bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term endocrine effects of administration of either a non-steroidal antiandrogen or a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist in men with prostate cancer
Authors: Decensi Andrea , Torrisi Rosalba , Fontana Vincenzo , Marroni Paola , Padovani Paola , Guarneri Domenico , Minuto Francesco , Boccardo Francesco
Published: June 2009

The claimed ability of non-steroidal antiandrogens to preserve libido and sexual potency is sought as a potential improvement in the palliative management of prostate cancer. A critical issue for the clinical use of these compounds is, however, the reported evidence in the rat of an excessive increase in testosterone concentrations as a consequence of the androgen negative feedback interruption. On the other hand, the recovery of testicular function after long-term inhibition by luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogs is also an important concern in view of the proposed use of these compounds for the treatment of several non-malignant conditions. We addressed these issues by studying the long-term endocrine effects induced by the administration of either the non-steroidal antiandrogen nilutamide or the depot preparation of d-Trp6-LHRH in men with prostate cancer. Treatment with the antiandrogen induced a marked increase in gonadotropin levels, LH concentrations rising from a mean (sem) of 17.5±1.6 to a maximum of 56.6±6.9 kU/l (p<0.001), while mean testosterone and 17β estradiol-concentrations rose only by about 50% and 70% over pretreatment values, testosterone levels reaching a plateau after 1 month of treatment. In the subjects treated with the LHRH agonist, 6 months after discontinuation of long-term administration the mean (±sem) LH had risen to 36.9±6.8 IU/l while mean testosterone levels were still as low as 1.7±0.7 and rose only to a maximum of 4.2±1 nmol/l after high-dose human chorionic gonadotropin loadings. We conclude that in elderly men with prostate cancer: (i) stimulation of the entire axis by non-steroidal antiandrogens induces only a mild testosterone increase, the testis being the site of the reduced response; (ii) prolonged inhibition of the pituitary-gonadal axis induced by LHRH agonists may not be reversible at the testicular level.
β-Adrenergic receptors, voltage-operated Ca 2+-channels, nuclear triiodothyronine receptors and triiodothyronine concentration in pig myocardium after long-term low-dose amiodarone treatment
Authors: Gøtzsche Liv Bjørn-Hansen
Published: June 2009

Similar features during chronic amiodarone treatment and hypothyroidism suggest that amiodarone induces a state of "triiodothyronine (T3)-resistance" or "cardiac hypothyroidism", which may predispose the heart to pump failure under conditions with severe strain, such as recovery after cardiac surgery. Disagreements exist as to how amiodarone, and possibly its main metabolite desethylamiodarone, act upon the various receptor systems in the heart. The aim of the present study was to elucidate whether chronic amiodarone treatment leads to a functional reduction in the number of myocardial nuclear T3 receptors, the myocardial tissue T3 concentration and the number of β-receptors and voltage-operated Ca2+-channels. Finally, special attention was drawn to any changes that could contribute to explain previous reports on reduced haemodynamic reserve in animals exposed to severe cardiac strain, such as cardiac surgery. Pigs (72±2 kg) were assigned randomly to amiodarone treatment (20 mg·kg−1·day−1 for 30±1 days, N = 8); controls received no medical treatment (N = 6). The left ventricle was evaluated for β-adrenergic receptors, voltage-operated Ca2+-channels, T3 nuclear receptors and tissue T3 concentration. Maximum binding capacity for β-receptors and Ca2+-channels was reduced in amiodarone-treated pigs (by 38%, p<0.05, and by 52%, p<0.01) and correlated with tissue drug concentrations for both receptor types (p<0.05). No changes were observed concerning nuclear T3 receptors. In vitro competition studies revealed that amiodarone, but not desethylamiodarone, possessed binding properties to Ca2+-channels, whereas neither of the compounds bound to β-receptors. Desethylamiodarone, but not amiodarone, competitively inhibited T3 binding to its nuclear receptors. Myocardial T3 was undetectable (<0.05 nmol/kg wet wt) in amiodarone-treated pigs. From our observations we suggest that the active metabolite desethylamiodarone, rather than the parent drug, is mainly responsible for the observed local hypothyroid-like effects during amiodarone treatment. The observed changes after treatment with low-dose amiodarone in pigs are likely to have biological implications. Functionally, the changes may imply reduced cardiac reserve during conditions of extraordinary strain.
Interaction of unsaturated fatty acids with rat liver glucocorticoid receptors: studies to localize the site of interaction
Authors: Sumida Charlotte , Vallette Geneviève , Nunez Emmanuel A
Published: June 2009

Polyunsaturated fatty acids have been shown to decrease the binding of [3H]dexamethasone to rat liver glucocorticoid receptors by mixed non-competitive inhibition, suggesting that these fatty acids interact at a site on the receptor different from the hormone binding site. The present study was undertaken to localize the site of interaction of polyunsaturated fatty acids on the receptor by comparing the differential effects of docosahexaenoic acid (a 22-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acid of the series n −3) on antagonist (RU486) and agonist binding, by covalent cross-linking of the hsp 90 and other proteins to the receptor to attempt to mask the site of interaction, by limited trypsinization to cleave the site and by using antibodies against specific epitopes to prevent fatty acid access by steric hindrance. Binding [3H]RU486 was not inhibited by docosahexaenoic acid at a concentration (60 μmol/l) that increases the dissociation constant of [3H]dexamethasone eightfold. Covalent stabilization of the hetero-oligomeric glucocorticoid receptor structure did not keep the fatty acid from inhibiting [3H]dexamethasone binding. The binding to the receptor of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against different domains of the receptor did not sterically hinder the fatty acid interaction with the receptor. After limited trypsinization of the receptor, the fatty acid still increased the dissociation rate constant of [3H]dexamethasone binding, indicating that the site of interaction of polyunsaturated fatty acids is on a fragment of the receptor containing the hormone-binding domain and some sequences C-terminal of the DNA-binding domain.
Endocrine profile of catch-up growth in the cynomolgus monkey
Authors: Marin Gabriela , Malozowski Saul N , Barnes Kevin , Southers Janice , Cristiano Audrey , Cassorla Fernando
Published: June 2009

We studied catch-up growth following withdrawal of glucocorticoid administration in seven intact prepubertal cynomolgus monkeys. To reduce stress during blood sampling, a vascular access port was implanted subcutaneously in each animal for the duration of the study. After a baseline observation period of 50 weeks, the monkeys received injections of dexamethasone at a dose of 100 μg·kg−1·day−1 for 15 weeks. Growth velocity was monitored every 3 weeks by measuring lower leg length and body weight. Spontaneous serum growth hormone (GH) concentrations and GH levels after insulin and l-dopa stimulation, as well as serum insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and plasma thyrotropin, triiodothyronine and thyroxine, were measured during the study. Differences between animals were analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance and Student's paired t-test. Mean±sem growth velocity (mm/3 weeks) decreased from 0.90±0.08 during the baseline period to 0.29±0.07 (p< 0.001) during the period of growth retardation, and increased to 1.23±0.2 (p< 0.001) during the period of catch-up growth. Spontaneous GH and peak GH levels following insulin did not show any significant variation during the study. Peak GH during the l-dopa test decreased from 15.4±3.2 μg/l during the baseline period to 6.2±2.4 μg/l during the period of growth retardation (p<0.05), and increased to 23.0±5.9 μg/l during the period of catch-up growth (p<0.05). Serum IGF-I levels were 3.0±1.0 mU/l during the baseline period, increased to 9.5±1.3 mU/l (p<0.05) during the period of dexamethasone administration and decreased to 6.1±1.0 mU/l during catch-up. Plasma thyroxine and triiodothyronine levels did not vary during the study, whereas thyrotropin decreased during the period of growth retardation. We conclude that GH secretion increases after l-dopa during catch-up growth in this primate model, suggesting that GH may play a role in the accelerated growth observed during this period.
Possible variation in bone resorption during the normal menstrual cycle
Authors: Schlemmer Annette , Hassager Christian , Risteli Juha , Risteli Leila , Jensen Signe B , Christiansen Claus
Published: June 2009

In order to determine whether bone turnover varies during the normal menstrual cycle, we measured biochemical markers of bone resorption (serum pyridinoline cross-linked carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (sICTP), fasting urinary hydroxyproline/creatinine, fasting urinary pyridinoline/creatinine and fasting urinary deoxypyridinoline/creatinine) and bone formation (plasma osteocalcin, serum carboxy-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen and serum alkaline phosphatase) in ten healthy premenopausal women every two or three days for a complete menstrual cycle. A cyclic pattern was detected in sICTP, with its nadir during the follicular phase and its peak during the luteal phase, and an overall variation of 17% during the menstrual cycle (p = 0.004). No cyclic changes were observed in the urinary parameters of bone resorption or in the biochemical markers of bone formation. We conclude that sICTP, a new biochemical marker of bone resorption, undergoes small variations during a normal menstrual cycle in premenopausal women, whereas the biochemical markers of bone formation remain constant.
Bone metabolism in obesity: changes related to severe overweight and dietary weight reduction
Authors: Hyldstrup Lars , Andersen Teis , McNair Peter , Breum Leif , Transbøl lb
Published: June 2009

A non-invasive evaluation of bone metabolism was performed in 44 morbidly obese patients before and after a mean weight loss of 22.4 kg (range 7.9–43.4 kg) after 2 months and a further weight loss of 7.3 kg after 8 months (0.8–20.0 kg). This weight reduction was obtained by a nutritionally adequate very-low-calorie diet. Before treatment the bone mineral content of the distal forearm was increased compared to normals (51.9 U vs 43.7 U, p<0.001). Bone formation was evaluated by serum alkaline phosphatase and serum osteocalcin. Serum alkaline phosphatase was increased (187.8 U/l vs 147.4 U/l, p<0.001) while serum osteocalcin was lower than in the controls (0.67 nmol/l vs 0.98 nmol/l, p<0.01). Bone resorption, as measured by the urinary hydroxyproline/creatinine ratio, was not increased in the obese patients (19.2 molar ratio × 10−3 vs 16.7 molar ratio × 10−3, NS). After 2 months, the bone mineral content had declined by 3.3%. Serum alkaline phosphatase remained unchanged (187.8 U/l vs 186.9 U/l, NS) but serum osteocalcin demonstrated a significant rise (3.94 nmol/l vs 10.53 nmol/l, p<0.001), parallel to changes in the hydroxyproline/creatinine ratio (19.2 molar ratio × 10−3 vs 25.2 molar ratio × 10−3, p<0.001). At 8 months, no further change in the bone mineral content was seen. The hydroxyproline/creatinine ratio did still increase (from 25.8 molar ratio × 10−3 to 30.1 molar ratio × 10−3, p<0.05), while serum alkaline phosphatase and serum osteocalcin remained unchanged. In conclusion, the bone mineral content is increased in morbid obesity. During weight loss obtained by a very-low-calorie diet supplying the recommended amounts of vitamin D and minerals, bone resorption is increased rapidly and bone mass reduced. Owing to linkage of bone remodelling processes, bone formation increases with a longer observation period and the bone mineral content is stabilized.
IGFBP-2 expression in liver and mammary tissue in lactating and pregnant ewes
Authors: Klempt M , Breier BH , Min SH , MacKenzie DDS , McCutcheon SN , Gluckman PD
Published: June 2009

Binding proteins for the insulin-like growth factors (IGFBPs) modulate the actions of IGF I and IGF II. IGFBP-2 is particularly high in plasma of pregnant and fetal animals and in milk. We investigated the peri-lactational control of IGFBP-2 expression and secretion. Fifteen singleton-bearing pregnant ewes at day 101 of gestation were injected sc twice daily for 8 days with bovine growth hormone (bGH) or ovine placental lactogen (oPL) both at 0.15 mg·kg−1·d−1 or saline. A further fifteen ewes at day 17 of lactation were injected sc twice daily for 5 days with bGH or oPL at 0.1 mg·kg−1·d−1 or saline. On the last day of injection blood samples were taken and the animals were sacrificed. Liver and mammary tissue samples were immediately frozen and subsequently extracted to provide total RNA for evaluation by Northern blot analysis using a rat IGFBP-2 cDNA probe. Plasma samples were analysed by Western ligand blotting for IGFBP-2. The comparison of the two saline-treated groups (pregnant vs lactating ewe) revealed no difference in the plasma concentrations of IGFBP-2. IGFBP-2 mRNA expression in the liver of the lactating ewes was markedly increased compared to that in the pregnant ewes. In contrast, in mammary tissue the expression was significantly lower in lactating than in pregnant sheep. In pregnant animals treatment with bGH, but not oPL, decreased the expression of IGFBP-2 in liver. There was a similar trend in the lactating ewe. GH treatment, but not PL treatment, moderately reduced IGFBP-2 levels in the lactating but not the pregnant ewes. bGH but not oPL induced hyperinsulinaemia. We conclude that GH has actions in pregnancy and lactation which are not mimicked by oPL. The regulation of hepatic IGFBP-2 expression by GH is similar in pregnant and postpartum animals. However, there are distinct differences in the tissue-specific regulation of IGFBP-2 between pregnancy and lactation. The liver might be the major source of circulating IGFBP-2.
Isolation and partial molecular characterization of basic fibroblast growth factor from isolated porcine thyroid follicles and entire porcine thyroid glands
Authors: Bechtner Günther , Rieder Bernhard , Linsenmaier Ullrich , Kellermann J , Greil Walter , Gärtner Roland
Published: June 2009

Immunoreactive basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) could be isolated from the cytosol preparation of isolated porcine thyroid follicles as well as in the conditioned medium from thyroid follicles in suspension culture. A double band with 16 500 and 15 500 D was detected on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In dot blot and western blot the isolated peptide was immunoreactive with a specific anti-bovine bFGF antibody. For further biochemical characterization, bFGF was isolated from entire porcine thyroid glands by ammonium sulfate precipitation, cation exchange chromatography and heparin affinity chromatography. The material obtained from all three origins was identical concerning affinity to heparin and immunoreactivity with the specific anti-bovine bFGF antibody and induced neovascularization in the chorioallantois membranes of chick embryos. Amino acid sequence analysis of the 16-amino-terminal amino acids of the isolated bFGF was in accordance with the established complete 146-amino-acid bFGF molecule except that glycine in position 10 is replaced by phenylalanine. An additionally identified minor peptide presumably is an amino-terminaltruncated form of bFGF, missing the first 15 amino acids. We conclude that the physiological significance of bFGF released by thyroid cells may be the regulation of angiogenesis during thyroid development and goiter growth.
Brain area specific differences in the effects of neuroactive steroids on the GABAA receptor complexes following acute treatment with anaesthetically active steroids
Authors: Jussofie Astrid
Published: June 2009

Regional differences in the effects of neuroactive steroids on the GABAA receptor complex have been demonstrated in vitro (1–3). In order to elucidate if a regionally different modulation of the GABA-binding site also occurs after acute steroidal treatment, in the present study the effects of systemically applied progesterone (10 mg/kg body wt) and its metabolite 3α-hydroxy-5α-pregnane-20-one (3α, 5α-THP) (2 mg/kg body wt) on the specific [3H]muscimol binding to the GABA-binding site was evaluated using membrane fractions prepared from five different brain areas of ovariectomized rats. The receptor density (μmol/kg protein) was not affected in all brain areas investigated by treatment with 3α, 5α-THP but was enhanced selectively in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of progesterone-treated animals. A decrease of affinity was observed in medulla after application of progesterone or 3α, 5α-THP, in contrast to the hypothalamus, which was the single region exhibiting an increase of affinity after steroidal administration. In the frontal cortex and hippocampus only the injection of progesterone reduced the affinity, whereas in cerebellum both steroidal treatments were incapable of affecting the affinity. These regional differences in response to the GABA-binding site to acutely applied progesterone and 3α, 5α-THP are consistent with the existence of heterogeneous populations of GABAA receptor-coupled steroid-binding sites.
Vasopressin as a neuroendocrine regulator of anterior pituitary hormone secretion
Authors: Kjær Andreas
Published: June 2009

Secretion of the anterior pituitary hormones adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), β-endorphin and prolactin (PRL) is complex and involves a variety of factors. This review focuses on the involvement of arginine-vasopressin (AVP) in neuroendocrine regulation of these anterior pituitary hormones with special reference to receptor involvement, mode of action and origin of AVP. Arginine-vasopressin may act via at least two types of receptors: V1− and V2−receptors, where the pituitary V1−receptor is designated V1b. The mode of action of AVP may be mediating, i.e. anterior pituitary hormone secretion is transmitted via release of AVP, or the mode of action may be permissive, i.e. the presence of AVP at a low and constant level is required for anterior pituitary hormones to be stimulated. Under in vivo conditions, the AVP-induced release of ACTH and β-endorphin is mainly mediated via activation of hypothalamic V1− receptors, which subsequently leads to the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone. Under in vitro conditions, the AVP-stimulated release of ACTH and β-endorphin is mediated via pituitary V1b− receptors. The mode of action of AVP in the ACTH and β-endorphin response to stress and to histamine, which is involved in stress-induced secretion of anterior pituitary hormones, is mediating (utilizing V1− receptors) as well as permissive (utilizing mainly V1− but also V2−receptors). The AVP-induced release of PRL under in vivo conditions is conveyed mainly via activation of V1−receptors but V2−receptors and probably additional receptor(s) may also play a role. In stress- and histamine induced PRL secretion the role of AVP is both mediating (utilizing V1 −receptors) and permissive (utilizing both V1− and V2− receptors). Arginine-vasopressin may be a candidate for the PRL-releasing factor recently identified in the posterior pituitary gland. Arginine-vasopressin of both magno- and parvocellular origin may be involved in the regulation of anterior pituitary hormone secretion and may reach the corticotrophs and the lactotrophs via three main routes: the peripheral circulation, the long pituitary portal vessels or the short pituitary portal vessels.
Effects of long-term estradiol exposure on the hypothalamic neuron number
Authors: Yang Shaw-Lang , Hsu Chin , Hsu Hseng-Kuang , Liu Keh-Min , Peng Ming-Tsung
Published: June 2009

Neuron density, volume of the area and total neuron number were measured in the medial preoptic area, anterior hypothalamic area and arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus of young (6-month-old), middle age (14-month-old) and old (22-month-old) male and female rats. Intact male rats did not show neuron loss even in old age, while intact female rats manifested neuron loss in the medial preoptic area, anterior hypothalamic area and arcuate nucleus in old age. Long-term administration of estradiol benzoate to castrated male rats induced neuron loss in the anterior hypothalamic area and arcuate nucleus of the middle age group and in all three areas of the old age group. However, long-term ovariectomy could not prevent neuron loss in these hypothalamic areas in old age. The results suggested that estradiol can have a cumulative impact on the degree of neuron damage and simulate female-type age-related neuron loss in male rats and that there may be the possibility of an intrinsic aging process inducing neuron loss in female rats.
Re-examining the True Buddha School
Authors: Tam Wai Lun
Published: June 2009

This essay is based on an on-going study and interview process of a “new religious group.” I would like to point out, however, using my experiences with this group, the True Buddha School [TBS], the ideological nature of the term ‘new religion’ in an East Asian context. When scholars use ‘new religion’ to describe a religious group and do so by taking on an assumed ‘neutral’ standpoint, there is nevertheless a chance that they will unintentionally marginalize that religious institution. When we describe a religion as “new” we may not only suggest that the institution is new in history, but by doing so also unintentionally take away the right of the faithful to claim to be part of an established religion. When we study a new religious group, we should pay attention to the complex power relationships within which we conduct our discussions
Peter Clarke, New Religions in Global Perspective.
Authors: Possamai Adam
Published: June 2009

Peter Clarke, New Religions in Global Perspective. Routledge, London and New York, 2006, pp. xx + 385, ISBN10: 0-415-25747-6 (hbk), ISBN10: 0-415-25748-4 (pbk).
Douglas J. Davies, A Brief History of Death.
Authors: Allen Reverend Barbara
Published: June 2009

Douglas J. Davies, A Brief History of Death. Blackwell, Oxford, 2005, pp. 184, ISBN 1-4051-0183-0.
Adam Possamai, Religion and Popular Culture: A Hyper-real Testament.
Authors: Bouma Gary D.
Published: June 2009

Adam Possamai, Religion and Popular Culture: A Hyper-real Testament. Peter Lang, Brussells, 2005, pp. 176, ISBN 109052012725 (pbk).
Cara Aitchison, Peter Hopkins and Mei-Po Kwan (eds), Geographies of Muslim Identities: Diaspora, Gender and Belonging.
Authors: Abdullah Tazin
Published: June 2009

Cara Aitchison, Peter Hopkins and Mei-Po Kwan (eds), Geographies of Muslim Identities: Diaspora, Gender and Belonging. Ashgate, Aldershot, 2007, pp. 218, ISBN 0754648885.
Charlotte Clutterbuck, Encounters with God in Medieval and Early Modern English Poetry.
Authors: Turnbull Margaret
Published: June 2009

Charlotte Clutterbuck, Encounters with God in Medieval and Early Modern English Poetry. Ashgate, Aldershot, 2005, pp. 226, ISBN 075465270X (Hbk).
Foreign Oil
Authors: Duce James Terry
Published: June 2009

Introduction

When I came to Texas it is always an open question in my mind as to whether I should ask for protection from the Texas Rangers. Indeed, I am never quite certain whether I will leave your beautiful city on a train, airplane or riding on a rail, and when some Texan calls me "my fine feathered friend", I have a kind of suspicion that he is looking in the direction of a tar barrel. That is, of course, the penalty of success anywhere but Texas!

But, all joking aside, I am now confronted with the problem of talking to you about a basis for the valuation of oil properties abroad. I shall assume that my assignment covers properties other than those in the United States and Canada. I might begin by saying the science of valuation of foreign oil properties is in its infancy, if it is a science at all, for not many foreign properties are transferred and those that are transferred are usually transferred on the basis of considerations other than their money value. When I go over the number of foreign properties that I know to have been sold, I come up with a very small number -the Barco concession, the various interests of the Arabian American Oil Co., the Venezuelan royalties of Barber Asphalt Co., and such trades as were made by the Texas Company for its interest in the properties of the Caracas Petroleum, the Lago Purchase by Esso from Standard of Indiana, the Creole trade, the purchase of London-Pacific Petroleum's Parinas Estate at Negritos and Talara, Peru by International Petroleum in (or about)1916, and the deal made by Shell and Jersey for interest in Mene Grande(Gulf) production. The trouble with any discussion of such trades is that beside the value of the actual oil content of the property, the really important considerations lie within the time-honored expression "discount for risk and hazard" and in many of the major properties the recovery of the oil in the fields is so much deferred that the valuation tables will give you the astonishing information that much of the oil is of practically no value at all.
What’s the Use of Culture?
Authors: O´Dell Tom
Published: June 2009

Like it or not, cultural theorists are increasingly finding themselves challenged to answer a very short but profound question: What’s the use of cultural research? Within the academy the question of the usefulness of cultural research has provoked a wide array of responses, ranging from feelings of resentment or the fear of losing one’s intellectual freedom to those of approval (often reinforced by a sense that one can in some way help society, or those less empowered) – and an endless number of positions in between. This article places the question of the usefulness of cultural research in relation to issues of the historical and cultural context in which it has appeared over the better part of the past century. Its point of departure rises from the author’s own academic background in American cultural anthropology and Swedish ethnology, as well as the work the author has conducted on tourism and the experience economy in Sweden. The article begins by briefly discussing the different roles applied anthropology has previously played in both Britain and the United States. This section emphasizes a need to understand the question of “usefulness” as being contextually bound. The text then moves on to consider the role culture is playing in contemporary economic life (exemplified here by the field of tourism) and to reflect upon some of the consequences the cultural economy is having in everyday life. Following this the text concludes with a section focusing upon the research challenges and needs coming from the tourism industry. This final section of the paper works to both illuminate and problematize the need which exists at present for the development of different forms of cultural research.
The First Swede in Space: The Making of a Public Science Hero
Authors: Gunnarsson Andreas
Published: June 2009

The first Swede in space, Christer Fuglesang, has become an iconic figure for the popularisation of science in Sweden. Named as Sweden’s first astronaut in 1992, Fuglesang remained a relatively anonymous and somewhat derisory figure prior to his space launch in 2006. After his space mission, however, Fuglesang has become the very personification of science in Swedish society. In this paper, the transformation of Fuglesang’s public persona and his construction as a Swedish public science hero is analysed in detail. It is discussed how after 2006, Fuglesang can be seen as providing confirmation, both of the existence of a cultural gap separating science from society, and of the ability of certain heroic individuals to bridge this gap in a way that renders it more appreciable to a larger public. In the main part of the paper, three aspects of Fuglesang’s elevation into a Swedish public science hero are discussed: First, the cyborg metaphor is used to analyse the fearlessness Fuglesang expresses towards yielding to, and entering into close communion with science and technology. Second, the transcendence of earthly perspective aspired to by science for so long, and apparently realized through space travel, is discussed in relation to Fuglesang’s personal experiences of space. Third, the inseparability of Fuglesang’s nationality from his heroism is discussed. It was only through the repeated flagging of his Swedishness that Fuglesang’s routine space mission gained any particular significance enabling it to be communicated as a major scientific event. Finally, closer attention is paid to the scientific message Fuglesang is delivering to Swedish society. It is argued that he acts to promote renewed faith and confidence in the ability of science to open up new horizons for the future. The task of the public science hero is to help enable these new horizons to colonize the public imagination.
Precambrian Lunar Volcanic Protolife
Authors: Green Jack
Published: June 2009

Five representative terrestrial analogs of lunar craters are detailed relevant to Precambrian fumarolic activity. Fumarolic fluids contain the ingredients for protolife. Energy sources to derive formaldehyde, amino acids and related compounds could be by flow charging, charge separation and volcanic shock. With no photodecomposition in shadow, most fumarolic fluids at 40 K would persist over geologically long time periods. Relatively abundant tungsten would permit creation of critical enzymes, Fischer-Tropsch reactions could form polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and soluble volcanic polyphosphates would enable assembly of nucleic acids. Fumarolic stimuli factors are described. Orbital and lander sensors specific to protolife exploration including combined Raman/laser-induced breakdown spectrocsopy are evaluated.
Comparative analysis of the reproductive ecology of Monotropa and Monotropsis: Two mycoheterotrophic genera in the Monotropoideae (Ericaceae)
Authors: Klooster Matthew R. , Culley Theresa M.
Published: June 2009

Studies of mycoheterotrophs, defined as plants that obtain carbon resources from associated mycorrhizal fungi, have fundamentally contributed to our understanding of the importance and complexity of symbiotic ecological interactions. However, to date, the reproductive ecology of these organisms remains empirically understudied, with existing literature presenting hypotheses about traits including a generalist pollination syndrome and autogamous self‐pollination. To address this gap in our knowledge of the reproductive ecology of mycoheterotrophic plants, we comparatively analyzed three species of two monotropoid genera, Monotropa and Monotropsis. During three consecutive years of field observations and manipulations of four populations of Monotropa uniflora, seven of M. hypopitys (both red and yellow color forms), and two of Monotropsis odorata, we investigated flowering phenology, pollination ecology, breeding system, floral herbivory, and reproductive effort and output. Contrary to previous predictions, our results revealed that taxa are largely outcross‐pollinated and specialized toward Bombus pollinators. Additionally, species differ in breeding system, timing and duration of reproductive development, fluctuations in reproductive effort and output, and fitness impacts of herbivory. This study is the first thorough investigation of the reproductive ecology of mycoheterotrophic species and provides insight into possible limitations in reproductive traits imposed by a mycoheterotrophic life history.
Effect of cobalt on the electrical conductive property of epoxy resins
Authors: Mohan Pragyan
Published: June 2009

Cobalt acrylate (CoA2) has been treated with bisphenol‐A and epichlorohydrin to modify epoxy resins. It was cured with p‐acetylbenzilidene triphenyl arsonium ylide. The properties such as epoxide equivalent weight (equiv/100 g), molecular weight, hydrolyzable chlorine content increases whereas hydroxyl content, refractive index decreases in the presence of CoA2. The cured epoxy resins shows improve electrical conductivity due to the incorporation of CoA2 with epoxy resins. The influence of complex formation of CoA2 with either linkage of epoxy resins were investigated by spectroscopy. The decrease in Tg from differential scanning calorimetry support the improve in flexibility. The dispersion of cobalt in epoxy resins matrix was confirmed by scanning electron microscope. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Rupture of a peripheral popliteal artery plaque documented by intravascular ultrasound: A case report
Authors: Kohno Hiroaki , Sueda Shozo
Published: June 2009

A 58‐year‐old male with dyslipidemia and coronary spastic angina suddenly experienced pain in the right limb while walking on November 1, 2008. Right‐ankle brachial pressure index (ABI) was decreased (0.80) and left‐ABI was normal (1.24). Bilateral ABI was normal during January 2008. Ultrasonography in the right‐lower limb artery revealed severe stenosis in the right‐popliteal artery with extended and large echolucent plaques containing an isoechoic area. We carried out lower limb angiography: subtotal occlusion of the popliteal artery was found. By intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), right‐popliteal artery plaques were echolucent and eccentric; ulceration with a thin fibrous cap was noted. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was done and popliteal artery blood flow was improved. Right‐ABI improved to 1.13 after 4 days. To prevent the progression and rupture of the plaques, lipid‐lowering therapy and antiplatelet therapy were started. Plaque rupture of the popliteal artery was diagnosed by these characteristics on IVUS. Patients with peripheral artery disease may have plaque rupture similar to those with acute coronary syndromes who have identical unstable plaques and unstable atheromas. In addition to appropriate local revascularization, systemic therapy to stabilize the unstable plaque is indicated because failure to do so may cause recurrent events. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance Study of FeS Particles Attached to Au Surface
Authors: Bura‐Nakic Elvira , Róka András , Ciglenecki Irena , Inzelt György
Published: June 2009

Electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) measurements were employed for studying of the redox processes of FeS microparticles immobilized on Au electrode surface in contact with aqueous solutions of NaCl, NaCl‐NaHCO3, and NaCl‐Na2S. The objective was to shed light on the complexity of the iron sulfide electrochemistry. For the sake of comparison electrochemical behavior of FeS suspension was also investigated on the paraffin‐impregnated graphite (PIGE) and hanging mercury drop (HMDE) electrodes. In order to understand the complex nature of the redox transformations of FeS, Mohr‐salt was dissolved in NaCl and NaCl‐NaHCO3 solutions, respectively, and the deposition‐dissolution processes occurring in the course of the reduction of Fe(II) and reoxidation of Fe(0) were also monitored.
Lacosamide: new adjunctive treatment for partial seizures
Authors: Chaplin Steve , Hart Yvonne
Published: June 2009

Lacosamide (Vimpat), which is hypothesised to have a novel dual mode of action, is a new antiepileptic drug licensed as adjunctive therapy for partial seizures. In our New products review Steve Chaplin presents the clinical data relating to its efficacy and adverse effects, and Dr Yvonne Hart comments on its place in treatment. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd
Fellows Celebrated at Joint Assembly
Authors: Anonymous
Published: June 2009

The 2009 AGU Fellows were presented at the recent Joint Assembly in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. At a formal ceremony on 26 May 2009, AGU President Timothy L. Grove introduced each Fellow and read a brief statement of the achievements for which each had been selected. The presentations were followed by a reception for meeting attendees and a banquet at which family members and close colleagues further feted the honorees.
Hilbert‐Huang Transform Analysis of Hydrological and Environmental Time Series
Authors: Burr Tom
Published: June 2009

Climatic and hydrologic time series often display periodicities, and thus Fourier spectral analysis sometimes is appropriate. However, time series that are nonstationary, and also perhaps nonlinear, are not well handled by standard Fourier spectral analysis.

Methods to handle nonstationarity, such as moving‐time‐window Fourier spectral analysis, assume linearity and have known limitations regarding the combined frequency and time resolution. For example, if the time series is stationary, then it is well known that better frequency resolution can be achieved by observing a longer time series (more time points). However, if the time series is nonstationary, then shorter time windows are required to estimate the “local in time” spectrum, analogous to using short‐memory moving averages that use only the recent past few values to forecast the next value (P. Bloomfield, Fourier Analysis of Time Series: An Introduction, 2nd ed., John Wiley, 2000) because the mean value is changing over time. Therefore, in nonstationary time series analysis, there is a tension between the competing goals of time and frequency resolution. This tension is the reason that N. Huang et al. (Proc. R. Soc. A, 454, 903–995, 1998) introduced the Hilbert‐Huang Transform (HHT) as an alternative to moving‐time‐window Fourier spectral analysis (Bloomfield, 2000).
Development of the extended parametric meshless Galerkin method to predict the crack propagation path in two‐dimensional damaged structures
Authors: MUSIVAND‐ARZANFUDI M. , HOSSEINI‐TOUDESHKY H.
Published: June 2009

The parametric meshless Galerkin method (PMGM) enhances the promising features of the meshless methods by utilizing the parametric spaces and parametric mapping, and improves their efficiency from the practical viewpoints. The computation of meshless shape functions has been usually a time‐consuming and complicated task in the meshless methods. In the PMGM, the meshless shape functions are mapped from the parametric space to the physical space, and therefore, the necessary computational time to generate the meshless shape functions is saved. The extended parametric meshless Galerkin method (X‐PMGM) even improves the parametric property of the PMGM by incorporating the partition of unity concepts. In this paper, the development of the X‐PMGM is extended by incorporating a crack‐tip formulation in X‐PMGM for fracture analysis and prediction of crack propagation path in the damaged structures. In this formulation, meshless shape functions are enriched by discontinuous enrichment function as well as crack‐tip enrichment functions. The obtained results show that the predicted crack growth path is in good agreement with the experimental results.
The Völkisch Modernist Beginnings of National Socialism: Its Intrusion into the Church and Its Antisemitic Consequence
Authors: Poewe Karla , Hexham Lrving
Published: June 2009

The main thesis of this paper is that Nazi religiosity has its origins in the pagan phenomenon called the völkisch movement. This movement consisted of uncountable religious‐cum‐political groups called Bünde whose leaders and followers were closely interconnected with one another and with the developing Nazi Party. From there völkisch thought penetrated the German Protestant Church and found followers among some Catholics. Given this development, an obvious question follows, namely, can National Socialism be blamed on Christianity and is Christian anti‐Judaism the ultimate source of the Holocaust?
Geology, geochemistry, and cooling history of the Westcoast Crystalline Complex and related rocks, Meares Island and vicinity, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Authors: Isachsen Clark E.
Published: June 2009

The Westcoast Crystalline Complex is a belt of plutonic rocks along the west coast of Vancouver Island. It is composed mainly of heterogeneous amphibolitic country rock (Westcoast amphibolite), granitoids of trondhjemitic to gabbroic composition (Westcoast diorite), and variable mixtures of these two components (Westcoast migmatite).Although the protolith of some deformed enclaves may be Paleozoic, most of these rocks were generated in a magmatic-arc setting and intruded in Jurassic time. Major- and trace-element chemistry of the Westcoast Crystalline Complex shows a sub-alkaline tholeiitic to calc-alkaline trend.The exponential cooling curves derived for Westcoast diorites are not consistent with in situ crustal magma genesis but instead indicate that these rocks intruded relatively cool country rock.Based on age and chemistry, the Westcoast Crystalline Complex can be interpreted as the deeper crustal equivalent of the more differentiated Island Intrusions and Bonanza Volcanics. Taken together, these rocks provide a disrupted and perhaps incomplete cross section of the magmatic arc of Vancouver Island.Reconnaissance of the Wark–Colquitz Complex of southern Vancouver Island shows it to be essentially indistinguishable in petrography, chemistry, and age from the Westcoast Crystalline Complex, and a similar history is inferred.A calc-alkaline chemistry and rapid initial cooling also characterize a Catface Intrusion dated at 41 Ma. This is again compatible with arc magmatism, but its proximity to the coeval trench is enigmatic.
QUANTUM PHASE TRANSITION OF A QUANTUM HALL EXCITONIC STATE IN ELECTRON BILAYERS
Authors: KARMAKAR BISWAJIT , PELLEGRINI VITTORIO , PINCZUK ARON , PFEIFFER LOREN N. , WEST KEN W.
Published: June 2009

We review recent inelastic light scattering results that shed light on the interplay between incompressible and compressible quantum phases of electron bilayers at total filling factor νT = 1. Our analysis and previous data suggests a first-order transition and phase coexistence of incompressible and compressible regions close to the phase boundary. We focus here on the origin of phase coexistence and argue that density fluctuations due to residual disorder in the quantum Hall regime, previously invoked as source of compressible puddles, play a marginal role. The sharpness of the phase boundary in the presence of inhomogeneous broadening and finite temperature effects remains to be explained.
BRAIDING AND ENTANGLEMENT IN NONABELIAN QUANTUM HALL STATES
Authors: ZIKOS G. , YANG K. , BONESTEEL N. E. , HORMOZI L. , SIMON S. H.
Published: June 2009

Certain fractional quantum Hall states, including the experimentally observed ν = 5/2 state, and, possibly, the ν = 12/5 state, may have a sufficiently rich form of topological order (i.e. they may be nonabelian) to be useful for quantum information processing. For example, in some cases they may be used for topological quantum computation, an intrinsically fault tolerant form of quantum computation which is carried out by braiding the world lines of quasiparticle excitations in 2+1 dimensional space time. Here we briefly review the relevant properties of nonabelian quantum Hall states and discuss some of the methods we have found for finding specific braiding patterns which can be used to carry out universal quantum computation using them. Recent work on one-dimensional chains of interacting quasiparticles in nonabelian states is also reviewed.
ELECTRON SPIN IMAGING IN QUANTUM HALL DEVICES BY KERR ROTATION MEASUREMENT
Authors: OTO K. , INABA R. , YAMADA T. , YAMAZAKI T. , MURO K. , HIRAYAMA Y. , KUMADA N. , YAMAGUCHI H.
Published: June 2009

The electron spin polarization images in a single layer GaAs / AlGaAs quantum well in the quantum Hall effect (QHE) regime have been observed by using an optical fiber-based high sensitive Kerr rotation microscope. The observed Kerr signal image at the Landau level filling factor ν = 1 reveals the small electron density fluctuation less than 1% through the degree of electron spin polarization. We have also observed the Kerr rotation images in the current flowing QHE devices. At ν = 1 QHE plateau, the winding strip of just ν = 1 incompressible state, which contributes the dissipationless electron transport, has been clearly observed in the bulk region of the devices. The highly current dependent Kerr images have valuable information for studying current density distribution and the distribution of spin polarization in the QHE regime. The experimental results and techniques of the Kerr imaging in the QHE regime have been reported in detail.
PHOTO-INDUCED QUANTUM HALL CURRENTS IN 2D ELECTRON SYSTEMS
Authors: VASILYEV YU. B. , GOUIDER F. , NACHTWEI G.
Published: June 2009

A novel photocurrent effect induced by Terahertz (THz) radiation in two-dimensional (2D) electron systems is reported. It was found that when the system is tuned to electron cyclotron resonance conditions, THz radiation induces a visible signal related to currents flowing in the plane of 2D electron systems without any external bias. This effect is employed as a technique for the study of the integer Quantum Hall samples in the absence of external bias. Our data indicate that at the integer ν the photocurrents are circulating currents in the dissipationless quantum Hall regime.
MACH-ZEHNDER INTERFEROMETER IN THE INTEGER QUANTUM HALL REGIME: A QUANTUM DISSIPATIVE MODEL
Authors: ASANO E. A.
Published: June 2009

We study properties of the simplest type of electron interferometer, the Mach-Zehnder Interferometer (MZI) in the Integer Quantum Hall (IQH) regime. In this work, in order to analyse the novel experimental results reported by I. Neder et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett.96, 016804 (2006)] which makes questionable the validity of Landauer-Buttiker formalism in the IQH regime, we have derived expressions for tunneling currents through the electronic MZI system whithin the model of quantum dissipation induced by an environment. In this model the MZI system is coupled to a dissipative environment, where the dissipation is introduced by coupling the MZI system to a frequency-independent Ohmic impedance Z(ω) = R.
MAGNETORESISTANCE OSCILLATIONS IN DOUBLE QUANTUM WELLS UNDER MICROWAVE IRRADIATION
Authors: WIEDMANN S. , GUSEV G. M. , RAICHEV O. E. , LAMAS T. E. , BAKAROV A. K. , PORTAL J. C.
Published: June 2009

We report in detail oscillatory magnetoresistance in double quantum wells under microwave irradiation. The experimental investigation contains measurements of frequency, power and temperature dependence. In theory, the observed interference oscillations are explained in terms of the influence of subband coupling on the frequency-dependent photoinduced part of the electron distribution function. Thus, the magnetoresistance shows the interference of magneto-intersubband and conventional microwave induced resistance oscillations.
WEAK LOCALIZATION IN PATTERN 2D STRUCTURES WITH A SINGLE QUANTUM WELL
Authors: GERMANENKO A. V. , RUT O. E. , MINKOV G. M. , SHERSTOBITOV A. A.
Published: June 2009

The results of experimental study of the weak localization phenomenon in 2D system with artificial inhomogeneity of potential relief are presented. It is shown that the shape of the magnetoconductivity curve is determined by the statistics of closed paths. The area distribution function of closed paths has been obtained using the Fourier transformation of the magnetoconductivity curves taken at different temperatures. The experimental results are found in a good agreement with the results of computer simulation.