bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anisotropic friction of rugby ball surfaces
Authors: Fuss Franz K , Troynikov Olga
Published: March 2012

In irregular, isotropic surface patterns with randomly distributed roughness elements, the kinetic coefficient of friction is expected to be independent of sliding direction. In regular, anisotropic surface patterns, at least two directions are expected to have different friction coefficients. Five different tackified rugby ball surfaces with different pimple heights and densities were tested; three with irregular (two directions at right angles tested) and two with regular patterns (four directions at 45° angles tested). The friction coefficient and the surface height profile were obtained in a standardised way with the Kawabata friction testing equipment. The average friction coefficients found ranged from 0.94 to 1.25. In the irregular patterns, only one exhibited a significant difference between the two perpendicular directions. In one regular surface, the difference between friction coefficients in two main directions was unexpectedly significant, in the other regular surface, an expected difference in friction coefficient turned out to be non-significant. The coefficient of friction correlated highly with roughness parameters, positively with the arithmetic mean roughness and the average slope of the roughness elements, and negatively with the kurtosis. About 18.3% of the coefficient of friction is accounted for uniquely by the arithmetic mean roughness, 46.1% by a combined contribution of the arithmetic mean roughness and the kurtosis and 0% by unique contribution of the kurtosis.
Degeneration of retinal layers in multiple sclerosis subtypes quantified by optical coherence tomography
Authors: Albrecht P , Ringelstein M , Müller AK , Keser N , Dietlein T , Lappas A , Foerster A , Hartung HP , Aktas O , Methner A
Published: March 2012

Background:

Optical coherence tomography can be used to assess retinal degeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS). Thinning of the retinal nerve fibre layer and macular thickness have been well characterized, but newer devices allow quantification of all retinal layers.

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the thickness of the paramacular retina, peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer, and deeper paramacular layers in MS patient subgroups, using state-of-the-art optical coherence tomography.

Methods:

Using a Heidelberg Engineering Spectralis device, we performed paramacular volumetric retinal scans and circular peripapillary fibre-layer scans, manually segmenting different retinal layers into single horizontal foveal scans in 95 patients with definite MS (42 relapsing–remitting, 41 secondary progressive, 12 primary progressive), plus 91 age- and sex-matched controls.

Results:

Even without a history of optic neuritis, all MS subgroups had significant thinning of the peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer, the paramacular retinal thickness and the retinal ganglion cell- and inner plexiform layer. Only in primary progressive MS was the inner nuclear layer significantly reduced.

Conclusions:

Our findings indicate a primary retinal pathology involving the inner nuclear layer in primary progressive MS. Results in eyes without history of optic neuritis suggest possible subclinical episodes of optic neuritis or retrograde trans-synaptic degeneration of retinal ganglion cells and their axons.
Abnormal cervical cord function contributes to fatigue in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Rocca MA , Absinta M , Valsasina P , Copetti M , Caputo D , Comi G , Filippi M
Published: March 2012

Background/Objective

We aimed to investigate whether cervical cord damage and dysfunction is associated with the presence and severity of fatigue in multiple sclerosis (MS) using a multiparametric magnetic resonance (MR) approach.

Methods:

Cervical cord functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during a tactile stimulation of the right hand, and structural brain and cord MRI were acquired from 20 controls, 15 MS patients without fatigue (NF) and 20 MS patients with fatigue (F). Between-group differences in the extent of focal lesions and diffusivity abnormalities in the brain and cord, cord-normalized cross-sectional area (CSAn) and fMRI activity were assessed.

Results:

All structural MRI measures differed significantly among groups, except for cord lesion number and CSAn. Compared with controls, NF-MS patients experienced higher cord recruitment ( p=0.04). Compared with F-MS, NF-MS patients had a lower brain normal-appearing white matter average fractional anisotropy ( p=0.001) and increased cord recruitment ( p=0.02). In patients with MS, the extent of cord recruitment was correlated with the severity of fatigue ( r=-0.34, p=0.04). Compared with the other two groups, F-MS patients had a more diffuse recruitment of cord quadrants on the axial and longitudinal planes.

Conclusions:

Abnormalities of function, but not of structure, of the cervical cord are likely to contribute to the pathogenesis of fatigue in MS.
Securing recipiency in workplace meetings: Multimodal practices
Authors: Ford Cecilia E. , Stickle Trini
Published: March 2012

As multiparty interactions with single courses of coordinated action, workplace meetings place particular interactional demands on participants who are not primary speakers (e.g. not chairs) as they work to initiate turns and to interactively coordinate with displays of recipiency from co-participants. Drawing from a corpus of 26 hours of videotaped workplace meetings in a midsized US city, this article reports on multimodal practices – phonetic, prosodic, and bodily-visual – used for coordinating turn transition and for consolidating recipiency in these specialized speech exchange systems. Practices used by self-selecting non-primary speakers as they secure turns in meetings include displays of close monitoring of current speakers’ emerging turn structure, displays of heightened interest as current turns approach possible completion, and turn initiation practices designed to pursue and, in a fine-tuned manner, coordinate with displays of recipiency on the parts of other participants as well as from reflexively constructed ‘target’ recipients. By attending to bodily-visual action, as well as phonetics and prosody, this study contributes to expanding accounts for turn taking beyond traditional word-based grammar (i.e. lexicon and syntax).
Quantifying the association between tuberculosis and diabetes in the US: a case-control analysis
Authors: Corris Valerie , Unwin Nigel , Critchley Julia
Published: March 2012

Historically, an association between tuberculosis and diabetes was recognised clinically, and the recent global rise in diabetes prevalence has reignited interest. We therefore quantified the tuberculosis–diabetes association using US survey data. A case-control analysis was performed using cross-sectional data from the second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1976–1980; civilian non-institutionalised US population aged 20–74). Cases were respondents ever diagnosed with tuberculosis, and controls were respondents who reported never receiving a tuberculosis diagnosis. Exposure to diabetes and intermediate hyperglycaemia was defined using a self-reported measure, an oral glucose tolerance test, or both. We used logistic regression to estimate an adjusted odds ratio, controlling for potential major confounders. In relation to the main exposure measure, the adjusted odds ratio for the association between tuberculosis and diabetes varied between 2.31 (95% confidence interval 1.36–3.93) and 2.36 (95% confidence interval 1.40–3.97), depending on the model. No association was found for intermediate hyperglycaemia, with adjusted odds ratio varying between 1.33 (95% confidence interval 0.49–3.64) and 1.34 (95% confidence interval 0.50–3.62), depending on model. Irrespective of the exposure measure and the confounders controlled for, diabetes was associated with an increased tuberculosis risk. This study may underestimate the true association due to exposure misclassification.
Assessing social responsibility: A quantitative analysis of Appraisal in BP’s and IKEA’s social reports
Authors: Fuoli Matteo
Published: March 2012

A growing public awareness of the potential negative impacts of corporate activities on the natural environment and society compels large companies to invest increasing resources in the communication of their responsible conduct. This article employs Appraisal theory in a comparative analysis of BP’s and IKEA’s 2009 social reports, each company’s record of their non-financial performance. The main objective is to explore how, through Appraisal resources, BP and IKEA construct their corporate identity and relationship with their stakeholders. The analysis reveals two markedly different approaches to the construction of a responsible corporate identity. While BP deploys interpersonal resources to portray itself as a trustworthy and authoritative expert, IKEA discloses itself as a sensitive and caring corporation, engaged in a continual effort to improve. These differences are interpreted in light of the legitimization challenges the two companies face.
The cultural foundations of denials of hate speech in Hungarian broadcast talk
Authors: Boromisza-Habashi David
Published: March 2012

In Hungarian public talk, ‘hate speech’ ( gyűlöletbeszéd) is a term commonly used to morally sanction the talk of others. The article describes two dominant interpretive strategies Hungarian speakers use to identify instances of ‘hate speech’. Motivated by an interest in the observable use of the term, the author draws on speech codes theory to investigate how public speakers use the two competing meanings of ‘hate speech’ to achieve moral challenges and counter-challenges in broadcast talk. The author finds that Hungarian speakers accused of ‘hate speech’ can effectively accomplish denials in response to actual or anticipated normative challenges by opting for an alternative meaning of ‘hate speech’. The article concludes with a discussion of implications for speech codes theory, the discourse analysis of denials, and antiracist action.
Small talk: A strategic interaction in Chinese interpersonal business negotiations
Authors: Yang Wenhui
Published: March 2012

This empirical research provides an insight into the management of small talk (ST) and its interconnection with interpersonal relations in business negotiations, drawing on the study of its pragmatic allocation, modes and functions in business contexts. By examining ST applications in three interpersonal relationships (business stranger, friend and partner), the author explores how the interactional patterns of ST are associated with communicators’ interpersonal cognitive processes, demonstrating why ST should not be deemed ‘small’ in task-oriented contexts. The findings yield that ST constructs an integral, and even essential, part of business communication for various social and professional purposes. Its allocations, topic typologies and move systems in negotiations are not randomly positioned, selected and developed, but strategically organized and interpersonally related. As a meaningful, politic and intentional activity, ST reflects business people’s social and professional cognition, relational negotiation and interactive frame, forming communicative primitives that are used in the underlying negotiation, the rapport management in negotiation and cultural disciplines for business people.
A modification of the Souquet advancement flap in fingertip reconstruction
Authors: Lloyd N. , Sammut D.
Published: March 2012

The Hueston local transposition flap and Souquet advancement flap are two commonly employed options in fingertip reconstruction after amputation. Both are rectangular flaps rotated so that the free edge advances to cover the defect in the fingertip. They differ in that the Hueston flap does not include the neurovascular bundle in the free edge, while the Souquet flap does include the bundle. In consequence, the Hueston advances further but is half insensate, while the Souquet advances far less but is sensate. We describe a modification of the Souquet flap that retains the advantages of both flaps while avoiding the drawbacks.
Working with Musculoskeletal Pain
Authors: Buck Rhiannon , Wynne-Jones Gwenllian , Varnava Alice , Main Chris J , Phillips Ceri J
Published: March 2012

• Pain has a significant impact on work in terms of presenteeism, sickness absence, and long-term incapacity for work • A bio-psychosocial approach is required in understanding pain-related disability and incapacity for work • Long-term absence from work is associated with a number of negative outcomes including; poverty, social exclusion and poorer physical and psychosocial well-being • Return to work can improve recovery for people with musculoskeletal complaints and pain • Interventions to reduce the impact of pain on work can operate at clinical, worker, workplace, and wider systems levels • A broader whole systems approach to pain management needs to be adopted, with a greater focus on work retention as well as rehabilitation
Burning Mouth Syndrome
Authors: Renton Tara
Published: March 2012

• The aetiology of BMS remains an enigma, however novel evidence suggests a neuropathic basis, which may explain concomitant vulvodynia in some patients. • The constant high level spontaneous chronic pain in BMS has significant functional and psychological repercussions for these patients. • Cognitive behavioural therapy remains the sole evidence based management of this condition, whilst some patients respond to treatment with Tricyclic antidepressants, SSRIs or SNRIs, compliance with medication remains an issue due to pharma side effects. • Increasing evidence suggests that there may be 3 subgroups that should be managed differently.
Ofatumumab monotherapy in rituximab-refractory follicular lymphoma: results from a multicenter study
Authors: Czuczman Myron S. , Fayad Luis , Delwail Vincent , Cartron Guillaume , Jacobsen Eric , Kuliczkowski Kazimierz , Link Brian K. , Pinter-Brown Lauren , Radford John , Hellmann Andrzej , Gallop-Evans Eve , DiRienzo Christine G. , Goldstein Nancy , Gupta Ira , Jewell Roxanne C. , Lin Thomas S. , Lisby Steen , Schultz Martin , Russell Charlotte A. , Hagenbeek Anton
Published: March 2012

New treatments are required for rituximab-refractory follicular lymphoma (FL). In the present study, patients with rituximab-refractory FL received 8 weekly infusions of ofatumumab (CD20 mAb; dose 1, 300 mg and doses 2-8, 500 or 1000 mg; N = 116). The median age of these patients was 61 years, 47% had high-risk Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index scores, 65% were chemotherapy-refractory, and the median number of prior therapies was 4. The overall response rate was 13% and 10% for the 500-mg and 1000-mg arms, respectively. Among 27 patients refractory to rituximab monotherapy, the overall response rate was 22%. The median progression-free survival was 5.8 months. Forty-six percent of patients demonstrated tumor reduction 3 months after therapy initiation, and the median progression-free survival for these patients was 9.1 months. The most common adverse events included infections, rash, urticaria, fatigue, and pruritus. Three patients experienced grade 3 infusion-related reactions, none of which were considered serious events. Grade 3-4 neutropenia, leukopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia occurred in a subset of patients. Ofatumumab was well tolerated and modestly active in this heavily pretreated, rituximab-refractory population and is therefore now being studied in less refractory FL and in combination with other agents in various B-cell neoplasms. The present study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00394836.
Enhancing performance of ZnO dye-sensitized solar cells by incorporation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Chang Wei-Chen , Cheng Yao-Yi , Yu Wan-Chin , Yao Yih-Chun , Lee Chia-Hua , Ko Hung-Han
Published: March 2012

A low-temperature, direct blending procedure was used to prepare composite films consisting of zinc oxide [ZnO] nanoparticles and multiwalled carbon nanotubes [MWNTs]. The mesoporous ZnO/MWNT films were fabricated into the working electrodes of dye-sensitized solar cells [DSSCs]. The pristine MWNTs were modified by an air oxidation or a mixed acid oxidation treatment before use. The mixed acid treatment resulted in the disentanglement of MWNTs and facilitated the dispersion of MWNTs in the ZnO matrix. The effects of surface property and loading of MWNTs on DSSC performance were investigated. The performance of DSSCs was found to depend greatly on the type and the amount of MWNTs incorporated. At a loading of 0.01 wt%, the acid-treated MWNTs were able to increase the power conversion efficiency of fabricated cells from 2.11% (without MWNTs) to 2.70%.
Therapy for metastatic melanoma: the past, present, and future
Authors: Finn Laura , Markovic Svetomir N , Joseph Richard W
Published: March 2012

Metastatic melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer with a median overall survival of less than one year. Advancements in our understanding of how melanoma evades the immune system as well as the recognition that melanoma is a molecularly heterogeneous disease have led to major improvements in the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma. In 2011, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved two novel therapies for advanced melanoma: a BRAF inhibitor, vemurafenib, and an immune stimulatory agent, ipilimumab. The success of these agents has injected excitement and hope into patients and clinicians and, while these therapies have their limitations, they will likely provide excellent building blocks for the next generation of therapies. In this review we will discuss the advantages and limitations of the two new approved agents, current clinical trials designed to overcome these limitations, and future clinical trials that we feel hold the most promise.
Macroautophagy in sporadic and the genetic form of Parkinson's disease with the A53T α-synuclein mutation
Authors: Huang Yue , Chegini Fariba , Chua Germaine , Murphy Karen , Gai Weiping , Halliday Glenda M
Published: March 2012

Background

The A53T mutation in the α-synuclein gene causes autosomal-dominant Lewy body Parkinson's disease (PD). Cultured cell models have linked this mutation to increased cell macroautophagy, although evidence of enhanced macroautophagy in patients with this mutation has not been assessed.

Objective

To determine whether macroautophagy is increased by the A53T α-synuclein gene mutation in PD patients and cell models.

Methods

Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded 10 μm-thick tissue sections from the substantia nigra and anterior cingulate cortex of two PD patients with the A53T α-synuclein gene mutation were compared with four sporadic PD cases and four controls obtained from the Sydney Brain Bank. Lewy bodies were isolated from frontal cortex of a case with late stage PD (recruited from South Australian Brain Bank). Immunohistochemistry was performed for α-synuclein and the macroautophagy markers autophagy-specific gene (ATG) 5, ATG6/Beclin1 and ATG8/LC3. SH-SY5Y cells were transfected with wild type or A53T mutant α-synuclein plasmids and observable changes in macroautophagy marker protein levels assessed using Western blotting.

Results

α-Synuclein immunoreactive neurites and dots were more numerous in patients with A53T mutations compared with late stage sporadic PD patients, and perinuclear cytoplasmic α-synuclein aggregates were observed in the α-synuclein A53T gene transfected SH-SY5Y cells compared to wild type transfections. All PD patients (with or without A53T mutations) had increased immunohistochemical evidence for macroautophagy compared with controls, and the levels of the ATG5 complex were equally increased in wild type and A53T α-synuclein gene transfected cells compared to controls.

Conclusion

Despite increased α-synuclein accumulation with A53T mutations, macroautophagy is not increased above that observed in sporadic patients with PD or in cells transfected with wild type α-synuclein, suggesting that mutated α-synuclein protein is not removed by macroautophagy.
Predictors of new atherosclerotic carotid plaque development in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a longitudinal study
Authors: Zampeli Evangelia , Protogerou Athanase , Stamatelopoulos Kimon , Fragiadaki Kalliopi , Katsiari Christina G , Kyrkou Katerina , Papamichael Christos M , Mavrikakis Myron , Nightingale Peter , Kitas George D , Sfikakis Petros P
Published: March 2012

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality attributed to both classical risk factors and chronic inflammation. We assessed longitudinally the factors associated with new carotid plaques in nondiabetic RA patients and apparently healthy individuals.

Methods

In our present prospective observational study, carotid plaques were identified by ultrasonography at baseline and follow-up end, separated by an average of 3.6 ± 0.2 years, in 64 patients (mean age 59.2 ± 12.0 and disease duration at baseline 7.8 ± 6.2 years, 83% women, clinical and laboratory evaluation every 3 to 6 months). In a substudy, 35 of the patients were matched 1:1 for traditional cardiovascular risk factors with 'healthy' controls and were studied in parallel.

Results

New atherosclerotic plaques formed in 30% of patients (first plaque in 9%) who were significantly older than the remaining patients. Tobacco use, blood pressure, body mass index, average cumulative low-density lipoprotein, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate level, RA stage, functional class, disease duration and treatment modalities during follow-up did not differ significantly between subgroups after application of the Bonferroni correction. RA was in clinical remission, on average, for approximately 70% of the follow-up time and was not different between subgroups. Multivariate analysis including all the above parameters revealed that age (P = 0.006), smoking (P = 0.009) and duration of low-dose corticosteroid use (P = 0.016) associated independently with new plaque formation. RA patients displayed similar numbers of newly formed carotid plaques to the tightly matched for traditional cardiovascular risk factors 'healthy' controls, although more patients than controls had carotid plaques at baseline.

Conclusions

Formation of new atherosclerotic plaques in this small cohort of patients with well-controlled RA depended mainly on traditional cardiovascular risk factors and corticosteroid use, whereas an adverse effect of residual systemic inflammation was not readily detectable.
Histamine down-regulates IL-27 production in antigen-presenting cells
Authors: Gschwandtner Maria , Bunk Hannah , Köther Brigitta , Thurmond Robin L , Kietzmann Manfred , Werfel Thomas , Bäumer Wolfgang , Gutzmer Ralf
Published: March 2012

Histamine down-regulates IL-27 production in monocytes, and stimulation of keratinocytes with supernatants from histamine-treated monocytes down-regulates CXCL10 secretion.

Histamine is a potent mediator in allergic inflammation with immunomodulatory properties. Since histamine was described to inhibit IL-12 production in human APCs, we hypothesized that also the expression of IL-27, a newly described member of the IL-12 family, which is present in inflammatory skin lesions, is modulated by histamine. Stimulation of human monocytes with histamine resulted in significant reduction of TLR ligand-induced IL-27 production in human monocytes. IL-27 subunits, p28 and EBI3, were down-regulated at the mRNA and protein level, whereas other cytokines, such as IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α, were not influenced. Studies with histamine receptor-specific agonists and antagonists showed that the down-regulation of IL-27 was mediated via H2R and H4R but not H1R and H3R. Human KCs treated with supernatants of histamine-prestimulated monocytes induced significantly less CXCL10 than supernatants containing high levels of IL-27. DCs from H4R−/− mice responded to TLR simulation with higher IL-27 production as compared with WT mice. The down-regulation of IL-27 by histamine might be a new mechanism in the pathogenesis of inflammatory skin diseases, in particular, if increased concentrations of histamine are present at sites of inflammation, such as in chronic eczema and psoriasis.
Docosahexaenoic acid mediates peroxisomal elongation, a prerequisite for peroxisome division
Authors: Itoyama Akinori , Honsho Masanori , Abe Yuichi , Moser Ann , Yoshida Yumi , Fujiki Yukio
Published: March 2012

Peroxisome division is regulated by several factors, termed fission factors, as well as the conditions of the cellular environment. Over the past decade, the idea of metabolic control of peroxisomal morphogenesis has been postulated, but remains largely undefined to date. In the current study, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n-3) was identified as an inducer of peroxisome division. In fibroblasts isolated from patients that carry defects in peroxisomal fatty acid β-oxidation, peroxisomes are much less abundant than normal cells. Treatment of these patient fibroblasts with DHA induced the proliferation of peroxisomes to the level seen in normal fibroblasts. DHA-induced peroxisomal proliferation was abrogated by treatment with a small inhibitory RNA (siRNA) targeting dynamin-like protein 1 and with dynasore, an inhibitor of dynamin-like protein 1, which suggested that DHA stimulates peroxisome division. DHA augmented the hyper-oligomerization of Pex11pβ and the formation of Pex11pβ-enriched regions on elongated peroxisomes. Time-lapse imaging analysis of peroxisomal morphogenesis revealed a sequence of steps involved in peroxisome division, including elongation in one direction followed by peroxisomal fission. DHA enhanced peroxisomal division in a microtubule-independent manner. These results suggest that DHA is a crucial signal for peroxisomal elongation, a prerequisite for subsequent fission and peroxisome division.
AP-1 clathrin adaptor and CG8538/Aftiphilin are involved in Notch signaling during eye development inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Kametaka Satoshi , Kametaka Ai , Yonekura Shinichi , Haruta Mineyuki , Takenoshita Seiichi , Goto Satoshi , Waguri Satoshi
Published: March 2012

Clathrin adaptor protein complex-1 (AP-1) and its accessory proteins play a role in the sorting of integral membrane proteins at the trans-Golgi network and endosomes. Their physiological functions in complex organisms, however, are not fully understood. In this study, we found that CG8538p, an uncharacterized Drosophila protein, shares significant structural and functional characteristics with Aftiphilin, a mammalian AP-1 accessory protein. The Drosophila Aftiphilin was shown to interact directly with the ear domain of γ-adaptin of Drosophila AP-1, but not with the GAE domain of Drosophila GGA. In S2 cells, Drosophila Aftiphilin and AP-1 formed a complex and colocalized at the Golgi compartment. Moreover, tissue-specific depletion of AP-1 or Aftiphilin in the developing eyes resulted in a disordered alignment of photoreceptor neurons in larval stage and roughened eyes with aberrant ommatidia in adult flies. Furthermore, AP-1-depleted photoreceptor neurons showed an intracellular accumulation of a Notch regulator, Scabrous, and downregulation of Notch by promoting its degradation in the lysosomes. These results suggest that AP-1 and Aftiphilin are cooperatively involved in the intracellular trafficking of Notch during eye development in Drosophila.
POLO ensures chromosome bi-orientation by preventing and correcting erroneous chromosome–spindle attachments
Authors: Moutinho-Santos Tatiana , Conde Carlos , Sunkel Claudio E.
Published: March 2012

Correct chromosome segregation during cell division requires bi-orientation at the mitotic spindle. Cells possess mechanisms to prevent and correct inappropriate chromosome attachment. Sister kinetochores assume a ‘back-to-back’ geometry on chromosomes that favors amphitelic orientation but the regulation of this process and molecular components are unknown. Abnormal chromosome–spindle interactions do occur but are corrected through the activity of Aurora B, which destabilizes erroneous attachments. Here, we address the role of Drosophila POLO in chromosome–spindle interactions and show that, unlike inhibition of its activity, depletion of the protein results in bipolar spindles with most chromosomes forming stable attachments with both sister kinetochores bound to microtubules from the same pole in a syntelic orientation. This is partly the result of impaired localization and activity of Aurora B but also of an altered centromere organization with abnormal distribution of centromeric proteins and shorter interkinetochore distances. Our results suggests that POLO is required to promote amphitelic attachment and chromosome bi-orientation by regulating both the activity of the correction mechanism and the architecture of the centromere.
Characterization of dynamic actin associations with T-cell receptor microclusters in primary T cells
Authors: Smoligovets Alexander A. , Smith Adam W. , Wu Hung-Jen , Petit Rebecca S. , Groves Jay T.
Published: March 2012

T cell triggering through T-cell antigen receptors (TCRs) results in spatial assembly of the receptors on multiple length scales. This assembly is mediated by the T cell actin cytoskeleton, which reorganizes in response to TCR phosphorylation and then induces the coalescence of TCRs into microclusters, followed by their unification into a micrometer-scale structure. The exact outcomes of the association of TCRs with a dynamic and fluctuating actin network across these length scales are not well characterized, but it is clear that weak and transient interactions at the single-molecule level sum to yield significant receptor rearrangements at the plasma membrane. We used the hybrid live cell–nanopatterned supported lipid bilayer system to quantitatively probe the actin–TCR interaction in primary T cells. A specialized tracking algorithm revealed that actin slows as it passes over TCR clusters in a direction-dependent manner with respect to the resistance against TCR motion. We also observed transient actin enrichments at sites corresponding to putative TCR clusters that far exceeded pure stochastic fluctuations and described an image time-autocorrelation analysis method to quantify these accumulations.
Magnetic Properties and Interplay between Nanographene Host and Nitric Acid Guest in Nanographene-Based Nanoporous Carbon
Authors: Hao Si-Jia , Takai Kazuyuki , Joly V L Joseph , Yokota Kazumichi , Kiguchi Manabu , Enoki Toshiaki
Published: March 2012

Magnetic properties of nanoporous carbon consisting of a 3D disordered network of nanographite domains are investigated in relation to the host–guest interaction with guest nitric acid molecules possessing significant oxidizability. An individual nanographite domain consists of a stack of 3–4 nanographene sheets, the edges of which have the localized spins of nonbonding edge states. The adsorption of HNO3 induces a two-step reduction in the edge-state spin concentration due to the charge-transfer interaction and is accompanied with the decomposition of HNO3 into the magnetic NO molecules, which are dimerized to form nonmagnetic (NO)2 with an enthalpy of ≈35 kJ mol−1 at low temperatures. The electronic activities of the edge state play an important role in the decomposition effect, and the NO spins are coupled to the edge-state spins through exchange interaction. The NO molecules can be removed by vacuum heat-treatment above 200 °C, however the nitrogen-containing functional groups strongly incorporated on the nanographene sheets cannot be removed even at such high temperature.
Return Migration and Selective Citizenship: A Study of Returning Chinese Professional Migrants from the United States
Authors: Liu Lisong
Published: March 2012

This study examines one of the largest online communities of returning Chinese professional migrants and explores migrants' choices and interpretations of citizenship. It proposes the concept of "selective citizenship," showing how migrants negotiate complex citizenship requirements and choose nationality based on the international hierarchy of nation-states and on individual needs. Selecting or changing nationality is also a way for migrants to adapt to local conditions and assert their own identity and autonomy. "Selective citizenship" thus challenges the popular and idealized "dual nationality" model and reminds us of the importance of full considerations of historical and local contexts.
Bibliography of Works By, About and Using Bourdieu in the Study of Religion
Authors: Caldwell Jody
Published: March 2012

A bibliography identifying the works of Bourdieu most often used in the field of religion, and works by other authors that explain or use the theories of Bourdieu within the field.
Transferência de conhecimento em empresas multinacionais: estudo de caso na indústria de papel
Authors: Cunha Antonio José Morais , Ferreira Marta Araújo Tavares
Published: March 2012

A pesquisa, aqui relatada, teve por objetivo avaliar o processo de transferência de conhecimento, envolvendo a subsidiária brasileira, a matriz americana e a subsidiária francesa de uma organização multinacional do setor de papel, buscando identificar os elementos de sucesso e o modelo de transferência adotado. Como base para a pesquisa, foram utilizados principalmente os modelos de transferência de conhecimento desenvolvidos por Duguid e Brown (2001), Nonaka e Konno (1998), Dixon (2000) e Fleury; Oliveira Junior; Child (2001). A pesquisa teve caráter qualitativo e foi realizado um estudo de caso único, valendo-se de entrevistas semiestruturadas, análise de documentos e observação para a coleta de informações. A pesquisa apontou, como fatores de sucesso da transferência, a adequada seleção dos coordenadores e dos participantes das equipes envolvidas, o apoio da organização, o estabelecimento de um programa de viagens, visitas, reuniões e atividades de socialização, que motivaram os participantes e apoiaram o desenvolvimento de relações de confiança entre as equipes, facilitando o compartilhamento de conhecimento. Como principais barreiras à transferência, foram apontadas a resistência à mudança por parte de alguns membros da equipe da unidade brasileira, associada à frustração com o fluxo unidirecional de conhecimento e a não valorização do conhecimento local.
A política nacional de arquivos na perspectiva das Universidades Federais do Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Carpes Franciele Simon , Castanho Denise Molon
Published: March 2012

O enfoque da pesquisa, que resultou neste artigo, são as políticas públicas arquivísticas nas universidades federais do Rio Grande do Sul. Dessa forma, são apresentados os resultados referentes à visão dos arquivistas das universidades federais do Rio Grande do Sul quanto à política nacional de arquivos. Para realizar esta investigação, foram selecionadas as três universidades mais antigas do Estado, onde foram aplicados questionários compostos por questões abertas e fechadas. Os instrumentos foram aplicados aos encarregados pelo setor responsável pela documentação. Os dados coletados foram reunidos e analisados, qualitativamente, e discutidos com base na fundamentação teórica. A discussão e reflexão sobre as políticas públicas arquivísticas voltadas aos Arquivos Universitários, permitem afirmar que os arquivistas das universidades consideram insuficientes as ações referentes à política nacional de arquivos.
Hierarquias reprodutivas: maternidade e desigualdades no exercício de direitos humanos pelas mulheres
Authors: Mattar Laura Davis , Diniz Carmen Simone Grilo
Published: March 2012

A partir da concepção contemporânea de direitos humanos, o texto discute os direitos reprodutivos e o exercício da maternidade. Após histórico e definição dos direitos reprodutivos e dos direitos sexuais, o artigo trata da maternidade voluntária, segura, socialmente amparada e prazerosa, para propor uma reflexão sobre 'hierarquias reprodutivas'. Defende-se que diferentes aspectos das mães - tal como raça, classe social, idade e parceria sexual - determinam a legitimidade e aceitação social destas maternidades, e, portanto, suas vivências. Quanto maior o número de aspectos 'negativos' presentes na mulher (ou casal) ao exercitar a maternidade e/ou a reprodução e cuidado com os filhos, mais próxima da base da pirâmide hierárquica estará e, ainda, maior dificuldade encontrará no exercício de seus direitos humanos. O texto conclui que são necessárias políticas públicas de suporte social à maternidade para as mulheres que assim escolham, indistintamente, visando promover o exercício de seus direitos humanos.
Representações sociais de professores sobre o uso abusivo de álcool e outras drogas na adolescência: repercussões nas ações de prevenção na escola
Authors: Araldi Jossara Cattoni , Njaine Kathie , Oliveira Maria Conceição de , Ghizoni Angela Carla
Published: March 2012

O álcool é a droga mais consumida em qualquer faixa etária e a sua utilização vem aumentando de forma significativa entre adolescentes. Este estudo qualitativo buscou refletir de que modo as representações sociais de professores sobre o uso abusivo de álcool e outras drogas repercutem nas ações de prevenção na escola. Foram realizados grupos focais com professores do Ensino Fundamental II, de escolas públicas e particulares de Lages/SC, e entrevistas com gestores dessas instituições. Também foram realizadas observações de campo e análise documental dos projetos político-pedagógicos das escolas investigadas no ano de 2008. Os resultados da pesquisa apontaram que as representações sociais dos educadores é caracterizada por uma visão estigmatizante da adolescência e do uso de álcool e outras drogas nessa faixa etária. Esse fato dificulta o diálogo aberto sobre essa questão com os adolescentes e para uma atuação de prevenção nas escolas.
Meninas de moral: experiências socioeducativas em um bairro popular do Recife
Authors: Cordeiro Rosineide de Lourdes Meira , Barbosa Filho Evandro Alves , Correia dos Santos Giselle Maria Nanes , Oliveira Luanne Alves , Araújo Raíssa Barbosa
Published: March 2012

Este artigo apresenta uma experiência de extensão universitária que objetivou promover um espaço socioeducativo com adolescentes do sexo feminino no universo dos direitos sexuais e sociais. O projeto foi desenvolvido por duas estudantes de Psicologia e dois de Serviço Social, sob orientação docente, com dez garotas de idade entre 12 e 14 anos, majoritariamente afro-descendentes, moradoras da periferia da cidade do Recife, Pernambuco. O artigo enfoca o uso do termo menina de moral pelas adolescentes que, dentre outros significados e implicações, envolve uso de força física, ameaças verbais e drogas lícitas e ilícitas como elementos que conferem ou mantêm status e respeito entre pares. As ações da menina de moral sinalizam uma série de estratégias elaboradas pelas adolescentes ante as singularidades do contexto social em que estão inseridas e revelam que os condicionantes de geração são entremeados por fatores como gênero, classe social, raça e etnia.
O tratamento da ansiedade por intermédio da acupuntura: um estudo de caso
Authors: Silva André Luiz Picolli da
Published: March 2012

A ansiedade é um fenômeno amplamente estudado no ocidente pela Psicologia, pela psicanálise e pela Medicina. caracteriza-se por um estado subjetivo desagradável de inquietação, tensão e apreensão. Embora a terminologia ansiedade não seja encontrada na literatura da medicina tradicional chinesa, os sintomas descritos são amplamente estudados. Tal literatura considera essa patologia metaforicamente uma desarmonia do espírito, e apresenta uma série de possibilidades de intervenções por técnicas tradicionais como a acupuntura. O objeto deste artigo é relatar o tratamento realizado por meio da acupuntura a uma paciente que apresentava transtorno de ansiedade. Após a identificação dos sintomas de ansiedade, realizados pela queixa da paciente e pela análise clínica embasada no DSM IV, foram realizadas 10 sessões de acupuntura tradicional chinesa, utilizando como referencial teórico a literatura clássica da medicina chinesa. Os resultados obtidos foram a diminuição parcial dos sintomas a partir da quarta sessão e uma significativa melhora da paciente, com o relato do alívio dos sintomas a partir da sexta sessão de tratamento.
O ensino de física nas séries iniciais do ensino fundamental na rede municipal de ensino do Recife segundo os seus docentes
Authors: Rodrigues Micaías Andrade , Teixeira Francimar Martins
Published: March 2012

Este trabalho investiga como esta o ensino de física nos 4º e 5º anos do Ensino Fundamental (EF) na Rede Municipal de Ensino do Recife. Para realizá-lo contamos com 145 questionários respondidos por docentes do EF I desta rede, espalhados por toda a cidade. Estes questionários nos mostram que existe uma política real de escolha do livro didático de ciencias; que a carga horária semanal dispensada para a disciplina ciencias e, na sua maioria de duas horas e a maioria dos docentes acredita ser suficiente; que o material mais utilizado para a preparação da aula é mesmo o livro didático, mas são utilizados outros como revistas, musicas etc; mais da metade dos docentes, embora considerem a física relevante aos seus alunos, não gostam de abordá-la em sala e sentem-se inseguros para fazê-lo; os assuntos mais trabalhados de física são o eletromagnetismo, energia e física térmica e apresenta algumas sugestões dos professores para a melhoria do ensino de ciencias.
O modelo do grande elétron: o background clássico do efeito Compton
Authors: Silva Indianara , Freire Junior Olival , Silva Ana Paula Bispo da
Published: March 2012

A figura de Arthur Holly Compton geralmente é concebida como um dos pais fundadores da teoria quântica devido à sua formulação quântica para explicar o processo de interação entre a radiação de alta frequência e a materia. Todavia, a historia de Compton evidencia-nos um personagem que destoa da imagem de um físico interessado no desenvolvimento da teoria quântica. De fato, o seu interesse e a sua motivação, de 1916 a 1922, estavam relacionados com o uso da física clássica para o estudo do espalhamento dos raios X e γ pela materia. A descoberta do efeito Compton foi o resultado obtido por um físico clássico que relutava em aceitar o quantum de radiação. O objetivo deste artigo e, portanto, destacar a imagem de um físico clássico que estava inserido em um programa de pesquisa bem definido, a física dos raios X e γ, a partir do qual ele contribuiu tanto para o desenvolvimento dessa área de pesquisa quanto para a da construção da teoria quântica. Para isto, apresentaremos o modelo do grande elétron utilizado por Compton para explicar o processo de espalhamento dos raios X pela matéria.
Studies on the temperature dependence of electric conductivity for metals in the Nineteenth Century: a neglected chapter in the history of superconductivity
Authors: Reif-Acherman Simón
Published: March 2012

Two different lines of research had significant contributions to the discovery of superconductivity: the liquefaction of gases and the studies of the temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity, or resistance, of pure metals and alloys. Different publications have described and discussed the achievements in the first one of these subjects. The second subject had not received, however, the same attention. This article tries to fill this gap by presenting an account showing details of the evolution of the ideas, the first essentially experimental contributions to the subject and their corresponding responsible persons.
Observações sobre as soluções clássicas da equação de Friedmann
Authors: Viglioni Arthur , Soares Domingos
Published: March 2012

As representações gráficas dos modelos clássicos de Friedmann frequentemente induzem ao erro, na discussão das idades dos universos-modelo. A maioria dos livros ignora as diferentes conceituais das representações no que diz respeito a estas idades. Discutimos os detalhes das funçöes que fornecem o fator de escala em termos do tempo, para as soluçöes da equação de Friedmann, na faixa de tempo que inclui as idades dos universos-modelo.
Extrinsic regime shifts drive abrupt changes in regeneration dynamics at upper treeline in the Rocky Mountains, USA
Authors: Elliott Grant P.
Published: March 2012

Given the widespread and often dramatic influence of climate change on terrestrial ecosystems, it is increasingly common for abrupt threshold changes to occur, yet explicitly testing for climate and ecological regime shifts is lacking in climatically sensitive upper treeline ecotones. In this study, quantitative evidence based on empirical data is provided to support the key role of extrinsic, climate‐induced thresholds in governing the spatial and temporal patterns of tree establishment in these high‐elevation environments. Dendroecological techniques were used to reconstruct a 420‐year history of regeneration dynamics within upper treeline ecotones along a latitudinal gradient (∼44–35° N) in the Rocky Mountains. Correlation analysis was used to assess the possible influence of minimum and maximum temperature indices and cool‐season (November–April) precipitation on regional age‐structure data. Regime‐shift analysis was used to detect thresholds in tree establishment during the entire period of record (1580–2000), temperature variables significantly correlated with establishment during the 20th century, and cool‐season precipitation. Tree establishment was significantly correlated with minimum temperature during the spring (March–May) and cool season. Regime‐shift analysis identified an abrupt increase in regional tree establishment in 1950 (1950–1954 age class). Coincident with this period was a shift toward reduced cool‐season precipitation. The alignment of these climate conditions apparently triggered an abrupt increase in establishment that was unprecedented during the period of record. Two main findings emerge from this research that underscore the critical role of climate in governing regeneration dynamics within upper treeline ecotones. (1) Regional climate variability is capable of exceeding bioclimatic thresholds, thereby initiating synchronous and abrupt changes in the spatial and temporal patterns of tree establishment at broad regional scales. (2) The importance of climate parameters exceeding critical threshold values and triggering a regime shift in tree establishment appears to be contingent on the alignment of favorable temperature and moisture regimes. This research suggests that threshold changes in the climate system can fundamentally alter regeneration dynamics within upper treeline ecotones and, through the use of regime‐shift analysis, reveals important climate–vegetation linkages.
Agronomic Benefit and Economic Potential of Introducing Fall‐Seeded Pea and Lentil into Conventional Wheat‐Based Crop Rotations
Authors: Chen Chengci , Neill Karnes , Burgess Macdonald , Bekkerman Anton
Published: March 2012

The rotational effects and economic potential of incorporating fall‐seeded pea (Pisum sativum L.) and lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) into conventional wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)‐based cropping systems in the northern Great Plains are not well understood. Two 2‐yr crop rotation experiments were conducted in central Montana to investigate how winter pea hay, lentil green manure, and lentil grain affects subsequent winter wheat yield and protein content, as well as the economic returns of the systems under no‐till conditions. In Exp. 1, a winter pea hay–winter wheat (WP–WW) rotation was compared to fallow–winter wheat (FW–WW) and spring wheat–winter wheat (SW–WW) rotations. In Exp. 2, a winter lentil for green manure–winter wheat [WL(m)–WW] rotation was compared to a winter lentil grain–winter wheat [WL(g)–WW] rotation. Four different rates of N were applied to the winter and spring wheat. Winter wheat yield in the WP–WW rotation was 2193 kg ha−1, which was equivalent to the yield in the FW–WW rotation (2136 kg ha−1), and much greater than the SW–WW rotation (1155 kg ha−1). Averaged over all N rates, the WP–WW, FW–WW, and SW–WW systems had $196, $116, and $41 ha−1 net return, respectively. In Exp. 2, the WL(m)–WW rotation produced greater grain yield and protein content at lower N input levels, indicating a greater N benefit. Nevertheless, the WL(g)–WW system generated $213 ha−1 net profit while the WL(m)–WW system produced $92 ha−1. Therefore, the winter pea cover crop, used for livestock feed, improves the system profitability.