bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combinatorial Gene Therapy to Inhibit HIV: Improving Therapeutic Efficacy by Targeting Multiple Stages of the HIV-1 Replication Cycle Simultaneously
Authors: Chekmasova Alena A. , Strayer Marlene S. , Nichols Carmen N. , Strayer David S.
Published: November 2010

In these studies, we tested the effectiveness of combinatorial gene delivery to CCR5-expressing cell lines and primary cells to enhance resistance to HIV-1 infection. The transgenes used were chosen both to decrease membrane CCR5 and to inhibit HIV-1 replication, and were delivered using Tag-deleted SV40-derived vectors. rSV40s are very effective in transducing primary T cells and T cell lines. SV(RNAiR5), SV(RevM10.AU1) and SV(RNAiR5/RevM10.AU1) respectively deliver a small interfering RNA (siRNA) against CCR5, RevM10, to which a C-terminal AU1 epitope was added and which inhibits HIV-1 Rev, or both transgenes together. We used human cell lines (SupT1 and SupT1/CCR5) and primary human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). We assessed RevM10 expression by flow cytometry (FACS). After transduction, we confirmed expression of each transgene by flow cytometry (FACS). Simultaneous delivery of both transgenes in a bifunctional vector protected both SupT1/CCR5 cells and MDMs from R5 tropic HIV-1Ba-L, better than either the monofunctional vectors, SV(RNAiR5) and SV(RevM10.AU1) individually. The bifunctional vector also protected from X4-tropic HIV-1, comparably to SV(RevM10.AU1). SV(RNAiR5) did not protect from X4-tropic HIV-1. Thus, combining these two transgenes in one vector protected from X4-tropic HIV-1 and provided enhanced protection for CCR5-bearing cells from R5-tropic strains of HIV-1. Combinatorial genetic therapy, by targeting of more then one HIV-1 function, may provide effective inhibition of HIV-1 replication.
The Old and the New in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes: Focus on the Combination Therapy with Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors and Metformin
Authors: Anfossi Giovanni , Russo Isabella , Bonomo Katia , Trovati Mariella
Published: November 2010

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex multifactorial disease which affects the length and quality of life by severe chronic complications. Chronic hyperglycemia, which is the main alteration in T2DM, is strictly related to microvascular complications (such as retinopathy and nephropathy) and neuropathy, whereas large vessel atherosclerosis is also dependent on lipid and hemostasis abnormalities, arterial hypertension and other known cardiovascular risk factors. An early intervention to control hyperglycemia and to prevent deterioration of β-cell function is considered mandatory in patients with T2DM to minimize the risk of chronic complications. Recently, the availability of new pharmacological agents with different targets, including the activation of the incretin system has allowed the proposal of more effective strategies for early treatment of metabolic alterations in patients with T2DM. This commentary will focus on the role of new oral agents influencing the incretin system and the putative advantages of their co-administration with metformin, an old, effective anti-hyperglycemic agent also able to exert beneficial actions on arterial vessels, reducing the risk of macrovascular-related events. The vasoprotective role of metformin is largely independent of its hypoglycemic action, and has been ascribed to pleiotropic effects.
A practical Guide to Treatment with Liraglutide
Authors: Devendra Devasenan , Bravis Vassiliki
Published: November 2010

Liraglutide–-a once-daily human glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist for treatment of Type 2 diabetes–-provides effective glycemic control with a lower incidence of hypoglycemia than therapies such as glimepiride and exenatide, and reduces body weight and systolic blood pressure. This article briefly discusses efficacy and safety results from the Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes (LEAD) program, before considering practical issues of identifying and educating patients who may be suitable for liraglutide therapy.
Recent Pharmacological Advances: Focus on Small-cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Galustian Christine , Sung Victoria , Bartlett Blake , Rolfe Lindsey , Dalgleish Angus
Published: November 2010

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) represents approximately 15% of all lung cancers, and is the most aggressive form of lung cancer. Left untreated, the time from diagnosis to death is 2–3 months. With current treatment, expected survival is 7–20 months, depending on the stage of disease. A new drug, amrubicin, is approved in Japan for lung cancer and has demonstrated efficacy in U.S. and European phase II trials of SCLC patients with either untreated disease or relapsed refractory illness. In a phase II study of amrubicin in previously untreated patients, response rates reached 75% with a median survival time of almost 1 year. Amrubicin is a fully synthetic 9-aminoanthracycline, and an analog of doxorubicin and epirubicin. The major mechanism of action of amrubicin is inhibition of topoisomerase II. Unlike doxorubicin, however, it exhibits little or no cardiotoxicity in clinical studies and preclinical models. In preclinical rodent tumor models, it is selectively distributed to tumour tissue and is not detected in the heart when compared with doxorubicin, which is distributed equivalently to these sites. The primary metabolite of amrubicin, amrubicinol, is up to 100 times more cytotoxic in vitro than the parent compound. This review describes the mechanisms of action of amrubicin as well as clinical studies which demonstrate the potential of this drug in future SCLC treatment. The review also puts forward hypothetical considerations for the use of other drugs such as lenalidomide, an immunomodulatory drug acting on multiple signalling pathways, or histone deacetylase inhibitors, in combination with amrubicin in SCLC.
Gastric Acid-Related Diseases: Focus on Esomeprazole
Authors: Al-Judaibi B. , Chande N. , Dresser G.K. , Sultan N. , Gregor J.C.
Published: November 2010

Esomeprazole (S-omeprazole) is a single optical enantiomer proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) approved for the management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, the prevention and treatment of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) associated gastric ulcer disease, treatment of duodenal ulcer disease associated with Helicobacter pylori infection, and the treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Esomeprazole has been shown to be safe and effective during pregnancy and was introduced to the market in 2001. PPI therapy may interact with clopidogrel by cytocrome 2C19. Clopidogrel is a prodrug which is partially activated by cytochrome 2C19 and esomeprazole is a competitive inhibitor of 2C19. Esomeprazole is more effective than other PPIs in controlling esophageal and gastric pH, but efficacy in symptom relief is less clear.
Zoledronic Acid Once-yearly: What Role in the Prevention of Non-vertebral Osteoporotic Fractures?
Authors: Doggrell Sheila Anne
Published: November 2010

Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease. Low levels of oestrogens or testosterone are risk factors for primary osteoporosis. The most common cause of secondary osteoporosis is glucocorticoid treatment, but there are many other secondary causes of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can be secondary to anti-oestrogen treatment for hormone-sensitive breast cancer and to androgen-deprivation therapy for prostate cancer. Zoledronic acid is the most potent bisphosphonate at inhibiting bone resorption. In osteoporosis, zoledronic acid increases bone mineral density for at least a year after a single intravenous administration. The efficacy and safety of extended release (once-yearly) zoledronic acid in the treatment of osteoporosis is reviewed.
Combined Therapy in Dyslipidemia and Hyperglicemia of Diabetes Mellitus Type II
Authors: Sulaiman Azhar S. , Zaki Nada F. , Gillani Wasif S.
Published: November 2010

Today the world is facing a high prevalence of dyslipidemia among type II diabetes, and in matter of fact clinical practices against hyperglycemic and hyperlipidemia were quiet intrusive. Our aim was to determine the therapeutic compliance against the clinical practices of dyslipidemia with type II diabetes in a multiracial society. A three year retrospective cohort study was planned to achieve the above mentioned objectives of the study. Study was carried out in out-patient department of General Hospital Penang over a period of ten months (Jan–Oct 2008). Study data collection duration was from Jan 2005–Dec 2007. All the concerned approvals were obtained from Clinical Research Committee (CRC). Data was analyzed by using SPSS 15®. A total of all only 501 diabetes type 2 patients with dyslipidemia were included in this study. The demographic data showed that 55.9% (n = 280) were female patients and 44.1% (n = 221) were male patients. According to racial distribution, Chinese constituted 41.7% of the study population, Malay 34.3% and Indians 24%. The mean age was 62.2 ± 9.2 years. About 56.1% of patients were more and equal than 60 years old range, while 43.9% were in the less or equal range of 59 years. Lifestyle and social habits data demonstrated 86.2% non-smokers, 74.1% with uncontrolled diet and 78.4% on bad exercise. Patients on combination therapy of metformin with other antidiabetic agent were 79%, while 21% were on monotherapy. The test analysis revealed that there was a significant difference between Malay and Chinese in FPG levels, in which the Malay had higher mean FPG than Chinese (mean difference Malay/Chinese 0.75991, P = 0.007). This study showed that both metformin and lovastatin were effective in reducing elevated glucose and lipid values. However, for glucose levels, the values were still above the normal limit used by the hospital. Among the multiracial study population, Chinese had the most controlled HDL levels and Malay had the highest uncontrolled FPG levels. Recommendations were associated with more frequent follow- up and therapeutic monitoring for the patient's condition by the health practitioners to determine the appropriate compliance with therapy and to control diabetes and dyslipidemia as per needed with therapeutic goals.
Donepezil: A Review of Pharmacological Characteristics and Role in the Management of Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Jelic Vesna , Darreh-Shori Taher
Published: November 2010

Donepezil is a potent, selective, noncompetitive, and rapidly reversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChEI) licensed for the treatment of Alzheimer disease (AD); and is the first and only AChEI licensed for the treatment of severe AD. Its efficacy as monotherapy, or in combination with the NMDA-agonist, memantine, has been documented in several randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled, short-term clinical trials, as well as long-term extension trials and observational studies. Donepezil is a well tolerated drug that is generally safe as demonstrated even in patients with multiple co-morbidities receiving polypharmacy. It has been shown that donepezil improves cognition and global function in patients with mild-to-moderate AD; and long-term efficacy is maintained for up to 50 weeks. There is a dose-response relationship, with higher doses more likely to produce symptomatic benefit. Furthermore, donepezil-treated patients may improve cognitively and show global clinical improvement in all disease stages, including severe AD. Less consistent results in all disease stages were obtained on measures of function and behavior, and observations of mood. No effect on transition to AD has been found in long-term, randomized clinical trials in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Cost-effectiveness of the treatment has been questioned by one long-term open-label societal study of 2-years duration. This study reported modest improvement of cognition but no statistically significant benefits during donepezil treatment as compared to placebo, in terms of rates of institutionalization and progression toward greater disability. However, there is a need for further research on clinically meaningful outcomes and treatment benefits favored by patients and caregivers, which are traditionally not defined as outcomes in clinical trials. Likewise, we need to know how to select responders, what is an optimal AChE inhibition particularly during the long-term treatment, in which patients the dosage should be increased for a sustained benefit, what is the optimal duration of treatment and when is meaningful to stop the treatment. After almost two decades of donepezil use in everyday clinical practice these issues are still unresolved.
Optical-chemical-microphysical relationships and closure studies for mixed carbonaceous aerosols observed at Jeju Island; 3-laser photoacoustic spectrometer, particle sizing, and filter analysis
Authors: Flowers B. A. , Dubey M. K. , Mazzoleni C. , Stone E. A. , Schauer J. J. , Kim S.-W. , Yoon S. C.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. Transport of aerosols in pollution plumes from the mainland Asian continent was observed in situ at Jeju, South Korea during the Cheju Asian Brown Cloud Plume-Asian Monsoon Experiment (CAPMEX) field campaign throughout August and September 2008 using a 3-laser photoacoustic spectrometer (PASS-3), chemical filter analysis, and size distributions. The PASS-3 directly measures the effects of morphology (e.g. coatings) on light absorption that traditional filter-based instruments are unable to address. Transport of mixed sulfate, carbonaceous, and nitrate aerosols from various Asian pollution plumes to Jeju accounted for 74% of the deployment days, showing large variations in their measured chemical and optical properties. Analysis of eight distinct episodes, spanning wide ranges of chemical composition, optical properties, and source regions, reveals that episodes with higher organic carbon (OC)/sulfate (SO42−) and nitrate (NO3−)/SO42− composition ratios exhibit lower single scatter albedo at shorter wavelengths (ω405). We infer complex refractive indices (n–ik) as a function of wavelength for the high, intermediate, and low OC/SO42− pollution episodes by using the observed particle size distributions and the measured optical properties. The smallest mean particle diameter corresponds to the high OC/SO42− aerosol episode. The imaginary part of the refractive index (k) is greater for the high OC/SO42− episode at all wavelengths. A distinct, sharp increase in k at short wavelength implies enhanced light absorption by OC, which accounts for 50% of the light absorption at 405 nm, in the high OC/SO42− episode. Idealized analysis indicates increased absorption at 781 nm by factors greater than 3 relative to denuded black carbon in the laboratory. We hypothesize that coatings of black carbon cores are the mechanism of this enhancement. This implies that climate warming and atmospheric heating rates from black carbon particles can be significantly larger than have been estimated previously. The results of this study demonstrate ways in which atmospheric processing and mixing can amplify particle light absorption for carbonaceous aerosol, significantly at short wavelength, underscoring the need to understand and predict chemical composition effects on optical properties to accurately estimate the climate radiative forcing by mixed carbonaceous aerosols.
Evaluation of the accuracy of analysis tools for atmospheric new particle formation
Authors: Korhonen H. , Sihto S.-L. , Kerminen V.-M. , Lehtinen K. E. J.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. Several mathematical tools have been developed in recent years to analyze new particle formation rates and to estimate nucleation rates and mechanisms at sub-3nm sizes from atmospheric aerosol data. Here we evaluate these analysis tools using 1239 numerical nucleation events for which the nucleation mechanism and formation rates were known exactly. The accuracy of the estimates of particle formation rate at 3 nm (J3) showed significant sensitivity to the details of the analysis, i.e. form of equations used and assumptions made about the initial size of nucleating clusters, with the fraction of events within a factor-of-two accuracy ranging from 43–97%. In general, the estimates of the actual nucleation rate at 1.5 nm (J1.5) were less accurate, and even the most accurate analysis set-up estimated only 59% of the events within a factor of two of the simulated mean nucleation rate. The J1.5 estimates were deteriorated mainly by the size dependence of the cluster growth rate below 3 nm, which the analysis tools do not take into account, but also by possible erroneous assumptions about the initial cluster size. The poor estimates of J1.5 can lead to large uncertainties in the nucleation prefactors (i.e. constant P in nucleation equation J1.5 = P × [H2SO4]k). Large uncertainties were found also in the procedures that are used to determine the nucleation mechanism. When applied to individual events, the analysis tools clearly overestimated the number of H2SO4 molecules in a critical cluster for most events, and thus associated them with a wrong nucleation mechanism. However, in some conditions the number of H2SO4 molecules in a critical cluster was underestimated. This indicates that analysis of field data that implies a maximum of 2 H2SO4 molecules in a cluster does not automatically rule out a higher number of molecules in the actual nucleating cluster. Our analysis also suggests that combining data from several new particle formation events to scatter plots of H2SO4 vs. formation rates (J1.5 or J3) and determining the slope of the regression line may not give reliable information about the nucleation mechanism.
First carbon dioxide atmospheric vertical profiles retrieved from space observation using ACE-FTS solar occultation instrument
Authors: Foucher P. Y. , Chédin A. , Armante R. , Boone C. , Crevoisier C. , Bernath P.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. Major limitations of our present knowledge of the global distribution of CO2 in the atmosphere are the uncertainty in atmospheric transport and the sparseness of in situ concentration measurements. Limb viewing spaceborne sounders such as the Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment Fourier transform spectrometer (ACE-FTS) offer a vertical resolution of a few kilometres for profiles, which is much better than currently flying or planned nadir sounding instruments can achieve. After having demonstrated the feasibility of obtaining CO2 vertical profiles in the 5–25 km altitude range with an accuracy of about 2 ppm in a previous study, we present here the results of five years of ACE-FTS observations in terms of monthly mean profiles of CO2 averaged over 10° latitude bands for northern mid-latitudes. These results are compared with in-situ aircraft measurements and with simulations from two different air transport models. Key features of the measured altitude distribution of CO2 are shown to be accurately reproduced by the ACE-FTS retrievals: variation in altitude of the seasonal cycle amplitude and extrema, seasonal change of the vertical gradient, and mean growth rate. We show that small but significant differences from model simulations could result from an over estimation of the model circulation strength during the northern hemisphere spring. Coupled with column measurements from a nadir viewing instrument, it is expected that occultation measurements will bring useful constraints to the surface carbon flux determination.
Anthropogenic and natural constituents in particulate matter in the Netherlands
Authors: Weijers E. P. , Schaap M. , Nguyen L. , Matthijsen J. , Denier van der Gon H. A. C. , ten Brink H. M. , Hoogerbrugge R.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. To develop mitigation strategies for reducing concentrations of both PM2.5 (and PM10), the origin of particulate matter (PM) needs to be established. An intensive, one-year measurement campaign from August 2007 to August 2008 was carried out to determine the composition of PM10 and PM2.5 at five locations in the Netherlands, aiming at reducing the uncertainties on the origin of PM. Generally, a considerable conformity in the chemical composition of PM2.5 (and PM10) was observed. From all the constituents present in PM2.5, the secondary inorganic aerosol is the most dominant (42–48%), followed by total carbonaceous matter (22–37%). Contributions due to sea salt (maximum 8%), mineral dust and metals (maximum 5%) are relatively low. For the first time, a detailed overview can be presented of the composition of the coarse fraction. Compared to the fine fraction, contributions of the sea salt, mineral dust and metals are now larger resulting in a more balanced distribution between the various constituents. Through mass closure a considerable part of the PM mass could be defined (PM2.5: 80–94%). The chemical distribution on days with high PM levels showed a distinct increase of nitrate as well as in the mass not accounted for. Contributions of the remaining constituents remained equal of were lower (sea salt) when expressed in percentages. A correspondence between nitrate and the unknown mass was observed hinting at the presence of water on the filters. The contribution from natural sources in the Netherlands was estimated to be about 25% for PM10 and 20% for PM2.5.
Tropical connection to the polar stratospheric sudden warming through quasi 16-day planetary wave
Authors: Vineeth C. , Pant T. K. , Kumar K. K. , Sumod S. G.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. The Planetary Waves (PWs) are believed to have significant role in generating the wintertime warming over the polar stratosphere, known as Stratospheric Sudden Warming (SSW). However, the origin, characteristics and evolution of these waves are still speculative. The possibility that the PWs over the polar stratosphere, which play an important role in the generation of SSW, could also have contribution from the tropics has been indicated through many numerical simulations in the past, but due to the paucity of global measurements it could not be established unequivocally. The earlier numerical studies also indicated the presence of a zero-wind line (more general the critical layer, where the zonal wind amplitude becomes zero) whose real counterparts were not observed in the atmosphere. The present study based on the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis of stratospheric wind and temperatures of recent years clearly shows that (i) the zero-wind line appears over the tropics ~60 days prior to the major SSWs and progresses towards the Pole and (ii) an enhanced PW activity of quasi periodicity 16-days, which is also seen almost simultaneously with the zero-wind line, shows a propagation from equator to the Pole. This result is significant as it presents for the first time the connection between the tropics during the SSW events and the pole, through the quasi 16-day wave.
Polar cap flow channel events: spontaneous and driven responses
Authors: Sandholt P. E. , Andalsvik Y. , Farrugia C. J.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. We present two case studies of specific flow channel events appearing at the dusk and/or dawn polar cap boundary during passage at Earth of interplanetary (IP) coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) on 10 January and 25 July 2004. The channels of enhanced (>1 km/s) antisunward convection are documented by SuperDARN radars and dawn-dusk crossings of the polar cap by the DMSP F13 satellite. The relationship with Birkeland currents (C1–C2) located poleward of the traditional R1–R2 currents is demonstrated. The convection events are manifest in ground magnetic deflections obtained from the IMAGE (International Monitor for Auroral Geomagnetic Effects) Svalbard chain of ground magnetometer stations located within 71–76° MLAT. By combining the ionospheric convection data and the ground magnetograms we are able to study the temporal behaviour of the convection events. In the two ICME case studies the convection events belong to two different categories, i.e., directly driven and spontaneous events. In the 10 January case two sharp southward turnings of the ICME magnetic field excited corresponding convection events as detected by IMAGE and SuperDARN. We use this case to determine the ground magnetic signature of enhanced flow channel events (the NH-dusk/By<0 variant). In the 25 July case a several-hour-long interval of steady southwest ICME field (Bz<0; By<0) gave rise to a long series of spontaneous convection events as detected by IMAGE when the ground stations swept through the 12:00–18:00 MLT sector. From the ground-satellite conjunction on 25 July we infer the pulsed nature of the polar cap ionospheric flow channel events in this case. The typical duration of these convection enhancements in the polar cap is 10 min.
Rolling‐horizon replenishment: Policies and performance analysis
Authors: Lian Zhaotong , Liu Liming , Zhu Stuart X.
Published: November 2010

We consider a rolling‐horizon (RH) replenishment modeling framework under which a buyer can update demand information and inventory status, modify order quantities committed previously, place an advanced order for a new period at the end of the RH, and move along in time seamlessly. We show that the optimal order policy for the two‐period RH problem is a dual‐threshold type for updating period(s) plus a base‐stock type for the advanced order. We provide analytical formulas and algorithms to compute the optimal thresholds and the optimal base‐stock level exactly. With our analytical results and numerical procedures, we demonstrate the significant value of RH replenishment in matching supplies to demands more closely. We also show that with RH updating (flexibility), the value of additional demand information beyond the RH diminishes quickly. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2010
Technical note: Some structural results on acyclic supply chains
Authors: Shi Junmin , Zhao Yao
Published: November 2010

We consider acyclic supply chains under the full backorder assumption and reveal several simple yet unique properties. Most interestingly, we identify conditions for the best dedicated stocking policy to outperform the best shared stocking policy, and for an acyclic supply chain to be decomposable into a simpler network (e.g., tree). We specify ways to decompose them. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2010
Mondrian
Authors: Theus Martin
Published: November 2010

Mondrian is a general‐purpose statistical data‐visualization system [Theus M. Interactive data visualization using Mondrian. J Stat Softw 2003, 7:1–9]. It features outstanding visualization techniques for data of almost any kind, and has its particular strength compared to other tools when working with categorical data, geographical data, and large data sets. Data displays in Mondrian are interactive, i.e., plot parameters may be changed interactively resulting in an instantaneous update of the views. Furthermore, all plots in Mondrian are fully linked, i.e., any case selected or marked in a plot in Mondrian is highlighted in all other linked plots. Mondrian offers interactive queries, which show information of the data objects in any plot. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Exploratory Data Analysis

Software for Computational Statistics > Software/Statistical Software

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Statistical Graphics and Visualization
Changes in soil carbon flux and carbon stock over a rotation of poplar plantations in northwest China
Authors: Zhang Jianbiao , Shangguan Tieliang , Meng Ziqiang
Published: November 2010

Forest soil is a major component of terrestrial ecosystems for carbon sequestration and plays an important role in the global carbon cycle. Soil carbon flux and soil carbon pools were investigated in a poplar plantation chronosequence over a rotation in northwest China. Based on continuous field observation in 2007, the results showed that mean soil CO2efflux rate was 5.54, 4.81, and 3.93 μmol CO2m−2s−1for stands of 2‐, 8‐, and 15‐year‐old, respectively, during the growing season. Significant differences in soil respiration of three age classes were mainly because soil temperature, carbon allocation, and fine root growth changed greatly with stand age. Multiple regression analysis suggested that soil temperature and fine root biomass in the upper layer could explain 78–85% of the variation in soil respiration. Mineral soil C stock at 0–40 cm depth was 55.77, 55.09, and 58.14 t ha−1in the 2‐, 8‐, and 15‐year‐old stands, respectively. The average rate of soil C sequestration was 0.13 t ha−1year−1following afforestation on former crop lands. Although the plantations had similar management practices and soil types since their establishment, many biotic and abiotic factors such as root biomass and turnover rate, soil condition of the plantations had undergone marked changes at different development stages, which could result in the remarkable differences in soil carbon flux and storage over a rotation. Our results highlight the importance of the development stage within a rotation of poplar plantation in assessment of soil carbon budget.
The Failure of Democratization in Russia: A Comparative Perspective
Authors: Evans Alfred B.
Published: November 2010

During the 1990s American leaders and many others in the West viewed Russia as the most important test case for a transition to democracy. Today the consensus of scholarly analyses in the West concludes that, if Russia did enter a transition to democracy, that transition was not successful. This article attempts to suggest some of the main lessons about democratization that may be derived from the study of the experience of post-communist Russia, seen in a comparative perspective.

The thesis that the first competitive national election after the downfall of an authoritarian regime marks a decisive breakthrough for forces striving for democratization has not proved true for Russia. Yet the withering of democracy and the consolidation of a semi-authoritarian regime followed the period of competitive elections in Russia.

In the early and mid-1990s scholars who had specialized in the study of communist regimes warned that the post-communist states would need to carry out radical economic and social changes as well as sweeping political transformation. In Russia, however, the consequences of a corrupted process of privatization of state assets were enormously damaging for the institutionalization of democracy.

As was shown in a number of countries in the 1970s and 1980s, a strong civil society can play an important role in a nation's transition to democracy. The barriers to the development of civil society within the Soviet system and the conditions causing weakness in social organizations in post-communist Russia made it easier for members of the elite to subvert reform and guaranteed that there would be fewer restraints on the tendency toward more authoritarian control after 2000.

Among post-communist nations, those in which a consensus of most segments of the elite and the public was committed to a radical break with the old system have been much more successful in carrying out marketization and democratization. The combination of historical conditions that had created a strong anti-communist consensus in most of Eastern Europe had not taken shape in Russia. The absence of a fusion of democratization and national liberation in Russia explained the lack of a clear national consensus in favor of political and economic transformation.

One of the main lessons from the course of events in Russia from the early 1990s to the present is that change away from one form of authoritarian rule, which usually has been labeled as a transition to democracy, is not irreversible. Some democratic transitions may prove to be shallow, and the changes in post-communist Russia have provided a good example of a shallow transition. The scholarly literature on transitions to democracy that appeared after the early 1980s departed from earlier writings’ emphasis on the growth of social, economic, and cultural conditions for the institutionalization of democracy in the political system. The experience of Russia may encourage us to return to the study of the long-term trends facilitating or inhibiting the growth of democratic institutions.
Challenges to the South Caucasus Regional Security Aftermath of Russian–Georgian Conflict: Hegemonic Stability or New Partnership?
Authors: Kakachia Kornely K.
Published: November 2010

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Caspian Sea and South Caucasus has become the focus of considerable international attention, primary because it is one of the oldest and potentially richest oil and gas producing areas in the world. The August 2008 Russian invasion of the Georgia and the unilateral recognition of the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia fundamentally changed the situation in the region. The war has created a new strategic situation.

And the question is now how to handle this delicate situation in a strategically and geopolitically important region. So by controlling Georgia (in case Russia reaches abovementioned aims), Russia actually will be able to cut off Central Asia and Caspian resources. It means Russia would be able to isolate and cut off Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries and it will significantly strengthen its energy monopoly over Europe with all results coming out from that fact. So it's about major shift in the energy policy and major shift in geopolitics based on this energy policy and Russian energy monopoly. The August war in Georgia demonstrated some risks associated with the functioning of the transit energy corridor in the southern Caucasus. It also demonstrated the need for broader security guarantees for a region that is vital to European and global energy security. Paper deals with economic damage inflicted by the Russo-Georgian war in South Caucasus and its implications for regional security.
Homology stability for unitary groups overS-arithmetic rings
Authors: Collinet G.
Published: November 2010

We prove that the homology of unitary groups over rings ofS-integers in number fields stabilizes. Results of this kind are well known to follow from the high acyclicity ofad-hocpolyhedra. Given this, we exhibit two simple conditions on the arithmetic of hermitian forms over a ringArelatively to an anti-automorphism which, if they are satisfied, imply the stabilization of the homology of the corresponding unitary groups. WhenRis a ring ofS-integers in a number fieldK, andAis a maximalR-order in an associative composition algebraFoverK, we use the strong approximation theorem to show that both of these properties are satisfied. Finally we take a closer look at the case of On(ℤ[½]).
Influence of lipoproteins and fibrinogen on pathogenesis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Oreskovic Z , Shejbal D , Bicanic G , Kekic B
Published: November 2010

Aim:

To evaluate the relationship between lipoproteins, fibrinogen and sudden sensorineural hearing loss in a Croatian population. Since pathological derangement of lipoproteins and fibrinogen could be one of the causes of sudden sensorineural hearing loss, we hypothesised that patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss would have more abnormal fibrinogen and lipoprotein concentrations, compared with subjects with normal hearing.

Methods:

Plasma concentrations of cholesterol, fibrinogen and triglycerides in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss were compared with those in a control group (i.e. subjects with normal hearing function).

Results:

Patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss had significantly higher plasma concentrations of cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol, compared with controls.

Conclusion:

Higher cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations were found in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss, within a Croatian population. Cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations may be important factors in the pathogenesis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss, and should be assessed during the investigation of patients with this condition.
FRENCH CROSSINGS: I. TALES OF TWO CITIES
Authors: Jones Colin
Published: November 2010

Under the general title, ‘French Crossings’, the presidential addresses over the next four years will explore intersections and relationships between cultures, periods, disciplines, approaches, historiographies and problems, all within the general field of early modern and modern French history. ‘Tales of Two Cities’ takes as its approach both comparative history andl'histoire croisée. It compares and contrasts the very differing cultural impact on each side of the Channel of one of the most influential British novels about Franco-British political culture, namely, Charles Dickens'sA Tale of Two Cities(1859). The novel has been conventionally hailed in England, especially from the end of the nineteenth century, as a parable unfavourably contrasting France's revolutionary tradition with the allegedly more humane political evolutionism of England. In France, the novel has been largely ignored or else viewed as a Burkean rant. Yet Dickens's personal attitudes towards France and in particular Paris suggests a more ambiguous and complicated history. For Dickens, modern Paris, as regenerated under Haussmann, was a brilliant success story against which he contrasted both Paris in the 1790s and the social and political circumstances he claimed to detect within English metropolitan culture in the recent past and present. Dickens views the radical and disinherited workers’ suburb of the Faubourg Saint-Antoine less, it is suggested, as quintessentially French than as quintessentially plebeian, and the prospect of a slide into revolutionary politics as a lurking threat within England as well as France.
Hegel and the Rationalisation of Mysticism
Authors: Copleston Frederick C.
Published: November 2010

In the preface to his Philosophy of Right Hegel maintains that a philosophy is its own time apprehended in thought. It is not the philosopher's business to create an imaginary world of his own. His task is to understand the present and actual as subsuming the past in itself, as the culmination (up to date) of a process of development.
The Moral Agent
Authors: Mayo Bernard
Published: November 2010

I Want to examine how far the question ‘What is it for a man to act morally?’ can be answered in terms of the sociological concept of a role. Is, for example, acting as a moral agent consistent with acting in the capacity of one's role, or even identical with it if being a moral agent is acting a role? In the first part of my paper I shall examine some of the relations between morality and roles, especially from the point of view of that freedom which is always regarded as a necessary condition of a man's being a moral agent. In the second part I shall examine the concept of a role itself, not from the point of view of sociology to which it notionally belongs, but from the point of view of the philosophy of mind; this is the point of connection between my own theme and the general theme of this series of lectures. The role concept will thus be a bridging concept between ethics and the philosphy of mind. Finally I shall bring to bear on the idea of the moral agent any insights that may be yielded by the psychology of role-acting.
Agent and Spectator: The Double-Aspect Theory
Authors: Vesey G. N. A.
Published: November 2010

One of the theories defined in Baldwin's Dictionary of Philosophy and Psychology, published in 1901, is ‘The Double Aspect Theory’. It is ‘the theory of the relation of mind and body, which teaches that mental and bodily facts are parallel manifestations of a single underlying reality’. It ‘professes to overcome the onesidedness of materialism and idealism by regarding both series as only different aspects of the same reality, like the convex and the concave views of a curve; or, according to another favourite metaphor, the bodily and the mental facts are really the same facts expressed in different language’.
Logos and Trinity: Patterns of Platonist Influence on Early Christianity
Authors: Dillon John
Published: November 2010

I think it would be generally agreed that the two surest ways of getting into serious trouble in Christian circles in the first three or four centuries of the Church's existence were to engage in speculation either on the nature of Christ the Son and his relation to his Father, or on the mutual relations of the members of the Trinity. While passions have cooled somewhat in the intervening centuries, these are still now subjects which a Classical scholar must approach with trepidation—partly, at least, because the two disciplines of Classical Philology and Patristics, which were for so long so intimately connected, in the persons of a series of great scholars, are now so far removed from one another. I propose on this occasion to stick mainly to what I profess to know something about, that is the development of Platonic doctrine over the first few centuries AD, but I will inevitably be led from time to time into more dangerous speculations, and I trust I will receive due tolerance, as well as proper correction, where it is necessary.
Mechanisms of summertime upper Arctic Ocean warming and the effect on sea ice melt
Authors: Steele Michael , Zhang Jinlun , Ermold Wendy
Published: November 2010

In this study, we use a numerical sea‐ice‐ocean model to examine what causes summertime upper ocean warming and sea ice melt during the 21st century in the Arctic Ocean. Our first question is, “What causes the ocean to warm in the Pacific Sector during the summer”? We find that about 80% of total heating over this region comes from ocean surface heat flux, with the remaining 20% originating in ocean lateral heat flux convergence. The latter occurs mostly within a few hundred kilometers of the northwest Alaskan coast. In the summer of 2007, the ocean gained just over twice the amount of heat it did over the average of the previous 7 years. Our second question is, “What causes sea ice to melt in the Pacific Sector during summer”? Our analysis shows that top melt dominates total melt early in the summer, while bottom melt (and in particular, bottom melt due to ocean heat transport) dominates later in the summer as atmospheric heating declines. Bottom melt rates in summer 2007 were 34% higher relative to the previous 7 year average. The modeled partition of top versus bottom melt closely matches observed melt rates obtained by a drifting buoy. Bottom melting contributes about 2/3 of total volume melt but is geographically confined to the Marginal Ice Zone, while top melting contributes a lesser 1/3 of volume melt but occurs over a much broader area of the ice pack.
Biological communities in San Francisco Bay track large‐scale climate forcing over the North Pacific
Authors: Cloern James E. , Hieb Kathryn A. , Jacobson Teresa , Sansó Bruno , Di Lorenzo Emanuele , Stacey Mark T. , Largier John L. , Meiring Wendy , Peterson William T. , Powell Thomas M. , Winder Monika , Jassby Alan D.
Published: November 2010

Long‐term observations show that fish and plankton populations in the ocean fluctuate in synchrony with large‐scale climate patterns, but similar evidence is lacking for estuaries because of shorter observational records. Marine fish and invertebrates have been sampled in San Francisco Bay since 1980 and exhibit large, unexplained population changes including record‐high abundances of common species after 1999. Our analysis shows that populations of demersal fish, crabs and shrimp covary with the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and North Pacific Gyre Oscillation (NPGO), both of which reversed signs in 1999. A time series model forced by the atmospheric driver of NPGO accounts for two‐thirds of the variability in the first principal component of species abundances, and generalized linear models forced by PDO and NPGO account for most of the annual variability of individual species. We infer that synchronous shifts in climate patterns and community variability in San Francisco Bay are related to changes in oceanic wind forcing that modify coastal currents, upwelling intensity, surface temperature, and their influence on recruitment of marine species that utilize estuaries as nursery habitat. Ecological forecasts of estuarine responses to climate change must therefore consider how altered patterns of atmospheric forcing across ocean basins influence coastal oceanography as well as watershed hydrology.
Evolution of individual snowflakes during metamorphism
Authors: Chen Si , Baker Ian
Published: November 2010

The morphological changes of individual snowflakes evolving within a dry snow aggregate have been studied using X‐ray computed microtomography (micro‐CT). Fresh dry snow was collected during a snowfall, sealed, and stored in a  −5°C cold room between periodic observations using micro‐CT. Time series 3‐D images were used to examine the structural evolution of an individual snowflake within the aggregate over a 2‐month period, after which the snowflake had lost its original dendritic structure. Analysis of the aggregate showed that the fraction of large ice particles increased over this period while the total number of particles decreased, presumably to lower the free energy of the snow specimen. This approach enables the study of metamorphism of individual snowflakes in a local environment close to that found in nature. The evolution of structural parameters, including the volume fraction of ice, the surface‐to‐volume ratio of the ice matrix, the thickness and separation of the ice structure determined by the distance transform of the ice and pore space, were monitored and analyzed using coarsening theories. The computed growth exponent was smaller than the values obtained in the earlier work by Legagneux et al. (2004) and Kaempfer and Schneebeli (2007), who also interpreted the isothermal metamorphism in terms of coarsening theories.
Involvement of a Jumonji‐C domain‐containing histone demethylase in DRM2‐mediated maintenance of DNA methylation
Authors: Deleris Angelique , Greenberg Maxim V C , Ausin Israel , Law Rona W Y , Moissiard Guillaume , Schubert Daniel , Jacobsen Steven E
Published: November 2010

Histone demethylases—both lysine‐specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) and Jumonji‐C (JmjC) domain‐containing proteins—are broadly implicated in the regulation of chromatin‐dependent processes. In Arabidopsis thaliana, histone marks directly affect DNA methylation, and mutations in LSD1 homologues show reduced DNA methylation at some loci. We screened transfer DNA mutations in genes encoding JmjC domains for defects in DNA methylation. Mutations in jmj14 result in reduced DNA methylation in non‐CG contexts at targets of DRM2 (domains rearranged methyltransferase 2)‐mediated RNA‐directed DNA methylation (RdDM), which is associated with an increase in H3K4m3. Unlike other components of RdDM, JMJ14 is not required for de novo methylation of a transgene, suggesting that JMJ14 is specifically involved in the maintenance phase of DRM2‐mediated RdDM.