cx43 is essential. Cx30/Cx43‐mediated sodium diffusion between astrocytes could represent a signal indicating increased metabolic needs, independent of concomitant calcium signaling. Spread of sodium might also serve a homeostatic function by supporting the re‐establishment of steep sodium gradients and by lowering the metabolic burden imposed on single cells. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Three polymorphisms of the eNOS gene and plasma levels of metabolites of nitric oxide in depressed Japanese patients: a preliminary report
Authors: Ikenouchi‐Sugita Atsuko , Yoshimura Reiji , Kishi Taro , Umene‐Nakano Wakako , Hori Hikaru , Hayashi Kenji , Katsuki Asuka , Ueda Nobuhisa , Iwata Nakao , Nakamura Jun
Published: October 2011

Background

Depression is a risk factor for coronary heart disease. Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in both coronary heart disease and depression.

Methods

Fifty‐one inpatients and outpatients who met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders—Fourth Edition criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD) in the university hospital of the University of Occupational and Environmental Health and 58 age‐matched and sex‐matched healthy controls enrolled in this study. We investigated the association between the three polymorphisms of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene (single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP); rs2070744, rs1799983, variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) in intron 4) and scores on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, plasma metabolites of NO (NOx) or ankle brachial index in patients with MDD and healthy controls.

Results

We did not find significant differences in the genotype distributions between patients with MDD and healthy volunteers. No associations were observed between any of the polymorphisms of the eNOS gene and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression or ankle brachial index in patients with MDD. However, plasma NOx level was significantly associated with a polymorphism of the eNOS gene (rs207044 and variable number tandem repeat in intron 4).

Conclusion

These results suggest that the direct association was not observed between the polymorphisms of the eNOS gene and the pathogenesis of depression. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Humour Perception and Creation between Parents and 3‐ to 6‐month‐old Infants
Authors: Mireault Gina , Poutre Merlin , Sargent‐Hier Mallory , Dias Caitlyn , Perdue Brittany , Myrick Allison
Published: October 2011

Humour and laughter are universal to the human psychological experience and have serious developmental and evolutionary implications. Despite the early emergence of laughter in infancy, infants have been largely ignored in the humour research and humour has been largely ignored in the infant research. The present study describes the emergence of humour perception and creation in a sample of 20 parent–infant dyads who were followed from ages 3‐to‐ 6 months. The study examined how infants discover that absurd nonverbal behaviour, known as ‘clowning’, is amusing in the context of social engagement with caregivers. Results indicate that parents primarily use clowning when attempting to amuse their infants and pair these behavioural absurdities with affective cues like smiling and laughing. As they got older, infants were more likely to laugh and smile in response to clowning. Infants' ability to create humor via clowning also increased with age, starting with simple shrieks at 3 months to imitating absurd actions by 5 months. These increases are partly potentially explained by accompanying increases in parental smiling, laughing and clowning in response to infant clowning. Future research should employ more diverse samples and experimentally investigate the role of parental affect and social referencing in infants' interpretation of absurd behavior. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systemic and local human papillomavirus 16‐specific T‐cell immunity in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Heusinkveld M. , Goedemans R. , Briet R.J.P. , Gelderblom H. , Nortier J.W.R. , Gorter A. , Smit V.T.H.B.M. , Langeveld A.P.M. , Jansen J.C. , van der Burg S.H.
Published: October 2011

Squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (HNSCC), in particular those of the oropharynx, can be caused by human papilloma virus Type 16 (HPV16). Whereas these HPV‐induced oropharyngeal carcinomas may express the HPV16 E6 and E7 oncoproteins and are associated with better survival, the nonvirally induced HNSCC are associated with overexpression of p53. In this study we assessed the presence of systemic and local T cells reactive against these oncoproteins in HNSCC. An exploratory study on the presence, type and function of HPV16‐ and/or p53‐specific T cells in the blood, tumor and/or metastatic lymph node as measured by several immune assays was performed in an unselected group of 50 patients with HNSCC. Tumor tissue was tested for HPV DNA and the overexpression of p53 protein. Almost all HPV16+ tumors were located in the oropharynx. Circulating HPV16‐ and p53‐specific T cells were found in 17/47 and 7/45 tested patients. T cells were isolated from tumor cultures and/or lymph nodes of 20 patients. HPV16‐specific T cells were detected in six of eight HPV+ tumors, but in none of the 12 HPV‐tumors. Tumor‐infiltrating p53‐specific T cells were not detected. In depth analysis of the HPV16‐specific T‐cell response revealed that this response comprised a broad repertoire of CD4+ T‐helper Type 1 and 2 cells, CD4+ regulatory T cells and CD8+ T cells reactive to HPV16. The local presence of HPV16‐specific T‐cell immunity in HPV16‐induced HNSCC implicates a role in the antitumor response and support the development of immunotherapy for HNSCC.
Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1: Transforming the choice of model organism
Authors: Elliott Kathryn T. , Neidle Ellen L.
Published: October 2011

For more than 25 years, Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1 has been used in molecular biology studies that address a broad range of questions. Recently, the rapid accumulation of data from DNA sequencing, gene expression, protein structure, and other high‐throughput methodology has increased the ability to tackle complex topics using sophisticated approaches to metabolic and genetic engineering. While the genetic malleability of ADP1 makes it an ideal organism for such investigations, A. baylyi ADP1 has yet to become a common choice for bacterial studies. This review describes examples of ADP1‐based studies that exploit its highly efficient system for natural transformation and chromosomal incorporation of exogenous DNA. These studies focus on a wide array of problems, including gene duplication and amplification, horizontal gene transfer, bioreporters, and metabolic reconstruction. Interesting results in these diverse areas highlight the utility of using A. baylyi in laboratory and industrial settings. © 2011 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 63(12): 1075–1080, 2011
Oxygen and nitric oxide rebinding kinetics in nonsymbiotic hemoglobin AHb1 from Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Abbruzzetti Stefania , Faggiano Serena , Spyrakis Francesca , Bruno Stefano , Mozzarelli Andrea , Astegno Alessandra , Dominici Paola , Viappiani Cristiano
Published: October 2011

Type 1 nonsymbiotic hemoglobin from Arabidopsis thaliana (AHb1) shows a partial bis‐histidyl hexacoordination but can reversibly bind diatomic ligands. The physiological function is still unclear, but the high oxygen affinity rules out a function related to O2 sensing, carrying, or storing. To gain insight into its possible functional roles, we have investigated its O2 and NO rebinding kinetics after laser flash photolysis. The rate constants of the rebinding from the primary docking site for both O2 and NO are higher than CO, with lower photolysis yields. Moreover, the amplitude of the geminate phase increases and, as for CO, the numerical analysis of the experimental curves suggests the existence of an internal pathway leading, with high rate, to an additional docking site. However, the accessibility to this site seems to be strongly ligand‐dependent, being lower for O2 and higher for NO. © 2011 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 63(12): 1094–1100, 2011
Contributions of Rad9 to tumorigenesis
Authors: Broustas Constantinos G. , Lieberman Howard B.
Published: October 2011

Rad9 plays a crucial role in maintaining genomic stability by regulating cell cycle checkpoints, DNA repair, telomere stability, and apoptosis. Rad9 controls these processes mainly as part of the heterotrimeric 9‐1‐1 (Rad9‐Hus1‐Rad1) complex. However, in recent years it has been demonstrated that Rad9 can also act independently of the 9‐1‐1 complex as a transcriptional factor, participate in immunoglobulin class switch recombination, and show 3′‐5′ exonuclease activity. Aberrant Rad9 expression has been associated with prostate, breast, lung, skin, thyroid, and gastric cancers. High expression of Rad9 is causally related to, at least, human prostate cancer growth. On the other hand, deletion of Mrad9, the mouse homolog, is responsible for increased skin cancer incidence. These results reveal that Rad9 can act as an oncogene or tumor suppressor. Which of the many functions of Rad9 are causally related to initiation and progression of tumorigenesis and the mechanistic details by which Rad9 induces or suppresses tumorigenesis are presently not known, but are crucial for the development of targeted therapeutic interventions. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 742–751, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sonographic findings of fibrous pseudotumor of the tunica vaginalis
Authors: Mo Yang Dal , Cheol Kim Hyun , Jig Lim Sung
Published: October 2011

We report the sonographic findings in a case of fibrous pseudotumor of the tunica vaginalis. Scrotal gray‐scale sonography revealed a well‐margined, hypoechoic mass with an onion ring appearance and central calcifications in the left scrotum. Color Doppler sonography showed no blood flow within the mass. The pathological examination revealed a fibrous pseudotumor with a paucicellular and fibroblastic proliferation of cells within a hyalinized collagenous stroma. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011;
AGRICULTURE AND ARTISANAL GOLD MINING IN SIERRA LEONE: ALTERNATIVES OR COMPLEMENTS?
Authors: Cartier Laurent E. , Bürge Michael
Published: October 2011

This article explores a number of the productivity and marketing difficulties that are hindering the establishment of sustainable livelihoods in small‐scale agriculture in Sierra Leone. The emergence of the artisanal gold mining and trading sector in the central part of the country and synergies between farming and mining cycles are discussed. It is argued that small‐scale agriculture and artisanal mining are not livelihood alternatives but are instead livelihood complements. The potentially catalysing role of gold income in reinvigorating non‐mining activities is critically examined. Recent findings that explain the differing profitability of farming and mining are presented. Finally, a policy outlook is offered on how these fragile dynamics could be harnessed to promote sustainable livelihoods in rural Sierra Leone. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
POVERTY AND LIVELIHOOD DIVERSIFICATION: EXPLORING THE LINKAGES BETWEEN SMALLHOLDER FARMING AND ARTISANAL MINING IN RURAL GHANA
Authors: Okoh Godfried , Hilson Gavin
Published: October 2011

This article draws attention to the importance of promoting and regularizing artisanal and small‐scale mining (ASM)—low‐tech, labour‐intensive mineral extraction and processing activity—in sub‐Saharan Africa, focusing on the case of Ghana. An estimated one million people are employed directly in the sector in the country, the majority operating illegally (without a license or on unlicensed lands) and in very precarious conditions. The difficulty with reprimanding these people is that many have moved into ASM out of necessity, ‘branching out’ from smallholder farming, which in many areas of Ghana has become an unviable enterprise over the past two decades. A case study of the Brong‐Ahafo Region, the location of Ghana's most recent gold discoveries, is used to illustrate the growing interconnectedness between the two activities and the imperativeness of recognizing these dynamics in policy. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
‘CAN I GO?’—EXITING THE ARTISANAL MINING SECTOR IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
Authors: Perks Rachel
Published: October 2011

The analysis of exit options out of artisanal mining provides a useful entry point for discussing recent efforts made in many African countries' poverty alleviation strategies to promote smallholder farming. This article critically analyses exit options and their applicability to wider rural development policy and planning in the context of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Although smallholder rural agriculture is perceived to be an appropriate exit strategy by supporting agencies, it may, in fact, not be suitable for a variety of reasons. These include, but are not limited to, land access and tenure, economic remuneration, security and relevant skills. The article examines whether trade and small businesses may be more suitable alternatives, given that these exit options build on present artisanal miners' skills, knowledge and social networks. As agencies consider support towards exit options for artisanal miners, within a broader rural development framework, an analysis of not only the technical nature of alternative opportunities is critical; equally, an analysis of the socio‐political constraints to exit is necessary. In effect, a ‘critical re‐think’ of the region's rural development strategy is imperative. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparative study of the mechanics of the pectoralis muscle of the red‐tailed hawk and the barred owl
Authors: Peters Susan E. , Dobbins Charles S.
Published: October 2011

A comparison of the isometric forces and levers of the pectoralis muscle in red‐tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) and barred owls (Strix varia) was done to identify differences that may correlate with their different flight styles. The pectoralis consists of two heads, the anterior m. sternobrachialis (SB) and the posterior m. thoracobrachialis (TB). These are joined at an intramuscular tendon and are supplied by separate primary nerve branches. As in other birds, the two heads have distinct fiber orientations in red‐tailed hawks and barred owls. SB's fiber orientation (posterolateral and mediolateral from origin to insertion) provides pronation and protraction of the humerus during adduction. Electromyographic studies in pigeons show that it is active in early downstroke and during level flight. TB is more active during take‐off and landing in pigeons. The anterolateral orientation (from origin to insertion) of its fibers provides a retractive component to humeral adduction used to control the wing during landing. In our study, the maximum isometric force produced by the combined pectoralis heads did not differ significantly between the hawk and owl, however, the forces were distributed differently between the two muscle heads. In the owl, SB and TB were capable of producing equal amounts of force, but in the hawk, SB produced significantly less force than did TB. This may reflect the need for a large TB to control landing in both birds during prey‐strike, with the owl maintaining both protractive (using SB) and retractive (using TB) abilities. Pronation and protraction may be less important in the flight behavior of the hawk, but its prey‐strike behavior may require the maintenance of a substantial TB for braking and controlled stalling, as it initiates strike behavior. J. Morphol. 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
“Right” or “wrong”? insights into the ecology of sidedness in european flounder,Platichthys flesus
Authors: Russo Tommaso , Pulcini Domitilla , Costantini Daniele , Pedreschi Debbi , Palamara Elisa , Boglione Clara , Cataudella Stefano , Scardi Michele , Mariani Stefano
Published: October 2011

Sidedness polymorphism in flatfish has been linked to ecological selection between morphs. However, the alternate hypothesis that morphological differences between right‐ and left‐sided forms may be due to errors during development, as a consequence of disturbed homeostasis, which still remains largely unexplored. Here, we examined the case ofPlatichthys flesus(flounder), a polymorphic flatfish exhibiting large and clinal variation in the frequency of the left‐sided morph, which is the reversed condition in this generally right‐sided species. An integrated approach consisting of the analyses of shape variation, stomach contents, and skeletal anomalies was used. Morphological differences were observed between morphs, which are in agreement with previous findings in a congeneric species (Platichthys stellatus). In parallel, significant differences in feeding choices were detected, suggesting a coherent association between subtle morphological differences between morphs and their use of trophic resources. Skeletal anomalies and meristic counts did not corroborate the hypothesis that morphometric divergence in reversed individuals may be caused or reinforced by developmental instability. J. Morphol. 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sensitization of human osteosarcoma cells to Vγ9Vδ2 T‐cell‐mediated cytotoxicity by zoledronate
Authors: Li Zhaoxu , Peng Huiqin , Xu Qiang , Ye Zhaoming
Published: October 2011

Despite improvements in the treatment of osteosarcoma, there is a need for new therapeutic strategies, in particular for the treatment of recurrent tumors and metastases. Adoptive immunotherapy with Vγ9Vδ2 T lymphocytes represents an attractive strategy. We have investigated combining adoptive immunotherapy with Vγ9Vδ2 T cells and zoledronate to optimize osteosarcoma therapy. Vγ9Vδ2 T cells, from healthy volunteers and patients with osteosarcoma, cultures alone demonstrated moderate or poor cytotoxic activity against osteosarcoma cell lines, respectively. The addition of zoledronate further increased cytotoxicity in vitro. This enhancement was largely dependent on the granule exocytose and partly on TRAIL pathways, was TCR‐mediated and partly NKG2D‐mediated. These data suggest that combined treatment of human osteosarcoma with zoledronate and Vγ9Vδ2 T cells may be an effective complement to current chemotherapies. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:824–830, 2012
Diversity work in organizations: A narrative study of external diversity practitioners
Authors: Kahn Amy
Published: October 2011

The globalization of business and business practices blended with legislation and human resources requirements have transformed the face of today's workplace.  In response to this, there has emerged a group of diversity practitioners who work to address these opportunities and challenges.  These practitioners are often called upon to help organizations understand the impact that differences have in the boardroom and in the marketplace.  Interviews with 20 exemplary external diversity practitioners were conducted and then analyzed using the Lieblich, Rubal‐Mashiach, and Zilber (1998) categorical content analysis procedure. Through these conversations, the work of these practitioners was described according to its definition, by its objectives (conduct), and in its content.  Study participants made an important distinction between the definition of “diversity” and that of “diversity management.” The respondents described “diversity” as a construct of variety, of difference, and of the tension that occurs as a result of differences.  The respondents described “diversity management” as a process of facilitating change in a system.  The diversity practitioners' work was described as resulting from the way they mix their passion for social responsibility and for meeting organizational requirements with their focus on a system, on the individuals in the system, or both.