bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Necessity and Reliability of Intraoperative Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Testing in Patients with Mild Hyperparathyroidism and PTH Levels in the Normal Range
Authors: Alhefdhi Amal , Pinchot Scott N. , Davis Ruth , Sippel Rebecca S. , Chen Herbert
Published: June 2011

Background

Intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IoPTH) testing is useful in the management of hyperparathyroidism. The successful removal of hypersecreting parathyroids is indicated by a decrease in PTH levels >50% within 15 min. A subset of patients with mild hyperparathyroidism will actually have starting PTH levels in the normal range. We sought to determine if IoPTH testing is necessary in these patients and if the 50% rule delineating surgical cure is reliable.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed on all patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for hyperparathyroidism at a single institution from 3/2001 to 8/2008.

Results

Of the 1,001 patients, 142 (14%) had mild hyperparathyroidism and normal baseline PTH levels (<65 pg/ml). Their mean PTH was 59 ± 1 pg/ml. During surgery, 105 (74%) had a >50% decline in PTH levels after resection of hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands, and their operations were terminated. In contrast, 37 (26%) patients did not have a >50% decline in PTH levels leading to further surgical exploration. In these 37 patients, the PTH levels fell by >50% after the removal of the additional glands in 25 patients (17.6%) and dropped after 20 min in 7 patients (4.9%). In 5 patients (3.5%) the IoPTH did not drop. Of the 142 total patients, 91 had single adenomas and 51 patients had multi‐gland disease. All patients (100%) were cured (normal serum calcium after 6 months).

Conclusions

Intraoperative PTH testing plays an important role in the operative management in 14% of patients with mild hyperparathyroidism. Importantly, a 50% decline in IoPTH level within 15 min of parathyroidectomy is 96.5% reliable in predicting cure in these patients with PTH starting in the normal range.
Radical Scavenging Activity and Performance of Novel Phenolic Antioxidants in Oils During Storage and Frying
Authors: Catel Yohann , Aladedunye Felix , Przybylski Roman
Published: June 2011

Novel phenolic antioxidants: 2a (6′‐hydroxy‐2′,5′,7′,8′‐tetramethylchroman‐2′‐yl)methyl 3‐methoxy‐4‐hydroxycinnamate, 2b (6′‐hydroxy‐2′,5′,7′,8′‐tetramethylchroman‐2′‐yl)methyl 3,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐hydroxycinnamate, 2c (6′‐hydroxy‐2′,5′,7′,8′‐tetramethylchroman‐2′‐yl)methyl 3,4‐dihydroxycinnamate, and 3 (6‐hydroxy‐2,5,7,8‐tetramethylchroman‐2‐yl)methyl (6′‐hydroxy‐2′,5′,7′,8′‐tetramethylchroman‐2′‐carboxylate) have been prepared in good yields and fully characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, and HRMS. Their radical scavenging activities have been evaluated by DPPH and ORAC assays. Each of the synthesized antioxidants exhibited significantly higher radical scavenging activities than trolox and α‐tocopherol. These novel antioxidants efficiently protected canola oil triacylglycerides (CTG) during accelerated storage and frying. Compounds 2c and 3 were significantly more efficient than α‐tocopherol protecting CTG under accelerated storage. All new antioxidants were more efficient than α‐tocopherol under frying conditions and present significantly higher thermal stability.
Physiological function of hyaluronan in mammalian oocyte maturation
Authors: Yokoo Masaki , Sato Eimei
Published: June 2011

Despite its structural simplicity, hyaluronan exhibits a broad spectrum of biological activities. Cumulus expansion observed during oocyte maturation in mammals is also induced by hyaluronan accumulation in cumulus−oocyte complexes. It has been demonstrated that this volumetric change in cumulus−oocyte complexes correlates with the progression of oocyte maturation. We have investigated the molecular mechanism of oocyte maturation in mammals, focusing on hyaluronan accumulation in cumulus−oocyte complexes during cumulus expansion. In this review, we describe the physiological function of hyaluronan, emphasizing the progression of oocyte maturation in mammals based on our previous findings.
Mode of Occurrence of Phosphorus in Iron Ores of Eastern Limb, Bonai Synclinorium, Eastern India
Authors: Upadhyay R. K. , Asokan S. , Venkatesh A. S.
Published: June 2011

The eastern limb of horse shoe shaped “Bonai Synclinorium” in India hosts Banded Iron Formations (BIFs), consisting of major high grade iron deposits. Phosphorus (P) gets adsorbed in the iron ore by way of ion exchange mechanism of clay minerals and hydrated secondary iron oxide minerals. Its concentration is lesser in hard ores and blue dust types of ores, while the highest in case of lateritic ores. P content reduces with increase in iron (Fe) content in individual ore types. Along the eastern limb, phosphorus content gradually reduces from north to south direction. Since phosphorus is mainly associated with secondary lateritization process, its concentration is very high in top weathered profile and along the weaker zones.
A Longitudinal Analysis of the Relationship Between Fertility Timing and Schooling
Authors: Stange Kevin
Published: June 2011

This article quantifies the contribution of pre-treatment dynamic selection to the relationship between fertility timing and postsecondary attainment, after controlling for a rich set of predetermined characteristics. Eventual mothers and nonmothers are matched using their predicted birth hazard rate, which shares the desirable properties of a propensity score but in a multivalued treatment setting. I find that eventual mothers and matched nonmothers enter college at the same rate, but their educational paths diverge well before the former become pregnant. This pre-pregnancy divergence creates substantial differences in ultimate educational attainment that cannot possibly be due to the childbirth itself. Controls for predetermined characteristics and fixed effects do not address this form of dynamic selection bias. A dynamic model of the simultaneous childbirth-education sequencing decision is necessary to address it.
A two-dimensional model of low-Reynolds number swimming beneath a free surface
Authors: CROWDY DARREN , LEE SUNGYON , SAMSON OPHIR , LAUGA ERIC , HOSOI A. E.
Published: June 2011

Biological organisms swimming at low-Reynolds number are often influenced by the presence of rigid boundaries and soft interfaces. In this paper, we present an analysis of locomotion near a free surface with surface tension. Using a simplified two-dimensional singularity model and combining a complex variable approach with conformal mapping techniques, we demonstrate that the deformation of a free surface can be harnessed to produce steady locomotion parallel to the interface. The crucial physical ingredient lies in the nonlinear hydrodynamic coupling between the disturbance flow created by the swimmer and the free boundary problem at the fluid surface.
Saturated fatty acids activate microglia via Toll-like receptor 4/NF-κB signalling
Authors: Wang Zhen , Liu Dexiang , Wang Fuwu , Liu Shangming , Zhao Shidou , Ling Eng-Ang , Hao Aijun
Published: June 2011

Diets rich in SFA have been implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD). There is strong evidence to suggest that microglial activation augments the progression of AD. However, it remains uncertain whether SFA can initiate microglial activation and whether this response can cause neuronal death. Using the BV-2 microglial cell line and primary microglial culture, we showed that palmitic acid (PA) and stearic acid (SA) could activate microglia, as assessed by reactive morphological changes and significantly increased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, NO and reactive oxygen species, which trigger primary neuronal death. In addition, the mRNA level of these pro-inflammatory mediators determined by RT-PCR was also increased by PA and SA. We further investigated the intracellular signalling mechanism underlying the release of pro-inflammatory mediators from PA-activated microglial cells. The present results showed that PA activated the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of the p65 subunit of NF-κB. Furthermore, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, a NF-κB inhibitor, attenuated the production of pro-inflammatory mediators except for IL-6 in PA-stimulated microglia. Administration of anti-Toll-like receptor (TLR)4-neutralising antibody repressed PA-induced NF-κB activation and pro-inflammatory mediator production. In conclusion, the presentin vitrostudy demonstrates that SFA could activate microglia and stimulate the TLR4/NF-κB pathway to trigger the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, which may contribute to neuronal death.
Environmentalism and Party Support in Canada: Recent Trends outside Quebec
Authors: Anderson Cameron D. , Stephenson Laura B.
Published: June 2011

Abstract.Concern about the environment has grown around the world. Important work has assessed the correlates of support for the environment and its relationship to values (for example, Inglehart, 1995). Recent comparative work on political party positioning demonstrates how the issue has increasingly taken on a left–right dimension (Dalton, 2009). Filling a void in the literature, this paper explores how and whether the environmental issue has been incorporated into the ideological space of Canadian citizens and reflected in the views of the major political parties outside of Quebec. In particular, we first consider the extent to which the environment is a left–right issue in the minds of Canadian citizens. We follow this by assessing the effect of environmental concern on citizens' views of political parties and whether this issue tends to operate as a positional or valence issue in differentiating political parties. We use the Canadian Election Studies from 2000–2006 to address these research questions empirically.

Résumé.L'intérêt pour la protection de l'environnement s'est intensifié autour du monde. Des recherches ont été menées sur la corrélation entre l'idéologie et la protection de l'environnement (par exemple, Inglehart 1995). Une étude récente sur le positionnement des partis politiques en matière d'environnement démontre que la question prend de plus en plus une dimension gauche–droite (Dalton 2009). Dans le but de combler un manque dans la littérature, cet article tente d'établir dans quelle mesure l'environnement a effectivement été intégré dans l'espace idéologique des citoyens canadiens et se reflète dans l'opinion sur les principaux partis politiques à l'extérieur du Québec. Nous examinons d'abord jusqu'à quel point l'environnement est considéré par les Canadiens comme un enjeu politique de gauche ou de droite. Nous évaluons ensuite l'effet de cet intérêt pour l'environnement sur l'opinion des citoyens canadiens à l'égard des partis politiques en vue de déterminer s'il s'agit là d'un enjeu de valeur ou d'un enjeu positionnel dans les choix politiques et électoraux. Nous appuyons empiriquement notre étude sur les données de l'Étude électorale canadienne de 2000 à 2006.
“Truth-telling” and Legal Discourse: A Critical Analysis of the Neil Stonechild Inquiry
Authors: Lugosi Nicole V.T.
Published: June 2011

Abstract.Employing a critical race methodology focused on the notion of law as a hegemonic form of truth telling, I examine the findings and recommendations of the commission of inquiry into the death of Neil Stonechild to show how certain stories were told (or not) through legal narratives, and how, in such a judicial forum, specific narratives were framed as more legitimate than others. This forum reproduces colonial assumptions of the Aboriginal “other,” as deserving less priority in the realm of justice and the Aboriginal voice as illegitimate compared to legal actors, thereby weakening notions of equal access to justice in Canada. I argue that the Neil Stonechild inquiry, while important, falls short in advancing justice by failing to address underlying racial factors and motivations, thereby providing an incomplete picture of what happened. As a consequence, the dominant mythology of Canada as a non-racist nation remains unchallenged, to the detriment of meaningful social change.

Résumé.À l'aide d'une méthodologie critique de la race axée sur la notion du droit comme façon hégémonique de dire la vérité, j'examine les conclusions et les recommandations de la commission d'enquête sur la mort de Neil Stonechild afin de montrer comment certaines histoires ont été racontées (ou pas) grâce au récit juridique et comment, dans un tel forum judiciaire, on a accordé une légitimité plus grande à certains récits. Ce forum reprend les suppositions coloniales sur «l'autre» autochtone, qui mériterait une priorité moindre dans le domaine de la justice, et sur la voix autochtone, qui serait illégitime comparativement à celle des acteurs juridiques, affaiblissant de ce fait les notions d'égalité d'accès à la justice au Canada. Je soutiens que l'enquête sur Neil Stonechild, bien qu'importante, ne réussit pas à faire avancer la justice, car les enquêteurs ne sont pas parvenus à aborder les facteurs et les motivations raciaux sous-jacents, donnant ainsi une image incomplète de ce qui s'est passé. Par conséquent, la mythologie dominante voulant que le Canada ne soit pas une nation raciste demeure incontestée, au préjudice d'un changement social significatif.
Old—and New—Policy Analysis: A Pragmatic Re-Assessment from Dewey to 9/11
Authors: Cantelli Fabrizio
Published: June 2011

Pragmatism is not new. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the pragmatic movement, embodied in such American authors as Charles Peirce (1839–1914), William James (1842–1910) and John Dewey (1859–1952), has developed various philosophical works and has been engaged in several theoretical disputes as well as political debates. Yet does pragmatism form part of only an American sensibility? Does it belong only to the past? This review essay will argue to the contrary. We will see to what extent pragmatism provides fruitful potential and inspiration for contemporary policy analysis in the United States and in Europe. This review essay will discuss actual issues and challenges within pragmatism by providing a critical reading of two recent books:Pragmatism and European Social Theory, edited by Patrick Baert and Bryan S. Turner (2007) andReconstructing Democracy, Recontextualizing Dewey: Pragmatism and Interactive Constructivism in the Twenty-first Century, edited by Jim Garrison (2008).
Where Did All the Dollars Go? The Effect of Cash Flows on Capital and Asset Structure
Authors: Dasgupta Sudipto , Noe Thomas H. , Wang Zhen
Published: June 2011

This paper documents the short- and long-term balance sheet effect of cash flows. We show that cash savings in the short run and debt reduction in both the short and the long run account for a substantial fraction of cash flow use. Although, in the long run, investment exhibits substantial sensitivity to cash flows, investment does not absorb the entire cash flow shock. In fact, the tighter the financial constraints, the smaller the fraction of cash flow absorbed by investment and the more by leverage reduction. Firms stage their response to increases in cash flow, delaying investment while building up cash stocks and reducing leverage. These results suggest that much of the short-run economic effect of cash flow shocks to the corporate sector may be channeled into the corporate debt market rather than the capital goods market, especially when financing constraints tighten.
Why Did Estonia Choose Fiscal Retrenchment after the 2008 Crisis?
Authors: Raudla Ringa , Kattel Rainer
Published: June 2011

The budgetary response of Estonia to the 2008 global financial crisis poses a puzzle. While many other countries increased public expenditure and ran high deficits in 2009, the Estonian government was different: it undertook fiscal retrenchment, combining expenditure cuts and tax increases, despite a large drop in economic output. This article explains why the Estonian government opted for fiscal consolidation during the crisis. The ideological position of the governing parties and their desire the join the euro-zone played an important role in driving fiscal discipline. It also argues that the key to understanding Estonia's fiscal decisions in 2009 is what happened in the 1990s: fiscal policy choices became path-dependent as a result of positive feedback loops from previous periods of fiscal consolidation. Path-dependency was further reinforced by institutional capabilities (or lack thereof) created by initial macroeconomic policy choices.
Negotiation-based Policy Instruments and Performance: Dutch Covenants and Environmental Policy Outcomes
Authors: Bressers Hans , de Bruijn Theo , Lulofs Kris , O'Toole Laurence J.
Published: June 2011

Numerous governments have adopted innovative policy instruments to deal with important environmental policy challenges and negotiated instruments offer the potential to improve performance beyond what regulation alone can accomplish. Dutch covenants, which represent negotiated agreements with sectors of industry as targets of behavioral change, provide useful evidence of the determinants of success. For improving environmental performance, certain features of the policy setting explain much of the variance in ambitions and outcomes: attitudes of decision makers in the affected businesses, attention to cost minimization, and possibly the degree of ambition built into the agreement. Modeling to explain the extent of ambition and compliance offer further insights. While some Dutch lessons may be restricted to more corporatist policy settings, others may help improve the effectiveness of negotiated agreements in many national settings.
The impact of fresh produce specifications on the Australian food and nutrition system: a case study of the north Queensland banana industry
Authors: White Amy , Gallegos Danielle , Hundloe Tor
Published: June 2011

Objective

To use the north Queensland banana industry as a case study to examine the extent to which cosmetic standards set by retailers influence the amount of edible waste generated on-farm and the effect of this on the sustainability of the Australian food and nutrition system.

Design

Waste audits were performed on-farm at a banana packing shed to quantify the amount of fruit discarded due to cosmetic imperfections. These data, together with production records provided by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and interviews with growers, were used to inform a nutritional analysis, a life cycle assessment and an economic analysis to quantify nutritional, environmental and economic impacts.

Setting

North Queensland, Australia

Subjects

Banana farms and packing shed.

Result

Between 10 and 30 % of the north Queensland banana crop is discarded on-farm. Of this, 78 % was found to be due to cosmetic imperfections, which equates to an industry total of 37 000 tonnes per annum. This waste represents a loss of 137 billion kilojoules with accompanying macro- and micronutrients. The life cycle assessment indicated that approximately 16 300 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, 11·2 gigalitres of virtual water as well as other natural resources are embodied in the waste. There is an industry-wide, economic loss of approximately $AU 26·9 million per annum.

Conclusions

The majority of on-farm banana waste is caused by arbitrary cosmetic standards set by retailers, resulting in significant nutritional, environmental and economic losses. Public health nutritionists have a role to play across the entire food chain to minimize the impacts of waste on the food system.
GEOMETRIC PHASES IN THE QUANTISATION OF BOSONS AND FERMIONS
Authors: WU SIYE
Published: June 2011

After reviewing geometric quantisation of linear bosonic and fermionic systems, we study the holonomy of the projectively flat connection on the bundle of Hilbert spaces over the space of compatible complex structures and relate it to the Maslov index and its various generalisations. We also consider bosonic and fermionic harmonic oscillators parametrised by compatible complex structures and compare Berry’s phase with the above holonomy.
CAPITALISM AND INTELLECTUAL HISTORY
Authors: TEICHGRAEBER RICHARD F.
Published: June 2011

Jeffrey Sklansky, The Soul's Economy: Market Society and Selfhood in American Thought, 1820–1920 (Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press, 2002)

Jackson Lears, Something for Nothing: Luck in America (New York: Viking, 2003)

Jerry Z. Muller, The Mind and the Market: Capitalism in Modern European Thought (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2002)

Allan Megill, Karl Marx: The Burden of Reason (Why Marx Rejected Politics and the Market) (Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc., 2002)
The Astronomy of Aboriginal Australia
Authors: Norris Ray P. , Hamacher Duane W.
Published: June 2011

The traditional cultures of Aboriginal Australians include a significant astronomical component, which is usually reported in terms of songs or stories associated with stars and constellations. Here we argue that the astronomical components extend further, and include a search for meaning in the sky, beyond simply mirroring the earth-bound understanding. In particular, we have found that traditional Aboriginal cultures include a deep understanding of the motion of objects in the sky, and that this knowledge was used for practical purposes such as constructing calendars. We also present evidence that traditional Aboriginal Australians made careful records and measurements of cyclical phenomena, and paid careful attention to unexpected phenomena such as eclipses and meteorite impacts.
The significance of the Sun, Moon and celestial bodies to societies in the Carpathian basin during the Bronze Age
Authors: Pásztor Emília
Published: June 2011

Celestial events often exerted a great or even decisive influence on the life of ancient communities. They may provide some of the foundations on which an understanding of the deeper meaning of mythologies, religious systems and even folk tales can be based. These influences are reflected and may be detected in the archaeological material as well. There is good evidence that celestial (especially solar and perhaps lunar) phenomena played a particularly important rôle in the worldview of prehistoric Europe. To reveal the social and ideational significance of concepts relating to the celestial bodies in the prehistory of the Carpathian Basin, complex investigations on orientations of houses and graves, prestige archaeological finds and iconography have been accomplished. The results indicate ideological and/or social changes, which developed into a likely organized ideological system in large part of Central Europe including the Carpathian Basin by the Late Bronze Age. It might also be the first period in prehistory when people became really interested in celestial phenomena.
Folk astronomy in Omani agriculture
Authors: Nash Harriet , Agius Dionisius A.
Published: June 2011

The Sultanate of Oman is possibly unique in using stars to time the allocation of water in the traditional irrigation systems called aflāj (s. falaj), which are still an important part of Omani culture and sense of national identity. This is a rapidly disappearing oral tradition that has hardly been known about outside Oman prior to this study. The need for timing water shares is explained and the methods of stargazing described. The identities of the stars, their Omani names and the relationship with modern star names are discussed.
Early dynamical world models: A historical review
Authors: Kragh Helge
Published: June 2011

Models of the universe, in the sense of solutions to the cosmological field equations, took their start in 1917 with Einstein's closed universe. During the next two decades they were developed to comprise evolving models, some of them cyclic and some of them with a definite age. The history of this development, as it occurred up to the mid 1930s, is reviewed. It is argued that in 1930-31, cosmology experienced a kind of paradigm shift.
Science, art and geometrical imagination
Authors: Luminet Jean-Pierre
Published: June 2011

From the geocentric, closed world model of Antiquity to the wraparound universe models of relativistic cosmology, the parallel history of space representations in science and art illustrates the fundamental rôle of geometric imagination in innovative findings. Through the analysis of works of various artists and scientists like Plato, Dürer, Kepler, Escher, Grisey or the author, it is shown how the process of creation in science and in the arts rests on aesthetical principles such as symmetry, regular polyhedra, laws of harmonic proportion, tessellations, group theory, etc., as well as on beauty, conciseness and an emotional approach of the world.
Art and astronomy: my personal experience
Authors: Guellen
Published: June 2011

Astronomy and Art, two worlds seemingly opposite. One scientific and rigorous, the other perceived as light and whimsical. But if these two worlds were united? If art gave itself to the service of science? If fantasy became a playful pretext to transmit knowledge to young children? I recount here my experience, that of a meeting, and of an adventure. How and why an astronomy book for the very young emerged from the collaboration between a painter and an astronomer of the Observatory of Paris.
On the telescopes in the paintings of Jan Brueghel the Elder
Authors: Molaro Paolo , Selvelli Pierluigi
Published: June 2011

Several astronomical instruments including early spyglasses are depicted in at least five paintings that Jan Brueghel the Elder completed between 1608 and 1625. This rather unique circumstance is due to the fact that Jan Brueghel was court painter of Archduke Albert VII of Habsburg, whose love for art and science, he celebrated in his paintings. An optical tube that appears in the Extensive Landscape with View of the Castle of Mariemont, dated 1608-1612 represents the first painting of a telescope whatsoever. Some documents are collected showing that Albert VII could have obtained very early spyglasses directly from Lipperhey or Sacharias Janssen, who are two possible inventors of the telescope. Thus the painting could reproduce one of the first telescopes ever made by mankind. Two more instruments appear prominently in two Allegories of Sight made in the years 1617 and 1618. These are precious instruments made possibly in silver, composed by several draw-tubes, which look much more sophisticated than other instruments of same epoch. Rather surprisingly, the structure and, in particular the eyepiece, suggest that they may represent the first examples of Keplerian telescopes about two decades before they replaced the Dutch mounting.
Astronomy and the Media: a love story?
Authors: Boffin Henri M. J.
Published: June 2011

With the availability of nice images and amazing, dramatic stories, the fundamental questions it addresses, and the attraction is exerces on many, it is often assumed that astronomy is an obvious topic for the media. Looking more carefully, however, one realises that the truth is perhaps not as glamorous as one would hope, and that, although well present in the media, astronomy's coverage is rather tiny, and often, limited to the specialised pages or magazines.
A dictionary of Astronomy for the French Sign Language (LSF)
Authors: Proust Dominique , Abbou Daniel , Chab Nasro
Published: June 2011

Since a few years, the french deaf communauty have access to astronomy at Paris-Meudon observatory through a specific teaching adapted from the French Sign Language (Langue des Signes Françcaise, LSF) including direct observations with the observatory telescopes. From this experience, an encyclopedic dictionary of astronomy The Hands in the Stars is now available, containing more than 200 astronomical concepts. Many of them did not existed in Sign Language and can be now fully expressed and explained.
The astronomical observatory of the University of Havana. A project for its rehabilitation as a center for science popularisation
Authors: de la Guardia Durán Mónica
Published: June 2011

The project aims to recover the Astronomical Observatory of the University of Havana (AOUH) for science outreach at the national level, in order to help increasing the interest in science primarily among children and youth.
What astronomy can bring to the hi-tech party
Authors: Jones Janet E.
Published: June 2011

This is about the relationship between technology and astronomy, and in particular about people in astronomy getting into the hi-tech world. These people might be graduate students looking for jobs, they might be fully fledged academics wanting to exploit their know-how. Whichever it is, it is essential to understand the differences between these two worlds and especially to understand that the hi-tech world only wants you for what you can bring to the table. So welcome to “the hi-tech party”.
Astronomy for African development
Authors: Govender Kevindran
Published: June 2011

In recent years there have been a number of efforts across Africa to develop the field of astronomy as well as to reap benefit from astronomy for African people. This presentation will discuss the case of the SALT (Southern African Large Telescope) Collateral Benefits Programme (SCBP) which was set up to ensure societal benefit from astronomy. With African society as the target, the SCBP has embarked on various projects from school level education to public understanding of science to socio-economic development, the latter mainly being felt in the rural communities surrounding the South African Astronomical Observatory (home to SALT). A development plan for “Astronomy in Africa” will also be discussed. This plan has been drawn up with input from all over Africa and themed “Astronomy for Education”. The Africa case stands as a good example for the IYA cornerstone project “Developing Astronomy Globally” which focuses on developing regions.
Early science education and astronomy
Authors: Wilgenbus David , Léna Pierre
Published: June 2011

Inquiry-based science education is currently receiving a consensus as a pedagogy to teach science at primary and middle school levels, with the goal to reach all children and youngsters, no matter what their future professional choices will be. By the same token, it also greatly increases the fraction of the school population in which future technicians, engineers and sciences could be recruited for further training. La main à la pâte is the name of the action undertaken by the French Académie des Sciences to develop inquiry in France, and then in many collaborating countries. The focus is on science as a whole, and not on particular disciplines such as physics, biology, and so on, since it is the understanding of scientific method and use of evidence which is at the heart of inquiry. Yet, astronomy is offering so many opportunities to demonstrate the scientific method that La main à la pâte has developed a number of inquiry activities in this field, which are presented here, such as Measuring the Earth, Calendars and cultures, the use of One Laptop per Child for Moon observations, etc.
Universe Awareness: Inspiring young children around the world
Authors: Ödman Carolina J.
Published: June 2011

Universe Awareness (UNAWE) has over three years of experience enthusing young children with the scale and beauty of the Universe. UNAWE is an outreach programme with a strong social vision aiming at broadening children's minds, awakening their curiosity in science and stimulating global citizenship. UNAWE uses the inspirational aspects of astronomy to instil a culture of peace and tolerance. We present the main principles of the programme, describe how it functions as a community-driven organisation and share some of the UNAWE experience. We describe projects and opportunities for IYA2009 and the future of the global programme.
A Study of Deliberate Self-Harm and Its Repetition Among Patients Presenting to an Emergency Department
Authors: Yip Paul S. F. , Hawton Keith , Liu Kayuet , Liu Kwong-sun , Ng Pauline W. L. , Kam Pui-man , Law Yik-wa , Wong Tai-wai
Published: June 2011

Background: Marked differences have been found in the characteristics of people dying by suicide in Western and Asian countries. However, there is less information available on possible differences for deliberate self-harm (DSH). Aims: To compare the characteristics of people presenting to hospital in Hong Kong and Oxford (UK) with DSH, and to assess the outcome of those persons in Hong Kong. Methods: A sample of DSH patients admitted to the accident and emergency (A&E) department of a regional hospital in Hong Kong was assessed and followed up 6 months later to assess the risk of repetition of DSH, and was then compared with such patients in Oxford. Results: The majority of patients in Hong Kong were female (male:female ratio of 1:2.4), young (59% were under 35), and had used self-poisoning (78%). Over one-third were single (37%) and one-fourth unemployed (26%). About half (49%) scored in the high or very high categories of the Beck’s Suicide Intent Scale, considerably more so than in Oxford; 44.6% of patients defaulted psychiatric outpatient service during the 6-month follow-up period. The repetition rate within the following 6 months was 16.7%. The number of self-reported adverse life problems, history of childhood sexual and physical abuse, and repetitive self-mutilation were shown to be the factors most strongly correlated with the risk of re-attempt. Alcohol problems were much lower than in Oxford. Conclusions: The findings show that DSH patients in Hong Kong show some marked differences compared to those in Oxford. Implications for the prevention of repeated DSH in Hong Kong are discussed.
The Effects of Situational Obstacles and Social Support on Suicide- Prevention Gatekeeper Behaviors
Authors: Moore J. Taylor , Cigularov Konstantin P. , Chen Peter Y. , Martinez Jeremy M. , Hindman Jarrod
Published: June 2011

Background: Although the effectiveness of suicide-prevention gatekeeper-training programs in improving knowledge, attitudes, and referral practices has been documented, their effects do not seem to be lasting. Aims: This study investigated situational obstacles at work that prevent suicide-prevention gatekeepers from engaging in suicide-prevention behavior and the role of social support in modifying the relationship between situational obstacles and suicide-prevention behaviors. Methods: 193 gatekeepers completed an online survey to rate the obstacles they had experienced at work since completing a gatekeeper-training program and the support received from coworkers, supervisors, and the organization. Participants also reported the frequency of suicide-prevention behaviors performed. Results: The results indicated that both situational obstacles and social support predicted the number of suicide-prevention behaviors performed, as expected. There was also a trend that support from supervisors and the organization may alleviate the adverse effect of situational obstacles on suicide-prevention behavior. Limitations: The cross-sectional nature of the study does not allow for directional, causal conclusions to be drawn. Conclusions: By understanding the roles of situational obstacles faced by trained gatekeepers at their work and the support they receive from supervisors and organizations, appropriate strategies can be identified and applied to facilitate gatekeeper performance.
Personality and Social Psychology Factors Explaining Sexism
Authors: Akrami Nazar , Ekehammar Bo , Yang-Wallentin Fan
Published: June 2011

Previous research has almost exclusively examined sexism (negative attitudes toward women) from either a personality or a social-psychology perspective. In two studies (N = 379 and 182, respectively), we combine these perspectives and examine whether sexism is best explained by personality (Big-Five factors, social dominance orientation, and right-wing authoritarianism) or by social-psychological (group membership and group identification) variables – or by a combination of both approaches. Causal modeling and multiple regression analyses showed that, with the present set of variables, sexism was best explained by considering the combined influence of both personality- and social-psychology constructs. The findings imply that it is necessary to integrate various approaches to explain prejudice.
Stepping Off the Hedonic Treadmill
Authors: Mancini Anthony D. , Bonanno George A. , Clark Andrew E.
Published: June 2011

Theorists have long maintained that people react to major life events but then eventually return to a setpoint of subjective well-being. Yet prior research is inconclusive regarding the extent of interindividual variability. Recent theoretical models suggest that there should be heterogeneity in long-term stress responding ( Bonanno, 2004 ; Muthén & Muthén, 2000 ). To test this idea, we used latent growth mixture modeling to identify specific patterns of individual variation in response to three major life events (bereavement, divorce, and marriage). A four-class trajectory solution provided the best fit for bereavement and marriage, while a three-class solution provided the best fit for divorce. Relevant covariates predicted trajectory class membership. The modal response across events was a relatively flat trajectory (i.e., no change). Nevertheless, some trajectories diverged sharply from the modal response. Despite the tendency to maintain preevent levels of SWB, there are multiple and often divergent trajectories in response to bereavement, divorce, and marriage, underscoring the essential role of individual differences.
A real‐time groundwater management model using data assimilation
Authors: Cheng Wei‐Chen , Putti Mario , Kendall Donald R. , Yeh William W.‐G.
Published: June 2011

This study develops a groundwater management model for real‐time operation of an aquifer system. A groundwater flow model is allied with a nudging data assimilation algorithm that reduces the forecast error, minimizes the risk of system failure, and improves management strategies. The nudging algorithm treats the unknown private pumping as an additional sink term in the groundwater flow equation and provides a consistently physical interpretation for the identification of pumping rates. The system response due to pumping and injection is represented by a response matrix that is generated by the influence coefficient method. The response matrix (with a much smaller dimension) is used as a reduced model and is embedded directly in the management model as a part of the constraint set. Additionally, the influence coefficient method is utilized to include the nudging effect in the reduced model. The management model optimizes the monthly operation for 12 months into the future and determines the optimal strategy using the information provided by nudging. The management model is updated at the beginning of each month when new head observations and pumping data become available. We also discuss the utility, accuracy, and efficiency of the proposed management model for real‐time operation.
Evaluation of satellite rainfall products through hydrologic simulation in a fully distributed hydrologic model
Authors: Bitew Menberu M. , Gebremichael Mekonnen
Published: June 2011

The goal of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of four global high‐resolution satellite rainfall products (CMORPH, TMPA 3B42RT, TMPA 3B42, and PERSIANN) through the hydrologic simulation of a 1656 km2 mountainous watershed in the fully distributed MIKE SHE hydrologic model. This study shows that there are significant biases in the satellite rainfall estimates and large variations in rainfall amounts, leading to large variations in hydrologic simulations. The rainfall algorithms that use primarily microwave data (CMORPH and TMPA 3B42RT) show consistent and better performance in streamflow simulation (bias in the order of −53% to −3%, Nash‐Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) from 0.34 to 0.65); the rainfall algorithm that uses primarily infrared data (PERSIANN) shows lower performance (bias from −82% to −3%, Nash‐Sutcliffe efficiency from −0.39 to 0.43); and the rainfall algorithm that merges the satellite data with rain gage data (TMPA 3B42) shows inconsistencies and the lowest performance (bias from −86% to 0.43%, Nash‐Sutcliffe efficiency from −0.50 to 0.27). A dilemma between calibrating the hydrologic model with rain gage data and calibrating it with the corresponding satellite rainfall data is presented. Calibrating the model with corresponding satellite rainfall data increases the performance of satellite streamflow simulation compared to the model calibrated with rain gage data, but decreases the performance of satellite evapotranspiration simulation.
Oestrogen causes degradation of KLF5 by inducing the E3 ubiquitin ligase EFP in ER-positive breast cancer cells
Authors: Zhao Ke-Wen , Sikriwal Deepa , Dong Xueyuan , Guo Peng , Sun Xiaodong , Dong Jin-Tang
Published: June 2011

KLF5 (Krüppel-like factor 5) is a multifunctional transcription factor involved in cell proliferation, differentiation and carcinogenesis. In addition to frequent inactivation in different types of human cancers, including breast cancer, KLF5 has been identified as an essential co-factor for the TGF-β (transforming growth factor β) tumour suppressor. In our previous study demonstrating a negative regulation of ER (oestrogen receptor α) function by KLF5 in breast cancer cells [Guo, Dong, Zhao, Sun, Li and Dong (2010) Int. J. Cancer 126, 81–89], we noticed that oestrogen reduced the protein level of KLF5. In the present study, we have tested whether and how oestrogen/ER signalling regulates KLF5 protein. We found that oestrogen caused the degradation of KLF5 protein, and the degradation was sensitive to proteasome inhibitors, but not other inhibitors. The oestrogen-inducible E3 ligase EFP (oestrogen-responsive finger protein) was identified as a key player in oestrogen-mediated degradation of KLF5, as knockdown and overexpression of EFP increased and decreased KLF5 protein levels respectively, and the decrease continued even when protein synthesis was blocked. EFP-mediated degradation impaired the function of KLF5 in gene transcription. Although only unubiquitinated EFP interacted with KLF5, overexpression of EFP appeared to prevent the ubiquitination of KLF5, while resulting in heavy ubiquitination of the E3 itself. Furthermore, ubiquitination of EFP interrupted its interaction with KLF5. Although the mechanism for how EFP degrades KLF5 remains to be determined, the results of the present study suggest that oestrogen causes the degradation of KLF5 protein by inducing the expression of EFP in ER-positive breast cancer cells.
Tissue- and paralogue-specific functions of acyl-CoA-binding proteins in lipid metabolism in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Elle Ida C. , Simonsen Karina T. , Olsen Louise C. B. , Birck Pernille K. , Ehmsen Sidse , Tuck Simon , Le Thuc T. , Færgeman Nils J.
Published: June 2011

ACBP (acyl-CoA-binding protein) is a small primarily cytosolic protein that binds acyl-CoA esters with high specificity and affinity. ACBP has been identified in all eukaryotic species, indicating that it performs a basal cellular function. However, differential tissue expression and the existence of several ACBP paralogues in many eukaryotic species indicate that these proteins serve distinct functions. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans expresses seven ACBPs: four basal forms and three ACBP domain proteins. We find that each of these paralogues is capable of complementing the growth of ACBP-deficient yeast cells, and that they exhibit distinct temporal and tissue expression patterns in C. elegans. We have obtained loss-of-function mutants for six of these forms. All single mutants display relatively subtle phenotypes; however, we find that functional loss of ACBP-1 leads to reduced triacylglycerol (triglyceride) levels and aberrant lipid droplet morphology and number in the intestine. We also show that worms lacking ACBP-2 show a severe decrease in the β-oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids. A quadruple mutant, lacking all basal ACBPs, is slightly developmentally delayed, displays abnormal intestinal lipid storage, and increased β-oxidation. Collectively, the present results suggest that each of the ACBP paralogues serves a distinct function in C. elegans.
Signal transduction by vascular endothelial growth factor receptors
Authors: Koch Sina , Tugues Sònia , Li Xiujuan , Gualandi Laura , Claesson-Welsh Lena
Published: June 2011

VEGFs (vascular endothelial growth factors) control vascular development during embryogenesis and the function of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels in the adult. There are five related mammalian ligands, which act through three receptor tyrosine kinases. Signalling is modulated through neuropilins, which act as VEGF co-receptors. Heparan sulfate and integrins are also important modulators of VEGF signalling. Therapeutic agents that interfere with VEGF signalling have been developed with the aim of decreasing angiogenesis in diseases that involve tissue growth and inflammation, such as cancer. The present review will outline the current understanding and consequent biology of VEGF receptor signalling.
Glycogen synthase kinase-3β regulates Tyr307 phosphorylation of protein phosphatase-2A via protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B but not Src
Authors: Yao Xiu-Qing , Zhang Xiao-Xue , Yin Yang-Yang , Liu Bin , Luo Dan-Ju , Liu Dan , Chen Ning-Ning , Ni Zhong-Fei , Wang Xiong , Wang Qun , Wang Jian-Zhi , Liu Gong-Ping
Published: June 2011

GSK-3β (glycogen synthase kinase-3β), a crucial tau kinase, negatively regulates PP2A (protein phosphatase 2A), the most active tau phosphatase that is suppressed in the brain in AD (Alzheimer's disease). However, the molecular mechanism is not understood. In the present study we found that activation of GSK-3β stimulates the inhibitory phosphorylation of PP2A at Tyr307 (pY307-PP2A), whereas inhibition of GSK-3β decreased the level of pY307-PP2A both in vitro and in vivo. GSK-3β is a serine/threonine kinase that can not phosphorylate tyrosine directly, therefore we measured PTP1B (protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B) and Src (a tyrosine kinase) activities. We found that GSK-3β can modulate both PTP1B and Src protein levels, but it only inhibits PTP1B activity, with no effect on Src. Furthermore, only knockdown of PTP1B but not Src by siRNA (small interfering RNA) eliminates the effects of GSK-3β on PP2A. GSK-3β phosphorylates PTP1B at serine residues, and activation of GSK-3β reduces the mRNA level of PTP1B. Additionally, we also observed that GSK-3 negatively regulates the protein and mRNA levels of PP2A, and knockdown of CREB (cAMP-response-element-binding protein) abolishes the increase in PP2A induced by GSK-3 inhibition. The results of the present study suggest that GSK-3β inhibits PP2A by increasing the inhibitory Tyr307 phosphorylation and decreasing the expression of PP2A, and the mechanism involves inhibition of PTP1B and CREB.